Team Never Quit

Jonathan Wilson: Making the Invisible Visible - A Navy SEAL’s Mission to Save Lives

Making the Invisible Visible: A SEAL’s Mission to Redefine Mental HealthThis week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Jonathan Wilson, founder and CEO of INVI MindHealth, a groundbreaking mental-health technology company built on one powerful mission: to save and improve lives by making the invisible visible.Jonathan’s journey is anything but ordinary. He began his professional career serving over a decade as a United States Navy SEAL, deploying to multiple combat theaters across several SEAL Teams. After leaving active duty, he carried the mindset of service into the private sector—first as an equity trader at Goldman Sachs in New York City, and later at Capital Group.In 2012, Jonathan co-founded and led the SEAL Future Foundation (SFF), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting Navy SEALs in their transition beyond service. Under his leadership, SFF has helped thousands of SEALs and returned millions of dollars to the community—providing support in education, career development, and long-term well-being so operators can continue a life of service.Now, through INVI MindHealth, Jonathan is tackling one of the most critical challenges facing both the military and civilian worlds: mental health. INVI’s technology leverages objective data to provide early insight, awareness, and intervention—bridging the gap between how someone looks on the outside and what’s happening on the inside.Jonathan also brings elite academic credentials to the table, holding an MBA from the University of Oxford and graduating from the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.This is a conversation about purpose, prevention, and pushing the mission forward—no matter the battlefield.In this episode you will hear:• I inevitably landed on a book that I found from Vietnam: The Frogman Book and I thought: “What is this?” I read that and I was like: “This is it. This is what I wanna be.” (24:39)• Looking back now, I think the Lord is probably teaching me a lesson. I got caught with a fake ID card. You’re done. From that point I hit one of lowest points. (27:22)• [I went to SEAL] Team 4. We ended up going to Bagdad. I did back-to back. It’s what team guys want. We were doing DA’s, hostage rescues; we were operating damn near every night. (45:16)• After being married and with 5 kids, and we had lost a lot of friends – maybe it’s time to get out and I agreed. (48:04)• In my head I was thinking, what’s the next hardest thing? That’s how my brain thinks. (48:40)• I didn’t think I’d fit outside. I partially still feel that way. (50:32)• SEALS wasn’t my purpose. I think being a father and a Christian is. But I think the Lord put me on this planet to really see this business we’re creating of helping as many people as possible with their mental suicide. Empowering them to be the best version of themselves they can be. (55:13)• We created INVI Mind Health. (IInvisibleVisible)  (57:12)• We created an algorhythm that pulls all the biometrics from any wearable you’ve got, and we help you get your mind score. (63:22)• [Marcus] When team start to spiral, they’ll pull away. They don’t want to detonate in front of their buddies. (66:34)• Our mission is to save lives by making the invisible visible. (72:29)

Dale Brisby & Marcus Luttrell: 40 Days of Fasting, Mental Toughness and Wisdom From A Cowboy

Mind Over Body & Boots on the Ground:A Candid Conversation with Marcus Luttrell and Dale BrisbyIn this powerful and unexpectedly entertaining episode, Marcus Luttrell sits down with rodeo icon and Western humorist Dale Brisby for a wide-ranging conversation that blends discipline, faith, grit, and good-natured cowboy wisdom.Marcus opens up in remarkable detail about his recent 40-day fast, sharing the physical, mental, and spiritual journey that led to a staggering 70-pound weight loss. He speaks candidly about the motivation behind the fast, the challenges he faced, the mental toughness required to stay the course, and the deeper lessons learned about self-control, clarity, and resilience.From there, the conversation shifts gears as Dale Brisby brings his trademark humor and rodeo expertise to the table. Dale dives into the realities of rodeo life, cowboy culture, and the mindset required to perform under pressure—drawing surprising parallels between the discipline of elite warriors and the toughness demanded in the arena.Throughout the episode, Marcus and Dale find common ground in themes of mental fortitude, accountability, faith, tradition, and personal growth, proving that whether on the battlefield or in the rodeo ring, excellence is earned through consistency, sacrifice, and grit.This episode is equal parts raw, motivating, and entertaining—a conversation that challenges listeners to push past comfort, embrace discipline, and never underestimate the power of commitment. In this episode you will hear:• I knew there was a higher power. I just didn’t understand the faith. I didn’t understand what that meant and how to apply it. (2:28)• There’s a difference between surviving and living. I was just surviving. (3:04)• After you’ve had one fight, the next fight coming at you is gonna be harder. (3:48)• I didn’t know that every time you read the bible it said something different at a certain age. (7:29)• The 2 greatest days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you find out why. (9:58)• [When I was fasting for 40 days] I would get up 5 or 6 times a night to go to the restroom ‘cause I was drinking so much water, and then I would fall back into the dream I was in. So, I was basically sleep-walking. (22:06)• A lot of people’s algorithm might be girls, but Marcus’ is steak and food. (27:12)• [Dale] Q: How many pounds did you lose? [Marcus] A: 70. (28:37)• It’s a lot easier to go through hell when you’ve got a buddy. (32:45)• If God’s your spotter, and you start to drop your weight, He’ll lift it. (52:42)• Most rodeo cowboys ignore, rather than accept what could potentially happen. (54:40)• Most people aren’t afraid of dying; they’re afraid of getting mangled. (59:06)• You can drill and hammer your training so hard, but at the end of the day you can’t help where a bullet might fly. (60:04)• Be good. Be responsible. Take control of yourself. (68:34)• The deadliest weapon out here is the double edge sword that comes out of your mouth – the tongue – and the word. (69:40)• I came off the scope and I could see my dog laying in the ditch. So, I ran up on her and I kicked her. She didn’t move. (84:22)• I only fight when it’s necessary. (105:39)• The quote from a pastor of mine: “God will always call believers to a task that is above their ability, so they learn to depend on God and give Him credit. You can’t be both brave and safe.” (120:27)• I want you on the edge where the demons live; I’ll pull you back when I think you’ve had enough. (131:05)• If they’ve got that Trident on their chest, they better act like that. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I don’t want no pussies in there. They why that thing exists. (131:13)• When you hang up by a spur, if somebody doesn’t help you, God help you… (140:38)

Chad Robichaux: Leading Rescue Mission's In Afghanistan & Ukraine, Mighty Oaks Foundation (rebroadcast)

Eight Deployments, One Mission: Chad Robichaux and the Call to Never Quit What an incredible guest we have on this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast. Marcus engages in a compelling discussion with former Force Recon Marine, Chad Robichaux. With eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Task Force, Chad overcame his personal battles with PTSD after nearly becoming a veteran suicide statistic. Chad is the founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, serving the active duty, military veteran and first responder communities around the world with highly successful faith-based combat trauma and resiliency programs. He has spoken to over 450,000 active-duty troops and led life-saving programs for over 4,600 active military and veterans at four Mighty Oaks Ranches around the U.S. He has served as an advisor to former President Trump, Congress, the VA, and the Department of Defense. Another one of Chad’s personal endeavors, Save Our Allies, is focused on the evacuation and recovery of Americans, our allies and vulnerable people still trapped in Afghanistan. His original mission was to rescue his long-time friend and Afghanistan interpreter, but the mission quickly evolved because of Chad’s compassion for people and his servant heart. Since its inception, Save Our Allies has safely evacuated over 17,000 people that were trapped in Afghanistan and he is now helping in Ukraine. As if that weren’t enough, Chad is a lifelong martial artist. He holds a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and is a former Professional Mixed Martial Arts Champion having competed at the highest levels of the sport. In this episode you will hear: • My family has 84 years of military service. (11:27) • I was raised in a very dysfunctional home because my father never recovered from Vietnam. (13:15) • Our operation was compromised and I ended up being abducted. (26:53) • On the surface, everything seemed fine. Then I crashed, had an affair, filed for divorce, and attempted to take my life. The some amazing people came around me and helped us to restore my family and my faith. (30:38) • I tried to build the courage to take my life and I had my Glock 40 caliber pistol, but I was interrupted, and it was enough to pump the brakes. (31:18) • My wife asked me: “How can you do all you did in the military, but when it comes to your family, you’ll quit?” (32:23) • You’re gonna deal with anxiety, depression, and anger, but you could respond to it in a better way that could lead you to a better place. (35:35) • God’s like a centerpiece solution, because a lot of what we deal with are spiritual wounds. (36:29) • President Bush signed the Opportunity for Faith Mission in 2001, then in 2009, President Obama signed a policy to override that, and take funding away from faith-based programs. (49:47) • In Afghanistan, people couldn’t go in to help, but in Ukraine you could drive a bus across the border to do mass evacs. (52:07) • I’ve been getting a lot of heat like: Why are you going over there to help – the governments is corrupt. None of that matters. These people didn’t ask for any of this. They’re being invaded by a super power. (54:48) • Glen Beck (Radio Show Host) raised 21 million dollars to support our mission. (72:41) • The White House said there were 100 Americans left [in Afghanistan] but without debate there were thousands of Americans still there. (75:27) • You don’t leave Americans behind. The White even promised that they wouldn’t but they did. (76:34)

Kegan "SMURF" Gill: The Fighter Pilot Who Survived The Fastest Ejection In History, Surviving The Sound Barrier & PTSD (Rebroadcast)

Fighter Pilot Survival: Kegan Gill's Battle Beyond the Battlefield In this extraordinary episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with retired U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot Kegan Gill, whose story is nothing short of miraculous. Kegan survived a catastrophic ejection from his aircraft during a training mission over the Atlantic Ocean, where he ejected directly into the sound barrier. The injuries he sustained in that moment were severe enough to kill most people – his limbs torn apart and a traumatic brain injury among them. But Kegan's ordeal was only beginning. Plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic with his parachute still attached, his wetsuit torn, and his arms unable to move, Kegan was forced to endure a two-hour battle with hypothermia as rescue teams raced to find him. Miraculously, his hypothermic state prevented fatal blood loss. Following this harrowing experience, Kegan faced months of grueling recovery, eventually achieving a perfect Physical Fitness Test score and returning to flight duty. However, Kegan’s journey didn’t end with physical recovery. He began experiencing severe psychotic episodes due to his brain injury, leading to a stint in a VA Mental Health Facility. Pharmaceutical treatments only worsened his symptoms, and he endured dehumanizing treatment from caregivers who misunderstood his unique needs. Now, Kegan is finding renewed hope through alternative treatments for brain health. Through the Warrior Angels Foundation, he has discovered the power of nutraceutical and hormonal interventions, offering a glimmer of healing. Beyond his personal health battles, Kegan is a dedicated father and husband, working tirelessly to support his young family. Join us as Kegan opens up about his incredible journey of survival, resilience, and healing. His story is as inspiring as it is shocking – a testament to human strength and the will to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. Tune in to hear a story of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of healing against all odds.  In This Episode You Will Hear: • When I was about 10 years old, my family had a friend that had a Cessna, and he took me up on this lawnmower with wings, and we went buzzing around, and it felt like a freakin’ rocket ship. I absolutely loved being above the earth, and I felt so free. (6:36) • In May of 2012, I graduated as a winged aviator, and I got those wings pinned on my chest. (23:40) • [Marcus] It’s an absolute transition into a different human being the minute those wings touch your chest. (24:02) • [In flight school] you showed up there, and you had your wings, and you thought you made it. They made it very clear you have not made anything yet. (26:40) • It just so happened on this day there was a 16 foot, 3,500 pound Great White Shark named Mary Lee directly under my airspace, and my buddy pointed out,  “Hey man, Today would be a terrible day to eject,” and an hour after having that conversation, I found myself out on what turned into a pretty freaking wild experience. (36:23) • [Melanie] Q: Is it common to eject?”  [Keegan] A: It happens more than you hear about in the news. We lose a few naval fighter jets every year to mishaps. (37:16) • When you show up at flight school, they say “Look to your left and look to your right. One of you is gonna have a serious mishap or be dead choosing this job. Are you sure you wanna be here?” (37:49) • You think you’re invincible, and you don’t really think anything of it. (38:04) • Keegan tells the detailed story of that fateful day. (Starting at 41:21) • When I punched out, I got the initial blast from the ejection seat, and then immediately impacted the sound barrier with my body. At that speed, the human body is not aerodynamic. (50:58) • The aircraft impacted the water so fast, it just vaporized. (52:50) • They ended up wheeling me in, and treated me for severe hyperthermia. They took my core body temperature. I was at 87 degrees. [Marcus] “That should’ve killed you.” (60:13) • One of the more senior guys takes me into his office and he goes: “Congratulations, Lieutenant Gill. If you can figure out how to get your body working again, we’ll get you back in a Super Hornet. (68:14) • My brain was just not working the way it was supposed to from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). (75:04) • I had a deep sense of betrayal from all that thought I had served. To see the treatment, it seemed like everything I was fighting for was a joke. (89:53) • I’ve had a number of psychedelic-assisted therapies that have been really helpful. (95:54) • Ibogaine has been studied pretty thoroughly at this point. It’s showing that it triggers neuro-regeneration. (102:21) Support Kegan: -  IG: kegansmurfgill - https://kegangill.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabtNw03Fww-lVt1LHf5b2iWrga-lLxSr_uJYqbNYUMN_NKoEMDqtfBd-Cw_aem_v5m2wI-nx5AKPUoeOA77pA Order His Book Here --> https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/phoenix-revival/ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]    - masterclass.com/TNQ - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]   - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ

John Dustin Ledford: A Brother’s Story Of Unimaginable Loss After The Devastating Kerrville Flood

This episode includes sensitive content and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. On July 4th, a devastating flood swept through Kerrville, Texas, forever altering countless lives. Among those impacted was John Dustin Ledford, whose world was turned upside down as he began a desperate search for his sister, brother-in-law, and young nephew in the chaotic aftermath of the storm. In this heartbreaking and deeply human episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie meet with Dustin, who courageously shares the raw details of those terrifying hours and days — the uncertainty, the fear, and the relentless determination to find his family amid overwhelming destruction. His story offers a firsthand look at what it’s like when celebration turns to catastrophe in an instant, and how faith, grit, and community become lifelines when hope feels fragile. This conversation is not just about loss and tragedy — it’s about love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Dustin’s account reminds us of the real people behind the headlines and the lasting emotional impact disasters leave behind long after the waters recede. In this episode, we discuss: •            The events leading up to the July 4th Kerrville flood •            The moment Dustin realized his family was missing •            The emotional toll of searching amid chaos and uncertainty •            The role of community, first responders, and strangers during tragedy •            How grief, hope, and resilience collide in moments of crisis This is a powerful, sobering episode that honors those affected by the Kerrville flood and gives voice to the families who continue to carry its weight. In this episode you will hear: • Went to the police academy fulltime while working full time at the fire department. Got into arson investigating. (20:18) •  [His sister, Brother-In-Law, and nephew] were in a camper on their truck in Ingram right next to the river. (43:24) • Starting at 45:12 John begins to share the heart-wrenching details of his search for his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. The story continues through the end of the episode describing the conditions, the myriad of people and departments participating in the search for friends, family, and loved ones. • I don’t even know if they knew it was raining because it was hot and they had the generator going. It’s loud. (45:12) • When I got there, it was very chaotic. A lot of parents down the parking lot. (53:13) • It was about midnight on July 4th when I called to report them missing. (60:20) • One of the ladies [at the church] said “we’re out of air mattresses, but I’ve got a spot for you. She takes me upstairs and gives me a prayer room with a couch (63:31) • Sitting at these tables with these dads – I can’t even begin to fathom. (67:30) • Starting at 45:12 John begins to share the heart-wrenching details of his search for his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. The story continues through the end of the episode describing the conditions, the myriad of people and departments participating in the search for friends, family, and loved ones. Support John: Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20] - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]   - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - masterclass.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ