#113 - Austen Alexander: Engineering Confidence After the Uniform Comes Off

Meet Austen Alexander, a Navy veteran turned entrepreneur and fitness influencer. 

In this episode, we discuss Austen's unique approach to fitness, his journey to YouTube success, and the importance of gratitude and self-belief. 

Austen shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of authenticity in content creation, and his commitment to inspiring the next generation. 

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Quick Episode Summary:

Austen Alexander shares wisdom on confidence, fitness, entrepreneurship.

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SEO Description:

Navy Veteran Austen Alexander talks fitness, entrepreneurship, and overcoming self-doubt.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:

• YouTube journey
• Lessons learned from military life and overcoming fear
• Story behind the unique spelling of “Austen”
• Life-changing perspective shifts and personal development moments
• Building Battle Bunker, leading Hybricon Games, and scaling businesses
• Impact of raw, authentic content
• Advice for anyone struggling with self-doubt or anxious
• Shoutouts to influential leaders and friends from his military journey
• Lighter moments, fun stories, and rapid-fire questions

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Austen's Resources: 

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

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austen-alexander-798443169/

➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austen_alex/?hl=en 

➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AustenAlexander  

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Episode Mentions:

After Action Podcast

Zachary Bell

Military Influencer Conference

Scott MacGregor

Alex Hormozi 

Nate Connor

Brandon Arnold

Michael Eckert

Kagan Dunlap

Kenneth Murphy

Toad from X-Men

Cody Garrett Donut Operator

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Quotes to open episode and throughout:

“Never make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings.”

- Austen Alexander on the After Action Podcast

“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” - Kurt Vonnegut

“Everyday above ground is a great day.” - Austen’s Dad

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro 

2:30 Why life is great right now 

6:45 Spelling Austen with an “E” and what Google says about it 

8:37 What inspired Austen to mentor high school students

10:25 Message to 14-year old self and for people who do not value themselves

12:25 Self-imposed limits during Navy Career and YouTube Journey

14:28 Go-To mindset when experiencing self-doubt and pivotal life moment

18:48 On his content having INVISIBLE POSITIVE IMPACT

21:16 Reflections on his first trip home to Alabama after leaving the Navy

23:49 Striking balance between authenticity and creating engaging content 

26:14 Advice to people afraid of being their authentic selves

28:45 Excitement about upcoming 2026 projects

31:26 Movie Image depicting leadership that comes to mind

33:09 Navy Leader that had the most impact on Austen 

35:41 Which Veteran Austen would team up with on The Amazing Race 

37:08 Name Game and Admiral Acorn 

43:05 Billboard 

44:15 Wisdom for future guests 

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Episode Sponsor:

Are you retiring or separating from the military soon? Looking for an alternative to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)? Reach out to Dan Guzman Life Solutions, Dan is a 27-year United States Air Force veteran and retired Command Chief. 

If you want coverage that makes sense, reach out today at danguzmanlifesolutions.com

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Full Summary

On this episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster welcomes Austen Alexander, a Navy veteran turned entrepreneur known for his passion for fitness, content creation, and helping others push their limits. Austen Alexander shares his journey from Alabama to the Navy, his transition to civilian life, and how he built a personal brand around fitness and authenticity.

The conversation covers several key themes:

• Gratitude & Perspective: Austen Alexander reflects on the importance of being thankful for everyday experiences, echoing his father’s advice that “every day above ground is a great day.”
• Military Transition: He discusses separating from the Navy, the unique challenges of moving on, and how returning home marked a meaningful chapter in his life.
• Content Creation Journey: Austen Alexander recounts how he started making YouTube videos in 2017–2018, initially hesitant until encouraged by a loved one. He shares insights into how his content evolved with platform algorithms and audience feedback, stressing the need for adaptation and authenticity.
• Overcoming Self-Doubt: The episode delves into Austen Alexander’s struggle with self-worth and limiting beliefs, especially as a young person. He shares actionable advice: don’t let self-conscious thoughts cap your potential—what others think is beyond your control.
• Leadership & Community: Both speakers compare leadership in movies and real life, highlighting the impact of genuine leaders in the military and the importance of empathy and connection within the veteran community.
• Personal & Professional Growth: Austen Alexander talks about building multiple businesses and revenue streams but emphasizes the value of focus and honing existing projects.

The episode balances humor, story, and wisdom, with fun segments like a “name game” and pop culture references. Throughout, Martin Foster and Austen Alexander encourage listeners to take risks, embrace opportunities, and remember the significance of small moments.

Takeaways:

• Life is too short for self-imposed limits—embrace opportunities and pursue what matters to you.
• Authenticity and transparency in content (and life) build lasting impact.
• Leadership is about believing in and supporting others, not just achieving goals.
• Focus on what you do well, and don’t be afraid to let go of distractions.
• Your “why” matters—find it and use it to fuel your journey.

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Overall, this episode is an uplifting conversation about overcoming doubt, living intentionally, and inspiring others—on and off camera.

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I appreciate all of you. - MF