10,000 Swamp Leaders

10,000 Swamp Leaders is a podcast that wades into muddy Swamp in search of people who have built social impact movements.The world needs 10,000 more people in the next five years who are willing to lead on issues like climate change, income inequality, peace building, and gender equality. If you are one of these people, you have found a home. Rick Torseth and his guests will unpack lessons learned, why small wins matter more than breakthroughs and how failure is our wisest teacher. We continue to confuse leading with authority. Leading is not a role or a position. It begins when you raise your hand and intervene in a heated environment that matters to you. Our conversations will dig into what is at stake when the heat is high and the only way forward is wadding into swampy conditions. These are human stories that don’t always have hero endings. We want to understand how these leaders’ lives are turning out differently because they chose to lead. What are the rewards for all this exposure and risk? Each episode will be a little different, as each guest will be different. Hit subscribe so you can prepare to lead.

Podcasting since 2022 • 86 episodes

10,000 Swamp Leaders

Latest Episodes

085_Tracy Roberts: Art of Stroke

Tracy Roberts visits the Swamp and shares her story of building her graphic design business. There are lessons here for all of us about the work required to build a successful business. But this is just the beginning of her story. What came nex...

April 22, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 95 • 33:19

084_Dave Cooper: The Map That Wasn't

Dave Cooper returns to the Swamp to explore his Substack post “The Map That Wasn’t.” Dave's post caught my attention because he explores the real challenges the United States government faces as a result of going to war with Iran. Dave...

March 28, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 84 • 43:39

083_ Janet Hawkes: Mastering Culture Change Inside UK Government

Janet Hawkes comes to the Swamp to share her insights and experiences from leading for 18 years inside Kent County Council in the United Kingdom. Leading inside Kent taught Jan the art and craft of navigating a political culture while providing...

January 23, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 83 • 44:01

082_Mau Espinosa: Let It Happen

Mau Espinosa joins me in the swamp to discuss his point of view on leadership and how he helps others through his “LET” approach to leadership development. Mau has travelled a challenging road to arrive at this moment. He is candid about his...

December 04, 2025 • 44:33

Episode 081_Ryan van der Marel: Change Happens One Conversation at a Time

Ryan van der Marel comes to the swamp and brings his wisdom and experience facilitating group conversations for deeper understanding and shared meaning. He shares how he coaches, nudges and holds the space so that groups and teams get to the he...

October 30, 2025 • Season 3 • Episode 81 • 43:38

See All Episodes