EP 41- Michael Meyer | Author of Benjamin Franklin's Last Bet
Build Upon The Good
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 as articles in the New York Times and other outlets. A Fulbright scholar, Guggenheim, NEH, Cullman Center and MacDowell fellow, and the recipient of the Whiting...
info_outline
Ep 40- Aly Riley, author of She Spies
Build Upon The Good
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 American independence. Who is Agent 355? To this day, we still don't know for certain, but Aly makes a strong case for who she believes it is. She Spies can be bought...
info_outline
Ep 39: Justin Lea, Founder of Hayworth Athletic
Build Upon The Good
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 the world by helping the people that make them. Hayworth Athletic was born. This is his Build Upon The Good story. Hayworth Athletic, headquartered in Austin, TX,...
info_outline
38- Died 14 Times, The Chris Guiry story, Live from Northern Barrell
Build Upon The Good
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 good people come together in a moment of crisis. I'm fortunate to call Chris a friend and I'm honored he shares his story with us. I also want to give a shout...
info_outline
37- Marion Blumenthal Lazan, Holocaust Survivor and Author
Build Upon The Good
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, Marion and her brother) were trapped in Nazi Germany. They eventually fled to Holland, only for the Nazis to occupy that as well. For the next six and a half years, the...
info_outline
Ep 36- Foye Belyea, Marine to Man of Faith
Build Upon The Good
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 your own journey. Follow Build Upon The Good on IG & Facebook, as well as . Special thanks to Sean Kelly and the band The Samples for permission to use...
info_outline
Ep 35 - Joe Kelley, author of Badge, Bars, To Beyond
Build Upon The Good
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. Listeners can get a sneak peak of Joe's book at Please visit and follow us on social media. *Special thanks to Sean Kelly and the band The Samples for permission...
info_outline
Ep34- Honor Our Fallen, Tribute to Fallen Navy SEALs
Build Upon The Good
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. (**please note the transcript is AI generated, not provided by the show, and may contain several errors, including names/places etc...**) Please visit and support...
info_outline
Ep 33- Casey Mulligan Walsh, Author and living with grief and joy
Build Upon The Good
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 others. Casey explores how grief morphs through time, which will be highlighted in the forthcoming Daring to Breathe. Casey and her husband serve as advocates...
info_outline
Ep 32- Benjamin Milligan, fmr US Navy SEAL & Author
Build Upon The Good
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 military) and why it's so important to him. I found his book to be a great combination of history and storytelling as he leads the reader through the creation of not...
info_outlineBONUS 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