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
#79 - Nate Boyer - Community, Identity, and Healing Through Storytelling
Nate Boyer—former Green Beret, NFL long snapper, philanthropist, and public speaker.
Nate’s journey is anything but ordinary, spanning military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, walking on to the University of Texas football team, and even suiting up briefly with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s also made a difference across the globe, from volunteering in refugee camps to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to support clean water initiatives.
But Nate’s story is about much more than impressive résumés. In their conversation, Martin and Nate dive deep into the power of storytelling, building stronger communities, overcoming the overwhelm of modern digital life, and the lessons Nate learned mentoring children with autism. They talk about bridging cultural and political divides, the search for purpose, and what real leadership looks like, both on and off the field and battlefield.
SPOILER: Nate does a Macho Man Randy Savage impression in the episode.
Notes:
00:00 Intro
02:55 Why life is great right now
03:49 Tanzania and trip with Water Boys
04:40 National Veterans Memorial and Museum
06:09 Actor he resembles
07:51 What's Front of mind
10:27 Message for 19-year old self
12:28 Life Lessons from children with Autism
17:49 Storytelling as mechanism to mesh cultural and political divides
21:20 Impact memorials have on storytelling
26:07 Specific story that moved through work with Merging Vets & Players
29:06 What he hopes to be remembered for
32:25 World Class Talent people may not know about him
34:08 Movie image depicting leadership
36:10 Billboard Message
37:54 Piece of wisdom to help people light their own torch and carry it forward
38:44 Upcoming projects and initiatives
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Episodes You Might Enjoy:
#68 - Jennifer Marshall - Paranormal, Acting, Cancer, Uganda, Military, and Motherhood: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/ep-68-jennifer-marshall-paranormal-acting-cancer-uganda-military-and-motherhood/
#76 - Michael 'Rod' Rodriguez - Healing Through Action: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/ep-76-michael-rod-rodriguez-healing-through-action/
#78 - Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas - Healing Through Hitting: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/78-vincent-rocco-vargas-healing-through-hitting/
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Get in Touch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@torchmartin
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
Nate Boyer is a former Green Beret, professional athlete, philanthropist, and public speaker known for his remarkable life journey.
After joining the U.S. Army in 2005, he earned the Green Beret in 2006 and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on training missions in Israel, Bulgaria, and Greece.
While still serving, Boyer walked on to the University of Texas football team, becoming the team’s long snapper and playing in 39 games.
He earned numerous honors for academic excellence, community service, and inspirational leadership.
In 2015, he briefly joined the Seattle Seahawks. Boyer is also a founding member and Vice President of Mission Six Zero, a leadership development company.
Beyond the military and athletics, he’s worked on a fishing boat, mentored children with autism, volunteered in refugee camps, and traveled extensively. His powerful message—that “Anything is Possible”—inspires people from all walks of life to find purpose and pursue their passions.
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🎙️ Episode Summary:
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In this episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Nate Boyer, whose unique journey spans serving as a Green Beret, walking on to the University of Texas football team, a stint in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, humanitarian efforts, and a deep passion for storytelling and community building. The conversation dives into Nate’s military service, his unexpected path into professional sports, and the lessons and growth he’s found through mentoring youth with autism and working in various service roles.
Key themes from their discussion include:
- Gratitude and Pursuing Purpose: Nate reflects on finding fulfillment in chasing meaningful work, particularly storytelling within the veteran community, and cherishing the opportunity to chase dreams even if their ultimate fruition is uncertain.
- Service and Community: Nate shares how working with children with autism taught him about communication, patience, and understanding, which shaped his perspective on connection and purpose.
- Bridging Divides Through Storytelling: Nate underscores how storytelling—whether through spoken word, film, or presence—is critical for creating empathy and bridging cultural and political divides, especially between veterans and civilians.
- Veterans, Identity, and Transition: Nate discusses the challenges veterans and athletes face when they transition out of service or their sports careers, such as loss of structure and community, and how his work with MVP (Merging Vets & Players) helps address these issues.
- Memorials and Legacy: They talk about the importance of memorials like the National Veterans Memorial Museum and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial as tools for storytelling, education, and fostering greater understanding.
- Personal Growth and Imperfection: Nate emphasizes embracing humility, being open to others’ perspectives, and living without regrets—choosing action over fear of failure.
The episode also includes lighter moments, like a discussion of which actor Nate resembles (Thomas Haden Church comes up), and a playful Macho Man Randy Savage impression from Nate. The conversation closes with advice for the next generation: stay humble, be willing to listen, and understand we all have much to learn.
If you’re looking for an episode that blends humor, wisdom, and heartfelt reflections on service, growth, and bridging divides, this is a great listen.
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🔥 Nate's Resources
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Merging Vets & Players: https://vetsandplayers.org/bios/nate-boyer
IG: https://www.instagram.com/nateboyer37/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-boyer-6997731b/
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Follow and Listen to Passing The Torch Podcast HERE
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🎙️Podcast: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/
🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04suOPTX3ny_M0aDxmBAXQ
➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passing-the-torch/id1338122884
➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47ZwWTJWETz5SwEfcuPQwF?si=055366dec7154b3c
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Quote: "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing"– Socrates
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Keywords
Nate Boyer, Green Beret, leadership, University of Texas football, Seattle Seahawks, Mission6.0, veteran community, storytelling, bridging divides, community, purpose, autism mentoring, military service, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chris Long, Water Boys, clean water wells, Mount Kilimanjaro, Memorial Day, National Veterans Memorial Museum, Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, MVP (Merging Vets and Players), veteran-athlete transition, identity, mental health, self-reflection, public speaking, philanthropy, podcasting, personal growth
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Mentioned:
Chris Long
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Thomas Haden Church
Thomas Jane
Jon Macaskill
Global War On Terrorism Memorial Foundation
Michael “Rod” Rodriguez
Colin Kaepernick
Robin Williams
Glen Powell
