This week, Marcus and Melanie welcome Commander Jed “J.D.” Donaldson, and Captain Bradley Geary to the Team Never Quit Podcast. J.D Donaldson, a West Virginia native whose journey from small-town athlete to elite Navy SEAL leader is nothing short of remarkable. Raised in Hedgesville and shaped by strong family values and athletic discipline, J.D. earned a U.S. Naval Academy appointment and went on to win two national boxing championships before graduating with a degree in Physics (Oceanography).

Selected for SEAL training alongside a small group of peers, J.D. would go on to serve in multiple SEAL Teams across global deployments, holding command positions at SEAL Team Eight and SEAL Team Four, and leading strategic operations in Africa with Special Operations Command. His time at the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) marks the pinnacle of a career defined by leadership, courage, and brotherhood.

Now, as Training and Facilities Manager at GBRS Group, J.D. continues to serve the veteran and first responder community, equipping them with the tools and training to thrive. In this episode, we explore how his experiences shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, family, and life after service.

Captain Bradley Geary is a retired Navy SEAL officer with 24 years of distinguished service in Naval Special Warfare. A 2000 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and SEAL Qualification Training Class 234, he led elite teams across the globe—from SEAL Team Four to commanding SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One. He most recently served as Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command. Captain Geary holds a master’s in Defense Analysis and has spent his career training, leading, and mentoring some of the most elite warriors in the world.

• I was first chair trumpet in high school. Muscular lips. (22:38)

• One of the psych’s did a study of all the attributes access the teams to find out what’s consistent across all the force. The only attribute he could find consistent with 100% of us the sense of levity – humor. (32:12)

• In the darkest moments of our careers, you’ll find the funniest things (33:20)

• There’s this one young officer standing there, smiling ear to ear. I said “Yo dude, I just cancelled your Christmas break, they got you wet and sandy. Why are you smiling? [His response was] “This is everything I was waiting for, and everything I hoped it would be.” (35:59)

• Press into the suffering. All of a sudden, it’s not enjoyable, but it changes your mindset. (36:47)

• [Marcus] McGraw had more fractures than he had legs. No quit in this dude. (47:18)

• The guy next to me, Greg Klein, a huge Green Beret and Marine Force Recon. The instructor says “Klein, what’re you doing here? You’re Army Green Beret; you’re Marine Force Recon. He’s like “I thought I’d take a break.” (48:07)

• Danny [Dietz] was probably the best pilot I’ve ever seen. He was amazing. (68:31)

• We were in Chesapeake Bay, and I’m looking at the bearings. All of a sudden, I’m like “Hey! Danny!  We’re like 90 degrees off course. What are you doing? Next thing I know, we bounce off the bottom. He had fallen asleep driving the STD. We had been out there so long that night. (68:52)

• It comes back to Who’s under the boat? Who’s carrying their weight? Who’s sacrificing for their teammates? And Danny [Dietz] was always that guy. (79:32)

• [Danny Dietz is the] most selfless dude I’ve ever met. (79:58)

• Whatever he [Danny Dietz] did, he did with excellence. He just owned it. (80:25)

• It was the first time that I’d lost anybody close, and I walked out to the gravel, looked up to the heavens and I got to thinking. He was probably one of the key elements of my success in my entire career. I looked up to the stars and thought: “Alright Lord, If I was up there and Mike was down here, what would I say to him?” I’d say: “Think well of me and get back to work.” 120:54)

• I hadn’t brushed my teeth in like 84 hours. (121:53)

• Leonidus didn’t choose the 300 [Spartans] because they were the best warriors. He chose them because they had the best women. (139:21)

• Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope. All the answers are right in this book. (143:18)

dannydietzmemorial.com

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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

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In this week’s powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Beau Dooley, a former Green Beret whose journey has taken him from the frontlines of war to the frontlines of mental health advocacy. Clint reflects on his years cycling between combat zones and home life—navigating the difficult shift between being a soldier and a loving husband. Though proud of his military service, Clint shares why he no longer lets the title of Green Beret define him. Instead, he has embraced writing and public speaking to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment for veterans. Clint opens up about the invisible battles many veterans face when trying to reintegrate into society and how creative outlets like poetry have been a source of healing and purpose. His mission: to encourage fellow veterans to find their own voices, their own paths, and a renewed sense of belonging.

Beau shares about his life as a Green Beret and the toll of constant transition, the identity struggles veterans face after service, the therapeutic power of creativity and poetry, breaking the stigma around PTSD and mental health treatment, and building a supportive community for veterans

• That resentment or that hurt that you didn’t deal with is affecting every other relationship in your life. (10:51)

• A person that constantly needs to hide behind their successes is not gonna let you in emotionally. (12:06)

• It’s totally okay to just want to be where you need to be and then realize “Oh, it happened again”. It was knee jerk reaction. I’ve been doing this since I was younger. I kinda lost my way. I need to check in with myself spiritually. I need to take better care of myself. I need to go say I’m sorry to some people. (12:29)

• I was born with an innate wanting to know “What have you been through, and wonder what it’s like to be them. (14:30)

• You never want to make joining the military an emotional decision. (19:58)

• No one else can be you. (25:58)

• I don’t tell a single war story in the book. It’s a collection of poetry and prose, and the narrative about the healing process. I take people into my sickest, darkest spots. (40:01)

• You’re not you right now. Once they can convince me – I see it in their eyes – my brother – okay, you’re good. That was a dangerous spot and you needed for someone to sit on you for 72 hours, and just be there for you. Don’t let you keep drinking, take you guns, and make sure you’re okay before you give all that stuff back. (44:04)

• I realize my wife needed me, but there was no freaking way I was gonna let my team go back to Afghanistan without me. That’s when I realized I had 2 masters. (45:52)

• When you leave your heart at home and you go to a place like that, it’s easy to lose yourself in the violence, because you no longer have your moral compass leading the way. (46:18)

• I just reminded myself of all the times I didn’t pull the trigger. (47:25)

• There’s a great divide between “Do I go left, or do I go right?” sometimes, don’t go either way. You wait. Waiting is something, because you’re allowing the situation to develop. Who knows? There might be a door right there in front of you that you don’t see yet. (60:03)

• There’s a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path. (63:13)

Support Beau

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- Navyfederal.org       

   - 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

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In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus & Melanie welcome Jared Ogden, CEO of Triumph Systems and former U.S. Navy SEAL, to the show.

Jared's remarkable journey from leading missions in Afghanistan to leading one of the most innovative training companies in the country is a story of resilience, vision, and transformation. Drawing from real-world tactical experience, Jared created Triumph Systems and the Brass Training System with a singular goal: to enhance the training and preparation of military and law enforcement personnel.

In this episode, Jared shares how instinctual decisions made during deployments shaped his approach to developing cutting-edge training tools that emphasize life-saving decision-making under pressure. He reflects on his transition from being the "arrow" on the battlefield to becoming the "archer" — equipping today’s warriors with the tools they need to succeed. Jared also discusses how Triumph Systems bridges the gap between elite training and accessibility, offering solutions that don't require massive budgets or facilities.

If you're passionate about leadership, innovation, or serving those who protect us, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with a true trailblazer who’s changing the future of tactical training.

• My parents encouraged the kids to find what they’re interested in, to be productive and to live a productive, rewarding life. (5:50).

• The more you can overlap what you’re interested in, and what you’re good at, with what someone will pay you to do, the more successful you will be. (6:05)

At a very early age, I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. I knew that I wanted to be a Navy SEAL. (7:26)

• I was the honor graduate for my Leatherneck class. (22:49)

• I was yelling at people, and barking out things and orders. Dan walked up to me nonchalantly and said “Jared, calmness is contagious, just talk.” I’ll never forget that. (36:54)

• [During the] first turnover op between us and 7, Dan stepped on a pressure plate. Honestly, he should’ve died that day, but there was a tremendous effort [to help him]. (37:23)

• Do the right thing. In that case, the right thing landed me in a spot on this television show for 2 seasons. (48:08)

• We gotta figure out who we’re gonna take. Problem is there’s no targets, nothing to shoot. So, we take water bottles, piss in them, put ‘em on a fence. And the first handful of guys, commandos, that could shout those from 50 yards – those are the guys that rolled with us. (52:14)

• I’m a warfighter. I’m not an engineer. But along the journey I met some guys who were product engineers. [We developed] a recreational division and a government division – making turning target systems and other targets and software, making people more proficient with their firearms. (53:33)

• Decision-making is one of the most important metrics of people who carry firearms professionally. (61:23)

• The one common ingredient that I have for everything that I’ve done in my life is to do your best. (66:24)

Support Jared

  - IG: Jaredwogden

  - https://www.triumph-systems.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadaQSw8ZL-rjPSpM4W4rTl0QxclHdM20dAa_zhYci4PNYhR_oVFavyImESULw_aem_dBaSkd9DidP4qVdBoOfYew

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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

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In this week’s Team Neer Quit podcast, Marcus and Melanie speak with Retired Colonel Hank Donigan—a Marine whose life reads like a battle-hardened adventure novel. From his early days jumping out of airplanes at Fort Benning to leading troops through intense combat in Lebanon, Grenada, and Iraq, Col. Donigan has lived a life of sacrifice, courage, and service.

A graduate of the Naval Academy and a 30-year Marine Corps veteran, Donigan shares the emotional and physical toll of war, including his own battle with PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Yet, rather than slowing down, he has turned pain into purpose—running marathons nearly every week and using each mile to raise awareness and funds for wounded service members through the Semper Fi & America’s Fund. With $85,000 raised in 2023 alone, he stands as the nation’s top individual fundraiser for the cause.

At 68 years old and 46 marathons deep in a single year, Hank embodies resilience, leadership, and hope. In this episode, hear how staying in shape became both a coping mechanism and a mission to inspire others—and why, if given the chance, he’d proudly come back and do it all again as a United States Marine.

Col. Donigan shares his experiences with:

·         Surviving combat in Lebanon and the aftermath of the Beirut barracks bombing

·         The healing power of running and his marathons

·         Raising funds for wounded warriors and their families

·         Leadership, legacy, and living with purpose post-service

 In This Episode You Will Hear:

• We need to do a better job with American history, and make our kids aware of, and proud of our heritage. (1:47)

• I wanted to go where the action was, and was sent to Okinawa to serve battalion force Marines. (11:54)

• The Marine Corps made me a runner. (20:36)

• I had a grandfather who ran the Boston Marathon in 1916, so I always had this dream of running in it. (22:11)

• I was the first Marine Corps finisher [of the Boston Marathon]. (24:24)

• Everybody wants to be the popular guy; the likeable guy. But there are some things that your inexperienced troops don’t know, and you have to be the hard guy – a bit of a prick. But if you’re not willing to do that and you let things slide, people are gonna get hurt and you’re not gonna bring everybody home. (31:31)

• There was a group of engineers that were out playing football. All of a sudden, the first round came in, and one of the marines hit the deck and his helmet rolled off. The next round came in and a piece of shrapnel took the top of his head off. (32:47)

• “Nice guys kill Marines” is something I live by and continue to teach. (33:42)

• I learned how critical fitness was to leadership and combat leadership. (35:47)

• Marcus, three’s things about you, being a SEAL and being a sailor that will be with you till the day you die. (37:45)

• I’ve been able to take veterans in need, and connect them with case workers with a fund and see them get immediate assistance. (41:19)

• Walking is good. If you can get 10,000 steps a day, that really adds up to something good for your health. (45:50)

Support Hank

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https://runsignup.com/Race/47358/Donate/rpy06X1vBee5NBTB

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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

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In this week’s powerful episode from Team Never Quit, Marcus and Melanie meet with Evangelo “Vann” Morris—a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, global speaker, and devoted patriot whose service spans over 30 years across the military and government sectors. From humble beginnings in Folsom, Louisiana, to elite missions across 45 countries, Vann’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and purpose.

Vann began his career aboard nuclear-powered submarines, receiving intensive training in nuclear propulsion and thermonuclear weaponry before commissioning as an officer. As a Naval leader, he directed high-risk Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) missions in volatile waters, including a record-setting Colombian drug seizure of 14 metric tons of cocaine.

His distinguished career includes deployments on nearly every type of Navy vessel—from aircraft carriers to submarines—and pivotal roles at the Pentagon, Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne, and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). In his final assignments, he served as Combat Systems Officer, Anti-Terrorism Officer, and Tactical Action Officer aboard the USS McCampbell.

Since retiring in 2014, Vann has continued to serve by mentoring Special Operations Forces as an Information Operations Subject Matter Expert. He’s also a passionate public speaker, dedicated to honoring veterans and inspiring the next generation with the enduring message of freedom.

• I’m one of 16 kids on my biological mother’s side, and one of 8 kids on my biological father’s side. (6:09)

• My mother was a sharecropper in Selma, Alabama. (11:47)

• [my brother] Martin was riding on a bike with his big brother. They were crossing the street to get to a general store. As they were crossing the street, here came a car. Within a second, the car was on them. It broke both of [my big brother’s] s legs. He was almost able to do it, but the car clipped his legs broke both of his legs. The car hit Martin, broke his back, snapped his neck and went up into the air, came down, bled out, and died immediately. The car kept going. Our mother was notified, and we never knew what happened. (13:28)

• In my 2nd year as a seventh grader, I was chatty in class and the teacher said: “You see son this is why you’re not gonna be anything in life. This is why you’re gonna be a total failure. As a matter of fact, you’re not gonna do any better than your dad. (15:58)

• The commanding officer starts talking. I called you [twelve] here today to let you know that your grades are phenomenal, your physical fitness test – through the roof, and your attitudes are exactly what we’re looking for. I want all of you to consider becoming a commissioned officer. (28:09)

• I had a metamorphosis of the mind. A paradigm shift had happened in my life. And all of the sudden, what had happened to my big brother - back broken, neck snapped – forgiven; The teacher telling me to go out and bale hay – forgiven, the other teacher saying I’d never be anything and be worse than my father – forgiven. These guys were saying something very different.  Goodness overcame all the bad things that had happened. (28:53)

• I’m taking trauma, and I’m channeling it to purpose. (30:27)

•I really believe that when we die – if we should make it to heaven, I believe that God will take us personally, take us under his arms and say “Let me show you all the people you impacted and knew nothing about.” (32:19)

• You’re gonna have tough times. Don’t think you’ll understand why people are putting you to work in a certain kind of way. (41:39)

• There’s no more dangerous place than to have warfare in the mind. (41:49)

• Don’t give up. (42:21)

• Hard work pays off. You can’t give up. (53:19)

• Even if the reward is not coming to you, and if you are in a position to help them, for the love of God, Help them. (55:28)

• [Melanie] “A lot of times, when we’re in a dark spot, we’re in our own bubble, and we don’t think anybody else sees the work we put in.” (57:12)

• [I told my son] Listen: you can go in the Air Force, you can go to the Marines, you can go to the Army. Just remember this. That Navy paycheck is what fed you. (61:40)

• I am really on a mission to be part of that wave to heal America. (68:48)

• I need to honor the veterans and those who have served. (78:50)

  - Bio: Evangelomorris.com

  - instagram: evangelomorris

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

   - 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

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 In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie are honored to welcome Congressman Jason Crow, who represents Colorado’s Sixth Congressional District.

A former Army Ranger and Bronze Star recipient, Jason brings the heart of a public servant and the grit of a soldier to Congress. From working minimum-wage jobs in high school to deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division and elite 75th Ranger Regiment, Jason’s journey is a powerful testament to servant leadership.

 We dive into:

• Jason’s path from working-class roots to the battlefield and into the halls of Congress

•  How his military experience shapes his approach to leadership and legislation

•  His work helping veterans navigate life after service

Tune in for a powerful conversation on service, sacrifice, and putting people before politics.

• I got hooked in the military for college money. (8:00)

• [The military] totally changed the trajectory of my life. (9:54)

• I always make it a point when I run into a Vietnam vet; I say “Welcome Home.” (16:20)

• [Marcus] Q: “Did you sign up for ranger school? What’s that like?”   A: “Well, it sucks.” (20:22)

• Georgia is cold in the winter. It’s just a fuck fest. You’re just cold and tired and hungry for 2 months. (21:05)

• College is good, but I tell a lot of folks is [to learn] a trade. (35:40)

• The civil military divide: How little understanding a lot of people in America have of military service. (39:53)

• To be a veteran advocate, you had to be the squeaky wheel in politics. (41:08)

• Morgan [Luttrell] and I have this bill trying to stop veteran suicides in VA facilities. (43:34)

• We can only make good policy if we have good information. (44:47)

• [Marcus] “You and I don’t need enemies – we have friends.” (48:21)

• [Marcus] “My brother never says anything nice to me.” (48:30)

• [Melanie: Vets should] “Support each other, love each other, lift each other up. Talk shit in a good way. Hold each other accountable.” (49:10)

• The greatest generation fought WWII, defeated fascism, and they came back and became the civic leaders, the political leaders, the business leaders. They set the standard for what citizenship is about. (52:57)

• We have the Bipartisan Veteran Caucus in congress. We call it the Noah’s Ark caucus, because you’ve gotta join with somebody from the other side of the aisle. (54:23)

  - Bio: https://crow.house.gov/about

  - X: https://x.com/RepJasonCrow

  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepJasonCrow/

  - Instagram:  repjasoncrow

  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13

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

   - 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

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In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie are joined by the incredible Chad Caruso — a skateboarder, YouTuber, and Guinness World Record holder who skated 3,000 miles across America in just 57 days, from Venice Beach, CA to Virginia Beach, VA.

Chad didn’t just break records — he used this cross-country journey to raise money for Natural High, a nonprofit youth drug prevention program, and to share his powerful story of overcoming addiction and injury. Skateboarding became more than a passion — it became a lifeline, helping Chad find sobriety, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode Chad shares about:

•His record-setting skate across the U.S.

•What pushed him to keep going — physically, mentally, and emotionally

•How skateboarding saved his life

•His work raising awareness for addiction and mental health

•The creation of his book, “Pushing Through America”

•What’s next in his mission to inspire and uplift others

Chad’s journey is one of grit, growth, and giving back. Whether you're a skater, in recovery, or just need a push to chase your own goals — this episode is for you.

Follow Chad on Instagram: @chad_caruso

Check out his book: Pushing Through America

• I’ve been skateboarding for a little over 25 years. That’s really all I’ve devoted my life to. (3:19)

• I definitely recommend finishing school. (5:36)

• It doesn’t happen overnight. You go to a party here, a party there. Then you’re 26, 28. The habit thing. I didn’t want to be a part of the system. I was just all about rebelling. (7:40)

• That was the real turning point [when facing jail time] I had to look around and say “Alright, what are you doin?” (10:02)

• [I got into the Guinness Book of World Records] It was this year. (13:30)

• It’s nice to get the pat on the back, but ultimately, it was about much more than that. It was about giving up the drinking, focusing on something positive. I did the Skate Across America to raise money for charity. (13:40)

• When you’re at the start line it’s all fun. Everyone’s there filming, talking, it’s exciting. Then you push off, and then a couple of miles in, you’re like “Oh, I’m gonna be doing this for the next 2 months. (18:32)

• [I completed the entire distance with] 1 board; I didn’t change the wheels or the bearings, or anything. (23:56)

• Even if it’s way slower than you normally go, if you keep treading that ground, you’re gonna make it there. (28:55)

• I figured out that if I skate head-on to trucks, like tractor trailers; they’re coming at me at 70 mph. If I made myself seen, I could take over the whole lane. So, I would basically play chicken with them, and wave them out of the way. (30:14)

• [At the finish] The mayor put his hand up for a high five. I skated right past him, I didn’t even notice. (35:23)

• “If you keep pushing, you’re gonna get there.” (36:17)

• When you’re out there alone for so many hours, all the noise of society and people’s opinions kinda fades away. (36:26)

• When you’re left to yourself, you realize how simple life is. (36:35)

• Quitting drinking and focusing on my hobby turned my life around. (41:34)

• Whatever you’re most interested in or gets you excited – just pursue that. (41:52)

• If I can help to make this life a little bit better, that’s a win. (47:41)

  - Chad's Website: https://chadcaruso.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop-itFsFDe1VaizcL5bdyRpDn-edp0YecWQ-SdGcoBmGKkCH3lo

  - Chad's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChadCaruso

  - Chad's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chad_caruso/?hl=en

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This week, Marcus and Melanie are honored to welcome Matt Griffin, a six-year U.S. Navy veteran and fifteen-year law enforcement professional with a career deeply rooted in narcotics investigations and public service.

Matt's journey began in 1997 with the U.S. Navy, where he would later become a certified Search and Rescue swimmer, conducting counter-drug operations that played a key role in Operation Enduring Freedom, intercepting over a metric ton of cocaine intended for the U.S. market.

After transitioning to law enforcement, Matt joined the Virginia Beach Police Department in 2003, where his drive and initiative earned him multiple awards—including the Class Act Award—and certifications as a narcotics expert witness in state and superior court.

In 2007, Matt moved to the Keene, NH Police Department, where his work with the NH Drug Task Force and later as a School Resource Officer further showcased his dedication. He earned a Life Saving Award and led the department in arrests for two consecutive years.

In 2015, Matt was selected to join the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, working undercover during the height of the opioid and fentanyl crisis. His relentless pursuit of justice and education surrounding these deadly drugs led to a State Police Commendation in 2016.

After retiring in 2017, Matt has focused on shattering the stigma around mental health in the first responder and military communities. Now working full-time with Cody Systems as an account executive for RMS/CAD, Matt is also a national keynote speaker, mentor, consultant, and the #1 Amazon bestselling author of The Journey to Midnight.

In this episode, Matt opens up about:

Whether you're in uniform or support someone who is, this is a powerful and inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss.

• [The field] is the great equalizer. Nobody can bother me there. On the field, it doesn’t matter what you bring, what you showed up in, or what kind of clothes or shoes you have. It’s me against you. (18:49)

•You just never knew when to give all you had, so all you do was constantly give all you had. (31:13)

•Life’s not fair, which makes it fair. (36:45)

•Just like in the Navy, you’re not gonna do well in the beginning, because they’ve gotta see a transition to you being good. (43:22)

•We made marijuana legal, but what that did was the cartels were like “I’m not losing 30% of my profit. I’ll find something else.” (61:46)

•America makes up 80 something percent of the world’s opioid prescriptions. (63:11)

•I take full responsibility for my divorce. I forgot how to be a husband, forgot how to be a dad, and it hit me hard. (66:11)

• [My friend Brian, also the Police Chief] was checking in on me. You know what I didn’t say? “how’re you doing bro?” He checked on me and I didn’t check on him. 2 hours later he went home and shot and killed himself. (72:46)

•If you want to learn how to make ramen the right way, ask a military guy. (76:31)

•I just felt like I was failing my kids every single day. All of a sudden, this light bulb went off. The next step in my transition from the Navy to the police department to the team, is to take myself out of the game. (77:00)

•The off-ramp is – it’s okay to not be okay. (80:05)

•Once you realize that life is short, you don’t want to waste 24 hours being hungover. (86:04)

•Every day I’d wake up and I’d say. “Today’s a good day to die, so is tomorrow.” And I would try to string some good decisions together. (90:29)

•My motto is: Every day, I find an opportunity inside of my 24-hour window that I get to live to do something good for somebody else. (91:08)

•Tomorrow is a good day, and you can make it there. (93:20)

•The scariest day of my life was when I hit “publish” on my book. (100:08)

•Where I sit here today, God is the biggest influence in my life. (107:08)

•As I speak around the country people would line up to buy a book, but I realized they weren’t trying to buy a book. You know what they wanted to do? They just wanted to come and say “Hey, I’m struggling, too.” (116:10)

--  IG: authormattgriffin

— https://authormattgriffin.com/keynote

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Welcome back to another episode of the Team Never Quite Podcast. This week, Marcus and Melanie are honored to sit down with retired Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza—a true warrior, storyteller, and advocate for authenticity in military films. Ray served 16 years in the SEAL Teams, including time with SEAL Team 5 and as a BUD/s instructor. A Silver Star recipient for heroism in combat, Ray has transitioned from military service to Hollywood, working as a producer, military advisor, and filmmaker.

·         Ray shares his journey from enlisting in the Navy in 1997 to becoming a SEAL and instructor.

·         His experiences in combat, including the mission that earned him the Silver Star.

·         Lessons from special operations and how they shape his approach to storytelling.

·         How a role in Act of Valor introduced him to the world of filmmaking.

·         His work as a military advisor on Lone Survivor and other projects.

·         Producing The Warfighters and The Selection—his commitment to employing veterans in the industry.

·         Co-writing and co-directing Warfare with Alex Garland (Civil War).

·         The real-life mission that inspired the film and its deeply personal connection to his friend Elliott Miller.

·         The responsibility of portraying modern combat authentically and why this film stands out.

·         Insights from actors Charles Melton and Will Poulter on the emotional weight of the project.

·         Stay updated on Warfare’s release and behind-the-scenes content.

·         Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast.

        

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with Ray Mendoza—this is one you don’t want to miss!

 In this episode you will hear:

• [Marcus] You go through your military career, then we get out, and then go to Hollywood. (19:47}

• I’ve always wanted to do this one for Elliott and for me. It’s therapeutic anyway. It takes courage to tell that story. (26:10)

• If you do do it, what is it gonna say? You gotta be really sure why you’re doing it. (26:30)

• It’s hard, when you talk to somebody, to tell their story. (27:14)

• Having those hard conversations with people. It’s kind of difficult. And to put in on film is another level of difficulty. (27:26)

• The big thing we were doing was overwatches. Clearance operations, pushing through a sector. Establishing a foothold. (31:31)

• Often, we never made it to the next cycle. They would start surrounding us, then we were like “We’re out.” Then we’d have to shoot our way out. (32:00)

• Everybody got fragged. When you hear a piece of metal land on concrete, it’s a very distinct sound. (40:55)

• There’s nothing I wouldn’t do with the guys. Shoulder to shoulder, I’ll Walk through the fire • with you guys. When you’re by yourself, it’s a little scary. (79:45)

• Well, if we don’t make it, at least we’ll all die together. (80:35)

• I’d rather die with my bro’s, than die alone. (80:44)

-- IG: Warfare Movie

— Movies releases April 11th in theaters near you

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In this eye-opening episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome Dr. Leah Kaylor—a distinguished clinical psychologist whose expertise spans forensic mental health, trauma recovery, and the intricate world of sleep science. With a career built on helping those affected by trauma, Dr. Kaylor brings unique insights into how sleep disturbances intersect with mental health challenges and recovery. Here's what you can expect from our conversation:

·         Foundational Expertise:

o    Dr. Kaylor earned her Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she conducted forensic assessments for the Brooklyn Supreme Court.

o    She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University, specializing in trauma-informed assessments and evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy and Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for survivors of sexual trauma.

·         Forensic and Crisis Intervention:

o    Dr. Kaylor has administered forensic assessments and competency restorations for the Shelby County Justice System, demonstrating her ability to bridge the gap between clinical psychology and legal requirements.

·         Scholarly Contributions & Thought Leadership:

o    With 5 book chapters and over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles to her name, she has significantly contributed to research on trauma, stress responses, sleep disorders, and mental health interventions.

o    A respected speaker on national and international stages, Dr. Kaylor discusses topics ranging from the human stress response and EMDR to practical techniques for addressing sleep disturbances in trauma-impacted populations.

·         Deep Dive into Sleep Science:

o    During her residency at the Memphis VA Medical Center, Dr. Kaylor honed her sleep-related expertise by working in the sleep clinic. Here, she helped active duty members and veterans overcome sleep disturbances by addressing issues such as sleep hygiene, nightmares, insomnia, and CPAP adherence.

o    In our discussion, she reveals how proper sleep management plays a critical role in trauma recovery and overall mental health, sharing actionable strategies to improve sleep quality and resilience in high-stress environments.

Join us as Dr. Kaylor unpacks the powerful connection between sleep and trauma recovery, offering a blend of clinical insights, practical sleep hygiene tips, and strategies to manage nightmares and insomnia. Whether you're a mental health professional, a veteran, or someone struggling with sleep issues, this episode is packed with knowledge to help you reclaim restful nights and resilient days.

Tune in now for a transformative discussion on how quality sleep can pave the way for healing and recovery!

 In this episode you will hear:

• My dad sells drugs and my mom’s in prison. My dad is a pharmaceutical drug representative, and my mom is a dental hygienist in a maximum security all-male prion. (5:42)

• Sexually violent predators are people who have committed some type of sex crime. They have been deemed to have some type of mental illness or defect, and there’s a belief that they will commit another sex crime. (15:59)

• Whenever we sleep – if you’re a normal, average healthy sleeper, you should go through various sleep cycles. You should be cycling through light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep and you’re gonna be cycling through these several times a night. (23:18)

• REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is most famous for having dreams. (23:44)

• Folks who have problems sleeping – there are so many things you can to help yourself. (38:12)

• Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning. This is key. (39:4)

• We are inducing our own jet lag when we go from 6am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, then go down to 9am on Saturday and Sunday. The brain gets very confused.  (43:11)

• I have been a psychologist for the FBI for 5 years now, and that entire time I will be helping people with trauma. I’m certified with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and brain spotting. I love those, but I also help people with sleep. (45:10)

• In my work, folks experience things and see things that we should not be asking normal human beings to see. (47:04)

• [Marcus] When you’re doing your job and you’re runnin’ and gunnin’ - no matter what it is - and it tarts creeping into your dreams, that means your database is full. (50:25)

• Taking time to reflect either alone or with someone you trust: How is this impacting me? What’s happening? (51:36)

• I have a book coming out on sleep coming out on sleep. It’s called The Sleep Advantage. (56:02)

• If you’re really getting good sleep, it can impact your decision-making, and your reaction time. It can make you the best of the best; it can impact your performance. (57:01)

-- https://www.drleahkaylor.com/

-- https://www.facebook.com/drleahkaylor 

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