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Full Send Friday: Forged Through Failure: Navy SEAL Q on Quitting BUD/S, Breaking Cycles & Uniting a Divided World

The Two-Promises Podcast

Release Date: 10/24/2025

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More Episodes

What happens when you hit your absolute limit during the world's most brutal military selection? How do you find the Grit to face Failure head-on and Reinvent yourself into something stronger?

Join the Two Promises Podcast for an electrifying conversation with Jovon "Q" Quarles – decorated Navy SEAL, Directing Staff (DS) on FOX's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, and a testament to the power of Resilience.

Q shares his rarely told story of quitting BUD/S Hell Week, hitting a mental wall, and the profound Purpose (his grandmother and kids) that fueled his return.

Discover how this initial Failure became the bedrock for historic Achievement, leading Q to graduate as the Honor Grad – not once, but twice. Q unpacks the Discipline learned, the Sacrifice demanded, and the Commitment required to transform from a self-described "statistic" into an elite warrior and leader.

Beyond the battlefield, Q offers powerful insights relevant to everyone facing challenges. He breaks down the 40% Rule, proving you always have more in the tank. He tackles the deep divisions in America, calling for a return to kindness, respect, and high standards.

Learn Q's philosophy on shedding ego, finding your Identity after career transitions, and his new mission using his voice for mentorship.

This episode is a masterclass in overcoming adversity and building a life of impact.

🎧 This is the Full Send Friday episode featuring Jovon “Q” Quarles.

Guest Information:

Jovon "Q" Quarles: Decorated Navy SEAL Veteran, Directing Staff on FOX's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, Mentor, and Motivational Speaker.

🔗 CONNECT WITH JOVON P QUARLES

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • The raw, vulnerable story of quitting BUD/S Hell Week.

  • The life-changing power of finding a Purpose bigger than yourself.

  • How Q made history becoming an Honor Grad after quitting.

  • The true meaning of Honor Grad: Why Character trumps physicality.

  • Insights into Special Forces: World's Toughest Test – mindset differences, the 40% rule in action.

  • How the show helps celebrities shed ego and find new Identity.

  • Q's surprising definition of Grit – it’s not what you think.

  • Actionable advice for navigating life's challenges: "You're Not Alone".

  • Q's perspective on uniting a divided America through kindness, respect, and standards.

  • The importance of "Paying Your Dues" and embracing the process.

  • Q's new Mission: Using his voice for mentorship and global impact.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Intro & Welcome Jovon "Q" Quarles

[01:25] - Catching Up: Reconnecting after a decade.

[01:50] - Joining Special Forces: World's Toughest Test: How Q got discovered on Instagram (and almost ignored the messages!).

[04:30] - Instructor Background: Q’s experience training SEAL officer candidates (SOAS).

[05:34] - Taking Over from Remy: Joining the show after Season 1.

[06:42] - Celebrity vs. Military Mindset: The key difference Q sees in candidates.

[08:20] - The Reality of the Show: Cramming years of selection into 10 brutal, non-stop days.

[09:30] - Transformation & Humility: Observing recruit Growth, ego shedding, and newfound respect.

[11:20] - Applying the 40% Rule: Pushing celebrities past perceived limits.

[12:20] - Finding New Identity Post-Career: How the show mirrors military transition.

[14:04] - Ego, Setbacks & Success: Q's philosophy on managing ego through Achievement and Failure.

[15:15] - The Mirror Room: Using one-on-one sessions for Growth and processing.

[16:40] - Professional Meets Professional: Mutual respect between elite performers.

[18:00] - Simulating Deployment: Stripping comforts to increase pressure.

[19:36] - Defining Grit: Is it innate or developed? Q’s surprising insights from watching recruits.

[21:44] - Underdogs & Surprises: How unexpected candidates often show the most resilience.

[23:44] - Message to the Audience: "You're Not Alone": Applying the show's lessons to everyday struggles.

[24:45] - Push Through the Wall: Finding the next level within yourself.

[26:40] - Everyone Has Their Hell: Connecting celebrity struggles to universal human challenges.

[27:47] - Post-Show Success & Inspiration: How the experience fuels recruits' future Achievements.

[28:20] - The Water Challenge: The Great Equalizer: Why water tests the soul.

[34:24] - Q's Own Shallow Water Blackout: Reinforcing the real dangers.

[38:20] - UK vs. US Tactics: Learning from allied Special Forces on set.

[39:30] - The Dangers of Training: Acknowledging the high risks involved.

[40:35] - Attention to Detail: Teaching recruits small but crucial habits like noise discipline.

[42:15] - Leadership & Communication: The core skill Q emphasizes from SEAL Teams to the show.

[42:54] - The "Thinking Shooter": Empowering individuals to make decisions.

[43:30] - Q's BUD/S Story: Quitting Hell Week: The raw admission.

[44:50] - The Moment of Realization: Knowing he made a mistake the instant he quit.

[45:30] - Returning with Purpose: The mindset shift for his second attempt.

[46:10] - Finishing as Honor Grad: The unexpected Achievement and its definition.

[49:02] - Why He Came Back: The Unbreakable "Why": His grandmother and kids.

[50:10] - Finding Something Outside Yourself: The key to enduring hardship.

[51:10] - Midrats Revisited: The miserable reality.

[52:40] - Honor Grad Again (SQT): Making history, possibly twice.

[53:40] - Success Lies in Service: Finding significance by serving others.

[54:10] - Breaking the Cycle: Q’s personal motivation.

[55:40] - Uniting America: Addressing polarization and the need to "Break the Cycle" of division.

[56:47] - Beyond Political Labels: Q challenges tribalism and urges individual thinking.

[58:00] - Humility & Kindness: Acknowledging extremism on all sides.

[59:40] - Respectful Dialogue vs. Tough Talk: Why professionalism matters.

[01:00:15] - Restoring Standards & Accountability: Q's critique of lost standards and the consequences.

[01:02:15] - Leadership Sets the Tone: The responsibility of leaders.

[01:04:15] - Seeking Understanding: Bridging divides through empathy and respect.

[01:05:15] - Accountability is Key: Holding leaders and ourselves responsible.

[01:07:00] - Advice: Be a Good Human: Q's simple prescription for healing.

[01:09:42] - Q's New Mission: The Power of Voice: Mentoring, paying dues, leaving a legacy.

[01:12:40] - Stay Busy, Stay Alive: The operator mindset for civilian life.

[01:13:20] - Debrief & Cocktails (DB&C): Host summarizes the 40% Rule, Kindness/Respect, and Mentorship takeaways.

[01:15:40] - Final Words & Connection: Q expresses gratitude.

[01:16:40] - Outro

Resources Mentioned:

🎬 Movie: Navy SEALs (1990) starring Charlie Sheen
📺 TV Show: Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (FOX)

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