Team Never Quit

Buckle Up for Life: The Kailee Mills Foundation Story
Welcome to another impactful episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast. In today's episode, we shine a spotlight on the crucial importance of seatbelt safety, exploring the heart-wrenching story of David Mills and his family. Their tragedy led to the creation of the Kailee Mills Foundation, a beacon of hope and advocacy for seatbelt awareness.
The Mills family's tragic journey begins with the heartbreaking story of losing their beloved 16-year-old daughter in a car accident. This devastating event became the catalyst for change in their lives and ignited a passion for preventing similar tragedies, in memory of their daughter. Through educational programs, events, and collaborations, the foundation continues to make strides in promoting seatbelt safety and saving lives.
We discuss tangible ways our listeners can contribute to the Kailee Mills Foundation's mission and promote seatbelt safety within their own communities.
Join us as we honor the memory of Kailee Mills and support the Kailee Mills Foundation in their tireless efforts to make our roads safer.
Every buckle can make a difference.

Check out the foundation here:
- https://www.kaileemillsfoundation.org/

Sponsors:
 - Navyfederal.org
 - Policygenius.com

 In this episode you will hear:
• The whole Team Never Quit mindset started for me when we lost our daughter. Our 16 year old. It was at that point that I realized how short life is. (14:31)
• A lot of my friends that were way less smart than me, weren’t as hard of workers as me, were doing way bigger things. I was like why can’t that be me?   That’s when I why decided to grow my company and things really took off.  At the same time, we were building a foundation in our daughter’s name. (14:48)
• Even from a young age she [Kailee] could talk to anybody. She was like an adult, she would go into a room and make her presence felt. She was outgoing, bubbly, a light in a dark room. She had a large personality, a big smile, a loud laugh, and was larger than life. (19:26)
• She also didn’t mind being the butt of a joke. (21:40)
• It’s a parent’s worst fear – losing a child. (28:17)
• Your odds [of survival in a crash] go up exponentially if you have your seatbelt on. (33:34)
• I’ve never been comfortable with public speaking but I just felt like these kids [gathered at the crash site days later] needed to hear a message of how important it is to be safe in the car. (34:51)
• I told ‘em you’ve gotta be selfish when it comes to your safety. (35:36)
• Who do you buckle for at home that loves you that’s counting on you to make it home safe? (41:45)
• I’ve done way worse, and got away with it. (63:14)
• I’m shaving getting ready for the memorial service and I’m thinking to myself of all those stupid choices I’ve made and got away with, and I thought it’s not fair. I’m a Christian. What is the foundation of my faith? It’s the Lord’s Prayer - Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. (63:28)
• I called him [the driver’s father] and said I want you to know that I forgive your son. I want him to know that If he wants to come pay his respects, say his goodbye’s We’re gonna welcome him with open arms. We’re gonna love on him. We’re gonna tell him it’s gonna be okay. We forgive him. (64:17)
• If there’s somebody in your life that you’re holding hatred or a grudge on, just consider forgiving that person. (64:45)
• Raising awareness is about creating conversations and reminding people what’s important. (72:12)

Welcome to this week's Team Never Quit Podcast episode! Marcus’ guest, Anthony Mortillaro, widely known as THASM, is a seasoned artist hailing from Queens, NY. With a colorful and creative journey, he has achieved international acclaim for his incredible work.
Anthony has received commissions from notable figures: film-makers, actors, military heroes, and sports team CEOs. These collaborations not only showcase Anthony's artistic prowess but also highlight the diversity and impact of his craft.
Anthony runs an online art gallery on ETSY, aptly named THASMgallery. Boasting over 30 five-star reviews, the gallery is a testament to Anthony's exceptional skills and the quality of service he provides.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Anthony has a fascinating background. After a successful career in the United States Navy, he retired and now calls Norfolk, VA, home, where he resides with his family. His journey from military service to a thriving artistic career is sure to inspire and captivate.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Anthony Mortillaro as we delve into his artistic evolution, memorable commissions, and the unique intersection of military service and artistry. This episode is a blend of inspiration, creativity, and the triumph of following one's passion. Don't miss out!

Socials:
 - THASMgallery.
    * Check Instagram for giveaway rules!

Sponsors:
  - hims.com/TNQ
  - Navyfederal.org

In this episode you will hear:
• Not having a male role model led me in a different path. (7:17)
• [Marcus] “at the very least, when I’m trying to be a father – at least I’m sitting there.” (7:43)
• I was in more than 11 elementary schools. We moved around a lot. It was constant changing. Now that I’m older looking back - that wasn’t normal. (8:55)
• [Graffiti] was our social media. Graffiti was an outlet to express and to cope. To escape reality. (11:33)
I just did it as more as an outlook to get away from what was happening in the home front. And then it fast forwarded and wound up opening the door to other avenues that I wasn’t anticipating. (13:24)
• This is the first time I’m coming out publicly that I was in the Navy. I never told anybody. (16:20)
• …when he {Morgan Luttrell] stared at me, he stared into my soul with the thousand yard stare. (22:32)
• It went from Graffiti to making a piece that actually shared a story. (24:57)
• I think the paintings that I do will describe identity, a story, and express someone’s life. (27:48)
• Joining the military – hands down - was the best decision. (34:15)
• Partying became my own worse version of me. (34:27)
• Things started smoothing out when I had a friend of mine actually start witnessing to me. (34:34)
• I joined the military to better to better myself. Most people do. (35:08)
• I believe Morgan [Luttrell’s] heart is bigger than his body. (37:06)
• Money – it matters, buts not everything. (39:28)
• Everybody goes through something. Everybody has that “now what?’ - That uncertainty. (47:36)
• My kids don’t have a trident together, but they have their bond. (49:44)

Unleashing the Warrior Spirit with Clint Bruce
In this week's episode, Marcus and Melanie are thrilled to host Clint Bruce, a former Navy SEAL and co-founder of Carry the Load. Clint brings a wealth of experience and insight into leadership, resilience, and the warrior spirit. Join us as we delve into his journey from the elite ranks of the U.S. Navy SEALs to his impactful work in professional football as well as the veteran community.
Clint discussing the challenges, triumphs, and the mindset that sets these warriors apart. 
As a successful entrepreneur and leader, Clint reflects on the leadership principles he learned in the SEALs and how they apply to various aspects of life. Discover his insights on leading with purpose, building high-performance teams, and navigating adversity.
Clint co-founded Carry the Load, a non-profit dedicated to honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by military, law enforcement, and first responders.
He explores how the warrior spirit isn't exclusive to the battlefield but can be applied in everyday challenges. Gain practical tips on fostering resilience, discipline, and mental toughness to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional success. Hear how he manages the demands of a high-stakes career while staying connected with his family.
Join us for this powerful and inspiring conversation with Clint Bruce as we unlock the secrets of the warrior spirit and learn how to apply these principles to lead more fulfilling lives.
Whether you're a leader, aspiring warrior, or someone navigating life's challenges, this episode offers valuable lessons for everyone. Tune in and unleash your own inner warrior!

Sponsors: 
- Navyfederal.org

Socials:
- IG: team_neverquit
- Realclintbruce

In this episode you will hear:
• My gift is not being gifted. I’ve always had to figure it out. (13:15)
• Being not good made me good. (15:12)
• Leaders talk about what they don’t want to talk about, they say what they don’t want to say, they listen to what they don’t want to listen to, and they plan for what they don’t want to happen. And the willingness to do that is what makes them a leader. (16:44)
• I’ve always wanted to a part of something bigger than me that scared me a little bit that I was gonna have to work hard to keep up with. (22:08)
• [I went to the Naval Academy because] I wanted to take care of my family, and I wanted to see how good I was. (28:58)
• I told my service academy coaches all the time: You got guys ready for war as much as you did football. You have no idea how many lives you saved on the battlefield, because of what you taught us on the ball field. (30:05)
• I gotta go where it’s harder, because you’re gonna learn about yourself when you go where you don’t know. (33:23)
• Ray [Lewis] stood up, and he grabbed me by both shoulders, and he said “Go be great! Go be great!” (33:38)
• Think about what happens if you catch what you’re chasing. (35:04)
• I love doing something where every day you don’t know how it’s gonna end, and if you don’t pick the right people along the way, you’re not gonna make it. (44:47)
• One of the things I love about our community is that the mission’s bigger than any of us. (45:49)
• When you lose people that you love sooner than you should, the worst thing you could ever do is waste the time you have that they don’t. (52:56)
• My favorite weapon is a map. (53:32)
• I define my life as having live on 4 maps: the ball field, the battle field, the boardroom, and the breakfast table. (54:23)
• The business plan is real simple:
            Psalm 1:27
            1 Peter 5:6-7
            Galatians 6:9
            Proverbs 22:29
            Proverbs 27:2 (60:56)
• C4 stands for Career, Compete, Contribute, have a Catalyst. (66:54)
• Who are you chasing? Who are you keeping pace with? Who are you pulling behind you? (87:40)

In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a well-respected functional medicine practitioner and the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine®. Dr. Lyon is a leading expert in brain and thyroid health, lean body mass support, and longevity. Her insights into optimizing health and vitality are grounded in a wealth of knowledge and experience.
She challenges the notion that becoming frail is a passive process, emphasizing the power of choice in shaping one's health and longevity.
By identifying emotional, environmental, and psychological barriers to lasting health, Dr. Lyon guides individuals in designing personalized action plans and advanced nutrition interventions.
Her philosophy revolves around the idea that vibrant health and longevity are achievable by unlocking one's potential for wellness through dedicated effort and personalized strategies.
Join us in this enlightening conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon as we explore the dynamic relationship between personalized health interventions and the foundation of an exceptional life. Learn how you too can unlock your potential for vibrant health and longevity.

Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Fitbod.me/TNQ

 In this episode you will hear:
• I don’t make resolutions. I set standards. (1:34)
• I never changed my direction. From 17 to where I am now, my direction never changed. I studied nutritional sciences. I was lucky enough to train under one of the world leading experts in protein metabolism. (10:46)
• I was very unimpressed with the physical ability to be good at sports. (11:32)
• I’ve always been interested in being of service. The worst thing someone could be is not be useful. (15:45)
• I was always interested in being fit. (18:44)
• I had this moment – “What the fuck are we doing?” You’re telling people to do these things, they’re following it, and we’re not telling them the right information. (22:12)
• The biggest piece of advice as people are thinking about the new year: Don’t be surprised that you don’t want to go to the gym. Everybody is shocked. Plan for your weaknesses. (26:37)
• There’s a lot of misinformation in the nutrition space. (27:33)
• No, red meat is not killing the planet. (27:43)
• Eat for strength. Everything else is a smokescreen. (27:45)
• Policy, politics, money influences everything. (29:50)
• There’s a lot of talk about eating for your blood type.  There isn’t evidence to support it. (35:46)
• I take care of special operators, and early cancer detection. (49:54)
• The other group of individuals are very entrepreneurial, motivated, mavericks, innovators, and moms. It’s an architect of a person. (50:23)
• You wanna know our family motto? DBAP - Don’t be a pussy. (60:24)
• This is about a mission that could change the narrative of medicine. (61:42)
• Dr. Lyon’s Supplement recommendations: Mitopure (Urolithin A - a postbiotic), Vitamin D, Fish Oil, and a good multi-vitamin. 

THIS VIDEO IS ESSENTIAL VIEWING:
A Leader’s Testimony
Unleashing the Power of Transformation in the Depths of Darkness! | Mighty Oaks Testimonials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSD6hbeVH8

POLARIS GROUP WEBSITE:
https://polarisgroup.federalgovernment.info/
POLARIS GROUP INTERNATIONAL INC is a dedicated organization committed to community service, emphasizing integrity and compassion, particularly in the realm of disaster relief. Our team comprises highly skilled veterans, including JSOC tier 1 operators and special operators, with extensive real-world experience. Focused on preserving lives, our missions unfold in challenging environments. Presently, we're establishing a forward operating base along the Ukrainian Poland border, featuring a comprehensive command operations center and logistics base. Our active missions encompass triage, evacuations for vulnerable individuals, security measures, and targeted humanitarian aid for orphans and children. By fostering a culture of empathy and lifesaving efforts, we aspire to inspire collective assistance, contributing to the overall well-being of those in need.

In this week's episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, join Marcus in an exclusive one-on-one conversation with Dennis Price, a USMC Force Recon, Scout Sniper, Ranger veteran, and the International Program Manager for the Mighty Oaks Foundation. With six military deployments and three stints as a Private Military contractor specializing in sniper/mobile DDM roles, Dennis brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having attended various Special Operations schools and served as the Head instructor for Field craft and stalking for the Army's Special Forces Sniper Course, Dennis shares his personal journey, including the difficult decision to end his military career to be close to his daughter battling two rare diseases. A devoted Christian, loving husband, and father of four, Dennis is also a martial arts enthusiast—engaging in boxing, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu, and actively participating in various tournaments. Tune in to hear Dennis's inspiring story of resilience, faith, and commitment.

Sponsors:
- Hims.com/TNQ

In this episode you will hear:
• If another man comes to me and tries to steal what is mine in front of my children, do I have the self-confidence to stop him?  I’m a man of violence. I know what I can do to him. Now I don’t have to back up in fear. (10:07)
• I try to encourage males to take up Jiu Jitsu – anything – because you shouldn’t have to live in fear. (12:43)
• If the only tool in the toolbox that you have is a hammer, then everything’s a nail. (14:43)
• How do I say my story and not be too bible thumping. However I tell it, it leads to one conclusion. (17:03)
• God uses war-torn warriors and exposes us to certain things and then uses us through Christ. (18:23)
• We’re coming back here, trying to fit in; we came back to what we thought we left. (21:24)
• Taking Christ out of the household, and taking the man out of the household is why we’re seeing chaos. (22:38)
• On a dark night, I almost took my own life and that’s when I came to God and gave it all to Him. (26:21)
• Guys like us come back and we’re looking for something to fill this void. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ and God will quench that thirst. (47:08)
• My co-partner is a Green Beret. We teach “dual survivor”. Marine special operations, Army Special Forces; we teach of both of our experiences in combat, and we give you formal instruction. (65:47)
• Alphas, when they walk into a room, they assess the possible threats. (76:24)
• Speech made in anger will be the best speech you ever spoke that you’ll regret. (89:05
• Years of love are forgotten, in minutes of anger. (89:18)

Welcome listeners, to a special edition of the Team Never Quit Podcast.
As we approach the end of another incredible year, it's time to reflect on the most powerful, informative, and downright motivating episodes that have graced our airwaves. From enlightening conversations with thought leaders to heart-pounding success stories that redefine what's possible, this recap is a celebration of the wisdom, inspiration, and transformative moments that have defined our journey together.
We revisit the remarkable insights shared by our guests, the game-changing lessons learned, and the unforgettable stories that have left an indelible mark on our minds and hearts. Whether you're a longtime listener or joining us for the first time, we welcome you to the Team Never Quit Podcast.
This is more than a recap; it's a celebration of the extraordinary, the enlightening, and the empowering.

Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org

Socials:
- Team_neverquit

In this episode you will hear:
• I think something happens when you get to that age – they love sitting around talking, and I think there’s a certain age when you’re supposed to sit around and listen. (4:22)
• When military people get together and names start getting dropped – when the civilian world and the military world clash, you hear about these guys that somehow, someway manage to get into every kind of environment. (5:11)
• Get along with people but be yourself while you’re trying to get along with ‘em. That’s an actual skill set you have to have. (49:19)
• For us, we just conversate - we get to know people, and that’s what our listeners come on for – to get to know who these people are, and get to know their stories. (50:03)

In this week’s incredible Team Never Quit episode, legendary bull rider and Netflix reality superstar Dale Brisby (How to Be a Cowboy) brings a brand of toughness, determination, fun, truth and faith to the table. From Facebook to Snapchat to TikTok, this guy has attracted thousands with his hilarious cowboy-lifestyle videos. Brisby is the self-proclaimed greatest rodeo cowboy on the planet, and shares an engaging conversation with Marcus Luttrell in the Team Never Quit studios. You’ll see pretty quickly that Dale Brisby is not your typical rancher. And you’ll hear - firsthand – how a future bull-riding rodeo comes to life at Dale’s Radiator Ranch.

Dale Brisby:
- rodeotime.com
- IG: dalebrisby

Sponsors:
- Aeropress.com/TNQ

In this episode you will hear:
• I didn’t come here to get hurt. I came here to hurt you. (1:43)
• There’s 2 opposite ends of the spectrum in our community. What happened to me is the worst, and it lets you know how much we can take, and Robby’s [O’Neill] lets you know how great we can be.  (6:07)
• I probably cost the taxpayers a lot of money. (6:35)
• I remember walking onto a village and they’d never seen a white dude. You could tell by the look on their face. (9:09)
• Short of ray guns, we got all kinds of toys. You can’t believe it. (9:45)
• You look completely different when you climb on that bull.
• I could give you the world, but if I don’t give you any discipline, you won’t own anything. (13:25)
• When you step into the arena you’re supposed to be in, you light up. (14:00)
• If you’re standing there and there’s someone taking pain with you, especially if there’s other dudes dying, and they don’t go anywhere, it changes everything. (20:02)
• The greatest gift I ever got is when someone knows not only will I take pain with them – I’ll die with them. (20:10)
• A little suffering goes a long way. (20:52)
• Jumping on a grenade is the epitome of a servant’s heart, but he only had two seconds and that was his knee jerk reaction, because his brothers were in there. (21:40)
• Most of our life is picking on each other. That’s how you know they love you. (24:26)
• Once you get your ass kicked in the military - if you come back with a good attitude, that’s good. (31:28)
• Jocko took his boys in there. He would go out in the daytime and run an American flag to start a fight. He was like “C’mon bitches. You wanna start a fight? I’m here.” (33:12)
• The Navy owns us, but the Army and Marine Corps own the battle spaces, so when we get put in there it’s at the behalf of them. (34:35)
• If God puts an elk within bow range of you that is God telling you that is your elk for this hunt. (39:38)
• There is being humble, and then there’s being so humble you don’t use the gifts you’ve been given. (39:46)
• We all appreciate each other’s world because we appreciate how hard something is. (40:22)
• The perspective it (hell week) gives you in your life, is you can do anything. (43:54)
• There’ll be some stuff you go through that’s simple for someone, but difficult for you. (44:34)
• Everyone fails down here. That’s part of life. Get that out of your head. (45:55)
• There’s a big difference between training to fight and actually being in one. (64:09) 

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie are honored to have Cole Lyle, a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being and the driving force behind Mission Roll Call and the PAWS Act. Cole speaks of the experiences that led him to become a tireless advocate for veterans, including the inception of Mission Roll Call, shedding light on its mission to connect veterans with resources, support, and a community that understands their unique challenges.
He also has been actively championing the significance of the PAWS (Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers) Act, which aims to provide service dogs to veterans struggling with physical and mental health challenges.
Marcus and Melanie extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cole for his unwavering dedication to supporting veterans through Mission Roll Call and the PAWS Act.
If you'd like to learn more or get involved, visit:
https://www.missionrollcall.org/
www.kk9s.org

Sponsors:
  - GoodRX.com/TNQ
  - NavyFederal.org
  - Uncommongoods.com/TNQ

 In this episode you will hear:
• I’m a 7th generation Texan (3:46)
• I actually joined the military straight out of High School. (7:03)
• I was an Eagle Scout.  (8:11)
• When you enlist, they give you a rank for it [Being an Eagle Scout]. (8:27)
• I didn’t have a positive male influence except for my scout masters and football coaches. (9:11)
• There’s a tangible benefit of having a group of people that come from all walks of life. You come from such diverse backgrounds, you forget all your differences and your bullshit to accomplish a mission. (10:35)
• 67% of Gen-Z does not know a veteran or someone on active duty. (11:56)
• That [Marine] uniform has gotten so many guys and girls. (15:05)
• The majority of casualties in GWOT came from fuel convoys. (17:15)
• Men and women get out, and they have to learn how to be an adult again. (25:53)
• One night I spiraled down about that far away from being a suicide statistic. Another marine came and banged on my door. I was actually surprised that him banging on the door didn’t jerk my finger. (28:42)
• My mindset went from ”I have nothing” to “I have the opportunity to do anything.” (29:05)
• 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (29:16)
• She [Kaya) was specifically trained to recognize when I was having a nightmare and she’d jump on the bed and lick my face, wake me up, and stay with me until my heartrate went down. Or she would recognize when I was having an anxiety attack and would do animal assisted intervention, where she’d get up in my face and distract me to keep the snowball effect from getting worse. (31:38)
• You may have kids, you may have a wife that love you very much, but there’s something not wired right and you’re going down this path, so having a dog there you look down at the dog and think “this dog loves me.” (34:42)
• Our connection with dogs is a lot like our relationship with God. (36:14)

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Dr. Kirk Parsley joins Marcus in the podcast studio to share his journey from living a seemingly hopeless childhood, to becoming a Navy SEAL, to becoming a leading authority on the importance of quality sleep for overall well-being.
Learn about the pivotal moments that led him to focus on sleep as a critical factor in human performance.
Dr. Parsley breaks down the alarming statistics and dives deep into the sleep crisis and discusses the societal and medication-related factors contributing to the widespread lack of quality sleep, and the profound impact it has on physical and mental health.
As a former Navy SEAL, Dr. Parsley understands the significance of peak performance. Discover his insights into how optimizing sleep can enhance cognitive function, physical endurance, and overall resilience.
Dr. Parsley has dedicated himself to developing effective sleep remedies to address the challenges many face in achieving restorative sleep. He brings to light the science behind his remedies and how they can be integrated into daily routines for improved sleep quality.
Whether you're a high-performing individual seeking optimization or someone struggling with sleep issues, this episode offers valuable insights to help you unlock the full potential of a good night's sleep.

Sleep Remedy Link:
- https://docparsley.com/tnq/

Socials:
- kirkparsley
- team_neverquit

Sponsors:
- policygenius.com
- Navyfederal.org

 In this episode you will hear:
• I was terrible student my whole life. (5:10)
• I got told I was stupid all the time; felt I was stupid but I was fast, strong and athletic. I used to get in lots of fights. (5:33)
• Our families values were if you can serve in the military, you should. (6:10)
• I didn’t have any good male role models. (6:21)
• [My mom and stepdad] were married 8 years. I was grounded for 7 years and 6 months of that. (8:19)
• I literally had my 3rd grade teacher yell to the whole class that I was the dumbest kid she ever taught in her life. (8:57)
• My stepdad told me I was dumb every day. (9:03)
• {After excelling academically in military training] I thought “Well shit, maybe I’m not so dumb after all.” (11:46)
• They walked us around to the different SEAL teams, and they said, “Here’s your dream list; put down what SEAL team you want to go to. It was at that moment I realized, “I don’t know what a SEAL does.” (12:35)
• I didn’t know I was getting paid. I figured they’re gonna give me a place to live, a uniform, a place to eat. What do I need money for? That’s how naive I was. (15:01)
• [When I learned that the] military had its own medical school, I figured I‘d give back to the SEAL teams - I’ll give back to the community that made me who I am. (21:12)
• Because I had been a team guy, and guys trusted me, 1 guy comes in [with a problem], then 2, 4, 6. Within a month I gad 100 guys come in telling me the exact same issues. I thought they were rehearsed. (24:01)
• I got to learn a lot pretty quick, and learned a lot of non-traditional stuff. [Because] I can’t put people on prescription medication either. (25:19)
• It turns out that Ambien destroys 80% of REM sleep. (20:04)
• [Melanie] Q: So you have a branded sleep supplement?
[Dr. Parsley] A: Yes. Doc Parsley Sleep Remedy.  www.docparsley.com(37:03)
• This is the most vindicating story of my life. SOCOM hired me, and they had all of the healthcare providers in one room and I did a six hour lecture, and they still use it to this day. (40:18)
• We need a pipeline [for veterans dealing with mental issues]. Right now the only pipeline is once people have the barrel in their mouth. (59:11)

This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie delve into the dynamic world of education and entrepreneurship with special guests, Jeff and Laura Sandefer of Acton Academy.

Jeff, a seasoned entrepreneur and esteemed Socratic Guide, has a remarkable dual life, having founded multiple successful businesses and earned accolades as an outstanding teacher at the University of Texas. Laura, co-founder of Acton Academy and an author, takes us on her Hero's Journey in education, chronicled in her book "Courage to Grow."

Acton Academy's learner-driven model has spread across the globe with over 130 locations, emphasizing real-world projects, apprenticeships, and Socratic discussions. The school's foundation lies in the Hero's Journey, a narrative pattern guiding children through adventures, victories, and transformations. Laura passionately discusses Acton Academy's commitment to inspiring children to find their callings, employing adaptive game-based programs and online tools like Khan Academy to teach core skills.

Laura and Jeff share their passion for giving children hands-on entrepreneurial experience through Acton Academy's Children's Business Fairs. These fairs provide children with opportunities to be entrepreneurs, fostering confidence, imparting valuable lessons, and preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world.

 Join us on this insightful journey with Jeff and Laura Sandefer as they discuss Acton Academy's innovative approach to education, combining entrepreneurship, the Hero's Journey, and hands-on experiences to inspire and equip the next generation of independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

Website – https://www.actonacademy.org/

Sponsors:
- aeropress.com/TNQ
- Uncommongoods.com/TNQ

In this episode you will hear:
• The best teacher in the best school in Austin TX just told us not to send our children to traditional school because they’d be chained to a desk and lectured to all day. (7:17)
• I’m not homeschooling. That wasn’t in my blood at all. (7:33)
• One of the narratives of the experience is The Heroes Journey. (9:25)
• An ordinary person hears a call, sets out on an adventure, wrestles monsters, has mentors and guides, seeking a treasure all the way. And they may or may not get the treasure, but they return home a changed person, ready to share their new ideas and character with the world around them. Then, they set out on a new adventure again. (9:38)
• Every time they get knocked down – they may not win, but they’ll get back up. (10:13)
• What a hero’s journey does is distinguish hero vs victim. Any child at an Acton Academy starts claiming the identity of the hero. That’s not someone who wins all the time; its someone who gets back up after they fall down. (10:23)
• The hero takes responsibility and starts problem-solving, whereas a victim outs the blame on somebody else. (10:59)
• They learn ways to work through problems with gritty decision-making (11:28)
• The 3 big monsters starting at age 6: We start wresting with Victim-hood, Resistance, and Distraction. (12:18)
• Sometimes your big brother needs to pick you up and say “get back in the fight.” (16:11)
• IQ is so overrated - because its perseverance, grit, and getting along with people. That’s what really matters. (19:30)
• People who are there because they want to be there, they choose to be there, and they’re on a mission for their life (21:08)
• No adult on campus is ever allowed to answer a question. (25:43)
• Things get chaotic – Part of the model is letting things fall into chaos, and let order arise as the young people figure out how to solve the problem. (26:41)
• What’s the best thing about Acton Academy? They’ll say freedom. (27:11)
• We believe every single child is a genius, who deserves to find a calling and change the world. (42:15)
• The cave you fear to enter is where your treasure lies. (44:37)