Episodes

122
March 11, 2026

Ep. 122: Nick Lavery - The Quiet Skill That Makes Great Leaders Dangerous

Nick Lavery is a Special Forces Warrant Officer who returned to combat after losing his leg in a 2013 insider attack in Afghanistan. Refusing medical retirement, he became the first amputee in military history to complete multiple elite Special Forces qualification courses, including Combat Diver. A Silver Star recipient with three Purple Hearts, he speaks on resilience, leadership, and performing at the highest level after adversity. - Quick Episode Summary: Nick Lavery shares le...
121
March 5, 2026

Ep. 121: Charlynda Scales - Resilience, Rock Bottom, and Rising

While serving on active duty, Charlynda Scales inherited her grandfather’s (a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran) 1956 barbecue sauce recipe. She realized it;s true power wasn’t the ingredients, but the legacy behind it. Driven by gratitude, she now honors his sacrifice and celebrates the strength binding her family for generations. - Quick Episode Summary: Charlynda Scales shares resilience, entrepreneurship, and authentic leadership lessons learned. - SEO Description: Explore resili...
120
Feb. 26, 2026

Ep. 120: Kellen Mond - From NFL QB to Artist and Photographer

Kellen Mond shares his journey from surviving the chaotic world of professional football to finding peace and passion in photography and art. Hear about his upcoming debut show, the lessons learned from high-pressure NFL environments, and how his unique lens helps him capture the beauty in imperfection and chaos. - Quick Episode Summary: Kellen Mond discusses NFL challenges, art, photography, and embracing chaos. - SEO Description: Former NFL quarterback Kellen Mond shares his jou...
119
Feb. 19, 2026

Ep. 119: Timothy Klund (aka TK) From Air Force to Celebrity Softball - Lessons on Leadership, Loyalty, and Living Life Fully

Send a text Timothy Klund, aka TK, shares his journey from being an Air Force veteran to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community leader. He discusses the importance of relationships, the value of time, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. The conversation also delves into the origins of the Celebrity Softball Classic, emphasizing the significance of community and connection. TK's insights on spirituality, personal growth, and the necessity of...
118
Feb. 12, 2026

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

Send a text 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 toughest moments can spark true growth. If you’re looking for encouragement, actionable leadership wisdom, and a reminder that consistency beats perfection every time, this episode is fo...
117
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 Summary: CIA legend Ric Prado shares life, service, sacrifice, and powerful lessons. - SEO Description: CIA veteran Ric Prado shares insights on covert operations, resilience, and life lessons with h...
116
Jan. 29, 2026

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

Send a text 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 episode wraps up with light-hearted segments, including a fun name game and Ken's reflections on influential figures in his life, showcasing his gratitude and the impact of ment...
115
Jan. 27, 2026

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

Send a text 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 Description: Passing the Torch podcast: Navy SEAL Ray Cash Care shares leadership, mindset, vulnerability, and success stories with host Martin Foster. Listen now! - 🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key...
114
Jan. 21, 2026

Ep. 114: Edgar Jones on Transformation, Forgiveness, Growth, Life Lessons, and Football Stories

Send a text 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, resilience, and healthy masculinity. - SEO Description: Passing The Torch podcast: Martin Foster interviews Edgar Jones on lessons in growth, transition, healthy masculinity, and...
113
Jan. 14, 2026

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

Send a text 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. - Quick Episode Summary: Austen Alexander shares wisdom on confidence, fitness, ent...
112
Jan. 8, 2026

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

Send a text 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 military life, all while maintaining her unique sense of humor and passion for music. - Quick Episode Summary: Jessica Meuse shares military journey, music, friendships, and future plans. - SEO...
111
Jan. 6, 2026

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

Send a text 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 her experiences. Tessa shares personal anecdotes about her family life, her work with military spouses, and the impact of community connections. The conversation also tou...
110
Jan. 1, 2026

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

Send a text 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—including Task and Purpose, The War Zone, and We Are the Mighty. - Quick Episode Summary: Katherine Torres-Pummill shares leadership lessons, military community insights, and inspiration....
109
Dec. 26, 2025

Ep. 109: Empowerment Through Kindness with Vanity Cross-Williams

Send a text 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 from deployment, her journey in the military, and her recent involvement in the SheLeads P3 Summit, emphasizing the significance of empowerment and self-care. The conversat...
108
Dec. 18, 2025

Ep. 108: Yoga, Leadership, and Life’s Unexpected Turns with Veteran and Advocate Jennifer Ballou

Send a text 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 f...
107
Dec. 11, 2025

Ep. 107: Maurice P. Kerry on Invisible Impact, Fatherhood, Marines, Life, Survival, and Purpose

Send 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 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.&nb...
106
Dec. 9, 2025

Ep. 106: Robert Hamilton Owens - Built, Not Given: The Never-Quit Mindset of a 72-Year-Old Ironman

Send 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. Robert shares personal stories of his journey, including his experiences in the military, coaching, and the lessons learned from life's hardships. The conversation emphasizes the value of sel...
105
Dec. 4, 2025

Ep. 105: Vincent Mattox on Military Life, Influential Friendships, and the Power of Discipline

Send a text Quick 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: Roots & Family: Hear how Vincent Mattox’s upbringing—two supportive parents, both educators and athletes—influenced his drive. His mom is a history-maker in NCAA men’s basketba...
104
Nov. 26, 2025

Ep. 104: Toni Lavery - Resilience, Service, and New Beginnings

Send 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, health challenges, and her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations. The conversation delves into the significance of empathy in communication, the impact of personal experiences o...
103
Nov. 20, 2025

Ep. 103: How Asking Why Builds Stronger Teams: Matt Lucio

Send 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. Inspiring stories await! 🌟 Torch Takeaways: The Power of People: It’s not just about the places you go—it’s about the amazing friends and mentors you find along the way. He credits the support of his superviso...
102
Nov. 18, 2025

Ep. 102: Denny Giamazzo - Wired for Action

Send 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 enable others to set aside their self-imposed limitations to become a person they admire through the implementation of four key principles: Setting StandardsCreating Unbreakable HabitsExecutionAcc...
101
Nov. 13, 2025

Ep. 101: Behind The Mic, Networking, Growth, and Embracing Authenticity - Martin Foster and Jason David

Send 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 podcast and the man himself. In this fun, insightful, and often hilarious long-form conversation, you’ll hear the PERSONAL side of Martin Foster as he shares the DNA of his family, reflects on his milit...
100
Nov. 6, 2025

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

Send 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 service and countless moves, Martin Foster is stepping into retirement, and together, he and Lora reflect on the journey: the challenges of starting over in new communities, the lessons learned ...
99
Oct. 30, 2025

#99 - Storytelling for Impact with Bill Blankschaen

Send a text 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 his new book, Your Story Advantage, with a foreword Lewis Howes from he shows a proven path to build instant credibility that positions you as the go-to expert in your field, he’s wo...