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

Send us Fan MailOn 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 Growth06:11 CIA's Stories and Misrepresentation09:49 CIA Misconceptions and Hollywood12:19 Flawed Characters Undermine Aspirations16:59 Espionage Work Under Cover20:31 Faith, Resilience, and Adversity21:22 From Cuba to Resilience24:48 Resilience and Mentorship Reflections29:02 Friendship and Human Nature32:53 Faith, Conviction, and Resilience35:52 Insanely Tough and Polished37:35 Honoring an Exceptional Connector41:55 Baseball Memories and Connections44:27 Baseball, Poverty, and Resilience48:14 Faith, Gratitude, and Guidance51:34 Keep Inspiring Positive Influence53:46 Passing the Torch Impact-Looking for someone to host your event, emcee, or conduct a live podcast, please email [email protected] 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.comSupport the showConnect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartinMore Amazing Stories:Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You InsecureEpisode 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.