Mentorship Episodes

#89 - Todd Simmons - Courageous Leadership & Authentic Living
Aug. 21, 2025

#89 - Todd Simmons - Courageous Leadership & Authentic Living

Send a text Todd 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 …
#78 - Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas - Healing Through Hitting
April 5, 2025

#78 - Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas - Healing Through Hitting

Send a text Vincent “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 Regi…
Ep. 76: Michael 'Rod' Rodriguez: Healing Through Action
March 6, 2025

Ep. 76: Michael 'Rod' Rodriguez: Healing Through Action

Send a text Background: Michael “Rod” Rodríguez 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 contributi…
Ep. 67: The Bird Clock and Millennial Veterans with Jenna Carlton
Nov. 10, 2024

Ep. 67: The Bird Clock and Millennial Veterans with Jenna Carlton

Send a text Jenna Carlton is the founder of The Millennial Veteran and the podcast Vet Chats. She utilizes her voice and platforms to engage in conversations with other veterans, focusing on their experiences and perspectives. Her Instagram page reaches millions of veterans per month and provides a…
Ep. 66: James Brackin IV - The Audacity to Ask
Oct. 28, 2024

Ep. 66: James Brackin IV - The Audacity to Ask

Send a text James Brackin IV, the host of the "You Can Too" podcast, joins Passing The Torch to discuss the concept of "invisible progress," the importance of persistence, and reframing rejection. James shares his journey in podcasting, past personal losses, and the value of resilience. They also d…
Ep. 65: Travis Wilson - Four Corners of an Envelope
Oct. 22, 2024

Ep. 65: Travis Wilson - Four Corners of an Envelope

Send a text Travis Wilson is a 21-year military veteran who spent 13 years as a U.S. Army Green Beret. Travis entered the Army in 1995 as an Airborne Medic with the goal of one day becoming an 18D Green Beret Medic. After 6 years in the service, Travis left the Army to attend Boise State University…
Ep. 57: Justin Schenck: Embracing Wonder and Overcoming Adversity
July 11, 2024

Ep. 57: Justin Schenck: Embracing Wonder and Overcoming Adversity

Send a text Ever wondered how a simple family trip to Disney can teach you about joy, gratitude, and resilience? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Justin Schenck, the brilliant mind behind the Growth Now Movement podcast. Justin opens up about his unique experiences as a stepfather, the ma…
Ep. 41: Colonel Lee Ellis: Freeing You From Bonds That Make You Insecure
Nov. 6, 2023

Ep. 41: Colonel Lee Ellis: Freeing You From Bonds That Make You Insecure

Send a text Ever wondered what it took to emerge from the crucible of war a stronger leader? Join me as I am privileged to spend time with retired United States Air Force Colonel Lee Ellis, author of the award-winning book, Leading with Honor. Our conversation weaves through his inspiring journey f…
Ep 37: Shane Pilgrim: From Military Veteran to Business Advisor - Embracing Transitions and Redefining Success
Sept. 4, 2023

Ep 37: Shane Pilgrim: From Military Veteran to Business Advisor - Embracing Transitions and Redefining Success

Send a text Meet Shane Pilgrim, a veteran who transformed his military experience into a successful civilian life. This episode sees us journeying through Shane's transition, unveiling the nuggets of wisdom he gathered throughout his career, and uncovering how he became a board of advisors member w…
Ep 36: Finding Resilience Through Vulnerability | Chad VanCleave-Goff
Aug. 31, 2023

Ep 36: Finding Resilience Through Vulnerability | Chad VanCleave-Goff

Send a text Have you ever wondered how one finds strength in vulnerability? Join us for a profound conversation with our special guest, the resilient Chad VanCleave-Goff of the United States Air Force. Chad candidly shares his personal journey, a testament to the power of authenticity in leadership…
Ep 35: Shaping Leaders on and off the Court: Insights from Coach Brook Cupps
Aug. 28, 2023

Ep 35: Shaping Leaders on and off the Court: Insights from Coach Brook Cupps

Send a text Imagine kick-starting your day with a purposeful routine- one that enhances focus and intentionality and paves the way for a lasting legacy. That's precisely what Centerville High School Basketball Coach Brook Cupps shares in this enlightening episode, dwelling on morning rituals of med…
Ep 34: Rylee aka RYEROAST | Running Towards her FUTURE Self
Aug. 18, 2023

Ep 34: Rylee aka RYEROAST | Running Towards her FUTURE Self

Send a text What would you do if you were thrown into the throes of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, all while pursuing a demanding career in the medical field? Our guest Rylee, a military medic and social media influencer, asked herself this very question. Her answer? Face the battles head-on, ampli…
Ep 33: CMSSF Towberman | Exploring the Intersection of Performing Arts and Military Leadership with the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF)
Aug. 11, 2023

Ep 33: CMSSF Towberman | Exploring the Intersection of Performing Arts and Military Leadership with the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF)

Send a text Bio - Chief Master Sergeant Roger A. Towberman is the Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Space Force (CMSSF) and serves at the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the Amer…