Episodes

Feb. 12, 2026

Ep. 118: Better Has No Finish Line - Joe Bogdan on Growth and Meaning

Joe Bogdan is a remarkable teacher, mentor, and Air Force leader turned business innovator. We talked about resilience, finding purpose after military service, and the real, sometimes messy journey of leadership. Joe shared insights from his book, “Better Has No Finish Line,” and how facing life’s …

Feb. 5, 2026

Ep. 117: From Cuba to CIA - Ric Prado on Service, Sacrifice, and Black Ops

Send a text On this edition of Passing the Torch, Martin Foster welcomes legendary CIA operations officer and bestselling author Ric Prado to the show. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in clandestine operations, this episode is an absolute must-listen. - Quick Episode S…

Jan. 29, 2026

Ep. 116: From Small Beginnings to Big Impact - Ken Coleman’s Insights on Purpose and Transformation

Ken Coleman elaborates on the role of podcasts in shaping culture and providing on-demand content that influences listeners. He highlights the importance of clarity in building confidence and courage, sharing his personal experiences of transitioning from a political career to broadcasting. The epi…

Jan. 27, 2026

#115 - Ray Cash Care: Why Vulnerability Is a Leadership Weapon

True strength isn’t pretending you have it all together. Ray “Cash” Care explains why vulnerability builds trust, strengthens teams, and creates leaders people actually want to follow. - Quick Episode Summary: Ray Cash Care shares leadership lessons, vulnerability, and life reflections. - SEO Descr…

Jan. 21, 2026

#114 - Edgar Jones on Transformation, Forgiveness, Growth, Life Lessons, and Football Stories

Meet Edgar Jones. He is a seven-year NFL Veteran, Professional Speaker, John Maxwell Certified Coach, and Author. Edgar helps high performers apply championship-level strategies to lead more effectively without burning out. - Quick Episode Summary: Edgar Jones discusses growth, vulnerability, resil…

Jan. 14, 2026

#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 au…

Jan. 8, 2026

#112 - Reinventing Yourself: Jessica Meuse Talks Military Service, Ambitions, and Staying True

In a world where change is the only constant, Jessica Meuse's journey from a civilian to an officer in the Coast Guard serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience and authenticity. In a recent podcast episode, she shares her experiences, challenges, and the surprising joys of militar…

Jan. 6, 2026

#111 - From the CIA to Storytelling: Tessa Robinson on Leadership, Resilience, and Service

Tessa Robinson is seasoned communicator and storyteller with a rich background in public service and the military community joins Martin Foster on Passing The Torch. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the challenges of navigating bureaucracy, and Tessa's leadership philosophy shaped by he…

Jan. 1, 2026

#110 - Katherine Torres-Pummill: Authentic Voices in Military Media and Approach to Storytelling

Martin Foster hosts a candid conversation with Katherine Torres-Pummill, the dynamic General Manager of Recurrent’s Military Vertical. Katherine shares her journey from growing up in New York City as a first-generation American to leading some of the most influential military-focused media brands—i…

Dec. 26, 2025

#109 - Empowerment Through Kindness with Vanity Cross-Williams

In this episode of Passing the Torch, Martin Foster interviews Vanity Cross-Williams, an active duty military member and development advisor for the United States Air Force. They discuss themes of kindness, leadership, personal growth, and the importance of community. Vanity shares her experiences …

Dec. 18, 2025

#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 growt…

Dec. 11, 2025

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

Send us a text 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…

Dec. 9, 2025

#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. Rober…

Dec. 4, 2025

#105 - Vincent Mattox on Military Life, Influential Friendships, and the Power of Discipline

Episode Summary: Vincent Mattox shares leadership, gratitude, friendship, and military journey insights. - SEO Description: Passing The Torch podcast: Vincent Mattox shares inspiring lessons on leadership, growth, and his military journey. Real stories, motivation, and wisdom. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways: …

Nov. 26, 2025

#104 - Toni Lavery - Resilience, Service, and New Beginnings

Send us a text In this episode of Passing the Torch, host Martin Foster speaks with Toni Lavery, a veteran of the United States Army, about her transition to civilian life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of resilience and support networks. Toni shares her journey of self-discovery, he…

Nov. 20, 2025

#103 - How Asking Why Builds Stronger Teams: Matt Lucio

Send us a text Quick Episode Summary: Matt Lucio shares Air Force leadership lessons, motivation, and authenticity. - SEO Description: Air Force Noncommissioned officer (NCO) Matt Lucio shares leadership lessons, motivation, and career insights with host Martin Foster on Passing The Torch. Inspirin…

Nov. 18, 2025

#102 - Denny Giamazzo - Wired for Action

Send us a text Denny Giamazzo graduated from UMASS, Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government and served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard for seven years. He is also the founder and co-host of the Be The Standard podcast. By sharing his story, his mission is to e…

Nov. 13, 2025

#101 - Behind The Mic, Networking, Growth, and Embracing Authenticity - Martin Foster and Jason David

Send us a text Welcome to a landmark episode of Passing The Torch, where everything you thought you knew gets turned upside down! For our 101st episode, Jason David takes control, playfully hijacking hosting duties from the original creator, —Martin Foster—and dives deep into the story behind the p…

Nov. 6, 2025

#100 - Modeling the Rise, Not the Result: Growth and Community in Military Family Life with Lora Foster

Send us a text Welcome to a truly special 100th episode of Passing the Torch! Hosts Martin Foster and his wife Lora sit down for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, character development—and what it means to navigate life's biggest transitions together. After 23 years of military…

Oct. 30, 2025

#99 - Storytelling for Impact with Bill Blankschaen

Bill Blankschaen is a Multiple NYT/USA Today bestselling author & founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, a creative team of story-tellers who share his passion for helping people live a story worth telling and serving them with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships. In hi…

Oct. 23, 2025

#98 - Joseph Rutakangwa- Never Stay Broke: Practical Steps to Financial Freedom

Send us a text In this conversation, Joseph Rutakangwa shares his journey from wealth to extreme poverty and back, emphasizing the importance of self-identity, fulfillment, and practical actions to regain control over one's life. He discusses his books, 'Never Stay Broke' and 'Negative to Zero', an…

Oct. 16, 2025

#97 - Scott Stalker - Left of Leadership

Send us a text Welcome back to "Passing The Torch," where we dive deep into the stories behind remarkable leaders, their journeys, and the lessons they have to share. In this episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Scott Stalker—a man whose military career defies conventional expectations. Despi…

Oct. 9, 2025

#96 - Resilience, Risk, and Making Movies: How Ryan Curtis Is Changing the Veteran Narrative

Send us a text Ryan, a Massachusetts native and oldest of seven, found escape in sports and filmmaking. He earned a basketball scholarship to Fitchburg State University, studying Broadcast Journalism and Theater. Shortly after joining the U.S. Army in 2001, 9/11 changed the world—and his path. Serv…

Oct. 2, 2025

#95 - Angelina 'Strike' Stephens - Leading beyond comfort zones, purpose, and post-military transformation

Send us a text Callsign: Strike. Calling: Transformation. Angelina “Strike” Stephens has spent her life beyond the comfort zone on flightlines, in boardrooms, and in life’s most demanding moments. Forged in high-stakes leadership and proven in the moments that test character and conviction, she bri…