Building Men

Mike Salemi specializes in human performance and is a sought-after international presenter in the field of health and fitness. We had an absolute blast speaking with this BEAST of a human being. In addition to serenading Mike, we talk about: his stellar mustache strange things men do in the shower cold exposure breath work the importance of a community of men Mike has a diverse background in stren...

The creator of the movement "Scarred and Unbeaten", Kevin Demmons joins the Building Men Podcast in an episode titled "Post Traumatic Growth".  Kevin shares stories of his past, dealing with horrific abusive situations during his childhood, his experience in the military and how finding strength in his pain has transformed his life.  We start the process of creating an organization called: The Shr...

This was a game changing interview on the Building Men Podcast.  I had the opportunity to speak with a truly enlightened human being - Kute Blackson.  We discuss: Breaking free from the expectations and shadows of our fathers, spirituality, being brutally honest with ourselves, dulling the pain of our existence and finding ways to truly feel aligned.  Kute shares his thoughts about masculine right...

Episode 129 - In this episode, we talk with Divorce Men's Coach Dustin Elliott about life after divorce.  We talk about NFL football (Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes), Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation, how men deal with separation and divorce and a few other funny topics.   Dustin is an experienced Men’s Divorce & Life Coach.  Driven by his passion for helping others achieve their drea...

Curt Jordan - Founder of Kong Academy In this episode, we talk about Curt’s unbelievable story, running away from home and living south of the border for over a year, his experience as an educator and honorary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and the life lessons he teaches through adventurous movement concepts.  Curt has trained and worked as a physical therapy assistant, paramedic, personal trainer,...

I started the Building Men Movement in 2005, a few months after my son Denny was born.  When I started the Building Men as a middle school assistant principal, I would never have imagined  that I would have the opportunity to interview my son seventeen years later.   During the evolution of Building Men, I have kept Denny at the center of my mission, reminding myself that I needed to live my life...

This episode was a really cool experience, interviewing a legend in the podcast hosting space.  Matt Halloran is an expert communicator, host and interviewer.  We talk about communication nuances, masculinity and unwanted body hair just to name a few.   Matt Halloran Co-Founder & CRO, ProudMouth  Imagine what your business would be like if you didn’t have to chase prospects!  Matt Halloran and Kir...

Building Men Podcast Episode 125 - we talk with a huge fan of the Building Men Podcast "Happy" Julie Holly.  We talk about how enduring an abusive relationship changed the trajectory of her life, her ability to shift focus and move in the direction of her goals and about raising young men in society today.  Anthony does a great Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation and Dennis reveals an embarrassing...

This episode was an absolute blast.  I talk with Aaron about: 182 ways to kill a man How to survive life or death situations Karate kid (Eagle Fang) Rowdy Roddie Piper Carl Weather’s hair The life lessons learned from Capri Sun Aaron Jannetti is a husband, father, teacher, business owner, and life long student. Co-owner of Endeavor Defense and Fitness, author of How to Survive and Active Killer, a...

In this episode, we get into some very deep shit.  Spirituality, consciousness, meditation, yoga, breathing, mindset and why Anthony is drinking out of a paper straw.  We settle once and for all which Morolda brother is taller.   Jonathan is a writer, artist, Yoga teacher, and meditation coach. Jonathan helps individuals who have become stuck in unhealthy physical, mental, and emotional patterns t...

Hold on tight for this unbelievable journey with one of the most inspirational human beings you will ever listen to.  Shea Hillenbrand's story of rise to success, fall from grace and journey towards redemption is absolutely amazing.   Shea is a 2-Time MLB All-Star for the Boston Red Sox & Toronto Blue Jays. In 5th grade, Shea vigorously raised his hand in excitement to share his two dreams of play...

The Mental Prison  With nothing positive to show for his life up to that point and a massive challenge ahead he had a decision to make.  Would he give up and let the rest of his life pass him by like the first 23 did or could he face his fears, fight through the pain and pursue the life he always wanted? From a small cement box Sean was able to take control of his life. He completely transformed h...

We talk with Nate Baumgardner about overcoming traumatic patterns passed down for generations in our families, overcoming anxiety and Vince Clartho from Ghostbusters (Rick Moranis' character).  Nate Baumgardner is a mind-body integration coach, breathwork facilitator and energy worker. With a background in disaster response, Nate supports emergency managers in overcoming burnout to find emotional,...

In this deeply emotional episode, we talk with business and entrepreneur coach Diego Cassina about his battles with demons and how overcoming his sexual addictions have helped him become an inspiration to others.   Diego helps entrepreneurs overcome shiny object syndrome so they can increase sales, and get their message out to the world. His social media videos have helped empower 7 million+ peopl...

Anthony Trucks is a NFL Athlete, American Ninja Warrior and International Speaker who has been featured in Success, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. He is the creator of The Shift Method to help people close the “Identity Gaps” that are responsible for the shortfalls on their path to success. Anthony is a loving father, husband and man of faith, as well as a passionate dog dad, with his family in Walnut...

“When Shame Gets Real” With Carl Thomas WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT CONTENT  XXXchurch is a ministry project of Live Free Ministries, a 501C3 nonprofit started by Carl Thomas. Carl knows what it’s like to feel trapped by pornography, unwanted sexual behavior, and crushing shame. He’s a former porn addict who’s been helping others find freedom for over 10 years. In 2019 he launched Liv...

The Eye of the Storm This was the most educational hour we have spent on the Building Men Podcast.  Get a notebook ready to jot down the inspirational pieces of information shared by Akshay Nanavati.   Akshay Nanavati has overcome drug addiction, PTSD from fighting the war in Iraq with the Marines (where one of his jobs was to walk in front of vehicles to find bombs), depression and alcoholism tha...

In this episode we talk about the Hero's Journey - our four day, three night mens retreat in Lake Tahoe, California (April 28 - May 1).  In our mission to help men become the strongest versions of themselves - mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically - we have recognized the importance of coaches, mentors and the connection to a tribe.  This transformational experience will provide that....

it was such an unbelievable honor to interview Travis Richie.  This man took a devastating situation and created a movement to educate, empower and to provide hope to incarcerated men.   Travis Richey is an entrepreneur and motivational speaker. At the age of 25, Travis managed a hedge fund with millions of dollars under management. Due to a regulatory oversight in the State of Arizona, he was sen...

It was great to catch up with AJ Donaldson.  I spent a long weekend with AJ and his family in Bimini (Bahamas) in the beginning of October.  The annual EPIC Gala was held in paradise and I was asked to do the keynote speech and interview AJ on stage about the important work that he is doing with his organization.  I immediately connected with this unbelievable human being and I am honored to call...

Sean Casey, a 12-year Major League first baseman, was a three-time National League All-Star during his Reds tenure, Casey batted .302 with 130 home runs and 735 RBI in his career. Casey played for the Indians (1997), Reds (1998-2005), Pirates (2006), Tigers (2006-07) and Red Sox (2008). Casey finished in the top 10 in National League batting average three times in his career and had six seasons in...

“The Other Side” With Jim Hallinan Jim Hallinan has been a high school teacher since 2001 in southern New Jersey.  During that time, he taught Health and Physical Education to 10th grade and 12th grade students and could not ignore the drastic decline in fitness levels and nutritional knowledge.  It has become a passion of his to educate these students on proper nutrition and exercise.  His teachi...

In this episode we chop it up with Dr. Sean Pastuch (proper pronunciation unknown) about school, bullies, living the active life, our personal mission statements and Stuch-Fest (it’s a thing).   company, Active Life, is bridging the gap between performance and rehabilitation. Dr. Sean believes that the larger the problem, the more valuable the solution. He believes that the biggest problem worth s...

It was an honor to speak with one of the most motivational human beings on this planet.  We talk to Nick about his amazing parents, his experience in school, his mindset, how he overcomes every obstacle imaginable and his definition of masculinity.   Nick Santonastasso is a medical miracle. Not only is he one of four people alive with the rare genetic condition, Hanhart Syndrome, the inspirational...

On this episode of Building Men, we interview Erin Alejandrino “the Fit Beard”.  We talk with this badass man about the importance of having a tribe of men to hold us accountable and push us to be our best, confidence vs. cockiness, modern day knights, emotional knots that exist within us, and pubes glued to the face. Erin Alejandrino, Instructor and Co-founder of The Project, Squire Program, Vice...