Ep. 117: From Cuba to CIA - Ric Prado on Service, Sacrifice, and Black Ops

Send us Fan Mail On this edition of Passing the Torch, Martin Foster welcomes legendary CIA operations officer and bestselling author Ric Prado to the show. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in clandestine operations, this episode is an absolute must-listen. - Quick Episode Summary: CIA legend Ric Prado shares life, service, sacrifice, and powerful lessons. - SEO Description: CIA veteran Ric Prado shares insights on covert operations, resilience, and life lessons with host Martin Foster on Passing The Torch podcast. - 🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights: You’ll hear Ric reflect on: The inspirations and the adversity that shaped him—from Cuba to clandestine combat. The real truth about life in the CIA, dispelling Hollywood myths about covert operations and the people behind them. Stories behind his book "Black Ops" and the movement to bring it to the screen as a TV series. Hard-won lessons about integrity, faith, service, and facing moral grey areas when the stakes are highest. His personal legacy, giving back by mentoring the next generation of special operators and intelligence officers. Fun anecdotes about baseball, collecting autographs, and memories from Miami to Japan. - Chapters: 00:00 Victor Frankl: Choosing Growth 06:11 CIA's Stories and Misrepresentation 09:49 CIA Misconceptions and Hollywood 12:19 Flawed Characters Undermine Aspirations 16:59 Espionage Work Under Cover 20:31 Faith, Resilience, and Adversity 21:22 From Cuba to Resilience 24:48 Resilience and Mentorship Reflections 29:02 Friendship and Human Nature 32:53 Faith, Conviction, and Resilience 35:52 Insanely Tough and Polished 37:35 Honoring an Exceptional Connector 41:55 Baseball Memories and Connections 44:27 Baseball, Poverty, and Resilience 48:14 Faith, Gratitude, and Guidance 51:34 Keep Inspiring Positive Influence 53:46 Passing the Torch Impact - Looking for someone to host your event, emcee, or conduct a live podcast, please email passingthetorchpod@gmail.com - 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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