Team Never Quit

This episode includes sensitive content and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.On July 4th, a devastating flood swept through Kerrville, Texas, forever altering countless lives. Among those impacted was John Dustin Ledford, whose world was turned upside down as he began a desperate search for his sister, brother-in-law, and young nephew in the chaotic aftermath of the storm.In this heartbreaking and deeply human episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie meet with Dustin, who courageously shares the raw details of those terrifying hours and days — the uncertainty, the fear, and the relentless determination to find his family amid overwhelming destruction. His story offers a firsthand look at what it’s like when celebration turns to catastrophe in an instant, and how faith, grit, and community become lifelines when hope feels fragile.This conversation is not just about loss and tragedy — it’s about love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Dustin’s account reminds us of the real people behind the headlines and the lasting emotional impact disasters leave behind long after the waters recede.In this episode, we discuss:• The events leading up to the July 4th Kerrville flood• The moment Dustin realized his family was missing• The emotional toll of searching amid chaos and uncertainty• The role of community, first responders, and strangers during tragedy• How grief, hope, and resilience collide in moments of crisisThis is a powerful, sobering episode that honors those affected by the Kerrville flood and gives voice to the families who continue to carry its weight.In this episode you will hear:• Went to the police academy fulltime while working full time at the fire department. Got into arson investigating. (20:18)• [His sister, Brother-In-Law, and nephew] were in a camper on their truck in Ingram right next to the river. (43:24)• Starting at 45:12 John begins to share the heart-wrenching details of his search for his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. The story continues through the end of the episode describing the conditions, the myriad of people and departments participating in the search for friends, family, and loved ones.• I don’t even know if they knew it was raining because it was hot and they had the generator going. It’s loud. (45:12)• When I got there, it was very chaotic. A lot of parents down the parking lot. (53:13)• It was about midnight on July 4th when I called to report them missing. (60:20)• One of the ladies [at the church] said “we’re out of air mattresses, but I’ve got a spot for you. She takes me upstairs and gives me a prayer room with a couch (63:31)• Sitting at these tables with these dads – I can’t even begin to fathom. (67:30)• Starting at 45:12 John begins to share the heart-wrenching details of his search for his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. The story continues through the end of the episode describing the conditions, the myriad of people and departments participating in the search for friends, family, and loved ones.Support John:Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors: - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes - Navyfederal.org - mizzenandmain.com [Promo code: TNQ20]- Dripdrop.com/TNQ - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ] - meetfabiric.com/TNQ - masterclass.com/TNQ - Prizepicks (TNQ) - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - shipsticks.com/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ

From Battlefield to Boardroom:A Global Legacy of Courage, Compassion & LeadershipThis week, the Team Never Quit Podcast welcomes a truly extraordinary guest: Dr. Sudip Bose — emergency physician, Iraq War veteran, entrepreneur, medical innovator, and one of the world’s most dynamic voices at the intersection of medicine, military leadership, and business.Few leaders embody resilience and global perspective the way Dr. Bose does. His story spans continents, combat zones, emergency rooms, and corporate boardrooms—all shaped by deep heritage and a lifelong commitment to service.A Legacy Rooted in Courage and HeritageBorn in the United States to parents who emigrated from Kolkata, Dr. Bose carries a powerful cultural heritage. Fluent in Bengali and proud of his lineage, he is a descendant of:· Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, legendary freedom fighter· Jagadish Chandra Bose, pioneering scientist· Satyendra Nath Bose, the physicist behind the concept of bosonsTheir spirit of bravery, intellectual curiosity, and innovation lives on in Dr. Bose’s own journey.Leadership Forged in WarDr. Bose’s leadership was tested early—on the front lines of Iraq as a U.S. Army physician under the most intense combat conditions. He earned the Bronze Star Medal for his service and was entrusted with treating Saddam Hussein after his capture.More than the accolades, the battlefield taught him the principles that guide his life:· Stay calm when others panic· Find clarity in chaos· Turn adversity into opportunity· Let heritage and values anchor global impactThese lessons follow him into every trauma bay, boardroom, and keynote stage he steps into today.From the ER to the Global StageAfter returning from combat, Dr. Bose transitioned into civilian life—continuing his work as an emergency physician while expanding his influence across medicine, media, innovation, and policy. His roles include:· Executive Producer of Desert Doc, the Telly Award–winning Amazon Prime docuseries revealing the realities of emergency medicine· Founder of The Battle Continues, a nonprofit supporting injured combat veterans· EMS Medical Director for the largest geographic hospital coverage area in the U.S.—19 counties and 38,000 square miles· Advisory Board Member for DrB.ai, a global digital health platform increasing access to affordable care· Trusted Advisor to the U.S. Congress on healthcare policy· Keynote Speaker for Fortune 500 companies and major financial institutionsAcross everything he does, Dr. Bose bridges healthcare, military discipline, and business strategy—helping leaders thrive in high-stakes environments.This is a masterclass in courage, clarity, service, and global leadership—told by a man who has lived it on every front line imaginable.In this episode you will hear:• [My sister] She’s a CEO but sometimes she’s the CEO of my chaos. (7:46)• I basically started med school at 21; I got my MD at 25. (8:59)• I remember sitting with my dad and asking him: “What can I do where I don’t have to study?” (10:58)• Things that are just tragic and sad; they shape you later. You don’t realize it at the time. (11:47)• I think if they had an award in high school for least likely to go in the military, I might have gotten that award. Guess what? In Junior high – 6th grade – I weighed 49 pounds. I was tiny. I didn’t hit 5’ tall until my sophomore year of high school. (12:33)• I’m in the books as the Illinois state champion in wrestling, because nobody could match my weight division. (13:11)• You don’t realize how your world can change in a moment, and what seems like irrelevant work or homework or assignments later in life might save your life. (16:32)• In Iraq, I find myself cooped up in this ambulance. An armored 5-7-7 track medical vehicle with metal wheels, jostling to the next section of Bagdad or Fallujah and then the vehicle comes to a screeching halt, the back door opens and you hop out like a frog jumping out of a blender. And you find yourself on the front lines of the battlefield. (21:33)• There are the mental challenges of losing people you know. (22:52)• You love [life] saves where you can have them unite with their family. (27:11)• Within hours of getting there, there were two soldiers that came in and I had to pronounce dead. You just realize, wow, you are in it now. (31:19)• You cant take care of everyone, but by training my medics, I multiplied myself. (34:02)• [Marcus] You scored the number 1 in the nation on your medical exam board;You scored at the top of the Army physical fitness test;A Bronze Star;Recognized by CNN as a CNN hero;You’re one of the leading physicians in the world;[You served] The longest combat tour since WWII;You treated Saddam Hussein. (52:26)• I evaluated [Saddam Hussein] shortly after his capture. (56:10)• You have to put your feelings, emotions, everything side, so you can focus. (57:45)• Somebody told me I might be the only person who has ben face to face with Saddam Hussein and shaken hands with George W. Bush. (58:38)• The people who gave their lives, their vision, their limb, made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Those people wrote the blank check, up to and including the cost of my life. That’s what keeps me motivated. (59:48)• The journey keeps going forward and the battle continues… (75:55)Support Dr. Bose: - Website: https://www.docbose.com/ - IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsudipbose?igsh=MWZhbjJqNXNxazk2aA== - Watch “Desert Doc” —> https://tr.ee/Wds2TOBWTP - YouTube —> https://tr.ee/DlNDNGdGo0Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors: - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes - Navyfederal.org - mizzenandmain.com [Promo code: TNQ20]- Dripdrop.com/TNQ - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ] - meetfabiric.com/TNQ - masterclass.com/TNQ - Prizepicks (TNQ) - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - shipsticks.com/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ

From a U. S. Army Combat Veteran Mindset to Tractor Supply Leadership: Building Teams, Safety, and Continuous ImprovementThis week, Marcus and Melanie welcome Rodney Bailey, a devoted husband, father, and decorated U.S. Army combat veteran whose leadership has been shaped by four combat tours and distinguished honors, including the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.He now applies that mission-driven discipline at Tractor Supply Company, where he leads operations and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen safety, streamline performance, and unlock millions in new production capacity.A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Human Performance Advocate, Rodney is committed to developing leaders and building teams who pursue excellence with pride and purpose. A lifelong learner who embraces challenge, he is currently earning his Doctorate in Business with a focus on Strategy and Innovation. Through it all, he remains anchored in faith, family, and service—values that also inspired his children’s book, God Is Bigger Than a Bear. A National Impact Rooted in CommunityMarcus and Melanie also welcome Lindsay Grayson, who serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at K9s For Warriors, overseeing the Development and Marketing teams as she drives brand visibility, deepens donor engagement, and accelerates revenue growth for the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for military veterans.Since joining the organization, Lindsay has reshaped its fundraising trajectory—boosting revenue by 70% in her first year and leading K9s For Warriors to a historic, record-setting year of giving in 2023. Her performance and impact earned her recognition as a Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence honoree.Prior to her nonprofit leadership career, Lindsay worked as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, guiding clients through strategic planning and long-term financial goals. A Jacksonville native and proud spouse of an Air Force veteran and First Responder, she finds joy in family time, travel, live music, and cheering on her children, Lucas and Ebby.In This Episode You Will Hear:• At redeployment, something happened to me. During Ramadi, they started really looking at traumatic brain injuries. They started putting sensors in the helmets. (30:34)• If you didn’t lose a liter of blood or you’re not missing a body part, it’s Ibuprofen & water. (30:54)• When I got back and they hooked up my helmet, and they’re like: “something’s up.” (31:02)• At 31:10, Rodney tells of one of his traumatic brain injury events as a 50 cal gunner. [He hit the gun at 20mph. It was the only thing that kept him from being thrown from the vehicle.• I did about 5 months in another deployment and was Medivacked out to Germany with another head injury. (32:29)• It wasn’t like I had to learn to walk again. I had to learn how to walk straight. (33:35)• You know that you have to wait for that 30, 45 to 90 second, depending on what kind of round it is. And then you hear the sound – “Here it is.” You gotta run, just hoping that it doesn’t hit you. (36:05)• There’s beauty in some fights. (38:33)• Sometimes there’s like a calm and pause in war. (42:35)• If you’re gonna transition from the military, I think there’s some things that are grounded in you – core beliefs, values, and everything like that. (49:26)• At Tractor Supply, one of the things that brought me to it is the core missions and values. (49:46)• 10% of all people who work for Tractor Supply are veterans. (50:46)• This was the first company that actually told me, “Hey, go home and spend time with your family.” (51:13)• [Lindsay] Tractor [Supply} has helped put mor leashes in the hands of veterans, and they really believe in our mission. (54:51)• Lindsay shares how veterans go about applying for a canine from CaninesforWarriors.org. (55:31)• [Marcus] We’re conditioned to come in – we’re not conditioned to get out. (57:31)• The only thing that’s gonna stop you, is you. (70:32)• Sometimes you’re dealt with cards, but you’re writing the book of your life. (72:21)Support Tractor Supply: - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroesSupport K9s For Warriors: - K9s For Warriors - Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors: - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes - Navyfederal.org - Dripdrop.com/TNQ - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ] - mizzenandmain.com [Promo code: TNQ20] - meetfabiric.com/TNQ - masterclass.com/TNQ - Prizepicks (TNQ) - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - shipsticks.com/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ

From the Battlefield to Breakthrough: The Kalob Creighton StoryThis week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, we sit down with Special Forces Green Beret Kalob Creighton, whose story embodies the essence of courage, faith, and the power of healing.Kalob’s journey began on the battlefield—serving his nation with honor and sacrifice. But his most life-changing battle didn’t happen overseas; it happened at home. During a late-night burglary attempt, Kalob was shot while shielding his toddler from danger. The bullet remains lodged near his spine—a constant reminder of that night and the uncertainty that followed.Yet Kalob’s story doesn’t end with pain; it continues with purpose. Through his partnership with RejuvStem, Kalob has discovered the transformative potential of regenerative medicine. His recovery is more than physical—it’s a story of restored hope, renewed strength, and a return to life fully lived.Join Marcus and Melanie as they explore how Kalob’s warrior mindset, combined with groundbreaking medical innovation, has redefined what it means to overcome. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, family, and the mission to heal, restore, and give back the chance at life that so many fight for.Listen now to hear Kalob’s incredible journey of survival, innovation, and strength—reminding us all why we never quit. In this episode you will hear:• You know how you go through stuff in training where it just sucks so bad it stops sucking? The “give a fuck” goes away. (15:20)• The Delta course is crazy. You see guys cut open. Until I hit A&P and we started putting fingers in asses. (27:17)• You have to learn the hard way sometimes. (37:34)• [My father] He may not do it the right way himself, but he wanted us to do it the right way, and he taught us some morals and values. (37:50)• [My dad] was a great human. [He’d] shake your hand. That’s what meant more than a contract. (38:00)• When you’re switching from something that’s high octane like this driven purpose in a team environment. You walk out and you’re like “where’s my team at? (42:52)• I’m all in. 100 miles an hour. Full throttle. Let’s go. (43:12)• I got shot by a guy named “Keypad.” (61:26)• That was the best thing that happened to me. I needed the wake-up call. It was God saying “listen up, dude.” (63:44)• Like life #7. Pay attention, bro. (63:54)• I got the feeling back in my right leg. In my left leg it never returned. (64:23)• I’m sitting the just asking God, “When do guys like me quit? When do we throw in the towel? (70:11)• I really brought in the realization of what’s important. If this does not have a purpose – change it. (80:03)Support Kalob: - IG: kalobcreighton - Green Hat Defense: http://www.greenhatdefense.com - https://theathletelab.org/ - Dr. Trent Nessler at The Athlete Lab - IG: bjjpt_acl_guy - Peptides and continued care and support for myself and other vets: Core Medical Group https://coremedicalgrp.com/ - RejuvStem where I received stem cells: https://rejuvstem.com - https://www.wsmv.com/2025/02/13/suspects-fire-multiple-shots-injure-man-during-active-burglary-whites-creek/ Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors: - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes - Navyfederal.org - meetfabiric.com/TNQ - masterclass.com/TNQ - Prizepicks (TNQ) - Dripdrop.com/TNQ - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Selectquote.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - shipsticks.com/TNQ - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.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 - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ] - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

From Marine… to Green Beret… to Peacemaker This week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with an unconventional warrior with an unconventional calling—Christian Hickey, Founder and CEO of the Triple A Authority Foundation, husband, father of three, Marine, Police Officer, Green Beret, and now… missionary on the front lines of Ukraine. Christian’s journey reads like a novel you’d assume was fiction—yet every chapter is true. For over 15 years of military service and 15 years in law enforcement, Christian has lived a life of duty—to God, to his country, and to his community. His time as a United States Marine and later as a U.S. Army Green Beret gave him the tactical expertise to operate in the world’s harshest conflict zones. But it was behind the badge, on the streets of American neighborhoods, that he honed a different weapon—the power of communication. “As a police officer, I learned to listen and speak to people in a meaningful manner. Those communication skills allowed me to solve problems, restore peace, and bring change.” Christian earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently completing a Bachelor’s in Evangelism at Liberty University. Yet nothing could have prepared him for the mission God would call him to next. At age 41, he found himself on the frontline in a small Ukrainian village, serving not as a soldier, but as a missionary—bringing aid, hope, and the Gospel into a war zone. “If you had asked me six months prior, I would’ve never guessed I’d be in Ukraine serving as an unconventional missionary. But God knew what to do with a born-again Christian, Marine, Police Officer, and Green Beret.” Through his foundation, Triple A Authority, Christian combines faith, humanitarian work, and tactical mission skills to reach the unreachable and serve those in the shadow of war. His story is a reminder that purpose isn’t always found in comfort—sometimes it’s found in chaos, obedience, and calling. This episode is a powerful reminder that service can take many forms—and that sometimes the most dangerous places reveal the deepest purpose. Christian Hickey is a man living out his faith with courage, humility, and conviction—and his story will challenge, inspire, and move you. In this episode you will hear: • What really pushed me into the military was that I wanted to become a deputy Sheriff. (13:01) • I accepted Christ when I was a young man, but I’ve always been intentional with my faith. (30:38) • God was real to me. He said “I’m calling you into ministry now.” I still don’t know what that meant at the time. (31:35) • I believe that the season that you’re in now; God is preparing you for the next season. (32:41) • I was following Psalms: 105, the lit path for me to continue to go. (35:17) • When you’ve got all of the DOD behind you, you don’t carry much fear with you. (41:21) • When Jesus is in charge of your life - This is not my rodeo. (44:05) • I’ve never been shot at by a tank Before. (46:24) • The Ukranian men and women are some of the best soldiers I’ve ever met. They’re so resilient. (50:12) • I’m the chaplain for SOCOM athletes. (61:56) • I pray that through this war, that Christ is revealed, and His authority is king, and His love is felt, and many come to know Christ through it. (70:41) • We have a God. He has a son, His son’s name is Jesus Christ and He died for us. If you believe that in your heart, you believe He was raised three days later, you will be saved. Do you want that in your life? Do you believe that in your heart? All I heard was “Da da” which means “Yes, I want Jesus.” (71:28) Support Christian:tripleaauthority.orgSupport TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors: - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes - Navyfederal.org - meetfabiric.com/TNQ - masterclass.com/TNQ - Prizepicks (TNQ) - Dripdrop.com/TNQ - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Selectquote.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - shipsticks.com/TNQ - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.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 - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ] - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

A Real American – Born in Poland.In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus & Melanie meet with Drago Dzieran, a former political prisoner for his activism against Communism. After arriving in the United States unable to speak English, Drago eventually became a US citizen, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained to serve as a Navy SEAL. In Iraq, he fought in over 100 combat missions as the Naval Special Warfare Lead Breacher. Drago was awarded Bronze Star with “V” for valor, Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor, in addition to other various awards and decorations.Following his honorable retirement after twenty years in the Navy, Dzieran began a successful career as a software engineer. Drago founded the Navy SEALs Fund, a nonprofit with the mission of providing support for all generations of current, retired, and former UDT/SEAL teammates, their immediate dependents as well as Gold Star Families. Listen in as Drago shares his amazing life journey from Poland to living life as a real American in service to others. In This Episode You Will Hear:• I was born in communist Poland. It was actually a socialist state run by communists. My father was part of the evil system.• I’m not Polish-American; I am not “Something”-American. There is no hyphen. I’m just American.• I spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL.• [My grandmother] taught me how to pray, and what to pray for.• I still remember her [grandmother’s] words: “Poland is not free. It will not be free until we get rid of these people.• [When my father found out] I was not allowed to pray with my grandmother alone.• Prison time for me was education. A huge education about Polish history.• I’ll be the best US citizen America can have.• The law was created in the socialist state to penalize free thinking. To criminalize opposition. • America was built on the idea of personal freedom.• These people [Ukranians] are fighting for their lives now - freedom.• Ukranians were always very patriotic.• [Navy SEALS Fund] The way we operate is different than most charities. We don’t have paid positions. The fund is run by SEALS only.• We help the Gold Start families: the spouse, the children, parents and siblings.There would be no Drago if not for people like Marcus, Morgan, Rob, Tage, Taco, & Jocco.• I’m a better American today than I was yesterday, and I want to be a better American tomorrow than I am today.• My biggest accomplishment is becoming a U.S. citizen.Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquitSponsors: - tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes - Navyfederal.org - meetfabiric.com/TNQ - masterclass.com/TNQ - Prizepicks (TNQ) - Dripdrop.com/TNQ - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Selectquote.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - shipsticks.com/TNQ - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ