Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Welcome to Passing The Torch, a personal development podcast thatâs about the journey, not just the destination.
This show is a conversation with people who inspire me â thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and others who are constantly evolving and learning about themselves. Iâm not pretending to have it all figured out, and thatâs what makes this podcast different. As I navigate my own personal growth and discover new tools, insights, and stories that are helping me, Iâm bringing you along for the ride.
I believe that when it comes to self-improvement, we donât 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 â from CEOs and best-selling authors to Special Forces Operators, friends, and elite athletes â and we dive deep into the lessons theyâve learned, the obstacles theyâve overcome, and the wisdom theyâve gained. Along the way, Iâll be sharing my own experiences and insights from my personal development journey.
Whether youâre someone whoâs looking for guidance or simply enjoy hearing raw, honest stories of transformation, Passing The Torch offers something for everyone. Itâs not about being perfect; itâs about sharing what weâve learned and helping each other move forward.
Join me on this adventure. Let's pass the torch together.
Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
#103 - How Asking Why Builds Stronger Teams: Matt Lucio
Quick Episode Summary:
Matt Lucio shares Air Force leadership lessons, motivation, and authenticity.
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SEO Description:
Air Force Noncommissioned officer (NCO) Matt Lucio shares leadership lessons, motivation, and career insights with host Martin Foster on Passing The Torch. Inspiring stories await!
đ Torch Takeaways:
The Power of People: Itâs not just about the places you goâitâs about the amazing friends and mentors you find along the way. He credits the support of his supervisors (shoutout to Berta Meagher!) and peers whoâve made tough transitions smoother.
Ask âWhyâ and âWho Saysâ: Matt Lucio encourages all service members to never stop questioning and appropriately challenge the status quo. Itâs not about disrespect, but about understanding the purpose and intent behind orders and policies.
Just Care â Mattâs Billboard Message: Leadership boils down to giving a damn about what youâre doing and who youâre doing it with. Sounds simple, but itâs incredibly effective advice for anyone hoping to make a meaningful impact.
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Chapters:
00:00 The Magic of Helping Others
03:35 Unexpected Sale of Furniture
07:22 Unexpected Growth in the Air Force
10:42 Honest Communication is Key
14:59 Air Force Experiences and Inspiration
17:10 Ask Why, Challenge Norms
21:24 Humanizing Leadership for Respect
23:42 Lesson in Humility and Awareness
Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin
More Amazing Stories:
Episode 41: Lee Ellis â Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure
Episode 81: Kurt Warner â Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way
Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran â How to Turn Fear into Fuel
Quick Episode Summary:
Matt Lucio shares Air Force leadership lessons, motivation, and authenticity.
-
SEO Description:
Air Force Noncommissioned officer (NCO) Matt Lucio shares leadership lessons, motivation, and career insights with host Martin Foster on Passing The Torch. Inspiring stories await!
đ Torch Takeaways:
The Power of People: Itâs not just about the places you goâitâs about the amazing friends and mentors you find along the way. He credits the support of his supervisors (shoutout to Berta Meagher!) and peers whoâve made tough transitions smoother.
Ask âWhyâ and âWho Saysâ: Matt Lucio encourages all service members to never stop questioning and appropriately challenge the status quo. Itâs not about disrespect, but about understanding the purpose and intent behind orders and policies.
Just Care â Mattâs Billboard Message: Leadership boils down to giving a damn about what youâre doing and who youâre doing it with. Sounds simple, but itâs incredibly effective advice for anyone hoping to make a meaningful impact.
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Quote to open episode:
"Leadership is action, not position." - Donald McGannon
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Chapters:
00:00 The Magic of Helping Others
03:35 Unexpected Sale of Furniture
07:22 Unexpected Growth in the Air Force
10:42 Honest Communication is Key
14:59 Air Force Experiences and Inspiration
17:10 Ask Why, Challenge Norms
21:24 Humanizing Leadership for Respect
23:42 Lesson in Humility and Awareness
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Full Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch featuring Matt Lucio:
In this episode of "Passing The Torch," host Martin Foster sits down with guest Matt Lucio, a young and accomplished non-commissioned officer in the Air Force. The conversation centers on leadership, growth, and the impact of authentic connections within the military.
Matt Lucio shares his journey from growing up in a small town near San Diego to unexpectedly finding his calling in the Air Force. Originally joining as a practical path to fund college, he admits that he never intended to stay beyond his initial contract. However, the profound influence of mentors, meaningful friendships, and countless opportunities led him to embrace his career and personal growth.
A major theme throughout the discussion is the power of people and genuine leadership. Matt Lucio credits his motivation to those who invested in him, and he now finds fulfillment in guiding and helping othersâwhether or not his efforts are recognized. He recalls memorable acts of kindness from supervisors, particularly one who helped him during a stressful move, highlighting how small gestures can transform experiences.
The episode explores the importance of attitude, transparent leadership, and asking questions. Matt Lucio emphasizes that caring is at the heart of effective leadership and encourages the next generation to challenge the status quoâappropriately and constructivelyâby asking âwhyâ and âsays who.â Both speakers reflect on how leadership styles have evolved, with newer generations valuing authenticity and relatability over traditional, rigid forms of authority.
The conversation lightens up as Matt Lucio reveals his favorite hype song (Shania Twainâs âMan! I Feel Like a Womanâ), discusses which cartoon character he identifies with (Johnny Bravo), and imaginatively casts Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds in the movie of his life.
Wrapping up, Matt Lucio shares his hopes to continue gaining as much from the Air Force as he gives back, driven especially by the enthusiasm of new service members. His advice to future airmen: challenge, question, and always care.
Overall, this episode is an uplifting look at purpose-driven service and personal leadership, filled with humor, honesty, and actionable wisdom for anyone interested in growthâinside or outside the military.
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I appreciate all of you. â MF
