Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 6 minutes ago
Rising Above: A Conversation with Taya Kyle
In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie visit with Taya Kyle, an author, political commentator, and military veteran’s family activist. Taya is widely known as the widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, whose story was immortalized in the book and movie “American Sniper.”
Taya was unexpectedly thrust into the national spotlight when her husband, Chris Kyle, one of America’s greatest heroes, was tragically murdered. Chris Kyle’s legacy as a Navy SEAL and his extraordinary combat tours were shared with the world through his autobiography and its film adaptation. Despite the immense grief and pain, Taya has continued to honor Chris’ life and service by dedicating herself to helping others navigate through their own tragedies.
As a New York Times best-selling author, Taya’s first book, “American Wife,” offers a deeply personal look at her life with Chris. In 2019, she released her second book, “American Spirit,” a collection of inspirational short stories about remarkable individuals she has encountered on her journey. Taya’s commitment to uplifting others extends through her foundation, Taya and Chris Kyle Family – Service Marriage Strong, where she provides support and hope to those facing difficult times.
Join us for an episode filled with hope, strength, and the enduring American spirit.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [McKnenna] I kind of always looked at everything as negative, and tried to find the negative in things. {21:06)
• Go find people that who are so broken themselves. To come out of that is God’s grace. It is 100% God’s grace. (23:57)
• Colton said, I’ve never seen an example of spiritual warfare, as much as I saw it with McKenna. (24:37)
• [Melanie] We all make mistakes. We’re not born parents (30:51)
• The parents are losing their time with the kids, and they’re expecting the schools to do it. I advise every single person to homeschool. Be done. (37:18)
• [McKenna] If there is an adult role model who is teaching them and showing them how to act, it is very helpful. (45:52)
• There are some [teachers] that enjoy teaching or children, but a lot of them just enjoy power and control. (52:40)
• Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation. And Service Marriage Strong. In marriage, 80% of murder-suicide is relationship related, not because of the people in it doing things wrong, but they don’t have the tools they need for a service marriage. (55:18)
• We’re coming in to coach them on their strengths and how to use their strengths in marriage. (56:13)
• If knowing that you’re not alone in your thoughts that you’ve kept it all to yourself. (57:17)
• The happiness of your marriage impacts your children. (57:59)
• [Marcus’ advice to Taya] You don’t have to be planning so much. Just show up. Do what you do, and God’s got it covered. (67:53)
• Do something that you feel called to do. (69:56)
• You have a responsibility to add goodness to the world. (97:21)
Rising Above: A Conversation with Taya Kyle
In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie visit with Taya Kyle, an author, political commentator, and military veteran’s family activist. Taya is widely known as the widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, whose story was immortalized in the book and movie “American Sniper.”
Taya was unexpectedly thrust into the national spotlight when her husband, Chris Kyle, one of America’s greatest heroes, was tragically murdered. Chris Kyle’s legacy as a Navy SEAL and his extraordinary combat tours were shared with the world through his autobiography and its film adaptation. Despite the immense grief and pain, Taya has continued to honor Chris’ life and service by dedicating herself to helping others navigate through their own tragedies.
As a New York Times best-selling author, Taya’s first book, “American Wife,” offers a deeply personal look at her life with Chris. In 2019, she released her second book, “American Spirit,” a collection of inspirational short stories about remarkable individuals she has encountered on her journey. Taya’s commitment to uplifting others extends through her foundation, Taya and Chris Kyle Family – Service Marriage Strong, where she provides support and hope to those facing difficult times.
Join us for an episode filled with hope, strength, and the enduring American spirit.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [McKnenna] I kind of always looked at everything as negative, and tried to find the negative in things. {21:06)
• Go find people that who are so broken themselves. To come out of that is God’s grace. It is 100% God’s grace. (23:57)
• Colton said, I’ve never seen an example of spiritual warfare, as much as I saw it with McKenna. (24:37)
• [Melanie] We all make mistakes. We’re not born parents (30:51)
• The parents are losing their time with the kids, and they’re expecting the schools to do it. I advise every single person to homeschool. Be done. (37:18)
• [McKenna] If there is an adult role model who is teaching them and showing them how to act, it is very helpful. (45:52)
• There are some [teachers] that enjoy teaching or children, but a lot of them just enjoy power and control. (52:40)
• Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation. And Service Marriage Strong. In marriage, 80% of murder-suicide is relationship related, not because of the people in it doing things wrong, but they don’t have the tools they need for a service marriage. (55:18)
• We’re coming in to coach them on their strengths and how to use their strengths in marriage. (56:13)
• If knowing that you’re not alone in your thoughts that you’ve kept it all to yourself. (57:17)
• The happiness of your marriage impacts your children. (57:59)
• [Marcus’ advice to Taya] You don’t have to be planning so much. Just show up. Do what you do, and God’s got it covered. (67:53)
• Do something that you feel called to do. (69:56)
• You have a responsibility to add goodness to the world. (97:21)
