In this powerful Independence Day special, Tyler Rutledge sits down with Michael Stafford — a decorated U.S. Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and survivor of a life-altering IED blast in Iraq. Michael lost his left leg in combat but refused to let that injury define his future. From battlefield trauma to personal redemption, from addiction to spiritual breakthrough, this conversation is raw, honest, and deeply patriotic.

Tyler and Michael explore:

• ​What the 4th of July really means to a combat veteran
• ​The day of the explosion and how Michael stayed alive through pain, prayer, and grit
• ​Mental vs. physical recovery — and why healing the mind is often the hardest battle
• ​How golf became a surprising anchor in his journey toward wholeness
• ​Misconceptions civilians have about veterans, patriotism, and sacrifice
• ​Faith, redemption, and what it really means to come back from rock bottom

This isn’t just a story of survival. It’s a story of purpose. A reminder of what freedom costs — and why it’s worth protecting.

• ​Team Never Quit
• ​The Shawn Ryan Show
• ​Jocko Podcast
• ​Stories of veterans who turned trauma into testimony
• ​Golf, God, and gritty comebacks

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