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
#98 - Joseph Rutakangwa- Never Stay Broke: Practical Steps to Financial Freedom
In this conversation, Joseph Rutakangwa shares his journey from wealth to extreme poverty and back, emphasizing the importance of self-identity, fulfillment, and practical actions to regain control over one's life.
He discusses his books, 'Never Stay Broke' and 'Negative to Zero', and how they reflect his experiences and insights on personal development.
Rutakangwa encourages listeners to create their own vision and identity, and to accept their true desires in order to find fulfillment and success.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Joseph Rutakangwa shares practical advice on resilience, identity, and fulfillment.
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SEO Description:
Explore Joseph Rutakangwa’s inspiring journey from wealth to poverty and back on Passing The Torch. Learn practical steps to regain control and Never Stay Broke.
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🌟 Torch Takeaways:
- Writing Negative to Zero during the pandemic as a way to find awareness and heal after struggle
- How making donuts with his mom helped his family climb out of poverty
- The power of separating identity from circumstance and creating your own self-image
- Why helping others—especially family—creates lasting fulfillment
- Practical strategies for moving forward when life doesn’t go as planned
- The one piece of wisdom he’d share to help the next generation “carry the torch” forward
Whether you’re facing a setback, craving purpose, or wondering what’s next, Joseph’s story will inspire you to take real steps—no matter how small—toward a life you can be proud of.
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Chapters:
00:00 Negative to Zero: Transformation
04:59 Overcoming Fear, Embracing Action
08:36 Practical Actions for Uncertainty
12:15 Peace, Health, Wealth Prioritized
14:57 Advice to My Younger Self
18:59 Dreams Define Reality
22:11 Doughnuts from Food for 50
26:49 Parental Fall and Self-Identity
27:25 Heroic Resilience Through Hardship
30:29 Dignity Through Service
35:02 Embracing Growth and Contentment
37:48 Self-Perception Shapes Your Life
40:36 Grateful for Thoughtful Questions
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
In this conversation, Joseph Rutakangwa shares his journey from wealth to extreme poverty and back, emphasizing the importance of self-identity, fulfillment, and practical actions to regain control over one's life.
He discusses his books, 'Never Stay Broke' and 'Negative to Zero', and how they reflect his experiences and insights on personal development.
Rutakangwa encourages listeners to create their own vision and identity, and to accept their true desires in order to find fulfillment and success.
-
Quick Episode Summary:
Joseph Rutakangwa shares practical advice on resilience, identity, and fulfillment.
-
SEO Description:
Explore Joseph Rutakangwa’s inspiring journey from wealth to poverty and back on Passing The Torch. Learn practical steps to regain control and Never Stay Broke.
-
🌟 Torch Takeaways:
- Writing Negative to Zero during the pandemic as a way to find awareness and heal after struggle
- How making donuts with his mom helped his family climb out of poverty
- The power of separating identity from circumstance and creating your own self-image
- Why helping others—especially family—creates lasting fulfillment
- Practical strategies for moving forward when life doesn’t go as planned
- The one piece of wisdom he’d share to help the next generation “carry the torch” forward
Whether you’re facing a setback, craving purpose, or wondering what’s next, Joseph’s story will inspire you to take real steps—no matter how small—toward a life you can be proud of.
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Joseph's Resources:
➡︎ Website: https://www.rutakangwa.com/
➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrutakangwa/
➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rutakangwa/
➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/JosephRutakangwa
➡︎ Book – Never Stay Broke: Because Motivation Alone Won’t Pay the Bills: https://amzn.to/4hizdeH
➡︎ Book – Negative to Zero: https://amzn.to/4hsXnTJ
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Chapters:
00:00 Negative to Zero: Transformation
04:59 Overcoming Fear, Embracing Action
08:36 Practical Actions for Uncertainty
12:15 Peace, Health, Wealth Prioritized
14:57 Advice to My Younger Self
18:59 Dreams Define Reality
22:11 Doughnuts from Food for 50
26:49 Parental Fall and Self-Identity
27:25 Heroic Resilience Through Hardship
30:29 Dignity Through Service
35:02 Embracing Growth and Contentment
37:48 Self-Perception Shapes Your Life
40:36 Grateful for Thoughtful Questions
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Full Podcast Summary: "Passing The Torch" – Joseph Rutakangwa
In this insightful episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Joseph Rutakangwa, author of Never Stay Broke and Negative to Zero. Joseph shares his compelling journey, shaped by early childhood wealth, a dramatic family decline into poverty, and a remarkable climb back to success. Drawing from personal experience, he explains how these challenges informed his philosophies in both life and his books.
The conversation explores the origins of Joseph’s writing, highlighting how the pandemic prompted him to pursue lifelong dreams and creative expression. He contrasts his two books—Negative to Zero, which is philosophical and focuses on self-awareness, and Never Stay Broke, which is practical and action-oriented, offering real steps to escape financial stagnancy.
Martin prompts Joseph to reflect on how his six-year-old self would view his accomplishments. Joseph reveals that he lives to make each version of his younger self proud, citing achievements like running a tech company, making music, appearing in a movie, and most meaningfully, retiring his mother and supporting his siblings’ education.
The episode dives deep into the emotional burden of losing wealth and control, with Joseph sharing how separating one’s identity from material status was key to regaining agency. He credits his mother’s resourcefulness and belief in dignity—regardless of external circumstances—as foundational to his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Throughout, Joseph stresses the value of contentment, inner peace, and defining personal wealth as enjoying life with loved ones. He offers practical advice for those feeling stuck, encouraging listeners to accept what they truly want and to hold steadfast to a vision of themselves, despite external setbacks.
The episode closes with Joseph’s powerful message for the next generation: accept your true desires, embrace them boldly, and don’t let societal expectations deter you from your path.
Key Themes:
- Turning adversity into growth and movement
- The importance of practical steps, not just mindset
- Defining identity from within, not by circumstances
- Resilience, resourcefulness, and family support
- Embracing one’s true passions and desires
This episode is a must-listen for anyone searching for grounded, actionable advice on overcoming tough setbacks and building a fulfilling life.
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I appreciate all of you. - MF
