Team Never Quit

By: Marcus Luttrell
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  • Summary

  • Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Melanie Luttrell, and Producer Hunter Juneau 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.
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Episodes
  • Ray Mendoza: Retired Navy SEAL Turned Director - The True Story Behind “Warfare,” Bringing Authentic Warfare To Hollywood

    Ray Mendoza: Retired Navy SEAL Turned Director - The True Story Behind “Warfare,” Bringing Authentic Warfare To Hollywood
    Mar 19 2025
    From the Battlefield to Hollywood: Retired Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza on Honoring Warriors Through Film. Welcome back to another episode of the Team Never Quite Podcast. This week, Marcus and Melanie are honored to sit down with retired Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza—a true warrior, storyteller, and advocate for authenticity in military films. Ray served 16 years in the SEAL Teams, including time with SEAL Team 5 and as a BUD/s instructor. A Silver Star recipient for heroism in combat, Ray has transitioned from military service to Hollywood, working as a producer, military advisor, and filmmaker. Ray’s SEAL Career & Heroism: · Ray shares his journey from enlisting in the Navy in 1997 to becoming a SEAL and instructor. · His experiences in combat, including the mission that earned him the Silver Star. · Lessons from special operations and how they shape his approach to storytelling. Transition to Hollywood: · How a role in Act of Valor introduced him to the world of filmmaking. · His work as a military advisor on Lone Survivor and other projects. · Producing The Warfighters and The Selection—his commitment to employing veterans in the industry. The Making of the film: “Warfare” · Co-writing and co-directing Warfare with Alex Garland (Civil War). · The real-life mission that inspired the film and its deeply personal connection to his friend Elliott Miller. · The responsibility of portraying modern combat authentically and why this film stands out. · Insights from actors Charles Melton and Will Poulter on the emotional weight of the project. Where to Watch & Follow: · Stay updated on Warfare’s release and behind-the-scenes content. · Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with Ray Mendoza—this is one you don’t want to miss! In this episode you will hear: • [Marcus] You go through your military career, then we get out, and then go to Hollywood. (19:47} • I’ve always wanted to do this one for Elliott and for me. It’s therapeutic anyway. It takes courage to tell that story. (26:10) • If you do do it, what is it gonna say? You gotta be really sure why you’re doing it. (26:30) • It’s hard, when you talk to somebody, to tell their story. (27:14) • Having those hard conversations with people. It’s kind of difficult. And to put in on film is another level of difficulty. (27:26) • The big thing we were doing was overwatches. Clearance operations, pushing through a sector. Establishing a foothold. (31:31) • Often, we never made it to the next cycle. They would start surrounding us, then we were like “We’re out.” Then we’d have to shoot our way out. (32:00) • Everybody got fragged. When you hear a piece of metal land on concrete, it’s a very distinct sound. (40:55) • There’s nothing I wouldn’t do with the guys. Shoulder to shoulder, I’ll Walk through the fire • with you guys. When you’re by yourself, it’s a little scary. (79:45) • Well, if we don’t make it, at least we’ll all die together. (80:35) • I’d rather die with my bro’s, than die alone. (80:44) Socials: -- IG: Warfare Movie — Movies releases April 11th in theaters near you Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors: - WARFARE IN THEATERS - shipsticks.com/TNQ - Navyfederal.org - Robinhood.com/gold - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - PXG.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Shadyrays.com [TNQ] - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ] - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ - Aura.com/TNQ - Policygenius.com - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ] - usejoymode.com [TNQ]
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Why Sleep Could Save Your Life: FBI Psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor on Sleep, Trauma & High-Pressure Environments

    Why Sleep Could Save Your Life: FBI Psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor on Sleep, Trauma & High-Pressure Environments
    Mar 12 2025
    Sleepless No More: Trauma, Recovery, and the Science of Sleep with Dr. Leah Kaylor In this eye-opening episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome Dr. Leah Kaylor—a distinguished clinical psychologist whose expertise spans forensic mental health, trauma recovery, and the intricate world of sleep science. With a career built on helping those affected by trauma, Dr. Kaylor brings unique insights into how sleep disturbances intersect with mental health challenges and recovery. Here's what you can expect from our conversation: · Foundational Expertise: o Dr. Kaylor earned her Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she conducted forensic assessments for the Brooklyn Supreme Court. o She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University, specializing in trauma-informed assessments and evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy and Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for survivors of sexual trauma. · Forensic and Crisis Intervention: o Dr. Kaylor has administered forensic assessments and competency restorations for the Shelby County Justice System, demonstrating her ability to bridge the gap between clinical psychology and legal requirements. · Scholarly Contributions & Thought Leadership: o With 5 book chapters and over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles to her name, she has significantly contributed to research on trauma, stress responses, sleep disorders, and mental health interventions. o A respected speaker on national and international stages, Dr. Kaylor discusses topics ranging from the human stress response and EMDR to practical techniques for addressing sleep disturbances in trauma-impacted populations. · Deep Dive into Sleep Science: o During her residency at the Memphis VA Medical Center, Dr. Kaylor honed her sleep-related expertise by working in the sleep clinic. Here, she helped active duty members and veterans overcome sleep disturbances by addressing issues such as sleep hygiene, nightmares, insomnia, and CPAP adherence. o In our discussion, she reveals how proper sleep management plays a critical role in trauma recovery and overall mental health, sharing actionable strategies to improve sleep quality and resilience in high-stress environments. Join us as Dr. Kaylor unpacks the powerful connection between sleep and trauma recovery, offering a blend of clinical insights, practical sleep hygiene tips, and strategies to manage nightmares and insomnia. Whether you're a mental health professional, a veteran, or someone struggling with sleep issues, this episode is packed with knowledge to help you reclaim restful nights and resilient days. Tune in now for a transformative discussion on how quality sleep can pave the way for healing and recovery! In this episode you will hear: • My dad sells drugs and my mom’s in prison. My dad is a pharmaceutical drug representative, and my mom is a dental hygienist in a maximum security all-male prion. (5:42) • Sexually violent predators are people who have committed some type of sex crime. They have been deemed to have some type of mental illness or defect, and there’s a belief that they will commit another sex crime. (15:59) • Whenever we sleep – if you’re a normal, average healthy sleeper, you should go through various sleep cycles. You should be cycling through light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep and you’re gonna be cycling through these several times a night. (23:18) • REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is most famous for having dreams. (23:44) • Folks who have problems sleeping – there are so many things you can to help yourself. (38:12) • Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning. This is key. (39:4) • We are inducing our own jet lag when we go from 6am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, then go down to 9am on Saturday and Sunday. The brain gets very confused. (43:11) • I have been a psychologist for the FBI for 5 years now, and that entire time I will be helping people with trauma. I’m certified with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and brain spotting. I love those, but I also help people with sleep. (45:10) • In my work, folks experience things and see things that we should not be asking normal human beings to see. (47:04) • [Marcus] When you’re doing your job and you’re runnin’ and gunnin’ - no matter what it is - and it tarts creeping into your dreams, that means your database is full. (50:25) • Taking time to reflect either alone or with someone you trust: How is this impacting me? What’s happening? (51:36) • I have a book coming out on sleep coming out on sleep. It’s called The Sleep Advantage. (56:02) • If you’re really getting good sleep, it can impact your decision-making, and your reaction time. It can make you the best of the best; it can impact your ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Tom Smith: From NYPD to Counterterrorism – Hostage Rescues, Stopping a School Shooting, and Taking Down Terrorists

    Tom Smith: From NYPD to Counterterrorism – Hostage Rescues, Stopping a School Shooting, and Taking Down Terrorists
    Mar 5 2025
    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: • You can retire and you can be out of it, but that drive and what I’ve got in my DNA doesn’t leave. (5:56) • My dad was my hero. (7:04) • 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. (7:09) • I knew real young what I was gonna do with the rest of my life. (7:34) • My dad told me “Listen, if your 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. (11:06) • When I took the NYPD test, 85,000 people took that test. That’s how revered the NYPD was at that time. (13:08) • 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. (15:51) • Going from NYPD detective – you know I’m not going to the Bronx. I’m getting dropped in the war zone. (31:08) • I needed that trust [from an informant] and that relationship to get what I wanted. Did I use him? 100%. (37:17) • 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. (38:46) • I went to catholic school. You had nuns who were the toughest women on this earth. (49:46) • [Marcus] That’s why they call ‘em nuns. They don’t take none of your shit (50:13) • 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. (55:21) Socials: -- https://thegoldshieldshow.com/about-us -- Listen to Gold Shields Podcast here -- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gold-shields/id1682240835 Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors: - shipsticks.com/TNQ - Navyfederal.org - Robinhood.com/gold - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - PXG.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Shadyrays.com [TNQ] - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ] - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ - Aura.com/TNQ - Policygenius.com - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ] - usejoymode.com [TNQ] - Shhtape.com [TNQ]
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    1 hr and 8 mins

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