Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Welcome to Passing The Torch, a personal development podcast that’s about the journey, not just the destination.
This show is a conversation with people who inspire me — thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and others who are constantly evolving and learning about themselves. I’m not pretending to have it all figured out, and that’s what makes this podcast different. As I navigate my own personal growth and discover new tools, insights, and stories that are helping me, I’m bringing you along for the ride.
I believe that when it comes to self-improvement, we don’t always need to hear from someone who has already "arrived" at their ideal self. Instead, we can find power in connecting with people who are in the trenches alongside us, figuring things out as they go. Passing The Torch is an opportunity for both of us to learn, grow, and share in real-time.
Every episode, I sit down with individuals from all walks of life — from CEOs and best-selling authors to Special Forces Operators, friends, and elite athletes — and we dive deep into the lessons they’ve learned, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the wisdom they’ve gained. Along the way, I’ll be sharing my own experiences and insights from my personal development journey.
Whether you’re someone who’s looking for guidance or simply enjoy hearing raw, honest stories of transformation, Passing The Torch offers something for everyone. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about sharing what we’ve learned and helping each other move forward.
Join me on this adventure. Let's pass the torch together.
Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Ep. 9: Melissa Stockwell-Choose Your Own Story
Melissa Stockwell-Choose Your Own Story
Freedom comes at a price. War is known to cause physical wounds. Something that might be slightly overlooked are other wounds. For example, emotional, mental and other forms of invisible wounds.
In 2004, Melissa lost her left leg to a roadside bomb in Iraq, and her life was forever changed. After being medically retired from the Army in April 2005 with a Purple Heart and bronze star, all the hard work began. She found support with her Chicago-based paratriathlon club, Dare2Tri. Melissa is the first American woman to lose a limb in active combat and also competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
Since 2008, her primary focus has been firmly placed on the sport of Paratriathlon. Melissa has competed all around the world and has stood on top of many podiums, and is a three times World Champion. In 2016, Paratriathlon made its debut at the Paralympic Games and Melissa raced her way to bronze as part of a USA team and in 2017 Melissa went on to secure a silver medal at the Sarasota ITU Paratriathlon World Cup.
Melissa has not let anything stop her and continues to inspire others. Since 2004, Melissa has become a War Veteran · 3x World Champion - 2x Paralympian · Bronze Medalist · Triathlon Coach · Dare2tri Co-Founder · Motivational Speaker - First female amputee of Iraq - Mother · Patriot.
Show Notes:
- Balancing family life (0:54)
- Speaking at CIA Headquarters (03:35)
- Life before the military (04:38)
- Why Melissa chose Army over any other service (05:40)
- Her reaction to 9/11 (06:00)
- Fateful day in her life- 13 April 2004 (06:55)
- Why she felt lucky when arriving to Walter Reed (10:40)
- Defining the word perspective (11:50)
- What society can do to help heal invisible wounds (13:48)
- Starting life after 2004 (16:54)
- Turing personal tragedy into triumph (17:20)
- Perception about Paralympians (21:39)
- Awkward questions Melissa receives about her leg and funny stories (23:23)
- Movie title about her life (27:05)
Links:
Connect with the Passing the Torch podcast:
---> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passingthetorchwithmartinfoster/
---> SUBSCRIBE on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/passing-the-torch/id1338122884?mt=2
Connect with Melissa Stockwell:
Website: http://melissastockwell.c
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 49: Ryan Hawk – Crafting a Legacy of Leadership
Episode 52: Riley Tejcek – Mission of Empowerment and Endurance
