#85 - Blake Stilwell - Humor and Humanity Artwork

Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® long-form podcast exploring identity, purpose, leadership, and life after achievement.

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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.

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Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

#85 - Blake Stilwell - Humor and Humanity

July 14, 2025 • Martin Foster / Blake Stilwell • Season 1 • Episode 85

0:00 | 1:04:53

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In this episode of “Passing The Torch,” host Martin Foster sits down with Blake Stilwell—an accomplished writer, editor, and combat photographer who was recently named editor in chief at We Are the Mighty.

The conversation dives deep into Blake’s unconventional and winding journey through multiple careers, his time in the military, and how he nearly “accidentally” became a full-time writer.

Key Themes:

The unpredictable path of career evolution after military service
The power of storytelling and emotional connection in writing
Leadership lessons learned in and out of uniform
The importance of authenticity, humor, and taking risks
Mentorship and supporting veterans transitioning into civilian life

Overall, this episode is a blend of wisdom, humor, and real-world advice, offering listeners inspiration to carve their own path and “carry the torch” forward, wherever their journey may lead.

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Time Codes:

00:00 Parents Unaware of My Work

08:59 Bridging Military-Civilian Cultural Gap

14:49 Advice for Veterans Entering Workforce

17:47 "Production Team's Grueling Schedule"

22:58 Boring Job Experience in D.C.

28:34 Simplifying Complexity Through Experience

33:07 Evaluating Veteran Education Programs

38:18 Enthusiastic Narrative Techniques

45:27 "Unrecognized Hero: George Henry Thomas"

49:42 "Everyman Leads After President's Stroke"

53:10 Reenlistment Dilemma: Missed College Deadline

01:02:21 "Live Your Own Life"

01:03:24 Embrace Accidental Success

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Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Meet Blake Stilwell—an accomplished writer, editor, and combat photographer who was recently named editor in chief at We Are the Mighty. The conversation dives deep into Blake’s unconventional and winding journey through multiple careers, his time in the military, and how he nearly “accidentally” became a full-time writer.

Blake candidly shares stories about his Ohio roots, including how he humorously ranks himself as the state’s 25,796th favorite son (he’s no John Glenn or John Legend, but proud to be “on the list”). The episode covers highlights from Blake’s diverse education—degrees in graphic design, TV and film, PR, and international relations—and his time working for high-profile outlets like Business Insider, NBC, ABC, HBO, and even the White House.

Martin and Blake discuss the importance of authenticity and connection in both writing and leadership. Blake reflects on his early days as a Hollywood assistant and the difficult but formative “suck phase” of many careers, contrasting things like handing out muffins in LA with his previous high-stakes military experiences. He offers candid insights about transitioning after military service, including the value of risk-taking and not being afraid to fail early and often.

Blake details his philosophy as a writer—how storytelling is powered by emotion, personal connection, and finding a relatable “hook.” He recounts his evolution as a storyteller, from learning how to grab a reader’s attention in fifth grade to making technical military topics accessible for a wide audience. The episode also touches on the responsibilities that come with providing veterans reliable information about employment and resources.

Blake and Martin share candid laughs (including tales of friendly family sports rivalry, and a story about Blake drawing the ire of the President of the Philippines with a viral listicle). Blake emphasizes the role of empathy and mentorship, and shares his approach to leadership, drawing on experiences from both the military and media worlds.

The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions, fun personal anecdotes, and Blake’s advice for the next generation: don’t compare your journey to others, and remember that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Blake also announces his next venture—opening a bar in his hometown—demonstrating his ongoing commitment to community and reinvention.

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Key Themes:

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➡︎ The unpredictable path of career evolution after military service

➡︎ The power of storytelling and emotional connection in writing

➡︎ Leadership lessons learned in and out of uniform

➡︎ The importance of authenticity, humor, and taking risk.

➡︎ Mentorship and supporting veterans transitioning into civilian life

➡︎ Overall, this episode is a blend of wisdom, humor, and real-world advice, offering listeners inspiration to carve their own path and “carry the torch” forward, wherever their journey may lead.

=============================

Time Codes:
=============================

00:00 Parents Unaware of My Work

08:59 Bridging Military-Civilian Cultural Gap

14:49 Advice for Veterans Entering Workforce

17:47 "Production Team's Grueling Schedule"

22:58 Boring Job Experience in D.C.

28:34 Simplifying Complexity Through Experience

33:07 Evaluating Veteran Education Programs

38:18 Enthusiastic Narrative Techniques

45:27 "Unrecognized Hero: George Henry Thomas"

49:42 "Everyman Leads After President's Stroke"

53:10 Reenlistment Dilemma: Missed College Deadline

01:02:21 "Live Your Own Life"

01:03:24 Embrace Accidental Success

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🔥 Blake's Resources
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➡︎ Website: https://www.blakestilwell.com/

➡︎ We Are The Mighty: https://www.blakestilwell.com/wearethemighty

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakestilwell/

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Quote:
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"Writer's live twice." - Natalie Goldberg

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Keywords:
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We Are The Mighty, military veterans, veteran employment, combat photographer, editor in chief, storytelling, writing careers, podcast interview, Ohio, military history, sports journalism, Bill Simmons, Grantland, sports fandom, Bengals, Browns, resilience, Sean Livingston, military transition, veterans benefits, mentorship programs, veteran entrepreneurship, journalism, military.com, veteran programs, media careers, HBO 24/7, leadership, creative writing, personal experience, storytelling techniques

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🎙️ Mentioned:

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John Legend

We Are The Mighty

David Gale

Mark Harper

Near East Foundation

Paul Szoldra

Amy Bushatz

Jared Keller

Recurrent Ventures