Ep. 125: From Service to Civic Engagement - Jason Galui on Leadership and Overcoming Fictional Fear

Send us Fan MailJason J. Galui is the former Director for Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute and the Director, Center for Civic Participation, Endicott College. Throughout a unique military career, Galui led soldiers in combat, taught economics to West Point cadets, advised senior military leaders in the Pentagon, and served in both the Obama and Trump White Houses. As Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council and Chief of Staff to the National Security Advisor, Galui served as a key point of national security continuity during the 2017 Presidential Transition.   -Quick Episode Summary:Leadership, transition, overcoming fear, civic duty, and making service matter.-SEO Description:Army veteran Jason Galui discusses leadership, service, and civic duty on Passing The Torch, sharing insights from his military and public service career.-🌟 Torch Takeaways Include:Why family, consistency, and community are the foundation of a good life and great leadershipReflections on working with four U.S. presidents and lessons learned from General Martin DempseyThe dangers of "fictional fear" (and how to overcome it by engaging your community)The social contract America has with its veterans — and what we owe those who serveWhy hope is stronger than fear in times of uncertaintyThe importance of principle-based decision making under pressure-Chapters:00:00 Talking before the podcast starts05:14 Importance of strong core values07:38 Introducing Jason Galui's military career10:03 Life feels great right now13:14 Talking about fictional fear17:33 Harnessing fear and managing emotions21:24 Guesting the Strategist podcast28:04 What Lincoln might say today36:13 What makes a true leader39:34 Consistency in leadership41:25 Discussing obligations to U.S. veterans45:33 Adams and Jefferson's reconciliation48:08 Overcoming fear and engaging others51:54 Reflecting on military service54:28 General Dempsey's "Make It Matter" story58:22 Hosting live podcast events-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.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.