The Honor Grad Mindset: From Quitting Hell Week to Breaking Cycles with Special Forces' Jovon "Q" Quarles

What does it take to go from the brink of failure to the pinnacle of success? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Q opens up about his lowest moment — quitting during Hell Week on his first attempt — and the mindset shift that brought him back to not only graduate, but make Navy SEAL history as the first African American Honor Grad of both his BUD/S and SQT classes.

But this conversation goes beyond SEAL training. Q shares a blueprint for breaking generational cycles, finding a selfless "why," and bridging political and social divides in a world that's lost its balance. From his reflections on America being "too free" to his call for restoring high standards and respect, this episode delivers wisdom that's as relevant to everyday life as it is to the battlefield.

If you've ever faced failure, struggled with direction, or questioned your purpose — this final part is your roadmap for rising again, stronger than before.

This is Part 3 of 3 in our powerful series with Jovon "Q" Quarles, decorated Navy SEAL Veteran and Directing Staff (DS) on FOX's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

Key Takeaways

• Failure Doesn't Define You — Comebacks Do.
  
  

• Your "Why" Should Be Bigger Than You.
  
  

• Honor Is About Character, Not Recognition.
  
  

• Respect Heals What Politics Divide.
  
  

• Paying Your Dues Builds Real Freedom.

In This Episode, You'll Learn

• How quitting Hell Week became Q's defining lesson in humility and perseverance.
  
  

• The life-changing power of doing something for others instead of yourself.
  
  

• The deeper meaning behind being "Honor Grad" in the SEAL Teams.
  
  

• How America's "too free" culture impacts discipline, leadership, and respect.
  
  

Why bridging divides starts with individual kindness and accountability.

 

⏳ Timestamped Episode Highlights

00:00 – Intro & Theme Music

01:12 – The Mental Block That Made Him Quit (and How He Overcame It)

01:34 – The Power of a Selfless "Why"

02:00 – The Charlie Sheen Navy SEALs Movie Influence

03:07 – What "Midrats" Really Feels Like in Hell Week

04:20 – The True Meaning of Being "Honor Grad"

04:55 – Making History: Honor Grad of BUD/S and SQT

06:05 – Breaking Generational Cycles for His Kids

07:37 – Bridging Divides in a Polarized America

08:45 – Beyond Party Lines: Thinking for Yourself

10:00 – Both Sides Have Bad People: The Dangers of Extremes

11:20 – "America Is Too Free": Restoring High Standards

13:31 – Leadership Starts at the Top

.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}