Passing The Torch

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

Send us a textVincent “Rocco” Vargas, a former decorated Army Ranger who also conducted Spec Ops at the border (and continues to serve as a Sergeant First Class Reserve Officer today).In addition,  Rocco Vargas is a veteran of three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment’s 2nd Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.As if that were not enough, Vargas has also thrived in life outside the military.His accomplishments include:  chef, podcaster, writer, producer, business entrepreneur, actor, and a partridge and a pear tree.From childhood to a special operations member, to a starring role in FX's hit TV series 'Sons Of Anarchy' spin-off: 'Mayans M.C.' Rocco understands that the world can seem unforgiving at times.  Conversation:00:00 "Nostalgic Baseball Card Memories"04:12 Baseball Therapy for Stress Relief06:48 Trauma Therapy: Healing Through Hitting11:33 Holistic Healing for Veterans16:40 Self-Love Through Daily Actions18:28 Truth in

Send us a textRachel Oswalt is a US Navy veteran who served 6.5 years as an Aviation Electronics Technician. In her time served she not only experienced her own challenges within the military mental health system, but also witnessed countless shipmates who dealt with similar struggles. After losing 3 shipmates to suicide in a short span of time she decided that enough was enough and created a platform for military and veterans to share their stories, speak their truth, and bring awareness to the many issues surrounding military mental health. Your Story Doesn’t End Here was launched in 2021 and Rachel continues to use the podcast as well as a voice to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.Episode Summary:In this episode of "Passing The Torch," host Martin Foster talks with Rachel Oswalt, a passionate advocate for mental health within the military community. Rachel shares insights from her journey as a U.S. Navy veteran and host of the podcast "Your Story Doesn't End Here.&qu

Send us a textBackground: Michael “Rod” RodríguezRod joined the U.S. Army in 1992, becoming a Green Beret in 1997 and serving as a Sniper Instructor at Fort Bragg until his medical retirement in 2013 due to combat injuries. With ten deployments, Rod’s military career was marked by significant contributions. He joined the GWOT Memorial Foundation in 2016, serving as President and CEO from 2018-2020 and again from 2021. Rod has also supported veterans through the George W. Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative and was appointed a Fellow of the Explorers Club in 2013 for his research on traumatic brain injuries. He continues to assist veterans and charitable causes today.The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation was formed in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation by a small group of like-minded veterans, military spouses, and supportive Americans to honor the service and sacrifice of all individuals – both uniformed and non-uniformed – who have contributed to global counterterrorism effor

Send us a textBuff Bagwell Discusses Sobriety, Wrestling Career, and Personal Growth.In this captivating episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin sits down with professional wrestling legend Marcus Buff Bagwell for an in-depth conversation about his life, career, and ongoing journey of redemption. With candid honesty, Buff shares personal stories from his wrestling days, insights into his battles with addiction, and the transformative power of sobriety.From his iconic moments in the WCW ring to the personal battles that shaped his path, Buff delves into the pivotal events that have defined his journey. He opens up about his DUI court experiences, the challenges he faced, and how his faith and relationships have played a crucial role in his recovery. Whether it's wrestling anecdotes, like learning from Rick Rude, or discussing his goals for the future, including a potential WWE Legends deal, Buff's resilience and determination shine through.Join Martin and Buff for an inspiring conversation filled w

Send us a textIn this episode of "Passing the Torch," the host interviews Deonna Purrazzo, a professional wrestler currently signed with All Elite Wrestling. The conversation explores how Purrazzo's experiences of being told "no" have fueled her resilience and determination to prove herself. They discuss her inspirations and the three historical women she would combine to create the ultimate female wrestler. Other topics include misconceptions about female wrestlers, the importance of using one's platform for good, and her involvement in charitable endeavors like Tunnel to Towers. The episode also touches on Purrazzo's personal life, her support system, and her ongoing pursuit of education, highlighting her as a multifaceted individual beyond her wrestling career. Martin and Purrazzo engage in thoughtful discussions about striving for perfection, authenticity, and advice for the next generation. This episode features both serious reflections and light-hearted moments, illust