Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

Martin Foster
  • 4.8 (24)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® podcast featuring long-form conversations with leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers focused on growth, identity, and transition. --- Welcome to Passing The Torch, a personal development podcast that’s about the journey, not just the destination.This show is a conversation with people who inspire me — thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and others who are constantly evolving and learning about themselves. I’m not pretending to have it all figured out, and that’s what makes this podcast different. As I navigate my own personal growth and discover new tools, insights, and stories that are helping me, I’m bringing you along for the ride.I believe that when it comes to self-improvement, we don’t always need to hear from someone who has already "arrived" at their ideal self. Instead, we can find power in connecting with people who are in the trenches alongside us, figuring things out as they go. Passing The Torch is an opportunity for both of us to learn, grow, and share in real-time.Every episode, I sit down with individuals from all walks of life — from CEOs and best-selling authors to Special Forces Operators, friends, and elite athletes — and we dive deep into the lessons they’ve learned, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the wisdom they’ve gained. Along the way, I’ll be sharing my own experiences and insights from my personal development journey.Whether you’re someone who’s looking for guidance or simply enjoy hearing raw, honest stories of transformation, Passing The Torch offers something for everyone. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about sharing what we’ve learned and helping each other move forward.Join me on this adventure. Let's pass the torch together. --- © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

  1. Ep. 129: Andy Riise - What It Really Takes to Win in Life and Leadership

    3D AGO

    Ep. 129: Andy Riise - What It Really Takes to Win in Life and Leadership

    Send us Fan Mail Andy Riise (Reece) is an Army Veteran, West Point graduate, and former Army football fullback with 20+ years leading Soldiers in combat, earning two Bronze Stars.  A pioneer in military mental fitness, he helped launch resilience programs and later coached MLB and NFL teams, including the Chicago Bears.  With advanced training in sport and performance psychology, he now works with leaders across business, healthcare, and athletics.  He’s a bestselling co-author, adjunct professor, and founder of Design to Perform, known for blending behavioral science, leadership experience, and practical tools to help people perform under pressure. - Quick Episode Summary: Andy Riise discusses mental fitness, leadership, resilience, and personal growth. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways Include: Andy shares hard-earned lessons on: ◼ Build on Character, Not Just Results: Your identity and values are the foundation for success, whether in athletics, the military, or any field. Stay anchored to your "why"—it fuels resilience during transitions and tough times. ◼ Work Smart, Not Just Hard: Grit is important, but so is self-awareness. There’s a time for perseverance and a time to pivot—balance ambition with well-being, and don’t be afraid to adjust course when it serves your bigger purpose. ◼ Commit to Service: The measure of a life is in its service to others. Whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or working with special needs students (shout-out to all the educators and military spouses), meaningful impact comes from showing up for people around you. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Common connections 06:59 Figuring out next career steps 18:38 Finding clarity and growth 23:44 Building a culture of excellence 29:18 Understanding mental fitness components 34:03 Discussing Ryan Leaf's NFL career 40:53 Finding balance in perseverance 42:58 Learning from personal setbacks 48:55 Deciding on career sacrifices 54:59 Reflecting on personal growth 01:01:48 Recognizing an inspiring ambassador 01:06:09 Billboard Message and more 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.

    1h 19m
  2. You Don’t Need More Discipline, You Need Better Connection - George Hayworth - Ep. 128

    APR 23

    You Don’t Need More Discipline, You Need Better Connection - George Hayworth - Ep. 128

    Send us Fan Mail George Hayworth is the Founder of Elite Sentinel Coaching where he “forges leaders and builds legacies”. He also leverages his expertise in leadership through over a decade of military experience, corporate experience and skills like emotional intelligence and conflict resolution developed through over a decade of therapy and healing. - Quick Episode Summary: George Hayworth explores legacy, leadership, emotional regulation, and personal growth. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways Include: George shares hard-earned lessons on: ◼ Emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing feelings—it’s about facing them and choosing your response. The most respected leaders anchor their teams with calm, not just strength. Growth starts on the inside. ◼ Legacy isn’t trophies or titles. It’s what you build into others—your kids, your friends, your teams. Focus less on reputation, more on what you leave in people’s hearts. That’s impact. ◼ Most of us are running from the past. True growth begins when you own your story—childhood wounds and all—rather than letting it own you. Be the one who breaks the cycle. ◼ Humility is strength. It’s not thinking less of yourself, but seeking wisdom from others and stepping back to listen. Healthy leaders ask for input, not approval, to build something greater than themselves. ◼ Want to improve life? Start each day with gratitude. Even on the toughest days, thankfulness shifts your mindset from defense to offense and prepares you for real, lasting change. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Deepening faith and personal peace 05:28 Starting the day with gratitude 11:15 Early adulthood challenges and realizations 20:12 Managing anger and personal growth 23:12 Focusing on emotional regulation 26:44 Getting over self-doubt 35:07 Working through marriage challenges 36:53 Importance of strong family foundations 43:00 Reflecting  51:18 Balancing leadership with family life 57:06 Billboard Message - Closing Thoughts: If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who carries responsibility for others. Because leadership isn’t just what you say, it’s what you carry. 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.

    1h 4m
  3. Ep. 127: Scott Huesing - Building Transferable Legacy

    APR 16

    Ep. 127: Scott Huesing - Building Transferable Legacy

    Send us Fan Mail Scott Huesing is a retired Marine Infantry Major, combat leader, and bestselling author of Echo in Ramadi.  A seasoned speaker and media contributor, he shares hard-earned insights on leadership, human connection, and overcoming adversity forged through 24 years of service and global combat deployments. - Quick Episode Summary: In this episode of Passing The Torch, I sit down with Scott Huesing, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer who led Marines through some of the most demanding environments imaginable. But this conversation isn’t just about leadership in extreme conditions. It’s about responsibility and the weight that leaders carry long after the moment has passed. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways Include: Scott shares hard-earned lessons on: ◼ What it truly means to be responsible for others  ◼ The invisible burden leaders carry  ◼ How moments of pressure reveal who you really are  ◼ The bond of brotherhood and why it never leaves you  ◼ The decisions that stay with you for life - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Helping writers share their stories 09:59 The importance of reading today 16:08 Reading a Marine Corps story 18:41 Processing trauma and building resilience 22:19 The value of podcast appearances 29:03 Sharing stories of loss 34:47 Preserving digital legacies 40:14 Finding your value and identity 49:33 Reflecting on deployment training 50:58 Childhood love for baseball 57:43 Star Trek vs. Star Wars 01:05:31 Talking life in the dugout 01:08:56 Watching Tracy's documentary 01:13:55 Reflecting on a past connection 01:23:06 The value of connections 01:24:17 Closing words and gratitude - Closing Thoughts: If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who carries responsibility for others. Because leadership isn’t just what you say, it’s what you carry. 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.

    1h 25m

  4. APR 14

    BONUS Throwback Episode - CMSAF #18 Kaleth Wright, Retired, USAF, from April 2018

    Send us Fan Mail ****DISCLAIMER**** The views and comments made by host and guest do not represent the views nor are they in association with the United States military.**** Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force-Attitude Reflects Leadership Chief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force (CMSAF), Kaleth Wright, is the 18th and current CMSAF. Though Chief Wright’s judgment in football teams may be unfortunate, the loyalty he shows to the Dallas Cowboys echoes his commitment to the Airmen under his command and his desire to see them thrive. Chief Wright would be the first to tell you that behind his successful career, stand a series of failures that propelled him to persevere, develop the compassion, and sincerity that allow him to represent the highest enlisted level of leadership in the US Air Force today. CMSAF Wright has not forgotten where he came from.  As a result, CMSAF Wright has applied the mentorship he received along the way by utilizing emotional intelligence and wisdom to lead. He aims to develop relationships with the Airmen under his authority by taking an interest in their lives.  This ACTION STYLE of leadership is only possible when a leader is willing to have a positive influence and talk with those under their guidance. Chief Wright naturally sees the good in people and has repeatedly seen the mutual benefit in investing in them to help them achieve their goals. The leader sets the tone for his people, and as the classic movie “Remember the Titans” so wisely put it: Attitude reflects leadership. Chief Wright is a lifelong learner and is committed to deliberate personal development in a number of ways.  Examples include reading a couple of books a week and listening to podcasts during his work commute. His current top three book recommendations are: (1) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, (2) “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway, and (3) “As A Man Thinketh” by James Allen. Show Notes: Thoughts on “Enlisted Jesus” Moniker (03:30)Using social media as vehicle for transparency (04:30)Advice to leaders wanting to leverage social media to connectHow to build an effective relationship with someone who wants to be isolated (05:40)What leaders can do to stay in touch with ground truth (07:15)Positive attitude and influenceBest conversations leaders can have to unleash the potential in their people (10:50)Person that inspired Chief Wright and ignited his charge (15:20)Unusual successful habits Chief Wright hasBook recommendations (17:40)Personal philosophy and Failing forward (20:30)How past failure helped him in the future (21:44)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.

    30 min
  5. Ep. 126: Month of the Military Child (My daughter is the special guest)

    APR 9

    Ep. 126: Month of the Military Child (My daughter is the special guest)

    Send us Fan Mail April is the Month of the Military Child. According to Defense.gov, Military families move every two to three years on average, and military children change schools an average of six to nine times from the start of kindergarten to their high school graduation. This year an estimated 30 percent of military service members will move to a new installation. Each year   , April is set aside as a military child appreciation month, officially known as the Month of the Military Child. With its creation in the mid-1980s, the Pentagon and other military support organizations and agencies use the month to recognize military kids for their sacrifice and bravery on the Homefront. There are over 1.6 million military children serving alongside our nation’s service members. The term "military brat" is a badge of pride worn by generations of kids who traveled the world with their parents, moving into adulthood with the knowledge that they have the strength to handle anything. Military children deal with separations, deployments, frequent moves and even their parents' injuries as part of the life they were born into or entered with their families. - Quick Episode Summary: Military child shares experiences, challenges, joys, and lessons from transitions. Show Notes: Something cool and different about military kidsMilitary Kids that have become lifelong friendsSomething unique she learned due to being a military kidWhat people can do to best support military kidsThe purpose of the purple regarding Month of the Military Child If a movie were made about her life, what would the movie be about and who would star- Chapters: 00:00 Recognizing military children 04:21 Growing up in a military family 07:42 Adjusting to being home together 10:24 Reflecting on life after retirement 15:42 Challenges of being a military child 18:00 Advice for military kids 20:55 Reflecting on retirement ceremonies 25:39 Reflecting on memories and growth - Episode Sponsor: Are you retiring or separating from the military soon? Looking for an alternative to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)? Reach out to Dan Guzman Life Solutions, Dan is a 27-year United States Air Force veteran and retired Command Chief.  If you want coverage that makes sense, reach out today at danguzmanlifesolutions.com 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.

    28 min

  6. APR 7

    BONUS Throwback Episode - Dr. Benjamin Hardy from April 2018

    Send us Fan Mail Benjamin Hardy is Medium.com’s number one writer, a PhD candidate at Clemson University and the author of Willpower Doesn’t Work: Discover the Hidden Keys to Success. In his book, Benjamin addresses the concept willpower is nothing more than a dangerous fad that is bound to lead to failure. He focuses on self-improvement, motivation and entrepreneurship. Benjamin has been featured on Forbes, Huffington Post and Business Insider, just to name a few. In this podcast Benjamin discusses the importance of failure, how people are impacted by their surroundings and environment, determining factors of success and why willpower doesn’t work. Show Notes: Benefits of failure (1:52)Failures that set you up for success (3:00)There’s a difference between having a large email list and having a loyal following (3:35)How people can surround themselves with people and things that help them reach their goals (4:33)The power of subconscious behavior (6:00)How people are reactively becoming the product of a destructive environment (7:05)Creating an environment that facilitates your goals and aligns with the person you want to become (7:20)Why willpower isn’t a good way to solve problems (8:00)Determining factors in who you are, who you become and the decisions you make (9:01)Changes people can make to invest in themselves and upgrade their environment (11:40)The difference between entrepreneurs and “wanna be” entrepreneurs (14:48)Trends of unsuccessful leaders (18:40)Becoming a mentor, motivator and source of inspiration (25:28)Thinking at scale (27:40)Being changed by your experiences (29:00)What Benjamin would put on a billboard (29:45)Links: Connect with the Passing the Torch podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torchfoster IG: https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin/ Website: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/ Connect with Ben Hardy: Benjaminhardy.com Quotes: You get in life what you are willing to tolerate. If people treat you poorly, it’s because you tolerate that. Once you start investing money in yourself, you start creating your subconscious beliefs about what you can have. There’s no way you can will your way out of something. Leadership in general is not something you can rush through. 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.

    27 min
  7. Ep. 125: From Service to Civic Engagement - Jason Galui on Leadership and Overcoming Fictional Fear

    APR 2

    Ep. 125: From Service to Civic Engagement - Jason Galui on Leadership and Overcoming Fictional Fear

    Send us Fan Mail Jason J. Galui is the former Director for Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute and the Director, Center for Civic Participation, Endicott College.  Throughout a unique military career, Galui led soldiers in combat, taught economics to West Point cadets, advised senior military leaders in the Pentagon, and served in both the Obama and Trump White Houses. As Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council and Chief of Staff to the National Security Advisor, Galui served as a key point of national security continuity during the 2017 Presidential Transition.    - Quick Episode Summary: Leadership, transition, overcoming fear, civic duty, and making service matter. - SEO Description: Army veteran Jason Galui discusses leadership, service, and civic duty on Passing The Torch, sharing insights from his military and public service career. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways Include: Why family, consistency, and community are the foundation of a good life and great leadershipReflections on working with four U.S. presidents and lessons learned from General Martin DempseyThe dangers of "fictional fear" (and how to overcome it by engaging your community)The social contract America has with its veterans — and what we owe those who serveWhy hope is stronger than fear in times of uncertaintyThe importance of principle-based decision making under pressure- Chapters: 00:00 Talking before the podcast starts 05:14 Importance of strong core values 07:38 Introducing Jason Galui's military career 10:03 Life feels great right now 13:14 Talking about fictional fear 17:33 Harnessing fear and managing emotions 21:24 Guesting the Strategist podcast 28:04 What Lincoln might say today 36:13 What makes a true leader 39:34 Consistency in leadership 41:25 Discussing obligations to U.S. veterans 45:33 Adams and Jefferson's reconciliation 48:08 Overcoming fear and engaging others 51:54 Reflecting on military service 54:28 General Dempsey's "Make It Matter" story 58:22 Hosting live podcast events - Episode Sponsor: Are you retiring or separating from the military soon? Looking for an alternative to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)? Reach out to Dan Guzman Life Solutions, Dan is a 27-year United States Air Force veteran and retired Command Chief.  If you want coverage that makes sense, reach out today at danguzmanlifesolutions.com 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.

    1 hr

  8. MAR 31

    BONUS Throwback Episode - General John P. Jumper, Retired, USAF, from January 2018

    Send us Fan Mail ****DISCLAIMER**** The views and comments made by host and guest do not represent the views nor are they in association with the United States military.  **** NOTE: This episode was recorded on another podcast by same host. The new Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/passingthetorchwithmartinfoster/ Retired Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. Jumper, provides thoughts on mentorship and leadership. Mr. Jumper served in the military for 39 years and gained plenty of knowledge along the way. Like a true mentor, he shares that knowledge to carry on the Air Force Legacy. For more information, please see his bio:  http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/Article/104697/general-john-p-jumper/ Topics include: - Advancement of technology - Leaders leveraging social media to their advantage - Working twice as hard today to develop leadership skills - SNCOs having face-to-face contact - What his leadership approach would be in current Air Force - People confusing mentorship with sponsorship 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.

    22 min
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4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® podcast featuring long-form conversations with leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers focused on growth, identity, and transition. --- Welcome to Passing The Torch, a personal development podcast that’s about the journey, not just the destination.This show is a conversation with people who inspire me — thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and others who are constantly evolving and learning about themselves. I’m not pretending to have it all figured out, and that’s what makes this podcast different. As I navigate my own personal growth and discover new tools, insights, and stories that are helping me, I’m bringing you along for the ride.I believe that when it comes to self-improvement, we don’t always need to hear from someone who has already "arrived" at their ideal self. Instead, we can find power in connecting with people who are in the trenches alongside us, figuring things out as they go. Passing The Torch is an opportunity for both of us to learn, grow, and share in real-time.Every episode, I sit down with individuals from all walks of life — from CEOs and best-selling authors to Special Forces Operators, friends, and elite athletes — and we dive deep into the lessons they’ve learned, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the wisdom they’ve gained. Along the way, I’ll be sharing my own experiences and insights from my personal development journey.Whether you’re someone who’s looking for guidance or simply enjoy hearing raw, honest stories of transformation, Passing The Torch offers something for everyone. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about sharing what we’ve learned and helping each other move forward.Join me on this adventure. Let's pass the torch together. --- © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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