#107 - Maurice P. Kerry on Invisible Impact, Fatherhood, Marines, Life, Survival, and Purpose

In this episode of Passing the Torch, host Martin Foster engages in a heartfelt conversation with Maurice P. Kerry, a Marine Veteran and actor. 

They discuss Maurice's journey from military service to overcoming homelessness, the challenges of being a single father, and the importance of vulnerability and resilience. 

Maurice shares insights from his life experiences, including his time in Iraq, the impact of his upbringing, and the lessons he imparts to his children. 

The conversation also touches on the influence of significant figures in their lives and the aspirations they hold for the future.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Marine veteran Maurice P. Kerry shares resilience, artistry, and personal transformation.

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SEO Description:

Actor and Marine Veteran Maurice P. Kerry shares his journey of resilience, fatherhood, and artistry on Passing The Torch with host Martin Foster.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights you won't want to miss:

• Nutri Masculinity: Maurice challenges the toxic masculinity narrative. He defines nutri masculinity as the opposite: a manhood that nourishes, builds, and uplifts—“everything opposite of what people are saying toxic is now.”
• Invisible Impact: Maurice’s time as the only welder across military bases in Iraq made an impact he didn’t realize until nearly 20 years later, when a fellow Marine messaged him to say, “You saved our lives.”
• Facing the Mirror: Maurice shares his method for ongoing self-improvement—asking ‘why’ and looking inward to confront personal shortcomings, habits, and patterns.
• Childhood Lessons: If he could send a message to his ten-year-old self, it would be, “It’s going to be okay.” Maurice opens up about growing up with a single mother, finding his path, and now striving to be the kind of dad his children deserve.
• Legacy and Leadership: Maurice reveals how his internal drive, childhood experiences, and even his fear of being forgotten shape his approach to acting, relationships, and fatherhood.

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Maurice's Resources: 

➡︎ Website: https://linktr.ee/MauricePKerry?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=0fd274b7-f543-4398-a7ef-35c5311c0bbb

➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricepkerry/ 

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Episode Mentions:

Tempo Slow

Bob Roberts

Kelis Milkshake

Julia Roberts

DeeJay Dana

Dexter Emery

Beyond The Gates

Randy Parker

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Quote to open episode:

“Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t how hard you can hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”  - Rocky Balboa

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Here’s a summary of the "Passing The Torch" podcast episode featuring Maurice P. Kerry:

This episode welcomes Maurice P. Kerry, an accomplished actor, Marine Corps veteran, former firefighter—and, as host Martin Foster points out, “the best Cowardly Lion you will ever see.” The conversation traces Maurice’s journey from his roots in music and performance, through the trauma and challenges of military deployment (notably serving as a welder during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2), and into a period of post-service homelessness. Instead of being defined by adversity, Maurice’s story is one of resilience and growth.

Martin Foster opens with a nod to the iconic Rocky Balboa quote, setting a tone of perseverance and grit. Maurice shares memorable anecdotes from his time in the Marines—specifically, the anxiety of dangerous convoys and the invisible impact of his welding work, which quite literally saved lives. He courageously recounts both the pride and burden of knowing that the protective turrets he built for vehicles simultaneously saved lives but couldn’t prevent every tragedy.

The episode dives deeper into Maurice’s ideas about “nutri-masculinity”—the nourishing, positive opposite of toxic masculinity—and covers how he developed self-accountability and the habit of inward reflection. There’s a rich discussion of legacy: Maurice reveals how his “fear of being forgotten” motivates him to create lasting work, connect with his children, and embrace vulnerability.

Other highlights include:

• Reflections on raising a teenage daughter as a single dad, and the lessons passed down from his own upbringing
• The power of fandom, touching on his love for Transformers and Rocky movies
• Stories from his music days—including a live, spirited rendition of his first rap verse to Khalees’ "Milkshake"
• Shoutouts to influential people in his life, like his uncle DJ Dana and friend Dexter Emory, who sparked his path into acting
• Light-hearted moments and fun hypotheticals—like what memorabilia he’d want from the Rocky universe (hint: Rocky II Firebird and shorts)
• The billboard message that sums up his life philosophy: “If I can, you can.”

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Throughout, Maurice demonstrates humor, humility, and a willingness to be open about his hardships and triumphs. The episode closes with wisdom about legacy, the golden rule, and the ways both hardship and human connection shape a meaningful life.

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Chapters:

00:00 "Resilience: Life's Hardest Hits"

04:20 "Nutric Masculinity Explained"

07:26 "War, Welding, and Fairness"

11:06 "Building Life-Saving Humvee Armor"

15:08 Marine Boot Camp Toughness

18:16 "Self-Reflection Through 'Why'"

25:46 Legacy of Unwanted Beginnings

29:07 "Striving To Be A Good Dad"

32:58 "Reflecting on Discipline Practices"

35:43 "Tribute to My Uncle"

40:36 "Rocky Universe Memorabilia Wish"

43:51 "You Can, If I Can"

48:09 "Connect with Maurice P.K. Kerry"

49:41 Career Highlights and Upcoming Projects

51:56 "Interview This Guy"

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I appreciate all of you. - MF