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

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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.

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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.  ****

NOTE: This episode was recorded on another podcast by same host. The new Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/passingthetorchwithmartinfoster/

Retired Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. Jumper, provides thoughts on mentorship and leadership. Mr. Jumper served in the military for 39 years and gained plenty of knowledge along the way. Like a true mentor, he shares that knowledge to carry on the Air Force Legacy. For more information, please see his bio:

 http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/Article/104697/general-john-p-jumper/

Topics include:

- Advancement of technology

- Leaders leveraging social media to their advantage

- Working twice as hard today to develop leadership skills

- SNCOs having face-to-face contact

- What his leadership approach would be in current Air Force

- People confusing mentorship with sponsorship

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.

Send us Fan Mail

Matthias Giraud is a Professional Skier and Base Jumper, 2 X World Record Holder, and the man known as Super Frenchie. 

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Quick Episode Summary:

Matthias Giraud discusses fear, passion, and mastering extreme mountain sports.

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SEO Description:

Explore extreme sports, fear, passion, and mindset with Matthias Giraud, pro skier and BASE jumper, on Passing the Torch. Insightful, inspiring conversation.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:

• The Power of Intentional Living
• Fear as Your Superpower
• Emotional Regulation & Mastery
• Lessons from the Alps
• Boring Habits Matter

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Chapters:

00:00 Super Frenchie: Extreme Fulfillment

06:09 Chamonix: Birthplace of Adventure

07:36 My Son Respects My Work

13:08 Rules Shape Life and Society

14:18 Outsider Turned Pro Skier

16:55 Skiing Passion and Perseverance

21:26 Fear as a Catalyst

29:34 Passion for Craft

32:18 Regimented Life and Goals

36:03 A Life-Changing Mentor

38:28 Dare to Maximize Life

41:59 Philosophy and Impactful Quotes

44:36 Alpine Ski Base Jump Series

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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.

Send us Fan Mail

Heath Trepanier- Resilience is making mistakes and coming back from them

In January of 2017, US Air Force Technical Sergeant Heath Trepanier (“Trep”) was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when a cantaloupe-sized tumor was found in his abdomen. He continues to exceed the doctors’ expectations and was recently able to travel to Hawaii for an Air Force Wounded Warrior event.

Trep has a very realistic, but optimistic outlook on his life.  His illness has provided him with a new perspective of life and taught him to be resilient. Rather than taking things for granted, he is now more intentional about leaning into his family, friends, and faith for the support he needs as he approaches each new challenge with the intention to learn from it and make the best of what is presented to him.

Recognizing that everyone has their own struggles, he encourages everyone listening to be the best they can be, lead by example, and follow through on the goals they set. Trep emphasizes the importance of being involved in a community and having friends to hold you accountable and encourage you to carry on.

Show Notes:

• Trep discusses overcoming challenges and what resilience means to him (3:33)
• Important skills that will help you face hardship (6:01)
• How the Air Force Wounded Warrior project has helped Trep (8:30)
• The benefits of lessons from his childhood in developing mental toughness (10:28)
• Trep’s words of encouragement to a teammate after their basketball game (13:00)
• What perseverance looks like when lived out (14:54)
• Other wounds that veterans deal with but society doesn’t understand (16:00)
• How Trep has turned trial into triumph (17:43)
• What Trep’s billboard would say (22:09)

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.

Send us Fan Mail

Mary Howe is a writer, nurse, and military veteran whose work explores identity, transition, faith, and personal growth. 

Drawing from a multigenerational military family legacy, she reflects on purpose, resilience, and the quiet work of becoming. 

Through her Substack, she shares thoughtful essays on wellness, optimism rooted in history, and the journey from external achievement to internal alignment.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Mary Howe explores self-worth, transition, legacy, and choosing growth.

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SEO Description:

Join "Passing The Torch" as Mary Howe and Martin Foster discuss military transition, identity, legacy, and choosing your path to growth and service.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:

• Navigating military-to-civilian transitions
• The power of internal leadership and self-compassion
• Growth during life’s “middle”
• How history gives us perspective for today
• Crafting your own path and legacy

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

05:01 Finding Self-Worth and Stability

09:28 Focus on Your Own Path

10:26 Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

15:48 Identity Beyond Legacy

19:09 Blending Creativity and Professionalism

20:12 Family Patterns and Personality

29:20 Choose Positivity, Embrace Growth

36:27 Grounded Self-Love Practices

42:02 Mark Wahlberg Walk Comparison

45:21 Billboard Message

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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.

Send us Fan Mail

Nick Lavery is a Special Forces Warrant Officer who returned to combat after losing his leg in a 2013 insider attack in Afghanistan. Refusing medical retirement, he became the first amputee in military history to complete multiple elite Special Forces qualification courses, including Combat Diver. A Silver Star recipient with three Purple Hearts, he speaks on resilience, leadership, and performing at the highest level after adversity.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Nick Lavery shares lessons on resilience, discipline, leadership, and failure.

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SEO Description:

Green Beret Nick Lavery talks resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity with host Martin Foster on Passing the Torch. 

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:

• How to use failure as an opportunity
• Why humility and empathy are superpowers
• The value of discipline in achieving your goals
• Stories of mentorship, leadership, and perseverance

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Chapters:

00:00 Resilience, Leadership, and Triumph

09:27 Humility as Human Superpower

12:16 Embracing Constant Change

16:35 Choosing Long-Term Over Short-Term

21:20 Embracing Failure to Grow

27:08 Investing in Humans Over Tech

30:06 Building Resilience Through Repetition

34:01 Actions Define Leadership and Influence

38:08 Jocko

41:19 Boston Skit, Worcester Connection

46:56 Evolving Value Beyond Physical Limits

50:02 Selfless Service and Tough Love

52:57 Planting Seeds of Inspiration

55:24 Nick's Billboard Message

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.

Send us Fan Mail

While serving on active duty, Charlynda Scales inherited her grandfather’s (a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran) 1956 barbecue sauce recipe.

She realized it;s true power wasn’t the ingredients, but the legacy behind it. Driven by gratitude, she now honors his sacrifice and celebrates the strength binding her family for generations.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Charlynda Scales shares resilience, entrepreneurship, and authentic leadership lessons learned.

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SEO Description:

Explore resilience, entrepreneurship, and authentic leadership with Charlynda Scales on Passing the Torch. Real stories, practical advice, and inspiration!

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:

• From Family Recipe to Entrepreneurial Success: Discover how a 1956 handwritten sauce recipe became a thriving business — complete with an Amish-made first batch and a surprise police encounter!
• Real Talk on Resilience: Charlynda shares why resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, but about recognizing that overcoming pain can lead to profound gratitude and growth.
• Bust Down the Box: “You are wonderfully and beautifully made in a perfect image.” Charlynda urges us to break free from suffocating boxes and live unapologetically as ourselves.
• Finding Your People: The value of like-hearted (not just like-minded) people shines through, with Charlynda giving shoutouts to the friends she’d call at 2am — and advice on choosing your own inner circle.
• Celebrating Unsung Heroes: Learn about the unsung story of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion and how Charlynda is preserving their legacy in Dayton through the 6888 Kitchen.
• Vulnerability & Rock Bottom: Why sometimes, the quiet after chaos reveals who we are, and how just showing up (even when it’s hard) can be a win for yourself and your community.

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

06:01 Family Legacy Through Barbecue Sauce

13:49 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

18:36 Be What You Seek

21:43 Finding Strength in Stillness

29:12 Respecting Privacy During Hard Times

34:35 Break Out of the Box

38:26 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

46:35 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing

50:24 Sweet Friendship and Genuine Respect

55:59 Teacher Inspires Ambitious Future

59:37 Navigating Single Motherhood Challenges

01:04:43 Leadership, Vision, and Application

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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.  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.

Send us Fan Mail

Passing The Torch is a leadership podcast from TORCH LEAP® featuring long-form conversations on leadership, identity, transition, resilience, and culture.

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Kellen Mond shares his journey from surviving the chaotic world of professional football to finding peace and passion in photography and art. Hear about his upcoming debut show, the lessons learned from high-pressure NFL environments, and how his unique lens helps him capture the beauty in imperfection and chaos.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Kellen Mond discusses NFL challenges, art, photography, and embracing chaos.

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SEO Description:

Former NFL quarterback Kellen Mond shares his journey from pro sports to art, exploring growth, mental health, and finding beauty in chaos on Passing The Torch.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:

• How photography helped Kellen Mond rediscover himself
• The transition from NFL quarterback to artist and photographer
• The impact of leadership and environment on personal growth
• Honest discussion about depression, expectations, and redefining success
• Fun, behind-the-scenes anecdotes about NFL teammates
• Kellen’s dream photography projects and his philosophy on capturing history

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Chapters:

00:00 Journey to Mastering Photography

06:07 Football Chaos vs. Photography Peace

10:04 Finding Balance: Hustle and Gratitude

12:40 Reflections on Missed Opportunities

20:20 Flexible Quarterback Coaching Philosophy

21:47 "The Insanity Behind Greatness"

27:21 Football: Not As It Seems

31:07 "Finding Beauty in Imperfection"

33:00 "Passion, Photography, and Life's Paths"

36:22 Snakes, Danger, and Urban Photography

40:30 "Mastering Complexity: NFL vs. Photography"

42:01 "Kirk Cousin's Unique Leadership Style"

46:58 Southern Spain Architecture Tour Plans

49:40 "Historic Moments to Photograph"

54:34 "Never As Bad Or Good"

56:04 "J Cole's Reverse Storytelling"

59:54 "From NFL to Artistry"

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Looking for someone to host your event, emcee, or conduct a live podcast, please email [email protected]

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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

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TORCH LEAP® is a registered trademark of TORCH LEAP®, LLC.

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.