Team Never Quit

This week we catch up with Zach Even-Esh, a physical powerhouse of a human being. Zach has an amazing reputation in the world of fitness, strength, and conditioning. While Zach himself has been training non-stop since 1989, he has also trained thousands of athletes - from the youth level to the college level; from military personnel to the Olympic level, and has inspired countless athletes around the world to achieve greater success in both sports and life.

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In a heart-wrenching testimony of tragedy and perseverance, country singer/songwriter Granger Smith recounts the horrific event that took his 3 year old son from this earthly life. He and his wife Amber used their life-changing experience to learn the hard way – the path to overcoming, endurance, and life-giving counsel and encouragement to others.

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Ever wonder what happens when the fight is over and a soldier puts his rifle down for the last time?  In this episode, you'll hear the story of Jake Wood, a Marine who now doesn't just serve his country, but serves his fellow man throughout the world when disaster strikes. The co-founder of Team Rubicon, a non-profit organization made up of over 100,000 ex-military volunteers who travel to assist wherever disasters occur, shares his desire to make the world a better place by never quitting his service. Hear his viewpoint on how things aren't always hunky-dory and what to do when there is no playbook.  You'll soon find yourself wanting to restore your sense of purpose and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

In today’s podcast, we are excited to bring you Ryan Manion - an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while drawing fire away from his wounded comrades on April 29th, 2007. Drawing on her personal experiences, Ryan inspires us to become the best versions of ourselves, while also serving the greater good. She has created a culture of servant leadership in her company and community, and her approach to personal thriving demonstrates how strong relationships and service to one another promotes personal well-being and leads to collective success. Ryan has learned that personal thriving is a by-product of personal challenges. She inspires us to meet challenges head-on, and perform at our highest potential by harnessing our innate abilities and character strengths. Ryan’s book – The Knock at The Door – was co-written with two other Gold Star women, linked forever by their unimaginable losses. They share their inspiring, unlikely journey that began on the worst day of their lives. Support the show.

In this Best of TNQ Podcast episode we here the compelling, emotional series of events Tiggs has endured. From a four-year old daughter with a massive brain tumor and multiple surgeries; a husband battling PTSD and falling into the darkest mental places, to having one of her best friends of her lifetime pass away, Tiggs gives a riveting account of how her friends supported her and her family, and how her relationship with God brought healing in the worst of circumstances anyone could ever imagine.

Joe Torillo recounts his first-hand experience as a firefighter on September 11, 2001. Joe was directly below the North Tower looking up as the second commercial airliner slammed into it. What transpired in the next few seconds, minutes, hours, and days are nothing shy of unbelievable. He was propelled in the air by the concussion of the falling debris of the North Tower and was literally buried alive under the falling debris, with his skull open, arm snapped and suffocating in darkness. He was rescued and placed in a boat to cross over the Hudson River for medical treatment. That effort was disrupted by falling building debris that covered the boat, where he was buried alive again. Joe’s story is a gripping account of a series of miracles that kept him alive, while hundreds of others suffered a different fate. You won't want to miss this interview as we remember September 11th, 2001.

What an emotional and heartfelt visit we have in store this week with special guest, Taya Kyle, widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. She is an author, political commentator, mother, and military veterans family activist. Taya speaks openly about her life with Chris Kyle, her heart-wrenching experiences, powerful dreams, and a strong faith which has helped keep her moving forward in life with positivity since Chris’ death. She is nothing shy of an amazing woman – an inspiration to all.

3 brilliant minds. 3 difference-makers. These 3 never-quit individuals have come together using unconventional ways to study and understand the human brain and how to apply supercomputers, data, and other innovative technologies to develop advancements in brain treatments. From the electrical properties of the brain, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and polypharmacy, these individuals have teamed up to influence government decision-makers in developing multi-department data sharing to bring healing, treatments, and to improve the lives of their fellow man.

There are events and circumstances in life that catch us by surprise, knock us down, and hand us seemingly overwhelming adversity. JJ Watt explains how, and more importantly why he was able to “get back on the horse” and move forward in life after a season-ending injury, remaking himself to an amazing degree by relentlessly working on being the best. His inspiring attitude towards life, and his never quit mentality, has paid handsome dividends. JJ describes his upbringing, his family, his college and professional football pinnacles and downfalls. His successes have prompted him to give back to the community in a myriad of areas, making him one of the most loved and recognizable names in Houston and throughout the country. Support the show.