Team Never Quit

Join us in this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, as Marcus takes a deep dive into the extraordinary career of Johnny Strong – actor, director, martial artist, and filmmaker. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation a behind-the-scenes look into the multifaceted world of entertainment and creativity. Johnny discusses the inspirations behind his projects and how his diverse skill set shapes his storytelling. Johnny's Film credits include; Get Carter, The Fast and Furious, Black Hawk Down, to Sinners and Saints, Daylight's End, and now in his directorial debut in Warhorse One. He also shares some very interesting on-location adventures you’ll find very interesting. Johnny is joined by Marine Samantha Bonilla, and Mikey Sauers, U.S. Navy SEAL, co-founder of Forged, as well as the Mike Murphy challenge.    Watch 'Warhorse One' Here: - https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/warhorse-one/umc.cmc.2vhqxk1ta9v0vzsw9liztev8x Socials: - operator_films_warhorse_one - samantha_r_bonilla - forgedmike Sponsors: - Navyfederal.org - policygenius.com  - factormeals.com/TNQ50 - 4Patriots.com/TNQ In this episode you will hear: • For anybody that wants to be good at anything, you always want to maintain a humble state of “I’m a learner.” (16:40) • The goal is to find the truth. The goal is to remove all the affectation and barriers we create to protect the self. (20:05) • At 40, you almost begin a second life. (36:49) • A man has 2 lives – the one he lives, and then the one he lives when he realizes he only has one. (37:03) • As an actor, you are waiting for other people to give you an opportunity to do what you want to do. (37:22) • [When my daughter was] two and a half years old, I had this moment and we made a conscious connection. It’s eternal. My thought was: How do I share that with the world? (44:33) • The story of Warhorse One is kind of a metaphor for becoming a father. (45:45) • The man you are before that, and the life you live, and the things that are important to you, after that moment when you have that profound connection [with your child] – your child is all that matters. (45:52) • Everybody can be good at something. (68:39) • In as much as we think we’re in control, there’s only a small amount that we can actually control. (73:15) • If you could be that beacon for somebody out there, even if somebody watches a movie and says, “That’s awesome I’m moved to be a Navy SEAL.” How many people have said to me, “I watched Blackhawk Down, and I joined the Army.” (97:14) • My Type A personality is that I’m not gonna quit. (105:17) •  I’m not doing it for money –this is just my offering to God, the Creator. (111:17)

Mathew Lehnig is the VP of Programs at TakingPoint Leadership, a former Navy SEAL Officer, Combat Proven Veteran, and an expert in leadership development. He draws from 30 years of experience in Naval Special Warfare, and he understands the value of building strong, resilient leaders and teams to help drive organizational success and achieve extraordinary results. -- Have you ever wondered about the mysterious and challenging world of the Navy SEALs? This week, prepare to embark on a captivating journey as we discuss the demanding realities of military life. In our conversations Mathew Lehnig, former US Navy SEAL, we navigate through the intricacies of life decisions, military training, and the unique challenges faced during deployments. Hear first-hand accounts of the importance of camaraderie, mentorship, and maintaining a positive attitude in overcoming obstacles. Mathew shares his inspiring journey of resilience and tenacity, from defying bizarre medical emergencies to remain in service, to successfully transitioning to the civilian world. Listen in as he generously shares insightful advice for veterans and provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our military heroes. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and deeply moved by these stories of human courage, unwavering determination, and profound resilience. Socials: - Mathew_lehnig - Team_Neverquit Sponsors: - Navyfederal.org - 4Patriots.com/TNQ - Mysheetsrock.com/TNQ - Babbel.com/TNQ - GoodRX.com/TNQ Timestamps: (0:11:39) - Influences and Decisions (0:19:50) - Experiences and Challenges in Training (0:22:06) - Discussion on Training and Deployments (0:34:41) - SEAL Team Experiences and Personal Growth (0:39:11) - Challenges and Changes in Military Service (0:50:35) - Medical emergencies and Perseverance (1:00:50) - Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life (1:13:25) - Advice for Transitioning From the Military

Perseverance, passion, and purpose. That’s the inspiring life journey we have the privilege of listening to from three-time Superbowl champion, Matt Light. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Matt and Marcus delve into the remarkable story of a man who not only dominated the gridiron but is currently leaving an indelible mark off the field. His experience of growing up in a rural farming community taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and accountability. Matt says had never seen a football game in his life until he played in his first college game, and eventually won a scholarship to Purdue University, where he served as left tackle behind his friend and future Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Drew Brees. He took up the same position in 2001 for Tom Brady, after being drafted by the New England Patriots, launching what would be a storied NFL career. Matt Light's impact still extends far beyond the football field. He founded the Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering young people through outdoor activities, leadership programs, and character development. Matt Light is a true pro football legend. From his humble beginnings to his enduring influence, Matt’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and the potential for greatness both on and off the field. Socials: - IG: The Light Foundation - www.mattlight72.com - www.celebrateTB12.com (Online Sweepstakes) Sponsors: - Navyfederal.org - Fitbod.me/TNQ - Nextevo.com/TNQ  In this episode you will hear: • I was blessed at an early age to be surrounded by doers – people that were creative, innovative, and crafty. They thought outside the box. (6:15) • I truly had never seen a [football] game in my life until I played in my first college game. (7:58) • Ending up in football? That was the farthest thing from my imagination, but it became a reality. (11:21) • I never went to jail when I hit somebody with pads on. (19:33) • [Football] should be violent sport, but the caveat is – It’s controlled violence. (19:48) • My mom was adamant: whatever you start, you will finish – whether you like it or not. (21:24) • The thing that makes a great coach is their ability to switch gears, depending on who it is they’re coaching. (26:56) • [After a Superbowl win] it was overwhelming, surreal, and wild. You can’t write something like that, but you’re blessed to be a part of it. (55:34) • I like the fight, and I take things personal, and I want to get better every day. (57:09) • [Bill Belichick would ask a question] and if you didn’t have the answer, he was going to destroy you in front of the entire team. So everybody’s on pins and needles. (61:53) • I practiced the little things every single day in practice. (72:25) • I loved the opportunity to go out and prove that I deserved to be on that team. (75:19) • [Our company goal – the Light Foundation - is to develop] responsible, ethical, accountable leaders. (81:53) • Being around guys that were money every time we needed them in the highest pressure situations, was one of the coolest aspects of playing that game. (98:03) • If you can consistently win with one move as a defensive lineman, you’re an all-pro player. (98:58)

He’s a beast… In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus dives into the world of football strength and conditioning with none other than Bennie Wylie, a renowned coach, known for his impressive work with athletes. Bennie has helped the likes of Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman and a multitude of elite athletes achieve their peak performance and reach their fitness goals. Bennie got his start in strength and conditioning as a graduate assistant at Sam Houston State, then went to the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Tennessee, The University of Texas, became Oklahoma’s director of sports performance for football, and currently is the director of football sports performance at USC. Socials: - Bwyliestrong Sponsors: - Navyfederal.org - Hillsdale.edu/TNQ In this episode you will hear: • You think you know what the NFL is, and then you get there and realize its not that at all. (9:55) • [The NFL] is a profession. It’s not a glamour deal. It’s a job. (10:39) • Most people could not handle it. Even if they have the talent, they couldn’t handle all the other stuff. (11:02) • I started [working out] when I was 14, and I haven’t stopped, and I’m 47. (12:54) • The older guys, you have to earn their trust, and earn their respect. (17:13) • I can’t give my team the best and give my family the rest. (20:40) • I’m supposed to love my wife the best of anything first. She’s my first. (21:02) • [Your kids] are gonna be what you put in ‘em. (22:03) • Learn from every life experience that you have in life. (30:14) • People think I’m so extroverted and outgoing, and I am so not – I like being by myself. (33:13) • Anything below the line – below the standard – is unacceptable. (38:00) • Communication runs the world. (40:34)

Today, we bring an unconventional podcast to the Team Never Quit table. We are in San Diego and joining Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter is our favorite Texan, former Governor Rick Perry. Governor Perry brings an incredible knowledge of Texas history, which ties right in to Marcus’ idea of adding a few minutes in each week’s podcast to Texas Tidbits, where we talk about historical info, fun facts, Texas recommendations, food suggestions, Texas etiquette, etc. And who better to kick off Texas Tidbits than the longest serving governor in Texas history. We talk Texas Tidbits, and take a deep dive of the first time Marcus and the Governor met, exactly 17 years ago in San Diego. Sponsors: - NavyFederal.org - Factormeals.com/TNQ50 - Policygenius.com Studio Location: - Loft 100 Studios in Carlsbad, California In this episode you will hear: • [Marcus] Longest serving governor in Texas history, then Secretary of Energy. (4:30) • Agriculture has an inordinate impact on me, as it does on the state of Texas. (12:08) • The greatest governor in Texas history. Nobody even comes in a close second, in my opinion – Sam Houston. (14:02) • [Sam Houston] could probably have been elected President of the United States, had he stayed in the race in 1860. And had he won, I don’t think we would’ve had a civil war. (14:24) • [Sam Houston] brought Texas into the nation. (15:33)  • When he left his house, [Sam Houston’s mother said to him: “And remember, my son, the door of the cottage will be forever open to a courageous man of honor, but it will be closed forever to a coward.” (16:22) • The second greatest governor, in my opinion – Dolph Briscoe. (18:41) • He [Dolph Briscoe] helped put into play the Farm to Market Road system, and helped put into place the Screwworm Eradication Program. (19:19) • Eisenhower put into place the Interstate Highway System. For every 5 miles, you have to have a straight 1mile piece of road. (22:42) • Governing’s not hard: Don’t overtax, don’t over regulate, don’t over litigate, and have a skilled workforce. (24:52) 

What do you do when you witness a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky by an RPG, enter into spiraling depression, fail your team, as well as yourself, and then experience a horrible accident that causes you to lose your hand and forearm? In Aaron Kendle's case, who refuses to be defined by failures, you pick yourself up, and lean on a never quit mindset to live life to its fullest, and achieve an incredible life. Aaron is a retired Navy SEAL where he served as a specialized medic, sniper, airborne leader, and jump school instructor. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, a father, a husband and a Scottsdale Charro. Mr. Kendle is a decorated member of the United States Navy, served as a member of SEAL Team 7, NSWG-1 Training Detachment, and Naval Special Warfare Development over a 15-year career and has dedicated his post-military professional career to helping his fellow brothers in arms transition back into civilian life. Aaron comments: “My resume may read great — but what they don’t see is all of those fails between the lines. For me, those failures stay between the lines.” Sponsors: - Iherb.com/TNQ - MySheetsRock.com/TNQ - NavyFederal.org Photo Credit: Methodist Hospital Aortic Center In this episode you will hear: • Obstacles and failures aren't your defining moments. It's everything that comes after that you grow from. • Major physical injury doesn't define you. • When major things change your life in the physical, figure out ways to do things the best you can. • Make every day better that the day before. • You can dwell on how great Plan A would've been. But when Plan A fails, you gotta come up with a plan B. • Never leave a human hand in the freezer of your hotel room, where the cleaning staff can find it. • After a devastating accident, the prevailing thought should be “I'm alive”. • Terrible occurrences in your life can actually be used to give others, who are in despair, hope and encouragement. • Perspective, attitude and determination go a long way in life. • There's a lot more to life. You just gotta figure out what it is. • You don't get any better that the SEALS mentorship program. • Everything we accomplish in life is based on failures. • Pain and suffering unites us all. • If there's one thing I think we're good at is stuffing emotions. • Watching a Chinook helicopter with 31 guys you know get shot out of the sky with an RPG, is like watching a horrible movie.

From pretending to be a soldier at a young age to becoming a Special Forces soldier to becoming an entrepreneur. That’s this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, former US Army Special Forces Green Beret, Mike Glover. With deployments to fourteen combat theaters, Mike worked in the US Army for over 18 years, serving as a weapons specialist, assaulter, sniper, recon specialist, team sergeant, joint terminal air controller (JTAC), and operations SGM. Mike is the founder and CEO of Fieldcraft Survival, and host of the Fieldcraft Survival Podcast on iTunes, and Soundcloud. He is an avid outdoorsman, traveler, and hunter. He teaches survival and disaster preparedness and provides equipment solutions based on his experience in special operations. As an expert at counter-terrorism, Mike says that survival isn’t just technical ability; it is the encompassing of everything he has learned throughout his career: mindset, technical skills, and equipment. Links/Socials: - https://mikegloveractual.com/ - Instagram: Mike.a.glover Sponsors: -  NavyFederal.org - 55% off (Babbel.com/TNQ) - 20% off (Fitbod.me/TNQ)   -  Up to 80% off (GoodRX.com/TNQ) In this episode you will hear: • Common sense is not so common anymore. If more people paid attention to having a little more common sense, most of the things you see go wrong is because of the lack of it. (2:03) • I joined the Army at the age of 17 and started my journey. (6:05) • I was never the disciplinary unless it came to standards. If you wanted flexibility, you had to meet the baseline. (28:37) • My military certainly taught me how to have and develop hard skills – technical skills. The overwhelming majority of me surviving had nothing to do with hard skills, but had everything to do with planning, preparation, attention to detail, culture, physical fitness, health and wellness, as a collective. (32:38) • You have to understand how to operate and be resilient every single day. (33:29) • Resilience, by far, is the hardest thing to teach. (34:36) • Resilience is the act of getting up after you’ve been beat down. (37:39) • “You’re going to rise to the occasion” is a misnomer. You’re going to fall to your level of training. (40:58) • My company is called Fieldcraft Survival. (43:00) • VSO – Village Stabilization Operations. You wanna have access to placement? Well, get into the environment where people live, train and educate them, empower them, and that place will be better. (50:03) • One of the reasons me and Marcus were successful in our military careers is because we had an institution – a culture that was willing to listen to subject matter experts, and we took that information and applied it to our lives. (54:20)

This week, Marcus Luttrell and former U.S. Air Force PJ and combat rescue officer, Jonathan Harmon, pick up where they left off in their last episode, bringing to the table a deep dive discussion regarding the details of how Jonathan was able to reasonably calculate Marcus’ direction and future location during the Operation Red Wings series of events in Afghanistan in June, 2005. Many details of that op are included in today’s discussion. It has now been 18 years since Operation Red Wings occurred. NOTE: “PJ” (Air Force Pararescuemen) are the only DOD elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations. Listen in as Jonathan & Marcus discuss the details of the efforts it took to bring Marcus home as the lone survivor of that operation.  In this episode you will hear: • He [Matt Axelson] had made it close to a village and ended up being shot and killed. And then a villager took his body even further away and buried it. (4:27) • The best record we have [of Operation Red Wings] is from Marcus’ memory. (5:24) • I think the American public would find it completely fascinating to learn what efforts our government will go to, to bring their people home. (10:24) • What if you had the ability - and we knew there was a television close by - and you’re being held in a foreign country. It [a discrete message] could be so much as just a message on the television as simple as a small American flag on the screen. (11:55) • If you can think of the worst day of your entire life, and how despondent you can be - that’s every day in captivity. (13:17) • He [Marcus’ primary target] - disappeared through an air strike. (18:31) • So I hand my map off, [and proceeds to list his specific findings] and predict where they would end up, and I’m told: “We’re going to Afghanistan.” (23:36) • The two [sources of information - the Army’s findings and Jonathan’s findings] validated one another. So we had a location and we had confirmation. (28:07) • For those that don’t know, we stripped that aircraft down. We took nothing that wasn’t necessary. (30:00) • I like to call it a recovery – not of remains – but of a person because rescue would imply that we are rescuing you from our friendly forces. That’s not necessarily the case. (30:58)  • I think the first thing [that should happen to Marcus after his recovery] is that and he needed to get a full blown medical evaluation. (33:27) • Doc Dickens will convince you that you are superman. You’re the fullest expression of yourself. (38:32) • If there was a father figure for all of us – it was him [Doc Dickens]. (40:29)   • One has to consider the gravity of the circumstances [of Operation Red Wings]. The single most loss of life in the history of the United States Navy SEALS just happened. (42:27) • To be given the clothing of the village elder is a personification of being him himself. (51:10) • [Jonathan telling Marcus] Your adherence to your faith in captivity was unique among all stories I’ve ever heard. (51:48) • If you pull the John Wayne act [while in enemy captivity], you’re gonna get tortured and killed. (53:52) • He [Marcus] rewrote singlehandedly a lot of our resistance posture training because we were fighting a different kind of enemy that we didn’t write manuals for. (56:10) • [Marcus] They would laugh at me because I would fall down, and I just kept trying. I would fail all the time. I can’t believe they kept me. (60:19) • [Jonathan to Marcus] I have a question to ask you and I want you to think about this. Do you want to continue to operate? Or do you want to be a hero? And he thinks about it and says, “Fuck, man. I wanna operate.” (71:58) • We learned early on that asking permission wasn’t gonna work. The very first thing I learned from the SEALS – beg for forgiveness. (87:55)

June 28, 2005 is remembered as one of the biggest losses the SF/SO community has endured. We have seen the portrayal of that battle and the rescue missions in the movie Lone Survivor and in documentaries from the Smithsonian Institute. Hundreds of thousands of people have since found inspiration and displayed high levels of patriotism in honor of the bravery and valor these men displayed. Today, we ask you to get to know the men behind the uniform and join us in keeping their memories alive along with those who knew them best. Say their names to a friend or family member and share their stories with those who may not know. It has been said that when a loved one dies, the family experiences two deaths – once when they leave this earth and again when people forget who they were. Please join us and never forget those who gave all during Operation Red Wings.   In this episode, you will hear from: • Laura McGreevy, Surviving Spouse of Lt Michael M. McGreevy, Jr. • Char Westfall, Surviving Spouse of SOC Jacques J. Fontan • Erin Taylor, Surviving Spouse of SO1 Jeffrey S. Taylor • Patsy Dietz, Surviving Spouse of SO2 Danny Dietz • Cindy Axelson, Surviving Spouse of SO2 Matthew Axelson • Rhonda Lucas, Surviving Spouse of SO1 Jeffery A. Lucas • Norminda Healy, Surviving Spouse of SOCS Daniel R. Healy • Chase Patton, Brother to SO2 Shane E. Patton • Judy Goare, Mother of SSG Shamus O. Goare • Maureen Murphy, Mother of Lt Michael P. Murphy • Claudia Suh, Sister to SO2 James E. Suh Note: Not all families were able to participate in the video calls from which this audio was derived. We will always remember them and thank them for their service. Other Soldiers Who Gave All During Operation Red Wings: • CWO3 Corey J. Goodnature • SGT Kip A. Jacoby • LCDR Erik S. Kristensen • SFC Marcus V. Muralles • MSG James W. Ponder, III • MAJ Stephen C. Reich • SFC Michael L. Russell • CWO4 Chris J. Scherkenbach Marcus continues to honor the fallen and asks that you join him never forgetting their bravery and sacrifice. June 28, 2005 – Never Forget.

In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus has a deep dive conversation with U.S. Air Force PJ, and combat rescue officer, Jonathan Harmon. NOTE: “PJ” (Air Force Pararescuemen) are the only DOD elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations. Jonathan was instrumental in successfully locating Marcus in Afghanistan with the most miniscule of data which facilitated his subsequent rescue. Listen in to Jonathan’s fascinating details of all that it takes to bring our soldiers home.   In this episode you will hear: • My Aunt was a WASP (Women’s Auxiliary Service Pilot). She flew aircraft across the Atlantic, and trained other pilots. They would test and assure that an aircraft was safe to fly. (10:06) • I had absolutely no intention of joining the military. I was into skating & surfboarding. (16:28) • I loved skydiving. I was with my peeps for the first time in my life. (23:23) • [Red ants] get real pissed off when you do 8 counts on top of them. (29:57) • [In Afghanistan rescue missions] you’re out there rescuing kids and village elders. You want to let them know that you stand shoulder to shoulder with them. You’re not gonna leave ‘em high and dry. (51:09) • It wasn’t that I traded a life for a degree, but that how it felt. I promised myself that I would never allow my education get in the way of my job. (65:33) • One of the best things we learned was that one of the best medicines, sometimes, is lead. (70:12) • Most people don’t know that 1003 Victor became known as Iraqi Freedom. (75:42) • I had the chance to coordinate about 1,000 rescue missions. Recovery missions as well as rescue missions. (76:05) • Reintegration is the process that returns people with homer, helping them transition back from captivity or isolation, back to their units and families so they can become “value added.” (78:18) • We’re seeing Post traumatic stress in epic proportions. (79:26) • As a PJ, we focus on medical – combat medicine. (80:41) • I can’t declare a personnel recovery event, because they’re not my forces. (91:38) • It’s important to know that a report has to come through a channel that is bonafide. (91:47) • [Operation Red Wings - After a series of signals and analysis, I thought] what I feel like is that I’ve got somebody on the run. And I’m really certain it’s an American, because of where they’re running and how they’re running. And it gave me a confidence factor that I had at least one survivor. [97:34)