Team Never Quit

Monica Kelsey: Saving Lives with 'Safe Haven Baby Boxes' - A Mission to Prevent Infant Abandonment

A Lifeline for Babies in Crisis – Featuring Monica KelseyThis episode is a rebroadcast of an earlier release. Be sure to listen to Melanie Luttrell’s powerful new update at the beginning.In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Monica Kelsey, founder and Executive Director of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing infant abandonment by providing mothers in crisis a safe, legal, and anonymous option to surrender their newborns.Monica’s journey is deeply personal. Born after her teenage mother was raped and hidden away during pregnancy, Monica was abandoned at birth. Her life story has fueled her passion to advocate for infants like herself and to create compassionate solutions for birth mothers who face unthinkable challenges. Through Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Monica is on a mission to ensure that no child is abandoned unsafely, and no mother is left without options.We also explore Monica's role as a firefighter and paramedic, where she has firsthand experience with the life-saving impact of Safe Haven laws. Her dedication to working with first responders has been crucial in creating awareness and ensuring these boxes are accessible nationwide.Tune in as Monica shares her inspiring story, the incredible work her organization is doing, and how Safe Haven Baby Boxes are making a difference—one life at a time.In This Episode You Will Hear:• I grew up adopted, but I never knew the back story. (6:43 )• I joined [the U.S. Navy] and got my love for firefighting there. (7:47)• I never longed for love. (8:42)• I just called [my biological mother] and she says “I’ve been waiting for your call.” (11:37)• I always wanted that connection of “Hey, she does that, and I do that.” (12:38)• The question comes up: “Who’s my biological father?” And she just got up and walked out. (12:41)• If abortion was available in 1972, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here today. (14:37)• I had to come to grips with the fact that I was whisked into this world by violence, and then thrown away like trash. (16:10)• I had to go back to my faith because I had stumbled away from it.(16:17)• The more I started reading scripture, the more it started pointing to my life. (16:31)• Controversy is horrible around the baby boxes. (20:47)• We launched the very first baby box in April; 30 days later our son was in a deadly accident. (23:54)• [Melanie] The thought of putting a baby in a box is crazy; but the box of putting a baby in a dumpster is crazier. (28:57)• At the end of the day, education is gonna be the key. (37:14)• [Melanie] Q: What’s the worst state of baby abandonment? A: Texas.(37:45)• The foster care system is a mess. (41:07)• You pull a dead infant from a dumpster, you’re going to start looking for a solution.(46:27)Support Monica:-  IG:  https://www.instagram.com/safehavenbabyboxes/       - https://www.shbb.org/         -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PQX9JG5U3gSwcIAciYCPQ       - https://www.tiktok.com/@safehavenbabyboxes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcSupport TNQ  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13  -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors:  - Navyfederal.org     - Dripdrop.com/TNQ  - mengotomars.com [Team Never Quit]  - bubsnaturals.com [Promo code TNQ]  - davidprotein.com/TNQ  - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]   - masterclass.com/TNQ  - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ  - Prizepicks (TNQ)   - armslist.com/TNQ   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ   - shipsticks.com/TNQ   - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}   - Tonal.com [TNQ]  - greenlight.com/TNQ  - drinkAG1.com/TNQ  - Hims.com/TNQ

The Luttrell Family Takes On El Camino De Santiago

The Luttrell Family Takes on “El Camino de Santiago”This week’s episode of Team Never Quit takes listeners on a journey unlike any other, as Marcus, Melanie, and the Luttrell family share the story of their trek along the legendary El Camino de Santiago.Known for its history, beauty, challenge, and spiritual significance, El Camino is more than a trail—it is a journey of endurance, reflection, connection, and discovery. In this special family episode, everyone contributes to the story, walking listeners through the experience day by day.From the excitement of beginning the trek, to the physical challenges along the way, to the laughter, lessons, and meaningful moments shared as a family, this episode captures the heart of what makes a journey unforgettable. Each day brings its own obstacles and victories, and each family member offers a unique perspective on what the walk meant to them.And along the way, listeners are invited into a surprising and major family announcement—one that adds an unforgettable moment to an already meaningful journey.What unfolds is a fun, honest, and inspiring conversation about perseverance, family bonds, faith, gratitude, and the power of taking life one step at a time. Whether you’ve walked El Camino, dreamed of doing it someday, or simply enjoy hearing stories of people pushing forward together, this episode will encourage you to keep moving.Marcus and Melanie remind us that some of life’s greatest lessons are found not only at the destination, but along the road—with the people we love beside us.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:• The Luttrell family’s day-by-day experience on El Camino de Santiago • The physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of the trek • Funny and meaningful family moments from the trail • A surprising and major family announcement along the way • Lessons learned through discomfort, endurance, and reflection • How walking together strengthened family connection • Why the journey became more than just miles on a pathTune in for a fun, heartfelt, and inspiring episode as the Luttrell family shares their unforgettable walk along El Camino de Santiago.

Vance Walker: Born With Cerebral Palsy, Defied The Odds & Became A 2x American Ninja Warrior By 19

MEDAL OF HONOR – STORIES OF COURAGE Hosted by J. R. MartinezIN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL HEAR: • Edward Isaac, Naval Officer was captured by the Germans in 1918 (2:46)• From the moment he was captured, he was trying to escape. (2:53)• He jumped out of a moving train. The man just refused to give up. (3:05)• He wanted to stop the whole damn war (3:35)•  He would risk everything to bring his intelligence to the allies and help finally destroy the enemy fleet. (9:25)

Angela Skudin: How She Survived Lyme Disease, the Tragic Loss of Her Husband, & Building the Casey Skudin 343 Fund

NEVER QUIT THROUGH GRIEFThis week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast features an extraordinary woman whose life has been marked by unimaginable hardship, relentless perseverance, and a mission to bring hope to others. Angela Skudin shares her deeply personal journey through chronic illness, devastating loss, and ultimately, purpose.After battling Lyme Disease and debilitating co-infections that left her bedridden for more than a year, Angela found herself searching for answers beyond traditional medicine. When conventional treatments failed to restore her health, she courageously pursued alternative healing modalities and psychedelic-assisted therapies. By 2022, Angela had reclaimed her life—fully restored, prescription-free, and thriving once again.But just as healing had begun, tragedy struck.While on a family vacation celebrating Father’s Day and her husband Casey’s upcoming birthday, a catastrophic accident changed everything. In a final act of courage and selflessness, Casey used his instincts and training to protect his family when a falling tree crushed their vehicle—sacrificing his own life to save theirs.In the wake of overwhelming grief, Angela chose to honor Casey’s legacy in a remarkable way. She founded The Casey Skudin 343 Fund, an organization dedicated to helping First Responders access holistic and alternative treatments for trauma, PTSD, and mental health struggles born from frontline service.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, sacrifice, and discovering purpose through pain. Angela’s story is one of unwavering determination and a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, hope can still rise.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL HEAR: • I had chronic Lyme Disease, mold toxicity, Moore-Jones disease, BCA Bartonella, and relapsing fever Borrelia. It shut my body down from head to toe. I had a heart condition, a thyroid condition, sand a skin condition, a neurological condition. (12:22)• I melded together Western medicine with the holistic approach and was able to get out from under my disease in about 2 years. (14:00)• Working out 7 days a week or working 7 days a week – those are going to bother your central nervous system. (15:34)• Everything constantly changes, and it can change in your favor. (17:51)• I was lying in a bed with sores all over my body and handfuls of hair falling out of my head. (20:15)• No doctor in the United States could help me. (23:16)• [After an Iboga treatment] So the night comes and I go to bed, and I wake up the next morning and I have slept like a baby all night long for the first time in my life. (27:05)• I have so much more gratitude and love that came from that root. (28:03)• [Melanie] There isn’t one person that can convince me that Ibogaine is bad, f it’s used with the right intention, for the purpose of healing. (41:18)• It isn’t just for extreme people. It is for everyone. (54:21)• My relationship with big pharma has been a big breakup. (56:46)

Ryan Manion: Leading the Travis Manion Foundation & Honoring Her Brother’s Legacy, Author

Carry the Legacy: Turning Loss into a Lifelong MissionThis week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Ryan Manion, a remarkable leader, advocate, and Gold Star sister whose life mission is rooted in service, resilience, and legacy.Ryan’s story begins with the life and sacrifice of her brother, Travis Manion, a U.S. Marine who gave his life on April 29, 2007, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, while drawing enemy fire away from his wounded teammates. But as Ryan shares in this episode, her life has not been defined by that tragedy—it has been inspired by it.At the heart of Ryan’s journey is one defining character strength: bravery. It’s the courage to move forward, to persevere through unimaginable loss, and to live a life worthy of the sacrifices made by others. Travis’s legacy continues to shape every decision she makes, fueling a mission that impacts thousands across the country.As the leader of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), Ryan carries forward a vision first started by her mother—serving veterans, families of the fallen, and inspired civilians. Through her leadership, TMF has become a powerful force for mentorship, character development, and community impact. Ryan brings a unique balance to this work—combining deep purpose with a sense of humor and humanity that allows her to see beyond grief and into transformation.Ryan also shares insights from her book, The Knock at the Door, co-written with fellow Gold Star women. Together, they recount the unbreakable bond formed through loss—and the strength found in choosing to move forward with purpose.This episode is a powerful reminder that we only get one shot at life—and it’s up to us to make it count. Through service, resilience, and courage, Ryan Manion challenges us all to become the best versions of ourselves while lifting others along the way.In This Episode You Will Hear: • What I love about the Naval Academy is that it’s so rich in tradition. (20:22)• Post 9-11 veterans did more in 1 or 2 years than I did in 30 years. (22:30)• I didn’t feel nervous or scared about [my brother] being in Iraq. (24:48)• There was one night we were sitting at my house having a beer and he said “Hey, I just want you to know, if anything happens to me, I wanna be buried at Arlington.” (26:14)• In the last conversation I had with him, I said “You’re over halfway done, you’re coming home soon“ and he was like, “I don’t think like that.” (29:14)• We had like 30 people in our house when they showed up. We got the knock at the door. (32:49)• One of my dad’s best friends that morning, woke up, got the KIA report, and saw Travis’ name on it. He said it was the hardest thing he ever had to do in his life - not pick up the phone and call my dad. (33:13)• The officer did what he had to do and he walked to his car, and about a half hour later, I looked out the window, and he was still parked outside and had his head on the steering wheel. (35:03)• Hearing those words that Travis had been killed, I just fell to the ground and started screaming “It’s not fair!” (35:41)• And as I stepped inside, I remember thinking “Nothing’s ever gonna be the same again.” (36:55)• To this day, nothing brings me more comfort than being around Travis’ friend because I feel like there’s a piece of him in the room. (42:53) • We are 18 years in, and we’re now one of the largest veteran’s service organizations in the country. (53:19)•  I’s creating a community for veterans when they take off the uniform. (55:24)• You look at our veteran population and they have some intangible skill sets that civilians just don’t have. (56:46)Support Ryan:  - ryanmanion.com   - travismanion.org  IG: rmanion Order her book ——> https://amzn.to/4u9jML0YouTube —> https://tr.ee/Z_U50I7eB_Support TNQ  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13  -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors:  - Navyfederal.org       - mengotomars.com [Team Never Quit]  - bubsnaturals.com [Promo code TNQ]  - davidprotein.com/TNQ  - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]   - masterclass.com/TNQ  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ  - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ  - Prizepicks (TNQ)   - armslist.com/TNQ   -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ  - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ   - shipsticks.com/TNQ   - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}   - Tonal.com [TNQ]  - greenlight.com/TNQ  - drinkAG1.com/TNQ  - Hims.com/TNQ