Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

Martin Foster

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. 139: Amberly Lago Turning Pain into PURPOSE

    5h ago

    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.

    54 min
  2. Ep. 138: Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards Gala

    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.

    37 min
  3. Ep. 137: Ryan Hawk The Price of Becoming

    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.

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

    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.

    35 min
  5. Ep. 135: The Light Foundation Buckeye Blast

    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.

    47 min
  6. Ep. 134: Manny Piñeiro - The Hard Truth About Time, Identity and What Really Matters

    Jun 4

    Ep. 134: Manny Piñeiro - The Hard Truth About Time, Identity and What Really Matters

    Send us Fan Mail Manny Piñeiro is a certified executive coach and professional speaker who is skilled in leadership and character development at all levels of management.  He is also on the USO Board of Governors and the President and Founder of MAKING TIME COUNT, LLC which focuses on making the most of our humanity count every second, through human involvement and meaningful change for C-Suite Executives and their employees.  Manny is an extreme advocate of transitioning military members to seek their highest potential both in and out of uniform, while identifying and anticipating common struggles for veterans coming out of active duty. - Quick Episode Summary: Manny Pineiro discuss leadership, family, values, and making time count. - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: ◼ Reflections on transition, legacy, and making time for what matters most ◼ Stories about the power of mentorship, from family roots to Air Force mentors and lifelong friends ◼ Honest takes on loss, resilience, balancing high-impact leadership with personal fulfillment, and advice for those feeling disconnected or in search of new direction ◼ The importance of intentionality, presence, and community—for military members, CEOs, parents, and more. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Reflecting on Altus Air Force Base 12:02 Facing a cancer diagnosis 17:32 Veterans and identity post-service 24:58 Learning from my children 26:10 The impact of a music MUSE 32:44 Missing moments with the kids 38:49 Making time count in life 46:36 Finding personal motivation 49:02 Maria Perez's mental health journey  01:02:58 Reflecting on the impact of connections 01:20:16 Reflecting on personal motivations 01:34:16 The fragrance's bold scent profile 01:37:36 Learning a lesson in gratitude 01:42:08 Appreciating people in our lives 01:46:22 Acknowledging spousal support - Quotes to open episodes: The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." – Abraham Lincoln "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”  - Aristotle “Life is Love” – Pro Boxer Danny Garcia’s Dad "There are moments in life that call you back to your roots, not to dwell, but to remember, to realign, and to move forward with purpose." - Manny's Resources: Website: https://makingtimecount.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-pi%C3%B1eiro-629a1b44/  USO: https://www.uso.org/about/manny-pineiro  - 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.

    1h 47m
  7. Ep. 133: Weapons of Mass Deception: Adam Jones Unmasks the Pressures Facing Modern Leaders

    May 28

    Ep. 133: Weapons of Mass Deception: Adam Jones Unmasks the Pressures Facing Modern Leaders

    Send us Fan Mail Army Veteran Adam Jones shares his journey from military service to personal transformation, highlighting the importance of identity, mental health, and living with purpose. He discusses the concept of weapons of mass deception, the power of grace, and how to find fulfillment beyond achievement. - Quick Episode Summary: Adam Jones discusses freedom, identity, achievement, and overcoming silent struggles. - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: ◼ Leaders aren’t responsible for results—they’re responsible for the people who drive those results. Empower your team, and the outcomes will follow. ◼ Achievement without fulfillment leaves you empty. Seek alignment with your true self, not just the next promotion or trophy. ◼ Hidden struggles often hide behind smiles. Look deeper—learn to recognize when your people need support, not just applause. ◼ True freedom isn’t about your job or circumstances—it’s about your mindset. Learn who you are beneath your roles, and you’ll thrive anywhere. ◼ Growth starts with giving yourself grace. Perfection isn’t the goal. Progress, self-compassion, and presence—these build resilient, high-performing cultures. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Struggling with hidden emotions 04:10 Understanding weapons of mass deception 07:24 Early life influences and lessons 12:42 Discussing personal struggles and growth 14:36 Feeling unfulfilled despite success 17:42 Struggling with time and podcast demands 20:28 Struggling in their relationship 24:09 The importance of giving grace 28:27 Shifting from self-criticism to growth 31:20 Embracing identity beyond career 33:08 The cycle of comparison 37:48 Understanding personal freedom 39:50 Working with military communities 42:52 Building excitement for a mission - Adam's Resources: Website: https://www.kingdomoperatives.com/workshop  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadwithadam/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeadWithAdam  - 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.

    43 min
  8. Ep. 132: Vet Tix CSO - The Seats We Leave Empty | Steven Weintraub on Vet Tix, Belonging & Veteran Purpose

    May 21

    Ep. 132: Vet Tix CSO - The Seats We Leave Empty | Steven Weintraub on Vet Tix, Belonging & Veteran Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail Vet Tix Chief Strategy Officer Steven Weintraub. Steve's dedication to service began in 1987 when he enlisted as a Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps Reserves. Following his 1989 graduation from Arizona State University, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served as a Logistics Officer. His active-duty career took him across the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, including a deployment to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope aboard the USS Rushmore Continuing his education, he earned an MBA in 2000. While in the Marine Corps Reserves, Steve answered the call to active-duty multiple times, completing two combat tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After over three decades of service, culminating in his retirement as a Colonel in 2019, Steve remains deeply committed to the veteran community. Through his involvement with numerous organizations and initiatives in Arizona and nationally, he passionately works to connect transitioning service members and veterans with vital resources. This unwavering dedication was acknowledged with his inclusion in We Are The Mighty's MIGHTY 25 in 2021 and his induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. - Quick Episode Summary: In this episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Steven Weintraub to explore how shared experiences, connection, and community can profoundly impact the lives of veterans and first responders. Through the story behind Vet Tix, Steven discusses the hidden challenges many veterans face after service, the importance of belonging, and why something as simple as attending an event can help restore purpose, identity, and hope. - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: ◼ Belonging is essential after service Many veterans struggle not because they lack discipline or skill, but because they lose the sense of tribe and connection they once had in the military. ◼ Small experiences can have a massive impact A concert, game, or family outing may seem simple, but shared experiences can improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and help veterans reconnect with life. ◼ Purpose doesn’t end with the uniform Steven Weintraub shares how service can evolve into new forms of impact through community-building and helping others. ◼ Generosity creates ripple effects Vet Tix demonstrates how one act of giving can positively affect veterans, families, donors, and entire communities. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Why Vet Tix exists Steven Weintraub explains how Vet Tix became more than “free tickets” and evolved into a mission centered on belonging, reconnection, and veteran wellbeing. 06:30 – Losing identity after military service Discussion around the difficult transition from military life to civilian life, and how many veterans struggle with the loss of tribe, mission, and purpose.14:20 – The hidden power of shared experiences Steven shares why concerts, sporting events, and family outings can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and positively impact mental health.24:10 – How Vet Tix scaled to millions of veterans Breakdown of how Vet Tix grew into one of the largest veteran-focused nonprofits in the country, distributing tens of millions of tickets nationwide. 34:45 – Why community prevents isolation Conversation about loneliness, reintegration, and why veterans need environments where they still feel seen and connected.44:00 – Service after the uniform Steven reflects on how service does not end after military retirement — it simply changes form through mentorship, leadership, and helping others.- 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.

    52 min
4.8
out of 5
25 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.