Passing The Torch

Send us a textWelcome back to "Passing The Torch," where we dive deep into the stories behind remarkable leaders, their journeys, and the lessons they have to share. In this episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Scott Stalker—a man whose military career defies conventional expectations. Despite finishing last in his intelligence school training, Scott went on to spend 31 years in the United States Marine Corps, becoming the first and only Marine to serve as the command senior enlisted leader at not just the Defense Intelligence Agency, but also at the National Security Agency, United States Cyber Command, and United States Space Command.Since retiring, Scott has founded a company devoted to national security and leadership development, and has authored "Left of Leadership," a book distilling wisdom from decades at the front lines of service and strategy. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Scott reflects on his troubled youth, his path to redemption and leadership, and the p

Send us a textRyan, a Massachusetts native and oldest of seven, found escape in sports and filmmaking. He earned a basketball scholarship to Fitchburg State University, studying Broadcast Journalism and Theater. Shortly after joining the U.S. Army in 2001, 9/11 changed the world—and his path. Serving eight years with two deployments, Ryan credits the military for shaping his leadership and creative drive. Post-service, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue directing, creating content for brands like Nike, Audi, Under Armour, ABC, and Oprah. He has Executive Produced and Directed veteran-focused series for go90 and has a Lionsgate feature film in the works. A frequent guest on major media platforms, Ryan also champions veterans in entertainment through the nonprofit Veterans in Media and Entertainment, aiming to shift the narrative from trauma to talent, leadership, and success.-Quick Episode Summary:Ryan Curtis discusses filmmaking, veteran advocacy, resilience, and creative journeys.-SEO Description:Army veteran

Send us a textCallsign: Strike. Calling: Transformation.Angelina “Strike” Stephens has spent her life beyond the comfort zone on flightlines, in boardrooms, and in life’s most demanding moments. Forged in high-stakes leadership and proven in the moments that test character and conviction, she brings courage, candor, and clarity to every stage.With more than two decades of global military leadership, she has led organizations of thousands, advised senior executives, and delivered outcomes in environments where failure wasn’t an option. Known for driving innovation and cross-functional integration in the toughest arenas, she blends authenticity with hard-won insight to inspire audiences to rethink limits, build trust, and drive meaningful change.What set her apart wasn’t titles or promotions, it was the moment she stripped away the armor and spoke the truth out loud. Her story is proof that the edge of the comfort zone isn’t where you break; it’s where transformation begins.-Quick Episode Summary:Angelina &apos

Send us a textScott MacGregor is the Publisher & Editor-In-Chief, Outlier Magazine, Founder, The Outlier Project, Founder & CEO, SomethingNew LLC, 4x Author of the “Standing O!” Series and Record 8x Winner of the American Business Award for Innovation.-Quick Episode Summary:In this episode, Scott MacGregor shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the founder of the Outlier Project, a community dedicated to making a positive impact. He discusses the importance of recognizing opportunities, building meaningful connections, and embracing the duality of life. Scott emphasizes that every day is a special occasion and encourages listeners to show up differently to achieve success. He also shares insights on how to navigate life's challenges and the significance of living authentically.-

Send us a textKim “KC” Campbell is a retired Colonel who served in the Air Force for over 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. She has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, Kim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission.As a senior military leader, Kim has led hundreds of Airmen both at home and abroad in deployed locations and enabled them to succeed in their missions. She has experience leading complex organizations and driving cultural change. Kim knows what it takes to be a successful leader, to inspire and empower high performance teams to achieve success. Kim is passionate about leadership and feels strongly that leaders earn trust by leading with courage and connecting with their team.-Quick Episode Summary:Kim "KC" Campbell shares lessons on courage, m

Send us a textEd Latimore is a best-selling author, former professional heavyweight boxer, and competitive chess player. His writing focuses on self-improvement and a practical approach to stoic philosophy.-Quick Episode Summary:Ed Latimore discusses resilience, self-improvement, boxing, and overcoming adversity.-Key takeaways include:Resilience is built by confronting hardship, not avoiding it. Ed’s perspective that “we don’t grow despite the storms, we grow because of the storms” hits home. Embracing discomfort is what forges real strength—both physically and mentally.Respect trumps being liked. Ed reflects on the difference between respect and popularity, highlighting that true relationship capital is earned by standing for something, not just blending in. “Respect is an investment—you get back what you put in.”Mastering the basics and building structure beats chasing instant gratification. Ed credits his progress (from boxing to math to writing) to focusing relentlessly on fundamentals, taking handwritten

Send us a textCurtez Riggs is a retired Military Veteran who spent twenty-one years within the ranks of the US Army. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a serial entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for the military community. Today, he uses entrepreneurship as a tool to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities and underrepresented voices. -Quick Episode Summary:Curtez Riggs on building community, military transition, and authentic connections.-Here are 3 key takeaways that really stood out:

Send us a textMeet Michelle "Mace" Curran, former Air Force Thunderbird pilot, keynote speaker, and author. The conversation kicks off with Michelle sharing her excitement about the upcoming release of her first nonfiction book, The Flip Side: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower. She explains how the book, infused with lessons and stories from her 13 years flying fighter jets, aims to help readers transform fear into a tool for growth and resilience.-Key takeaways include: Flip Your Fear: Michelle’s new book, The Flip Side, is rooted in the idea of reframing fear. Instead of trying to “turn off” fear, she encourages leaning into it—because growth often happens at the edges of our comfort zones. Small, bold choices add up over time!Normalize Doubt: Even at the top, imposter syndrome is real. Michelle emphasizes separating our inner critic from our true abilities, reframing negative self-talk, and recognizing that even the highest performers have doubts—they just don’t le

Send us a textTodd Simmons is the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Courageous Leadership Alliance. As a seasoned educator, executive coach, organizational culture influencer, international keynote speaker and business leader, Todd strives to build a coalition of change agents sharing a common aim for building a society of courageous leaders. Todd has worked with global institutions and businesses such as NASA, U.S Air Force, U.S Space Force, Professional Golf Association (PGA), Amazon, and many others.-Quick Summary:Todd Simmons on fear, leadership, intentional living, and building authentic relationships.-Key takeaways include: The essential nature of intentional living and consistency, especially for leaders. Building relationships and networks not for transactional gain, but for genuine connection. How early experiences shape adult fears, motivations, and growth. The importance of energy management over just time management. Advice for high achievers on maintaining personal peace while pursuing big goal

Send us a textIn this conversation, Dr. Keith "KC" Castille and Martin Foster explore profound themes of life, loss, and leadership. They reflect on personal experiences that shape their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, the impact of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of workforce development. The discussion highlights the significance of embracing life after loss, celebrating achievements, and the role of AI in education. Ultimately, they underscore the necessity of being open about struggles and the power of connection in leadership. -Time Codes:04:13 "Seeking Meaningful Leadership"08:35 Inspired by Leadership and Vision10:43 "Integrating AI in Workforce Education"13:25 Adaptive Business Learning Solutions16:55 Leadership Through Empathetic Listening20:07 "Happiness Behind the Scenes"23:05 Turning Point: Life to God26:57 "Embracing Curiosity and Safety"31:41 "Shifting Perspective on Work Choices"34:52 "Inspiring J

Send us a textMary Polanco shares insights on leadership, wellness, and purposeful living.===Time Codes:00:00 Mary Polanco: Veteran & Mentor03:43 Second Chance: Career Shift to Optometry08:23 Neglecting Self for Others' Validation12:22 Promote Fitness for Workplace Success13:31 Grassroots Change Movement19:07 "Follow Your Inner Voice"20:04 "Peaked in High School"Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You InsecureEpisode 49: Ryan Hawk – Crafting a Legacy of LeadershipEpisode 52: Riley Tejcek – Mission of Empowerment and Endurance

Send us a textThe episode touches on the lack of personal finance education in schools, with Erik advocating for more practical courses to set young adults up for success. He also describes his approach to budgeting as a way to reduce mental stress and free up brain space for more important life decisions.Overall, this episode is packed with practical finance advice, life lessons from the military, and personal anecdotes on happiness, resilience, and purpose. It’s a great listen for anyone looking to better align their finances with their values and build a foundation for long-term freedom.===Time Codes:00:00 Building a Guest Wish List04:31 Passion for Finance and Investing07:06 Enhancing Financial Resilience13:18 "Early Financial Literacy's Impact"15:00 Intentional Living: Values-Driven Decisions18:22 Pre-Kids Trip to Australia22:05 Family Time as Life's North Star25:17 Financial Stress and Life Impact27:28 Book Recommendations for Financial Resilience31:50 "Retirement Plans and Lost

Send us a textIn this impactful episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster sits down with Michelle Lang, founder of Operation Honor Rural Salute (OHRS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting rural and small-town veterans and their families. Michelle shares her personal journey, including her husband’s challenging transition out of the military and the difficulties they faced finding support in rural Pennsylvania. This experience, combined with helping their Vietnam veteran neighbor avoid homelessness, catalyzed Michelle’s commitment to closing the resource gap for rural veterans.Key Themes:Rural veterans face unique challenges, including higher suicide rates and fewer accessible services.Operation Honor Rural Salute connects veterans in these areas to life-changing resources and community events.There is a cultural disconnect between older and younger veterans, with many newer veterans reluctant to embrace the “veteran” identity.Michelle’s leadership philosophy: personal self-awareness and serving from on

Send us a textIn this episode of “Passing The Torch,” host Martin Foster sits down with Blake Stilwell—an accomplished writer, editor, and combat photographer who was recently named editor in chief at We Are the Mighty. The conversation dives deep into Blake’s unconventional and winding journey through multiple careers, his time in the military, and how he nearly “accidentally” became a full-time writer.Key Themes:The unpredictable path of career evolution after military serviceThe power of storytelling and emotional connection in writingLeadership lessons learned in and out of uniformThe importance of authenticity, humor, and taking risksMentorship and supporting veterans transitioning into civilian lifeOverall, this episode is a blend of wisdom, humor, and real-world advice, offering listeners inspiration to carve their own path and “carry the torch” forward, wherever their journey may lead.===Time Codes:00:00 Parents Unaware of My Work08:59 Bridging Military-Civilian Cultural Gap14:49 Advice for Veterans E

Send us a textIn this heartfelt and insightful episode of "Passing The Torch," host Martin Foster sits down with Josh White, host of the Herofront podcast, core member of Team Departing Sin, and a recent military retiree. The conversation takes listeners through Josh's transition from military life to civilian life, the emotional rollercoaster tied to retirement, and the search for purpose beyond the uniform.===Time Codes:00:00 "Genuine Encounter Resonates Deeply"03:49 Smooth Retirement Transition06:30 "Visualize Your Retirement Timeline"11:14 "Anonymous in Honor Guard"14:33 Embracing a New Identity17:16 "Transactional Relationships' Disillusionment"20:19 "Cherishing Overlooked Everyday Moments"24:13 Fear of Not Progressing26:09 Midlife Pressure and Family Impact29:33 Retirement Motivated by Life Reflection32:37 "Discovering New Self-Purpose"38:14 Self-Reflection and Storytelling40:49 Avoiding Relationships in Military43:21 Meetin

Send us a textMeet Cody Keenan—best known as President Barack Obama’s longtime speechwriter and author of the bestseller "Grace." The conversation covers Cody’s career journey, from his early days working for Senator Ted Kennedy, to his rise as White House Chief Speechwriter, and beyond. Martin opens with humor and heartfelt admiration for Cody’s work, setting a warm, conversational tone.Additionally, the episode touches on the creative process behind presidential speechwriting: the intense collaboration, the immense pressure, and the quest for authenticity in political messaging. Cody reflects on some of the standout speeches he’s helped create, like the Selma anniversary address, and discusses the value of hope, optimism, and candor when writing for the public.He also gives practical advice to aspiring speechwriters, stressing the importance of clear, conversational language and the dangers of becoming too lofty or detached from everyday people. Personal reflections, pop culture references, and “n

Send us a textShaun Murphy, known as Mr. Motivation, shares his journey of resilience, fatherhood, and the fusion of music and motivational speaking. He emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, embracing failure, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community. Through personal anecdotes and insights from his book 'Unbreakable Valor', Shaun inspires listeners to pursue their passions and overcome challenges with hope and determination.---TakeawaysSuccess is not just about the destination, but the journey.Living in the moment is crucial; life is unpredictable.Fatherhood is about creating the blueprint you wish you had.Music can be a powerful tool for motivation and connection.Experiences, not possessions, create lasting memories.Self-confidence is built through practice and preparation.Community support is essential for personal growth.Hope is found in shared experiences and storytelling.Resilience can be learned from those who have overcome adversity.Education should include life skill

Send us a textPassing The Torch – "Kurt Warner" Podcast SummaryIn this inspiring episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster sits down with NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner to explore the remarkable journey that took him from stocking grocery store shelves to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. The conversation dives deep into Warner’s philosophies on resilience, preparation, and personal growth, highlighting how adversity—rather than being an obstacle—actually fuels greatness.Time Codes:00:00 Why life is great right now10:24 Passion for Helping Others Achieve12:27 Treasure House: Empowering Disabled Individuals18:53 "Internal Reflection on Setbacks"24:13 NFL Player Development Requires Patience28:27 Allow Time for Growth37:10 David's Faith Vs. Goliath42:43 Arena Football's Unexpected Influence43:42 Arena Football's Lasting Impact52:18 Balancing Analytics and Intuition55:30 "Mindful Training Through Sports"01:01:07 Underdog Stories o

Send us a textTripp Bodenheimer is the host of The Shadows Podcast.An enlightening show that uncovers stories of triumph, showcasing inspiring tales of resilience, courage, and hope. Through powerful narratives, it illuminates the indomitable human spirit. Delving into mental, social, physical, and emotional strength, the podcast offers a beacon of light, fostering a deep appreciation for the strength that lies within us all.Notes:00:00 Intro07:37 Deployment Challenges and Separation12:45 Valley Fever: Florida Relocation for Health15:59 Unexpected Heel Turn in Wrestling21:22 Loss Shaped My Journey27:51 Podcasting: A Platform for Healing31:51 Loss of Close Companions39:56 Overcoming Stigma: Mental Health Journey42:06 Anger Management Techniques49:46 Reflection and Resilience54:40 Resilient Role Models01:16:04 Embrace Your True Self-Other Episodes You Might Enjoy:#68 - Jennifer Marshall - Paranormal, Acting, Cancer, Uganda, Military, and Motherhood: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/ep-68-jennifer-marshall-par

Send us a textNate Boyer—former Green Beret, NFL long snapper, philanthropist, and public speaker.Nate’s journey is anything but ordinary, spanning military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, walking on to the University of Texas football team, and even suiting up briefly with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s also made a difference across the globe, from volunteering in refugee camps to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to support clean water initiatives.But Nate’s story is about much more than impressive résumés. In their conversation, Martin and Nate dive deep into the power of storytelling, building stronger communities, overcoming the overwhelm of modern digital life, and the lessons Nate learned mentoring children with autism. They talk about bridging cultural and political divides, the search for purpose, and what real leadership looks like, both on and off the field and battlefield.SPOILER: Nate does a Macho Man Randy Savage impression in the episode. Notes:00:00 Intro02:55 Why life is great right now03:49 Tanzania a