Welcome friends, to this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. In today's episode, Marcus has the honor of hosting Michael G Halterman, the Vice President of Operations at The Honor Foundation. With a career spanning over two decades, Michael has a wealth of experience, particularly in operations, leadership, and the military and veterans education sectors. His mission consists of a commitment to help fellow veterans navigate the transition process, ensuring they find their unique path and thrive in the process.

Michael served as a Marine Infantryman for 10 years and is a Plank Owner of 1st Marine Raider Battalion. His profound respect for Special Operators is deeply rooted in his experiences and dedication to the military community.

His story is a testament to the power of a clear personal why and the impact of laser focus in achieving remarkable goals. Join us as we explore the lessons learned and the wisdom gained through Michael's diverse and impactful career.

- GoodRX.com/TNQ

- NavyFederal.com

- UncommonGoods.com/TNQ

• I grew up waving the red, white, and blue. (4:58)

• Growing up in the 80s, guns weren’t like pink and purple. (6:59)

• I was a kid running around with tri-color camo on and realistic-looking guns. (7:05)

• [In the military] I got to learn about life. People from other cultures, because you really don’t know nothing growing up in a small town. (8:28)

• The first thing I remember pulling into Southern Nasiriya, [Iraq]. It was the first time I had seen American vehicles with bullet holes in them - on fire - American military uniforms with blood on them - Helmets tipped over. (12:48)

• How do you go from spending as much time in the military as [the time] I’ve had on the planet? (45:35)

• [The Honor Foundation] is fully designed for you to explore all opportunities in a safe space.  (48:22)

• [The Honor Foundation] is an executive-style education, and it’s three months long. (50:15)

• The big differentiator of who we are at the Honor Foundation is that the entire first phase has nothing to do with LinkedIn, resume’s or any of that. We make these dudes figure out who they are again. (51:44)

• Who are you when no one cares about rank anymore; no one cares about sniper school; no one cares that you can free fall. They wanna know who you are, and before you can tell them that, you have to know who you are. And you have to articulate that well. (52:04)

• The reality is… you’re gonna have to struggle with who you are, who your community is, how to make sense of the world, and the purpose and meaning of life for a while. (61:31)

• We advocate the best time to get a job is when you have a job. (62:40)

• At no time do we tell them what to do. We empower them to go do what they want to do. (70:29)

In this week's Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus engages in a gripping conversation with Nick Allard, whose life took an unexpected turn at the onset of the Ukrainian war. Nick's seemingly ordinary life in Austin, Texas, was disrupted by two extraordinary events that ignited a profound shift in his perspective. Motivated by a newfound sense of purpose, Nick made a spontaneous decision to travel to Ukraine just weeks later, driven by a desire to amplify the untold stories of those affected by the conflict.

The podcast delves into the transformative experiences that shook Nick to his core and convinced him of a greater calling. While in Ukraine, Nick encountered a man whose life had been shattered by the ravages of war. This encounter inspired Nick to create a powerful film titled "Dima." The film vividly captures the horrors endured by its protagonist along the perilous journey, providing a poignant glimpse into the human cost of the conflict.

• Athletics was always king for me when I was growing up. (7:00)

• I was a kid obsessing on war movies, and as I got older, I transformed into an athlete type, and once that ended, I transitioned back to what I’m doing now. It’s come full circle. (7:16)

• That communal feeling was more important than anything growing up as a kid. (8:11)

• [One night] I was knocking out emails on my computer, and all of a sudden I hear a knock on my door. There’s a voice mumbling “Please open the door” and there’s a woman with zip ties firm behind her back and she said that three guys had tried to rape her. (14:34) 

• When things like that happen, I have to find ways to put meaning to it. Otherwise it’s just a thing that happens. (20:22)

• [Marcus] If one thing goes wrong, that’s a day. Days are hard. They’re supposed to be. But when you have two or three constantly pushing you in a certain direction, a lot of people can’t pick that up. That’s why their life get so difficult. That’s your purpose. (22:07)

• [When my friend was drowning] to save my friend was my second thought. The first thought was “God what the hell do you wanna do? What is this?” Then I went into the mode of we gotta pick this guy up and move him. And that was a defining moment. (27:57)

• Once the train’s on the tracks, there’s always the prospect of something happening. (28:46)

• The next place that I went to was Auschwitz. To see and feel the energy that place has was something - unlike anything I’d ever felt. (31:12)

• The have photos of where specific things happened, and then looking at the photo of a woman with her son walking down the path to the gas chamber, and you’re looking at the photo taken in that exact spot. (32:21)

• When you’re backpacking Europe, you get all the kids on vacation. When you’re backpacking in Ukraine, you get like every person from every walk of life that’s involved in war. (36:50)

• [I asked a man] “Were you there when the invasion all started? All of a sudden in his face he was trying to get it out, but there was this pause, his eyes kind of like wearing off into the distance. It was this gut instinct at that moment. It felt like “Oh my something happened.” Something in that pause… (49:14)

• Every dime I had went into that film. (50:53)

• I grew up Catholic but I was always a dude that tried to skip church, then after those 2 life events, I gave up thinking I was in control of all this. (54:26)

• The Ukrainian people feel like they’re ten years behind everybody. (58:22)

• The history that Ukraine and Russia has is brutal. (58:36)

• Don’t forget about it. You don’t have to be posting Ukrainian flags – everybody’s got things to do. Just don’t lose sight of it. (71:31)

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

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

- IG: cesagracie

- www.cesalina.com  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• The most important thing about Jiu Jitsu that it builds and internal constitution that is so strong that you can deal with anything in life. (36:32)

• The greatest value of Jiu Jitsu is applied outside of the mat. (40:36)

• Ultimately, the greatest skill you can have is awareness. (44:01)

• We have to be brutally honest with ourselves as to where we’re standing in life. (55:32)

• What’s actually gonna take you to the top are the mindsets that you’ve created in your journey in Jiu Jitsu. (1:01:58)

• [While climbing Mount Everest] the one question that I did not ask myself was “should I go back to Everest Base Camp?” (1:03:16)

• Another part that was really hard [while climbing Mount Everest] was when I saw dead bodies in the mountain for the first time. (1:03:28)

• I hope everyone gets to experience something in their lives that they have a hard time describing. (1:10:30)

• When I got back to base camp, I immediately called my family, because I didn’t tell anybody I was climbing Mount Everest. (1:20:29)

• Champions are still champions even when they lose. (1:25:35)

• When you have confidence in yourself, you solve so many problems. (1:54:35)

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus welcomes Martha Petrie Sue, a prominent figure in the world of outdoor media and an inspiring leader as the Chair of the Women's Outdoor Media Association (WOMA) – a 501c3 raising money for Foundation for Women Warriors and other groups. As the Chair of WOMA, Martha plays a pivotal role in fostering a community where women in outdoor media can connect, collaborate, and thrive. She champions the voices of women, breaking barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Martha was also appointed Arizona Game & Fish Commissioner.

Martha is not just an advocate for outdoor activities; she's a trailblazer, carving a path for women in the outdoor media landscape. With a passion for adventure and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Martha has seamlessly merged her love for nature with her career, creating a powerful impact along the way. She shares insights into her personal journey and the milestones that led her to become a prominent figure in the outdoor media landscape.

Martha Petrie Sue's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. As the Chair of WOMA, she continues to inspire and empower women to embrace their love for the outdoors and make their mark in the world of media.

Join us for a riveting conversation that explores the intersection of adventure, advocacy, and media with the remarkable Martha Petrie Sue. Tune in and be inspired!

 In this episode you will hear:

• I had a practice husband for 11 years. (4:50)

• 31 years later [in my marriage] here I am Commissioner for Arizona Game & Fish; sitting on the executive committee of NRA Women’s Leadership Forum; I sit on the Arizona Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Board, I’m involved with the Women’s Outdoor Media Association, supporting foundation for women warriors. I do a lot of hunting with wounded warriors and females from that group and do a lot of outdoor experiences for all associations here in Arizona. (7:44).

• 50% of gun sales have been new gun sales to women. I think it’s fantastic, but you gotta get training, and once you get training, you can’t get stale, you have to keep training. (9:28)

• When you [Melanie] and Deb and I started the She Never Quit down at your beautiful ranch in Texas, we had women who had never seen a gun. To teach them not only how to shoot, but the safety behind it is critically important. (9:43)

• A woman came up and she says “We just have to get rid of all these guns in the world.” I said so what you’re saying is I don’t have the right to keep myself safe, is that what I’m hearing you say? “Well no, that’s not what I mean.” Well that’s what you’re saying when you say that. (12:03)

• Some people will never have an open mind. (16:12)

• There’s some people that just will not, and won’t know, and don’t know how to listen. (16:23)

• {Marcus] “You know how bad I wanna fly the space Shuttle?” (17:01)

• You teach the woman, you teach the family (18:40)

• Kids don’t understand the consequence of doing something anymore. And there’s no core of morality it seems to me. (22:08)

• [Melanie] Our leaders act like divorced husband and wife; they argue in front of us, whether that’s our President or Congress. (23:14)

• How do you teach the parents and the teachers how they’re basically ruining these kids’ lives? Where do we start? (24:34)

• We make contracts through Arizona Game & Fish with the ranchers, and we will go out and take out the barbed wire on the fence and put in smooth wire 18” high because the Pronghorn actually go under a fence. They rarely will go over a fence. (27:35)

• [Marcus] Humans, by nature, like to see things get destroyed & beat up. (37:44)

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus is honored to host Vince "Rocco" Vargas, a multi-talented individual with a rich background in military service that spans three combat deployments with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, a decade of service with the U.S. Border Patrol, and his current roles as an entrepreneur, author, actor, writer, and producer.

His unique perspective as a military veteran and federal agent sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the issues at the U.S./Mexico border.

Vince is also an author, and his book, "Borderline: Defending the Home Front," serves as both a memoir and a critical examination of the U.S. Border Patrol. The narrative combines personal experiences with the extensive history of the organization, shedding light on a frequently misunderstood government agency. Vince paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by those tasked with securing the U.S. borders.

Sponsors:

  - GoodRX.com/TNQ

  - vincentroccovargas.com

"BORDERLINE" By Vince Vargas out Nov. 14th

  - IMDb

• To apply for the Border Patrol is a 2-year process. Once you get in, it still takes two years to become a journeyman. After testing and field training, you’re eligible for the programs that the Border Patrol has. (9:52)

• Bortac is the tactical unit of the border Patrol. They are the swat team of the Border Patrol. (10:47)

Borstar are the para rescue jumpers of the Border Patrol - search trauma rescue medics. (10:58)

• It’s incredible to see how overwhelmed they [Border Patrol] are at the moment. The morale of the Border Patrol is pretty low. (16:04)

• Too many people want to blame the Border Patrol for everything. In our immigration system, the Border Patrol’s only job is to apprehend any individuals crossing the border illegally. (16:50)

• In this book, "Borderline: Defending the Home Front,” I tell my story as a Border Patrol agent in detail to humanize the badge. These are Americans who have chosen to defend our nation on our own soil. (18:04)

• So you have 20,000 people coming across saying “Political Asylum.” Then we take them in and investigate that. There’s no system in place that can house that many individuals. There’s no system to hold them for the time being till they determine who’s actually a political asylum case and who’s not. (21:19)

• So we have to host all these individuals, find a way to feed the, give them medical attention, and hold them as if they’re seeking asylum until we can determine if it’s real or not. (22:56)

• I’m not against immigration, but the part of what’s in place now is immigration policy and we have to protect our nation, but we also have to be a nation that is gracious towards immigration. (22:24)

• To see the number of murderers, rapists, and pedophiles that we actually catch – it’s pretty intimidating to think to think of how many we actually miss.

Seeking asylum means that they have critical fear for their life. It’s a blanket statement to help people come across illegally, and right now it’s working. It shouldn’t be.  (30:17)

• [Melanie] Kids under the age of 13, by our policy, are not allowed to be fingerprinted or DNA, which to me is legalizing human trafficking. (31:37)

• There’s been a massive influx in the Del Rio Sector. Close to 11, 000 have come across in the past ten days (37:01)

• If I can be here to do the righteous thing for our country, for my God and for my family, I hope to teach them [my children] in the same sense. (41:45)

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of veterinary medicine and animal wellness. In today's episode, we are honored to have a distinguished guest, Dr. Terry Fossum, a world-renowned and board-certified veterinary surgeon. Dr. Fossum is a leading figure in the field of veterinary surgery, having earned international acclaim for her expertise.

She is the author of a best-selling textbook on small animal surgery, a testament to her deep knowledge and commitment to advancing veterinary practices.

With over 18,000 surgeries under her belt, Dr. Fossum has dedicated her career to the well-being of animals, striving to ensure that pets lead healthy and happy lives.

As a respected authority in the veterinary world, Dr. Fossum has been invited to deliver over 1,000 lectures to veterinarians worldwide. Her insights have shaped the knowledge and skills of professionals across the globe.

Her contributions extend beyond the operating room. Dr. Fossum's commitment to education and sharing her expertise has left an indelible mark on the veterinary community.

• In my world, I do soft tissue surgery. I don’t even do orthopedic anymore. (9:54)

• When I was at A&M, with the help of then governor Perry, we built a large laboratory practice facility. (11:06)

• [Oleander] could be one of the most amazing natural compounds we have ever identified. (12:30)

• Senescent cells are the reason that we age.  I think we can slow it down. (13:50)

• We do want to live longer and healthier. (13:47)

• As the number of divisions that a cell has continues, eventually they start making mistakes.  (14:07)

• Some cells become senescent, which means they no longer divide. They sit in our body and secrete really inflammatory substances. (14:53)

• If you give a chemotherapeutic to a person, you drive some cells into senescence. And those cells are no longer going to respond to the chemotherapeutic. (16:06)

• Q: How much do you think it costs to get a drug approved through the FDA?

A: 2 Billion Dollars [$2,000,000,000)  (17:30)

• When I hear that saying: “Dogs are man’s best friend”, what I think of is that dogs really are man’s best friend. (36:16)

• [Marcus] A dog’s love – Dog and God – that love that they show – unconditional – I wish I could love like that. (37:02)

• Oleander and a couple of synolytics and I think we have a great product that we will all take. (60:07)

• You can tell what kind of people people are by the way they treat their animals. (61:34)

•  [Marcus: My dog, Mr. Rigby, a service canine] Boy, he was my best friend, I loved him and he never said one word to me. (63:32)

• Marcus: When I was a young man going to the SEAL teams, people weren’t SEALS would make up all these grand stories about what it took to get through the program: They give you a puppy, and you have to raise him, and then you gotta kill him. I had to go through [my service dog] Mr. Rigby. And I was the one who had to put him down. I’ve never felt any kind of pain like that. (64:54)

Welcome to the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell, the show where we dive deep into the lives and experiences of remarkable individuals from various walks of life.

In today's episode, Marcus has the pleasure of speaking with Korie Robertson, best known for her role on the hit reality TV show "Duck Dynasty." Korie is not only a beloved television personality but also an author, philanthropist, and advocate for family values. Join us as we explore her journey from the duck blind to the spotlight and beyond.

Korie tells her 4th grade story of unknowingly meeting her husband-to be, Willie. She shares early memories of hunting and the importance of faith and family in her upbringing.

Korie reflects on the unexpected success of "Duck Dynasty" and the impact of the show on their family dynamics and values. She has a deep-rooted faith which guided her through the highs and lows of fame.

Korie's journey goes beyond Duck Dynasty into the world of writing and her books that focus on family and faith. She is also a producer of a new film, "The Blind," executive produced by Willie Robertson, shedding light on the journey of the family’s patriarch, Phil Robertson, and his early struggles with alcohol before he turned his life around with the help of his faith and his family.

- bosshogswife

• Willie is one of those people that can make you laugh. I think he’s gonna keep me young. (6:33)

• I actually met Willie in fourth grade at summer camp. (15:15)

• [Growing up] Willie’s family had one double bed for the four boys. You just slept wherever you could find a spot. (16:25)

• I’ll never forget meeting Phil. He had this big, black beard and it was intimidating. [He said of his boys] they’re gonna be good husbands someday. They’re good hunters, good fishermen. They’re gonna be great providers. He was right. (16:50)

• When Willie was about 30, he decided to go back to work for Duck Commander. (17:59)

• [While on a train in Europe] we were asleep in the [train] car and robbers grabbed one of our friends backpack. Willie chased them down. They dropped the backpack and got it back. (20:16)

• I feel like Willie and I brought in some fresh life and excitement for the family company and started running the website out of our house, and taking orders at 2am. (23:03)

• Be who you are. Don’t try to fit into the mold that someone else says you should be. (26:59)

• There’s a loneliness that comes that comes [with stardom] which you wouldn’t expect cause everybody loves you, but actually you’re in isolation. (28:28)

• The blessings were way bigger than whatever the negatives were. (29:51)

• You grow from hardships. (29:57)

• God doesn’t use people that are perfect. He rarely uses someone that’s perfect. He chooses someone who’s weak. Then His glory is made known. (38:40)

• If you’ve been rescued from the pit, the more you understand grace. (39:27)

• [The movie brings] a message of redemption, and the message that nobody is too far gone. (48:22)

• Things can change and there’s always hope. (48:48) 

Welcome back to another episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell. Today, Marcus speaks with a truly inspiring guest, Aaron Murphy, who has taken the social media world by storm with his videos, and, as a result, is using his platform to fight poverty in South America.

Aaron once struggled with severe anxiety that led him to reliance on drinking and smoking, but he eventually decided he wanted to save himself, so on his self-discovery journey, he set off to backpack in South America. During his time there, he befriended several people and through them not only began learning Spanish, but also learned more about the political and economic state of several South American countries.

When the COVID pandemic surfaced, Aaron found himself in lockdown in South America with the financial resources he had budgeted for his journey running low. Despite his personal financial insecurity, he was so deeply struck by the impoverished conditions of those around him that he gave the last of his resources to a family that was desperately in need of food and recorded the act on TikTok.

Many people were so touched by Murphy’s act of kindness that they began donating money, not only so he could provide for himself, but also so he could continue helping families in need. As a result, Murphy lived in South America throughout the pandemic, documenting the process of aiding their poor. His ultimate goal is to enable families to become self-sufficient, not just to relieve them of extreme poverty for a short period of time.

Socials:

- Tiktok/ IG/ Patreon/Youtube: Murphslife

- Policygenius.com

- factormeals.com/TNQ50

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulZZHjvU8To

 In this episode you will hear:

• Everything I do, I just go hard core. (4:52)

• It got to the point that my health, and my soul and my mental health were at rock bottom. (5:06)

• I’m learning now that whenever you go into the unknown, you’re literally going into the darkness, and you don’t try to say this is how it’s going to be. New experiences could come out of that. (9:29)

• We build a home a week. We’re building a big school for the entire coffee community, and it’s gonna be the quality of a private school. (19:03)

• We’ve paid for a lot of surgeries that have saved kids’ lives. (19:20)

• I’ve seen the tingles and the boobies of charity every single day. (20:02)

• [Marcus] The minute you started focusing on what’s really important, you can feel it on the inside. It’s like a natural drug. (21:19)

• When I truly went through my life and developed a strong relationship with God – it was joy because no matter what, I have God. (29:35)

• I slept on a mattress from the trash in some shit hole where I had to share one toilet with four families and no toilet seat, and I was still able to feel joy. (30:13)

• I don’t think life is about getting quick highs. (31:00)

• I think it’s really good to have a personal – like a personal relationship [with God]. (36:06)

• My passion is finding one family and building them a forever home and a business. (37:12)

• Let’s say we have one farm that can bring in $50-$60,000 a month; now I can take a community of people who are tending to these food crops. Were gonna donate all this food to the orphanage and with 100% of their profit, it can pay for their education and their books. (42:05)

• What if I could pay people a U.S. wage in a poor country? That shit’s never been done before. (47:18)

• I want to feel a great joy and knowledge that I built this society, I created a portal for God like a beacon of light to know that we can create things in this life where people can be paid honestly and decently. (56:04)

• If we go through some catastrophic event, how cool would it be to have places that have food? (58:22) 

Welcome back to another episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, where Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter discuss a weighty subject birthed from their first-hand experience at the US/Mexico border. We're diving deep into the border crisis, exploring the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents, the exploitation of a legal loophole, and the hypocrisy surrounding the issue.

Sponsors:

- Babbel.com/TNQ

- Fitbod.me/TNQ

- GoodRX.com/TNQ

- Joindeleteme.com/TNQ

• There is a loophole that congress put in place that says if you have a child under the age of 13 accompanying you, you have the right to be released into the American population. (9:06)

• Cartels are basically selling off kids to accompany any adult, and the kids are not identified. Border Patrol is not allowed to do any biometrics on them. (9:28)

• The Border Patrol Mission Statement: Protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance our nation’s economic prosperity. (13:59)

• As much as you all are complaining about the border in the last two administrations and y’all ain’t down here doing anything about it - you all are hypocrites, I’m calling you out on it right now, plain and simple. (14:40)

• I don’t want hear anybody talking down to the border guard cause there down there busting their ass. If you got anything bad to say, you don’t even know what the hell is going on. (14:56)

• If an American citizen had what they [Illegals] have - if you were sick, if you had to go to a hospital, 2 agents will drive you in a van to the hospital, all your medication and things like that are paid for. I know soldiers that don’t have that. (15:54)

• In one concentrated area, they had about 46,000 people come in less than a week. (19:34)

• The suicide rate [amongst border patrol] is affecting them. I feel like that’s all stemming from the orders that they’re given. (22:17)

• The fact that we have people that would identify themselves with a uniform and a badge, learn protocol and procedures, and then there might be a slim chance they could get in trouble for enforcing laws that we put on ourselves. (24:52)

• Military veterans have a lot of resource, like foundations, to help them take care of things. Law enforcement has resources as well, but there’s no resources for the Border Patrol. (28:42)

• Their war [Border Patrol] is a shift every day. (30:57)

• Every single place we’ve gone to [around the world],  we have had to stand in line, show our passports, fill out something that states where we’re staying, how long we’re staying, who we’re staying with, and who’s traveling with us. Our 3 week old son had to have a passport. Why can’t we have the same treatment in our country? (42:43)

Welcome back to the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell. This week, Marcus takes a deep dive into the mind of an exceptional individual - Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, a Green Beret, warrior storyteller, and playwright who has a remarkable journey to share. Scott shares his background as a Green Beret, highlighting the rigorous training and the mindset it instills, as well as the importance of adaptability and resilience in high-stakes environments, drawing parallels to civilian life. He explains how military units connect with local communities and the lessons it offers for corporate and personal relationships.

In his distinguished 23-year military career, Mann operated at the highest levels of the Special Operations Community and has been widely recognized for his successful leadership of teams in complex situations. He led “Operation Pineapple Express” — a grassroots leadership campaign using Rooftop Human Connection Skills to honor a promise and save more than 1,000 Afghans from a life-threatening situation amid the chaos of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Scott Mann's journey went from the battlefield to the stage, becoming a playwright and actor in "Last Out," a powerful play that explores the impact of war on veterans and their families. He has learned that storytelling can heal emotional wounds and bridge the gap between veterans and civilians.

Scott also shares key takeaways from his experiences creating and performing in "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret" including the power of vulnerability and the importance of understanding the human cost of war. His vision for the future, both for himself and the broader community, includes his work with veterans and storytelling.

Resources:

Connect with Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann on:

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

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9kltnwaIEU

- Learn more about "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret" and how to support its mission at:

https://lastoutplay.com/film/

- Rooftop Leadership:  https://rooftopleadership.com/

Sponsors:

- Navyfederal.org

- Hatch.co/TNQ

  In this episode you will hear:

• [Military branches] Who’s the best? You can’t even have that conversation because every single operations unit has a charter that they do better than anybody else. (12:01)

• Green Beret – their specialty – has been to work by, with, and through indigenous people and help them stand up on their own. (12:13)

• What you lead with are old school interpersonal skills to build relationships and social capital. And go in with 12 and come out with 12,000. (12:53)

• I loved the regiment, I loved the missions, and I loved the men. (19:05)

• I teach the interpersonal skills that Green Berets specialize in. I teach it in corporate America and I teach it as a leadership trait. (20:39)

• You build trust when risk is low, and you leverage it when risk is high. (24:43)

• [Melanie] The government will spend all the money, but the veterans are the ones who are actually serving the people. (32:19)

• Our families of the fallen – not just gold star, but white star families that have lost members to suicide – they are so active in taking care of everybody else. (32:39)

• I can’t say enough about the Vietnam generation. Those guys are amazing. (44:14)

• [Scott to Marcus] Your story and the story of your teammates has changed lives, it’s saved lives, it has created a macro-level understanding of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood. (48:24)

• The country, more than ever, needs the stories of our veterans and military families, because that shows what right looks like. (48:47)

• [Scott to Marcus] You opened the door, and you showed the rest of the veteran community what right looked like in terms of leadership at home, the courage to tell your story, even when it’s hard – to repurpose your struggle in the service of others. (55:43)