The FCA Locker Room

Send us Fan Mail 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 stepping into full-time ministry with FCA. We explore what it means to find purpose in your current season, how to recognize the nudge of the Holy Spir...

Send us Fan Mail 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 letting life happen to them. Are you thoughtfully responding to life’s challenges, or are you just reacting to what comes your way? Tune in as J...

Send us Fan Mail 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 more people to join the mission. Whether you feel called to full-time ministry or want to serve right where you are, this episode will...

Send us Fan Mail 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 team to reach every coach and athlete with the Gospel. We dive into what makes someone a great fit for FCA staff, how to discern God’s calling, the...

Send us Fan Mail 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 explores what it means to guide others beyond the scoreboard, focusing on the whole person: body, mind, and heart. This podcast dives into the dee...

Send us Fan Mail 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 to the ministry or already involved, this is a fresh reminder of why FCA exists and where it's headed.

Send us Fan Mail 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 Gregg Johns is for you. We’ll explore what it means to coach with genuine authenticity — where your faith isn’t something you keep separate, but somethi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 quickly turns deeper as Michelle shares her honest perspective on the FCA ministry—from her first impressions to what it meant when her husband f...

Send us Fan Mail 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 managing challenges beyond our control. Together, they discuss the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus and the lasting impact of pursuing con...

Send us Fan Mail 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 beings to understand that there is something even bigger than basketball. What started as a grind for playing time turned into a deeper search for i...

Send us Fan Mail 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, from his high school days in North Carolina, to his collegiate career at the University of Colorado, and ultimately to the pinnacle of profe...

Send us Fan Mail 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 growing ministry opportunity here in the northeast. So for those of us who love hunting, fishing, kayaking, and anything with a motor in it, this ep...

Send us Fan Mail 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 policies? Too often, Christian coaches and teachers feel uncertain or hesitant about discussing their faith, fearing backlash or violating reg...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Justin sits down with High School Senior and 2-time state champion Arlan Wright. Arlan is D1 track and field recruit who just helped lead his basketball team to an undefeated state championship. In this conversation we look at influences that impacted him, how hard work and communication are keys to success, and the role that his faith plays on how he leads.

Send us Fan Mail As a Christian athlete, the pressure to fit in can be overwhelming—whether it’s in the locker room, on the field, or in social settings. In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Gettig, FCA Rochester Area Director, to discuss the challenges athletes face when trying to live out their faith in a culture that often pushes them to conform. Brandon shares his personal journey of navi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Justin sits down with Jesse Tanner from Rochester, NY FCA. We cover how to build connections, the keys to being genuine, and how to connect authentically. We discuss how to lead through weakness and vulnerability and the lessons learned by the Grace that God extends to us. 

Send us Fan Mail The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is making an impact in the Northeast—but how did it start, where is it now, and where is it headed? In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Bliss, Regional Vice President of the Northeast Region for FCA, to explore the growth and challenges of ministry in this region. Nathan shares his journey with FCA, the transformation he’s seen over the ye...

Send us Fan Mail Coaching is more than just X’s and O’s—it’s a calling. But too often, coaches find themselves consumed by the pressure to win, the expectations of others, and the demands of the job, leaving little room for faith, family, and personal well-being. In this episode of The FCA Locker Room , we sit down with Nick Diluggo, FCA Eastern Connecticut Director, to tackle the challenge of fin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Justin chats with Thomas McConnelee, a nationally ranked thrower on the Roberts Wesleyan Track and Field team. As an elite athlete who is continuing to excel in his sport, he is more concerned with living out his faith. We cover the loneliness of following Jesus at times, how to make your relationship with Jesus personal, and the importance of having community as...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful movement happening in college athletics—more and more athletes are boldly sharing their faith for all to see. From post-game press conferences to faith-based apparel, these athletes aren’t shying away from giving glory to God. Joined by Ed Trask, FCA Southern New England Director, we discuss what this shift means for the culture of spo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Locker Room, Justin sits down with Greg Skolaski out of FCA Rochester. Growing up in the church culture Greg shares his journey of dealing with legalism, consequences to actions, and experiencing true freedom in Christ. As an Area Representative focusing on Action Sports, Greg shares his journey of leadership development and infusing skateboarding with minis...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The FCA Locker Room , we sit down with Amber Johns, the FCA New York State Director and founder of FCA BRAVE, a ministry dedicated to equipping and empowering female coaches and athletes to boldly live out their faith. Amber shares the heart behind BRAVE, the impact it’s having on women in sports, and why this movement is so needed today. We’ll dive into the cha...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Justin sits down with high school coach, Gregg Johns to talk about how his coaching strategy has changed over his 28-year coaching career, especially in the last few years as he has begun to walk out his faith in front of his teams in a very real way. We discuss the role of mentors in our lives, how culture impacts coaching, and what it looks like to be a man in t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Vincenzo sits down with Margaux Poplaski, FCA's Northeast Regional Director of Ministry Advancement, to discuss all things discipleship. They dive deep into the FCA strategy of "Engage, Equip, Empower" (E3) and how this process can allow us to become a disciple who makes disciples. The two discuss some of the fears or misconceptions of discipleship a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, both hosts, Vincenzo and Justin, tackle the calling of coaching as a Christian. Some of the topics covered in this conversation are "Why Coaching is a Spiritual Calling", "Practical Application for Bold Faith in Coaching", and "A Call to Action: Challenges for Coaching". Join us as we talk about our experiences as coaches who love Jes...