In this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter sit down with Justin Hughes — former Navy SEAL turned professional oil painter — whose journey from the battlefield to the art studio embodies the essence of transformation, discipline, and creative courage.

Based out of Charleston, South Carolina, Justin has redefined what it means to serve and to create. As a self-taught representational artist, he channels the lessons, emotions, and intensity of his time in the SEAL Teams into his paintings, merging the warrior spirit with the sensitivity of the fine arts. His mission is to bridge two seemingly distant worlds — the world of combat and the world of creativity — revealing that both demand vision, perseverance, and heart.

Listeners will hear how Justin’s childhood in Southeast Asia, and a fateful encounter with Lone Survivor sparked a dream that would change his life forever. His story takes us through the rigors of SEAL training, moments of doubt and triumph, and the eventual transition from military service to artistry — a path shaped by struggle, purpose, and redemption.

Through his brushstrokes, Justin explores what it means to be a modern warrior — one who fights not only on the battlefield but also in the soul. Drawing comparisons to the renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, Hughes uses his art to express the beauty within discipline and the strength found in vulnerability.

 In this episode you will hear:

• My dad was a Huey pilot. (8:44)

• I grew up all over Southeast Asia (9:20)

• I was thinking: Whatever is gonna be the hardest thing to do in the military; wherever that realm is, those are the people that want to be in those jobs the most. That’s gotta be where my people are at. (14:41)

•  One of the biggest misconceptions of BUDs is you can’t just show up and not quit. You still have to be a good team guy. You still have to do the work. You gotta be a performer. You gotta be a pro. We’re looking for the whole man. (21:05)

• For those of you who don’t know what pool competency is. It’s the hardest single test in BUDs. (37:55)

• When I first started painting, I didn’t know any artists. I didn’t know anything about art. (62:48)

• [Melanie] Q: What’s your goal with art? A: Just to be better every day. And continue to provide paintings that are meaningful to people. To glorify the Lord through whatever work I’m doing. (74:30)

• I’m still saying “Hooyah! like turrets. (75:25)

• It takes a lot of bad work. You’ve gotta be patient with the process. Sometimes a really good thing will look really bad for a long time for a long time before you can polish it up and make it into something beautiful. So… don’t quit. (86:43)

Support Justin:

www.justinhughesart.com 

- IG: justin_hughes_art

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In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus & Melanie meet with Drago Dzieran, a former political prisoner for his activism against Communism. After arriving in the United States unable to speak English, Drago eventually became a US citizen, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained to serve as a Navy SEAL. In Iraq, he fought in over 100 combat missions as the Naval Special Warfare Lead Breacher. Drago was awarded Bronze Star with “V” for valor, Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor, in addition to other various awards and decorations.

Following his honorable retirement after twenty years in the Navy, Dzieran began a successful career as a software engineer. Drago founded the Navy SEALs Fund, a nonprofit with the mission of providing support for all generations of current, retired, and former UDT/SEAL teammates, their immediate dependents as well as Gold Star Families. Listen in as Drago shares his amazing life journey from Poland to living life as a real American in service to others.

 In This Episode You Will Hear:

• I was born in communist Poland. It was actually a socialist state run by communists. My father was part of the evil system.

• I’m not Polish-American; I am not “Something”-American. There is no hyphen. I’m just American.

• I spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL.

• [My grandmother] taught me how to pray, and what to pray for.

• I still remember her [grandmother’s] words: “Poland is not free. It will not be free until we get rid of these people.

• [When my father found out] I was not allowed to pray with my grandmother alone.

• Prison time for me was education. A huge education about Polish history.

• I’ll be the best US citizen America can have.

• The law was created in the socialist state to penalize free thinking. To criminalize opposition.

• America was built on the idea of personal freedom.

• These people [Ukranians] are fighting for their lives now - freedom.

• Ukranians were always very patriotic.

• [Navy SEALS Fund] The way we operate is different than most charities. We don’t have paid positions. The fund is run by SEALS only.

• We help the Gold Start families: the spouse, the children, parents and siblings.

There would be no Drago if not for people like Marcus, Morgan, Rob, Tage, Taco, & Jocco.

• I’m a better American today than I was yesterday, and I want to be a better American tomorrow than I am today.

• My biggest accomplishment is becoming a U.S. citizen.

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In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus & Melanie sit down with Utah hunting guide Jake Schmitt to hear his incredible story of survival in the Uintah Mountains. What began as a summer scouting trip for mule deer turned into an 11-hour crawl for his life — with only his dog, Buddy, by his side.

Jake shares how he went from releasing an elk calf from a trap to being crushed in a UTV rollover, and how his knowledge of self-rescue, grit, and an extraordinary bond with his German shorthaired pointer helped him make it out alive.

• How a routine scouting trip in the Uintah Mountains went horribly wrong

• The split-second decisions that led to the UTV rollover and Jake’s devastating injuries

• Why his dog Buddy became the key to his survival — providing motivation & warmth

• Field-tested self-rescue skills every outdoorsperson should know

• Jake’s recovery process, and how he’s preparing to return to the mountains and the buck he first spotted

• The Hunt: Scouting for a velvet mule deer buck in remote country

• The Rescue: Freeing an elk calf from a trap moments before disaster struck

• The Crash: A UTV rollover shattering bones and gear — but not Jake’s resolve

• The Crawl: 11 hours of crawling, crossing creeks, and following Buddy’s promptings to safety

• The Recovery: Rods, screws, and staples — but a plan to guide hunters again this fall

This episode is more than a survival story. It’s about preparedness, mindset, and the unbreakable bond between a hunter and his dog. Whether you hunt, hike, or just love hearing how ordinary people survive extraordinary situations, this conversation will stay with you.

• In between normal life and sports, I always was hunting. (7:12)

• Welding funds my guiding addiction. (8:54)

• The incredible story of Jake’s accident and subsequent crawl for his life starts here. (22:03

• [Jake’s dog, Buddy] went with it. He came up and found me. (26:40)

• So, what I ended up doing was grabbing this and summersaulting down. It doesn’t sound like that far, but it was like 100 feet. It was a good tumble, and I’m just screaming. (31:25)

• I’ve been guiding way up north where I’ve seen a German Shepherd get baited into the woods by wolves and they rip him to shreds. (33:12)

• The first thing I thought was I have no light. How the hell am I gonna do this? I don’t even know where I’m going. (33:33)

• I’m dragging the leg, and I’m going so far downhill that if I try to turn around, I start to tumble, but if I go the other way I drag and drag, but you’re going up and over this, up and over that, you’re going under this log, you’re going over that log, so I’ve gone maybe a third of a mile in 3 hours. And I’m like I’m gonna die out here. (36:53)

• Jake’s explanation of flipping over on his knee and break his leg again, and Buddy finally gets it. (38:19)

• It was 4 miles of straight rock. (44:34)

• At the time mentally, I am just gone. But the dog as there and I felt obligated. (45:54)

• At some point I just got it out of my head: Whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen. At that moment, something changed in me. (58:10)

• The best PT for me is doing the same damn thing that I was doing. (64:34)

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This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie welcome an extraordinary guest whose life reads like an action thriller—Kaj Larsen. Born in Santa Cruz, California, Kaj earned his Political Science degree from UC Santa Cruz and went on to Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government for a master’s in Public Policy, where he was a Shorenstein Center fellow and a joint fellow at Tufts Jebsen Center for Counter-Terrorism Studies.

Kaj’s journey is anything but ordinary. Before breaking stories on global conflict zones, he served five years on active duty as a U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant leading special operations overseas. He continues to serve in the SEAL reserves with U.S. Special Operations Command.

As an award-winning filmmaker and journalist, Kaj has reported from some of the most dangerous places on earth—Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, and beyond—producing groundbreaking documentaries on terrorism, national security, and humanitarian crises. He’s been a senior correspondent at NowThis News, hosted the Emmy Award-winning VICE on HBO, and developed the Vanguard Journalism series for Current TV. Kaj made headlines for being the first journalist to bring waterboarding to public attention—by undergoing it himself on camera—and for breaking media silence in Mogadishu as the first Western TV journalist there in over a decade.

Outside the newsroom, Kaj is a two-time national open-water swimming champion, an Escape from Alcatraz duathlon competitor, and a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai boxing. His commitment to service extends beyond reporting: he co-founded The Mission Continues and serves on the boards of Team Rubicon Global and other veteran service organizations, deploying for humanitarian missions around the world.

Join us as Kaj shares stories from his remarkable career—what it takes to tell the truth from the frontlines, the lessons learned from military service and global reporting, and why resilience and service are at the heart of his mission.

Tune in for a gripping, behind-the-scenes look at a life dedicated to serving, reporting, and making an impact on a global scale.

• [COVID} Here’s a crisis that is about health, and you’re shutting down wellness. (7:10)

• Murph was my roommate when I first got to BUD/S. He’s the first person I met. (32:04)

• The thing that got me through was the old “I guess you just have to do it.” (37:12)

• Your inner monologue and how you talk to yourself is the only thing that gets you through. (38:34)

• Everybody wants to be a frog man on a sunny day. (38:52)

• You gotta be careful who you surround yourself with, because cowardice is contagious. (42:37)

• I could cover any story I wanted, anywhere in the world. Anything I thought was important. (60:52)

• I was always working on helping veterans (62:56)

• Purpose maters. (64:09)

• The real truth is the greatest and most consistent ways for Americans to build wealth over the last 50 years has been investing in the stock market. (66:22)

• A lot of people don’t understand the concept of compound interest. (77:40)

• We’re the greatest economy the world has ever seen. (82:26)

Support Kaj:

 www.kajlarsen.com

- Tactical Wealth podcast

- IG: Kajlarsen

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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In this week’s episode, Marcus, Melanie meet with Calley Means — entrepreneur, healthcare reform advocate, and co-founder of TrueMed. Calley has been making waves in the national conversation about health, nutrition, and the systems driving chronic disease.

As a former consultant to some of the largest food and pharmaceutical companies in the world, Calley offers a rare insider’s perspective on how financial incentives can prioritize profits over people. Now, through TrueMed, he’s working to flip the script — helping Americans use tax-free health savings accounts to pay for food, exercise, wellness coaching, and other preventative health measures.

Calley is also the co-author (with his sister) of the bestselling book Good Energy, which explores the connection between metabolism and health, and he’s an investor in companies tackling metabolic health, mental health, and longevity. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Business School, Calley also co-founded Anomalie, a custom bridal brand later acquired by David’s Bridal.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Calley shares:

•How his insider view of Big Food and Big Pharma shaped his mission to reform healthcare

•The shocking incentives that drive the chronic disease crisis in America

•How TrueMed empowers people to use HSAs and FSAs for healthy living

•The link between metabolism, mental health, and performance — and why it matters for every American

•Why systemic change requires both personal responsibility and policy reform

Whether you’re a health professional, a parent trying to improve your family’s nutrition, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, this episode will challenge assumptions and offer practical solutions.

Don’t miss this episode with Calley Means — a candid, informed, and inspiring discussion on how we can take back control of our health.

• [Marcus] We turned a vegan into a meat-eater. A vegetarian was working at our house and smelled [Mama Holly’s Prime Rib] and said “What is that?” And I said that’s prime rib and said “I’m a vegetarian.” I said “I don’t know man. I think you might give this one a whirl.” (3:20)

• Pharmaceutical is about 50% of TV advertising. (5:50)

• The 2 ways you get researchers money is just research grants (that’s their life blood) and direct bribes. (7:10)

 • Anxiety was created as a sub-category of medicine in the 1970s, explicitly by pharmaceutical companies who had Valium to sell. (8:21)

• If you can make obesity a national standard and tell people it’s not you fault and jab them for a lifetime – that’s a profitable patient. (18:33)

• 25% of women are on some kind of psychiatric drugs, That produces reoccurring appointments and prescriptions. (20:01)

• A doctor is a medical drug doctor. They’re a drug prescriber. Who made that rule? That’s not how it is in other countries. (22:51)

• [Marcus] If you tell yourself your body is a racecar, or a fighter jet, or a monster truck, what kind of fuel are you putting in that sucker? (36:40)

• If you can get seed oils, processed sugar and processed grains out of you house, that gets you about 80% there [the single most important thing a household could do.]

• I think people should be more scared. I think we should have apps and blood tests and doctors telling people “You’re not gonna make it through your life to meet your grandkids.” (41:57)

• [Farmers] have low prices, high input costs, more weather challenges, trade issues that aren’t their fault. They’re taking it from all fronts. (59:05)

• The system is built for drugs, not medicine right now. Drugs are profitable, healing is not profitable. Thriving is not profitable. (65:56)

Support Calley:

 Book --> https://a.co/d/8T7DaqJ

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In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, we are honored to host a remarkable individual who has not only mastered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but has also conquered the world's highest peak – Mount Everest. Join us as Marcus and Melanie delve into the incredible journey of Cesalina Gracie. Hailing from a family that pioneered and revolutionized this martial art, Cesalina has carried the torch forward, dedicating her life to mastering the intricacies of Jiu-Jitsu. Cesalina shares insights into the mental and physical preparation required for both the Jiu-Jitsu arena and the formidable slopes of Everest. How do the principles of discipline, resilience, and focus intertwine between the mats and the mountains? Listen in and be inspired by this incredible woman of purpose and power.

Whether you're a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast, an aspiring mountaineer, or someone navigating life's challenges, Cesalina's journey offers invaluable insights that transcend boundaries.

• Back in the day, there were eighteen martial arts, different clans that had different practices in Japan, and they all ended with “Jitsu.” (7:08)

• There are no bad kids. There’s bad environments for kids. (10:41)

• [Jiu Jitsu] is an equalizer of emotions for kids. Jiu Jitsu is gonna honor your personality. (11:04)

• Nobody needs to tell us where you’re gonna find the environment, because when you walk in, the systems that are in place teach you before you hear a word from your coach. (12:54)

• [My grandfather] saw immediately what the power of that art was and the incredible responsibility that came with it. (13:45)

• This [Jiu Jitsu] is a tool for self-development. I’m not here to learn how to fight. I’m here to feel powerful and feel capable without having to look powerful and look capable. (14:00)

• That’s the beautiful thing about Jiu Jitsu, is that it lives on the inside. (14:21)

• [My family] proved the efficiency of Jiu Jitsu to the rest of the world. (20:43)

• If the whole world learns these tools, we’re gonna live in a society that is more peaceful, that is more respectful, because when you have human beings that are self-confident and compassionate, you start changing the way we interact with each other, and we start changing the way we live our lives. (21:19)

• As a grown up, I understand the difference between winners and champions. (30:06)

• The most important thing about Jiu Jitsu that it builds and internal constitution that is so strong that you can deal with anything in life. (38:26)

• The greatest value of Jiu Jitsu is applied outside of the mat. (42:29)

• Ultimately, the greatest skill you can have is awareness. (45:54)

• We have to be brutally honest with ourselves as to where we’re standing in life. (55:51)

• What’s actually gonna take you to the top are the mindsets that you’ve created in your journey in Jiu Jitsu. (61:20)

• [While climbing Mount Everest] the one question that I did not ask myself was “should I go back to Everest Base Camp?” (63:35)

• Another part that was really hard [while climbing Mount Everest] was when I saw dead bodies in the mountain for the first time. (63:47)

• I hope everyone gets to experience something in their lives that they have a hard time describing. (72:22)

• When I got back to base camp, I immediately called my family, because I didn’t tell anybody I was climbing Mount Everest. (82:21)

• Champions are still champions even when they lose. (87:27)

• When you have confidence in yourself, you solve so many problems. (118:28)

Support Cesalina:

- IG: cesagracie

- https://cesalina.com/

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In this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter welcome NCAA wrestling champion and three-time All-American Anthony Robles. Born with one leg, Anthony refused to let his circumstances define him, instead rewriting the rules of perseverance and grit to capture the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championship for Arizona State University—earning the nickname “The Beast.”

Anthony’s story of resilience has inspired millions, chronicled in his autobiography Unstoppable and the upcoming feature film of the same name. Beyond the mat, he has built a powerful platform as a motivational speaker, Nike athlete, and member of President Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, as well as a respected NCAA wrestling analyst for ESPN and the Pac-12 Network.

In this conversation, Anthony shares the mindset that propelled him to the top of collegiate wrestling as well as lessons on perseverance, faith, and unlocking hidden potential.

Anthony Robles’ journey is a testament to the phrase “never quit,” proving that true strength lies in heart and determination.

Tune in for a powerful dose of inspiration from a man who embodies the spirit of resilience.

• My mom always told me growing up that God made me this way for a reason. (3:26)

• Every single challenge I’ve faced was a puzzle. I could figure it out. There’s nothing that I couldn’t do. (3:35)

• She [My mom] would say “You never let a challenge become an excuse to say I can’t do it.” (6:15)

• I had frustration and rage in me, but I was able to channel that, and use it for wrestling. (7:43)

• If I quit now, I’m proving a lot of people right. (7:56)

• I don’t know where I’d be right now without those individuals who did support me. (12:19)

• My goal in my junior year was nothing but state champion. (13:26)

• I received a stack of letters from a group of 3rd graders who were shown the movie. They were writing me as their hero of the week. That, for me, opened my eyes to finally understand that I was wrestling for a bigger cause and a bigger purpose than just a bracket or a medal to put around my neck. (22:05)

• I don’t want to look back with regret thinking “Man, I wish I had done more.” (26:57)

• I want my son to look up to me and say “I want to be like my dad one day.” (27:25)

• [My mom] was the best coach I could have ever asked for in my life. (31:21)

• My message is the word “Unstoppable”. It’s the fact that we all wrestle with a challenge, (39:10)

• If you’re unchallenged, you’re unchanged. (39:50)

• [Marcus] “Man, you don’t have a message – you ARE the message.” (40:07)

• Greatness is not measured by trophies; it’s not measured by getting first place. It’s just knowing you gave your very best. (42:03)

Support Anthony:

https://anthonyrobles.com/

IG: arobles125

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   - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th

Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw

First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s

   -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - Robinhood.com/gold

   - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}

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  - Policygenius.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

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In this week’s special edition of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter look back on the summer of 2025—a season filled with unforgettable adventures, joyful moments, and one devastating event. Marcus and Hunter recount their personal involvement in the recovery efforts during the tragic 4th of July flood in Kerrville, Texas, offering a raw glimpse into the resilience and service that define the TNQ spirit.

But this episode is more than a recap. It’s a reminder of what life can be when rooted in family, fun, patriotism, and service to others. The Crew” is moving onward to a fabulous line-up of guests for rest of the 2025 season.

 Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are tuning in for the first time, welcome to the Team Never Quit Podcast—where stories of courage, resilience, and never quitting take center stage.

• There’s some age where you just shouldn’t do [Roller Coasters] anymore and I’m definitely past that age. (3:06)

• What is it about things that cause you pain. “He’s got horrible [sickness]” – let’s try that. (5:00)

• [What is a “never again” experience that you’ve done and absolutely hated?] “I thought it was scuba diving, but once I got in the water in Hawaii, I actually loved it a lot.” (5:54)

• We both just started a workout routine. (7:05)

• Marcus and Melanie share highlights of their Hawaii trip, including Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, Waikiki, and Trident Adventures, where they literally throw your ass out of the helicopter into the ocean. (8:20)

 • On Memorial Day we went to the Danny Dietz Memorial Roping in Decatur, Texas. (11:43)

• The Luttrell’s stop in Las Vegas had many very cool stops. Tom Brady & Jim Gray opened a sports museum in the Fontainebleau Hotel. We suggest seeing Boulder city and Hoover dam.  (12:56)   

• See the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, as well as in San Diego. (18:00)

• We watched David Copperfield. And if you haven’t seen him – some of the stuff he pulled off was unbelievable, including a gigantic UFO.

• Their visit to Lake Tahoe starts at 22:28.

• On July 4th weekend, there was a terrible storm that cam over Texas. Most have heard about what happened at Camp Mystic. Marcus, Morgan, and Hunter volunteered to assist with search and recovery for 8 days. That was the saddest thing Marcus had ever been a part of. “We’re talking about babies.” (24:47)

• “Hands down. Texans: You all are the best people on the planet of Earth.” (26:38)

• When the flood came through the mountain, it hit Mystic at the headwater, but the river is 120 miles. It was complete devastation from the beginning to the end. (27:35)

• The gamechanger – the ones that changed the dynamic of everything were the excavator drivers. (29:26)

• One of the most difficult things was the search. You gotta understand the situation we were in. You’re looking for something hoping you don’t find. (34:17)

If you drive through Houston, you’ll see green ribbons on gates and mailboxes and trees. It’s for all the lives lost. (39:25)

• When you lose your child, that’s the hardest burden that can be strapped on you. (39:39)

• Axe went to the Naval Academy Baseball and Leadership Camp. (45:02)

• We attended the congressional baseball game. If you ever wanted a real opportunity to yell at your congressman, go to the baseball game. (45:29)

• On September 12th and 13th, the Danny Dietz Barbeque Cookoff takes place at the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Waller, Texas.

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ 

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

  - partnersinbuilding.com

- Navyfederal.org       

-    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com

   - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th

Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw

First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s

   -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - Robinhood.com/gold

   - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}

   - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  -  kalshi.com/TNQ

  -  joinbilt.com/TNQ

   - Tonal.com [TNQ]

  - greenlight.com/TNQ

  - PDSDebt.com/TNQ

  - drinkAG1.com/TNQ

  - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]

  - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  - Hims.com/TNQ

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Policygenius.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Join Marcus and Melanie as they welcome Robert Gallery, former NFL offensive lineman, College Football Hall of Famer, and one of the most celebrated athletes to come out of the University of Iowa.

Robert’s football journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a tight end at Iowa, he transitioned to offensive tackle, paving the way for a stellar collegiate career. A two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection, Robert was named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2003 and capped off his senior year with unanimous All-American honors and the prestigious Outland Trophy. His excellence extended off the field, earning him three Academic All-Big Ten awards.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the sport, Robert has been honored with multiple accolades:

College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2023 at the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner.

University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2017.

Kinnick Wall of Honor: Added to Iowa’s America Needs Farmers Wall of Honor in 2015.

Drafted second overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2004 NFL Draft, Robert embarked on an eight-season career in the NFL, playing for the Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. Over 104 games, he showcased his grit and leadership, earning the Ed Block Courage Award in 2010 and cementing his place as a force on the offensive line.

In this episode, Robert reflects on his incredible football career, the transformation of Iowa’s football program, and his experiences in the NFL. But the conversation goes deeper, exploring his journey after football and the life-changing healing he found through ibogaine.

For both Marcus and Robert, ibogaine offered a second chance—a path to healing they’re now sharing to inspire and support others who may feel lost or stuck. These raw, personal stories are a testament to resilience and the universal power of hope.

Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with life lessons, healing journeys, and a reminder that no matter the challenge, transformation is always possible.

• My parents were very much like: “You do sports, or you work on the farm.” (9:55)

• Once my siblings started earning scholarships, and I saw what it did for them, I was like “I wanna do that.” (11:17)

• [The coaching staff] were just guys that wanted to get the best out of you. They were there to make you better. (14:25)

• [Melanie] Q: What do you think builds a great team?  A: I think it’s the people and the culture. (15:55)

• It’s that Midwest mentality. Work ethic, no show boating. It’s about being the best you can be, doing it the right way, and being good people. (17:02)

• I knew I needed my buddies next to me on the offensive line. For me to be great, I needed them to be great. (17:57)

• I kept working and working. And by the end of my college career, I was the best there was in the country. (25:34)

• Continue to work at wat you do to be a better all-around athlete. (25:39)

• I love how I was raised. My parents still married after 50 years. (26:57)

• I never had a sporting event that I ever remember from as young as I was in grade school, that one of my parents was not there. (36:37)

•  I worked so hard and sweated so much that you gotta go to the bathroom. One day I had to go to the bathroom real bad and the game was about to start. The only thing I could do was sit here and go. Go in your pants. I did it every game after that. (47:51)

• I got to where now I’m taking pain killers to get to practice. Now I’m asking my linemen what do we do? I’m dizzy. I’m not myself. (55:08)

• As time went on, things started to spiral: alcohol abuse. (63:00)

• I got a brain scan. That’s when they put up a picture of a healthy brain against a picture of my brain. It was shocking. (65:23)

• I started a journey of doing everything I could in modern medicine. (68:58)

• I took the invitation to take an Ibogaine treatment. (73:15)

• The treatment saved my life. I can out of it a different person. (77:57)

Support Robert:

- Website: athletesforcare.org

- IG: Athletes4care

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - meetfabric.com/TNQ

  - dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

  - partnersinbuilding.com

- Navyfederal.org       

-    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com

   - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th

Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw

First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s

   -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - Robinhood.com/gold

   - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}

   - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  -  kalshi.com/TNQ

  -  joinbilt.com/TNQ

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  - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]

  - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  - Hims.com/TNQ

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Aura.com/TNQ

  - Policygenius.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

In this week's powerful episode, we are honored to have former Royal Marine Toby Gutteridge, an extraordinary individual who defied the odds after being paralyzed by a shot through the neck during a night raid in Afghanistan. Paralyzed instantly with a shattered C2 vertebrae, Toby's survival was miraculous. He details the harrowing moments, the support of his colleagues, and the grueling journey of rebuilding his life. Toby battled mental health issues, but his determination led him back to education, earning a first-class business degree at Bournemouth University.

Reflecting on the fragility of life, Toby expresses gratitude for his second chance and emphasizes the preciousness of every moment. Toby's resilience extends to entrepreneurship, as he founded an extreme sports clothing brand that echoes his optimistic outlook on life—finding light even in the darkest times.

Tune in to this episode to witness Toby Gutteridge's remarkable journey from the battlefield to rebuilding a life filled with purpose, determination, and a profound appreciation for the precious gift of life.

 

• When I left South Africa, I was so determined, come hell or high water, I was gonna get into the British Marines no matter what. (13:24)

• My determination was a lot higher than probably 80-85% of the recruits. (16:00)

• As a Royal Marine, it was a reality check. All of the sudden, the movies and all that goes out the window, and reality kicks in. (17:11)

• Where the Hilos landed, there was no cover, and they left us there. It was as flat as a pool table. We couldn’t go back; we couldn’t go left or right; so the only thing we could do was a full frontal assault on this compound.  [We] Just showed the enemy what we’re made of. (32:51)

• [As we broke through a door] They just opened fire on the first team that went through the entryway, and I happened to take a round through the neck that hit me square in the spinal cord, and that was me – lights out. (44:55)

• The next thing I remember was waking up probably about 3 months later. (46:46)

• [My recovery was] hell on earth, man. (46:57)

• You’re fighting for your survival, fighting for your life, using everything you’re got, just to not give in. (47:24)

• They couldn’t do an MRI because of the metal that was still stuck in my neck. (49:16)

• I spent 12 months on my back, staring at the roof. (56:32) 

• I’m not be the man to let the team down let the legacy of who we are down. I’m not gonna be that soldier. (57:38)

• I think my brothers in arms – the support I got from them – is what probably got me through it. (59:05)

• I just crossed a point where I decided I’m gonna make the best of it.  (59:40)

• It’s inspired the next generation of Special Forces Operators to go “Damn, look what these guys have done. Look at that legacy they left behind.“ (62:02)

• I lost all my physical capabilities, but I still have my mind. (62:12)

• I put all my energy, all my focus into education. (64:57)

• [Marcus] That SF attitude they put inside of us when we get in there is a game changer. (66:20)

• A big part of being in the SF world is being brave, and facing challenges. (69:26)

• Living life to the max. That positivity, spinning that into people – is what the brand is all about.)  (70:33)

• Live life to your fullest, because you never know when it’s gonna be taken away. (72:22)

  - Bravery_UK

  - www.bravery.uk

  - team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

  - Navyfederal.org

  - Robinhood.com

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

  - Policygenius.com

  - Moink.com/TNQ