Passing The Torch
Passing The Torch is a podcast that explores the inspiring stories and insights from people across all walks of life. It's main focus is on leadership, inspiration, mentoring, resilience and willpower. This aim empowers listeners to take control of their lives and pass on their knowledge, wisdom and experience to others. The podcast covers topics such as how to be a successful leader, how to stay motivated when times are tough, how to mentor and be mentored, and how to cultivate resilience and willpower. It also features guests from different backgrounds and experiences, who share their stories, insights and advice. Past guests have included family, friends, mentors, mentees, best selling authors, top writers, entrepreneurs, celebrities, tv personalities, top ranking military officials, titans of industry, and people with an amazing story to tell. With Passing The Torch, listeners can gain a better understanding of how to lead, inspire and empower themselves and others.
Passing The Torch
Ep. 19: Simple Guiding Truth on a Historic Path
Summary: On this episode of Passing the Torch, Host Martin Foster introduces someone who understands deeply that we ignore history at our peril - Matt Ziemann, which is why the conversation in this episode of Passing the Torch is so robust. A love of history cultivated early in his life has been a guiding light throughout a remarkable career. The discussion touches on the many ways in which history gives context and how understanding decision-making from an experiential point of view can completely change the way we judge others. Enjoy this fun conversation, which includes everything from interesting fun facts about the Battle of Britain to what combo of historical figures would make for the best dinner party. You’ll also find out what popular adventure character (Hint: Indy, for short) might make the best model on which to base Matt’s life story!
Key Takeaways:
- The big picture: Belief that history is important to good leadership and decision-making
- Person in history who was inspiring
- Sharing a simple, guiding truth: We can choose to learn from our own mistakes or learn from what others can teach us through experiences they’ve already had.
- History provides a template for the many ways in which human decision-making and motivation intersect.
- A project interviewing legendary pilots as a kid gave Matt a window into the humanity and tactical brilliance behind the airmen he idolized.
- Realizing that everyone has a story set Matt on the path uncovering the real story behind notable aviation figures, starting with Robin Olds, a Vietnam era “triple ace” fighter pilot who agreed to be interviewed as did many others.
- Thoughts about two historical figures whose critical decisions were made based on a depth of knowledge about mistakes made in the past: Dwight D. Eisenhower and Robin Olds. Both were committed historians with a tremendous grasp of military campaigns through the ages.
- If Matt could time travel back to witness any moment in all of history he would be most interested to witness the crucifixion of Jesus; in terms of air power history, he would most like to revisit the Battle of Britain.
- Significance of the Battle of Britain and how it’s relevant to modern air campaigns.
- Three dinner guests from all of history:
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- Jesus Christ
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Robin Olds
- A deeper dive into exactly why learning about past failures is so important to progressing with wisdom through current events.
- Hindsight is 20/20 so you can’t judge people for making choices based on their limited experience and in
Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin
More Amazing Stories:
Episode 28: Purple Heart Recipient CMSgt Ben Seekell – Your Capacity is Limitless
Episode 31: Todd Henry – Choose To Be Brave
Episode 35: Brook Cupps – Shaping Leaders On and Off The Court
Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure