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In this episode of FCA The Locker Room, Justin Hamm sits down with co-host Vincenzo Pepe to share the story behind his call to FCA—from a season of burnout and uncertainty to a bold prayer of surrender that changed everything. Cenzo reflects on trusting God through a career shift, raising support, and building FCA in the Hudson Valley from the ground up. Together, they talk faith, family, comparison, and what it looks like to release control and follow God’s lead while balancing ministry, marriage, and fatherhood.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and find all episodes here:
https://linktr.ee/fcalockerroompodcast

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In this episode of FCA The Locker Room, Justin Hamm sits down with NCAA soccer player Austin Johns for an honest conversation about the realities of college athletics. From going from star high-school scorer to fighting for minutes, Austin shares the emotional highs and lows of his sophomore season, the impact of coaching leadership, and the mental grind that comes with adversity.

Austin opens up about learning to surrender control, trusting God’s plan, and finding peace through the truth of “Be still and know that I am God.” Together, they unpack the power of a coach’s influence, the importance of confidence, and what it looks like to move from simply surviving to truly thriving as an athlete and as a man of faith.

Links for Austin: www.youtube.com/@JohnsiesFoodCorner

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FCA’s Greg Skolaski joins Justin to unpack the mission field hiding in plain sight: action sports. From Rochester skateparks to chairlift conversations on snowy peaks, Greg shares how consistency, authenticity, and community are opening doors to the Gospel among a culture of nearly 400 million riders—most of whom have never set foot in a church. Hear the story of an atheist skatepark owner whose show turned into a spiritual conversation, why skaters are more open than you think, and Greg’s vision to multiply leaders and launch FCA Action Sports across New York State.

If this inspires you, consider partnering with Greg—support link in the show notes.

Greg’s Link: https://my.fca.org/?form=gregskolaski

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Every athlete knows the value of the offseason — rest, recovery, and preparation. But what about when God leads you into a spiritual offseason?

In this episode of The FCA Locker Room, Vincenzo unpacks how to stay faithful when momentum slows and how to find purpose in seasons of waiting. Using sports analogies and biblical truths, Vincenzo encourages coaches and athletes to embrace the offseason as a time of growth, not discouragement — and to trust that God is preparing them for what’s next.

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In Part 2 of our conversation with entrepreneur and mentor Michael Rankin, we get intensely practical about freedom from addiction, sexual sin, and destructive patterns. Mike shares how real change happens: not by “trying harder,” but through honesty, healthy structure, and Christ-centered accountability in real community.

We talk about why isolation keeps men stuck, why shame is the real enemy, and why vulnerability is actually strength — “the most vulnerable guy in the room is the most powerful guy in the room.” Mike also explains how following the Holy Spirit, not just white-knuckling behavior, is the path to lasting freedom.

This episode digs into how to build safe community, why you need someone who’s already walked the road you’re on, how Scripture and brain science work together, and what it actually looks like to renew your mind and keep showing up — even when you feel weak.

If you’ve ever thought “maybe I’m just broken,” this one is for you. Freedom is possible. You’re not alone.

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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 his journey of growing up in Japan, playing baseball overseas, and eventually helping launch FCA Japan and expand ministry in East Asia. We’ll dive into the challenges, victories, and vision of international sports ministry — and hear how God is moving through coaches and athletes globally. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or supporter, this episode will inspire you to think beyond your local field and see how the Gospel is advancing worldwide through FCA.

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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 joy, and—at 30 years old, training less—led to a lifetime PR. We unpack his simple Cycle of Perseverance, moving from results-obsession to a worshipful process you can use in sport, school, or life.

Hit play if you’re an athlete or coach who:

• Feels worth rise and fall with wins
• Wants freedom from anxiety and overthinking
• Needs a practical reset for identity, focus, and peace

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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.

Cody isn’t just developing better ballplayers; he’s discipling young men to be leaders on and off the field. From starting Saturday Bible studies with his players to launching travel teams rooted in faith, Cody shares how God has guided every step of his journey.

Listen in as we talk about:

• Relying on God when taking bold new steps in sports and business.
• How coaches can weave discipleship into everyday coaching.
• Practical ways to empower athletes to be spiritual leaders in their own circles.
• Stories of transformation from the ballfield to real life.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation will inspire you to see sports as a powerful platform for the Gospel.