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
#99 - Storytelling for Impact with Bill Blankschaen
Bill Blankschaen is a Multiple NYT/USA Today bestselling author & founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, a creative team of story-tellers who share his passion for helping people live a story worth telling and serving them with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships.
In his new book, Your Story Advantage, with a foreword Lewis Howes from he shows a proven path to build instant credibility that positions you as the go-to expert in your field, he’s worked with John C. Maxwell, Dean Graziosi, & many more.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Bill Blankschaen shares story-driven breakthroughs, courage, and writing advice.
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SEO Description:
Discover how to unlock your story’s power with bestselling author Bill Blankschaen on Passing The Torch. Insights on storytelling, impact, and finding purpose.
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Chapters:
00:00 "Your Story Advantage Unveiled"
04:18 "Your Breakthrough Starts With Story"
06:54 "Finding Purpose Through Reflection"
11:23 "Intentional Living and Storytelling"
13:08 "Passion and Sharing Experiences"
17:02 "Coasting Leads to Decline"
20:47 Podcasting for Personal Growth
23:22 "Turning Podcast into a Book"
27:58 "Ideal Audience in Nonfiction"
29:27 Leveraging Your Story for Success
32:40 Capturing Authentic Author Voice
36:27 Creative Writers and Teamwork
42:06 "Embrace Your Story Now"
43:14 "Share Your Story Easily"
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
Bill Blankschaen is a Multiple NYT/USA Today bestselling author & founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, a creative team of story-tellers who share his passion for helping people live a story worth telling and serving them with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships.
In his new book, Your Story Advantage, with a foreword Lewis Howes from he shows a proven path to build instant credibility that positions you as the go-to expert in your field, he’s worked with John C. Maxwell, Dean Graziosi, & many more.
-
Quick Episode Summary:
Bill Blankschaen shares story-driven breakthroughs, courage, and writing advice.
-
SEO Description:
Discover how to unlock your story’s power with bestselling author Bill Blankschaen on Passing The Torch. Insights on storytelling, impact, and finding purpose.
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🌟 Torch Takeaways:
- Your Story Isn’t for Everyone: Don’t believe the myth that your message has to reach everybody. “Get clear on who you serve best—and why only you can serve them.”
- Shadow Callings: Are you living your real calling, or just something “close enough”? Bill urges, “Don’t settle for good when you can go for your best.”
- Normalcy & Confidence Traps: Feeling like your story’s ‘just normal’? Bill reveals how what’s ordinary to you can be invaluable perspective for someone else.
- Building Your Story Ecosystem™: Bill outlines how your message, book, and offerings can create exponential impact—a clear, practical approach anyone can try.
- The Power of Collaboration: The best books (and businesses) aren’t written alone. Find your people. “If you want to elevate, you must collaborate.”
- Courage Over Fear: Bill’s advice to those in transition (like Martin): clarity, faith, and relentless experimentation matter more than waiting for the perfect plan—or perfect confidence.
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Bill's Resources:
➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billblankschaen/
➡︎ Website: https://mystorybuilders.com/
➡︎ Book: A Story Worth Telling: Your Field Guide to Living an Authentic Life - https://amzn.to/3Wkw9VF
➡︎ Book: Your Story Advantage: A Proven Path to Maximize Your Impact, Influence, & Income - https://amzn.to/4o2fQcj
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Quote to open episode:
“Don’t believe the lie that your book is for everybody.”
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Chapters:
00:00 "Your Story Advantage Unveiled"
04:18 "Your Breakthrough Starts With Story"
06:54 "Finding Purpose Through Reflection"
11:23 "Intentional Living and Storytelling"
13:08 "Passion and Sharing Experiences"
17:02 "Coasting Leads to Decline"
20:47 Podcasting for Personal Growth
23:22 "Turning Podcast into a Book"
27:58 "Ideal Audience in Nonfiction"
29:27 Leveraging Your Story for Success
32:40 Capturing Authentic Author Voice
36:27 Creative Writers and Teamwork
42:06 "Embrace Your Story Now"
43:14 "Share Your Story Easily"
Full Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch featuring Bill Blankschaen:
In this episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Bill Blankschaen, a multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and founder of StoryBuilders. Bill discusses his journey from running a private school in Ohio to pursuing his calling as a writer and storyteller, even facing a year with no income while supporting his family of six children. He emphasizes the importance of uncovering and embracing one’s unique “meaningful message,” advocating that true breakthroughs begin when individuals start with their own stories.
Bill introduces key concepts from his new book, “Your Story Advantage,” including the “story ecosystem”—a framework for building a brand and business around your personal narrative by clarifying your message, expanding your influence (such as through a book), and ultimately monetizing it. He addresses common mindset barriers like the “confidence trap” and the “normalcy trap,” which cause people to undervalue their own stories and expertise. Bill shares practical advice for overcoming these traps, encouraging listeners to be intentional about their stories and to collaborate with others to sharpen and elevate their message.
The conversation also compares storytelling in books versus podcasts, highlighting the value of both mediums, and offers actionable tips for aspiring authors—especially the importance of serving the reader, not just self-expression. The episode ends with some lighter, fun questions, as well as Bill’s heartfelt wisdom: every person’s story matters, and it’s never too late to get intentional about sharing your own.
Overall, the episode is an inspiring look at living out one’s calling, the power of story, and practical strategies for turning personal experience into meaningful impact.
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I appreciate all of you. - MF
