#108 - Yoga, Leadership, and Life’s Unexpected Turns with Veteran and Advocate Jennifer Ballou

In this episode of Passing the Torch, host Martin Foster engages with Jennifer Ballou, an accomplished leader and yoga therapist, discussing her journey through life coaching, the importance of resilience, and her work with the Global War on Terrorism Memorial. 

They explore themes of personal growth, the significance of storytelling through memorials, and the impact of kindness and support in one's life.

Jennifer shares insights from her experiences, emphasizing the need for self-care and the value of relationships in navigating life's challenges.

-

Quick Episode Summary:

Resilience, personal growth, yoga, life transitions, healing, leadership, kindness.

-

SEO Description:

Army veteran and resilience leader Jennifer Ballou shares lessons on leadership, healing, and well-being in this inspiring Passing The Torch podcast episode.

-

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

• Resilience in Action: Jennifer’s story is all about overcoming setbacks—like literally falling off a treadmill and breaking her foot, yet still showing up and focusing on what she can do. As she says, “I decided to focus on what I could do versus what I couldn’t do.”
• The Journey to Yoga Therapy: Jennifer opens up about her journey becoming a certified yoga therapist, how yoga transcends mat work, and why it's a powerful leadership tool for returning to yourself and living intentionally.
• Writing Her Book: Jennifer’s upcoming memoir, co-authored with Tom Sileo, explores her service, her family’s journey, and the practical life lessons she’s gained and shared as a life coach.
• Coaching Insights: She emphasizes that everyone’s story is unique. Her top tip as a coach? “What works for one person doesn’t work for another… it’s about what you want to work on. And removing any judgment—isn’t always easy, but it’s critical.”
• Vulnerability & Reflection: From impostor syndrome to learning to love unapologetically and embracing the need for self-care (“You can’t pour from an empty cup!”), Jennifer models honesty and courage.
• The Global War on Terrorism Memorial: As Chief of Staff and Design Advisory Council Co-Chair, Jennifer shares inspiring updates on the project and why honoring, healing, empowering, and uniting are at the heart of everything they do.

-

Jennifer's Resources: 

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferballou/

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

➡︎ Global War On Terrorism Memorial Foundation website: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/

-

Episode Mentions:

Tom Sileo 

Michael ‘Rod’ Rodriguez

JoAnne Bass

Dr. Suzie Carmack

Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation 

Nate Boyer

Curtez Riggs

-

Quotes to open episode:

“Most people miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison

“Time is the only currency you spend without ever knowing your balance.”

-

Chapters:

00:00 Apology for Conference Photos

05:03 How I Co-Wrote a Book

08:43 Embracing Feelings in Military Life

13:30 Passion-Driven Career Exploration

19:48 "Prioritize Self-Care Importance

21:51 4AM Uber Connection

24:14 Building Connections Through Cohorts

27:32 Time-Travel Encouragement Message

32:09 Memorials' Healing Power

37:59 Yoga: Mindful Self-Care

42:43 Never Give Up

46:45 Relationships: The Currency of Life

-

Full Summary

Meet This Week’s Guest: Jennifer Ballou A true force of nature, Jennifer is a wife, mother of three, Army veteran, nonprofit leader, yoga therapist, and upcoming author. After 21 years of Army service, she’s continued to serve those around her—only now, she does it through coaching, writing, and helping lead the mission at the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation.

Episode Highlights:

• Resilience in Action: Jennifer’s story is all about overcoming setbacks—like literally falling off a treadmill and breaking her foot, yet still showing up and focusing on what she can do. As she says, “I decided to focus on what I could do versus what I couldn’t do.”
• The Journey to Yoga Therapy: Jennifer opens up about her journey becoming a certified yoga therapist, how yoga transcends mat work, and why it's a powerful leadership tool for returning to yourself and living intentionally.
• Writing Her Book: Jennifer’s upcoming memoir, co-authored with Tom Sileo, explores her service, her family’s journey, and the practical life lessons she’s gained and shared as a life coach.
• Coaching Insights: She emphasizes that everyone’s story is unique. Her top tip as a coach? “What works for one person doesn’t work for another… it’s about what you want to work on. And removing any judgment—isn’t always easy, but it’s critical.”
• Vulnerability & Reflection: From impostor syndrome to learning to love unapologetically and embracing the need for self-care (“You can’t pour from an empty cup!”), Jennifer models honesty and courage.
• The Global War on Terrorism Memorial: As Chief of Staff and Design Advisory Council Co-Chair, Jennifer shares inspiring updates on the project and why honoring, healing, empowering, and uniting are at the heart of everything they do.

Wisdom to Carry Forward: Jennifer’s three-word advice to her younger self? "Don’t ever stop." Her dream billboard? One that magically appears to anyone who needs the reminder: “Never give up on yourself.”

Listener’s Challenge:
Jennifer’s question to YOU: What is something you have always wanted to do but you’re too scared to try—and why? Now that you’ve named it, what’s your next step?

Stay Connected & Get Involved

• Follow the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation for updates on the national memorial project
• Keep an eye out for Jennifer’s upcoming book (official release: November 2026)
• Share this episode with a friend who could use a dose of inspiration!

As always, thank you for tuning in, supporting our guests, and helping us pass the torch of leadership, resilience, and authenticity.

-

I appreciate all of you. - Martin Foster