Episode 230- Nico Diaz: Wrestling Through Adversity

In this episode, I sit down with Nico Diaz, an NCAA Wrestling All-American who placed 4th in the country this past season. But what makes Nico’s story powerful isn’t just what he’s accomplished on the mat—it’s everything he’s had to overcome to get there.This is a conversation about resilience in its rawest form.Nico opens up about losing his father while he was in high school, a moment that could have completely derailed his path. Instead, he found a way to keep moving forward. Then, during his college career, he faced another major challenge—five concussions—forcing him to battle not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.Through it all, Nico continued to show up, compete, and push himself to the highest level of his sport.Nico’s journey to becoming an NCAA All-AmericanThe impact of losing his father and how it shaped his mindsetBattling through five concussions and what that taught him about perseveranceThe mental toughness required to compete at an elite levelHow to keep moving forward when life hits you with setbacksWhat resilience actually looks like in real life—not just in theoryNico’s story is a reminder that adversity is part of the path. You don’t get to choose what happens to you—but you do get to choose how you respond.This one is for anyone who’s going through something difficult right now and needs a reminder that you can keep going.Become Stronger Industries: become-stronger.comFinish the Race Apparel: ftrapparel.comSupport our charity Stay in the Fight:https://www.stayinthefight.am/We are raising funds to support mental health therapy, counseling, and retreat experiences for people who are struggling but don’t have the financial resources or insurance to access help.If this episode gave you something valuable, share it with someone who needs to hear it.And as always—go one step further than you thought you could go.In this episode, we discuss:Why this episode mattersSponsors & Resources

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Romulo—a six-time Muay Thai champion, World Cup bronze medalist, former North American professional titleholder, resilience speaker, and mental performance coach. Chris has spent nearly 30 years in combat sports, and what makes his story so powerful is that he’s taken everything he learned through discipline, pressure, adversity, and high-level competition and turned it into a mission to help other people build resilience and perform under pressure.Chris doesn’t just talk about resilience—he’s lived it.In 2010, he founded CROM Physical Culture, the first Muay Thai gym in Far Rockaway. There, he launched a youth scholarship program for underserved kids growing up in the same environment he came from. Through discipline-based training and mentorship, Chris has helped young people build confidence, accountability, and direction.Today, Chris works as a keynote speaker and Mental Performance Mastery (MPM) certified coach, delivering high-impact presentations that combine real-life adversity with practical mental performance tools. His sessions are grounded, direct, and interactive—giving audiences clear frameworks to manage self-doubt, regulate emotions, and perform in high-pressure environments.Chris’s journey through nearly three decades in combat sportsWhat Muay Thai taught him about discipline, resilience, and emotional controlThe role mentorship plays in helping young people find directionHow to manage pressure and perform when the stakes are highWhy confidence is built through action and repetitionThe mindset required to overcome adversity and setbacksChris Romulo is a six-time Muay Thai champion, World Cup bronze medalist, and former North American professional titleholder who now works as a resilience speaker and mental performance coach. He has delivered more than 200 keynotes and workshops for organizations including JPMorgan Chase, Wounded Warrior Project, The Alzheimer’s Association, and schools and conferences across the country.Chris is also a devoted husband, father of two sons, and proud owner of their English Staffy, Bruce Leash.Website: www.chrisromulo.comEmail: [email protected]: 347-432-9159LinkedIn: Chris RomuloBecome Stronger Industries: become-stronger.comFinish the Race Apparel: ftrapparel.comSupport our charity Stay in the Fight:https://www.stayinthefight.am/We are raising funds to support mental health therapy, counseling, and retreat experiences for people who are struggling but don’t have the financial resources or insurance to access help.If you got value from this episode, share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.And as always—go one step further than you thought you could go.In this episode, we discuss:About Chris RomuloConnect with ChrisSponsors & Resources

Today’s guest is someone I’ve known for years: Brock Schenck.I first met Brock through youth sports. My son Danny was a year older, but Brock always played up—and he was a problem on the basketball court. More importantly, he was always the same dude off the court: respectful, disciplined, shook your hand, looked you in the eye.But Brock’s story really becomes powerful when you hear what he’s been through.Over four years, Brock had four knee surgeries:7th grade: tore his ACL8th grade: tore the other ACLFreshman year: surgery to clean up scar tissueJunior year: tore his ACL againAnd most people would’ve quit.Brock didn’t.Instead, when football and basketball started slipping away, he reinvented himself. He picked up track & field throwing, became a beginner again, and worked his way into competing at a Division I level at the University of Virginia, throwing discus, shot put, and hammer.The moment Brock realized his athletic future might changeHow he handled going through injury after injury without spiralingWhat kept him motivated when he could’ve walked awayStarting over as a novice in a totally new sportDiscipline: why it isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you buildCollege athletics: the habits that separate the athletes who last from the ones who fadeThe quote that stuck with Brock: “What you’re not changing, you’re choosing.”Brock said the biggest change was this:Stop living in “what if.”Start living in “even if.”Not what if I didn’t get hurt…But even if I got hurt, how am I going to respond?That right there will change how you handle everything.Become Stronger Industries: become-stronger.comFinish the Race Apparel: https://ftrapparel.com/collections/stay-in-the-fightStay in the Fight: https://www.stayinthefight.am/Go one step further than you thought you could go. We’ll see you next time on Building Men.

John Ulsh is a speaker, coach, author, and resilience expert who survived a near-fatal car crash that led to 45+ surgeries, years of recovery, and a complete reset on his life. He’s been featured in People Magazine, Men’s Fitness, and on Good Morning America, and he’s the author of The Upside of Down.John shares the moment everything changed: a head-on collision after a swim meet, an 18-day coma, paralysis, and waking up to a life he didn’t recognize.But the bigger story is what came next: rebuilding. John talks about how he went from being completely dependent on others to taking control of his life again through daily choices, training, and a mindset shift.You’d be surprised what you’re capable of when you’re forced to face hard things.Replace pain you can’t control with discomfort you choose on purpose.Build your “board of directors,” people you trust who can help you stay grounded.Remove obstacles and focus on the first step. Momentum comes from action.It’s more important to be intentional than perfect.Website: www.JohnUlsh.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnulsh/Finish the Race Apparel: https://ftrapparel.com/collections/stay-in-the-fightStay in the Fight: https://www.stayinthefight.am/If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs it. Go one step further than you thought you could go.

This conversation is raw. It’s honest. And it’s one of those episodes that I know is going to help a lot of people, especially anyone who’s carrying grief and doesn’t know what to do with it.In this episode, Brendan and I talk about what it means to lose a brother, especially in a sudden, traumatic way. We talk about the anger that can show up for men, the guilt that older brothers carry, and the feeling that life splits into “before” and “after” the moment you lose your person.Brendan also shares practical strategies—real, usable stuff—for what to do when grief hits you out of nowhere. Not the “time heals all wounds” nonsense. He talks about letting the wave hit, not fighting it, and making “small shifts” in your daily life to keep yourself moving forward when you feel stuck.We also talk about connection—how the relationship doesn’t end, it just changes. The rituals, the photos, the texts, the car conversations, all of it. Because pretending it didn’t happen isn’t strength. It’s avoidance. And eventually that pain comes back with interest.Brendan gives the background of what happened in April 2022, and how the legal process stretched the pain out for months and months. We also talk about who Philip was—his energy, his impact, and why the people who lose the “good ones” always seem to ask the same question: why him?I share something I still wrestle with: that feeling of “I should’ve protected him.” Brendan speaks to that in a way that I think a lot of men need to hear.We talk about how natural those thoughts are, especially for men, and how toxic it becomes if you live there too long.Brendan explains why grief isn’t a straight line. Some days are calm. Some days the storm comes back and knocks you over. But the ocean is always there.Brendan shares what he does when that punch-in-the-stomach moment hits:Don’t run from itFace itUse photos or memories when you’re already in the waveRemind yourself it won’t last forever, even if it feels like drowningThis part is huge. Brendan talks about making tiny changes—trying a new place, taking a new route, doing the thing you’ve been curious about. Not because it fixes grief, but because it keeps you from being trapped in the same mental loop every day.We talk about texting them, talking to them in the car, listening to old voice clips, and how the relationship continues—because for a lot of us, we think about them more now than we ever did when they were here.If you do one thing after listening to this episode: be good to people. You don’t know what the person in front of you is carrying.Website: www.BrendanShawGrief.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendanshawgriefTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brendanshawgriefYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrendanShawGriefBrendan also shares what he and his family built in Philip’s honor: The Phil With Love Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that gives back through scholarships and community impact—supporting domestic violence shelters, animal shelters, food insecurity, youth sports, and more. Their goal is simple: turn pain into something that helps other people.Become Stronger Industries: becomestronger.comFinish the Race Apparel: FTRapparel.comStay in the Fight (Anthony’s charity): https://www.stayinthefight.am/If this episode hit home for you, share it with someone who needs it. Someone who’s grieving. Someone who’s holding it all in. Someone who thinks they have to stay strong by staying silent.And as always—go one step further than you thought you could.See you next time on Building Men.

Alright folks, welcome to Chapter 2 of the Building Men Podcast.This episode is real. No fluff. Just truth.The last solo episode I recorded was Anthony’s eulogy in October 2024. Since then, life forced me to slow down, grieve, heal, and really ask myself what this podcast is meant to be moving forward. Losing my brother changed everything. It strengthened my family, reshaped my priorities, and made it painfully clear that this work matters.Chapter 2 is a rebirth.In this episode, I share where Building Men truly began—not as a podcast, not as a program, but as a kid in sixth grade searching for mentorship and a healthier model of masculinity. I talk openly about growing up with a father who was present but not a positive role model, about false masculinity, and about the quiet hunger many boys feel for guidance, purpose, and connection.I walk through the evolution of the Building Men program, the lessons young men actually need, and why becoming a man isn’t a moment—it’s a practice. Accountability, resilience, humility, leadership, discipline, and healthy habits don’t magically appear. They’re trained.This episode also honors Anthony—our time together on the podcast, the laughter, the long studio days, and the gift of being able to still hear his voice. It’s because of him that I’m continuing.I also introduce Stay in the Fight, a charity created in Anthony’s honor to provide access to therapy and mental health support for those who can’t afford it. Anthony looked invincible on the outside, but he struggled deeply—and too many people are fighting those battles alone.You can learn more about the charity here:👉 https://www.stayinthefight.am/Moving forward, Chapter 2 will focus on young men, parents, coaches, teachers, and anyone who cares about helping boys grow into strong, grounded men. We’ll talk about grief, failure, emotional strength, responsibility, character, and the habits that actually change lives.If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs it. Have one meaningful conversation this week. Tell the people you love that you love them.Find everything Building Men at:👉 https://www.buildingmen.ioInstagram: @building.menStay in the Fight: https://www.stayinthefight.am/This is Chapter 2.Go one step further than you thought you could.See you next time on Building Men.

Dear Anthony,Starting Building Men together was one of the best decisions of my life. That studio became our sanctuary—a place where we laid down more than just words into a mic. We shared pieces of ourselves, woven together with laughter, late-night talks, and the kind of moments most people only dream of having with their brothers. That last episode we recorded, In Service of Others, keeps playing in my mind. You were everything you spoke about there—a coach, a friend, a man who simply wanted to make the world better. And I’d give anything for one more session of “bullshitting” in person, just you and me, like always.You were my rock, but even more than that, you were this incredible listener. You’d look at someone, and it felt like you could see right into their soul. You carried everyone’s burdens with that quiet strength, always putting others first. You laughed off the small stuff and showed up for the big moments without a second thought. And maybe that’s what makes losing you so unbearable—like there’s a hole in the world that only you could fill.Thinking back, I can’t help but laugh at the way you lit up every room you walked into. You had this natural charm, this magnetic energy that made people want to be near you, learn from you, and laugh with you. And your rituals? Those barefoot sunrise walks, hauling spring water, and that relentless dedication to health—you were truly one of a kind. And then, of course, there was your humor. Your ridiculous accents, the pranks, the belly laughs —it all just made you the funniest, most genuine person I knew.I know life wasn’t always easy for you. I know you fought battles only you understood, yet you kept pushing through every day. Every sunrise, every gym rep, every stranger you talked to—you lived with such fierce intention. And that’s what I’ll carry forward, Ant. Your fight is part of me now.Since you’ve been gone, I’ve watched the sun rise every morning. It’s my way of staying connected to you, holding onto that part of you that always sought the light, even when things were dark. It’s not easy, but it’s where I find you. The sunrise reminds me that, like the sun itself, your impact shines on, even in the hardest moments.I’m doing my best to live with that same purpose you carried. To stay in the fight, just like you did. Your story doesn’t end here. It lives on in every laugh, every memory, in this podcast, and in every person lucky enough to know you.Thank you, brother—for the friendship, the guidance, the laughter, and the lessons in the struggle. I’ll keep you close, always. Rest easy, Ant. We’ve got it from here.I love you brother….with all my heart,Dennis THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young MenBuilding Men InstagramBuilding Men WebsiteBuilding Men YouTubeBuilding Men FacebookWork with Dennis as your 1 on 1 coach If our podcast resonates with you, please consider rating, reviewing and sharing it with anyone who you believe would benefit from the message.Visit our sponsors - Finish The Race – Home of the official Building Men gear 

Alright, so picture this—I'm sitting here with my buddy, Eric Sardina, and we're diving deep into some real talk on his podcast, Return to Authenticity. Now, Eric's hit a major milestone, episode 100, and I'm honored to be a part of it. This is more than just another chat; it's a celebration of the work we've both been doing to uplift young men, to really get them to understand what it means to be a man in today's world.As you know, I started out in education, right there in New Jersey, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride transitioning from that world into mentorship and podcasting. It's not just about talking the talk; it's about walking the walk, showing up for these young guys, and helping them navigate through life's mess.Now, in this episode, Eric and I dig into some pretty deep stuff. We talk about the influence of the Enlifted coaching program—how it’s shaped both of us in our own journeys—and how community is a game changer for personal growth. We’re not just throwing around buzzwords here; we’re talking real, actionable steps.One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is about Joe Ehrman, the former Baltimore Colt who’s on a mission to redefine masculinity. Joe’s not afraid to challenge those old-school stereotypes, and neither are we. We get into why phrases like "be a man" can be so damaging and how important it is to foster real, genuine relationships. This isn’t just about surface-level stuff; it’s about teaching boys the healthy habits and communication skills they need to thrive.We also break down the multi-tiered mentorship program I’ve been working on—something I’m really proud of. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; we’ve tailored it to fit young men from all sorts of backgrounds, and the results have been incredible. We’re talking about real change, in real lives.And listen, if you’re a parent, especially navigating the chaos of the digital age, this episode is for you. Eric and I share some practical strategies for reducing phone usage, having those tough conversations about things like pornography, and really connecting with your kids on a deeper level. We even get into the importance of morning routines and how something as simple as reconnecting with old friends can totally shift your mindset.So, to everyone listening, whether you’re here for the first time or you’ve been with us from the beginning, thank you. Eric’s created something special with Return to Authenticity, and I’m stoked to have this conversation released on Building Men as well.Get in Touch with Eric: https://www.ericsardina.com/Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and hit us up on social media with your thoughts. We’re all in this together, trying to build a better, more authentic world for the next generation.Cheers to 100 episodes and to many more impactful conversations! THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young MenBuilding Men InstagramBuilding Men WebsiteBuilding Men YouTubeBuilding Men FacebookWork with Dennis as your 1 on 1 coach If our podcast resonates with you, please consider rating, reviewing and sharing it with anyone who you believe would benefit from the message.Visit our sponsors - Finish The Race – Home of the official Building Men gear 

This time I’ve got the badass Aaron Jannetti back on the show. This guy’s not just a self-defense guru; he’s a total legend when it comes to breaking down the craziness we see in those old-school action flicks we all love. You know, the Rambo and Commando kind of stuff. In this episode, we’re going deep into those iconic scenes, and Aaron’s here to set the record straight on what’s real and what’s pure Hollywood fantasy. Spoiler alert: most of it’s the latter, but damn, it’s fun to talk about.We’re not just geeking out over movies, though. Aaron takes us on a wild ride through a hypothetical mission, laying out his survival kit like it’s the last thing standing between us and total chaos. And let me tell you, this dude’s got style—he’s out there in boots, chubbies, and an Aloha shirt, making sure we’re all ready to roll with the punches, all while keeping a smile on our faces.Then, we shift gears and dive into something that’s probably been on every guy’s mind at some point—fashion. Yep, we’re talking about the evolution from Hurley board shorts to those classic Chubbies. But it’s not just about clothes; it’s about how your style reflects who you are and how you’re evolving as a person. And we don’t stop there. Aaron and I get into some serious book talk, sharing our top picks for tactical, self-defense, and personal growth reads. We’re dropping names like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Willink, so you know it’s legit.As we move into the latter part of the episode, we’re switching the focus to something close to home—homeschooling and parenting. Aaron opens up about the real challenges of keeping kids emotionally balanced and physically active in today’s world. He’s got some killer strategies for integrating play and learning, and we chat about the innovative homeschooling programs that are really making a difference out there.Of course, we can’t wrap up without talking about Aaron’s journey—his work at Endeavor Defense and Fitness, his book How to Survive an Active Killer, and his global mission to teach Knife Control Concepts. The guy’s been around, and he’s dropping wisdom bombs left and right, especially on the importance of saying “no” to keep your priorities in check. If you’re serious about leveling up in life, you’re gonna want to take notes on this one.So, what are you waiting for? Tune in and catch all this action-packed goodness. Whether you’re into classic action movies, serious about self-defense, or just looking for some fresh homeschooling ideas, this episode’s got you covered.And hey, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and leave us a review. It’s your way of letting us know you dig what we’re doing and want more of it. Catch you on the next one!Key Takeaways:Action Movie Reality Check: Aaron Jannetti breaks down the realism of those classic ‘80s and ‘90s action movies.Survival Gear Breakdown: Essential tools and strategies for hypothetical mission scenarios.Style Evolution: From Hurley board shorts to Chubbies—how men’s fashion has evolved.Book Recs for Growth: Must-read books from Jordan Peterson, Jocko Willink, and more.Homeschooling Hacks: Integrating physical activities into academic lessons and building resilience in kids.Outdoor Education: Why outdoor play and real-world interactions are crucial in homeschooling.Personal Development Insights: Aaron’s journey and the importance of staying focused on personal goals.Featured Books:12 Rules for Life by Jordan PetersonExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkThe Jack Carr SeriesFollow Aaron Jannetti:Instagram: @JanettiAaronWebsite: https://taplink.cc/jannettiaaronBook How to Survive an Active Killer: https://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-Active-Killer-Violence/dp/1975648846 THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young MenBuilding Men InstagramBuilding Men WebsiteBuilding Men YouTubeBuilding Men FacebookWork with Dennis as your 1 on 1 coach If our podcast resonates with you, please consider rating, reviewing and sharing it with anyone who you believe would benefit from the message.Visit our sponsors - Finish The Race – Home of the official Building Men gear 

In this episode, Ricky Regalado, a powerhouse serial entrepreneur, shares a heartfelt look into how his father’s relentless work ethic shaped his own journey. Ricky’s dad, Jose Luis Regalado, an immigrant from Mexico, set the bar high with his sacrifices and dedication, and Ricky’s candid about how that influenced his own path from feeling ashamed of his work to building a successful family business.We dig into:Father-son bonding and the lessons learned from Ricky’s dad (0:00:03 - 0:12:30)The value of hard work versus societal pressures to chase instant gratification (0:12:31 - 0:23:14)How Ricky turned his family’s cleaning business into a multi-venture success story (0:23:15 - 0:33:39)Financial wisdom and investing in yourself, illustrated with a personal story (0:33:40 - 0:44:09)The evolution of Ricky’s relationship with his father and what he’s learned along the way (0:44:10 - 0:52:12)Embracing the struggles as part of your hero’s journey and pushing past your limits (0:52:13 - 0:53:14)Ricky’s story is all about transforming challenges into triumphs and sticking to your values. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to apply these lessons to your own life.Check out the episode and visit www.buildingmen.io for more great content. Rate, review, and share with anyone who needs to hear this message.Connect with Ricky Regalado:https://rickyregalado.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickyregaladoInstagram: @rickyregalado https://www.instagram.com/rickyregalado THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young MenBuilding Men InstagramBuilding Men WebsiteBuilding Men YouTubeBuilding Men FacebookWork with Dennis as your 1 on 1 coach If our podcast resonates with you, please consider rating, reviewing and sharing it with anyone who you believe would benefit from the message.Visit our sponsors - Finish The Race – Home of the official Building Men gear