“A government-trained predator.” That’s one description of this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Jay Dobyns. While he participated in hundreds of undercover operations as a federal agent, he is best known for getting past multiple layers of security and becoming a member of the Hells Angels. Jay's book about that investigation - No Angel, My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels - is a New York Times and international bestseller. Dobyns served as a federal agent for twenty-seven years and was driven to succeed at any cost without regard for himself.



These days, Jay has gone from a life of daring, undercover operations to becoming a High School football coach in Tucson, Arizona. Listen in as Jay and Marcus share an engaging conversation about Jay’s encounters and adventures.


In this episode you will hear:

The entertainment industry gets second takes.  If they miss a line, they can try again. In real life, there are no second chances.
I feel very blessed to have entered undercover work. Nothing really prepares you until you get out there and get your feet wet.
I’ve bought pea shooters, rocket launchers, bombs, homemade PVC pipe bombs, and servo-activated C4.
I infiltrated home invasion crews. That’s where I got my training to take on the Hells Angels.
I didn’t always succeed at things, but I always tried.
My undercover persona eventually became who I was.
I made a million mistakes in my life, and my wife and family have given me one million and one second chances.
We fabricated the murder of a Hells Angels rival, and that is when I was welcomed into the organization.
I ruined everything for the mission. It was heartbreaking to see what I had done to get there.
God does not build us to intentionally betray people.
My agency failed to react to threats against me. I was told “You’re on your own.”
When no one cares who gets credit for success, we’re on to something.
Want someone to remember your name? You’re gonna have to do something they will never forget.
If you want something you’ve never had before, you’re gonna have to do things you’ve never done before.
Life is about making mistakes, but don’t remake mine - I can tell you how they turn out. It’s not good. 


Jay Dobyns, Federal Agent of 27 Years, Veteran Undercover Operative, New York Times Best-Selling Author, High School Football Coach

Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Melanie Luttrell, and Producer Hunter Juneau as they’ll take you into the "briefing room" to chat with incredible guests who share their greatest never quit stories. This humorous, heartfelt, and entertaining podcast is changing lives and has become a beacon of hope and resilience to those who are facing the impossible. One of the best ways we can support our community is to share their stories so that we might inspire others to Never Quit.

Personal Journals

Society & Culture

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Self-Improvement

In this week's episode, Marcus and Melanie are honored to host April Cheek-Messier, a key figure in preserving the legacy and lessons of one of the most pivotal moments in history: D-Day.

April is the President of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, an organization dedicated to upholding the memory of the Allied Forces' valor, fidelity, and sacrifice on June 6, 1944. As the President of the Foundation, she plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and security of the National D-Day Memorial while advancing its educational mission.

During our conversation, April sheds light on the Foundation's multifaceted approach to fulfilling its mission. We delve into how the Foundation maintains and operates the National D-Day Memorial, providing a solemn and educational space for visitors to honor and learn about the events of D-Day.

Through various programs, projects, and exhibitions, the Foundation strives to cultivate an appreciation for the historical and residual significance of D-Day.

Join Marcus and Melanie us as we gain insights into the tireless work of April Cheek-Messier and the National D-Day Memorial Foundation in preserving the legacy of D-Day and ensuring that future generations understand the profound impact of this historic event.



In this episode you will hear:

• I grew up in Bedford, Virginia, which was a community impacted heavily by World War II. (3:50)

• Bedford sustained the highest per capita loss on D-Day.  (4:28)

• 16 million served in World War II, and we have less than 1% living today. (7:32)

• Like so many veterans, they didn’t talk about it. They tried to forget about it. (10:47)

• It became [Bob Slaughter’s] goal to make sure there was something to commemorate those who gave their life on D-Day. (11:48)

• In 1996, congress decided there should be a National D-Day Memorial. (12:45)

• We are not federally funded. It was a grass roots efforts by veterans. (13:03)

• What joy it brought Bob Slaughter and his veteran friends to know that they did it. (13:46)

• Over 400,000 families during World War II lost a loved one. (17:16)

• There were 3 sets of brothers who served on D-Day. (18:41)

• It’s when you’re able to tell the individual stories that young people can understand the tragedy of war and what was accomplished that day was so very critical. (24:29)

• Believe it or not, there was nowhere – not even in Normandy - a list of who died on June 6, 1944. (25:21)

• The more we can work together to make sure these stories are told is incredibly important. (32:23)

• D-Day was critical. It was going to be the turning point of the war in Western Europe. It was Operation Overlord, which was to invade German-occupied France. (33:25)

• The consequences were dire. This had to happen. They had to succeed. (35:56)

• 5,000 ships, 11,000 aircraft, just on D-Day alone. 160,000 troops and over 150,000 landing on June 6th alone. (36:50)



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]

  - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]

mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm;_medium=podcast&utm;_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm;_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ



  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


April Cheek-Messier: CEO of The National D-Day Memorial Foundation On The Upcoming 80th Anniversary


Chris Caracci – Part 2 – From SEAL Team Six to Law Enforcement: A Journey of Tactical Mastery

This week, the Team Never Quit Podcast brings you Part 2 of Marcus and Melanie’s discussion with Chris Caracci, a distinguished figure with over two decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. Chris's journey from serving with SEAL Team One and Team Six to becoming a leading authority in practical and tactical techniques is both inspiring and enlightening.

Chris’s illustrious career began with a six-year commitment in the U.S. Navy, where he served with unparalleled distinction in SEAL Team One and Team Six, specializing in anti-terrorism operations. Transitioning from his military service, Chris spent nine years as a sworn tactical officer, operating in diverse environments across New York, New Jersey, and South Florida. His expertise in SWAT operations and narcotics enforcement earned him recognition as a top-tier operative and trainer, sought after by both local and federal agencies.

Chris shares compelling accounts of Medal of Honor recipients going back to the Vietnam War.

Today, Chris's dedication to personal protection and private training keeps him at the forefront of the field, where maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning is paramount. With a profound understanding of real-life conflicts, Chris brings a unique perspective to his classes, teaching from both the heart and the mind.

Gain insights into Chris's firsthand experiences with real-life conflicts and the strategies needed to navigate them successfully.

Don't miss this week’s Part 2 episode as we delve into more details of Chris Caracci’s military and law enforcement service - a true master of tactical expertise.



 In this episode you will hear:

• [Marcus] I remember being in hell week, around the world, rowing that boat. I looked over at the guys in my boat and I said, “Hey guys, we’re in the books, we’re in the movies right now. 

• The things that I read about in the books is what we were doing. {16:36)

• If I can’t see my target I’m not shooting. I don’t shoot to make noise. (34:20)

• [Marcus] Imagine if a football play lasted until you actually scored a touchdown – without stopping. It’s kinda what it’s like for us. (47:48)

• Sometimes, you have to face the truth that what we do and how we do it. We CAN do it and not everybody can do it. (58:30)

• SEAL Teams have never left anyone behind – ever. (74:43)

• We had three Medal of Honors that went out in Vietnam. (84:54)

• For a SEAL to be awarded and it’s not about medal, we’re talking about a validation for something they did. It’s very hard for frogmen to get that because every day are those kinds of missions. (84:00)

• Just training. SEAL Teams kill more people in peacetime than anyone has a clue about. (89:59)



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ] 

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  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com






Chris Caracci: Original SEAL Team 6, Undercover Narcotics, SWAT Operations, Stories Of MOH Heroes At War (pt2)


Chris Caracci - From SEAL Team Six to Law Enforcement: A Journey of Tactical Mastery

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Markus and Melanie are honored to host Chris Caracci, a distinguished figure with over two decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. Chris's journey from serving with SEAL Team One and Team Six to becoming a leading authority in practical and tactical techniques is both inspiring and enlightening.

Chris’s illustrious career began with a six-year commitment in the U.S. Navy, where he served with unparalleled distinction in SEAL Team One and Team Six, specializing in anti-terrorism operations. Transitioning from his military service, Chris spent nine years as a sworn tactical officer, operating in diverse environments across New York, New Jersey, and South Florida. His expertise in SWAT operations and narcotics enforcement earned him recognition as a top-tier operative and trainer, sought after by both local and federal agencies.

Chris shares compelling accounts of Medal of Honor recipients going back to the Vietnam War.

Today, Chris's dedication to personal protection and private training keeps him at the forefront of the field, where maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning is paramount. With a profound understanding of real-life conflicts, Chris brings a unique perspective to his classes, teaching from both the heart and the mind.

Gain insights into Chris's firsthand experiences with real-life conflicts and the strategies needed to navigate them successfully.

Don't miss this compelling episode as we delve into the details of Chris Caracci’s military and law enforcement service - a true master of tactical expertise.



In this episode you will hear:

• Marines are unique people. (7:53)

• I was only really good at climbing, and I was always climbing buildings. (12:52)

• I just happened to close a door and looked behind it, and what do I see? I see these twin 72 cubic inch scuba tanks. I grabbed ‘em and they were [made of] Styrofoam! (28:34)

• If I ever come up with something like Dementia, I hope I’m brave enough to identify it and go for a long swim. (35:21)

• In battle you learn one thing. [You need] water, and ammunition. (36:45)

• When you hit the water, you only got a matter of minutes, and if that parachute gets saturated, it’s an anchor. You’re going down. End of story. (38:26)

• If you never quit, you’ll never know how to. (39:37)

• [Marcus] The only reason I knew I could make it, it because I made it through hell week. (40:47)

• The reason they don’t give us – in my day – more psychological techniques, and even some physiological tricks – they wanna see who’s gonna do it on their own. (45:48)

• Free fall is difficult because there’s no gravity. (49:39)

• You still did one thing together – you get up in line and you examine each other’s equipment to make sure the guys are squared away and nothing bad’s gonna happen. (57:42)

• One of the reasons I was really driven to be a frog man was because they weren’t designed for any other purpose other than warfare. (60:59)

• There were so many cold war frogmen that were ready. There was no war but we were ready. (70:40)

• One of the first things I learned is that it wasn’t about muscle, it wasn’t about brawn – it was about the mind. (83:24)

• You can’t change the world. You have to learn how to navigate accordingly. (93:41)

• Where is there a war I can get in? Where can I stand up for somebody and fight but for a reason, for a purpose. (96:01)

• Life may be boring to me, but what makes life is being able to share it with someone special. (99:23)



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]

  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


Chris Caracci: Original SEAL Team 6, Undercover Narcotics, SWAT Operations, Stories Of MOH Heroes At War (pt1)


Surviving the Unthinkable: A Law Enforcement Officer's Story of Courage and Recovery

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Julie Werhnyak, a former Tempe, Arizona police officer whose life changed forever on March 3, 2015. Julie shares her harrowing experience, the split-second decisions she had to make, and how she drew upon her training and resilience to survive being stabbed in the neck.

Julie had a routine before starting her shift. But on that fateful Tuesday morning, she sensed something was amiss. A premonition led her to alter her routine and mentally prepare for what lay ahead.

Responding to a call for a welfare check, Julie and a colleague encountered a situation that quickly escalated.

As they attempted to gain entry to the residence, Julie's worst fears were realized. A violent suspect emerged, armed and dangerous. In a split-second decision, Julie confronted the assailant, risking her life to protect others. 

Julie's bravery came at a cost. She sustained severe injuries during the confrontation, but her training and resolve kept her focused on survival. With the support of her colleagues and medical personnel, Julie began her journey towards recovery.

Despite the physical and emotional toll of her ordeal, Julie returned to duty, driven by a sense of duty and resilience. However, the challenges didn't end there. Julie reflects on the importance of proper psychological support for law enforcement officers facing trauma.

After two decades of service, Julie recently retired from the force. With her company, Artemis Self-Defense, Julie continues to empower others through tactical and self-defense education. Her story serves as a testament to the power of training, resilience, and community support.

Julie Werhnyak's journey is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and the strength it takes to overcome adversity.



In this episode you will hear:

• My best never quit story would’ve been during my martial arts training and because of those never quit moments, that’s how I was able to survive the stabbing that I incurred. (5:50)

• Every day I put on my Tempe Police uniform I spoke some version of mantra which is “I accept and expect I will be involved in a lethal encounter today, and I will do everything I can to insure my survival.” (8:36)

• As soon as the muzzle of my gun touches his body, and I fire my first round, the knife penetrates my neck, just above the left clavicle. (19:24)

• I started on my tactical breathing to slow everything down, so that hopefully I would bleed out. (21:31)

• My first thought was, “Oh shit”, not because I was scared but because I knew I couldn’t get out of the way and I was gonna be stabbed. (28:32)

• The trauma doctor attributed not only my survival but her [the victim’s] survival to physical conditioning. (29:35)

• It missed my carotid [artery] by less than an inch. (33:05)

• [The perpetrator] was a 26 year old guy with his whole life ahead of him. He had a family who loved him. (35:07)

• I survived because I was prepared. (39:16)

• I wasn’t thinking I was gonna die, I was too focused on living. (39:47)

• I knew that if I was in a knife fight I would probably be cut, but it would be what I did next that mattered. (44:18)



Socials:

  - juliewerhnyak.com

  - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

  - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]

  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com


Julie Werhnyak: An Officers Story Of A Lethal Enounter In The Line Of Duty


From Service to Trauma to Triumph.

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus brings to the table Mack Alexander, who persevered through a traumatic brain injury while serving in Special Operations as a Navy SEAL. He was medically retired after an injury while deployed in Africa.

Mack initially turned to leather crafting as a therapeutic activity following his injury. His creations started with repurposing old belts from the Salvation Army into dog collars. However, his trajectory changed when a former teammate requested a belt for an upcoming deployment. Drawing from his military experience, Mack designed a belt he knew could meet the demands of an operator's life. The quality and durability of his belts gained widespread popularity, setting the stage for the inception of Mack Belts. His commitment to quality and patriotism he sourced his materials exclusively from the United States and started Mack Belts. 

At the core of every handmade Mack Belt are vintage American-made machines, some of which date back to 1940 like this Brown & Sharpe automatic screw machine below. These resilient machines, with their sturdy steel frames and timeless designs, are more than historic; they embody a time when meticulous craftsmanship was the norm, and these vintage marvels are the machines that guard the legacy of Mack Belts.

Mack embarked on a mission to become the new leader of the American belt industry. In a world dominated by mass production and dwindling quality, Mack Belts emerges as a beacon of American craftsmanship, blending heritage with innovation under the visionary leadership of Mack Alexander.

Join us this week as we delve into Mack's inspiring journey from Navy SEAL to founder of a burgeoning belt company, rooted in patriotism and dedication to quality.



In this episode you will hear:

• If I was gonna give my brother something, it had to be perfect, because with a charge, if it’s not built correctly, somebody gets hurt or it doesn’t work. (1:16)

• The attraction of the SEAL Teams – Did you have what it takes to make it through that training. To be in a group of men like that doing what we do, was like a dream. (13:06)

• No matter where you are in life, grab a mentor, and then when you get to that place where you think you can give back, be that mentor. (17:35)

• In a [one] year time frame, I had 3 pretty bad TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries). (28:54)

• [Due to] post concussive Syndrome, I kinda lost my mind. (29:25)

• I got to a point where I didn’t want to live anymore because my purpose – I wasn’t ever gonna find it out there. (32:55)

• The first time you see an American service member who’s give his life for freedom, with an American flag covering his body coming home – and you’re standing watch over him – that American flag means something completely different after you’ve experienced that. (33:18)

• You gotta be grateful. I have a second chance at life, and I need to make the most of it. (34:31)

• I went from hero to zero. I went from this dude with a title and status, and here I was living in the back of my truck. (37:44)

• I try to love everybody and anybody that I can, and try to be that good example and be the change I wanna see. (38:31)

• Leathercraft felt good to me. I’m a Breacher, and high RPM machinery gets me jacked up, there’s no peace there for me. (44:50)

• I created a lot of my own problems because I was just a mess, on a bunch of pills and kinda off my rocker. (45:23)

• With $41, and I’ve hit a million dollars in revenue. (58:11)

• Everything bad I had to go through, led me to where I am right now, which is sitting in a chair in front of Markus Luttrell. (60:51)

• When I buried my old self and put on this new way, and rebuilt on the word, everything fell into place. (61:25)

• I put John 3:16 on every box. (62:37)

• God has a plan for my life. He’s put this passion in my heart & given me this skill. (66:24)

• I was redeemed by putting my faith in Christ. (66:54)



Socials:

  - https://macksbelts.com/

  - macks_belts

  - https://www.youtube.com/@macksbelts?app=desktop 

  - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

  - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit



Sponsors:

  - Navyfederal.org       

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Moink.com/TNQ

  - PXG.com/TNQ

  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]

  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]



  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com






Jay Dobyns, Federal Agent of 27 Years, Veteran Undercover Operative, New York Times Best-Selling Author, High School Football Coach

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