Team Never Quit | Podcast Guru

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Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Melanie Luttrell, and Producer Hunter Juneau as they’ll take you into the "briefing room" to chat with incredible guests who share their greatest never quit stories. This humorous, heartfelt, and entertaining podcast is changing lives and has become a beacon of hope and resilience to those who are facing the impossible. One of the best ways we can support our community is to share their stories so that we might inspire others to Never Quit.

Recent Episodes

Rep. Jason Crow: Former Army Ranger Captain & Bronze Star Recipient Serving a New Mission in the Halls of Congress

APR 9, 2025

Rep. Jason Crow: Former Army Ranger Captain & Bronze Star Recipient Serving a New Mission in the Halls of Congress

<div> <strong>From Ranger to Representative: Jason Crow on Service, Sacrifice, and Solutions</strong><br> 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.<br> 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.<br> <br> We dive into:<br> • Jason’s path from working-class roots to the battlefield and into the halls of Congress<br> • How his military experience shapes his approach to leadership and legislation<br> • His work helping veterans navigate life after service</div> <br> <div>Tune in for a powerful conversation on service, sacrifice, and putting people before politics.</div> <br> <div> <strong>In This Episode You Will Hear:<br> </strong>• I got hooked in the military for college money. (8:00)<br> • [The military] totally changed the trajectory of my life. (9:54)<br> • I always make it a point when I run into a Vietnam vet; I say “Welcome Home.” (16:20)<br> • [Marcus] Q: “Did you sign up for ranger school? What’s that like?” A: “Well, it sucks.” (20:22)<br> • 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)<br> • College is good, but I tell a lot of folks is [to learn] a trade. (35:40)<br> • The civil military divide: How little understanding a lot of people in America have of military service. (39:53)<br> • To be a veteran advocate, you had to be the squeaky wheel in politics. (41:08)<br> • Morgan [Luttrell] and I have this bill trying to stop veteran suicides in VA facilities. (43:34)<br> • We can only make good policy if we have good information. (44:47)<br> • [Marcus] “You and I don’t need enemies – we have friends.” (48:21)<br> • [Marcus] “My brother never says anything nice to me.” (48:30)<br> • [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)<br> • 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)<br> • 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)<br> <br> <strong>Socials:<br> - Bio</strong>: <em><a href="https://crow.house.gov/about">https://crow.house.gov/about</a></em> <br> <strong> - X:</strong> <em><a href="https://x.com/RepJasonCrow">https://x.com/RepJasonCrow</a></em> <br> <strong> - Facebook</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RepJasonCrow/">https://www.facebook.com/RepJasonCrow/</a></em> <br> <strong> - Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/repjasoncrow/?hl=en#"><em>repjasoncrow</em></a><strong> </strong><br> <br> <strong>Support TNQ<br> </strong><em>-</em> IG:<em> </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/#"><em>team_neverquit</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/#"><em>marcusluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/melanieluttrell/#"><em>melanieluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/huntero13/#"><em>huntero13</em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit"><em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit">https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit</a></em></a><em><br> </em><br> <strong>Sponsors:<br> - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th <br> </strong>Watch Trailer here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw</a> <br> First Look Link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s</a><br> <br> - <a href="http://Selectquote.com/TNQ">Selectquote.com/TNQ</a><strong><br> - </strong><a href="http://groundnews.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://Groundnews.com/TNQ">Groundnews.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><strong><br> - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or </strong><a href="http://target.com/"><strong><a href="http://Target.com">Target.com</a></strong></a><strong><br> <br> - </strong><a href="http://selectquote.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://selectquote.com/TNQ">selectquote.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><strong><br> - </strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ">shipsticks.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><br> <em> - </em><a href="http://navyfederal.org/"><em><a href="http://Navyfederal.org">Navyfederal.org</a></em></a><em> <br> - </em><a href="http://robinhood.com/gold"><em><a href="http://Robinhood.com/gold">Robinhood.com/gold</a></em></a><em><br> <br> </em><strong> - </strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ">strawberry.me/TNQ</a></strong></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com/"><em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com">stopboxusa.com</a></em></a><em> {TNQ}<br> - </em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ">ghostbed.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> <br> - </em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ">kalshi.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://pxg.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PXG.com/TNQ">PXG.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ">joinbilt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://tonal.com/"><em><a href="http://Tonal.com">Tonal.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ">greenlight.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://pdsdebt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PDSDebt.com/TNQ">PDSDebt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://drinkag1.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://drinkAG1.com/TNQ">drinkAG1.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://shadyrays.com/"><em><a href="http://Shadyrays.com">Shadyrays.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ">qualialife.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://hims.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Hims.com/TNQ">Hims.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://shopify.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Shopify.com/TNQ">Shopify.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://aura.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Aura.com/TNQ">Aura.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://policygenius.com/"><em><a href="http://Policygenius.com">Policygenius.com</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://takelean.com/"><em><a href="http://TAKELEAN.com">TAKELEAN.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://usejoymode.com/"><em><a href="http://usejoymode.com">usejoymode.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]</em> </div>

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59 MIN

Chad Caruso: Skating Across America For A Cause & Inspiring The Nation, Guinness Book World Record Holder

APR 2, 2025

Chad Caruso: Skating Across America For A Cause & Inspiring The Nation, Guinness Book World Record Holder

<div> <strong>Skating Across America for Sobriety and Purpose<br> </strong>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.<br> 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.<br> <br> In this episode Chad shares about:<br> •His record-setting skate across the U.S.<br> •What pushed him to keep going — physically, mentally, and emotionally<br> •How skateboarding saved his life<br> •His work raising awareness for addiction and mental health<br> •The creation of his book, “Pushing Through America”<br> •What’s next in his mission to inspire and uplift others<br> <br> 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.<br> <br> Follow Chad on Instagram: @chad_caruso<br> Check out his book: <em>Pushing Through America<br> </em><br> <strong>In This Episode You Will Hear:<br> </strong>• I’ve been skateboarding for a little over 25 years. That’s really all I’ve devoted my life to. (3:19)<br> • I definitely recommend finishing school. (5:36)<br> • 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)<br> • That was the real turning point [when facing jail time] I had to look around and say “Alright, what are you doin?” (10:02)<br> • [I got into the Guinness Book of World Records] It was this year. (13:30)<br> • 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)<br> • 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)<br> • [I completed the entire distance with] 1 board; I didn’t change the wheels or the bearings, or anything. (23:56)<br> • Even if it’s way slower than you normally go, if you keep treading that ground, you’re gonna make it there. (28:55)<br> • 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)<br> • [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)<br> • “If you keep pushing, you’re gonna get there.” (36:17)<br> • When you’re out there alone for so many hours, all the noise of society and people’s opinions kinda fades away. (36:26)<br> • When you’re left to yourself, you realize how simple life is. (36:35)<br> • Quitting drinking and focusing on my hobby turned my life around. (41:34)<br> • Whatever you’re most interested in or gets you excited – just pursue that. (41:52)<br> • If I can help to make this life a little bit better, that’s a win. (47:41)<br> <br> <strong>Socials:<br> - </strong>Chad's Website: <a href="https://chadcaruso.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop-itFsFDe1VaizcL5bdyRpDn-edp0YecWQ-SdGcoBmGKkCH3lo">https://chadcaruso.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop-itFsFDe1VaizcL5bdyRpDn-edp0YecWQ-SdGcoBmGKkCH3lo</a><br> - Chad's YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChadCaruso">https://www.youtube.com/@ChadCaruso</a><br> - Chad's Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chad_caruso/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/chad_caruso/?hl=en</a><br> - Chad's TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@chadcaruso">https://www.tiktok.com/@chadcaruso</a><br> <br> <strong>Support TNQ<br> </strong><em>-</em> IG:<em> </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/#"><em>team_neverquit</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/#"><em>marcusluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/melanieluttrell/#"><em>melanieluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/huntero13/#"><em>huntero13</em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit"><em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit">https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit</a></em></a><em><br> </em><br> <strong>Sponsors:<br> - WARFARE IN THEATERS<br> - <a href="http://Groundnews.com/TNQ">Groundnews.com/TNQ</a><br> - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or <a href="http://Target.com">Target.com</a><br> <br> - </strong><a href="http://selectquote.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://selectquote.com/TNQ">selectquote.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><strong><br> - </strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ">shipsticks.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><br> <em> - </em><a href="http://navyfederal.org/"><em><a href="http://Navyfederal.org">Navyfederal.org</a></em></a><em> <br> - </em><a href="http://robinhood.com/gold"><em><a href="http://Robinhood.com/gold">Robinhood.com/gold</a></em></a><em><br> <br> </em><strong> - </strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ">strawberry.me/TNQ</a></strong></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com/"><em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com">stopboxusa.com</a></em></a><em> {TNQ}<br> - </em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ">ghostbed.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> <br> - </em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ">kalshi.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://pxg.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PXG.com/TNQ">PXG.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ">joinbilt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://tonal.com/"><em><a href="http://Tonal.com">Tonal.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ">greenlight.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://pdsdebt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PDSDebt.com/TNQ">PDSDebt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://drinkag1.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://drinkAG1.com/TNQ">drinkAG1.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://shadyrays.com/"><em><a href="http://Shadyrays.com">Shadyrays.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ">qualialife.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://hims.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Hims.com/TNQ">Hims.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://shopify.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Shopify.com/TNQ">Shopify.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://aura.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Aura.com/TNQ">Aura.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://policygenius.com/"><em><a href="http://Policygenius.com">Policygenius.com</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://takelean.com/"><em><a href="http://TAKELEAN.com">TAKELEAN.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://usejoymode.com/"><em><a href="http://usejoymode.com">usejoymode.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]</em> </div>

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49 MIN

Matt Griffin: Navy Rescue Swimmer, Undercover Cop, Advocate: The Journey to Midnight

MAR 26, 2025

Matt Griffin: Navy Rescue Swimmer, Undercover Cop, Advocate: The Journey to Midnight

<div> <strong>The Journey to Midnight: From Navy Rescue Swimmer to Mental Health Advocate – A Conversation with Matt Griffin<br> </strong><br> 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.<br> 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.<br> 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.<br> 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.<br> 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.<br> 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 <em>The Journey to Midnight</em>.<br> <br> In this episode, Matt opens up about:<br> <br> </div> <ul> <li>His military and law enforcement career and the challenges he faced</li> <li>What it means to serve undercover during a drug epidemic</li> <li>The mental toll of frontline service—and the road to healing</li> <li>His passion for changing the culture around mental health in emergency services</li> <li>How immersive VR is being used to transform training and wellness in policing</li> </ul> <div>Whether you're in uniform or support someone who is, this is a powerful and inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss.<br> <br> <strong>In This Episode You Will Hear:</strong><br> • [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)<br> •You just never knew when to give all you had, so all you do was constantly give all you had. (31:13)<br> •Life’s not fair, which makes it fair. (36:45)<br> •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)<br> •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)<br> •America makes up 80 something percent of the world’s opioid prescriptions. (63:11)<br> •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)<br> • [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)<br> •If you want to learn how to make ramen the right way, ask a military guy. (76:31)<br> •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)<br> •The off-ramp is – it’s okay to not be okay. (80:05)<br> •Once you realize that life is short, you don’t want to waste 24 hours being hungover. (86:04)<br> •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)<br> •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)<br> •Tomorrow is a good day, and you can make it there. (93:20)<br> •The scariest day of my life was when I hit “publish” on my book. (100:08)<br> •Where I sit here today, God is the biggest influence in my life. (107:08)<br> •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)<br> <br> <strong>Socials:<br> -- IG: authormattgriffin<br> — </strong><a href="https://authormattgriffin.com/keynote">https://authormattgriffin.com/keynote</a><br> <strong>Support TNQ<br> </strong><em>-</em> IG:<em> </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/#"><em>team_neverquit</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/#"><em>marcusluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/melanieluttrell/#"><em>melanieluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/huntero13/#"><em>huntero13</em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit"><em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit">https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit</a></em></a><em><br> </em><br> <strong>Sponsors:<br> - WARFARE IN THEATERS <br> - <a href="http://selectquote.com/TNQ">selectquote.com/TNQ</a><br> - </strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ">shipsticks.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><br> <em> - </em><a href="http://navyfederal.org/"><em><a href="http://Navyfederal.org">Navyfederal.org</a></em></a><em> <br> - </em><a href="http://robinhood.com/gold"><em><a href="http://Robinhood.com/gold">Robinhood.com/gold</a></em></a><em><br> <br> </em><strong> - </strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ">strawberry.me/TNQ</a></strong></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com/"><em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com">stopboxusa.com</a></em></a><em> {TNQ}<br> - </em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ">ghostbed.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> <br> - </em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ">kalshi.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://pxg.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PXG.com/TNQ">PXG.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ">joinbilt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://tonal.com/"><em><a href="http://Tonal.com">Tonal.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ">greenlight.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://pdsdebt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PDSDebt.com/TNQ">PDSDebt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://drinkag1.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://drinkAG1.com/TNQ">drinkAG1.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://shadyrays.com/"><em><a href="http://Shadyrays.com">Shadyrays.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ">qualialife.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://hims.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Hims.com/TNQ">Hims.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://shopify.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Shopify.com/TNQ">Shopify.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://aura.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Aura.com/TNQ">Aura.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://policygenius.com/"><em><a href="http://Policygenius.com">Policygenius.com</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://takelean.com/"><em><a href="http://TAKELEAN.com">TAKELEAN.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://usejoymode.com/"><em><a href="http://usejoymode.com">usejoymode.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]</em> </div>

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119 MIN

Ray Mendoza: Retired Navy SEAL Turned Director - The True Story Behind “Warfare,” Bringing Authentic Warfare To Hollywood

MAR 19, 2025

Ray Mendoza: Retired Navy SEAL Turned Director - The True Story Behind “Warfare,” Bringing Authentic Warfare To Hollywood

<div> <strong>From the Battlefield to Hollywood: Retired Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza on Honoring Warriors Through Film.<br> </strong><br> 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.<br> <br> <strong>Ray’s SEAL Career & Heroism:<br> </strong>· Ray shares his journey from enlisting in the Navy in 1997 to becoming a SEAL and instructor.<br> · His experiences in combat, including the mission that earned him the Silver Star.<br> · Lessons from special operations and how they shape his approach to storytelling.<br> <strong>Transition to Hollywood:<br> </strong>· How a role in <em>Act of Valor</em> introduced him to the world of filmmaking.<br> · His work as a military advisor on <em>Lone Survivor</em> and other projects.<br> · Producing <em>The Warfighters</em> and <em>The Selection</em>—his commitment to employing veterans in the industry.<br> <strong>The Making of the film: “</strong><strong><em>Warfare”<br> </em></strong>· Co-writing and co-directing <em>Warfare</em> with Alex Garland (<em>Civil War</em>).<br> · The real-life mission that inspired the film and its deeply personal connection to his friend Elliott Miller.<br> · The responsibility of portraying modern combat authentically and why this film stands out.<br> · Insights from actors Charles Melton and Will Poulter on the emotional weight of the project.<br> <strong>Where to Watch & Follow:<br> </strong>· Stay updated on <em>Warfare</em>’s release and behind-the-scenes content.<br> · Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast.<br> <br> Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with Ray Mendoza—this is one you don’t want to miss!<br> <br> <strong>In this episode you will hear:<br> </strong>• [Marcus] You go through your military career, then we get out, and then go to Hollywood. (19:47}<br> • 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)<br> • If you do do it, what is it gonna say? You gotta be really sure why you’re doing it. (26:30)<br> • It’s hard, when you talk to somebody, to tell their story. (27:14)<br> • Having those hard conversations with people. It’s kind of difficult. And to put in on film is another level of difficulty. (27:26)<br> • The big thing we were doing was overwatches. Clearance operations, pushing through a sector. Establishing a foothold. (31:31)<br> • 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)<br> • Everybody got fragged. When you hear a piece of metal land on concrete, it’s a very distinct sound. (40:55)<br> • 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)<br> • Well, if we don’t make it, at least we’ll all die together. (80:35)<br> • I’d rather die with my bro’s, than die alone. (80:44)<br> <br> <strong>Socials:<br> -- IG: Warfare Movie <br> — Movies releases April 11th in theaters near you </strong><br> <br> <strong>Support TNQ<br> </strong><em>-</em> IG:<em> </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/#"><em>team_neverquit</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/#"><em>marcusluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/melanieluttrell/#"><em>melanieluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/huntero13/#"><em>huntero13</em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit"><em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit">https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit</a></em></a><em><br> </em><br> <strong>Sponsors:<br> - WARFARE IN THEATERS <br> - </strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ">shipsticks.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><br> <em> - </em><a href="http://navyfederal.org/"><em><a href="http://Navyfederal.org">Navyfederal.org</a></em></a><em> <br> - </em><a href="http://robinhood.com/gold"><em><a href="http://Robinhood.com/gold">Robinhood.com/gold</a></em></a><em><br> <br> </em><strong> - </strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ">strawberry.me/TNQ</a></strong></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com/"><em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com">stopboxusa.com</a></em></a><em> {TNQ}<br> - </em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ">ghostbed.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> <br> - </em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ">kalshi.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://pxg.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PXG.com/TNQ">PXG.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ">joinbilt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://tonal.com/"><em><a href="http://Tonal.com">Tonal.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ">greenlight.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://pdsdebt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PDSDebt.com/TNQ">PDSDebt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://drinkag1.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://drinkAG1.com/TNQ">drinkAG1.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://shadyrays.com/"><em><a href="http://Shadyrays.com">Shadyrays.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ">qualialife.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://hims.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Hims.com/TNQ">Hims.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://shopify.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Shopify.com/TNQ">Shopify.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://aura.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Aura.com/TNQ">Aura.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://policygenius.com/"><em><a href="http://Policygenius.com">Policygenius.com</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://takelean.com/"><em><a href="http://TAKELEAN.com">TAKELEAN.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://usejoymode.com/"><em><a href="http://usejoymode.com">usejoymode.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]</em> </div>

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91 MIN

Why Sleep Could Save Your Life: FBI Psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor on Sleep, Trauma & High-Pressure Environments

MAR 12, 2025

Why Sleep Could Save Your Life: FBI Psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor on Sleep, Trauma & High-Pressure Environments

<div> <strong>Sleepless No More: Trauma, Recovery, and the Science of Sleep with Dr. Leah Kaylor<br> </strong>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:<br> · <strong>Foundational Expertise:<br> </strong>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.<br> 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.<br> · <strong>Forensic and Crisis Intervention:<br> </strong>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.<br> · <strong>Scholarly Contributions & Thought Leadership:<br> </strong>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.<br> 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.<br> · <strong>Deep Dive into Sleep Science:<br> </strong>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.<br> 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.<br> 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.<br> Tune in now for a transformative discussion on how quality sleep can pave the way for healing and recovery!<br> <br> <strong>In this episode you will hear:<br> </strong>• 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)<br> • 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)<br> • 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)<br> • REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is most famous for having dreams. (23:44)<br> • Folks who have problems sleeping – there are so many things you can to help yourself. (38:12)<br> • Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning. This is key. (39:4)<br> • 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)<br> • 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)<br> • In my work, folks experience things and see things that we should not be asking normal human beings to see. (47:04)<br> • [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)<br> • Taking time to reflect either alone or with someone you trust: How is this impacting me? What’s happening? (51:36)<br> • I have a book coming out on sleep coming out on sleep. It’s called <em>The Sleep Advantage</em>. (56:02)<br> • 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)<br> <br> <strong>Socials:<br> -- </strong><a href="https://www.drleahkaylor.com/">https://www.drleahkaylor.com/</a> <br> <strong>-- </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/drleahkaylor">https://www.facebook.com/drleahkaylor</a> <br> <br> <strong>Support TNQ<br> </strong><em>-</em> IG:<em> </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/#"><em>team_neverquit</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/#"><em>marcusluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/melanieluttrell/#"><em>melanieluttrell</em></a><em> , </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/huntero13/#"><em>huntero13</em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit"><em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit">https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit</a></em></a><em><br> </em><br> <strong>Sponsors:<br> - </strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://shipsticks.com/TNQ">shipsticks.com/TNQ</a></strong></a><br> <em> - </em><a href="http://navyfederal.org/"><em><a href="http://Navyfederal.org">Navyfederal.org</a></em></a><em> <br> - </em><a href="http://robinhood.com/gold"><em><a href="http://Robinhood.com/gold">Robinhood.com/gold</a></em></a><em><br> <br> </em><strong> - </strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ"><strong><a href="http://strawberry.me/TNQ">strawberry.me/TNQ</a></strong></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com/"><em><a href="http://stopboxusa.com">stopboxusa.com</a></em></a><em> {TNQ}<br> - </em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://ghostbed.com/TNQ">ghostbed.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> <br> - </em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://kalshi.com/TNQ">kalshi.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://pxg.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PXG.com/TNQ">PXG.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://joinbilt.com/TNQ">joinbilt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://tonal.com/"><em><a href="http://Tonal.com">Tonal.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://greenlight.com/TNQ">greenlight.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://pdsdebt.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://PDSDebt.com/TNQ">PDSDebt.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://drinkag1.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://drinkAG1.com/TNQ">drinkAG1.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://shadyrays.com/"><em><a href="http://Shadyrays.com">Shadyrays.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://qualialife.com/TNQ">qualialife.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://hims.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Hims.com/TNQ">Hims.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://shopify.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Shopify.com/TNQ">Shopify.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> <br> - </em><a href="http://aura.com/TNQ"><em><a href="http://Aura.com/TNQ">Aura.com/TNQ</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://policygenius.com/"><em><a href="http://Policygenius.com">Policygenius.com</a></em></a><em><br> - </em><a href="http://takelean.com/"><em><a href="http://TAKELEAN.com">TAKELEAN.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]<br> - </em><a href="http://usejoymode.com/"><em><a href="http://usejoymode.com">usejoymode.com</a></em></a><em> [TNQ]</em> </div>

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61 MIN