Build Upon The Good

One Billion. That's the estimate... one billion people are alive today, or lived lives they would not have, because of one man. Norman Borlaug, an Iowa farm kid, changed the world and the science behind crops. We share his story and the impact it had on the world. www. BuildUponTheGood.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram Thanks to our sponsor Empire Wine and Empire Too. Visit them at www....

Father's Day might not get the same recognition as Mother's Day, but the story behind it involves one woman's mission for 60+ years to honor her father. In this short episode, we'll share the story and also how other countries ight celebrate their own form of it. www. BuildUponTheGood.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram Thank you to our sponsor Empire Wine and Empire Too! Please check them...

*Crossover episode between Build Upon The Good and Good George podcasts June 14th is Flag Day, but the history and meaning behind it isn't well know. It involves one man and a thirty six year mission. It's a great example of walking with intent for good. Follow us at www. BuildUponTheGood.com and on Facebook and Instagram. Thanks for our sponsor Empire Wine and Empire Too! Check them out at www. E...

*release from 2024 Memorial Day episode 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 their tribute to our fallen. Please visit and sup...

*Our first ever cross over episode shared on both podcasts, Build Upon The Good and Good George. In this episode, we learn the forgotten true origin of Memorial Day and why it should be included. From the grief following the Civil War to today's long holiday weekend, we'll discuss what shaped it, and why it's important to take an extra moment to remember those lost. Visit us at www. BuildUponTheGo...

The story behind how Mother's Day became a holiday is fascinating and also heartbreaking. And, we'll discuss how the other version of Mother's Day was left in, well, history. Learn the story of Ann Jarvis and her daughter Anna, and the irony of the florist industry and a funeral. Happy Mother's Day! Follow us at www. BuildUponTheGood.com and on Facebook and Instagram. *Thank you to our sponsor Emp...

*Re-release of episode 17, which aired in Feb 2021 On May 3, 2026, it'll be 10 years since Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV (C4) was killed in action (Iraq). His family created the C4 Foundation in his honor and continue to support Navy SEALs and their families. Charlie's father (Charles Keating III) and his widow (Brooke Keating) share personal insights into Charlie, his legacy, the importance of the...

*Re-release episode, originally aired in Oct 2020 From Wall St to the White House (and back again)... Anthony Scaramucci ("The Mooch") is a legend on Wall St, Founder/Managing Director of Skybridge Capital, and also worked as the Director of Communications at the White House... until being fired after 11 days!  Anthony shares his story, from childhood to Wall St to those short lived days in DC. Wh...

**Re-Release, originally recorded and released in 2021 Marc Summers is a legendary tv host, including iconic shows such as Nickelodeon's Double Dare and Food Network's Unwrapped. Marc shares how his midwest upbringing and multiple health issues impacts his outlook on life. The perfect mix of humor and humility provides an entertaining and inspiring message. Kean & Marc also joke about the prizes a...

Howard Behar was there when Starbucks was still figuring out what it wanted to be. And, few people did more to shape the answer. As the company's longtime President, he championed a radical idea that taking care of your people wasn't just the right thing to do, it should be the whole strategy. As he coined, "people over profits." In this conversation, Howard traces that conviction back to his chil...

Originally released in Feb 2021 (ep 16), this re-release features when Kean sat down with Cobra Kai and daytime TV star Sean Kanan to discuss his book (Way of the Cobra), and the hit series Cobra Kai & Studio City. Sean also shares his background and why it's so important to give back in life, any way possible. Sean is one of the most sincere guests Kean has ever interviewed and it shows in this i...

In a re-release of an episode originally released in Nov 2021 (Ep 24), Kean sits down with then CEO of Newman's Own Foundation Miriam Nelson to discuss the origins of the Newman's Own brand, the foundation, and all the good they've done over the years.  We need more of this in business and the world. www. NewmansOwnFoundation.org | www. NewmansOwn.com www. BuildUponTheGood.com and follow us on Fac...

Kean welcomes back Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, for part 2. If you haven't heard Michael's first interview, check out episode 42 (April 30, 2025 release). Michael shares how important it is to be aligned with the mission of your job, organization or path in life. We also discuss the need for doing "good" with today's business models, whether a new B Corporation or an established bus...

Going back to the beginning... again.  In a re-release of episode 3 (Kean's Story part 2), Kean shares the spark that ignited Build Upon The Good. In retelling the loss of his father to cancer and the final deathbed talk, you'll learn why this has become a mission. If you haven't heard the episode prior to this (Kean's Story part 1), stop and go listen to it first. This episode is a very personal...

Going back to the foundation of the Build Upon The Good project and podcast, Kean reshares part 1 of the "why."  In this re-release of episode 2, Kean shares the loss of his mother to cancer and how she visited him after her death. Yes, you read that correctly. This isn't about ghosts or illusions, it's about how those we love can stay connected to us, even in death. Follow us at www. BuildUponThe...

The legacy project and podcast Build Upon The Good is beginning the next chapter. After losing both of his parents to cancer in less than four years, and hearing his father's inspiring deathbed legacy talk about inheriting and passing down the good, Kean started this in 2020 to hear others share what "good" they hope to pass down. Building upon all the amazing guests throughout the years, and Kean...

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...