Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® podcast featuring long-form conversations with leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers focused on growth, identity, and transition.
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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.
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© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.
Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Ep. 138: Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards Gala
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The Military Veteran Awards event celebrates the incredible veterans, service members, storytellers, creators, and entertainment leaders changing how military stories are told.
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Quick Episode Summary:
I conducted nine interviews on the red carpet. This video is a combination of all videos.
The episode is a vibrant celebration of the intersection between military service and entertainment, showcasing personal stories of resilience, creativity, and mutual respect. It highlights not just achievements but also the ongoing efforts to amplify veteran voices and foster authenticity, impact, and community within, and beyond, the entertainment industry.
đź“– Chapters đź“–
01:35 Ryan Curtis
06:24 Richard Chaves
12:12 Nate Boyer
15:34 Gina Elise
19:12 D.B. Sweeney
21:11 Davina Wong
23:27 David B. Meadows
32:15 Cynthia Garcia
34:50 Coffey Anderson
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Mentioned in the episode:
David B. Meadows
Ryan Curtis
Hollywood Grit
Davina Wong
Cynthia Garcia
Gina Elise Pin-Ups for Vets
Nate Boyer @MergingVetsandPlayers
Richard Chaves
D.B. Sweeney
Coffey Anderson
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Keywords: Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards, red carpet interviews, veteran community, Hollywood Grit, Emmy nomination, authenticity, storytelling, veteran filmmakers, identity, social media, impact on veterans, Pinups for Vets, female veterans, Air Force, Navy SEAL, Green Beret, service recognition, support for veterans, Memorials, Global War on Terrorism Memorial, acting career, theater technique, resilience, country music, family military history, community support, military service, entertainment industry, Hollywood labels, veteran actors, interest media
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
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© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.
Passing The Torch: MV Awards — Podcast Summary
Overview
This episode of Passing The Torch features red carpet interviews from the second annual Military and Veteran Entertainment (MV) Awards, held on May 23. Host Martin Foster conducts a series of energetic conversations with veterans, actors, and advocates, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at an event that honors the creative work and impact of the military and veteran community within the entertainment industry.
Key Highlights
Red Carpet Interviews
- Martin Foster interviews nine notable attendees, including:
- Richard Chaves (Poncho from “Predator” & Vietnam combat veteran)
- David B. Meadows (Navy SEAL & actor)
- Ryan Curtis (Army veteran & filmmaker)
- Gina Elise (founder of Pinups for Vets)
- D.B. Sweeney (actor)
- Coffey Anderson (country music star)
- Nate Boyer (Green Beret, actor & football player)
- Davina Wong (Air Force veteran & event co-host)
- Staff Sergeant Garcia (Marine Corps)
Themes & Insights
- Celebrating Veteran Voices: The MV Awards serve as a powerful platform for recognizing veterans in creative fields, emphasizing their depth beyond military stories and their contributions to storytelling, acting, directing, and editing 16:03.
- Grit & Authenticity: Multiple guests—including Ryan—stress that “grit” means perseverance, rising from setbacks, and bringing soul and honesty to their work in both the military and Hollywood 02:46, 25:13.
- Identity Beyond Labels: Veterans discuss the challenge of not being defined solely by their military experience. Ryan hopes to see Hollywood expand its understanding of veteran stories beyond just “PTSD and sad stories,” underlining that veterans are “full humans” capable of telling diverse stories 03:45.
- Community and Support: The veteran community’s strength, camaraderie, and willingness to support each other both in and beyond uniform are celebrated throughout the event 02:22, 13:03.
- Impact Through Creativity: Gina Elise discusses the unexpected reach and growth of Pinups for Vets, reflecting on how creativity and shared experience can brighten the lives of veterans in need 16:37.
- Authenticity in Life and Art: Both military and Hollywood careers are said to demand authenticity. Being true to oneself—rather than playing to external expectations—is emphasized as the foundation of respect, especially in the face of industry “labels” 03:34, 25:58.
Memorable Moments
- Warm, playful exchanges about celebrity lookalikes and first impressions on the red carpet 05:10.
- Richard Chaves shares a humorous and touching anecdote about “Predator” castmate Kevin Peter Hall’s trivia prowess 07:58.
- Country artist Coffey Anderson remarks on how country music “tells the truth”—whether about joy, hardship, or family—and its enduring connection to military audiences 34:58.
Conclusion
The episode is a vibrant celebration of the intersection between military service and entertainment, showcasing personal stories of resilience, creativity, and mutual respect. It highlights not just achievements but also the ongoing efforts to amplify veteran voices and foster authenticity, impact, and community within—and beyond—the entertainment industry.
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Produced by TORCH LEAP®, LLC, a leadership and education company providing group coaching, virtual personal coaching, in-person learning forums, and educational media in the fields of leadership, personal growth, organizational growth, culture, resilience, and podcasting.
Passing The Torch is a TORCH LEAP® podcast.
© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC.
