Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® long-form podcast exploring identity, purpose, leadership, and life after achievement. --- Hosted by Air Force veteran Martin Foster, each episode features honest conversations with leaders, elite performers, veterans, athletes, authors, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers who have navigated success, failure, reinvention, and everything in between. These aren't interviews about résumés. They're conversations about what happens after the medals, the promotions, the championships, and the uniforms, and the lessons worth passing on to the next generation. Real Conversations. Lasting Impact. --- © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

Passing The Torch with Martin Foster is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 152 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Passing The Torch with Martin Foster, a education show with 152 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #144

  From Navy SEAL to Hollywood: How Grit, Authenticity & Identity Fuel Success – David Meadows - Ep. 144

  Aug 13, 20269 minS1

  Send us Fan Mail Dave is a former navy SEAL and classically trained actor. He is currently Acting and modeling in NYC, LA and the Southeast. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Importance of grit in life 05:40 Military service and personal growth 07:26 Authenticity and self-discovery in acting - More about David Meadows IMDB : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3690667/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdavidbmeadows/?hl=en Website: http://www.davidbmeadows.com/ - Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch – David Meadows In this red carpet edition of Passing The Torch , host Martin Foster interviews Navy SEAL and actor David Meadows at the Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The conversation centers on David Meadows's role in the film "Hollywood Grit," which is nominated in multiple categories at the event, including Best Supporting Actor for himself. Key Discussion Topics Teamwork and Recognition: David Meadows emphasizes his pride in the "Hollywood Grit" team, highlighting that the production involved over 220 people, including 70+ veterans, and expresses deep gratitude for the recognition from the MV Awards 00:46. The Meaning of Grit: Explaining what grit means personally, David Meadows connects it to perseverance through setbacks, adaptability, and continuous growth, noting that these qualities are vital in both military and entertainment fields 01:46. Authenticity and Respect: The discussion explores the challenges of earning respect in both the SEAL Teams and Hollywood. David Meadows identifies authenticity, honor, doing what you say, and treating others well as universal drivers of respect 02:43. Acting Challenges: Reflecting on the roles that pushed him most, David Meadows describes acting as a journey inward, finding and sharing authentic parts of oneself—even those that are vulnerable or unappealing. He shares that his "Hollywood Grit" character, Logan Cowboy, is a particularly close-to-home and demanding portrayal 03:25. Identity and Military Service: David Meadows credits his military service—particularly his time in Special Operations—with fostering personal growth, self-discovery, grit, and authenticity, lessons that prepared him to navigate Hollywood’s pressures 05:40. Staying Grounded: On avoiding getting labeled or losing oneself in either the military or entertainment industry, David Meadows stresses the importance of self-awareness, studying oneself, and striving to be an authentic first-rate version of oneself rather than a second-rate imitation of someone else 07:26. The episode closes with mutual appreciation between the host and guest, reinforcing the importance of honoring veterans' contributions to both their country and the entertainment industry. Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch : Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81 : Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90 : Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  Episode #143

  Why Success Without Community Will Leave You Empty - Waco Hoover - Ep. 143

  Aug 6, 202638 minS1

  Send us Fan Mail Waco Hoover is an entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, entertainment, media and live events. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1997-2001 as an infantry Marine, combat water survival instructor and infantry scout. He served several deployments across Southeast Asia. After separation from the military, Hoover graduated from New York University, cum laude and completed Harvard Business School executive education programs. He then became an entrepreneur and investor who now has over 18 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, entertainment, media and live events. He is currently Chair of the Be The One initiative for the American Legion. He is also a co-owner of Veteran Entertainment Television, advisor to Founders Factory, a London based venture capital firm, Managing Partner at Xperiential Group, and serves on the board of Irreverent Warriors, a non-profit preventing veteran suicide. He has advised global brands including MGM Resorts, Informa, Vivendi, and Las Vegas Sands Corp. He was a co-founder and investor in businesses sold to Informa, Emerald, Endeavor Business Media and Onstream Media. Hoover speaks at industry events including VenuesNow, PTTOW!, CEMA, The American Legion, Military Influencer Conference, SXSW, Pollstar, TSE 100, Society for Independent Show Organizers, National Sports Forum and XLIVE. He lives in Southern California with his wife, son and two yellow labs, Tucker and Winnie. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, diving, and mountaineering as often as possible. He is a member of The American Legion and recently hosted the Be the One Symposium at the 104th American Legion National Convention in Charlotte. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 The impact of VetTix events 06:52 Purpose-driven profitability and social impact 08:35 Importance of mission-based assessments 14:43 Landing an Internship in France 17:57 Addressing Veteran Suicide Rates 18:48 Launching MCON for military support 23:34 Building for Long-term Success 27:17 Reflecting on fatherhood and service 28:29 Reflecting on family and parenting 31:19 Discovering Stoicism and Key Books 35:36 Leadership advice and billboard location - Quote to open episodes: “Failure shows us the way – by showing us what isn’t the way.” – Ryan Holiday from The Obstacle is the Way - Mentioned in the episode: Scott Huesing - Episode 127 appearance Jason Galui - Episode 125 appearance MCON Vet Tix IMPCT Group - Waco's Resources: Website : https://impctgroup.com/ LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/waco-hoover-3928a014/ MCON : https://mcon.live/ - Podcast Summary: Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch — Waco Hoover The conversation focused on the personal and professional journey of a United States Marine Corps veteran, now CEO and founder of IMPCT Group, and co-founder and partner of MCON. The episode explored key life transitions, organizational impact in the veteran community, and the importance of fostering meaningful connections. Key Themes and Discussions ⬛ Family and Fatherhood A key theme that emerged was the importance of family, particularly the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Experiences as a parent to two young boys were described as deeply fulfilling, emphasizing the value of being present for family and children’s formative years. The discussion explored how personal upbringing and a father’s military experience influenced approaches to parenting and personal growth 25:52–29:41. ⬛ Veteran Wellness and Social Connection The discussion explored the results of a recent study conducted with Vet Tix, highlighting how event tickets for veterans (such as concerts or sports) are less about the event itself and more about fostering connections and a sense of belonging. Several points were raised, including the significant improvements measured: a 70% increase in wellness and 86% improvement in family bonds, demonstrating that social connection is a crucial driver of veteran wellness 02:52–04:21. ⬛ Purpose-Driven Impact and the Role of IMPCT Group One concept discussed was the idea of “purpose-driven profitability” and how businesses can achieve both financial and social returns by embedding purpose into their core operations. The episode delved into how Impact Group works with organizations to create strategies that generate economic opportunities for the military community, aiming to unlock $1 billion in economic opportunity by 2035 06:52–08:34. ⬛ MCON: Creating Community and Celebrating Military Service The conversation detailed the creation and growth of MCON, a large-scale event designed to celebrate military culture, facilitate healing, and combat isolation. The motivation for MCON stemmed from a perceived lack of large-scale, celebratory events within the military community similar to those in other industries. The festival’s goal is to both celebrate positive aspects of military service and provide resources and support for those in need 16:11–20:16. ⬛ Leadership and Personal Development Influences The discussion explored the influence of books such as The Obstacle Is the Way and the Daily Dad newsletter by Ryan Holiday. These works informed perspectives on overcoming adversity, showing up for family, and the ongoing question of personal development: “Who are you becoming?” 25:24–33:13. ⬛ Community, Collaboration, and Legacy Several points were raised regarding the need for greater collaboration and efficiency among organizations serving the veteran community, especially as funding becomes scarcer. The conversation closed with reflections on legacy, leadership advice (“take an interest in others”), and the ongoing goal to connect with other mission-driven leaders 36:33. Overall, the episode offered both practical insights and reflections on leadership, family, the veteran experience, and the power of collective action to foster thriving, resilient communities. Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch : Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81 : Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90 : Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  Episode #142

  Why Consistency Beats Talent and Blind Loyalty Destroys You - The Wire's J.D. Williams - Ep. 142

  Jul 30, 202646 minS1

  Send us Fan Mail The conversation focused on J.D. Williams’s career, growth, resilience, and impactful roles from The Wire to today. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Being grateful for family 04:08 Facing Challenges and Finding Resilience 06:51 Importance of consistency in success 09:43 Maintaining a Positive Attitude 13:54 Playing the Character of Bodie 17:37 Discussing a character's pivotal line 22:43 The Wire's ongoing relevance 26:19 Discussing J.D.'s acting career 29:57 Comparing HBO roles: Bodie and Kenny 32:46 Being offered a unique role 34:27 Building complex character traits 39:16 Discussing Times Square message ideas 43:33 The Wire's unexpected widespread impact - Quotes to open episodes: You’ve got to be persistent and consistent. Keep hitting the same spot the same way, and eventually, you’ll see progress or a breakthrough. “This game is rigged, man.” - Bodie - People and Names mentioned in the episode: The Wire Oz David Simon Michael Kenneth Williams Tray Chaney David Alan Grier Alexa Vogel - J.D.'s Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdxwilliams/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0412907/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch : Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81 : Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90 : Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  Episode #141

  Ryan Leaf - From Addiction & Rock Bottom to Redemption & Purpose - Ep. 141

  Jul 23, 202648 minS1

  Send us Fan Mail Ryan Leaf explores addiction, accountability, identity, and why lasting transformation begins with radical self-honesty. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Ryan Leaf's redemption journey 05:46 Caring about family opinions only 09:07 Taking control of daily attitude 11:14 Sharing personal experiences openly 15:39 Reflecting on personal accountability 17:40 Discussing vulnerability and accountability 23:32 Diagnosing and understanding CTE 26:12 The impact of football on players 29:54 Reflecting on life and priorities 33:51 Quoting 80s movies 37:25 Commitment to helping veterans 38:24 Building a partnership with Menninger 46:52 Watching classic WrestleManias - Quotes to open episodes: No matter where you are there you are. “Learning is a gift, even when pain is your teacher!” ― Michael Jordan - People and Names mentioned in the episode: Reno Hightower Shane Falco Jonathan Moxon USA Network Chris Nowinski Jay Glazer Drew Bledsoe Jalen Rose Danny Wuerffel Armando E. Colombo The Menninger Clinic - Ryan's Resources: Website: https://theryandleaf.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandleaf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandleaf/ Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch : Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81 : Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90 : Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  Episode #140

  Ep. 140: Team RWB Executive Director Michael 'Sully' Sullivan

  Jul 16, 202644 minS1

  Send us Fan Mail Michael Sullivan is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel with 30 years of service, including 23 years as a Green Beret and the Executive Director at Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). A 1994 graduate of Claremont McKenna College, he led some of the military’s most elite special operations units and served in key command roles across Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Africa. Sully completed six combat tours in Afghanistan and commanded organizations including 3rd Special Forces Group, Special Operations Command Forward–Lebanon, and 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade. He is also a founding member of Team RWB’s Fayetteville Chapter and comes from a four-generation family legacy of military service. - Quick Episode Summary: Exploring purpose, connection, legacy, and resilience in veterans’ post-service lives. - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Intro 07:35 Military sense of purpose and community 10:58 Building a Veteran Fitness Community 15:40 Missing camaraderie and connection 17:51 Monday motor pool and team bonding 19:31 Dealing with loneliness and isolation 22:46 Family legacy of military service 27:00 Kids choosing West Point 31:00 Honoring sacrifices through action 35:17 Veteran wellness and fitness community 39:06 Importance of community connection 42:43 Joining Team RWB for support - 🔥 Torch Takeaways Include: Leadership and Legacy Mission vs. Purpose Combating Isolation and Fostering Connection The Power of Ritual and Remembrance - Quotes to open episodes: "You're not damaged. You're actually better prepared to handle some of the worst days ahead." “A leader must be what he wants the team to become.” – John Wooden - His Resources: Website: https://teamrwb.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-985a8a2b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sully_rwb/ Support the show Connect with Passing The Torch : Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure Episode 81 : Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90 : Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel ------------ © 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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