Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

Martin Foster
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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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. 126: Month of the Military Child (My daughter is the special guest)

    4D AGO

    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

  2. 6D AGO

    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
  3. 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

  4. 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
  5. Ep. 124: Super Frenchie Matthias Giraud on Mastering Fear, Extreme Skiing & Life Lessons

    MAR 26

    Ep. 124: Super Frenchie Matthias Giraud on Mastering Fear, Extreme Skiing & Life Lessons

    Send us Fan Mail Matthias Giraud is a Professional Skier and Base Jumper, 2 X World Record Holder, and the man known as Super Frenchie.  - Quick Episode Summary: Matthias Giraud discusses fear, passion, and mastering extreme mountain sports. - SEO Description: Explore extreme sports, fear, passion, and mindset with Matthias Giraud, pro skier and BASE jumper, on Passing the Torch. Insightful, inspiring conversation. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights: The Power of Intentional LivingFear as Your SuperpowerEmotional Regulation & MasteryLessons from the AlpsBoring Habits Matter- Chapters: 00:00 Super Frenchie: Extreme Fulfillment 06:09 Chamonix: Birthplace of Adventure 07:36 My Son Respects My Work 13:08 Rules Shape Life and Society 14:18 Outsider Turned Pro Skier 16:55 Skiing Passion and Perseverance 21:26 Fear as a Catalyst 29:34 Passion for Craft 32:18 Regimented Life and Goals 36:03 A Life-Changing Mentor 38:28 Dare to Maximize Life 41:59 Philosophy and Impactful Quotes 44:36 Alpine Ski Base Jump Series - 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.

    50 min
  6. BONUS Throwback Episode - Heath Trepanier Interview from January 2019

    MAR 24

    BONUS Throwback Episode - Heath Trepanier Interview from January 2019

    Send us Fan Mail Heath Trepanier- Resilience is making mistakes and coming back from them In January of 2017, US Air Force Technical Sergeant Heath Trepanier (“Trep”) was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when a cantaloupe-sized tumor was found in his abdomen. He continues to exceed the doctors’ expectations and was recently able to travel to Hawaii for an Air Force Wounded Warrior event. Trep has a very realistic, but optimistic outlook on his life.  His illness has provided him with a new perspective of life and taught him to be resilient. Rather than taking things for granted, he is now more intentional about leaning into his family, friends, and faith for the support he needs as he approaches each new challenge with the intention to learn from it and make the best of what is presented to him. Recognizing that everyone has their own struggles, he encourages everyone listening to be the best they can be, lead by example, and follow through on the goals they set. Trep emphasizes the importance of being involved in a community and having friends to hold you accountable and encourage you to carry on. Show Notes: Trep discusses overcoming challenges and what resilience means to him (3:33)Important skills that will help you face hardship (6:01)How the Air Force Wounded Warrior project has helped Trep (8:30)The benefits of lessons from his childhood in developing mental toughness (10:28)Trep’s words of encouragement to a teammate after their basketball game (13:00)What perseverance looks like when lived out (14:54)Other wounds that veterans deal with but society doesn’t understand (16:00)How Trep has turned trial into triumph (17:43)What Trep’s billboard would say (22:09)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.

    25 min
  7. Ep. 123: Becoming the Lighthouse: Mary Howe on Service, Legacy, and Choosing Your Own Path

    MAR 18

    Ep. 123: Becoming the Lighthouse: Mary Howe on Service, Legacy, and Choosing Your Own Path

    Send us Fan Mail Mary Howe is a writer, nurse, and military veteran whose work explores identity, transition, faith, and personal growth.  Drawing from a multigenerational military family legacy, she reflects on purpose, resilience, and the quiet work of becoming.  Through her Substack, she shares thoughtful essays on wellness, optimism rooted in history, and the journey from external achievement to internal alignment. - Quick Episode Summary: Mary Howe explores self-worth, transition, legacy, and choosing growth. - SEO Description: Join "Passing The Torch" as Mary Howe and Martin Foster discuss military transition, identity, legacy, and choosing your path to growth and service. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights: Navigating military-to-civilian transitionsThe power of internal leadership and self-compassionGrowth during life’s “middle”How history gives us perspective for todayCrafting your own path and legacy- Chapters: 00:00 Intro 05:01 Finding Self-Worth and Stability 09:28 Focus on Your Own Path 10:26 Comparison Is the Thief of Joy 15:48 Identity Beyond Legacy 19:09 Blending Creativity and Professionalism 20:12 Family Patterns and Personality 29:20 Choose Positivity, Embrace Growth 36:27 Grounded Self-Love Practices 42:02 Mark Wahlberg Walk Comparison 45:21 Billboard Message - 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.

    50 min
  8. Ep. 122: Nick Lavery - The Quiet Skill That Makes Great Leaders Dangerous

    MAR 11

    Ep. 122: Nick Lavery - The Quiet Skill That Makes Great Leaders Dangerous

    Send us Fan Mail Nick Lavery is a Special Forces Warrant Officer who returned to combat after losing his leg in a 2013 insider attack in Afghanistan. Refusing medical retirement, he became the first amputee in military history to complete multiple elite Special Forces qualification courses, including Combat Diver. A Silver Star recipient with three Purple Hearts, he speaks on resilience, leadership, and performing at the highest level after adversity. - Quick Episode Summary: Nick Lavery shares lessons on resilience, discipline, leadership, and failure. - SEO Description: Green Beret Nick Lavery talks resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity with host Martin Foster on Passing the Torch.  - 🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights: How to use failure as an opportunityWhy humility and empathy are superpowersThe value of discipline in achieving your goalsStories of mentorship, leadership, and perseverance- Chapters: 00:00 Resilience, Leadership, and Triumph 09:27 Humility as Human Superpower 12:16 Embracing Constant Change 16:35 Choosing Long-Term Over Short-Term 21:20 Embracing Failure to Grow 27:08 Investing in Humans Over Tech 30:06 Building Resilience Through Repetition 34:01 Actions Define Leadership and Influence 38:08 Jocko 41:19 Boston Skit, Worcester Connection 46:56 Evolving Value Beyond Physical Limits 50:02 Selfless Service and Tough Love 52:57 Planting Seeds of Inspiration 55:24 Nick's Billboard Message 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.

    1h 1m
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4.8
out of 5
23 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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