Ever walk through your own front door and realize you're not really there? Your body's home. Your phone's in your hand. Your mind's still out closing the next deal. I've been there, and I'd bet a lot of you have too. That's exactly why this conversation hit me so hard.
In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with my friend Trent McMurtrey in his brand new studio right here in Bozeman, Montana. And trust me, it's a pretty badass studio, elk mounts, firearms, the whole deal. Trent is a husband, father, man of God, Marine and Army veteran, and cofounder of Battle Worn Foundation and Battle Worn Legacy. His story is wild.
Right after he got married, he and his wife moved to Shanghai, where he worked as a dean of students and history teacher at an international school. That season sparked his first business, placing Chinese students into international high schools in the States, where they lived with Christian host families. He went on to build serious wealth. The homes, the boats, the toys, angel investing, day trading, all of it. Then he gave most of it up to start a ministry. Today, Battle Worn Foundation brings veterans, active duty service members, and first responders to Montana for a five day experience that's a hundred percent covered by donors, flights included. Battle Worn Legacy serves entrepreneurs and executives who want to build something great without losing themselves along the way.
What makes this episode matter is how honest Trent gets. He was crushing it. He'd just come home from seven months overseas, money pouring in, and he was physically present but completely checked out with his wife and kids. Then came the divorce papers. He tried counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and he says none of it worked until he surrendered his life to Christ. If you've ever tied your whole worth to your business, this one's going to land.
The first lesson that stuck with me is that busy isn't a badge of honor. Trent shared a line he lives by: "If the enemy can't make you bad, he'll make you busy." He was a good guy who got so caught up in growing his empire that he lost sight of what mattered most. Now he's pulled the word busy out of his vocabulary completely. Instead, he says he has priorities. Simple shift. Big impact.
The second lesson is about redefining success. For Trent, success isn't about the next dollar anymore. It's being the man God called him to be, then the husband his wife deserves, then the father his kids need. Work comes fourth or fifth. If his wife calls needing something, he drops work. Period. As someone who's walked the money chasing path myself, I loved hearing how clearly he's drawn those lines.
The third lesson is that real growth lives in discomfort. Battle Worn Foundation is built around getting men uncomfortable on purpose, heading up into the Montana mountains together for devotionals and the kind of raw conversations that only seem to happen out in God's country.
Trent talked about men who've done ten, twelve, fifteen deployments, special operators trained never to raise a white flag, learning what it means to surrender. Their very first cohort had fourteen military members and first responders, and two of them were baptized during the week. That gave me chills.
The fourth lesson is that you can't fight your battles alone. Pride tells you that you can handle everything yourself. Trent teaches men to have four other guys in their corner who can pick them up when life hits hard. Entrepreneurship is lonely, my friends. Find your tribe and lean on it.
We also get into a really open conversation about faith. I shared where I'm at, more spiritual than religious, believing in God and a higher power, and Trent shared why he believes in Jesus with every cell in his body. He even pointed me toward The Case for Christ, written by a former atheist journalist who set out to disprove Christianity and ended up becoming a believer. It's the kind of respectful, real dialogue I wish we saw more of. We also talk about money as a store of energy, why authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI, and a rapid fire round where Trent shares his favorite movie, A River Runs Through It, and his marriage advice: treat your wife like a queen, put her before yourself, and learn how to communicate.
Brother, I left this one feeling grateful. Grateful for friends who challenge me, for a community like Bozeman, and for men like Trent who show up with their faith on full display.
If you're ready to stop wearing busy like a medal and start building a life where your family gets the best version of you, this episode is for you.
Listen to the full episode now at https://happyhustle.com/podcast
What does Happy Hustlin' mean to you?
Trent said that happy hustlin' means getting after it and being happy in what you do. A lot of people are hustling and they're not happy. I've been there too. Your kids are watching, so find your purpose, because when you find your purpose through your vocation, that's where true happiness comes from.
Connect with Trent
https://www.facebook.com/trent.mcmurtrey
https://www.instagram.com/battleworn_legacy/
https://www.youtube.com/@Trent_McMurtrey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-mcmurtrey/
Find Trent on this website: https://battlewornlegacy.com/
Connect with Cary!
https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/
https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJack
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/
https://twitter.com/thehappyhustle
https://www.tiktok.com/@caryjack
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured
Get a copy of his new book, https://www.thehappyhustle.com/book
Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course @ https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/
Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure @ https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/
“It’s time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”
Episode Sponsors:
Kiln
Your environment shapes your energy and your results. That's why we're proud to partner with Kiln, a premium workspace experience designed to help you work smarter, connect with amazing people, and elevate your lifestyle. From co-working and private offices to meeting rooms and event spaces, Kiln (https://kiln.com/) has everything you need to thrive. Mention "Happy Hustle" for a special hookup!
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