House of Hammers Thu, 21 May 2026 01:41:52 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545073 en-us © 2026 House of Hammers yes a9c0cd80-a1ac-576d-9ffd-e8b5831ddaa7 CC Communications episodic false Welcome to House of Hammers — a podcast where iron sharpens iron and faith fuels perseverance. Each week, your hosts dig deep into stories of mindset, motivation, and servant leadership, reminding us to focus on "roots, not fruit" — building strong foundations before chasing results.


Through real conversations, spiritual truths, and guest insights, House of Hammers challenges you to grow in grit, grace, and purpose. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or simply yourself, this is your space to be sharpened, strengthened, and inspired to serve. Grab your hammer, it’s time to build something that lasts. 🛠️

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) CC Communications https://storage.buzzsprout.com/iyps04x81inqti122hjzn2s2lpk7?.jpg House of Hammers Perception, Sports Psychology, and Maximizing Your Potential | Todd Nadeau '80 Perception, Sports Psychology, and Maximizing Your Potential | Todd Nadeau '80 In this episode of House of Hammers, we welcome Todd Nadeau ’80 — former three-sport athlete at Catholic Central, Albion College basketball player, and respected sports psychology coach who continues to mentor Shamrocks today.

Todd shares his journey of overcoming adversity after a high school injury and how that experience ultimately shaped his purpose in helping athletes navigate the mental and emotional side of competition. The conversation dives deep into identity, pressure, perception, and the challenges today’s athletes face in a world filled with expectations and comparison.

Todd also reflects on the importance of understanding perception, maximizing the gifts God gives us, and living as a light for others both on and off the field.

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, we welcome Todd Nadeau ’80 — former three-sport athlete at Catholic Central, Albion College basketball player, and respected sports psychology coach who continues to mentor Shamrocks today.

Todd shares his journey of overcoming adversity after a high school injury and how that experience ultimately shaped his purpose in helping athletes navigate the mental and emotional side of competition. The conversation dives deep into identity, pressure, perception, and the challenges today’s athletes face in a world filled with expectations and comparison.

Todd also reflects on the importance of understanding perception, maximizing the gifts God gives us, and living as a light for others both on and off the field.

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-19146368 Sat, 09 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 3379 1 17 full false Growth and Resilience | TJ Nadeau '24 Growth and Resilience | TJ Nadeau '24 In Episode 16 of House of Hammers, host Aaron Babicz '93 and special co-host Tory Jackson welcome alumnus TJ Nadeau '24. The conversation centers on the intersection of faith, athletic resilience, and the necessity of high-quality relationships. Nadeau details his transition through the transfer portal, emphasizing the importance of choosing growth over comfort, while Jackson reflects on the spiritual grounding required to navigate high-level coaching success. 

]]> In Episode 16 of House of Hammers, host Aaron Babicz '93 and special co-host Tory Jackson welcome alumnus TJ Nadeau '24. The conversation centers on the intersection of faith, athletic resilience, and the necessity of high-quality relationships. Nadeau details his transition through the transfer portal, emphasizing the importance of choosing growth over comfort, while Jackson reflects on the spiritual grounding required to navigate high-level coaching success. 

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-19098970 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 4110 1 16 full false After the Ring | Coach Cessante on Faith, Family, and What Comes Next After the Ring | Coach Cessante on Faith, Family, and What Comes Next In the wake of Catholic Central's 2026 D1 State Championship, hosts Aaron Babicz '93 and Chris Okoye '14 welcome Head Football Coach Justin Cessante '99 back to House of Hammers. This is more than a championship recap — it's a candid conversation about the personal growth required to lead, the role of faith in athletics, and how the CC Family turns tradition into a launchpad. Coach Cessante also shares his "Shield Down" leadership model and what it looks like to lead with your guard down.

]]> In the wake of Catholic Central's 2026 D1 State Championship, hosts Aaron Babicz '93 and Chris Okoye '14 welcome Head Football Coach Justin Cessante '99 back to House of Hammers. This is more than a championship recap — it's a candid conversation about the personal growth required to lead, the role of faith in athletics, and how the CC Family turns tradition into a launchpad. Coach Cessante also shares his "Shield Down" leadership model and what it looks like to lead with your guard down.

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-19026669 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 5785 1 15 full false Leadership as Coaching | Jeff Wiska '77 Leadership as Coaching | Jeff Wiska '77 Episode 14 of the House of Hammers podcast features Jeff Wiska '77, a Michigan State football player and former NFL/USFL professional. The discussion centers on the transition from elite athletics to corporate leadership, emphasizing a "people-first" management philosophy. Wiska maintains that effective leadership is an act of mentorship and love rather than mere process management, drawing direct parallels between the accountability of the football field and the integrity required in business. 

]]> Episode 14 of the House of Hammers podcast features Jeff Wiska '77, a Michigan State football player and former NFL/USFL professional. The discussion centers on the transition from elite athletics to corporate leadership, emphasizing a "people-first" management philosophy. Wiska maintains that effective leadership is an act of mentorship and love rather than mere process management, drawing direct parallels between the accountability of the football field and the integrity required in business. 

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18945035 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 4403 1 14 full false More Than Wins | Mike McAndrews More Than Wins | Mike McAndrews In this episode of House of Hammers, host Aaron Babicz ’93 welcomes Mike McAndrews — Director of Admissions at Cardinal Mooney and longtime head boys basketball coach with more than 300 career wins.

A proud Cardinal Mooney alumnus and former three-sport athlete, Coach McAndrews reflects on a lifetime dedicated to building young men through faith, discipline, and competition. From his days as a four-year college basketball player at Concordia University Chicago to leading Mooney’s basketball program, he shares what it takes to sustain excellence over decades.

The conversation explores the deeper purpose behind coaching and leadership — why relationships matter more than records, how faith shapes culture, and why the greatest victories come in the lives of the students and athletes you serve.

Follow us on social media 
@DCCPodcasts 
https://www.instagram.com/dccpodcasts/

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, host Aaron Babicz ’93 welcomes Mike McAndrews — Director of Admissions at Cardinal Mooney and longtime head boys basketball coach with more than 300 career wins.

A proud Cardinal Mooney alumnus and former three-sport athlete, Coach McAndrews reflects on a lifetime dedicated to building young men through faith, discipline, and competition. From his days as a four-year college basketball player at Concordia University Chicago to leading Mooney’s basketball program, he shares what it takes to sustain excellence over decades.

The conversation explores the deeper purpose behind coaching and leadership — why relationships matter more than records, how faith shapes culture, and why the greatest victories come in the lives of the students and athletes you serve.

Follow us on social media 
@DCCPodcasts 
https://www.instagram.com/dccpodcasts/

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18822411 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 5401 1 13 full false Breaking Mental Barriers | Brian Chaney Breaking Mental Barriers | Brian Chaney On this episode of House of Hammers, we sit down with Brian Chaney, LMSW-C, C.Ht., founder and CEO of Chane Reaction Counseling Services, to explore the powerful intersection of mental health, athletics, and personal transformation. Brian joins us to unpack how our past experiences shape our reactions, how “sports imitates life,” and why culturally-sensitive support matters now more than ever. With over 20 years in social work, certification as Michigan’s only male Sports Social Worker, and advanced hypnotherapy training, Brian brings a unique perspective on resilience, motivation, and mental performance. We dive into his journey from inner-city Detroit to guiding athletes and individuals toward lasting change — and how every choice truly creates a chain reaction.

]]> On this episode of House of Hammers, we sit down with Brian Chaney, LMSW-C, C.Ht., founder and CEO of Chane Reaction Counseling Services, to explore the powerful intersection of mental health, athletics, and personal transformation. Brian joins us to unpack how our past experiences shape our reactions, how “sports imitates life,” and why culturally-sensitive support matters now more than ever. With over 20 years in social work, certification as Michigan’s only male Sports Social Worker, and advanced hypnotherapy training, Brian brings a unique perspective on resilience, motivation, and mental performance. We dive into his journey from inner-city Detroit to guiding athletes and individuals toward lasting change — and how every choice truly creates a chain reaction.

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18757069 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 5391 1 12 full false Fuel Your Ambition & Fail Forward | Jacob Brown Fuel Your Ambition & Fail Forward | Jacob Brown In this powerful episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome inspirational speaker and motivator Jacob Brown for a raw and honest conversation about resilience, risk, and fatherhood.

Having spoken to audiences at TEDx, Meta, UPS, and schools across the country, Jacob brings a compelling blend of athletic experience, entrepreneurial insight, and hard-earned wisdom. This episode is a reminder that failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of the path. True growth happens when you fall forward, get back up, and keep building. 🛠️

Learn more about Jacob Brown:
https://failforwardbrown.com/

]]> In this powerful episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome inspirational speaker and motivator Jacob Brown for a raw and honest conversation about resilience, risk, and fatherhood.

Having spoken to audiences at TEDx, Meta, UPS, and schools across the country, Jacob brings a compelling blend of athletic experience, entrepreneurial insight, and hard-earned wisdom. This episode is a reminder that failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of the path. True growth happens when you fall forward, get back up, and keep building. 🛠️

Learn more about Jacob Brown:
https://failforwardbrown.com/

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18624685 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 4216 1 11 full false Coaching with Purpose and Faith | Tory Jackson Coaching with Purpose and Faith | Tory Jackson In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Head Basketball Coach Tory Jackson to talk about leadership, culture, and building young men the right way.

Coach Jackson shares his story and philosophy on faith, accountability, and discipline — and how those values shape his approach to coaching both on and off the court. From developing team chemistry to preparing players for life beyond basketball, he explains why relationships, trust, and consistency are at the foundation of a successful program.

This conversation goes beyond wins and losses, focusing on the daily work of forming character, instilling confidence, and challenging players to become the best versions of themselves. It’s a powerful reminder that great coaches don’t just teach the game — they build people. 🛠️

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Head Basketball Coach Tory Jackson to talk about leadership, culture, and building young men the right way.

Coach Jackson shares his story and philosophy on faith, accountability, and discipline — and how those values shape his approach to coaching both on and off the court. From developing team chemistry to preparing players for life beyond basketball, he explains why relationships, trust, and consistency are at the foundation of a successful program.

This conversation goes beyond wins and losses, focusing on the daily work of forming character, instilling confidence, and challenging players to become the best versions of themselves. It’s a powerful reminder that great coaches don’t just teach the game — they build people. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18508291 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 5071 1 10 full false Built in the Trenches | Jon Jansen Built in the Trenches | Jon Jansen In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Jon Jansen, former Michigan Wolverine, NFL offensive tackle, and second-round NFL Draft pick.

The conversation dives into leadership under pressure, the importance of preparation, and what it truly means to serve others. Jon’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness is built through consistency, humility, and a willingness to do the hard work that often goes unseen. 🛠️

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Jon Jansen, former Michigan Wolverine, NFL offensive tackle, and second-round NFL Draft pick.

The conversation dives into leadership under pressure, the importance of preparation, and what it truly means to serve others. Jon’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness is built through consistency, humility, and a willingness to do the hard work that often goes unseen. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18469394 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 4026 1 9 full false Ethos of a Champion | Corbin Boone Ethos of a Champion | Corbin Boone In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Corbin Boone — former Division I wrestler, award-winning student-athlete, coach, and performance specialist at Ethos Performance.

Corbin shares lessons forged through years of elite competition, discipline, and leadership. From earning four letters as a starter on the Cleveland State wrestling team to receiving the “Mr. Viking Award” for academic excellence and character, his story is rooted in perseverance and integrity. 

This conversation is all about who you become through the grind — and how character, humility, and relentless commitment define a true hammer. 🛠️

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Corbin Boone — former Division I wrestler, award-winning student-athlete, coach, and performance specialist at Ethos Performance.

Corbin shares lessons forged through years of elite competition, discipline, and leadership. From earning four letters as a starter on the Cleveland State wrestling team to receiving the “Mr. Viking Award” for academic excellence and character, his story is rooted in perseverance and integrity. 

This conversation is all about who you become through the grind — and how character, humility, and relentless commitment define a true hammer. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18338934 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 4184 1 8 full false "Win Forever" | Jason Malloy "Win Forever" | Jason Malloy In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Jason Malloy — Athletic Director at Westland John Glenn, former AD at Robichaud and Wayne Memorial, and a proud Robichaud alum and Western Michigan University football standout.

Jason shares his powerful philosophy of leadership: “Students need to know that you care before they care what you know.” Drawing on years of experience guiding athletic programs and building school culture, he discusses why authentic relationships, consistency, and compassion are essential for helping young people grow.

This episode is a reminder that real leadership starts with love and that caring is the foundation for any lasting impact. 🛠️

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Jason Malloy — Athletic Director at Westland John Glenn, former AD at Robichaud and Wayne Memorial, and a proud Robichaud alum and Western Michigan University football standout.

Jason shares his powerful philosophy of leadership: “Students need to know that you care before they care what you know.” Drawing on years of experience guiding athletic programs and building school culture, he discusses why authentic relationships, consistency, and compassion are essential for helping young people grow.

This episode is a reminder that real leadership starts with love and that caring is the foundation for any lasting impact. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18299757 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3934 1 7 full false Faith, Focus, and the Conqueror's Way | Jeremy Barkey Faith, Focus, and the Conqueror's Way | Jeremy Barkey In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Jeremy Barkey — executive coach, leadership developer, former Michigan State quarterback, and founder/CEO of Captain’s Light Consulting.

The conversation explores what it means to lead with purpose, stay grounded in faith, and maintain focus in a distracted world. Jeremy also discusses his book, The Conqueror’s Way, and how it opened doors for him to mentor athletes and coaches — helping them connect faith to performance and long-term excellence.

This episode is a reminder that true strength begins with spiritual discipline, intentional focus, and a heart committed to serving others. 🛠️

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Jeremy Barkey — executive coach, leadership developer, former Michigan State quarterback, and founder/CEO of Captain’s Light Consulting.

The conversation explores what it means to lead with purpose, stay grounded in faith, and maintain focus in a distracted world. Jeremy also discusses his book, The Conqueror’s Way, and how it opened doors for him to mentor athletes and coaches — helping them connect faith to performance and long-term excellence.

This episode is a reminder that true strength begins with spiritual discipline, intentional focus, and a heart committed to serving others. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18233338 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 4966 1 6 full false Built for the Climb | Rick Court Built for the Climb | Rick Court In this high-energy episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Rick Court — a nationally respected strength and conditioning coach with 20+ years of experience shaping elite athletes and championship teams across college and high school sports.

Rick shares stories from the weight room to the national stage. Now serving as Director of Strength and Conditioning at Greenville High School — and formerly a strength coach for Sorinex — Rick reflects on the mindset, discipline, and culture it takes to build not just great athletes, but great teammates.

From leadership to life lessons, Rick brings the passion, purpose, and relentless drive that earned him praise as “the most knowledgeable, driven, and enthusiastic coach” his players have ever had.

This episode is all about embracing the grind, trusting the process, and building strength that lasts. 🛠️

]]> In this high-energy episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Rick Court — a nationally respected strength and conditioning coach with 20+ years of experience shaping elite athletes and championship teams across college and high school sports.

Rick shares stories from the weight room to the national stage. Now serving as Director of Strength and Conditioning at Greenville High School — and formerly a strength coach for Sorinex — Rick reflects on the mindset, discipline, and culture it takes to build not just great athletes, but great teammates.

From leadership to life lessons, Rick brings the passion, purpose, and relentless drive that earned him praise as “the most knowledgeable, driven, and enthusiastic coach” his players have ever had.

This episode is all about embracing the grind, trusting the process, and building strength that lasts. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18210975 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 4844 1 5 full false Royalty in the Grind | Lakenya Burks Royalty in the Grind | Lakenya Burks In this inspiring episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Lakenya Burks — mom, coach, mentor, and entrepreneur behind I Am Royalty Custom Apparel, Southfield Ravens, and Greater Metropolitan Youth Sports.

Lakenya shares her journey of resilience and purpose — from building her business from the ground up to empowering young athletes and families in her community. She opens up about balancing leadership, the power of mentorship, and how she instills confidence and discipline in the next generation.

This episode is all about knowing your worth, walking in your calling, and leading with love — proving that true royalty is earned through service, strength, and grace. 👑🛠️

]]> In this inspiring episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Lakenya Burks — mom, coach, mentor, and entrepreneur behind I Am Royalty Custom Apparel, Southfield Ravens, and Greater Metropolitan Youth Sports.

Lakenya shares her journey of resilience and purpose — from building her business from the ground up to empowering young athletes and families in her community. She opens up about balancing leadership, the power of mentorship, and how she instills confidence and discipline in the next generation.

This episode is all about knowing your worth, walking in your calling, and leading with love — proving that true royalty is earned through service, strength, and grace. 👑🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18173204 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3564 1 4 full false What It Means to Be a Hammer | Mitch Hancock '00 What It Means to Be a Hammer | Mitch Hancock '00 In this powerful episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Mitch Hancock ’00 — Assistant Principal, Head Wrestling Coach, and soon-to-be the first lay Principal of Catholic Central.

Together, they dive deep into the origins of the House of Hammers name and explore what it truly means to be a “hammer” — a man of faith, discipline, and resilience who builds others up through servant leadership. Mitch shares lessons learned from the mat to the main office, reflecting on how faith, family, and perseverance shape his approach to leading young men.

From the grind of competition to the grace of fatherhood, this conversation captures the heart of the Catholic Central brotherhood — where strength is forged in service, and leadership begins with love. 🛠️

]]> In this powerful episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 welcome Mitch Hancock ’00 — Assistant Principal, Head Wrestling Coach, and soon-to-be the first lay Principal of Catholic Central.

Together, they dive deep into the origins of the House of Hammers name and explore what it truly means to be a “hammer” — a man of faith, discipline, and resilience who builds others up through servant leadership. Mitch shares lessons learned from the mat to the main office, reflecting on how faith, family, and perseverance shape his approach to leading young men.

From the grind of competition to the grace of fatherhood, this conversation captures the heart of the Catholic Central brotherhood — where strength is forged in service, and leadership begins with love. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18133140 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3926 1 3 full false Leading from the Ground Up | Anthony Tomey '99 Leading from the Ground Up | Anthony Tomey '99 In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Anthony Tomey ’99 — former Catholic Central and Eastern Michigan baseball standout, Detroit Tigers minor leaguer, and now co-founder of The Tomey Group, a powerhouse in hospitality and entrepreneurship.

Anthony shares his journey, reflecting on lessons in leadership, humility, and teamwork that have shaped his business philosophy. From growing one Jimmy John’s franchise into a thriving network of restaurants and ventures like 8 Mile Vodka, Born in Detroit Apparel, and Cedar Oaks Lakeside Resort, Anthony discusses what it means to lead from the ground up — being present, serving others, and staying rooted in faith and gratitude.

This is a conversation about building people before profits, staying hungry through success, and never forgetting where you came from. 🛠️

]]> In this episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 sit down with Anthony Tomey ’99 — former Catholic Central and Eastern Michigan baseball standout, Detroit Tigers minor leaguer, and now co-founder of The Tomey Group, a powerhouse in hospitality and entrepreneurship.

Anthony shares his journey, reflecting on lessons in leadership, humility, and teamwork that have shaped his business philosophy. From growing one Jimmy John’s franchise into a thriving network of restaurants and ventures like 8 Mile Vodka, Born in Detroit Apparel, and Cedar Oaks Lakeside Resort, Anthony discusses what it means to lead from the ground up — being present, serving others, and staying rooted in faith and gratitude.

This is a conversation about building people before profits, staying hungry through success, and never forgetting where you came from. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18091453 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 3844 full false House of Hammers | Building the Foundation (Ep. 1) House of Hammers | Building the Foundation (Ep. 1) In the debut episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 set the tone for what this podcast is all about — mindset, faith, and the hard work of building a strong foundation. They share the story behind House of Hammers, what it means to focus on “roots, not fruit,” and how perseverance, humility, and servant leadership shape true success.

Join Aaron and Chris as they reflect on their own journeys, discuss the purpose of the show, and invite listeners to grab their hammers and start building something that lasts. 🛠️

]]> In the debut episode of House of Hammers, hosts Aaron Babicz ’93 and Chris Okoye ’14 set the tone for what this podcast is all about — mindset, faith, and the hard work of building a strong foundation. They share the story behind House of Hammers, what it means to focus on “roots, not fruit,” and how perseverance, humility, and servant leadership shape true success.

Join Aaron and Chris as they reflect on their own journeys, discuss the purpose of the show, and invite listeners to grab their hammers and start building something that lasts. 🛠️

]]> CC Communications Buzzsprout-18056571 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 2347 1 1 full false