Expect to learn:
• Why listening is one of the most important skills in leadership and how Collins’ experiences as a chaplain, congressman, and VA Secretary shaped how he listens.
• Why strong leaders need to be willing to change course, including what Collins learned from reversing a VA policy after hearing directly from veterans.
• How Collins thinks about purpose, success, and navigating an unpredictable life, from finding quiet amid the noise to his belief that life rarely follows a straight line.
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• Guest: Doug Collins
The Honorable Douglas A. Collins was sworn in as the 12th Secretary of Veterans Affairs on February 5, 2025, following his nomination by President Trump. His background includes being a pastor, chaplain, lawyer, congressman, and now a Cabinet Secretary.
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00:00 Intro
02:09 Why Life is Great Right Now
03:04 Comparing Congress to Professional Wrestling, Working with Hakeem Jeffries, and what their WWE Tag Team Name Would Be
04:39 Impression of Former President Bill Clinton
05:03 What 18-year-old Doug Collins would be most surprised to learn about the life he ended up living
07:42 President Trump's mandate to "Take Care of Veterans" and the hardest part of that sentence to execute
15:28 Reversing Course on a VA Policy after hearing from Veterans and what Doug Collins has to model personally for the VA to become what he wants it to be
21:34 If Doug Collins were moderating a 2028 presidential debate and could ask both major-party candidates one question about America's veterans
23:20 What being a Chaplain, Congressman, and VA Secretary has taught him about listening
26:40 Secretary Collins Secret Weapon
29:25 On the noise that follows loss and how he found drawn to quiet
32:42 What would need to happen for Secretary Collins to look back in 10 years and think these 10 years have been a success
33:58 On how should the VA reach veterans who may go to podcasts, YouTube, or Instagram before they ever go to VA.gov
37:42 Billboard Message for the world to see
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Resource:
⬛ VA.Gov website: https://www.va.gov/
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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/19924033
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Keywords: Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA bureaucracy, veteran healthcare, VA benefits, community care, military transition, VA workforce, wait times, MISSION Act, Choice Act, Congress and VA, military influencers, veteran mental health, veteran suicide prevention, leadership, empathy in leadership, listening skills, organizational change, government policy, public perception, social media influence, content creators, misinformation, veteran outreach, cabinet agency challenges, healthcare system reform, employee motivation, veteran compensation, veteran experience, faith in public service