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 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 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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 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. 🛠️