Expect to learn:
• Why Gia Giudice surprised the Special Forces instructors — Jovon explains why they initially underestimated her and how she completely changed their expectations.
• How 9/11 shaped Jovon Quarles’ perspective on service — He reflects on where he was that day, what came next, and the importance of brotherhood and community.
• What happens when a Special Forces instructor becomes the contestant — Jovon talks about competing on The Weakest Link, feeling nervous on the other side of the equation, and why he voted Rudy Reyes off.
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• Guest: Jovon “Q” Quarles” served 15 years as a NAVY SEAL. He is considered to be the first Black male to graduate SEAL training at the top of his class, where he became an honor graduate of basic underwater demolition seal (BUD/s) and seal qualification training (SQT class). Starting from a group of 270, Quarles was one of 15 men to graduate, receiving the Honorman award for his training. Despite his kidney’s failing due to exertion during the ‘hell week’ stage of training, Quarles successfully completed selection. His training helmet is now displayed in the NAVY SEAL museum.
- Episode Summary: At the 2026 Celebrity Softball Classic, host Martin Foster talks with Jovon Quarles about his time on Special Forces, memories of September 11 while serving in the Navy, and the value of events that bring military and civilian communities together.
Quarles also picks Foxy as his softball pinch hitter and delivers a playful challenge to Rudy Reyes to answer Martin’s messages.
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Chapters
00:00 From Navy SEALS to Television
00:19 How Billy Billingham might motivate a softball team
00:55 Which Special Forces instructor would Jovon choose to pinch hit?
01:29 Quarles remembers hearing the news of 9/11 at a gun range
02:11 Why community events matter after 22 years in the Navy
03:02 Which contestant over the years surprised him the most, Navy SEALs vs. Green Berets, The Weakest Link, and a message for Rudy Reyes
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People and Names mentioned in the episode:
Rudy Reyes
Mark Billingham (Billy)
Jason Foxy (Foxy)
Gia Guidice
@RayCashCare
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⬛ Jovon's Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovonquarles/
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🎙️ Please follow and leave a positive review on Apple and Spotify:
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passing-the-torch/id1338122884
ᯤSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47ZwWTJWETz5SwEfcuPQwF?si=055366dec7154b3c
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My links:
Website: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04suOPTX3ny_M0aDxmBAXQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torchfoster
IG: https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin/
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Full Audio episode with Chapters:
⬛ https://www.buzzsprout.com/1946508/episodes/20041812
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Keywords: Jovon Quarles, Navy SEAL, Special Forces World’s Toughest Test, Special Forces Fox, Gia Giudice, Rudy Reyes, Billy Billingham, Navy SEALs, Green Berets, Special Forces, The Weakest Link, 9/11, September 11, military veterans, veteran stories, military transition, veteran community, brotherhood, SEAL Teams, Celebrity Softball Classic, military leadership, Passing The Torch Podcast, Martin Foster