Build Upon The Good

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.BuildUponTheGood.com and on Facebook and Instagr...

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's own professional experience as a...

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 that followed, she had to find her ...

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 Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Neil...

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, composing music and dancing as th...

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 critically acclaimed books, as well a...

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 crucial role it played in the fight for A...

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 amazing soccer ball and bring good to ...

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, dealing with survivor's guilt and how g...

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 Blumenthal Family (father, mother, Mari...

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 on one mentorship as you continue on...

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 help others is truly inspiring.

List...

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 their tribute to our fallen.

(**pleas...

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 Times, HuffPost, Modern Loss and many...

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 the next generation (personal and mil...

(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 parents inspired her work ethic, why she ...

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 band, The Samples, for permission to us...