Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 37 minutes ago
Partnering with a True Hero – An Exclusive Conversation with Tom Smith
In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome Tom Smith, a decorated former NYPD detective with over 30 years of service, who has served on the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force since the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Our discussion dives deep into Tom’s remarkable career—from his early days patrolling Harlem to high-stakes international investigations—and celebrates our proud partnership with 360 Security Services in the greater New York state area.
Learn how 360 Security Services and Tom Smith join forces to leverage decades of experience and resources, ensuring client needs are met where and when they’re needed most.
Tom’s journey started in 1990 with the NYPD, progressing from patrol officer in Harlem to detective in specialized units like Narcotics, Gang Investigations, and the Robbery Unit in The Bronx.
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Tom was recruited for the elite FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Hear firsthand about the immense responsibilities of preventing another 9/11, the emotional toll of rescue and recovery at Ground Zero, and the harrowing experiences at the landfill.
Discover Tom’s deployment to Afghanistan, where he played a critical role in the rescue of a kidnapped New York Times reporter by collaborating with international security agencies.
Tom recounts the intense investigation of a school shooter threat in upstate New York—a case that struck close to home when the planned target list included friends of his own children.
Get insights into Tom’s role as co-host alongside retired NYPD Sgt. Dan Murphy on the fast-growing true crime podcast, “Gold Shields.”
Tom Smith’s story is not only a testament to bravery and service, but also a compelling narrative of resilience, leadership, and dedication. Whether you’re interested in true crime, counter-terrorism, or inspirational career journeys, this episode is packed with real-life experiences and insights that you won’t want to miss.
In this episode you will hear:
• 5:56 You can retire and you can be out of it, but that drive and what I’ve got in my DNA doesn’t leave.
• 7:04 My dad was my hero.
• 7:09 Watching him [my dad] come home every night with that gold shield that I used to steal, put on my belt and chase my sisters around. That was all I wanted to do.
• 7:34 I knew real young what I was gonna do with the rest of my life.
• 11:00 My dad told me “Listen, if you're gonna do a job, do it great. Just do everything great you can with what’s in front of you. Whether you’re answering a phone or handling a homicide case. Just do it greet.
• 13:08 When I took the NYPD test, 85,000 people took that test. That’s how revered the NYPD was at that time.
• 15:51 Everyone [in the NYPD] was on the same page, and that’s how we got the city turned around from 3,000 homicides each year.
• 31:08 Going from NYPD detective – you know I’m not going to the Bronx. I’m getting dropped in the war zone.
• 37:17 I needed that trust [from an informant] and that relationship to get what I wanted. Did I use him? 100%.
• 38:46 One of the last things I did, which is another story you don’t hear a lot. I stopped a school sheeting from happening. My daughter was a senior there and my son was a freshman.
• 49:46 I went to catholic school. You had nuns who were the toughest women on this earth.
• 50:13 [Marcus] That’s why they call ‘em nuns. They don’t take none of your shit
• 55:21 You get one shot in this life. You There’s no do-overs, no receipts, no returns. You get one shot to make an impression in your kids’ life.
Socials:
— thegoldshieldshow.com/about-us — Listen to Gold Shields Podcast here — podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gold-shields/id1682240835
Support TNQ
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– patreon.com/teamneverquit
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– Policygenius.com
– TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
– usejoymode.com [TNQ]
– Shhtape.com [TNQ]6)
Partnering with a True Hero – An Exclusive Conversation with Tom Smith
In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome Tom Smith, a decorated former NYPD detective with over 30 years of service, who has served on the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force since the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Our discussion dives deep into Tom’s remarkable career—from his early days patrolling Harlem to high-stakes international investigations—and celebrates our proud partnership with 360 Security Services in the greater New York state area.
Learn how 360 Security Services and Tom Smith join forces to leverage decades of experience and resources, ensuring client needs are met where and when they’re needed most.
Tom’s journey started in 1990 with the NYPD, progressing from patrol officer in Harlem to detective in specialized units like Narcotics, Gang Investigations, and the Robbery Unit in The Bronx.
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Tom was recruited for the elite FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Hear firsthand about the immense responsibilities of preventing another 9/11, the emotional toll of rescue and recovery at Ground Zero, and the harrowing experiences at the landfill.
Discover Tom’s deployment to Afghanistan, where he played a critical role in the rescue of a kidnapped New York Times reporter by collaborating with international security agencies.
Tom recounts the intense investigation of a school shooter threat in upstate New York—a case that struck close to home when the planned target list included friends of his own children.
Get insights into Tom’s role as co-host alongside retired NYPD Sgt. Dan Murphy on the fast-growing true crime podcast, “Gold Shields.”
Tom Smith’s story is not only a testament to bravery and service, but also a compelling narrative of resilience, leadership, and dedication. Whether you’re interested in true crime, counter-terrorism, or inspirational career journeys, this episode is packed with real-life experiences and insights that you won’t want to miss.
In this episode you will hear:
• 5:56 You can retire and you can be out of it, but that drive and what I’ve got in my DNA doesn’t leave.
• 7:04 My dad was my hero.
• 7:09 Watching him [my dad] come home every night with that gold shield that I used to steal, put on my belt and chase my sisters around. That was all I wanted to do.
• 7:34 I knew real young what I was gonna do with the rest of my life.
• 11:00 My dad told me “Listen, if you're gonna do a job, do it great. Just do everything great you can with what’s in front of you. Whether you’re answering a phone or handling a homicide case. Just do it greet.
• 13:08 When I took the NYPD test, 85,000 people took that test. That’s how revered the NYPD was at that time.
• 15:51 Everyone [in the NYPD] was on the same page, and that’s how we got the city turned around from 3,000 homicides each year.
• 31:08 Going from NYPD detective – you know I’m not going to the Bronx. I’m getting dropped in the war zone.
• 37:17 I needed that trust [from an informant] and that relationship to get what I wanted. Did I use him? 100%.
• 38:46 One of the last things I did, which is another story you don’t hear a lot. I stopped a school sheeting from happening. My daughter was a senior there and my son was a freshman.
• 49:46 I went to catholic school. You had nuns who were the toughest women on this earth.
• 50:13 [Marcus] That’s why they call ‘em nuns. They don’t take none of your shit
• 55:21 You get one shot in this life. You There’s no do-overs, no receipts, no returns. You get one shot to make an impression in your kids’ life.
Socials:
— thegoldshieldshow.com/about-us — Listen to Gold Shields Podcast here — podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gold-shields/id1682240835
Support TNQ
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
– shipsticks.com/TNQ
– Navyfederal.org
– Robinhood.com/gold
– strawberry.me/TNQ
– stopboxusa.com {TNQ}
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– kalshi.com/TNQ
– PXG.com/TNQ
– joinbilt.com/TNQ
– Tonal.com [TNQ]
– greenlight.com/TNQ
– PDSDebt.com/TNQ
– drinkAG1.com/TNQ
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– qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]
– Hims.com/TNQ
– Shopify.com/TNQ
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– Policygenius.com
– TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
– usejoymode.com [TNQ]
– Shhtape.com [TNQ]6)
![JOSH SMITH: Montana Knife Company, Master Blade-Smith, Stylish & Effective Knives Made in the USA
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus & Melanie connect with Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith. His journey into the world of bladesmithing began at the young age of 11, under the mentorship of his baseball coach, Rick Dunkerley. Rick introduced Josh to the art of knife-making, guiding him through the process of removing stock blades.
Josh set up his own shop at home, thanks to his father, who provided him space in his equipment shop. By the age of 12, Josh had joined the American Bladesmith Society, marking the start of his formal journey into bladesmithing.
At 14, Josh attended the Eugene Oregon knife show, where he met other talented knife makers who generously shared their knowledge with him. This experience further fueled his passion and skill in the craft.
At just 15 years old, Josh passed the rigorous Journeyman bladesmith test at the Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia, becoming the youngest bladesmith to achieve this feat. The Journeyman test involves a performance test, where a forged and heat-treated blade must chop a 1” rope and two 2x4s in half and still be able to shave hair. The blade must also withstand a 90-degree bend in a vise without breaking. Following the performance test, the candidate presents five knives to a panel of Mastersmith Judges for evaluation of craftsmanship.
Josh didn’t stop there. He continued to hone his craft and, at 19, became the youngest bladesmith to earn the prestigious Master Smith rating from the American Bladesmith Society.
Tune in to hear more about Josh’s incredible journey and the dedication it takes to become a master of bladesmithing!
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I passed the Mastersmith test when I was young, so technically, I’m a master bladesmith.
• That [Mastersmith] test and getting there was a lot of work over a lot of years, but really what is meant is you’re really now ready to start learning. You can actually absorb what you’re being taught.
• If you’re looking back at something you built 20 years ago, and you’re still thinking that’s the best thing you’ve ever done, you’ve really gotta be honest with yourself. You really haven’t come very far.
• There’s a picture of me in Blade Magazine when I’m about 12, standing on a milk crate grinding knives.
• I was pretty motivated. At 15 years old, I became the youngest journeyman knife-maker in the world, and then at 19 I became the youngest Mastersmith.
• I started getting publicity in magazines when I was really young. When I was 16 years old, I probably had 150 knife orders from all over the world.
• It’s amazing today, with what’s at your fingertips, you can learn how to do anything right from home.
• Nothing even today replaces being in the presence of that master and having them teach you.
• Style comes over time.
• One thing I’m proud of – I didn’t fall into making one style of a knife. I can do almost anything across the board. That is what a master is.
• I won the best Damascus knife award in the world at the Atlanta Blade Show when I was 20 years old.
• I’ve sharpened thousands of knives for people. It doesn’t matter who made it. What matters is who carried it.
• I don’t need 300million Americans to be my customer. I want the 20-30-40-50 million that are patriotic as hell and appreciate quality. They want that story behind the blade. We’re proving that American manufacturing is not just not dead, but it’s desired by Americans.
• Ten years ago, my house burned to the ground. I was completely broke as hell, living in a camper. And today, I’m shaking hands with President Trump, Junior’s coming over and I pig hunted with Rogan. I get to be friends with heroes-our veterans.
• People need to keep moving the ball forward and never give up.
Socials:
– montanaknifecompany
– https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
– Navyfederal.org
– drinkAG1.com/TNQ
– GoodRX.com/TNQ
– ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]
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![BRIAN DICKINSON: Navy Rescue Swimmer, Summited Mt. Everest goes Blind Survives the Death Zone Alone
Solo in the Death Zone: Brian Dickinson’s Blind Descent from Everest
This week’s Team Never Quit guest is no stranger to adversity. Brian Dickinson, a former U.S. Navy Special Operations Aviation Rescue Swimmer and elite mountaineer, joins us to share the harrowing true story of his solo summit and descent of Mount Everest after being left without a guide—and without sight. After his Sherpa fell ill near the South Col, Brian pushed onward alone to the top of the world, only to be struck by sudden snow blindness on the way down. What followed was a seven-hour descent with no vision, no oxygen, and no margin for error.
Brian holds the record for the highest solo blind descent and has completed the Seven Summits, conquering the tallest peaks on each continent. Before his mountaineering feats, Brian served six years in the U.S. Navy with the elite NSO (Naval Special Operations) community, deploying on high-risk rescue and combat missions in the Persian Gulf.
Now the host of Calm in the Chaos, a podcast that highlights raw, untold rescue stories from America’s unsung heroes, Brian brings the same courage, insight, and humility to this conversation. Whether you’re a fan of extreme adventure, military resilience, or human endurance—you won’t want to miss this one.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• {Marcus] I’m a Charlie Sheen SEAL. (8:19)
• It’s weird when you go from jumping put of helicopters to something less interesting. (14:11)
• You can’t really plan for giving up in the death zone – 26,00 feet. But you can train for the things in your control. (18:07)
• You can’t acclimate to 26 [thousand feet]. You’re slowly dying. Like if you cut your finger, it won’t heal. There’s not enough air. (23:23)
• At Camp 3, this is where you see a straight up ice wall. If you fall, you’re falling for a mile. (24:32)
• When I got about a thousand feet above Camp 3, I had to anchor off to get some water. I had an oxygen mask and goggles, and I took my goggles off to put them around my wrist, and as I was getting my mask off to drink water, my foot slipped, I went to grab the rope, and my goggles slid off and 4they’re just like… down. And you don’t bring extra gear. (25:35)
• There’re over 300 bodies still on the mountain. (30:38)
• You live and die by the decisions you make in life. (31:34)
• When you climb any mountain at night, the sun is your first indication of hope. (37:33)
• According to the Himalayan Database, I’m one of two people to ever have the summit to myself on a given day. (39:07)
• Everything just went completely white. I went Snowblind. And I remember at that moment, dropping down, grabbing the rope, and assessing the situation thinking: I’m at the highest point in the world, I’m completely blind; no one’s coming to get me. (41:07)
• I just witnessed a miracle. It was like someone reached down and picked me up. An unexplained energy. The first thing I did was try the extra oxygen bottle and it started working, and I got 5 full beaths – reeling it in – and it burned. It felt like fire going through my veins. (48:02)
• Everyone loves a survival story. They could care less about the survivor. (53:43)
• That whole time, Jesus was walking alongside me. I felt that presence. (47:05)
Support Brian
PERSONAL SITE: Https://briandickinson.net
CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST: Https://calminthechaospodcast.com
BLIND DESCENT: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1414391722
CALM IN THE CHAOS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493078534
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/BrianCDickinson
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/BrianCDickinson
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCalmintheChaosPodcast
X: https://x.com/BrianCDickinson
Support TNQ
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit BRIAN DICKINSON: Navy Rescue Swimmer, Summited Mt. Everest goes Blind Survives the Death Zone Alone](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uhF7xretsWE/mqdefault.jpg)
![JANN MARDENBOROUGH: How A Video Game Champ Became an F1 Driver, Star of Movie Gran Turismo
In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie bring you an incredible story that bridges the virtual and real worlds of racing. Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of Jann Mardenborough, a British professional racing driver who went from playing sim racing video games to competing at the highest levels of motorsport.
Growing up in Cardiff, Wales, his potential was clear even at age 8 when he impressed a local go-kart track owner. However, financial constraints forced him to give up real-world racing, pushing him towards sim racing games like Gran Turismo.
The turning point came in 2011 when Jann entered the GT Academy, a hybrid gaming-driving competition by Nissan and Sony Computer Entertainment. Competing against 90,000 entrants, Jann’s exceptional skills in Gran Turismo 5 propelled him to the finals. His dedication saw him practicing up to five hours a day on a simulator rig complete with pedals and a steering wheel.
Jann’s journey through the GT Academy was nothing short of extraordinary. Starting from virtual races, he proved his mettle on real tracks at Brands Hatch and Silverstone. His performance culminated in a winner-take-all race at Silverstone, securing him a professional racing contract with Nissan.
From winning the GT Academy, Jann quickly made a name for himself in the racing world. He has since finished on the podium in his class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, won races, and contended for titles in GT3 and junior formula cars. His career highlights also include competing in Super GT, Super Formula, and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
We’ll also touch on the Gran Turismo movie, which dramatizes the story of how a video gamer like Jann transitioned into a professional racing driver. This film highlights the transformative impact of the GT Academy and showcases the merging of virtual and real-world racing.
Jann’s story is a testament to how passion and dedication can turn dreams into reality, regardless of how unachievable they may seem. Tune in to hear more about his incredible journey from a bedroom gamer to a professional driver on some of the world’s most prestigious tracks.
In this episode you will hear:
• My dad isn’t an academic person, but he really instilled in me and my younger brother – things about life. You have one life. He was paid to do something he loved. (6:07)
• When you’re 8 or 9 years old, you don’t really understand, but as you get older – what do I want to do? And my thing was racing. I didn’t know how I was going to do it. It was always instilled in my head – the understanding what the job was. I thought to myself “I want to do that. I don’t know how I’m going to get there, but I want to do that.” (6:26)
• It was through my friends – the love of cars, and the objects, and the pictures. I had them on my wall. (8:38)
• I was a kid that could recognize a car on the street in the dark just by the headlights as a 6 year-old. (9:50)
• With my dad, when I was younger, he never forced anything on me. (17:39)
• [Melanie] Q: Using the video game simulation, did you ever think that that was actually going to propel you into real racing?
A: No. Absolutely not. It wasn’t a conscious thought. My dream was always to be a racing driver, but I didn’t know how it would happen. (25:52)
• I used to go to work with the keys of my BMW which I had maybe 6 months. I would always go to work with the key in my pocket. That little BMW emblem on the key ring – I’d be rubbing it in my pocket, just thinking, “This isn’t it, what I’m doing, but I have at least something which was bringing me joy.” (26:53)
• Confidence and arrogance. People want to give you responsibility. If you’re a bit soft with your answers – the first impressions are what really matter. (41:11)
• Every day in the academy, there was somebody getting eliminated. (41:41)
• I box things off in my head, once I learn about them, and I don’t revisit them. (50:49)
• [His car went airborne] A horrible point in my life. I remember it vividly. (51:34)
• [Melanie] As [Marcus’] wife, I see the parallel between the two of you. Both of you never quit. (52:46)
• My favorite championship race is the one in Japan. It’s called GT500. (64:51)
• In motorsports, even in Formula 1, you have 1 tire supplier. (65:25)
• Yes, there’s things I want to do in the sport. I want my own race team. (67:42)
• Be the best that you can be. (71:35)
Photo creds:
– Ligier Automotive
Socials:
– https://www.jannthaman.com/
– IG: @jannthaman
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
– Navyfederal.org
– drinkAG1.com/TNQ
– PXG.com/TNQ
– Shadyrays.com [TNQ]
– Hims.com/TNQ
– Shopify.com/TNQ
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– Policygenius.com— JANN MARDENBOROUGH: How A Video Game Champ Became an F1 Driver, Star of Movie Gran Turismo](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uooqVv1Q9ew/mqdefault.jpg)

![ROBERT O’NEILL: SEAL Team 6 Vet Who Shot Bin Laden - Crossfire w/ “The Operator Podcast”
Mission Accomplished: Rob O’Neill on SEAL Team Six, Leadership, and Life After the Battlefield.
In this week’s episode, Marcus and Melanie Luttrell meet with one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time—Robert J. O’Neill. With an incredible 400+ combat missions under his belt, Rob’s experiences span across Liberia, The Balkans, The Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. As a Navy SEAL, Rob served in SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four, and spent eight years with the legendary SEAL Team Six.
Rob’s heroic career is underscored by 53 decorations, including two Silver Stars for gallantry, four Bronze Stars with Valor for heroism, and a host of other prestigious commendations. His resume of skills includes elite qualifications like Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster, Naval Special Warfare Scout/Sniper, and Master Naval Parachutist, among many others.
In this episode, we dive deep into Rob’s role in some of the most significant military operations in recent history:
Operation Red Wings, which saw the rescue of the Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell
The lead jumper in the daring rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates
Operation Neptune’s Spear, the mission that brought down Osama bin Laden
Beyond the battlefield, Rob is the co-founder of the Special Operators Transition Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping special operations veterans transition to successful careers in corporate America. He is also the author of the best-selling memoir, THE OPERATOR: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior.
Throughout his post-military career, Rob has become a prominent public speaker, security consultant, and media contributor, sharing expert insights on military strategy and terrorism. Whether speaking to survivors of 9/11 or delivering keynote speeches to business leaders, Rob translates his elite training into actionable lessons on leadership, resilience, and success.
Join us as we explore Rob O’Neill’s incredible journey from the frontlines to the boardroom and hear his thoughts on leadership, transition, and how to thrive under pressure.
Tune in to hear the untold stories and actionable advice from one of America’s most decorated heroes!
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I don’t think I could beat Marcus at arm wrestling if I can’t pick up a bowling ball. (1:58)
• You do realize there’s a thing called old man strength? (5:53)
• [Rob O’Neil] I have a podcast as well, called “The Operator.” We’re called The Operator because if you’re doing anything, you’re an operator. (6:18)
• Having a big man to kick your ass and teach you wind a bobbin; you realize there is skill here. (9:59)
• When people quit BUDS, it’s not because “this is hard”. [It’s because] I’m tired of the broken foot; I’m tire of the shin splints; I’m tire of my dislocated shoulder; I’m tired. 21:20)
• In BUDS, one of the biggest problems is eating too much. Like I want 5 cheeseburgers, but we have a 4-mile run afterwards. (26:35)
• [Rob] and for everyone that doesn’t know, can you explain what a SDV is?
[Marcus] Imagine a mini submarine and shrink it down. The difference is that a submarine is dry inside, and the SDV is completely full of water. (37:40)
• Listen to Marcus discuss the details of being in an SDV for 8 hours. (38:52)
• [Marcus] Talk about ultimate torture – If you have a deep freeze in your garage, fill that sucker full of water, crawl in there and sit down for 8 hours. (38:53)
• The first time I got in there, I was terrified. (43:49)
• [Marcus] There’s stuff that happens to us out there. Sometimes safety gets in the way of it. (58:40)
• [After falling down the mountain during Operation Red Wings] I could hear that stream running. I’ve got to get me water, but I kept thinking I can’t drink out of it, because my buddies are in it. (79:27)
• If you want to make God laugh, tell Him what your plan is. (90:24)
• [Marcus] Bro, when you saw that son of a bitch’s face [Osama Bin Laden], what was the first thing you saw? [Rob O’Neal] I saw his nose. He was skinny, wearing white – tall. (93:41)
• My nickname was “Nisro” (Navy SEAL Rob O’Neal). When they asked “Who got him?” They go “Nisro,” and they said “Fuck! Were never gonna hear the end of it.” (95:38
Socials:
– IG: mchooyah
– Host of The Operator Podcast
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
– Navyfederal.org
– GoodRX.com/TNQ
– kalshi.com/TNQ
– PXG.com/TNQ
– joinbilt.com/TNQ
– Tonal.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) ROBERT O’NEILL: SEAL Team 6 Vet Who Shot Bin Laden - Crossfire w/ “The Operator Podcast”](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vTIzNwFICWs/mqdefault.jpg)

![DAVID KNIESS & TRENT GIBSON: The Story of Medal of Honor recipient, Cpl. Jason Lee Dunham (Rebro)
The Ultimate Sacrifice: Honoring Corporal Jason Dunham’s Legacy
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, we learn the vivid details of the events leading up to the courage, love, and self-sacrifice made by Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Jason L. Dunham of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Karabilah, Iraq. What a leader by example Jason was – to the point of throwing himself onto a grenade in an effort to save his comrades. Marcus’ guests, David Kniess (Veteran & Producer) and Lieutenant Colonel Trent Gibson (Dunham’s Company Commander), not only bring Jason’s story to life, but discuss the compelling and engaging upcoming documentary – The Gift. The Gift documentary is a personal project for David, who had a chance meeting with Corporal Dunham. That chance meeting led to lifelong friendships with the Dunham family and a core group of Marines from Kilo Company. David is actively involved in the Veteran community and has volunteered his time, producing content for Veteran Organizations such as Beteran, Stop Soldier Suicide, John Preston Music, and The Boot Campaign. David also served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Normandy (CG-60), a guided missile cruiser.
In this episode you will hear:
• Having the Dunham’s in my life has enriched my life. 10:52
• It’s not just about Jason; it’s about everything that has affected all of you all those years. 15:46
• Our generation and the younger generation is standing up and saying, “I’m not gonna wait for anyone. I’m gonna jump out there and teach guys how to surf, how to sing with dogs, start a podcast, and we’re talking about our shit. 22:44
• [With regard to this film], all I care about is what Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers think.
For veterans who are still struggling, I want them to watch it and say “if these kid can do it, maybe I can do it too.” 26:44
• I want civilians to know what it’s like for young men & women to go to war. 27:23
• [Marcus] If somebody threw one of those “Thank you for service” lines at you – even if you haven’t done something – it’s coming…” 28:04
• I believe in 3 things as a Marine. I believe in leadership by example; I believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good; and one man can make a difference. 33:06
• Jason had the leadership qualities to lead a rifle squad of American sons. 37:39
• Any leader who inspires his subordinates through personal example, to then return the favor and take care of him – that’s a true leader. 47:06
• Dunham was a big boy. He’s not someone I would choose to grapple with. 54:38
• Jason took off his Kevlar helmet, placed in on the grenade, and then laid down on it. 64:41
• Knowing what I know of him now, he loved his marines so much. He didn’t just take care of them, he practiced taking care of them. Who fucking practices covering a live grenade with their helmet? 74:08
Socials:
Support The Gift
WatchTheGift.com
https://www.facebook.com/THEGIFTDOCUMENTARY
https://www.instagram.com/thegiftdocumentary/
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![CHASE ROWAN: Army Ranger Who Faced Addiction, Found Healing, & Rebuilt His Life
From Battlefield to Boardroom: The Journey of Chase Rowan
This week, Marcus and Melanie meet with the remarkable Chase Rowan—a former Army Ranger turned creative visionary, financial strategist, and vocal advocate for alternative healing. With a career spanning combat zones to creative studios and boardrooms, Chase embodies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and transformation.
Listen in on Chase’s powerful story of serving as an Army Ranger and the ridiculous challenges he faced returning to civilian life, healing the Invisible wounds, and his personal experiences with ibogaine and 5meo-DMT, and how these treatments helped him overcome addiction and trauma.
Chase discusses his work with the Texas Ibogaine Initiative and reveals why he’s passionate about sharing these solutions with fellow veterans.
These days, Chase blends graphic design, branding, photography, and UI/UX into compelling visual experiences as a creative director based in Dallas, TX. He has a unique approach to web development and consulting, and his art direction informs his technical execution.
Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, veteran, or someone seeking hope and healing, Chase’s story is a testament to the human capacity to reinvent, heal, and lead with purpose.
Tune in now and hear how Chase Rowan is blending creativity, finance, and advocacy to make a lasting impact.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I had a lot of experiences walking in on things no boy wants to walk in on. (12:45)
• I’ve struggled with alcohol for a long time. But I did it kind of quietly, especially when I got in the military. (19:57)
• [While parachuting] I hit the runway going 40-50 mph. I had an 8” gash in the back of my head. I was out-unconscious. (30:44)
• There’s nothing worse than opioid withdrawal to me. (30:44)
• My sole focus when I got up, when I was deep in my addiction – my first thought was “How am I gonna get something?” (38:15)
• In 2016, my life was in shambles. I decided I needed help. (39:10)
• [Marcus] No matter how strong you are. It’s like being a prisoner of war. (41:47)
• I felt like such a failure, and so many times I thought about how much better my kids and my wife would be if I just ended my life. (53:26)
• When I was at my weakest, and I’d start crying, all of the sudden I’d feel power within me. (58:49)
• Being sober is a super power. (63:15)
• [Post Ibogaine treatment] I’ve never wanted to be alive more than I do now, and people need to know about this. (72:21)
• There’s nothing I like more than seeing people happy. (78:02)
• It’s not what you want. It’s what you need. (84:27)
• There are so many things that trauma is from, and this [Ibogaine] can heal it. (90:28)
Support Chase
– t4gmh.org
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![JAKE SCHMITT: Crushed in the Backcountry - The Survival Story of a Guide, His Dog
The Crawl: How Jake Schmitt Survived a Mountain Crash — Thanks to His Dog
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus & Melanie sit down with Utah hunting guide Jake Schmitt to hear his incredible story of survival in the Uintah Mountains. What began as a summer scouting trip for mule deer turned into an 11-hour crawl for his life — with only his dog, Buddy, by his side.
Jake shares how he went from releasing an elk calf from a trap to being crushed in a UTV rollover, and how his knowledge of self-rescue, grit, and an extraordinary bond with his German shorthaired pointer helped him make it out alive.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How a routine scouting trip in the Uintah Mountains went horribly wrong
• The split-second decisions that led to the UTV rollover and Jake’s devastating injuries
• Why his dog Buddy became the key to his survival — providing motivation & warmth
• Field-tested self-rescue skills every outdoorsperson should know
• Jake’s recovery process, and how he’s preparing to return to the mountains and the buck he first spotted
Key Moments:
• The Hunt: Scouting for a velvet mule deer buck in remote country
• The Rescue: Freeing an elk calf from a trap moments before disaster struck
• The Crash: A UTV rollover shattering bones and gear — but not Jake’s resolve
• The Crawl: 11 hours of crawling, crossing creeks, and following Buddy’s promptings to safety
• The Recovery: Rods, screws, and staples — but a plan to guide hunters again this fall
This episode is more than a survival story. It’s about preparedness, mindset, and the unbreakable bond between a hunter and his dog. Whether you hunt, hike, or just love hearing how ordinary people survive extraordinary situations, this conversation will stay with you.
In this episode you will hear:
• In between normal life and sports, I always was hunting. (7:12)
• Welding funds my guiding addiction. (8:54)
• The incredible story of Jake’s accident and subsequent crawl for his life starts here. (22:03
• [Jake’s dog, Buddy] went with it. He came up and found me. (26:40)
• So, what I ended up doing was grabbing this and summersaulting down. It doesn’t sound like that far, but it was like 100 feet. It was a good tumble, and I’m just screaming. (31:25)
• I’ve been guiding way up north where I’ve seen a German Shepherd get baited into the woods by wolves and they rip him to shreds. (33:12)
• The first thing I thought was I have no light. How the hell am I gonna do this? I don’t even know where I’m going. (33:33)
• I’m dragging the leg, and I’m going so far downhill that if I try to turn around, I start to tumble, but if I go the other way I drag and drag, but you’re going up and over this, up and over that, you’re going under this log, you’re going over that log, so I’ve gone maybe a third of a mile in 3 hours. And I’m like I’m gonna die out here. (36:53)
• Jake’s explanation of flipping over on his knee and break his leg again, and Buddy finally gets it. (38:19)
• It was 4 miles of straight rock. (44:34)
• At the time mentally, I am just gone. But the dog as there and I felt obligated. (45:54)
• At some point I just got it out of my head: Whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen. At that moment, something changed in me. (58:10)
• The best PT for me is doing the same damn thing that I was doing. (64:34)
Support TNQ
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit JAKE SCHMITT: Crushed in the Backcountry - The Survival Story of a Guide, His Dog](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xB1xwf3Wnes/mqdefault.jpg)
![JOSH THURMAN: Combat to Code – How a Former Navy SEAL is Protecting Kids Online with Angel Kids AI
From Navy SEAL to AI Innovator: Protecting Kids Online with Josh Thurman
In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Navy SEAL veteran and tech entrepreneur Josh Thurman. As the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Angel Kids AI, Josh is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to create a safer, age-appropriate internet experience for children.
Josh shares insights into his 12+ years of service as a SEAL officer, where he completed 11 overseas deployments in support of the Global War on Terror and was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Two Joint Commendation Medals, Three Navy Commendation Medals, a Navy Achievement Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Joint Meritorious Unit Award as well as multiple combat and valorous distinctions. Following his transition to civilian life in 2018, Josh applied the leadership and problem-solving skills he honed in the military to the tech world. His groundbreaking platform, Angel Kids AI, empowers parents to protect their children online by enforcing parental guidelines across the digital landscape.
In this episode, Josh talks about the challenges of building a tech startup, the future of AI in safeguarding children, and his personal journey from the battlefield to the boardroom. Tune in to hear about his incredible story, the vision behind Angel Kids AI, and how he’s making the internet a safer place for kids.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• Riding my bike home; car doesn’t see me. Pulls out and we crash at 20 mph. I fly over the hood, my right leg hits, immense pain. I had broken my hip. But now I’m starting to think about the military. I crutch my way to the recruiter’s office.
• Every generation, since the beginning of America has fought to preserve our freedom.
• [Marcus] When you’re checking into BUDS, check in on Friday after 4:30pm.
• Always choose the hard things because even if you fail, you’re gonna learn a ton.
• Things are gonna hit you in life that you have almost no control over, and you’re gonna want to have those experiences that you build up doing the things you chose to be hard, so you can survive those moments.
• My wife’s a nurse practitioner, she’s tracking the baby on the Doppler. As she’s laboring, our son passes away. Been through all this stuff: Training, deployments… I’m grateful for those things, because they all sort of prepared me for this thing that happened in life that I had no control over.
•There’s suffering to be dealt with and that loss – you’ve gotta get through it, assigning meaning to that suffering. I’m not suffering for nothing, I’m suffering for something.
• [Marcus] A lot of times, you just go though it with them, and not talk ‘em through it.
• Recognize that God gives us that pain to keep us close to that person so that we don’t forget ‘em.
• I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. In many ways, I wanted to serve as long as I could, as hard as I could, but I knew on the other side this is what I wanted to do.
• You may have thousands of followers on whatever platform it, but do you have someone you can call to move a couch?
• Social media is a democracy killing force. It wields way too much power in our lives.
• Technology should be a tool to help us fulfill the dreams of our lives. It’s totally inverted right now.
• AI has been working for big tech, it serves their purposes. It serves up products to advertisers. This is the big machine. Frankly, we’re getting played by it.
• If you want this incredible thing called America to persist, you’ve gotta be part of the solution.
• We’re all getting played, and the house always wins.
• There’s value in getting information, organizing, shopping, people finding love on line. But it shouldn’t be massively destructive.
• Kids have access to this online virtual world all the time that’s terrible for their mental health. It’s teaching them that the most important things in life is how many likes and followers you get.
• The surgeon general put out a warning: If kids are spending 3 or more hours on social media, they’re 50% more likely to be depressed.
• At Angel Kids, our mission is to use AI to make the internet safe for kids.
Socials:
– IG: jpthurman
– https://www.angelkids.ai/
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
Sponsors:
– Navyfederal.org
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– mackweldon.com/utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastlaunch&utm_content=TNQutm_term=TNQ JOSH THURMAN: Combat to Code – How a Former Navy SEAL is Protecting Kids Online with Angel Kids AI](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xN8TuYAlEYg/mqdefault.jpg)
![BRANDEN TERRELL: A Powerful Story of Prison, Redemption, and a Mission to Advocate Through Faith
A Journey of Redemption: Branden Terrell’s Path to Accountability and Transformation
In this week’s raw and powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Branden Terrell, a man whose life has been defined by both profound tragedy and transformation. Branden’s journey began with a devastating crime—the voluntary manslaughter of his friend, Ryan Roth, in 2012. After serving over a decade in prison, Branden is now committed to rebuilding his life and advocating for restorative justice, but his path to redemption is far from simple.
Branden gets real about the night he took Ryan’s life—a night marked by a dangerous mix of drugs, alcohol, and emotional turmoil. He shares how this tragedy has shaped his current mission to support victims’ families, advocate for survivors, and push for more effective rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
Branden takes full responsibility for his actions, acknowledging the pain and devastation caused to Ryan’s family and the community. He also discusses the impact of substance abuse on his behavior that night, but emphasizes that no excuse can absolve him of his actions.
Throughout the episode, Branden shares his struggles, regrets, and efforts to make amends for the harm he caused. His commitment to transformation is clear, but he acknowledges that healing, for both himself and the Roth family, is a long and complex journey.
This episode is not just about Branden’s personal redemption; it’s about understanding the broader impact of crime, the importance of accountability, and the possibilities for growth and healing within the justice system.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I’ve seen a lot of poverty and the impact of drugs. My hopes and dreams was to play professional football or baseball. (12:30)
• By the time I was expelled in my junior year after football season, I had been to 17 different schools. (12:46)
• I knew my family loved me, but the only place I had that real validation was playing sports. (13:02)
• I started hanging around all the wrong people, all the wrong places, seeking validation, wanting to be accepted, covered myself with tattoos. (15:29)
• The only time I’ve ever had handcuffs on me was when I was under the influence of alcohol. (18:08)
• By the time I was 18, I was living a full-on criminal lifestyle. (19:35)
• My mom – even if I’m doing something wrong, she’s gonna have my back. (25:49)
• All the folks I was running with [would say] “You’re the biggest liability when you start drinking.” (34:54)
• We went out to dinner with some of the folks that were trimming. I remember sitting at the table, waitress is taking orders and everybody’s ordering drinks, and I’m having this internal conversation with myself: “Brandon don’t do it. You don’t need to drink.” They get to me: “What the heck, 1 drink ain’t gonna kill nobody. I ordered a drink. Within hours after that, I was arrested for murder. (38:10)
• Me and Ryan had some words. He punched me and then from there, I went into a blackout. I grabbed a knife and ended up taking his life. (39:01)
• When I was drinking and I got into something, I’d just go into a rage.(47:45)
• I had this vision of “I’m gonna use this to help people be sober one day. I’m gonna help people live their best life through sobriety.” (53:59)
• I didn’t know that was okay, as a man, to talk about feelings. (55:32)
• There’s a lot of strong guys in prison, but there’s a lot of weak individuals too. (57:55)
• I was a closet cowardly christian. (75:48)
• So I get on my knees, and promised God never to use alcohol again.(80:24)
• That’s what life’s all about. Finding the God-given strength, ability and purpose and using it to help people. (91:11)
• I knew I had a problem with alcohol, but I was afraid to ask for help. (119:45)
Socials:
– Website: ElevateImpact.com
– IG: Brandenterrellcoaching
– IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
– https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit
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