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Vet Tix Chief Strategy Officer Steven Weintraub.

Steve's dedication to service began in 1987 when he enlisted as a Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps Reserves. Following his 1989 graduation from Arizona State University, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served as a Logistics Officer. His active-duty career took him across the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, including a deployment to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope aboard the USS Rushmore

Continuing his education, he earned an MBA in 2000. While in the Marine Corps Reserves, Steve answered the call to active-duty multiple times, completing two combat tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After over three decades of service, culminating in his retirement as a Colonel in 2019, Steve remains deeply committed to the veteran community.

Through his involvement with numerous organizations and initiatives in Arizona and nationally, he passionately works to connect transitioning service members and veterans with vital resources. This unwavering dedication was acknowledged with his inclusion in We Are The Mighty's MIGHTY 25 in 2021 and his induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

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Quick Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Steven Weintraub to explore how shared experiences, connection, and community can profoundly impact the lives of veterans and first responders. Through the story behind Vet Tix, Steven discusses the hidden challenges many veterans face after service, the importance of belonging, and why something as simple as attending an event can help restore purpose, identity, and hope.

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🔥 Torch Takeaways Include:

◼ Belonging is essential after service
Many veterans struggle not because they lack discipline or skill, but because they lose the sense of tribe and connection they once had in the military.

◼ Small experiences can have a massive impact
A concert, game, or family outing may seem simple, but shared experiences can improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and help veterans reconnect with life.

◼ Purpose doesn’t end with the uniform
Steven Weintraub shares how service can evolve into new forms of impact through community-building and helping others.

◼ Generosity creates ripple effects
Vet Tix demonstrates how one act of giving can positively affect veterans, families, donors, and entire communities.

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Podcast Chapters:

• 00:00 – Why Vet Tix exists
  Steven Weintraub explains how Vet Tix became more than “free tickets” and evolved into a mission centered on belonging, reconnection, and veteran wellbeing. 
• 06:30 – Losing identity after military service
  Discussion around the difficult transition from military life to civilian life, and how many veterans struggle with the loss of tribe, mission, and purpose.
• 14:20 – The hidden power of shared experiences
  Steven shares why concerts, sporting events, and family outings can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and positively impact mental health.
• 24:10 – How Vet Tix scaled to millions of veterans
  Breakdown of how Vet Tix grew into one of the largest veteran-focused nonprofits in the country, distributing tens of millions of tickets nationwide. 
• 34:45 – Why community prevents isolation
  Conversation about loneliness, reintegration, and why veterans need environments where they still feel seen and connected.
• 44:00 – Service after the uniform
  Steven reflects on how service does not end after military retirement — it simply changes form through mentorship, leadership, and helping others.

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Support the show

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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Kate McKinnon is the former Head of Human Resources at Playfly Sports, a leading sports media and marketing company. There, she led the People function through a fast-paced, high-growth phase - helping the company earn recognition as both a Most Loved Workplace and one of the Best Employers in Sports. 

Today, she leads her own consulting practice focused on empowering organizations by prioritizing their most valuable asset: people. Her work centers on:

• Leadership Development
• HR Strategy & Culture Building
• Personalized Career Coaching

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Quick Episode Summary:

Kate McKinnon shares Human Resource insights, Philly sports, and kindness stories.

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🔥 Torch Takeaways Include:

Kate shares hard-earned lessons on:

◼ Hilarious stories about being mistaken for the other Kate McKinnon

◼ Why exclamation points (and emojis!) matter in emails

◼ The myth that HR is just the “company police”

◼ Lessons from Philly sports, The Office’s Toby, and a memorable story of airline biscotti

◼ Her upcoming book, From Classroom to Career, for anyone navigating big career transitions

◼ Plus: Kate’s advice for young professionals, her take on evolving workplace culture post-pandemic, favorite Maya Angelou & Mr. Rogers quotes, and why we all need to give each other a little more grace.

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Podcast Chapters:

00:00 Experience with Playfly Sports

06:11 Email communication in organizations

08:21 Corporate culture misconceptions

11:16 Communicating career growth expectations

13:49 Post-pandemic workplace challenges

17:13 Flight attendant shares snacks

20:25 Discussing favorite quotes and insights

25:08 First impression of Connor Barwin

27:10 Iconic game and Eagles parade

29:42 Being a passionate Philly sports fan

36:05 Importance of giving grace and Billboard Message

Support the show

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.

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Lessons learned after over eight plus years of podcasting. 

Support the show

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.

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Andy Riise (Reece) is an Army Veteran, West Point graduate, and former Army football fullback with 20+ years leading Soldiers in combat, earning two Bronze Stars. 

A pioneer in military mental fitness, he helped launch resilience programs and later coached MLB and NFL teams, including the Chicago Bears. 

With advanced training in sport and performance psychology, he now works with leaders across business, healthcare, and athletics. 

He’s a bestselling co-author, adjunct professor, and founder of Design to Perform, known for blending behavioral science, leadership experience, and practical tools to help people perform under pressure.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Andy Riise discusses mental fitness, leadership, resilience, and personal growth.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways Include:

Andy shares hard-earned lessons on:

◼ Build on Character, Not Just Results: Your identity and values are the foundation for success, whether in athletics, the military, or any field. Stay anchored to your "why"—it fuels resilience during transitions and tough times.

◼ Work Smart, Not Just Hard: Grit is important, but so is self-awareness. There’s a time for perseverance and a time to pivot—balance ambition with well-being, and don’t be afraid to adjust course when it serves your bigger purpose.

◼ Commit to Service: The measure of a life is in its service to others. Whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or working with special needs students (shout-out to all the educators and military spouses), meaningful impact comes from showing up for people around you.

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Podcast Chapters:

00:00 Common connections

06:59 Figuring out next career steps

18:38 Finding clarity and growth

23:44 Building a culture of excellence

29:18 Understanding mental fitness components

34:03 Discussing Ryan Leaf's NFL career

40:53 Finding balance in perseverance

42:58 Learning from personal setbacks

48:55 Deciding on career sacrifices

54:59 Reflecting on personal growth

01:01:48 Recognizing an inspiring ambassador

01:06:09 Billboard Message and more

Support the show

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.

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George Hayworth is the Founder of Elite Sentinel Coaching where he “forges leaders and builds legacies”.

He also leverages his expertise in leadership through over a decade of military experience, corporate experience and skills like emotional intelligence and conflict resolution developed through over a decade of therapy and healing.

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Quick Episode Summary:

George Hayworth explores legacy, leadership, emotional regulation, and personal growth.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways Include:

George shares hard-earned lessons on:

◼ Emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing feelings—it’s about facing them and choosing your response. The most respected leaders anchor their teams with calm, not just strength. Growth starts on the inside.

◼ Legacy isn’t trophies or titles. It’s what you build into others—your kids, your friends, your teams. Focus less on reputation, more on what you leave in people’s hearts. That’s impact.

◼ Most of us are running from the past. True growth begins when you own your story—childhood wounds and all—rather than letting it own you. Be the one who breaks the cycle.

◼ Humility is strength. It’s not thinking less of yourself, but seeking wisdom from others and stepping back to listen. Healthy leaders ask for input, not approval, to build something greater than themselves.

◼ Want to improve life? Start each day with gratitude. Even on the toughest days, thankfulness shifts your mindset from defense to offense and prepares you for real, lasting change.

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Podcast Chapters:

00:00 Deepening faith and personal peace

05:28 Starting the day with gratitude

11:15 Early adulthood challenges and realizations

20:12 Managing anger and personal growth

23:12 Focusing on emotional regulation

26:44 Getting over self-doubt

35:07 Working through marriage challenges

36:53 Importance of strong family foundations

43:00 Reflecting 

51:18 Balancing leadership with family life

57:06 Billboard Message

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Closing Thoughts:

If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who carries responsibility for others.

Because leadership isn’t just what you say, it’s what you carry.

Support the show

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.

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Scott Huesing is a retired Marine Infantry Major, combat leader, and bestselling author of Echo in Ramadi. 

A seasoned speaker and media contributor, he shares hard-earned insights on leadership, human connection, and overcoming adversity forged through 24 years of service and global combat deployments.

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Quick Episode Summary:

In this episode of Passing The Torch, I sit down with Scott Huesing, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer who led Marines through some of the most demanding environments imaginable.

But this conversation isn’t just about leadership in extreme conditions.

It’s about responsibility and the weight that leaders carry long after the moment has passed.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways Include:

Scott shares hard-earned lessons on:

◼ What it truly means to be responsible for others 

◼ The invisible burden leaders carry 

◼ How moments of pressure reveal who you really are 

◼ The bond of brotherhood and why it never leaves you 

◼ The decisions that stay with you for life

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Podcast Chapters:

00:00 Helping writers share their stories

09:59 The importance of reading today

16:08 Reading a Marine Corps story

18:41 Processing trauma and building resilience

22:19 The value of podcast appearances

29:03 Sharing stories of loss

34:47 Preserving digital legacies

40:14 Finding your value and identity

49:33 Reflecting on deployment training

50:58 Childhood love for baseball

57:43 Star Trek vs. Star Wars

01:05:31 Talking life in the dugout

01:08:56 Watching Tracy's documentary

01:13:55 Reflecting on a past connection

01:23:06 The value of connections

01:24:17 Closing words and gratitude

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Closing Thoughts:

If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who carries responsibility for others.

Because leadership isn’t just what you say, it’s what you carry.

Support the show

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.

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****DISCLAIMER**** The views and comments made by host and guest do not represent the views nor are they in association with the United States military.****

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force-Attitude Reflects Leadership

Chief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force (CMSAF), Kaleth Wright, is the 18th and current CMSAF. Though Chief Wright’s judgment in football teams may be unfortunate, the loyalty he shows to the Dallas Cowboys echoes his commitment to the Airmen under his command and his desire to see them thrive.

Chief Wright would be the first to tell you that behind his successful career, stand a series of failures that propelled him to persevere, develop the compassion, and sincerity that allow him to represent the highest enlisted level of leadership in the US Air Force today.

CMSAF Wright has not forgotten where he came from.  As a result, CMSAF Wright has applied the mentorship he received along the way by utilizing emotional intelligence and wisdom to lead. He aims to develop relationships with the Airmen under his authority by taking an interest in their lives.  This ACTION STYLE of leadership is only possible when a leader is willing to have a positive influence and talk with those under their guidance.

Chief Wright naturally sees the good in people and has repeatedly seen the mutual benefit in investing in them to help them achieve their goals. The leader sets the tone for his people, and as the classic movie “Remember the Titans” so wisely put it: Attitude reflects leadership.

Chief Wright is a lifelong learner and is committed to deliberate personal development in a number of ways.  Examples include reading a couple of books a week and listening to podcasts during his work commute. His current top three book recommendations are: (1) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, (2) “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway, and (3) “As A Man Thinketh” by James Allen.

Show Notes:

• Thoughts on “Enlisted Jesus” Moniker (03:30)
• Using social media as vehicle for transparency (04:30)
• Advice to leaders wanting to leverage social media to connect
• How to build an effective relationship with someone who wants to be isolated (05:40)
• What leaders can do to stay in touch with ground truth (07:15)
• Positive attitude and influence
• Best conversations leaders can have to unleash the potential in their people (10:50)
• Person that inspired Chief Wright and ignited his charge (15:20)
• Unusual successful habits Chief Wright has
• Book recommendations (17:40)
• Personal philosophy and Failing forward (20:30)
• How past failure helped him in the future (21:44)

Support the show

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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April is the Month of the Military Child.

According to Defense.gov, Military families move every two to three years on average, and military children change schools an average of six to nine times from the start of kindergarten to their high school graduation. This year an estimated 30 percent of military service members will move to a new installation.

Each year   , April is set aside as a military child appreciation month, officially known as the Month of the Military Child. With its creation in the mid-1980s, the Pentagon and other military support organizations and agencies use the month to recognize military kids for their sacrifice and bravery on the Homefront.

There are over 1.6 million military children serving alongside our nation’s service members.

The term "military brat" is a badge of pride worn by generations of kids who traveled the world with their parents, moving into adulthood with the knowledge that they have the strength to handle anything. Military children deal with separations, deployments, frequent moves and even their parents' injuries as part of the life they were born into or entered with their families.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Military child shares experiences, challenges, joys, and lessons from transitions.

Show Notes:

• Something cool and different about military kids
• Military Kids that have become lifelong friends
• Something unique she learned due to being a military kid
• What people can do to best support military kids
• The purpose of the purple regarding Month of the Military Child 
• If a movie were made about her life, what would the movie be about and who would star

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Chapters:

00:00 Recognizing military children

04:21 Growing up in a military family

07:42 Adjusting to being home together

10:24 Reflecting on life after retirement

15:42 Challenges of being a military child

18:00 Advice for military kids

20:55 Reflecting on retirement ceremonies

25:39 Reflecting on memories and growth

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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

Support the show

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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Benjamin Hardy is Medium.com’s number one writer, a PhD candidate at Clemson University and the author of Willpower Doesn’t Work: Discover the Hidden Keys to Success. In his book, Benjamin addresses the concept willpower is nothing more than a dangerous fad that is bound to lead to failure. He focuses on self-improvement, motivation and entrepreneurship. Benjamin has been featured on Forbes, Huffington Post and Business Insider, just to name a few.

In this podcast Benjamin discusses the importance of failure, how people are impacted by their surroundings and environment, determining factors of success and why willpower doesn’t work.

Show Notes:

• Benefits of failure (1:52)
• Failures that set you up for success (3:00)
• There’s a difference between having a large email list and having a loyal following (3:35)
• How people can surround themselves with people and things that help them reach their goals (4:33)
• The power of subconscious behavior (6:00)
• How people are reactively becoming the product of a destructive environment (7:05)
• Creating an environment that facilitates your goals and aligns with the person you want to become (7:20)
• Why willpower isn’t a good way to solve problems (8:00)
• Determining factors in who you are, who you become and the decisions you make (9:01)
• Changes people can make to invest in themselves and upgrade their environment (11:40)
• The difference between entrepreneurs and “wanna be” entrepreneurs (14:48)
• Trends of unsuccessful leaders (18:40)
• Becoming a mentor, motivator and source of inspiration (25:28)
• Thinking at scale (27:40)
• Being changed by your experiences (29:00)
• What Benjamin would put on a billboard (29:45)

Links:

Connect with the Passing the Torch podcast:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torchfoster

IG: https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin/

Website: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/

Connect with Ben Hardy:

Benjaminhardy.com

Quotes:

You get in life what you are willing to tolerate. If people treat you poorly, it’s because you tolerate that.

Once you start investing money in yourself, you start creating your subconscious beliefs about what you can have.

There’s no way you can will your way out of something.

Leadership in general is not something you can rush through.

Support the show

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

------------

© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Jason J. Galui is the former Director for Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute and the Director, Center for Civic Participation, Endicott College. 

Throughout a unique military career, Galui led soldiers in combat, taught economics to West Point cadets, advised senior military leaders in the Pentagon, and served in both the Obama and Trump White Houses. As Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council and Chief of Staff to the National Security Advisor, Galui served as a key point of national security continuity during the 2017 Presidential Transition.   

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Quick Episode Summary:

Leadership, transition, overcoming fear, civic duty, and making service matter.

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SEO Description:

Army veteran Jason Galui discusses leadership, service, and civic duty on Passing The Torch, sharing insights from his military and public service career.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways Include:

• Why family, consistency, and community are the foundation of a good life and great leadership
• Reflections on working with four U.S. presidents and lessons learned from General Martin Dempsey
• The dangers of "fictional fear" (and how to overcome it by engaging your community)
• The social contract America has with its veterans — and what we owe those who serve
• Why hope is stronger than fear in times of uncertainty
• The importance of principle-based decision making under pressure

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Chapters:

00:00 Talking before the podcast starts

05:14 Importance of strong core values

07:38 Introducing Jason Galui's military career

10:03 Life feels great right now

13:14 Talking about fictional fear

17:33 Harnessing fear and managing emotions

21:24 Guesting the Strategist podcast

28:04 What Lincoln might say today

36:13 What makes a true leader

39:34 Consistency in leadership

41:25 Discussing obligations to U.S. veterans

45:33 Adams and Jefferson's reconciliation

48:08 Overcoming fear and engaging others

51:54 Reflecting on military service

54:28 General Dempsey's "Make It Matter" story

58:22 Hosting live podcast events

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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

Support the show

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

------------

© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.