Team Never Quit

In this week’s podcast, U.S. Congressman Dan Crenshaw shares a myriad of experiences and scenarios he sees as a freshman U.S. Congressman. Dan’s logical, level-headed views are birthed from his desire to serve the people of his district and the United States. He entertainingly describes the process of being on Saturday Night Live prior to his election, and it’s significant effect on his campaign. He also discusses some of the issues between “the left and the right”, and expresses his honest opinions about them. Dan is a former United States Navy SEAL officer serving in the United States House of Representatives for Texas's 2nd congressional district since 2019. He’s a proud member of the Republican Party and was elected in the 2018 midterms. Support the show.

In today’s episode, Congressman Adam Kinzinger shares with us some truly amazing personal experiences and inspiring thoughts about life and a never quit mindset. Adam’s life is devoted to helping those around him – personally and politically. He was willing to die making a stand to help a stabbing victim. He served as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force, and believes that while we don’t want to put our soldiers in harm’s way, those that volunteered to serve are there to do what the vast majority of people won’t do. As such, Adam believes we need to treat out military personnel like the fierce warriors they are. Adam has a well-grounded understanding of the purpose and function of police, the military, first responders, and the political process. Adam is willing to stand up for the powerless, beliefs, and ideals. Support the show.

Today, Bryan Offutt joins us on the show to talk about his incredible 16 years at Under Armor, where he played a key role in their product line development and marketing strategies, eventually rocketing Under Armour from a 5 million to a 5 billion dollar international clothing line powerhouse. Bryan started in the warehouse and worked his way up to becoming the face of the Under armor brand, and eventually lead the Military/Tactical Category through forging impactful relationships with US Special Forces, and founding the company’s philanthropic military initiative, UA Freedom. Under Bryan’s leadership, Under Armour was named the #1 “most admired brand” amongst hunters, anglers and shooting sportsmen. Support the show.

Join us as we welcome Navy SEAL Mike Day who shares the graphic details of an unbelievable event that against all odds, survived. He took 27 rounds of an AK-47 pounding while on a mission in Fallujah, and lived to tell about it. When Mike shares his unparalleled true story, you won't want to stop listening until the end. It’s a captivating series of events, told by the man who lived it. Support the show.

Today we are joined by Inky Johnson who shares his compelling story of perseverance and conviction. From a promising NFL career to a complete repurposing of his life, Inky, through his faith, has been able to continue his calling of inspiring people and changing lives by sharing his incredible personal experience. His paralyzed right arm hasn’t hindered his resolve in the least. It’s as though his “disaster” was indeed a blessing.  Support the show.

When the unthinkable happens to our children, how do we react? Do we believe them and fight by their side or rationalize why the horrific reality of sexual abuse can’t possibly be true? This is the story of Rachel Denhollander and how her community of support empowered her to take down her abuser, even if it meant playing the long game. She touches on the issues of how her abuser got away with his crime for many years and what she has learned about preventing this organizational dysfunction in the future. Now she works to educate and advocate on the issues of sexual abuse and organizational ethics. She has been hard at work releasing two books that aid in her efforts to spotlight the lessons of her story while reminding young girls that they are valuable and worth protecting. Support the show.

In this special episode commemorating Veteran's Day, we are honored to have the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, speaking one-on-one with our host Marcus and his wife Melanie Luttrell. The Vice President speaks about the importance of Veteran's Day and what it means to him remembering those that have served this great country of ours, as well as, spending time with the men and women who currently serve. Support the show.

What a compelling, emotional series of events Tiggs has endured. From a four-year old daughter with a massive brain tumor and multiple surgeries; a husband battling PTSD and falling into the darkest mental places, to having one of her best friends of her lifetime pass away, Tiggs gives a riveting account of how her friends supported her and her family, and how her relationship with God brought healing in the worst of circumstances anyone could ever imagine. Support the show.

When Clint Phillips’ daughter experiences a devastating stroke, a few days after birth, his family quickly learns how horrible, inefficient, and costly the healthcare system is. From that experience, Clint took a solution into his own hands and developed 2nd M.D., a second opinion platform, currently serving over ten million members. It gives users quick access to the world’s best doctors via video. This Veterans Day Medici will deliver concierge-level doctor access, across multiple specialties, to our Veterans this Veterans Day at no cost and without the waiting rooms. Support the show.

Who do you call on to hunt down elusive, brutal, narcotics kingpin Pablo Escobar, a man with no regard for human life? You call on DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña to spearhead the investigation and manhunt. Join us as we welcome Legendary DEA operatives Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña and who tells the true story of how they helped put an end to one of the world’s most infamous narco-terrorists.  Support the show.

What does a true advocate for America’s service members look like? Look no further than Gary Sinise. What began in the early 80’s with his support of Vietnam Veterans groups and the creation of Vets Night, a program offering free dinners and performances for veterans at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, his commitment continued into working on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organization.  Since the attacks of September 11th, 2001, his dedication to our nation’s defenders, veterans and first responders has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude to all those who protect our freedom by serving our country. All this was birthed by Gary’s “never think you can’t do it” attitude, which he developed at an early age. His portrayal of disabled Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the film Forrest Gump formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community. Sinise also formed the “Lt. Dan Band” in early 2004 and began entertaining troops serving at home

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 story. 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.” Mr. Kendle 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 dedic

What does an Army squad leader do in a battlefield situation when his platoon encounters three floors of insurgents and is pinned with rooftop snipers firing away? If you're Davis Bellavia, you lead your team into action. David single-handedly saved his entire squad, risking his own life to allow his fellow soldiers to break contact and reorganize when trapped by overwhelming insurgent fire. He then voluntarily entered and cleared an insurgent strong point, killing four and seriously wounding another. His actions stand as a testament to those who put everything on the line as they do the grim work required to keep each other safe and alive on the battlefield. David Bellavia is the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah, Iraq. Bellavia has also received the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.  Support the show.

How is it humanly possible to endure multiple explosions in very close proximity in a short amount of time, lose some of your closest friends in battle, and deal with extreme stress, severe depression, and marital challenges simultaneously? While mental blow after mental blow can result in the repercussions of triggering serious mental challenges, Dan Luna eventually overcame all of it with help from others and a never quit attitude. Dan is also a former instructor for the Naval Academy as well as a recognized leadership speaker. In this powerful conversation we dive into topics such as the warrior mindset, leadership, confidence, outlook for tomorrow, courage and much more. Dan Luna is a true warrior in soul, mind and body. Support the show.

Imagine being a normal kid for eleven years and then due to an unbelievable rare condition, spending the next four years of your life literally trapped inside your own body inside a hospital, unable to communicate with the outside world, suffering through non-stop seizures, while your condition worsens and the doctors offer no sliver of hope to your family...all the while you're still lucid in mind and spirit, desperately trying to get back to the life you once knew. At the age of eleven, Victoria Arlen developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, which rendered her “locked” within herself. She went from being a completely healthy, normal kid to a complete vegetable in three months. She lost the ability to walk, talk, move, and function. Everything began to shut down, including all of her cognitive abilities. Victoria Arlen not only suffered and survived through this unbelievable battle but has gone far beyond the norm to thrive and has mastered the “n

Joe Torillo recounts his first-hand experience as a firefighter on September 11, 2001. Joe was directly below the North Tower looking up as the second commercial airliner slammed into it.  What transpired in the next few seconds, minutes, hours, and days are nothing shy of unbelievable. He was propelled in the air by the concussion of the falling debris of the North Tower and was literally buried alive under the falling debris, with his skull open, arm snapped and suffocating in darkness. He was rescued and placed in a boat to cross over the Hudson River for medical treatment. That effort was disrupted by falling building debris that covered the boat, where he was buried alive again. Joe’s story is a gripping account of a series of miracles that kept him alive, while hundreds of others suffered a different fate. You won't want to miss this interview as we remember September 11th, 2001. Support the show.

Ever wonder what happens when the fight is over and a soldier puts his rifle down for the last time?  In this episode, you'll hear the story of Jake Wood, a Marine who now doesn't just serve his country, but serves his fellow man throughout the world when disaster strikes.The co-founder of Team Rubicon, a non-profit organization made up of over 100,000 ex-military volunteers who travel to assist wherever disasters occur, shares his desire to make the world a better place by never quitting his service. Hear his viewpoint on how things aren't always hunky-dory and what to do when there is no playbook.  You'll soon find yourself wanting to restore your sense of purpose and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Support the show.

How does one deal with growing up with divorced parents who don’t want you? Join us as we talk with Ray Care – a Navy SEAL and twelve-year veteran of the United States Navy – and hear his story of growing up with an abusive father that repeatedly told him he was worthless and how it left him mentally beaten down. It had an extremely negative effect on his life as well.  One day, Ray looked in the mirror and saw a drug addict, a womanizer, and an alcoholic.  He was weak-minded, had no drive and was filled with doubt, remorse and anxiety. Finally, Ray got tired of being the underdog and came to terms with making a change. After completing intense Navy SEAL training, he became intellectually sound, mentally hard and trainable.  Today he is a sought-after communicator. Ray now doesn’t know what it’s like to quit something. Support the show.

There are events and circumstances in life that catch us by surprise, knock us down, and hand us seemingly overwhelming adversity. JJ Watt explains how, and more importantly why he was able to “get back on the horse” and move forward in life after a season-ending injury, remaking himself to an amazing degree by relentlessly working on being the best. His inspiring attitude towards life, and his never quit mentality, has paid handsome dividends.  JJ describes his upbringing, his family, his college and professional football pinnacles and downfalls. His successes have prompted him to give back to the community in a myriad of areas, making him one of the most loved and recognizable names in Houston and throughout the country.  Support the show.

While competing in an alcohol funny car, her parachute failed to deploy. Her race car sped through 2 catch nets and four rows of sand-filled barrels, landing upside down. But getting “back on the horse” was a challenge because death was present at that racetrack. As fate would have it, returning to the same race track years later, another driver and friend crashed and was killed, just before she was to run her race. The critical mental challenge: Am I done? Am I a true racer? Support the show.