The FCA Guy Podcast

For 18 years, Coach Carlin has been an educator and coach. Recently, Beginning on December 16, 2024, Coach Carlin has a "different seat" at the coaches table. He was officially named Head Coach and Athletic Coordinator after serving as the interim head coach during the 2024 football season. This is Coach Carlin's 3rd year at Buda Johnson.

A San Antonio native, Coach Carlin served on several staffs before arriving at Buda Johnson. This is his first stint as a head coach and what a way to start. Coach guided the Buda Johnson Jaguars to their first 6A playoff appearance to become Bi-District and Area Champions. 

Hear Coach Carlin describe why "Buda" Johnson and the phrase "Big Cat Country". We also discussed the impact of NIL and portal? Is it coming to high schools? He also made a prediction for the 2025 CFP Championship Game between Ohio St vs. Notre Dame.

Listen to find out more. Follow Coach Carlin on IG and X - @coachcarlin

Great time visiting with a long-time friend and Lead Pastor Austin Ridge Bible Church. Brad and I first met in 1995 while we were both working at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas.

Listen how FCA was a part of his spiritual journey and a FCA staffer, Fouad Faris, invited Brad into a discipleship relationship - which meant meeting at 5:45AM. A big commitment for a college student.

Fast forward to 2024, Brad will celebrate 20 years at Austin Ridge Bible Church (aka Westlake Bible Church) this July. Learn how the term "lugnuts" came about. A term he uses frequently to describe himself and sinners alike - a term of endearment. 

Brad is not without his own challenges and struggles which he shares regarding his son Luke and his own health. Luke is a special needs young man that needs 24/7 attention. The Lord in not done with Brad. Most recently, he suffered a double stroke. As he continues to recover, the good Lord continue to use Brad to deliver God's message.

As an avid golfer, Brad actually had two hole-in-ones in one round. Great story! Listen as he shares the title of a book everyone should read and the first verse he learned.

Brad and his wife, Courtney, have a daughter that recently graduated from UT and is now works for EY in Dallas.  Brad cherishes his weekly date night with Courtney, a non-negotiable. Enjoy hearing from Brad - God is not done with him!

Driving back from a coaches conference in Houston,  on a "whim" Coach Pharis decided to drive through Wimberley.  When a teaching opportunity became available, Coach Pharis submitted his name. In 2014, Coach Pharis began his career in Wimberley. Similar to Coach Warren, Head CoachFootball, both have only coached at two schools.

Coach Cade began his teaching/ coaching career in Brownfield (2010 -2014), now he currently serves as a varsity basketball and tennis coach as well as the video coordinator for the varsity football program. He is also the CTE Department Head.

Coach Pharis grew up in West Texas between Abilene and Big Spring - Colorado City, Pop. 4000. He holds a BS in Organizational Leadership and Management and a Masters from UT Arlington. 

You many not know that Coach Pharis is an EMT and Trip Guide for DiscipleTrips. He has been an EMT since 2000 and a Trip Guide since 2000.  Hear more about DiscipleTrips and his passion to lead others on mission trips. 

I asked, "Biggest challenges facing the education system?" Very interesting response. We talked about his personal journey with Christ.

Listen and Learn more about Coach Pharis.

Enjoy! 

PS - Bring cheese-its and he will be your best friend.

Barrett

Jon is gifted and uses his gift to advance the kingdom. Growing up in the Chicago area, as a middle schooler Jon knew the Lord but dedicated his life to serving the Lord while in college, where he met his wife Shanna. 

His dad was actually a sports radio host, pastor and served as a FCA Area Director.  In fact, Jon was featured on his dad's blooper show and they co-hosted a sports radio show for a short while - The Ron and Jon Show. 

Jon has been with FCA for approximately four years. He has served as Executive Director of a non-profit, a pastor and current co-owns a coaching company with his Mom, Renew Coaching (www.renewchristiancoach.com).  Listen and learn more. 

Jon and his wife, Shanna, have three precious kiddos. Both Jon and Shanna can be found on social media - posting FCA stories fun family pictures. Shanna uses the #RaisingRectors

Occasionally, we play the name game where guests are given a choice between two words (example: vanilla or chocolate) When I asked Jon Cubs or White Sox (remember he is from Chicago), he said . . .  (guess you have to listen to the podcast)

Enjoy!  

Who doesn't like Dad jokes, so we created our first Dad Jokes podcast. Enjoy 8 minutes of fun, clean humor. Listen to them over and over so you can tell them to your kids and friends. 

Jon Rector, Area Director with FCA, and I had a great time. Pardon the laughs and puns.

Enjoy!

I learned a lot about Lynne during this podcast but there was one thing I already knew - she lives her life in prayer. To hear Lynne tell the story about Echo House and how God spoke to her through prayer and how she responded tells volumes about her steadfast commitment to serving the Lord. Listen to Lynne talk about her recent trip overseas and walking in the footsteps of Paul.

Lynne recently became FCA full-time staff, overseeing the Dripping Springs ISD and Wimberley ISD. However, she is not a stranger to FCA. As a former middle school coach, Lynne served as the FCA huddle sponsor for several years. Her background as an athlete, teacher and administrator prepared her for this ministry opportunity with FCA.

I also discovered that Lynne is quite the musical talent and a master gardener - who knew! From listening to the podcast, you will learn that she enjoys traveling, specifically cruises. 

Lynne is "living by prayer which is evident in her daily walk with the Lord. Please enjoy the conversation. It was actually the longest podcast on TheFCAGuyPodcast.com to date. Thank you for listening - enjoy!

42 minutes

In just three short seasons, Coach Kaase and the Lehman Baseball team are reaching goals and setting a new standard for Lobo baseball. Prior to coaching, Coach Kaase had a decorated college baseball career which landed him in the Texas Lutheran University (TLU) Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2007, as a junior, Coach Kaase was drafted by the Texas Rangers, spending three years (2007-2010) in the MLB Minor Leagues.

Interestingly, Coach Kaase was recruited by Division 1 schools as a quarterback out of high school. Ultimately, his love for baseball and opportunity to play at Texas Lutheran University was greater.

When Coach Kaase accepted the head coaching role at Lehman, the AD at the time said, "Kaase has a never stop learning attitude and provides the best training and instruction for student-athletes."  This has proven to be true. The Lehman Lobo baseball team has missed the the playoffs by a 1/2 game the past two seasons, where previously they had not had a winning season in a number of years.

It's not all about baseball. Coach emphasizes the importance of "building young men." Character and becoming a better version of yourself each day is a foundation of his teaching and coaching. BTBAGB1% (Coach Kaase explains this on the podcast).

Currently, the baseball and softball fields are under construction. Astroturf fields are replacing the current grass fields plus new dugouts and stands. In the meantime, his team is practicing on an adjacent field. This is not going to discourage Coach Kaase, on the contrary, he views this as an opportunity. 

Support the Lobos Baseball team this season. Enjoy the podcast! Find all your Lehman athletic schedules on www.golobonation.com. You can follow Coach Kaase and the team on X (formally Twitter) @LobosHardball

36 minutes

A coach cared enough to invite me to a FCA huddle. It was at an FCA State Convention during high school that I accepted Christ. I am so thankful for Coach Haggard and his willingness to lead the FCA huddle at Gladewater High School.

Listen to Coach Haggard talk about how an 0-10 season delivered clarity and direction.  Coach Haggard and I arrived at Gladewater High School the same year, 1977, I was a Freshman and he was an assistant 9th Grade football coach. God had plans for both of us.

Coach Haggard had coaching stints at Cuero, Hillsboro and Brussels, Capital of Belgium.  Hear a great story how God guided him and Carol to Belgium and opened the doors to coach American football.  After returning to the states, he was the Head Coach at New Boston before arriving at Gladewater High School.

Little did I know how this relationship and introduction to Fellowship of Christian Athletes would change my life forever. Coaches have a direct impact on athletes, I am so thankful for Coach and his faithfulness to answer the call to lead FCA.

Learn how a Sophomore high school student helped Coach Haggard organize his priorities. Coach talks about the influence a coach can have and working in a non-Christian environment. 

Stories like this are exactly why FCA exists and the importance of FCA staff. Enjoy and be encouraged.

20 minutes

shares what he believes the impact a coach can have on athletes and how to work in a difficult coaches environment.

They say a smile can light up a room. If this is true, Coach Winn can light up a whole house. If you have ever met or seen Coach Winn, you will understand. His passion for the game of basketball and life (especially his daughter) are very evident from the first encounter with Coach.

Coach Winn is actually from Austin, attending Del Valle High School, where he played multiple sports but basketball was his passion. He attended the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine on a basketball scholarship (2008-2012). He later received his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England, also. As a player, his team set many schools records including a conference championship.

In 2021, Coach Winn was hired as the Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball program at Lehman High School.  "Coach Winn brings a strong basketball background, high level of energy and passion for the game" - Lehman HS Facebook.  Not only does he enjoy the game of basketball, he loves working with the kids, the student-athletes. Coach Winn understands the importance of school, therefore, he maintains his athletes hold certain standards in the classroom. 

During the podcast, we actually developed a new hashtag, #WeR3E - Energy, Effort, Enthusiasm. You can also find information about Lehman Athletics at www.golobonation.com or follow the Lobo's on X (formally Twitter) @LehmanHoops, Instagram @LehmanHoops or Coach Winn on X @Coach_MWinn

#WeThePack
#WeR3E
32 Minutes

Coach Emerald Amen brings a "winning culture" to Lehman High School. Coach Amen is the new Girls Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director.  Prior to Lehman, she spent 10 years at Stephen F. Austin High School (Austin High Maroons).  

While at Austin High School, Coach Amen was 3X Coach of the Year and 3X 6A District Champions. The Lady Lobos are off to a great start. Coach Amen challenges her players on and off the court. 

Coach Amen is an Austinite playing at Crockett High School before attending Texas A&M, where she studied kinesiology. The youngest of four sisters, sports has always been a presence and part of her life. In fact, she played football when she was in middle school.

Her faith has played a major source of strength and confirmation in her life. Hear Coach Amen talk about how her faith helped confirm her decision to coach at Lehman.
Listen and learn what #WeR3D means.

You can follow the Lady Lobo's on X (formally Twitter) and Instagram. Twitter @ladylobo_hoops, IG ladylobo_hoops

Follow all Lehman athletics at www.golobonation.com

Coach Castillo talks about the game versus Hays Hawks and the program moving forward. 39 minutes total.