Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
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.
Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
#96 - Resilience, Risk, and Making Movies: How Ryan Curtis Is Changing the Veteran Narrative
Ryan, a Massachusetts native and oldest of seven, found escape in sports and filmmaking.
He earned a basketball scholarship to Fitchburg State University, studying Broadcast Journalism and Theater. Shortly after joining the U.S. Army in 2001, 9/11 changed the world—and his path.
Serving eight years with two deployments, Ryan credits the military for shaping his leadership and creative drive. Post-service, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue directing, creating content for brands like Nike, Audi, Under Armour, ABC, and Oprah.
He has Executive Produced and Directed veteran-focused series for go90 and has a Lionsgate feature film in the works. A frequent guest on major media platforms, Ryan also champions veterans in entertainment through the nonprofit Veterans in Media and Entertainment, aiming to shift the narrative from trauma to talent, leadership, and success.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Ryan Curtis discusses filmmaking, veteran advocacy, resilience, and creative journeys.
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SEO Description:
Army veteran and director Ryan Curtis shares his journey from service to filmmaking, discussing creativity, failure, and his film "Hollywood Grit."
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🌟 Torch Takeaways:
- Ryan Curtis credits both his upbringing and Army service for his resilience and creative drive.
- His film “Hollywood Grit” is a love letter to both classic noir and ‘90s action films, examining the price of ambition in Hollywood.
- Ryan is passionate about changing the narrative around veterans and helping them succeed in film and TV.
- He encourages creators to embrace failure, pursue mentorship, and do the things that truly light them up.
- The episode is equal parts motivational, insightful, and entertaining—a great listen for creatives, veterans, and anyone navigating change or pursuing bold dreams.
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Chapters:
00:00 Reflecting on Life's Journey
07:20 80s-90s Action Comedy Inspiration
10:34 "The Cost of Fame"
13:06 Tonally Bold Cinematic Experimentation
16:56 Creative Struggles and Triumph
24:08 Cinema: A Gateway to Escapism
28:10 Embracing Creativity Without Fear
31:58 "Reflecting on Life and Legacy"
34:12 Living Now, Not After Retirement
36:06 Struggling with Genre Constraints
40:35 Setting Podcast Intentions
42:46 Dream TV and Film Roles
48:34 Dreaming of a Sinatra Biopic
51:33 Embrace Creativity, Overcome Fear
55:17 Billboard message, Pursue Passions, Share Insights
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
Ryan grew up outside of Boston of Massachusetts in the small towns of Clinton and Lancaster. The oldest of seven children in a split family, Ryan turned to sports to escape the neighborhood and made short films with his friends as a hobby.
Attending Fitchburg State University (UMASS) on a basketball scholarship, Ryan studied Broadcast Journalism and Theater. On August 29, 2001, Ryan joined the US ARMY. Twelve days later, planes flew into the Pentagon and Twin Towers. Serving eight years with two deployments, Ryan attributes his creative passion and leadership to his time and valuable training in the military.
Following his service, Ryan chased his dreams of storytelling to Los Angeles to become a director. Since his plunge into the industry, Ryan has directed original content and spots for clients such as NIKE, Evan Williams, Audi, Under Armour, Stephen Curry, ABC and long time client Oprah.
Ryan has Executive Produced and Directed two Veteran oriented series for The go90 network and continues to direct commercials and TV. He currently has a feature film slated to shoot this fall with Lionsgate, and has appeared on THE VIEW, GOOD MORNING AMERICA and multiple NPR programs because of his work.
Working closely with the non-profit, Veterans in Media and Entertainment; Ryan works to transition Veterans from their military service to the entertainment industry. By flipping the Veteran narrative of PTSD and negativity on its head, Ryan makes a point of emphasis to advocate Veteran successes, positivity and grooming tomorrow’s leaders and tastemakers.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Ryan Curtis discusses filmmaking, veteran advocacy, resilience, and creative journeys.
-
SEO Description:
Army veteran and director Ryan Curtis shares his journey from service to filmmaking, discussing creativity, failure, and his film "Hollywood Grit."
-
🌟 Torch Takeaways:
- Ryan Curtis credits both his upbringing and Army service for his resilience and creative drive.
- His film “Hollywood Grit” is a love letter to both classic noir and ‘90s action films, examining the price of ambition in Hollywood.
- Ryan is passionate about changing the narrative around veterans and helping them succeed in film and TV.
- He encourages creators to embrace failure, pursue mentorship, and do the things that truly light them up.
- The episode is equal parts motivational, insightful, and entertaining—a great listen for creatives, veterans, and anyone navigating change or pursuing bold dreams.
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Ryan's Resources:
➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-curtis-2431858a/
➡︎ Website: https://www.ryancurtis.us/
➡︎ Deployed Media: https://www.deployed.media/
➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan32curtis/?hl=en
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Episode Mentions:
Carey Kight
Rudy Reyes (Face Your Dragon)
Max Martini
Tyrese Gibson
Kristina Denton
Jay Visit
Pete Collier
Nick Gomez
Quentin Tarantino
Tony Scott
Jon Hamm
Hugh Jackman
Justin Timberlake
Steph Curry
Oprah Winfrey
Ted Lasso
John Krasinski
JJ Redick
Justin Folger
Bryan Eliacin
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Quote to open episode:
"The reality of your career is overcoming adversity…and the only way to do that is to fail.” - Tom Brady
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Chapters:
00:00 Reflecting on Life's Journey
07:20 80s-90s Action Comedy Inspiration
10:34 "The Cost of Fame"
13:06 Tonally Bold Cinematic Experimentation
16:56 Creative Struggles and Triumph
24:08 Cinema: A Gateway to Escapism
28:10 Embracing Creativity Without Fear
31:58 "Reflecting on Life and Legacy"
34:12 Living Now, Not After Retirement
36:06 Struggling with Genre Constraints
40:35 Setting Podcast Intentions
42:46 Dream TV and Film Roles
48:34 Dreaming of a Sinatra Biopic
51:33 Embrace Creativity, Overcome Fear
55:17 Billboard message, Pursue Passions, Share Insights
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Full Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch featuring Ryan Curtis:
In this insightful episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Army veteran, director, and creative leader Ryan Curtis to discuss his journey from a small-town upbringing in Massachusetts to a thriving career in filmmaking and advocacy for veterans in the entertainment industry. Ryan shares how his military service profoundly shaped his work ethic, creativity, and leadership skills. He opens up about using filmmaking as a form of escapism as a child and how that passion blossomed into a career.
A major focus of the conversation is Ryan’s recent projects, including a high-profile marketing campaign for the Department of Veterans Affairs aimed at presenting veterans in a more positive light, and the release of his debut feature film, “Hollywood Grit.” He describes the inspiration, challenges, and creative risks behind the movie—a neo-noir action thriller exploring themes like ambition, the pursuit of dreams, and the costs of fame in L.A.’s entertainment industry. Ryan explains how the film blends classic noir influences with the action comedies of the ‘80s and ‘90s and highlights the importance of humor, even in stories rooted in struggle.
Martin and Ryan also discuss the realities of “failing forward”—how taking risks and public failures are crucial for artistic growth and personal fulfillment. Ryan emphasizes the value of mentorship, the importance of pursuing passion projects regardless of fear, and staying true to one’s creative identity, especially as life evolves.
The episode wraps with some lighter, rapid-fire questions delving into Ryan’s favorite films, influences, fun experiences working with celebrities like Steph Curry and Oprah, and personal reflections on the significance of friendship, teamwork, and supporting fellow creatives.
Key Takeaways:
- Ryan Curtis credits both his upbringing and Army service for his resilience and creative drive.
- His film “Hollywood Grit” is a love letter to both classic noir and ‘90s action films, examining the price of ambition in Hollywood.
- Ryan is passionate about changing the narrative around veterans and helping them succeed in film and TV.
- He encourages creators to embrace failure, pursue mentorship, and do the things that truly light them up.
- The episode is equal parts motivational, insightful, and entertaining—a great listen for creatives, veterans, and anyone navigating change or pursuing bold dreams.
Listeners can support Ryan by renting or purchasing “Hollywood Grit” on digital platforms.
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I appreciate all of you. — MF
