In this powerful episode, Luke sits down with former SWAT negotiator, motivational speaker, and author Terry Tucker to explore the hard-earned wisdom that has guided him through cancer, career transitions, and the challenge of redefining success.

Terry shares the four core truths he lives by, principles born not from theory but from lived experience. He unpacks what it means to truly control your mind, how embracing pain builds resilience, and why a life of service brings lasting significance. From powerful stories about Navy pilots and concentration camps to personal lessons in grit and vulnerability, Terry brings depth, humility, and real-life strategies to the conversation.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, chasing goals, or searching for more meaning, this episode offers a roadmap for showing up fully, even when life gets brutally hard.
Key Takeaways:

• The difference between success and significance
• How to take control of your mind (and why it matters)
• Using pain as a tool for personal growth
• Terry’s experience as a SWAT hostage negotiator
• The connection between service, legacy, and fulfilment
• What most people get wrong about resilience
• Cold showers, ice baths, and the mental side of grit
• Why “as long as you don’t quit, you can’t be defeated”

Guest Bio:
Terry Tucker is a former SWAT team hostage negotiator, cancer warrior, and the author of Sustainable Excellence and Four Truths and a Lie. Drawing on decades of experience in law enforcement, athletics, business, and personal adversity, Terry now speaks around the world about motivation, mindset, and living with purpose. Through his platform, Motivational Check, he inspires others to overcome obstacles, embrace discomfort, and live lives of true significance.

Connect with Terry Tucker:
Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.com
Instagram: @sustainableexcellenceauthor
Facebook: Motivational Check
Book: Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.
For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast