Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Using the grief of a husband killed in action to fill a void in estate planning for fellow widows. That’s the mantra of this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Keri Mills. Her transparent story of being a lackluster student to attending law school is inspiring, as she strives to educate other Gold Star families and service members in planning ahead in the event tragedy should strike. Keri’s husband, Special Operations Chief Stephen “Matt” Mills was killed in action along with 29 other Americans and a working dog when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. With one knock on the door and one sentence, Keri went from being a married woman to a widow. Unprepared as she was for that life-changing event, it sparked her decision to help others be better prepared than she was.
In this episode you will hear:
Standardized tests are not my forte.
What I realized about who I am is that I’m a person that does what I say I’m gonna do.
I have worked for 8 ½ years to solve this problem.
If I can keep someone from having to figure things out – the way I did – it’s worth it to me.
The stigma that comes with estate planning is that people think you have to have a pot full of money in the bank. That’s not what it’s about at all. It’s about setting up your legacy.
I don’t have any stories to tell about Matt because they’re not my stories to tell.
I’m trying to carry on Matt’s legacy.
There are 300,000 veterans in Houston.
The part that I see myself playing is education for the special operators and our community.
[Marcus] “There needs to be a way to teach you how to get out.”
—
For More Fun, Follow:
Team Never Quit
Instagram: instagram.com/team_neverquit
Marcus Luttrell
Instagram: instagram.com/marcusluttrell
Morgan Luttrell:
Instagram: instagram.com/mojoluttrell
Andrew Brockenbush:
instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush
—
Support the Show
patreon.com/teamneverquit
—
Special Thanks / Credits
Executive Producer & Artwork - Andrew Brockenbush
Audio Engineer - Joey Garza
Video Editor - John Fritzsching
—
About TNQ Podcast:
Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Morgan Luttrell, and Producer Andrew Brockenbush 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.
We’re bringing you real-life stories of men and women who took life’s toughest challenges and met them head-on, radically changing their own lives and inspiring others to do the same.
Using the grief of a husband killed in action to fill a void in estate planning for fellow widows. That’s the mantra of this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guest, Keri Mills. Her transparent story of being a lackluster student to attending law school is inspiring, as she strives to educate other Gold Star families and service members in planning ahead in the event tragedy should strike. Keri’s husband, Special Operations Chief Stephen “Matt” Mills was killed in action along with 29 other Americans and a working dog when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. With one knock on the door and one sentence, Keri went from being a married woman to a widow. Unprepared as she was for that life-changing event, it sparked her decision to help others be better prepared than she was.
In this episode you will hear:
Standardized tests are not my forte.
What I realized about who I am is that I’m a person that does what I say I’m gonna do.
I have worked for 8 ½ years to solve this problem.
If I can keep someone from having to figure things out – the way I did – it’s worth it to me.
The stigma that comes with estate planning is that people think you have to have a pot full of money in the bank. That’s not what it’s about at all. It’s about setting up your legacy.
I don’t have any stories to tell about Matt because they’re not my stories to tell.
I’m trying to carry on Matt’s legacy.
There are 300,000 veterans in Houston.
The part that I see myself playing is education for the special operators and our community.
[Marcus] “There needs to be a way to teach you how to get out.”
—
For More Fun, Follow:
Team Never Quit
Instagram: instagram.com/team_neverquit
Marcus Luttrell
Instagram: instagram.com/marcusluttrell
Morgan Luttrell:
Instagram: instagram.com/mojoluttrell
Andrew Brockenbush:
instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush
—
Support the Show
patreon.com/teamneverquit
—
Special Thanks / Credits
Executive Producer & Artwork - Andrew Brockenbush
Audio Engineer - Joey Garza
Video Editor - John Fritzsching
—
About TNQ Podcast:
Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Morgan Luttrell, and Producer Andrew Brockenbush 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.
We’re bringing you real-life stories of men and women who took life’s toughest challenges and met them head-on, radically changing their own lives and inspiring others to do the same.
![MORGAN LUTTRELL: Rtd Navy SEAL Recaps His First Year In Congress, Behind The Scenes in DC
Navigating the Legislative Landscape.
Welcome to the Team Never Quit Podcast with your host, Marcus Luttrell. In this week’s episode, we dive into the intricate world of the House of Representatives with our special guest, and Marcus’ twin brother, Morgan Luttrell, the dedicated representative from District 8. Join us as Morgan sheds light on the inner workings of the House, providing valuable insights into how laws and bills are crafted, the collaborative efforts involved, and the day-to-day functioning within the hallowed halls of Congress.
Ever wondered how things actually get done in the House of Representatives? Morgan provides a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies and negotiations that take place, offering an insider’s perspective on the art of getting things done in the complex world of politics.
Learn about the various stages and committees involved in shaping legislation, and how representatives like Morgan play a crucial role in this intricate dance of democracy.
Morgan opens up about the challenges faced by representatives and the triumphant moments that make the journey worthwhile. Discover the highs and lows of navigating the political landscape and advocating for the needs and concerns of District 8.
Whether you’re a political enthusiast or just curious about the inner workings of government, this episode is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the democratic process.
Socials:
– mojoluttrell
– https://www.morganluttrell.com/
– team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
Sponsors:
– Navyfederal.org
– Robinhood.com
– TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
– usejoymode.com [TNQ]
– Shopify.com/TNQ
– Shhtape.com [TNQ]
– Policygenius.com
In this episode you will hear:
• Everything I say is Morgan’s opinion. It’s Morgan’s perspective. (6:24)
• Candidate Morgan is different now because I have such a depth of what actually happens in the halls of congress. (7:21)
• You have to convince all the other members about what you think. (8:58)
• I’ve had conversations where the individual on the other side of the table is like “I don’t want a border. I don’t care about laws on the border. Anybody that wants to come across and plant a flag has the right to do so.” Those conversations happen. (10:16)
• It’s not Morgan representing the entire country. It’s Morgan representing District 8. (13:10)
We create appropriations bills, and appropriations bills fund the government. (14:31)
• I’m doing every single day – as hard as I can – to move laws in order to protect the people of Texas. (32:53)
• We have a spending problem. The process itself works, if you realize you can’t spend more than you have. (33:58)
• Learning to be a congressional member. You have to understand your role. (57:26)
• It can get interesting on the committees. (61:16)
• I tried never to get hit in my blind spot. I tell my staff: “Don’t ever let me get caught off guard. I don’t want to embarrass the district.” (61:30)
• I want House Resolution 2, the Border Bill to come across from the senate. And I want this to be signed by the President, so we can enforce it. That’s primary goal #1. (65:22)
• [Melanie] Q: How long do you see yourself as a congressman? [Morgan] A: 3 terms. (66:17)
• They chose me, and I’m doing my absolute best to widen the road that those went before me paved. (68:25)
• After I leave – if somebody was to say anything about me, the response that I’d be honored to hear would be “I wish he was still here.” (70:12)—
For More Fun, Follow:
Team Never Quit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
Marcus Luttrell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
Melanie Luttrell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieluttrell
Hunter Luttrell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntero13
—
Support the Show
http://patreon.com/teamneverquit
—
Special Thanks / Credits
Executive Producer & Artwork - Hunter Luttrell
Audio Engineer - Joey Garza
Video Editor - John Fritzsching
—
About TNQ Podcast:
Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Morgan Luttrell, and Producer Andrew Brockenbush 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.
We’re bringing you real-life stories of men and women who took life’s toughest challenges and met them head-on, radically changing their own lives and inspiring others to do the same. MORGAN LUTTRELL: Rtd Navy SEAL Recaps His First Year In Congress, Behind The Scenes in DC](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LyvZeV0LO04/mqdefault.jpg)

![JONATHAN HARMON: U.S. Air Force PJ & Combat Rescue Officer Opens Up On Operation Red Wings (Part 1)
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)
—
For More Fun, Follow:
Team Never Quit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
Marcus Luttrell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
Melanie Luttrell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieluttrell
Hunter Luttrell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntero13
—
Support the Show
http://patreon.com/teamneverquit
—
Special Thanks / Credits
Executive Producer & Artwork - Hunter Luttrell
Audio Engineer - Joey Garza
Video Editor - John Fritzsching
—
About TNQ Podcast:
Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Morgan Luttrell, and Producer Andrew Brockenbush 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.
We’re bringing you real-life stories of men and women who took life’s toughest challenges and met them head-on, radically changing their own lives and inspiring others to do the same. JONATHAN HARMON: U.S. Air Force PJ & Combat Rescue Officer Opens Up On Operation Red Wings (Part 1)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MoXy4-sLNAA/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Moment Is Different When Youre Standing In That Sucker
ERIC O’NEILL
Former FBI Agent, Author of Gray Day and the Subject of Universal Studios’ feature film, Breach
n this week’s riveting episode, Marcus has a fascinating discussion with Eric O’Neill, former FBI counter-terrorism and counterintelligence operative. Eric played a major role in the arrest, conviction, and imprisonment of one of the most notorious spies in U.S. history – FBI agent Robert Hanssen – who was spying on behalf of the Soviet Union and Russia. Eric’s first-hand accounts of some of his day-to-day activities are events that movies are made of. He has written about his experiences in Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America’s First Cyber Spy. Eric is also a public speaker and security expert who lectures internationally about espionage and national security, cybersecurity, fraud, corporate diligence and defense, hacking, and other topics.
In this episode you will hear:
My job at the FBI was to go undercover. I never came out of cover.
There were foreign intelligence officers (spies) who sometimes were some of our own who were spying for other countries.
My father told me “You have to chase your dreams, whatever they might be.”
I’m going to stop spies & terrorists before they kill our citizens.
I was at Quantico [Marine Corps Training Base]. You earn it and you feel like you earned it.
When my wife and I were dating and people would ask me what I do, I would say “I work for the Justice Department as a Geo-Political Analyst.” That would immediately end the inquiry.
There was an instance where a high-level spy was about to be arrested, and disappear, which told us there was a mole in our intelligence community.
The FBI went on a 22-year manhunt for a guy code-named Gray Suit, the biggest spy in U.S. history.
Each time you go after somebody who might be the target you’re after, you give them a derivative code name.
What made Robert Hanssen such a successful spy, is that he was a hacker. He learned how to break into computer systems.
When the FBI had not given him the role he wanted, he volunteered his services to the Russians and gave up 2 of our top spies in Russia for no money to prove he had access. One of them was executed, and the other was sentenced to hard labor.
Analysts are the cream of the crop in figuring out how to catch spies.
Hanssen was the best, most notorious spy in US history. He was the Michael Jordan of the spy world. Nobody did the damage he did.
I was always a bit of a hacker – fascinated by computer systems. Breaking security, not to steal, but so I could understand how to make them stronger.
My mother holds the record for the most time watching the movie “Breach.”
—
For More Fun, Follow:
Team Never Quit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_neverquit/
Marcus Luttrell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/
Morgan Luttrell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojoluttrell/
Andrew Brockenbush:
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrockenbush/
—
Support the Show
http://patreon.com/teamneverquit
—
Special Thanks / Credits
Executive Producer & Artwork - Andrew Brockenbush
Audio Engineer - Joey Garza
Video Editor - John Fritzsching
—
About TNQ Podcast:
Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Morgan Luttrell, and Producer Andrew Brockenbush 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.
We’re bringing you real-life stories of men and women who took life’s toughest challenges and met them head-on, radically changing their own lives and inspiring others to do the same. The Moment Is Different When Youre Standing In That Sucker](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MpOKSbr88T0/mqdefault.jpg)


![BEN SOUDERS: Shares His Personal Journals From Afghanistan, Operation Redwing Recovery Team
Courage and Sacrifice: SEAL Team 10 and Operation Red Wings with Ben Souders
In this week’s episode, Marcus and Melanie are honored to sit down with former Navy SEAL Ben Souders, who served on SEAL Team 10 during one of the most challenging and heroic moments in modern military history—Operation Redwing.
Ben takes us through his incredible journey as a Navy SEAL, sharing stories from his time in Afghanistan and reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of his teammates. We dive deep into the challenges faced on the battlefield, and how experiences like Operation Redwing shaped his outlook on life and leadership.
Ben reflects on the bravery of fallen teammates, including Marcus’ account in Lone Survivor. He also shares about his life after service – the transition from active duty to civilian life.
Tune in to hear Ben’s firsthand account of courage, brotherhood, and the lessons he learned during his time as a Navy SEAL. Ben also shares some of his personal journal notes with the listening audience as well. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [Michael Murphy] was well respected. He and a couple of officers everybody loved. (15:30)
• The physical part [of BUDS] was the hardest for me. I never thought I would quit, but I didn’t know if I would make it. I asked the Lord, “If you want me to do this, show me a sign.” And He did. I saw a Trident up in the sky. (18:12)
• I wanted to go to SEAL team 4 because of watching all the Vietnam documentaries. (27:06)
• They were passing out a paper and everybody had to write down why you joined, and I wrote “Patriotism.” (31:20)
• I’ll tell you somebody else that doesn’t get recognition – divers. (38:49)
• I was wanting to go to Afghanistan more so than Iraq just because I was never really interested in the urban-style of combat. (38:49)
• Team 10 was really cool. (41:06)
• [Danny Dietz] was a good guy from the start. When I first showed up, he always went around without a shirt. He was ripped like Bruce Lee. (43:09)
• [Danny Dietz] was always trying to mentor, no matter who they were.
• [Melanie] Q: How many people in a bee hut? A: 6 maximum. They were like mini chicken coops. (46:06)
• I hated wearing body armor. (48:59)
• Excerpt from Ben’s “Green Book:” I’m tired of all this so-called professionalism crap. I can’t wait to get out – be my own man instead of a peasant in the military. (59:31)
• How were we that close to one another when we were only there a couple of months? Just sitting around the fire talking. (78:42)
Socials:
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
– Navyfederal.org
– GoodRX.com/TNQ
– kalshi.com/TNQ
– joinbilt.com/TNQ
– Tonal.com [TNQ]
– PXG.com/TNQ
– greenlight.com/TNQ
– PDSDebt.com/TNQ
– drinkAG1.com/TNQ
– ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]
– Shadyrays.com [TNQ]
– qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]
– Hims.com/TNQ
– Shopify.com/TNQ
– Aura.com/TNQ
– Moink.com/TNQ
– Policygenius.com
– TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
– usejoymode.com [TNQ]
– Shhtape.com [TNQ]
– mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ BEN SOUDERS: Shares His Personal Journals From Afghanistan, Operation Redwing Recovery Team](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NyAxNqDfqwY/mqdefault.jpg)



