Joe Palumbo

By
Love Living Local
Published on
June 4, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Palumbo—Central NY native, Ithaca College football champ, black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and co-founder of Kristin’s Fund—to talk about impact, leadership, and using football to change lives. Joe shares the heartbreaking story behind the creation of Kristin’s Fund, and how it’s grown into a powerful movement against domestic violence. Through his A Call to Men football camp, Joe’s helping young men across Central New York learn more than just how to run drills—he’s teaching them what healthy masculinity and real respect look like.

From hilarious football memories to emotional full-circle moments with camp attendees, Joe’s passion for creating change is contagious. And yes—he might live in San Diego, but his heart is 100% 315.

🔥 In this episode:

  • The powerful and personal story that inspired Kristin’s Fund
  • Why teaching character off the field matters just as much as training on it
  • How the A Call to Men football camp is changing lives at Utica University
  • The surprising ways Joe measures impact—and one emotional story that says it all
  • Advice for parents, coaches, and anyone trying to raise strong, respectful kids

📍 Don’t miss the next Call to Men Football Camp at Utica University:
🗓️ June 23–24, 2025
⏰ 5:30–8:30 PM each night
💥 Totally FREE for kids grades 6–12
📲 Register now at www.kristinsfund.com or search “Kristin’s Fund” on Eventbrite!

If you believe sports can shape character and community, this episode is for you.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(1:30) - Who is Joe Palumbo?
(2:45) - The Story of Kristin’s Fund
(5:00) - Reaching Young Men Through Football
(7:00) - Breaking the Cycle
(8:30) - Transformational Coaching Movement
(10:15) - Influence of Coaches
(11:15) - A Call to Men Camp
(13:45) - Gala Event & Donor Support
(16:00) - Measuring Impact
(19:30) - Athletes Returning to Coach
(21:45) - Teaching Healthy Relationships & Leading by Example
(24:30) - Third Party Validation & Other Voices
(25:35) - Focusing on Men
(28:30) - Big Vision & Utica College Football Support
(30:25) - What Keeps Joe Coming Home?
(32:30) - Creating a Lifestyle & Travel
(34:30) - Registering For Camp
(35:55) - Rapid Fire Questions

Full Video

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