Urban Valor: the podcast

Marine Veteran’s Shocking Childhood Made Him Unbreakable

Urban Valor Season 1 Episode 188

He survived hell—and now he inspires millions.

Tom “Quitproof” Jones, a former U.S. Marine and world-class endurance athlete, endured one of the most traumatic childhoods imaginable: being beaten, terrorized, and even woken with a gun to his forehead. 

In this episode of Urban Valor, Tom opens up about how his abusive father hunted his mom—with Tom as a forced witness—and how that trauma shaped him into the resilient man he is today.

From PTSD and addiction to running 121 marathons in 121 days and paddleboarding 1,250 miles to raise awareness for veterans and abused kids. Tom proves that the human spirit is unbreakable.

This isn’t just another military story. This is about transformation. About becoming “Quitproof.” About finding meaning in pain and lighting a path for others.

👉 If you've ever felt broken, lost, or hopeless… Tom’s journey will show you that it’s possible to rebuild. Stronger. Louder. Unstoppable.

🪖 Watch to hear Richard’s brutally honest account of Army life, combat in Iraq, and the battles he still faces today.

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Video Chapters: 
00:00 - Intro: Tom “Quitproof” Jones’ story
01:48 - The horrors of his childhood revealed
04:30 - When your father is the threat
07:55 - How the Marine Corps gave him structure
11:42 - Hitting rock bottom post-service
14:15 - The birth of “Quitproof” mindset
17:30 - 121 marathons in 121 days
21:00 - Paddleboarding 1,250 miles for awareness
24:45 - Advice for people who feel broken
27:10 - What he’d tell his younger self
30:00 - Final thoughts

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