Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

Martin Foster
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Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® long-form podcast exploring identity, purpose, leadership, and life after achievement. --- Hosted by Air Force veteran Martin Foster, each episode features honest conversations with leaders, elite performers, veterans, athletes, authors, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers who have navigated success, failure, reinvention, and everything in between. These aren't interviews about résumés. They're conversations about what happens after the medals, the promotions, the championships, and the uniforms, and the lessons worth passing on to the next generation. Real Conversations. Lasting Impact. --- © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Consistency Beats Talent and Blind Loyalty Destroys You - The Wire's J.D. Williams - Ep. 142

    Send us Fan Mail The conversation focused on J.D. Williams’s career, growth, resilience, and impactful roles from The Wire to today. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Being grateful for family 04:08 Facing Challenges and Finding Resilience 06:51 Importance of consistency in success 09:43 Maintaining a Positive Attitude 13:54 Playing the Character of Bodie 17:37 Discussing a character's pivotal line 22:43 The Wire's ongoing relevance 26:19 Discussing J.D.'s acting career 29:57 Comparing HBO roles: Bodie and Kenny 32:46 Being offered a unique role 34:27 Building complex character traits 39:16 Discussing Times Square message ideas 43:33 The Wire's unexpected widespread impact - Quotes to open episodes: You’ve got to be persistent and consistent. Keep hitting the same spot the same way, and eventually, you’ll see progress or a breakthrough. “This game is rigged, man.” - Bodie - People and Names mentioned in the episode: The Wire Oz David Simon Michael Kenneth Williams Tray Chaney David Alan Grier Alexa Vogel - J.D.'s Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdxwilliams/  IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0412907/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Why Consistency Beats Talent and Blind Loyalty Destroys You - The Wire's J.D. Williams - Ep. 142

  2. Jul 23

    Ryan Leaf - From Addiction & Rock Bottom to Redemption & Purpose - Ep. 141

    Send us Fan Mail Ryan Leaf explores addiction, accountability, identity, and why lasting transformation begins with radical self-honesty. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Ryan Leaf's redemption journey 05:46 Caring about family opinions only 09:07 Taking control of daily attitude 11:14 Sharing personal experiences openly 15:39 Reflecting on personal accountability 17:40 Discussing vulnerability and accountability 23:32 Diagnosing and understanding CTE 26:12 The impact of football on players 29:54 Reflecting on life and priorities 33:51 Quoting 80s movies  37:25 Commitment to helping veterans 38:24 Building a partnership with Menninger 46:52 Watching classic WrestleManias - Quotes to open episodes: No matter where you are there you are.   “Learning is a gift, even when pain is your teacher!” ― Michael Jordan - People and Names mentioned in the episode: Reno Hightower Shane Falco Jonathan Moxon USA Network Chris Nowinski Jay Glazer Drew Bledsoe Jalen Rose Danny Wuerffel  Armando E. Colombo The Menninger Clinic - Ryan's Resources: Website: https://theryandleaf.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandleaf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandleaf/ Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Ryan Leaf - From Addiction & Rock Bottom to Redemption & Purpose - Ep. 141

  3. Jul 16

    Ep. 140: Team RWB Executive Director Michael 'Sully' Sullivan

    Send us Fan Mail Michael Sullivan is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel with 30 years of service, including 23 years as a Green Beret and the Executive Director at Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). A 1994 graduate of Claremont McKenna College, he led some of the military’s most elite special operations units and served in key command roles across Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Africa. Sully completed six combat tours in Afghanistan and commanded organizations including 3rd Special Forces Group, Special Operations Command Forward–Lebanon, and 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade.  He is also a founding member of Team RWB’s Fayetteville Chapter and comes from a four-generation family legacy of military service. - Quick Episode Summary: Exploring purpose, connection, legacy, and resilience in veterans’ post-service lives. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Intro 07:35 Military sense of purpose and community 10:58 Building a Veteran Fitness Community 15:40 Missing camaraderie and connection 17:51 Monday motor pool and team bonding 19:31 Dealing with loneliness and isolation 22:46 Family legacy of military service 27:00 Kids choosing West Point 31:00 Honoring sacrifices through action 35:17 Veteran wellness and fitness community 39:06 Importance of community connection 42:43 Joining Team RWB for support - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: Leadership and LegacyMission vs. PurposeCombating Isolation and Fostering ConnectionThe Power of Ritual and Remembrance- Quotes to open episodes: "You're not damaged. You're actually better prepared to handle some of the worst days ahead."  “A leader must be what he wants the team to become.” – John Wooden - His Resources:  Website: https://teamrwb.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-985a8a2b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sully_rwb/ Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 140: Team RWB Executive Director Michael 'Sully' Sullivan

  4. Jul 9

    Ep. 139: Amberly Lago Turning Pain into PURPOSE

    Send us Fan Mail Amberly Lago is a widely recognized expert in helping entrepreneurs build their businesses through grit and resilience. As the founder of The Unstoppable Life Mastermind, she has worked with thousands of clients, empowering them to achieve success by developing resilience and perseverance. She is the host of The Amberly Lago Show, a podcast recognized by Apple as being among the Top 1% of podcasts worldwide. An internationally sought-after speaker on grit, resilience, and connection, Amberly has shared the stage with bestselling authors and thought leaders, and has delivered keynote presentations for companies including Lululemon, Google, and Athleta. Her TEDx talk has garnered hundreds of thousands of views. Through her authentic approach and unwavering commitment to serving others, Amberly has built a large and deeply engaged community. She is passionate about helping people overcome personal and professional challenges, equipping them with the mindset and resilience needed to create lasting success. A sought after thought leader and bestselling author in 19 categories, her insights have been featured in national media outlets like Forbes, USA Today (named Top Most Influential Speaker In the nation), The Doctors, Hallmark and The TODAY Show. Amberly has overcome major trauma in her life including 34 surgeries to save her leg after a horrific motorcycle accident. She emerged on top by leveraging her proprietary P.A.C.E.R. Method which teaches how authentically connecting with others leads to unstoppable resilience and success. - Quick Episode Summary: ✅ What if your deepest pain became your greatest teacher? ✅ Amberly Lago reveals how surviving 34 surgeries and living with chronic pain sparked grit, gratitude, and a new purpose. ✅ On Passing The Torch, Amberly discusses resilience, hidden scars, finding joy alongside pain, and why desperation can be the spark for life-changing transformation. ✅ Real stories, hard truths, and the secret to turning adversity into your superpower - press play and get inspired to rewrite your own story! - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Random Stuff 06:15 Nervous before a big speech 12:13 Building Relationships through Research 13:45 Turning down an opportunity 18:59 Amberly Lago's journey of resilience 22:51 Dealing with chronic health issues 26:18 Recovering from injuries 28:11 Using gratitude to overcome fear 31:26 Finding gratitude after the accident 35:07 Struggling with alcoholism and recovery 37:11 Dealing with hidden struggles 41:10 Living with visible and invisible scars 46:32 Talking about favorite movies 47:31 Talking about celebrity lookalikes 51:34 Billboard message for struggling individuals 53:46 Expressing gratitude to Amberly - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: Podcast Recording and Modern TrendsThe Business and Reality of Publishing and SpeakingAmberly's Resilience JourneyIntegrity, Self-Worth, and Opportunity with Jesse ItzlerCoping with Pain, Addiction, and RecoveryVulnerability, Scars, and Inner StrengthMindset Shift and Reframing Adversity- People and Names mentioned in the episode: MC HammerJesse ItzlerScott MacGregorEd MylettRachel McAdamsBrad PittJon Gordon Trent SheltonRenée MarinoMaye MuskMel RobbinsLewis HowesBrendon BurchardHenry AmmarJay ShettyChef Rush- Quotes to open episodes: “Obstacles don’t block the path they ARE the path.” “We are walking permission slips for our children.” “Addiction does not discriminate.” - Amberly's Resources:  ◼ Website: https://amberlylago.com/ ◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/ ◼ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlylago/  ◼ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmberlyLagoMotivation  ◼ Podcast: https://amberlylago.com/podcast/ Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 139: Amberly Lago Turning Pain into PURPOSE

  5. Jul 2

    Ep. 138: Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards Gala

    Send us Fan Mail The Military Veteran Awards event celebrates the incredible veterans, service members, storytellers, creators, and entertainment leaders changing how military stories are told. - Quick Episode Summary: I conducted nine interviews on the red carpet. This video is a combination of all videos.  The episode is a vibrant celebration of the intersection between military service and entertainment, showcasing personal stories of resilience, creativity, and mutual respect. It highlights not just achievements but also the ongoing efforts to amplify veteran voices and foster authenticity, impact, and community within, and beyond, the entertainment industry. 📖 Chapters 📖 01:35 Ryan Curtis 06:24 Richard Chaves 12:12 Nate Boyer 15:34 Gina Elise 19:12 D.B. Sweeney 21:11 Davina Wong 23:27 David B. Meadows 32:15 Cynthia Garcia 34:50 Coffey Anderson - Mentioned in the episode: David B. Meadows Ryan Curtis Hollywood Grit Davina Wong Cynthia Garcia Gina Elise Pin-Ups for Vets Nate Boyer  @MergingVetsandPlayers   Richard Chaves  D.B. Sweeney Coffey Anderson - Keywords: Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards, red carpet interviews, veteran community, Hollywood Grit, Emmy nomination, authenticity, storytelling, veteran filmmakers, identity, social media, impact on veterans, Pinups for Vets, female veterans, Air Force, Navy SEAL, Green Beret, service recognition, support for veterans, Memorials, Global War on Terrorism Memorial, acting career, theater technique, resilience, country music, family military history, community support, military service, entertainment industry, Hollywood labels, veteran actors, interest media Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 138: Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards Gala

  6. Jun 25

    Ep. 137: Ryan Hawk The Price of Becoming

    Send us Fan Mail Ryan Hawk is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Learning Leader Show, where he has interviewed more than 700 influential leaders, including CEOs, bestselling authors, elite athletes, military leaders, and entrepreneurs. His podcast is consistently one of the world's top business shows, earning millions of downloads annually.  Ryan is the author of three leadership books, including the USA Today bestseller The Score That Matters.  A former Division I quarterback and corporate sales executive, he now helps organizations develop leadership, excellence, teamwork, and high performance through speaking, coaching, and teaching around the world. His fourth book The Price of Becoming link to order is in the show notes.  - Quick Episode Summary: Ryan Hawk discusses leadership, compounding growth, and embracing life’s transitions. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Introduction about Ryan Hawk 06:23 Transitioning from athlete to former athlete 08:00 Struggling with big game emotions 10:02 At college orientation with my child 14:04 Working with high-performing clients 16:42 Initial business consultations 22:32 Importance of self-truth and compounding 23:09 Daily habits for success 28:44 Starting a guest quote tradition 30:31 Being prepared for the unexpected 35:09 Building confidence through evidence 38:28 Writing and research process 39:14 Motivation and taking action 44:17 Reflecting on personal growth - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: ◼ Why the highest performers are the most coachable ◼ How to find and appreciate meaning in everyday moments ◼Practical habits and questions to help you become the best version of yourself - People and Names mentioned in the episode: Charlie Munger Warren Buffett Brian Koppelman Austin Kleon Terry Hoeppner Matt Muncie Sherri Coale (LEGEND) Brook Cupps Geron Stokes Uncle Rico Brady Quinn Kurt Warner Jim Collins Tom Ryan - Quotes to open episodes: "The first rule of compounding is to never interrupt it unnecessarily." -Charlie Munger “Keep following your curiosity and obsessions with great rigor.”  - Brian Koppelman “Life is only understood backwards, but we have to live it forwards.”  – Austin Kleon My favorite quote from Ryan during the episode: "Your actions speak so loudly,  I can't hear what you're saying." - Ryan's Resources:  ◼ Website: https://learningleader.com/  ◼ Order his latest book The Price Of Becoming: https://learningleader.com/becoming/  ◼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhawk12/  ◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanhawk12/  Highlights from the Episode 🌱 The Good Old Days Are Now Ryan shares a moving story about choosing family over work, reminding us that the moments we’ll cherish most are often the everyday ones—like an impromptu pool trip or sharing ice cream with your kids. The real “good old days” may be happening all around us if we pay attention 02:58. ⚡ Identity Shifts & Letting Go We talk about what happens when a major chapter closes, like moving from being a “current” athlete or service member to a “former” one. Ryan opens up about his own struggles transitioning from college athlete to life after sports, and why it’s so hard—but so necessary—to grow beyond who you were yesterday 06:23. 💡 Compounding Beyond Finance While Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger may have popularized the concept of compounding in wealth, Ryan explains how habits, character, and relationships also compound. Intentionally doing the right things, every single day, pays massive dividends—not just in business, but in who you become 22:32. 👊 Why Elite Performers Seek Coaching An insight from the show: the people already crushing it—the “eights and nines” out of ten—are the ones most hungry for feedback and coaching. True greatness, Ryan says, means always being willing to get better, to seek out truth, and to act on it 14:04. 📝 Favorite Takeaway: "Your actions speak so loudly I can't hear what you're saying." Ryan’s advice: be a doer, not just a talker. The world is full of talkers—be the person who shows up, again and again, making small choices that add up to big impact 36:56. Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 137: Ryan Hawk The Price of Becoming

  7. Jun 18

    Ep. 136: ⁠How Jasmine Jones Built a Champion Mindset: Resilience & Discipline

    Send us Fan Mail Jasmine Jones is an Airman in the United States Air Force, a High-Performance Athlete with Team USA Bobsled, Mid-American Conference Most Outstanding Track Performer, First Team College All-American, Bobsleigh Bronze Medalist in the 2026 Winter Olympics (which ended EMU’s 42-year drought without a US Olympic medal for the university’s athletes) and a single Mom. - Quick Episode Summary: Air Force Olympian Jasmine Jones discusses resilience, motherhood, bobsled journey. - People and Names mentioned in the episode: Riley Tejcek Alex Klein Kelly Curtis Coach Chris Best / Eastern Michigan Coach Christopher Fogt / USA Bobsled Coach Elana Meyers Taylor - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: ◼ Embrace the Power of Perseverance: Jasmine Jones overcame personal and professional setbacks, showing that the drive to keep going, even when doors seem closed, can lead to extraordinary achievements. ◼ Prioritize Mental Fitness: Success isn’t just physical. Jasmine Jones credits her growth to strengthening her mindset, highlighting the importance of mental health practices, visualization, and having a strong support system. ◼ Lead by Example and Lift Others: As a single mom and athlete, Jasmine Jones models for her daughter and listeners alike that with discipline and purpose, you can thrive in multiple arenas, and inspire those around you to do the same. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Balancing work, parenting, and training 03:45 Joining the Air Force and training 07:14 Gaining discipline through life challenges 12:26 Mindful practices and rituals 16:19 Perseverance and staying motivated 19:21 Importance of mental health 20:35 Mental fitness in professional sports 25:28 Riley's dedication and hard work 29:12 Favorite celebratory meal 30:46 Dreaming of a hometown event 33:22 Balancing career and parenthood - Quotes to open episodes: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive” “If God said it, that’s the end of it.” - Christine Vincent  - Jasmine's Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayye_jazzj/  Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 136: ⁠How Jasmine Jones Built a Champion Mindset: Resilience & Discipline

  8. Jun 11

    Ep. 135: The Light Foundation Buckeye Blast

    Send us Fan Mail In 2001, former NFL player and 3x Superbowl Champion, Matt Light, and his wife Susie, established The Light Foundation to help young people develop the skills, values, and mindset they need to create a meaningful and productive future. The mission of The Light Foundation mission is to take young people out of their everyday environments and provide them with unique opportunities that ignite their passion, purpose, and motivation to succeed. - Quick Episode Summary: Buckeye Blast celebrates youth mentorship, outdoor fun, and community leadership together. - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: ◼ Insights from Buckeye Blast: athletes, mentors, and veterans unite at the Light Foundation event to inspire youth, leadership, and community impact. ◼ Inspiring stories about the impact of the Light Foundation on young lives and communities ◼ Candid conversations about mentorship, the great outdoors, and the values needed for future generations ◼ Lighthearted debates on who would survive in the wilderness—Buckeyes, Boilermakers, or pro athletes! ◼ Reflections on leadership, service after the military, and building a legacy of purpose - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Appreciating team support and fun 01:05 Matt Light 05:36 The importance of genuine experiences 07:17 Leadership Academy goals and programs 11:54 Susie Light 13:04 The Light foundation's impact on youth 13:59 Event fundraising with incentives 15:40 Troy Eden 20:17 Intense overnight obstacle course 20:59 Struggling with national identity 25:56 Foundation's programs and volunteering info 26:56 Joey Eden 29:50 Tyler Farr 30:18 Visiting military bases abroad 32:40 Nate Ebner 32:53 Matt Light's impact on the community 35:12 Bobby Carpenter 35:30 Bobby Carpenter riding in an F18 fighter jet 38:53 Community role in youth development 41:06 Bronze star recipient introduction 43:46 Ohio State Wrestling Coach Tom Ryan 46:47 Looking forward to next year's event - Light Foundation Resources: Website: https://www.mattlight72.com/  Ways to Give: https://www.mattlight72.com/ways-to-give/  - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@torchmartin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torchfoster Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way  Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 135: The Light Foundation Buckeye Blast
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Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® long-form podcast exploring identity, purpose, leadership, and life after achievement. --- Hosted by Air Force veteran Martin Foster, each episode features honest conversations with leaders, elite performers, veterans, athletes, authors, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers who have navigated success, failure, reinvention, and everything in between. These aren't interviews about résumés. They're conversations about what happens after the medals, the promotions, the championships, and the uniforms, and the lessons worth passing on to the next generation. Real Conversations. Lasting Impact. --- © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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