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The FCA Locker Room
Welcome to The FCA Locker Room—where purpose meets the playbook! Brought to you by the New York Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, this podcast dives deep into real conversations that empower coaches, athletes, and parents to lead boldly for Christ.
Each episode tackles relevant topics like mentoring athletes, strengthening coach-parent relationships, and integrating faith into competition—giving you practical tools to glorify God and share the Gospel through sports. Whether you're a coach looking to make an eternal impact, an athlete striving to compete with purpose, or a parent seeking wisdom, this is your playbook for Christ-centered leadership and living.
Episodes
48 episodes
Before the Brownie: The Real War Beneath Temptation (w/ Michael Rankin (part 1)
Temptation isn’t about the moment—it’s the iceberg beneath it. Justin Hamm and entrepreneur Michael Rankin unpack why “try harder” fails, how shame keeps men stuck, and a simple path to real freedom—Honesty, Structure, Accountability<...
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Episode 46
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52:27
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Every Coach. Every Athlete. Every Nation.
What does it look like when sports become a gateway for the Gospel across the world? In this episode of The FCA Locker Room, we’re joined by Will Thompson, FCA’s Regional Director of International Advancement for the Northeast. Will shares ...
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Episode 45
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45:41
When Sport Becomes Your God: Decathlete Alex Bonitto on Surrender, Identity, and the “Cycle of Perseverance”
Decathlete Alex Bonitto hit rock bottom chasing Olympic dreams—until God asked, “When will you let Me be your God?” In this fast, punchy convo, Alex shares how surrendering identity to Jesus crushed performance anxiety, restored...
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Episode 44
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30:09
Empowering Youth Athletes To Lead
Coaches have the power to shape lives far beyond the game. In this episode of The FCA Locker Room, host Vincenzo Pepe sits down with returning guest Cody Massey — founder of Buzzin Baseball and Rascals Baseball.
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Episode 43
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33:52
Let Go & Let God: Football, Identity & Discipleship
In this episode of The Locker Room, Justin sits down with Emi Pastorino, former football player turned FCA area rep, to unpack what happens when sports, success, and performance become your identity—and how Jesus reshapes i...
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Episode 42
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34:53
From Panic to Peace: College Soccer, Anxiety, and a 30-Second Encounter with God
What happens when the dream you’ve poured your whole life into suddenly leaves you empty? What do you do when anxiety and panic attacks strip away your freedom, your friendships, and even your will to keep going? And how can one quiet moment—on...
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38:23
Excellence vs. Perfection: Why the Difference Matters
In sports and in life, the pursuit of perfection can be a trap—but the pursuit of excellence can be transformational. In this episode, Vincenzo unpacks the crucial difference between striving for excellence and chasing perfection, and why one b...
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Episode 40
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30:30
The Creator’s Game: Frank Kelly’s Journey of Faith and Sport
In this episode of The FCA Locker Room, we sit down with Frank Kelly, CEO of Kelly & Associates Insurance Group, longtime FCA leader, and pioneer in FCA Lacrosse. Frank shares his powerful story of faith, family, and spor...
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Episode 39
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57:00
Walking On, Holding On: Faith, Identity, and the Journey Beyond the Game
In this episode of The Locker Room, Justin Hamm sits down with Jonathan Noel — a former Boston College basketball walk-on — to talk faith, perseverance, and finding identity beyond playing time. Jonathan shares how his parents' radical...
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Episode 38
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24:38
Lead Where You Are: The Impact of a Huddle
What if the greatest ministry opportunity in your school or team wasn’t a platform—it was a circle? In this episode of The FCA Locker Room, we explore the power of FCA Huddles—what they are, how they work, and how anyone can start one....
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Episode 38
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34:04
The Power of a Testimony
In this episode, Justin sits down with ARTEM MAKARENKO to hear his powerful journey of perseverance, identity, and faith. As a top-level soccer player in Ukraine, Artem faced repeated rejection that left him questioning his purpose and f...
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Episode 37
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21:06
When God Says Go
In this episode of The FCA Locker Room, we sit down with Michael Toro, FCA’s newest staff member serving in Westchester County. Mike shares his personal journey of discerning God’s calling—from working in the professional world to step...
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Episode 36
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30:42
Are You Responding or Reacting?
In this episode, Justin Hamm explores the power of choice in our everyday lives — from decisions about our faith to our struggles in life. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether they’re actively making intentional choices or simply letti...
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Episode 35
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29:12
Step Into The Huddle: Join The Mission
The need is urgent, and the mission is clear. In this episode, we explore why now is the time to step into ministry with FCA. You'll hear my personal story of being called to this work, what it’s been like on staff, and why we so urgently need ...
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Episode 34
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33:44
The Harvest Is Plentiful
What does it look like to be called into ministry—and how do you know if it’s for you? In this episode, we’re joined by Steve Heintz, FCA’s Northeast Regional Director of Talent Advancement, for an inside look at how FCA is building a ...
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Episode 33
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41:20
The Coaching Compass
What happens when a coach becomes more than just a coach? After growing up without a father, Justin reflects on the powerful impact his coaches had on shaping his identity—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Now a coach himself, he explore...
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Episode 32
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35:59
From the Locker Room to the Community: The Mission in Motion
In this episode, host Vincenzo Pepe shares the heart and vision behind FCA. From personal stories to powerful ministry moments, this episode paints a picture of what God is doing through FCA—and how you can be a part of it. Whether you’re new t...
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Episode 31
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38:56
Spiritual Leadership in Sports: Coaching Through Faith
Have you ever found yourself as a coach wondering, “Is there more to this than just wins and losses? “If you’re a coach with a strong faith but aren’t sure how to let it guide you in your role, this episode of The Locker Room with Greg...
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Episode 30
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33:14
Teammates For Life: A Spouse's Perspective On Sports Ministry
In this special episode, host Vincenzo Pepe sits down with a very special guest—his wife, Michelle Pepe. They talk about her athletic background, the coaches who shaped her, and what it was like growing up in sports. But the conversation quickl...
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Episode 29
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47:45
Professional Reminding: Coaching with a Purpose
In this episode, Justin sits down with Coach Brandon Noble to explore the power of living a consistent life and how to navigate both the highs and lows that come our way. As a college baseball coach, Brandon brings valuable insight into managin...
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Episode 28
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30:45
Facing Up: A Journey to Discover Authentic Faith
In this episode, Justin chops it up with former college basketball player Andrew Johns—a gritty, undersized hooper who had to obsess over the fine details of the game, just to earn a shot at the next level. But along the way, Andrew...
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Episode 27
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29:18
Running with Purpose: Lee Rouson on Faith, Football, and Life Beyond the Game
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lee Rouson—former NFL running back, two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, and devoted follower of Christ. Lee shares how his faith was a cornerstone throughout his athletic journey, f...
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Episode 26
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44:23
FCA and the Great Outdoors
In this episode, Justin sits down with Ed Stratton, to talk about an exciting new area for FCA: Outdoors ministry. We look at how God has brought Ed into this position and how his passion for motorsports and the outdoors has led to a grow...
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Episode 25
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28:18
Bold & Unshaken: Living Out Your Faith in Public Schools
In this episode, we dive into an important and often misunderstood topic—being a Christian coach in a public school setting. What are your rights when it comes to sharing your faith? How can you live out your beliefs while respecting school pol...
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Episode 24
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44:18