This week, Marcus and Melanie welcome Rodney Bailey, a devoted husband, father, and decorated U.S. Army combat veteran whose leadership has been shaped by four combat tours and distinguished honors, including the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.

He now applies that mission-driven discipline at Tractor Supply Company, where he leads operations and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen safety, streamline performance, and unlock millions in new production capacity.

A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Human Performance Advocate, Rodney is committed to developing leaders and building teams who pursue excellence with pride and purpose. A lifelong learner who embraces challenge, he is currently earning his Doctorate in Business with a focus on Strategy and Innovation. Through it all, he remains anchored in faith, family, and service—values that also inspired his children’s book, God Is Bigger Than a Bear.

Marcus and Melanie also welcome Lindsay Grayson, who serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at K9s For Warriors, overseeing the Development and Marketing teams as she drives brand visibility, deepens donor engagement, and accelerates revenue growth for the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for military veterans.

Since joining the organization, Lindsay has reshaped its fundraising trajectory—boosting revenue by 70% in her first year and leading K9s For Warriors to a historic, record-setting year of giving in 2023. Her performance and impact earned her recognition as a Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence honoree.

Prior to her nonprofit leadership career, Lindsay worked as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, guiding clients through strategic planning and long-term financial goals. A Jacksonville native and proud spouse of an Air Force veteran and First Responder, she finds joy in family time, travel, live music, and cheering on her children, Lucas and Ebby.

• At redeployment, something happened to me. During Ramadi, they started really looking at traumatic brain injuries. They started putting sensors in the helmets. (30:34)

• If you didn’t lose a liter of blood or you’re not missing a body part, it’s Ibuprofen & water. (30:54)

• When I got back and they hooked up my helmet, and they’re like: “something’s up.” (31:02)

• At 31:10, Rodney tells of one of his traumatic brain injury events as a 50 cal gunner. [He hit the gun at 20mph. It was the only thing that kept him from being thrown from the vehicle.

• I did about 5 months in another deployment and was Medivacked out to Germany with another head injury. (32:29)

• It wasn’t like I had to learn to walk again. I had to learn how to walk straight. (33:35)

• You know that you have to wait for that 30, 45 to 90 second, depending on what kind of round it is. And then you hear the sound – “Here it is.” You gotta run, just hoping that it doesn’t hit you. (36:05)

• There’s beauty in some fights. (38:33)

• Sometimes there’s like a calm and pause in war. (42:35)

• If you’re gonna transition from the military, I think there’s some things that are grounded in you – core beliefs, values, and everything like that. (49:26)

• At Tractor Supply, one of the things that brought me to it is the core missions and values. (49:46)

• 10% of all people who work for Tractor Supply are veterans. (50:46)

• This was the first company that actually told me, “Hey, go home and spend time with your family.” (51:13)

• [Lindsay] Tractor [Supply} has helped put mor leashes in the hands of veterans, and they really believe in our mission. (54:51)

• Lindsay shares how veterans go about applying for a canine from CaninesforWarriors.org. (55:31)

• [Marcus] We’re conditioned to come in – we’re not conditioned to get out. (57:31)

• The only thing that’s gonna stop you, is you. (70:32)

• Sometimes you’re dealt with cards, but you’re writing the book of your life. (72:21)

  -  Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - K9s For Warriors - Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD

 

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]

  - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - Hims.com/TNQ

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

 This week’s Team Never Quit guest, Mike Penn, embodies courage, resilience, and grace under pressure. A Navy fighter pilot who served in Vietnam over 50 years ago, Penn’s life took a dramatic turn on August 6, 1972, during his 85th combat mission off the USS Midway. Shot down and captured by enemy forces, he endured eight harrowing months as a POW in Hanoi, facing starvation, torture, and isolation. Losing 60 pounds and battling injuries from the crash, he survived where many did not.

Upon returning home, Penn continued to serve his country before transitioning to a long and successful career as an airline pilot. Yet, his greatest battles weren’t fought in the skies—they were fought within. Like countless Veterans, Penn wrestled with PTSD and alcoholism, learning that even the strongest warriors can’t always go it alone.

Penn credits his recovery and renewed purpose to sheer determination, the support of fellow Veterans, and the care he received through the Houston VA, which later discovered a life-threatening cancer during a routine scan—saving his life once again.

Today, Penn continues to inspire others through motivational speaking, encouraging Veterans to seek help, share their stories, and lean on one another. His outlook remains deeply positive: despite his suffering, he still calls it “an honor to serve.”

Join us as we hear Mike Penn’s incredible journey—from fighter pilot to prisoner of war to survivor and mentor. His story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the healing power of community.

Thank you, Mike Penn, for your honorable service—and for reminding us that healing begins when we choose to reach out.

• [Marcus] If you’re struggling in college, get your butt in the military for4-6 years, come back, and you’ll scream right through it. (6:54)

• To get on the Blue Angels demo pilot team, they vote on you. It’s a good ol’ boy system. If any one guy says no, you’re done. (9:30)

• Out of nowhere this Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant shows up right in my face. And he starts yelling at me, and honestly, I thought I was in the wrong place. When he gets through yelling at me, he says “You got anything to say for yourself you smart ass college boy?” I put my hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes, and I called him “sarge,” I said “Sarge, I really think I’m in the wrong place, because I cam down here to be a Navy jet pilot.” Boom! He threw me on the ground. I’ve never done so many push ups in my life. (12:21)

• He got me in such good officer shape; I ended up becoming the Regimental Commander.  (13:19)

• Landing at night is so difficult, because in the daytime you have depth perception. You’re looking at the “Meatball,” the optical landing system. Line up with the ship, and your air speed. At night you can’t see anything. (19:00)

• [When missiles are fired at you] you see it lift off, you see it coming at you. You build up speed. When it gets to be about ¾ of a mile away from you, you do a high G roll into it. It tries to track on you, but it’s going so fast, it can’t. (29:00)

• They were firing 3 from behind that we never saw, so when I tried to get more speed, one from behind hit me. Boom. Engine quit. Stated shaking like crazy. Immediately 8I turned toward the beach. (29:26)

• When I got hit, I knew it was over. (30:14)

• I reached up to fire the ejection seat. I pulled it, and nothing happened. Never quit. (31:10)

• Once I hit the ground, I was in about a foot of water, and the bullets were hitting the water all around me. (34:02)

• [Melanie: Q: What happens to the plane?”] A: It blew up right after I ejected. (34:49)

• At 36:22, Mike tells the story of his treatment when he was taken by the enemy.

• When we got there, we were just beat up and tied up. We had about 3 weeks of that. (41:25)

• We had 24” concrete slabs on either side. That’s what we slept on. (42:57)

• We got no rice. The Vietnamese ate it all. (43:35)

• My grandfather, who was an Army vet in Japan, when I went to war, he told me 2 things: Take care of your men, and don’t ever give up.(44:36)

• [Melanie: Q: How long were you in there as a POW”] A: 8 months. (47:27)

• When I got to Oakland, I made beer milkshakes. (55:03)

• When I was at Clark, first thing I did – I sat in the shower for 2 hours. (55:28)

• Guess where I git [a new car]? I won it on Hollywood Squares. (71:19)

• If I can save 1 life from [writing] that book, it’s worth it. (80:53)

  - www.hopeandcourage.us

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]

  - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - Hims.com/TNQ

  - Shopify.com/TNQ

This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, we sit down with Special Forces Green Beret Kalob Creighton, whose story embodies the essence of courage, faith, and the power of healing.

Kalob’s journey began on the battlefield—serving his nation with honor and sacrifice. But his most life-changing battle didn’t happen overseas; it happened at home. During a late-night burglary attempt, Kalob was shot while shielding his toddler from danger. The bullet remains lodged near his spine—a constant reminder of that night and the uncertainty that followed.

Yet Kalob’s story doesn’t end with pain; it continues with purpose. Through his partnership with RejuvStem, Kalob has discovered the transformative potential of regenerative medicine. His recovery is more than physical—it’s a story of restored hope, renewed strength, and a return to life fully lived.

Join Marcus and Melanie as they explore how Kalob’s warrior mindset, combined with groundbreaking medical innovation, has redefined what it means to overcome. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, family, and the mission to heal, restore, and give back the chance at life that so many fight for.

Listen now to hear Kalob’s incredible journey of survival, innovation, and strength—reminding us all why we never quit.

 In this episode you will hear:

• You know how you go through stuff in training where it just sucks so bad it stops sucking? The “give a fuck” goes away. (15:20)

• The Delta course is crazy. You see guys cut open. Until I hit A&P and we started putting fingers in asses. (27:17)

• You have to learn the hard way sometimes. (37:34)

• [My father] He may not do it the right way himself, but he wanted us to do it the right way, and he taught us some morals and values. (37:50)

• [My dad] was a great human. [He’d] shake your hand. That’s what meant more than a contract. (38:00)

• When you’re switching from something that’s high octane like this driven purpose in a team environment. You walk out and you’re like “where’s my team at? (42:52)

• I’m all in. 100 miles an hour. Full throttle. Let’s go. (43:12)

• I got shot by a guy named “Keypad.” (61:26)

• That was the best thing that happened to me. I needed the wake-up call. It was God saying “listen up, dude.” (63:44)

• Like life #7. Pay attention, bro. (63:54)

• I got the feeling back in my right leg. In my left leg it never returned. (64:23)

• I’m sitting the just asking God, “When do guys like me quit? When do we throw in the towel? (70:11)

• I really brought in the realization of what’s important. If this does not have a purpose – change it. (80:03)

  - IG: kalobcreighton

  - Green Hat Defense: http://www.greenhatdefense.com

  - https://theathletelab.org/

  - Dr. Trent Nessler at The Athlete Lab - IG:  bjjpt_acl_guy

  - Peptides and continued care and support for myself and other vets: Core Medical Group https://coremedicalgrp.com/

  - RejuvStem where I received stem cells: https://rejuvstem.com

  - https://www.wsmv.com/2025/02/13/suspects-fire-multiple-shots-injure-man-during-active-burglary-whites-creek/

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with former Navy SEAL and private aviation businessman*, Greg Froelick—a man who has dedicated his life to excellence, discipline, and service both on and off the battlefield.

Greg’s journey began after college, when he chose to serve his country and earned his place among the elite ranks of the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams. His time in special operations sharpened his perspective on resilience, teamwork, and intentional living—lessons he now carries into every corner of his life.

After leaving the military, Greg transitioned into the medical sales industry, where he quickly proved himself in a competitive arena. His combination of grit, professionalism, and mission-focused thinking eventually opened the door to his next chapter with EMCJET, a premier group in the private aviation space. Today, he plays a key role on the EMCJET team, helping deliver world-class service with a warrior’s level of precision and accountability.

Greg recounts his experience aiding in the recovery efforts following the July 4th Camp Mystic flood disaster. He and Marcus reflect on their immediate decision to head to the affected area, coordinating the logistics required to make a meaningful impact—joining forces with several fellow Navy SEALs to provide help where it was needed most.

Greg’s story is a reminder that your mission doesn’t end when one chapter closes. Whether in uniform or in business, he continues to serve — helping others live with intention.

• We shouldn’t be on no defense - Department of Defense. This is the Department of War. We don’t go on defense. You step up, and we’ll come in and crush the shit out of you. (19:02)

• Got into private aviation. It’s like a real estate agent for private jets. (22:46)

• [The gate at Camp Mystic] was twisted. You can’t talk about it and do it justice – the way it was twisted steel. (34:46)

• We’re not by any means a search and rescue outfit, but we knew that we could help. (36:31)

• We’re this close to being signed up to be a care coalition. It’s a safe place to land. (36:51)

• You’re at that point where “I hope I don’t find anything” [and at the same time] “I hope I find it.” (41:01)

• When the cadaver dogs showed up and the backhoe maintainers showed up – Game Changers. (41:16)

• The one’s that’ll never get any attention or no one will ever know who they are the drivers of the maintainers. (41:51)

• How many times did we walk on somebody before we even found ‘em, because they were buried under the dirt from the Cypress trees. (43:30)

• This is why it was key to have the cadaver dogs because of everything else that was dead around it: horses, pigs, deer, dogs. (44:02)

• Everything aside from the situation – A lot of good came from all that. (46:55)

• The more people sometimes – the harder it becomes. Everybody just wants to help. We were fortunate to get in the way we got in. (48:27)

• No one was there yet. It was just us. (48:40)

Support Greg:

https://300justiceroad.com/ 

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

From Marine… to Green Beret… to Peacemaker

This week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with an unconventional warrior with an unconventional calling—Christian Hickey, Founder and CEO of the Triple A Authority Foundation, husband, father of three, Marine, Police Officer, Green Beret, and now… missionary on the front lines of Ukraine.

Christian’s journey reads like a novel you’d assume was fiction—yet every chapter is true.

For over 15 years of military service and 15 years in law enforcement, Christian has lived a life of duty—to God, to his country, and to his community. His time as a United States Marine and later as a U.S. Army Green Beret gave him the tactical expertise to operate in the world’s harshest conflict zones. But it was behind the badge, on the streets of American neighborhoods, that he honed a different weapon—the power of communication. 

“As a police officer, I learned to listen and speak to people in a meaningful manner. Those communication skills allowed me to solve problems, restore peace, and bring change.” 

Christian earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently completing a Bachelor’s in Evangelism at Liberty University. Yet nothing could have prepared him for the mission God would call him to next. 

At age 41, he found himself on the frontline in a small Ukrainian village, serving not as a soldier, but as a missionary—bringing aid, hope, and the Gospel into a war zone. 

“If you had asked me six months prior, I would’ve never guessed I’d be in Ukraine serving as an unconventional missionary. But God knew what to do with a born-again Christian, Marine, Police Officer, and Green Beret.” 

Through his foundation, Triple A Authority, Christian combines faith, humanitarian work, and tactical mission skills to reach the unreachable and serve those in the shadow of war. His story is a reminder that purpose isn’t always found in comfort—sometimes it’s found in chaos, obedience, and calling. 

This episode is a powerful reminder that service can take many forms—and that sometimes the most dangerous places reveal the deepest purpose. Christian Hickey is a man living out his faith with courage, humility, and conviction—and his story will challenge, inspire, and move you. 

In this episode you will hear:

• What really pushed me into the military was that I wanted to become a deputy Sheriff. (13:01)

• I accepted Christ when I was a young man, but I’ve always been intentional with my faith.  (30:38)

• God was real to me. He said “I’m calling you into ministry now.” I still don’t know what that meant at the time. (31:35)

• I believe that the season that you’re in now; God is preparing you for the next season. (32:41)

• I was following Psalms: 105, the lit path for me to continue to go. (35:17)

• When you’ve got all of the DOD behind you, you don’t carry much fear with you. (41:21)

• When Jesus is in charge of your life - This is not my rodeo. (44:05)

• I’ve never been shot at by a tank Before. (46:24)

• The Ukranian men and women are some of the best soldiers I’ve ever met. They’re so resilient. (50:12)

• I’m the chaplain for SOCOM athletes. (61:56)

• I pray that through this war, that Christ is revealed, and His authority is king, and His love is felt, and many come to know Christ through it. (70:41)

• We have a God. He has a son, His son’s name is Jesus Christ and He died for us. If you believe that in your heart, you believe He was raised three days later, you will be saved. Do you want that in your life? Do you believe that in your heart? All I heard was “Da da” which means “Yes, I want Jesus.” (71:28)

Support Christian:

tripleaauthority.org

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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.

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}

   - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]

  -  kalshi.com/TNQ

  -  joinbilt.com/TNQ

   - Tonal.com [TNQ]

  - greenlight.com/TNQ

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)

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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

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

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

  - Navyfederal.org     

  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ

  - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ

  -  cargurus.com/TNQ

   - armslist.com/TNQ

   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ

  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ

   - Selectquote.com/TNQ

   - Groundnews.com/TNQ

   - shipsticks.com/TNQ

   - 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

  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]

  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]