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
#113 - Austen Alexander: Engineering Confidence After the Uniform Comes Off
Meet Austen Alexander, a Navy veteran turned entrepreneur and fitness influencer.
In this episode, we discuss Austen's unique approach to fitness, his journey to YouTube success, and the importance of gratitude and self-belief.
Austen shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of authenticity in content creation, and his commitment to inspiring the next generation.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Austen Alexander shares wisdom on confidence, fitness, entrepreneurship.
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SEO Description:
Navy Veteran Austen Alexander talks fitness, entrepreneurship, and overcoming self-doubt.
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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:
- YouTube journey
- Lessons learned from military life and overcoming fear
- Story behind the unique spelling of “Austen”
- Life-changing perspective shifts and personal development moments
- Building Battle Bunker, leading Hybricon Games, and scaling businesses
- Impact of raw, authentic content
- Advice for anyone struggling with self-doubt or anxious
- Shoutouts to influential leaders and friends from his military journey
- Lighter moments, fun stories, and rapid-fire questions
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:30 Why life is great right now
6:45 Spelling Austen with an “E” and what Google says about it
8:37 What inspired Austen to mentor high school students
10:25 Message to 14-year old self and for people who do not value themselves
12:25 Self-imposed limits during Navy Career and YouTube Journey
14:28 Go-To mindset when experiencing self-doubt and pivotal life moment
18:48 On his content having INVISIBLE POSITIVE IMPACT
21:16 Reflections on his first trip home to Alabama after leaving the Navy
23:49 Striking balance between authenticity and creating engaging content
26:14 Advice to people afraid of being their authentic selves
28:45 Excitement about upcoming 2026 projects
31:26 Movie Image depicting leadership that comes to mind
33:09 Navy Leader that had the most impact on Austen
35:41 Which Veteran Austen would team up with on The Amazing Race
37:08 Name Game and Admiral Acorn
43:05 Billboard
44:15 Wisdom for future guests
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Episode Sponsor:
Are you retiring or separating from the military soon? Looking for an alternative to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)? Reach out to Dan Guzman Life Solutions, Dan is a 27-year United States Air Force veteran and retired Command Chief.
If you want coverage that makes sense, reach out today at danguzmanlifesolutions.com
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
Meet Austen Alexander, a Navy veteran turned entrepreneur and fitness influencer.
In this episode, we discuss Austen's unique approach to fitness, his journey to YouTube success, and the importance of gratitude and self-belief.
Austen shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of authenticity in content creation, and his commitment to inspiring the next generation.
-
Quick Episode Summary:
Austen Alexander shares wisdom on confidence, fitness, entrepreneurship.
-
SEO Description:
Navy Veteran Austen Alexander talks fitness, entrepreneurship, and overcoming self-doubt.
-
🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:
- YouTube journey
- Lessons learned from military life and overcoming fear
- Story behind the unique spelling of “Austen”
- Life-changing perspective shifts and personal development moments
- Building Battle Bunker, leading Hybricon Games, and scaling businesses
- Impact of raw, authentic content
- Advice for anyone struggling with self-doubt or anxious
- Shoutouts to influential leaders and friends from his military journey
- Lighter moments, fun stories, and rapid-fire questions
-
Austen's Resources:
➡︎ Website: https://www.austenalexander.com/
➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austen-alexander-798443169/
➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austen_alex/?hl=en
➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AustenAlexander
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Episode Mentions:
After Action Podcast
Zachary Bell
Military Influencer Conference
Scott MacGregor
Alex Hormozi
Nate Connor
Brandon Arnold
Michael Eckert
Kagan Dunlap
Kenneth Murphy
Toad from X-Men
Cody Garrett Donut Operator
His 8th grade teacher Ms. Lancaster
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Quotes to open episode and throughout:
“Never make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings.”
- Austen Alexander on the After Action Podcast
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” - Kurt Vonnegut
“Everyday above ground is a great day.” - Austen’s Dad
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:30 Why life is great right now
6:45 Spelling Austen with an “E” and what Google says about it
8:37 What inspired Austen to mentor high school students
10:25 Message to 14-year old self and for people who do not value themselves
12:25 Self-imposed limits during Navy Career and YouTube Journey
14:28 Go-To mindset when experiencing self-doubt and pivotal life moment
18:48 On his content having INVISIBLE POSITIVE IMPACT
21:16 Reflections on his first trip home to Alabama after leaving the Navy
23:49 Striking balance between authenticity and creating engaging content
26:14 Advice to people afraid of being their authentic selves
28:45 Excitement about upcoming 2026 projects
31:26 Movie Image depicting leadership that comes to mind
33:09 Navy Leader that had the most impact on Austen
35:41 Which Veteran Austen would team up with on The Amazing Race
37:08 Name Game and Admiral Acorn
43:05 Billboard
44:15 Wisdom for future guests
-
Episode Sponsor:
Are you retiring or separating from the military soon? Looking for an alternative to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)? Reach out to Dan Guzman Life Solutions, Dan is a 27-year United States Air Force veteran and retired Command Chief.
If you want coverage that makes sense, reach out today at danguzmanlifesolutions.com
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Full Summary
On this episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster welcomes Austen Alexander, a Navy veteran turned entrepreneur known for his passion for fitness, content creation, and helping others push their limits. Austen Alexander shares his journey from Alabama to the Navy, his transition to civilian life, and how he built a personal brand around fitness and authenticity.
The conversation covers several key themes:
- Gratitude & Perspective: Austen Alexander reflects on the importance of being thankful for everyday experiences, echoing his father’s advice that “every day above ground is a great day.”
- Military Transition: He discusses separating from the Navy, the unique challenges of moving on, and how returning home marked a meaningful chapter in his life.
- Content Creation Journey: Austen Alexander recounts how he started making YouTube videos in 2017–2018, initially hesitant until encouraged by a loved one. He shares insights into how his content evolved with platform algorithms and audience feedback, stressing the need for adaptation and authenticity.
- Overcoming Self-Doubt: The episode delves into Austen Alexander’s struggle with self-worth and limiting beliefs, especially as a young person. He shares actionable advice: don’t let self-conscious thoughts cap your potential—what others think is beyond your control.
- Leadership & Community: Both speakers compare leadership in movies and real life, highlighting the impact of genuine leaders in the military and the importance of empathy and connection within the veteran community.
- Personal & Professional Growth: Austen Alexander talks about building multiple businesses and revenue streams but emphasizes the value of focus and honing existing projects.
The episode balances humor, story, and wisdom, with fun segments like a “name game” and pop culture references. Throughout, Martin Foster and Austen Alexander encourage listeners to take risks, embrace opportunities, and remember the significance of small moments.
Takeaways:
- Life is too short for self-imposed limits—embrace opportunities and pursue what matters to you.
- Authenticity and transparency in content (and life) build lasting impact.
- Leadership is about believing in and supporting others, not just achieving goals.
- Focus on what you do well, and don’t be afraid to let go of distractions.
- Your “why” matters—find it and use it to fuel your journey.
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Overall, this episode is an uplifting conversation about overcoming doubt, living intentionally, and inspiring others—on and off camera.
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I appreciate all of you. - MF
