Dec. 9, 2025

#106 - Robert Hamilton Owens - Built, Not Given: The Never-Quit Mindset of a 72-Year-Old Ironman

#106 - Robert Hamilton Owens - Built, Not Given: The Never-Quit Mindset of a 72-Year-Old Ironman
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#106 - Robert Hamilton Owens - Built, Not Given: The Never-Quit Mindset of a 72-Year-Old Ironman

Send us a text In this episode, Martin Foster interviews Robert Hamilton Owens, a multifaceted individual known for his resilience and mental toughness. They discuss the importance of confidence, the impact of others on self-perception, and the significance of mindset in overcoming adversity. Robert shares personal stories of his journey, including his experiences in the military, coaching, and the lessons learned from life's hardships. The conversation emphasizes the value of ...

Send us a text

In this episode, Martin Foster interviews Robert Hamilton Owens, a multifaceted individual known for his resilience and mental toughness.

They discuss the importance of confidence, the impact of others on self-perception, and the significance of mindset in overcoming adversity. 

Robert shares personal stories of his journey, including his experiences in the military, coaching, and the lessons learned from life's hardships. 

The conversation emphasizes the value of self-worth, the role of suffering in personal growth, and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. 

Robert's insights provide a roadmap for listeners seeking to navigate their own challenges and pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Overcoming adversity, mental toughness, and lifelong growth with Robert Hamilton Owens.

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SEO Description:

Passing The Torch podcast featuring Robert Hamilton Owens: Insightful stories on resilience, mindset, overcoming adversity, and achieving success at any age.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways:

  • Confidence is built through experiences and achievements.
  • Life is great when you can help and encourage others.
  • Transitioning from military to civilian life requires planning and passion.
  • Surrounding yourself with positive influences is crucial for growth.
  • Self-worth evolves through different life stages and experiences.
  • Mindset training is essential for endurance and resilience.
  • Suffering can lead to personal growth and character development.
  • Consistency in effort leads to long-term success.
  • Life's hardships can be overcome with the right mindset.
  • You can achieve more than you think if you believe in yourself.

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Chapters:

00:00 "Veteran Transition Advice"

05:34 "Black Ops: Ric Prado Stories"

09:19 "Overcoming Trauma and Expectations"

10:31 "From Rescue to Redemption"

15:15 Journey to Wholeness

18:10 "Life Changes Through Decades"

21:16 "Mindset Shapes Your Life"

24:43 "Think Big, Have Fun"

28:14 Mind Gym Training for Resilience

31:50 Growth Through Suffering Journey

35:49 "Every Moment Is a Lesson"

40:09 "Keep Learning to Progress"

43:12 "Overcoming Life's Deal Breakers"

46:17 "Don't Foul Out in Life"

48:32 Tom Brady's Enduring Legacy

53:55 Endurance Coach and Life Mentor

55:08 Podcast Reflection and Feedback

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


Chapters

00:00 - Veteran Transition Advice

05:34 - Black Ops: Ric Prado Stories

09:19 - Overcoming Trauma and Expectations

10:31 - From Rescue to Redemption

15:15 - Journey to Wholeness

18:10 - Life Changes Through Decades

21:16 - Mindset Shapes Your Life

24:43 - Think Big, Have Fun

28:14 - Mind Gym Training for Resilience

31:50 - Growth Through Suffering Journey

35:49 - Every Moment Is a Lesson

40:09 - Keep Learning to Progress

43:12 - Overcoming Life's Deal Breakers

46:17 - Don't Foul Out in Life

48:32 - Tom Brady's Enduring Legacy

53:35 - Endurance Coach and Life Mentor

55:08 - Podcast Reflection and Feedback

Transcript

Quick Episode Summary:

Overcoming adversity, mental toughness, and lifelong growth with Robert Hamilton Owens.

-

SEO Description:

Passing The Torch podcast featuring Robert Hamilton Owens: Insightful stories on resilience, mindset, overcoming adversity, and achieving success at any age.

-

🌟 Torch Takeaways:

  • Confidence is built through experiences and achievements.
  • Life is great when you can help and encourage others.
  • Transitioning from military to civilian life requires planning and passion.
  • Surrounding yourself with positive influences is crucial for growth.
  • Self-worth evolves through different life stages and experiences.
  • Mindset training is essential for endurance and resilience.
  • Suffering can lead to personal growth and character development.
  • Consistency in effort leads to long-term success.
  • Life's hardships can be overcome with the right mindset.
  • You can achieve more than you think if you believe in yourself.

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Robert's Resources: 

➡︎ Website: https://www.roberthamiltonowens.com/ 

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Episode Mentions:

Joe De Sena

Scott MacGregor

Ric Prado – Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior: https://amzn.to/3XHwBxU 

Steven Spielberg

SEALFIT Mark Divine

Matt Fitzgerald – How Bad Do You Want it?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle: https://amzn.to/48Ccwhz 

Tom Brady

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Quote to open episode:

“Confidence comes from the things you have built.” – David Goggins 

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Chapters:

00:00 "Veteran Transition Advice"

05:34 "Black Ops: Ric Prado Stories"

09:19 "Overcoming Trauma and Expectations"

10:31 "From Rescue to Redemption"

15:15 Journey to Wholeness

18:10 "Life Changes Through Decades"

21:16 "Mindset Shapes Your Life"

24:43 "Think Big, Have Fun"

28:14 Mind Gym Training for Resilience

31:50 Growth Through Suffering Journey

35:49 "Every Moment Is a Lesson"

40:09 "Keep Learning to Progress"

43:12 "Overcoming Life's Deal Breakers"

46:17 "Don't Foul Out in Life"

48:32 Tom Brady's Enduring Legacy

53:55 Endurance Coach and Life Mentor

55:08 Podcast Reflection and Feedback

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Full Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch featuring Robert Hamilton Owens:

In this inspiring episode, Martin Foster sits down with Robert Hamilton Owens—a true force of nature whose diverse life has included roles as a mountain climber, radio and TV personality, keynote speaker, minister, Ironman competitor, philanthropist, triathlete, special ops pararescueman, and devoted father.

The conversation dives deep into Robert Hamilton Owens's personal journey, starting with his adoption, struggles as a special needs child, and the challenges he faced with self-worth and mindset. He credits much of his transformation to the belief others had in him—and how he eventually learned to believe in himself. Robert Hamilton Owens shares formative stories, including advice that helped him shift from being a victim to becoming coachable, humble, and willing to grow.

Throughout the episode, Robert Hamilton Owens emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, driven people, and why refusing to settle for mediocrity or excuses is crucial at any age. He discusses his approach to coaching, the significance of mindset for endurance and life, and how suffering and persevering through tough times lead to true growth and character.

Practical mental strategies, memorable anecdotes like his Atlantic rowing adventure and Ironman experiences, and candid moments (such as losing everything during the 2009 recession) highlight his resilience and humor.

The episode closes on powerful takeaways—encouraging listeners to seek out encouraging communities and mentors, embrace life's storms, and never underestimate their capacity to face adversity and achieve dreams, regardless of age or past setbacks.

Key Themes Covered:

  • The power of belief—both from others and oneself
  • Journey from adversity and self-doubt to resilience and achievement
  • Mindset, perseverance, and reframing suffering as growth opportunities
  • The importance of supportive, ambitious communities
  • Why consistency and daily habits matter more than occasional bursts of motivation

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Martin Foster and Robert Hamilton Owens blend vulnerability and humor in a truly motivating conversation, leaving listeners with practical wisdom and the encouragement to pass their torch forward.

I appreciate all of you. - MF