Build Upon The Good

The attack on September 11, 2001 became America's tragedy. We all remember where we where when it happened. We know the stories of those that made it out and, sadly, those that didn't. What we don't hear as much are from those that are left behind when their loved ones perished.  Felice Zaslow lost her husband Ira in the World Trade Center on that horrible day. Through the days, weeks, and months...

For Memorial Day 2025, we honor all service members that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, also including CIA and other agencies. During this episode, we share some powerful final words and letters from those that have died while serving. These include: Nathan Hale (Revolutionary War), 1776 Sargeant James Henry Gooding (Civil War), 1863 Major Sullivan Ballou (Civil War), 1861 Petty...

Part 1 of the interview with Michael Thatcher, CEO/President of Charity Navigator (rating over 225,000 charities), which helps millions of donors to align their passions and values to a charity.  Michael shares how Charity Navigator leads the effort to make impactful philanthropy easier for everyone. He also discusses how his path forward, filled with a variety of experiences (whether at Microsoft...

We always hear about Benjamin Franklin's accomplishments while he was alive, but his bet on America in his Final Will and Testament truly left a legacy.  Author Michael Meyer joins us and shares this story and more from his book "Benjamin Franklin's Last Bet: The Favorite Founder's Divisive Death, Enduring Afterlife and Blueprint for American Prosperity." Michael Meyer is the author of multiple cr...

The American Revolution was fought on more than just the battlefield and it couldn't have been won without the use of female spies... especially the mysterious Agent 355. Aly Riley, historian and author, discusses her book "She Spies: Women of the American Revolution, Their Heroic Missions and Agent 355 Revealed." This is the fascinating true story of America's female espionage ring and the crucia...

Soccer is the biggest sport in the world, but we never talk about the origin of the soccer ball or where they're made. Justin Lea, Founder of Hayworth Athletic, went on a quest to find out and it landed him in northern Pakistan, where over 70% of the world's soccer balls were made (3 million balls per month!). After witnessing the terrible conditions of the workers, Justin set out to create an ama...

What's it like to die 14 times? That's the real life story that Chris Guiry shares and how his "widow maker" event changed his life. Join us as we share a beer at Northern Barrell (Voorheesville, NY) and discuss: the experience of life and death, how his wife Shelia's presence at a baseball game saved his life, the amazing first responders being there at the right time, did he experience God, deal...

Without question, the most powerful episode of Build Upon The Good. We must never forget the evil of the holocaust and never let it happen again. We'll help carry forward the stories of those that survived. Holocaust survivor and co-author of "Four Perfect Pebbles", Marion Blumenthal Lazan shares her emotional and detailed story about the darkest of days. Following Hitler's rise to power, the Blum...

Foye Belyea shares his story of going from US Marine to a Man of Faith. Often, our journey into a deep faith starts from the darkest of moments. Foye's journey is no different, yet his ability to help others on their journey is truly unique. Kean is grateful to know Foye on a personal level and also considers him a mentor.  Follow/connect with Foye on Facebook and I encourage you to seek his one o...

Joe Kelley (author of "Badge, Bars, To Beyond") shares his raw and inspiring story of fulfilling his life long dream of becoming a Police Officer (K9), marrying his college sweetheart, to then developing an addiction, losing it all and ultimately serving 2 years in state prison next to the people he put there. Joe's story doesn't end there, it just begins. His resolve to turn his life around and h...

Memorial Day 2024 special episode to Honor Our Fallen, specifically fallen US Navy SEALs. Kean shares what made Memorial Day weekend change for him and asks several former US Navy SEALs and those close to the NSW community to share a tribute to a specific fallen teammate and/or honor our fallen. Special thank you to Robert Sweetman, Bill Brown, Larry Indiviglia, Travis Lively and Ajay James for th...

Grief and joy can and do co-exist. That's the powerful message that author Casey Mulligan Walsh shares in this episode. Her story, which includes being orphaned as a teenager and losing her son to a car accident, is heartbreaking and inspiring. Her essay, Still, about her son Eric's death, published in Split Lip Magazine, was nominated for Best of the Net.  Her work has appeared in The New York Ti...

Benjamin Milligan is a former US Navy SEAL, serving from 2001-2009, Bronze Star recipient, father of three sons and author of "By Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs." Ben shares how his childhood developed his love of history, why he became a SEAL and how his grandfather played a crucial role on his path to writing the book. Ben also answers what "good" he hopes to pass down to th...

(Re-release, originally aired 10/18/20) Kristine Lilly is a soccer legend! The American is a Two time World Cup Champion, 2x Olympic Gold, 1x Olympic Silver and 4x NCAA Champion. Kristine also holds the world soccer record for most caps (games) for a national team, at a staggering 354 games. She's also the author of "Powerhouse."   Kristine shares what it takes to succeed in sports, how her parent...

Kean returns to his hometown of Cambridge, NY to deliver the Cambridge Central School (NY) Commencement Address to the graduating class of 2023. He shares two pieces of advice and asks for a special request from the graduates. Kean is a 1995 alum of CCS. Best of luck to the 2023 graduates of CCS! Follow BUTG on social media and www. BuildUponTheGood.com *Special thank you to Sean Kelly and the ban...

Special Re-release: Guest Rich Winner shares his story of surviving the first tower hit on Sept 11th, 2001, how love conquers all, dealing with survivor's guilt and how he continues to share "good" to his next generation. (originally released in Sept 2020, Ep 1) www. BuildUponTheGood.com *Special thanks to Sean Kelly and The Samples for permission to use "Streets in the Rain"

BONUS Episode: Debbie Lee, Gold Star mother to fallen US Navy SEAL Marc Lee, answers 5 more questions relating to Marc's final letter home, the SEAL Brotherhood, the purpose behind AMW, her faith and what "good" Marc would want to pass on to the next generation. www. AmericasMightyWarriors.org *Thank you to Sean Kelly and The Samples for use of "Streets in the Rain" www. BuildUponTheGood.com

Debbie Lee is the Gold Star Mom of fallen US Navy SEAL Marc Lee and the CEO/Founder of America's Mighty Warriors. Debbie shares how her faith, and Marc's inspiring call to action final letter home, led her through some of her darkest days. Having visited Iraq in 2007 and 2010, Debbie is the first Gold Star Mom in history to visit the combat zone where her son died. www. AmericasMightyWarriors.org...

In this special Father's Day episode, Kean asks a variety of guests to share the best advice their Dads gave them and/or share a short story that captures it. Whether it's about sports or grieving over the loss of a loved one, Fathers have a way of preparing us for life.  Happy Father's Day! www. BuildUponTheGood.com *Special thanks to Sean Kelly and The Samples for permission to use "Streets in t...

Jesse Iwuji's path to becoming a NASCAR driver and teaming up with NFL great Emmitt Smith is unlike any other. From his family's Nigerian roots to playing football at Navy, Jesse shares why it's so important to focus on what you want in life and to go after it. www.jesseiwuji.com Follow Jesse on IG/FB/Twitter @jesseiwuji @jesse.iwuji.motorsports www. BuildUponTheGood.com

Paul Newman's legacy of giving it all away continues to be the gold standard in philanthropy. Dr. Miriam Nelson, CEO of Newman's Own Foundation, shares what led her to the foundation, why every penny of profit (over $550 million) is donated to worthy causes, and what's next for the foundation. A NY Times bestselling author, renowned scientist and researcher, Miriam's commitment to improving childr...

Wall Street Journal Best Selling co-authors and veterans Brian Andrews & Jeff Wilson share how their experiences as a submarine officer and a combat surgeon for Navy SEALs led to writing their thriller action novels. The authors of numerous books, including "Sons of Valor" and recently released "Dark Intercept" share their writing process, how being "good" has led their way forward, why it's so im...

Former US Navy SEAL and Founder/CEO of Bonefrog Coffee Company & Bonefrog Cellars, Tim Cruickshank, shares how he's using coffee and wine for his next mission, the meaning of the BoneFrog & SEAL Brotherhood, the struggles of being a Dad while serving, why his wife is the true hero and the importance of giving back to the Naval Special Warfare community. www.bonefrog-coffee.com         www.bonefrog...

What if you could protect & pass something on forever? Teri Ptacek has been doing just that with land for decades as Executive Director of the Agricultural Stewardship Association. As Teri nears retirement, she shares lessons on leading a not-for-profit, what she believes she's really protecting and why it's important to believe in goodness. www.agstewardship.org To learn about ASA & land conserva...

US soccer legend John Harkes shares how his childhood in Kearney, NJ shaped his life, what "good" he hopes to pass down, how MLS succeeded in the early days, the two players he wishes he could've played alongside and his reaction to joining a made up list with Kean and David Beckham. John is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, former US National Team Captain, played in 2 World Cups, won...