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

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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!

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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 Peterson
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• The Jack Carr Series

Follow Aaron Jannetti:

• Instagram: @JanettiAaron
• Website: https://taplink.cc/jannettiaaron
• Book How to Survive an Active Killer: https://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-Active-Killer-Violence/dp/1975648846

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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/rickyregalado
• Instagram: @rickyregalado https://www.instagram.com/rickyregalado

THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young Men

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Building Men Facebook

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Join us as we delve into the transformative power of embracing one's unique essence, the significance of self-acceptance, and the importance of intentional and authentic parenting. Preston offers profound insights on how honesty, respect, and vulnerability can foster strong parent-child relationships. We also explore the impact of childhood trauma on personal development, the journey to authentic masculinity, and the essential role of vulnerability in marriage. Lastly, Preston shifts our perspective on abundance, encouraging us to see money as a tool for circulation and growth, and to celebrate personal achievements through gratitude and love.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Power of Authenticity (0:00:03)

   • Introduction to Preston Smiles and his background
   • Preston's journey from self-hate to self-love
   • The pivotal moment at age 11 that set Preston on a path to success

2. Parenting With Intention and Authenticity (0:14:20)

   • The importance of creating safety and trust between parents and children• How honesty, respect, and vulnerability impact a child's emotional well-being• The impact of misguided attempts by mothers to shape their sons

3. Overcoming Childhood Wounds and Authenticity (0:25:02)

   • The journey from seeking approval to embracing authentic masculinity• The role of self-reflection and personal growth in overcoming childhood trauma• How vulnerability transformed Preston's marriage

4. Navigating Alignment (0:30:32)

   • Overcoming the story of being a burden and stepping into personal power• The importance of authenticity and focusing on positive attributes

5. Celebrating Growth Through Love and Abundance (0:41:22)

   • Shifting perspectives on money to foster an abundance mindset• Insights from Preston's book "Spiritual Millionaire"• The importance of gratitude and celebrating personal achievements

6. Empowering Book Review and Recommendation (0:53:18)

   • Celebrating the insights from Preston Smiles' books• Encouraging the audience to engage with the content and strive for personal growth

Parenting With Intention and Authenticity
Preston: "One of the most important things in parenting is creating a sense of safety between the child and the parent. When you talk to a child with respect, their nervous systems relax, allowing them to share their inner world."

Connect with Preston Smiles:
Website: PrestonSmiles.com
Instagram: @PrestonSmiles
Books: Spiritual Millionaire | Love Louder

Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, review, rate, and share it with others who might benefit. Let's push beyond our limits and strive for personal growth together.

Tune in for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to embrace authenticity and reach new heights in your personal journey!

THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young Men

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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

Join us as we delve into the transformative power of embracing one's unique essence, the significance of self-acceptance, and the importance of intentional and authentic parenting. Preston offers profound insights on how honesty, respect, and vulnerability can foster strong parent-child relationships. We also explore the impact of childhood trauma on personal development, the journey to authentic masculinity, and the essential role of vulnerability in marriage. Lastly, Preston shifts our perspective on abundance, encouraging us to see money as a tool for circulation and growth, and to celebrate personal achievements through gratitude and love.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Power of Authenticity (0:00:03)

   • Introduction to Preston Smiles and his background
   • Preston's journey from self-hate to self-love
   • The pivotal moment at age 11 that set Preston on a path to success

2. Parenting With Intention and Authenticity (0:14:20)

   • The importance of creating safety and trust between parents and children
   • How honesty, respect, and vulnerability impact a child's emotional well-being
   • The impact of misguided attempts by mothers to shape their sons

3. Overcoming Childhood Wounds and Authenticity (0:25:02)

   • The journey from seeking approval to embracing authentic masculinity
   • The role of self-reflection and personal growth in overcoming childhood trauma
   • How vulnerability transformed Preston's marriage

4. Navigating Alignment (0:30:32)

   • Overcoming the story of being a burden and stepping into personal power
   • The importance of authenticity and focusing on positive attributes

5. Celebrating Growth Through Love and Abundance (0:41:22)

   • Shifting perspectives on money to foster an abundance mindset
   • Insights from Preston's book "Spiritual Millionaire"
   • The importance of gratitude and celebrating personal achievements

6. Empowering Book Review and Recommendation (0:53:18)

   • Celebrating the insights from Preston Smiles' books
   • Encouraging the audience to engage with the content and strive for personal growth

Transcript Samples:
The Power of Authenticity
Dennis: "Welcome to the Building Man podcast! Honored today to be joined by Preston Smiles. Preston is unapologetically himself, committed to personal growth, and a force to be reckoned with on the personal growth scene."
Preston: "I genuinely love my life because I hated myself for so long. Embracing my unique essence has been the key to my success."

Parenting With Intention and Authenticity
Preston: "One of the most important things in parenting is creating a sense of safety between the child and the parent. When you talk to a child with respect, their nervous systems relax, allowing them to share their inner world."

Celebrating Growth Through Love and Abundance
Preston: "So what would love do now? Celebrate that you caught it. I celebrate me when I have these moments of growth and self-awareness."

Connect with Preston Smiles:
Website: PrestonSmiles.com
Instagram: @PrestonSmiles
Books: Spiritual Millionaire | Love Louder

Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, review, rate, and share it with others who might benefit. Let's push beyond our limits and strive for personal growth together.

Tune in for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to embrace authenticity and reach new heights in your personal journey!

THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young Men

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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.

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Join me, as I welcome GS Youngblood, renowned author and men's coach, to the Building Men Podcast. In this episode, GS shares his profound insights on healthy masculinity, inspired by his own journey and the teachings of David Deida. Our discussion delves into the concept of masculine-feminine polarity and how young men can harness their power to foster stronger connections and personal growth.

We address the pervasive "nice guy" syndrome, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and boundary setting. GS introduces a modern model for masculinity that balances personal sovereignty with contemporary societal norms. Drawing from resources like "No More Mr. Nice Guy," GS provides young men with a practical blueprint for developing a grounded, confident, and emotionally connected masculine identity.

Listeners will benefit from GS's practical three-part framework that includes grounding, leadership, and emotional connection. This framework aims to cultivate healthier relationship dynamics, grounded nervous systems, clear leadership, and emotional safety. Don't miss out on actionable steps and embodiment practices that can be implemented immediately to make positive changes in your life.

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:02) - Exploring Masculinity and Relationship Dynamics (8 Minutes)

• Introduction to GS Youngblood and his work in men's coaching.
• Discussion on the importance of masculine-feminine polarity and personal power in relationships.
• GS shares his personal journey and influences, including David Deida's "The Way of the Superior Man."

(0:07:38) - Exploring Masculinity and Self-Discovery (5 Minutes)

• Examination of "nice guy" syndrome and its roots in childhood experiences.
• Emphasis on self-awareness and understanding one's own needs and boundaries.
• Introduction of the "masculine blueprint" as a model for healthy masculinity.

(0:12:29) - Developing Masculine Leadership and Connection (12 Minutes)

• Outline of a three-part framework for cultivating masculinity: grounding, leadership, and emotional connection.
• Practical advice on grounding the nervous system, offering inclusive leadership, and creating emotional safety in relationships.

(0:24:41) - Masculine Energy and Relationship Dynamics (6 Minutes)

• Exploration of the dynamics between masculine and feminine energies within relationships.
• Discussion on the imbalance of these energies and how to address it through grounding, leadership, and emotional connection.
• Challenges boys face in schools and the need for better support structures.

(0:30:34) - Cultivating Vulnerability and Courage (13 Minutes)

• Discussion on selfless leadership and serving others.
• Importance of balancing vulnerability with strength and expressing emotions succinctly.
• Real-life examples and advice on how small acts of kindness can create a positive ripple effect.

(0:43:13) - Masculine Blueprint and Embodiment Practice (4 Minutes)

• How to connect with GS Youngblood and access his work, particularly through his book "The Masculine in Relationship."
• Importance of embodiment practices and envisioning one's most courageous self.
• Special offer for listeners to receive a free copy of GS's book.

(0:47:20) - Embodying Masculine Practices for Growth (0 Minutes)

• Encouragement for listeners to engage with the podcast by rating, reviewing, and sharing.
• Emphasis on pushing beyond perceived limits and striving for personal growth.

Connect with GS Youngblood:
https://www.gsyoungblood.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gsyoungbloodmir/
Book: "The Masculine in Relationship" available on Amazon.

Engage with the Podcast:
Rate, review, and share the episode.
Visit our website for more information on mentorship, coaching, and the Building Men community.

Thank you for listening to the Building Men Podcast with Dennis Morolda. I hope this episode with GS Youngblood inspires you to redefine masculinity and navigate healthy relationships and personal growth.

THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young Men

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What's up, everyone! Welcome to another episode of the Building Men podcast. Today, we’re diving deep with David Waldy, the Fierce Empathy Coach. David's story over the last couple of years is a rollercoaster of highs and lows: celebrating ten years of marriage, expecting his fourth child, and tackling some serious health issues. Through it all, he’s embraced resilience, growth, and intentional living.

We’ll talk about David's work as an integrative small business consultant and coach. He shares how resilience and support are crucial in both personal and professional life. David dishes out some real, practical insights on parenting and personal development, focusing on self-awareness, core values, and nurturing a growth mindset in kids.

You’ll get the lowdown on raising resilient and confident kids, handling teenage drama, and leading by example. Plus, we’ll chat about living with intention and purpose, and David will drop some killer habits like immersive gratitude and reflective exercises that help uncover your true calling.

This episode is stacked with wisdom and actionable tips for nurturing young minds, rebuilding societal values, and making meaningful changes. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one. Tune in, get inspired, and let's make a difference together.

Key Topics:

1. Life, Growth, Family, and Purpose (0:00:02 - 0:11:18)

   • David Waldy's journey over the past two years.
   • Balancing marriage, family, and health challenges.
   • The importance of resilience and support in personal and professional life.

2. Building Character and Values (0:11:18 - 0:24:11)

   • The role of self-awareness and core values in personal development.
   • Prioritizing emotional intelligence and healthy relationships.
   • The significance of intentionality in daily life and fatherhood.

3. Encouraging Effort Over Identity (0:24:11 - 0:27:28)

   • Fostering resilience and a growth mindset in children.
   • Praising effort and process over inherent abilities.
   • Encouraging self-assessment and intrinsic motivation in kids.

4. Developing Self-Confidence and Parental Modeling (0:27:28 - 0:30:45)

   • The impact of performance-based validation on children's self-confidence.
   • The importance of parents modeling desired behaviors.
   • Raising emotionally healthy children through intentional efforts.

5. Parenting for Long-Term Success (0:30:45 - 0:34:23)

   • Strategies for proactive and intentional parenting.
   • Teaching self-regulation and coping skills.
   • Engaging children with questions that encourage creativity and effort.

6. Relationships and Parenting Concerns (0:34:23 - 0:37:08)

   • Addressing teenage challenges and modeling positive behaviors.
   • The significance of open communication and self-reflection for parents.
   • Strengthening family bonds through compassionate conversations.

7. Parenting and Personal Development (0:37:08 - 0:42:55)

   • The value of parents sharing struggles and failures with their children.
   • Introducing "The Ardent Man" community and its holistic approach to self-improvement.
   • Advocating for a balanced approach to personal growth and family life.

8. Discovering and Embracing Personal Growth (0:42:55 - 0:50:59)

   • Helping men identify their desired roles and navigate toward their goals.
   • The importance of vulnerability, accountability, and consistency.
   • Overcoming performance-based mindsets to rediscover true purpose.

9. Living With Intention and Purpose (0:50:59 - 1:03:20)

   • Guiding children to value their life experiences.
   • The practice of immersive gratitude and reflective exercises.
   • Gaining clarity and focus on one's purpose and calling.

10. Rebuilding Society Together (1:03:20 - 1:04:21)

    • Aligning missions to rebuild societal values.
    • Encouraging listeners to share the episode and push beyond comfort zones.
    • Expressing gratitude and a call to action for audience engagement.

Get in touch with David:
www.davidwaldy.com

THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young Men

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Join us in this episode as Justin Buonomo, host of The Holistic Hustle podcast, opens up about his journey from financial turmoil in his teenage years to becoming a successful advocate for financial literacy. Justin shares his deeply personal story, discussing the struggles he faced, including his family's bankruptcy, their subsequent divorce, and a traumatic car accident that led to a mismanaged financial settlement. His raw and candid storytelling highlights the critical need for financial education and mentorship among young men today.

In our discussion, we debunk the myth that material success equals happiness. Authentic manhood, as we explore, is more about emotional vulnerability and genuine connections than accumulating wealth or possessions. Drawing from personal experiences, we talk about overcoming strained relationships with our fathers, navigating toxic family dynamics, and the invaluable lessons learned from spiritual growth. This conversation is a testament to the power of vulnerability and emotional expression in achieving true fulfillment and maturity.

As we anticipate Father's Day, the emotions run high. Reflecting on the joys and challenges of fatherhood, I share my excitement for my first Father's Day with my daughter, Peyton, and the deliberate approach I'm taking in raising her. Justin and I also explore practical financial advice for teens and parents, the benefits of early investing, and Justin's inspiring transition from a career in medicine to successful entrepreneurship. His story underscores the importance of aligning professional success with personal well-being, offering invaluable insights for young men and business owners striving for a balanced and purposeful life.

Chapter Breakdown:

(0:00:02) - Personal Finances and Childhood Trauma (12 Minutes)
We introduce Justin Buonomo, who shares his personal journey through financial struggles during his teenage years. He recounts his family's bankruptcy, their subsequent divorce, and a traumatic car accident that led to a mismanaged financial settlement. This chapter emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and mentorship for young men.

(0:12:19) - Journey to Authentic Manhood (5 Minutes)
This chapter explores the realization that true manhood is about becoming the most authentic version of oneself rather than accumulating material achievements. We discuss the misconception that accomplishments and possessions are the ultimate sources of happiness and highlight the importance of vulnerability and emotional expression in maturity.

(0:17:14) - Fatherhood Reflections and Self-Improvement (13 Minutes)
With Father's Day approaching, we delve into the emotional nuances it brings. I share my excitement for my first Father's Day as a father, reflecting on my journey with my daughter, Peyton. The conversation shifts to my complicated relationship with my own father and the importance of cherishing every moment with our children.

(0:29:59) - Financial Planning for Teens and Parents (9 Minutes)
We explore the importance of early investing, particularly in the S&P 500, for long-term financial growth. We discuss the value of compound interest, building good credit, and making informed investment choices, including riskier investments like NFTs and cryptocurrency.

(0:39:24) - Journey to Financial Freedom and Passion (5 Minutes)
Justin shares his inspiring journey from a promising career in medicine to becoming a successful entrepreneur. We discuss the significance of aligning professional success with personal well-being and the impact of mentorship and continuous learning.

(0:44:13) - Building Holistic Success and Purpose (6 Minutes)
We focus on creating a holistically successful life by balancing professional accomplishments with personal well-being. Justin emphasizes the importance of having the right intentions behind one's goals and offers practical advice for young men and business owners.

Key Quotes:

• "True manhood is about becoming the most authentic version of oneself rather than accumulating material achievements."
• "Vulnerability and emotional expression are key aspects of maturity."
• "Early investing and building good credit are crucial steps for long-term financial growth."

Connect with Justin Buonomo:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/justin_buonomo/
Freebie: https://www.group.journeytofinancialfreedom.co/free-masterclass
Book a call: https://calendly.com/smuhall/journey-to-financial-freedom-stephanie?month=2024-04

Resources Mentioned:

• Book High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
• App: Robinhood for accessible investing

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you valuable content.

Tune in next week for another insightful episode!

THE FOUNDATION - Virtual Community for Young Men

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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.

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In this episode, we explore the role of rites of passage in shaping identity and discuss the concept of "regret-proofing" your future by making value-aligned decisions today. Matthew and I also address the emotional and challenging moments that define us, from personal losses to everyday struggles, offering practical wisdom on navigating these hurdles.

For those balancing personal growth and business demands, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. We delve into the importance of creating a trusted space for emotional sharing during stressful times and how podcasting can be a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships and authentic marketing. Learn from Matthew's experiences as we discuss the challenges of maintaining one’s craft while growing a business that resonates with core values.

Chapter Summaries:

• Turning 40 (0:00:03 - 0:13:11): Matthew reflects on his significant life changes over the past three years, including his engagement, launching a business, and turning 40. We discuss how these milestones have influenced his perspective on life and self-reflection.

• Rites of Passage and Identity Shifts (0:13:11 - 0:26:38): We explore the concept of rites of passage and their impact on identity. Key topics include embracing challenging experiences, self-reflection, and "regret-proofing" one's future.

• Personal Growth and Self-Reflection (0:26:38 - 0:30:02): This chapter highlights the importance of understanding who you want to become rather than focusing solely on achievements, touching on personal growth and facing parental expectations.

• Navigating Grief and Acceptance (0:30:02 - 0:37:34): We discuss the complexities of processing grief, acceptance, and the varying responses to loss, emphasizing the lack of a clear playbook for handling grief.

• Navigating Business Growth and Marketing (0:37:34 - 0:44:21): This chapter covers the importance of having a trusted space for emotional sharing and finding authentic ways to grow a business that aligns with personal values.

• Podcasting for Business Building Success (0:44:21 - 0:49:39): We explore how podcasting can be a powerful medium for building meaningful relationships and enhancing credibility, offering an alternative to traditional social media marketing.

• Leveraging Podcasts for Business Growth (0:49:39 - 0:53:50): This chapter focuses on creating a "signature conversation" for professionals seeking to grow their credibility and business through podcast appearances.

• Building Credibility and Taking Responsibility (0:53:50 - End): We discuss the importance of aligning speakers and hosts with the right audience and the transformative power of storytelling in personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaway:
If you take only one thing from this episode, let it be the importance of taking full responsibility for your life. No one's coming to save you, and achieving your goals requires effort and accountability.

Connect with Us:

• Host: Dennis Morolda @building.men
• Guest: Matthew Paetz
• Matthew's Instagram: @MatthewPaetz
• https://www.skool.com/become-u-4484/about

For more insights and to assess your credibility, check out Matthew's agency, Momentum, and take their credibility quiz to start building your authority in your field.

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