Episodes

Send a text In the latest episode of "Passing The Torch," host Martin Foster interviews JoAnne Bass, the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and the first female to hold the highest senior enlisted rank in any United States military branch. The episode provides insights into Bass's impressive career, her reflections on leadership, and her experiences navigating both challenges and triumphs within the military. Bass shares personal anecdotes about the dynamics of her role, including he...

Send a text In this engaging conversation, Rebecca Rouse discusses the significance of routine and structure in maintaining mental and physical health. She shares insights into her upcoming projects, including her work with the Semper Stronger Foundation, which supports veterans. The discussion also addresses common misconceptions about women in weightlifting, the benefits of being bilingual, and Rebecca's return to gymnastics. The conversation concludes with lighthearted questions an...

Send a text In this engaging conversation, Steve Maclin shares insights from his journey as a Marine Corps veteran turned professional wrestler. He discusses the influence of his military background on his wrestling persona, the evolution of TNA wrestling, and the importance of character development in the industry. Maclin reflects on memorable matches, the lessons learned from both wrestling and military experiences, and the significance of personal growth in his career. ...

Send a text Roughly 1.25% of the Air Force hold the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. It’s already a tough milestone to achieve. Tiffany Zaloudek is someone who did just that and made even more history recently by becoming the first female survival, evasion, resistance, escape (SERE) specialist to earn the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. SERE training is one of the most rigorous programs in the military, designed to prepare Airmen for survival in...

Send a text Jennifer Marshall is a proud Navy veteran, EMT, Cancer Survivor and vocal advocate for the military veteran community. You may know her as the host of Mysteries Decoded on the CW (yes, she really is a licensed Private Investigator), or as Max's mom on Netflix's hit, Stranger Things. Other shows she's appeared on include NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, and Nickelodeon's Game Shakers, to name a few. From her early days in the military to making a name for herself in Hollywood, J...

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 space to openly discuss the emotional side of transitioning out of the military. Jenna blends personal stories, insights, and discussions about the challenges and triumphs face...

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 discuss leveraging networks, setting dream guest lists, and maintaining mindfulness. James emphasizes the Four Ps: Passion, Purpose, Persistence, and Patience. The episode...

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, where he studied Exercise Science and played hockey for the ACHA club hockey program. After completing school, Travis returned to the Army to complete his special forces training and...

Send a text Background: The incredibly talented singer-songwriter Jessica Meuse. Hailing from Slapout, Alabama, Jessica's path to stardom hasn't been straightforward. She opens up about her struggles with bullying, her early start in music, and the riveting moment her career took a pivotal turn during a nerve-wracking talent show at just 10 years old. After spending several years as an unsigned musician, Jessica Meuse finished in fourth place on the thirteenth season of American Idol. ...

Send a text Former U.S. Navy SEAL and author of And Goliath: The Littlest SEAL's Inspirational Story About Living Your Biggest Life, David Brown, who was the unlikeliest of candidates for the world's most grueling military selection process. Standing just 5' 3" and weighing 110 pounds, he was unlike any of the others around him who aspired to be SEALs. But through dogged determination and an iron will, he overcame every obstacle that life put in front of him to achieve his dream of be...

Send a text Zac Pitts is a news personality and owner of ZP Media and Consulting. In this episode he shares his remarkable journey from setbacks to success and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. In you this episode you will learn the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, how setbacks can act as springboards, and why embracing imperfections and self-awareness are crucial for personal development. Join Us in Celebrating Growth and Resilience: This episode is packed with i...

Send a text Sammie’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the impact of authentic connections. Whether reflecting on challenging moments like her early career hurdles or sharing the joy of reconnecting with old friends, Sammie’s perspective is both enlightening and motivating. Sammie’s journey is a testament to the power of change. ✅ 🌟 Discover the impact of curating your tribe, the importance of mental health, and leadership insights that will leave you motivated and ready to con...

Send a text Kai Billings, an Air Force officer and co-founder of CRE8 Force, shares his enlightening experiences from a recent conference and dives deep into the importance of fostering insightful conversations within the military community. We'll explore the genesis of CRE8 Force—a unique platform that combines podcasting, storytelling, and short-form content to tackle untold airmen stories and critical issues. Additionally, Kai opens up about his journey to the Air Force Academy, the...

Send a text We dive deep into the world of leadership, personal growth, and the journey of a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to service and self-improvement. Phil's personal history, growing up in Los Angeles and later moving to Texas to escape gang-related incidents, his love for horseback riding and dolphins, and the influence of mentors like Master Sergeant Ralph Perez, are also explored. With insights on work-life balance, making deliberate family-focused decisions, and ...

Send a text Lanae Lang is a young military officer who shares her journey of embracing unexpected changes and finding fulfillment in her career. Lanae initially resisted moving to Colorado for her military assignment, but she ultimately grew to love it. However, the transition wasn't easy, as her move came after the end of a relationship, leaving her lonely and disconnected from friends and family. Determined to build a new social circle, Lanae leveraged social media and joined a runn...

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 magic of Disney vacations, and the profound importance of embracing childlike wonder. From heartfelt stories about Father's Day to the enchantment of staying on Disney property, this episode is packed...

Send a text What happens when a life hangs in the balance during a high-stakes NFL game? Join us as Air Force Colonel and Dr. Valerie Sams, a renowned general surgeon and trauma critical care expert, recounts her heroic efforts on the night Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest. Dr. Sams sheds light on the often overlooked emotional and mental traumas that accompany physical injuries, emphasizing the importance of addressing these invisible wounds. Hear her unique perspect...

Send a text What if mastering the art of authenticity could transform your life and career? Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary Samantha Redden, a powerhouse of talents who seamlessly juggles roles as a podcast host, senior master instructor for Cycle Bar, type 1 diabetes advocate, and motivational speaker. Samantha shares her inspiring journey, from preparing for the Mrs. Ohio America pageant to her reflections on slam poetry, a passion inherited from her poet mother. Be captivated...

Send a text I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessi Smith, a shining example of courage and commitment, whose transition from high school sports to the military encapsulates the essence of determination. Our conversation takes you through the corridors of Jessi's life, where a simple gesture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln sparked a profound journey, demonstrating that the smallest acts can leave an indelible mark on our destiny. Join us as we delve into how Jessi's stint at App...

Send a text When life threw Alex Klein a curveball, transforming her from a NCAA basketball player to a Canadian bobsledder, she didn't just adapt—she soared. In our latest episode, Alex shares the intimate details of battling an autoimmune disease while pursuing athletic excellence, and how these challenges have shaped her mission to uplift high-achieving women through her coaching. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, and you'll discover how inner beauty, the power of the soul, and ENF...

Send a text Stepping into the limelight of our latest episode is Riley Tejcek, the first female Marine to break the ice in Team USA bobsledding and the crowned Miss Military 2023. Riley's vibrant narrative arcs from the adrenaline rush of World Cup races to teaching moments on international soil, encompassing the warmth of family bonds revealed in a game show triumph with her mom. Her response to the oft-asked "What do you do?" is as dynamic as her life, a rich tapestry of roles and passions ...

Send a text You are built for it, even if current situations do not reflect the ideal reality. Have you ever held back a part of yourself, fearful of what the world might say? Mike Sarge joins us to discuss how liberating it can be when we choose to share our unique gifts. His philosophy – "A gift isn't a gift until it's given" – echoes through our conversation, as we tackle the power of vulnerability and the transformative effect of expressing one's true talents. Mike's dual expertise...

Send a text Have you ever wondered how the discipline of military service can shape a fearless entrepreneur? Haley Marie McClain Hill, an Air Force veteran and Shark Tank champion, joins us to share her extraordinary transformation from serving the country to leading the business world. Her insights are not just a tale of personal triumph but a guiding light for anyone navigating the shift from uniform to the uncertainty of startups. We talk about the adrenaline rush of national TV success an...

Send a text Ryan Hawk, the voice behind "The Learning Leader Show," eloquently shares his passage from a budding sales rep to a beacon of guidance and performance excellence, and the cherished upcoming book project with Brook Cupps. This episode paints a vivid portrait of Hawk's ethos, rooted in the multifaceted nature of mentorship and the vibrant tapestry of life's locales, from Dayton's familiar embrace to Hawaii's enchanting call. My own narrative intertwines with Hawk's as I delve into ...