Team Never Quit Marcus Luttrell

Mastering Fear and Building Resilience with Evy Poumpouras
In this compelling episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with the incredible Evy Poumpouras, former Secret Service Agent, author, and expert in resilience and personal empowerment. Evy shares her journey from protecting presidents to empowering individuals to face their fears and build unshakeable resilience. She provides practical strategies for managing fear, handling stress, and cultivating a mindset that can thrive in any situation.
As a Secret Service Agent, Evy served under Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton. She is the author of "Becoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations, and Live Fearlessly." She is a renowned speaker and media commentator, frequently appearing on networks like CNN, MSNBC, and NBC. Her expertise in body language, lie detection, and personal protection makes her a sought-after expert in the fields of security and resilience.
Evy’s actions as a first responder during the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City bestowed her the United States Secret Service Valor Award.

Resources:
Book: Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras
Evy’s Website: evypoumpouras.com
Follow Evy on Social Media: Instagram, Twitter
   @evypoumpouras

 In this episode you will hear:
• I was born in Harlem, New York. My parents were immigrants – they’re Greek. (9:50)
• My dad’s first job in America – he worked for free. (12:04)
• [Growing up] Fun was when the fire department would open up the fire hydrants, and we’d run through them. That was “going to the pool.” (13:57)
• I’ve always trusted my [inner] voice – whatever it is – intuition, instinct. I would listen to it. (18:22)
• I’m brave if I’m in proximity of other brave people. (19:30)
• When I applied to the Secret Service and before that, NYPD, I never asked what am I getting paid? (22:55)
• Everything I was able to do, happened here, and there’s no question in my mind, had I been born in Greece – I say this with all humility, there’s no way I would’ve ever been a secret service agent, there’s no way I would’ve ever been a cop. (39:20)
• After 9/11, the tone changed significantly. [People became] very much supportive of first responders. (42:10)
• [In the 9-11 experience] there were no injuries that day. You either lived, or you died. (59:51)
• That was the saddest part, I thought “I’m gonna die all by myself here – completely alone.” (69:33)
• Those situations show you who people really are. Even training won’t reveal that, until you see who does what, and who’s capable of what. (80:25)
• [Marcus] The best comes out in everybody when we all get hit at the same time. (81:11)
• [Marcus} I think 9-11 recreated a different kind of America. (84:38)
• I never dealt with the victims, I dealt with the suspects and the perpetrators. (99:52)
 • I learned when I was an interviewer, certain countries torture certain ways. (110:04)
• I think our next big attack is gonna be a cyber-attack. (120:23)

Socials:
-  IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

Sponsors:
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Building a Bridge Between Two Worlds with Aaron Kendle
In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary journey of Aaron Kendle, who dedicated 16 years to the Navy SEALs, completing six deployments. Kendle began his career as a medic, advanced to become a sniper, and eventually served as a sky-diving instructor for the West Coast SEALs in San Diego. Transitioning from military to civilian life, Kendle embraced a new mission as the CEO of the SEAL Future Fund (SFF), an organization devoted to helping fellow SEALs transition into civilian life and careers, with the creation of tailored resumes, professional coaching, and networking opportunities.
Despite a devastating accident that required hand amputation and the discovery and treatment of his life-threatening aortic aneurysm, Aaron proves firsthand that perspective, attitude and determination go a long way in life. Tune in to hear Aaron Kendle’s full story and gain valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of community in supporting life transitions.

In this episode you will hear:
• Q: So what was it that made you want to become a Navy SEAL?
A: I started thinking about it before I graduated. 9-11 is what shifted my path. (7:37)
• I still going to the VFW. I still love talking to those older guys. It’s a different mindset. (11:14)
• I heard my name going to Gold Team. As the classes get smaller and smaller, the guys get tighter. (44:33)
• We were living in Morgan’s house. Every Wednesday, if we were all together, we would go to Outback Steakhouse and get Chocolate Thunder. (50:48)
• Aaron speaks about “Extortion,” when 30 servicemen were killed when a Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. (57:25)
• 2 days later when everything opened up, I remember calling my dad on a sat phone, saying “Hey, it’s me. I’m alive. I’d love to stay and chat, but there’s a bunch of stuff going on.” (61:59)
• The older guys that did 20-30 years. Those are the guys trying to figure out what’s the next step? (81:13)
• Aaron tells the most ridiculous and compelling story of an accident that resulted in having his hand amputated, and the subsequent hilarious events that followed. (82:12)
• “You have an Aortic aneurism. Your Aorta is way oversized.” (98:09)
During Covid I’m out there skateboarding. Made this turn, hit a wet patch, and landed directly on my nub. (103:35)
• I had a seizure. Out of nowhere. (104:18)
If I don’t have a goal for something, then I’m not doing anything. (109:16)
• Starting running is the worst feeling of all time. To stand there and then begin to run is terrible. (110:13)
• I think I owe it to people. 1 - I’m not dead. If I can go out there and suffer a little bit to help motivate people, and make ‘em better than I am, that’s our goal. (123:23) 

Socials:
-  IG: redmanda252
-  IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

Sponsors:
  - Navyfederal.org       
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From Video Gamer to Professional Driver with Jann Mardenborough
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.
Jann’s passion for racing ignited at a young age. Despite his father's professional soccer career, Jann dreamed of holding a steering wheel. 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 fir

Exploring Mental Health Through Visual Storytelling with Brandon Kapelow
This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie speak with Brandon Kapelow, a versatile visual artist hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Wyoming. With a diverse portfolio encompassing directing, photography, and cinematography, Brandon's creative journey is as dynamic as the landscapes he captures.
But there's more to Brandon's story than meets the eye. At an early age, he endured the tragic loss of his dad to suicide, an experience that profoundly shaped his artistic endeavors and personal mission. Now, as a survivor and advocate, Brandon channels his passion into exploring themes of mental health through his work.
Brandon delves into the complexities of mental health with a keen eye and compassionate heart. Beyond academia, he extends his support to those affected by suicide loss as a peer-support group facilitator.
Join us as we traverse the intersections of art, resilience, and healing with Brandon Kapelow. From the rugged landscapes of Wyoming to the bustling streets of LA and Vancouver, Brandon's nomadic lifestyle mirrors his insatiable curiosity for the human experience.

In this episode you will hear:
• I struggle with a succinct way to categorize what I do, because I really try my best to be a chameleon at times. (4:45)
• So you’re having these dramatic swings between one extreme and the other. On one end of that spectrum you have like the depressive, down quality, and the opposite side you have mania – hyperactivity, lots of energy, feeling like you’re king of the world. (7:44)
• I was a bit of a nerd in high school. I was in the speech and debate team. (9:18)
• Words do matter. (19:32)
• Even the word “triggering” is something that we try to avoid using now, because that evokes imagery of a specific thing that might be upsetting to certain people. (23:44)
• If each of us can encourage one other person to model slightly better behavior, then we’re gonna live in a better world. (25:07)
• People really don’t take unsolicited advice. (28:19)
• If you’re concerned about somebody, really just be direct with them and let them know that you are concerned, particularly with suicide. (31:31)
• The one thing that you can access anywhere in this country is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Call 9-8-8. (34:50)
• If you know a person who has access to something that they can use to kill themselves, work with them to try to remove access to whatever that might be. (37:10)
• [Marcus] When you into a situation, don’t let the situation affect you. You go in there to affect the situation. (42:02)
• We have to separate people’s external circumstances from their feeling of worth, purpose, and meaning in life. (46:58)
• I work with a lot of veterans, because they are a particularly at risk group for suicide and other mental health challenges. (48:33)
• Vulnerability is a source of strength. (59:44)
• [Melanie] When I was introduced to psychedelic medicine, and I saw how it was helping so many people, I couldn’t keep my blinders on. I started to do research and seeing how it was changing lives. (66:56)
• It’s one thing to have a self-guided experience. It’s another thing to have a mental health professional there with you while you’re undergoing this experience to really maximize the benefits. (72:08)

Socials:
  - https://youtu.be/VqdWscD-STk?si=IWIYw6TC9ggnVQC_
  - https://www.brandonkapelow.com/
  - IG: bkapelow
 -  IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
  - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

Sponsors:
  - Navyfederal.org       
  - PXG.com/TNQ
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  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
  - usejoymode

In this week's episode, Marcus and Melanie are honored to host April Cheek-Messier, a key figure in preserving the legacy and lessons of one of the most pivotal moments in history: D-Day.
April is the President of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, an organization dedicated to upholding the memory of the Allied Forces' valor, fidelity, and sacrifice on June 6, 1944. As the President of the Foundation, she plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and security of the National D-Day Memorial while advancing its educational mission.
During our conversation, April sheds light on the Foundation's multifaceted approach to fulfilling its mission. We delve into how the Foundation maintains and operates the National D-Day Memorial, providing a solemn and educational space for visitors to honor and learn about the events of D-Day.
Through various programs, projects, and exhibitions, the Foundation strives to cultivate an appreciation for the historical and residual significance of D-Day.
Join Marcus and Melanie us as we gain insights into the tireless work of April Cheek-Messier and the National D-Day Memorial Foundation in preserving the legacy of D-Day and ensuring that future generations understand the profound impact of this historic event.

In this episode you will hear:
• I grew up in Bedford, Virginia, which was a community impacted heavily by World War II. (3:50)
• Bedford sustained the highest per capita loss on D-Day.  (4:28)
• 16 million served in World War II, and we have less than 1% living today. (7:32)
• Like so many veterans, they didn’t talk about it. They tried to forget about it. (10:47)
• It became [Bob Slaughter’s] goal to make sure there was something to commemorate those who gave their life on D-Day. (11:48)
• In 1996, congress decided there should be a National D-Day Memorial. (12:45)
• We are not federally funded. It was a grass roots efforts by veterans. (13:03)
• What joy it brought Bob Slaughter and his veteran friends to know that they did it. (13:46)
• Over 400,000 families during World War II lost a loved one. (17:16)
• There were 3 sets of brothers who served on D-Day. (18:41)
• It’s when you’re able to tell the individual stories that young people can understand the tragedy of war and what was accomplished that day was so very critical. (24:29)
• Believe it or not, there was nowhere – not even in Normandy - a list of who died on June 6, 1944. (25:21)
• The more we can work together to make sure these stories are told is incredibly important. (32:23)
• D-Day was critical. It was going to be the turning point of the war in Western Europe. It was Operation Overlord, which was to invade German-occupied France. (33:25)
• The consequences were dire. This had to happen. They had to succeed. (35:56)
• 5,000 ships, 11,000 aircraft, just on D-Day alone. 160,000 troops and over 150,000 landing on June 6th alone. (36:50)

Sponsors:
  - Navyfederal.org       
  - Shopify.com/TNQ
  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]
  - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]
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  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]
  - Policygenius.com

Chris Caracci – Part 2 – From SEAL Team Six to Law Enforcement: A Journey of Tactical Mastery
This week, the Team Never Quit Podcast brings you Part 2 of Marcus and Melanie’s discussion with Chris Caracci, a distinguished figure with over two decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. Chris's journey from serving with SEAL Team One and Team Six to becoming a leading authority in practical and tactical techniques is both inspiring and enlightening.
Chris’s illustrious career began with a six-year commitment in the U.S. Navy, where he served with unparalleled distinction in SEAL Team One and Team Six, specializing in anti-terrorism operations. Transitioning from his military service, Chris spent nine years as a sworn tactical officer, operating in diverse environments across New York, New Jersey, and South Florida. His expertise in SWAT operations and narcotics enforcement earned him recognition as a top-tier operative and trainer, sought after by both local and federal agencies.
Chris shares compelling accounts of Medal of Honor recipients going back to the Vietnam War.
Today, Chris's dedication to personal protection and private training keeps him at the forefront of the field, where maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning is paramount. With a profound understanding of real-life conflicts, Chris brings a unique perspective to his classes, teaching from both the heart and the mind.
Gain insights into Chris's firsthand experiences with real-life conflicts and the strategies needed to navigate them successfully.
Don't miss this week’s Part 2 episode as we delve into more details of Chris Caracci’s military and law enforcement service - a true master of tactical expertise.

 In this episode you will hear:
• [Marcus] I remember being in hell week, around the world, rowing that boat. I looked over at the guys in my boat and I said, “Hey guys, we’re in the books, we’re in the movies right now.
• The things that I read about in the books is what we were doing. {16:36)
• If I can’t see my target I’m not shooting. I don’t shoot to make noise. (34:20)
• [Marcus] Imagine if a football play lasted until you actually scored a touchdown – without stopping. It’s kinda what it’s like for us. (47:48)
• Sometimes, you have to face the truth that what we do and how we do it. We CAN do it and not everybody can do it. (58:30)
• SEAL Teams have never left anyone behind – ever. (74:43)
• We had three Medal of Honors that went out in Vietnam. (84:54)
• For a SEAL to be awarded and it’s not about medal, we’re talking about a validation for something they did. It’s very hard for frogmen to get that because every day are those kinds of missions. (84:00)
• Just training. SEAL Teams kill more people in peacetime than anyone has a clue about. (89:59)

Sponsors:
  - Navyfederal.org       
  - Shopify.com/TNQ
  - Mackweldon.com [TNQ]
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  - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]
  - Aura.com/TNQ
  - Moink.com/TNQ
  - PXG.com/TNQ

  - Robinhood.com
  - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]
  - usejoymode.com [TNQ]
  - Shhtape.com [TNQ]
  - Policygenius.com