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. 69: Tiffany Zaloudek - Passion, Perseverance, and SERE Training
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 extreme conditions, evading capture, resisting interrogation, and escaping captivity.
Although not the first female SERE specialist, when she earned her beret in 2007, she broke an eight-year dry spell in which no women had graduated from the specialized training course. Reflecting on her initial recruitment, she remembers her recruiter handing her a SERE brochure with no women in it.
Her career is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and impact on SERE training and culture, inspiring countless Airmen.
Tiffany now holds the highest enlisted rank, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female service members in elite and challenging roles.
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
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 extreme conditions, evading capture, resisting interrogation, and escaping captivity.
Although not the first female SERE specialist, when she earned her beret in 2007, she broke an eight-year dry spell in which no women had graduated from the specialized training course. Reflecting on her initial recruitment, she remembers her recruiter handing her a SERE brochure with no women in it.
Her career is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and impact on SERE training and culture, inspiring countless Airmen.
Tiffany now holds the highest enlisted rank, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female service members in elite and challenging roles.
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🔑 Key Takeaways:
Creating Positive Change
➡︎ The "Gray Man" Concept: Tiffany explains the idea of individuals who effectively blend in and remain unnoticed, and how this principle applies to success in high-pressure fields.
➡︎ Mindset over Skill: Even the most capable individuals can falter without the right mindset. Tiffany recounts how mental barriers often outweigh physical ones.
➡︎ The Power of Confidence: Learn how self-belief and a positive mindset can help overcome any obstacle—even when facing insecurity from others.
➡︎ Personal Practices: Discover Tiffany’s secret to maintaining peace and resilience, including her personal practice of reciting Bible verses for inner strength.
➡︎ Training and Standards: Tiffany discusses the rigorous standards required for the SERE role and the importance of fairness and equality in training.
➡︎ Personal Life Insights: From Mario Kart champion to a leadership inspiration found in unexpected places, Tiffany’s personal stories will inspire and entertain you.
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Tiffany's Resources:
Instagram
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Mentioned:
COL James ‘Nick’ Rowe
Brie Larson
Scarlett Johansson
Teddy Roosevelt
Matt Stevens
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Words of wisdom from Tiffany:
“You’ll never know what is possible until you try.”
“While we don’t see that in the darkness, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Our mind is our greatest tool to utilize at our disposal.”
“The way you speak to yourself is everything.”
