Building Men

Dennis Morolda, Building Men

The Building Men Podcast explores practical, real-world strategies to help boys and men build character, resilience, and purpose through honest conversations, storytelling, and mentorship. Grounded in education, leadership, and lived experience, the podcast supports parents, coaches, educators, and young men committed to becoming the strongest version of themselves.

  1. EPISODE 231 Lawrence C. Harris: Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future

    1D AGO

    EPISODE 231 Lawrence C. Harris: Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future

    In this episode, I sit down with Lawrence C. Harris, a youth speaker who is on a mission to help young people believe in themselves, think differently about their future, and start making better decisions today. Lawrence’s story is real. It’s raw. And it’s exactly the kind of conversation young men need to hear. Growing up, Lawrence faced serious challenges—navigating life with autism, experiencing childhood abuse, and dealing with C-PTSD. These are the kinds of things that could easily define someone’s life path. But instead of letting his past dictate his future, Lawrence chose to take ownership of his story—and now uses it to help others do the same. Over the past five years, he’s spoken to thousands of students through school assemblies, workshops, books, podcasts, and online events. What makes Lawrence different is his honesty. He doesn’t sugarcoat things. He speaks openly about struggles that a lot of young people feel—but don’t know how to talk about. Lawrence’s journey growing up with autism and traumaHow childhood experiences can shape—but don’t have to define—your futureThe impact of abuse and C-PTSD, and how he learned to process itWhy so many young people feel stuck—and how to break out of itThe importance of taking ownership of your life, regardless of your pastSimple, practical ways to start building confidence and self-beliefA lot of young men are walking around carrying things they’ve never talked about. Lawrence’s message is simple but powerful: You are not your past. And you are capable of more than you think. If you’re struggling, if you feel stuck, or if you’re trying to figure out what comes next—this conversation will hit. Become Stronger Industries: become-stronger.com Finish the Race Apparel: ftrapparel.com Support 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.

    54 min
  2. Episode 230- Nico Diaz: Wrestling Through Adversity

    APR 10

    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.com Support 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

    1h 9m
  3. Episode 229- Chris Romulo: Building Resilience Under Pressure

    MAR 27

    Episode 229- Chris Romulo: Building Resilience Under Pressure

    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 sports What Muay Thai taught him about discipline, resilience, and emotional control The role mentorship plays in helping young people find direction How to manage pressure and perform when the stakes are high Why confidence is built through action and repetition The mindset required to overcome adversity and setbacks Chris 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: chris@chrisromulo.comPhone: 347-432-9159LinkedIn: Chris Romulo Become Stronger Industries: become-stronger.comFinish the Race Apparel: ftrapparel.com Support 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

    1h 10m
  4. Episode 228 — Brock Schenck: When Your Body Says “No,” Your Mind Can Still Say “Go”

    MAR 6

    Episode 228 — Brock Schenck: When Your Body Says “No,” Your Mind Can Still Say “Go”

    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 ACL 8th grade: tore the other ACL Freshman year: surgery to clean up scar tissue Junior year: tore his ACL again And 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 change How he handled going through injury after injury without spiraling What kept him motivated when he could’ve walked away Starting over as a novice in a totally new sport Discipline: why it isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build College athletics: the habits that separate the athletes who last from the ones who fade The 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.com Finish the Race Apparel: https://ftrapparel.com/collections/stay-in-the-fight Stay 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.

    37 min
  5. Episode 226 — Brendan Shaw: Grief, Brotherhood, and Finding a Way Forward

    JAN 23

    Episode 226 — Brendan Shaw: Grief, Brotherhood, and Finding a Way Forward

    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 it Face it Use photos or memories when you’re already in the wave Remind yourself it won’t last forever, even if it feels like drowning This 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.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendanshawgrief TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brendanshawgrief YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrendanShawGrief Brendan 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.com Finish the Race Apparel: FTRapparel.com Stay 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.

    1h 16m
  6. This is Chapter 2 of the Building Men Podcast! Episode 225

    JAN 17

    This is Chapter 2 of the Building Men Podcast! Episode 225

    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.

    22 min
  7. Anthony Morolda's Eulogy | Building Men Podcast Ep.224

    10/30/2024

    Anthony Morolda's Eulogy | Building Men Podcast Ep.224

    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 Men Building Men Instagram Building Men Website Building Men YouTube Building Men Facebook Work 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

    46 min
4.9
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

The Building Men Podcast explores practical, real-world strategies to help boys and men build character, resilience, and purpose through honest conversations, storytelling, and mentorship. Grounded in education, leadership, and lived experience, the podcast supports parents, coaches, educators, and young men committed to becoming the strongest version of themselves.