Pod of Gold: Notre Dame Football

Former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire knows a thing or two about QB battles. Nicknamed The Lucky Lefty, Zaire, now lives in California. He joined Pod of Gold hosts and Notre Dame football beat writers Fernando Ramirez and Mike Berardino Wednesday for a wide ranging conversation that touched on the state of the QB position for the Irish, recruiting and life in the NIL and cryptocurrency world.

We know for sure now that Garth Brooks has friends in low places.

Just kidding. 

The music megastar and hall of famer, chatted with South Bend Tribune and NDInsider Pod of Gold hosts Fernando Ramirez and Mike Berardino prior to Saturday's 7 p.m. concert at Notre Dame Stadium.

NFL Hall of Famer and former Notre Dame fullback Jerome Bettis is back on campus to complete his degree and help mentor the current football program under the direction of first-year head Marcus Freeman. "The Bus" recently joined South Bend Tribune and NDInsider Pod of Gold hosts Fernando Ramirez and Mike Berardino to reminisce about his Irish playing days, Lou Holtz, NIL, the NFL Draft and much more. 

ND Insider and South Bend Tribune Notre Dame football beat writers Fernando Ramirez and Mike Berardino break down Notre Dame's 93rd annual Blue-Gold Game with South Bend Tribune Columnist Tom Noie.

ND Insider's "Pod of Gold" podcast makes it return with new hosts Fernando Ramirez and Mike Berardino. Meet the team as they talk Notre Dame Spring football practice with ND Insider and South Bend Tribune columnist Tom Noie.

Former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis joins the podcast to discuss the significance of Marcus Freeman winning his first game in the Fiesta Bowl, what challenges await him as a first-time head coach, the importance of recruiting and how to balance that workload, if he was surprised by Brian Kelly's move to LSU, Ian Book's future in the NFL and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make Fiesta Bowl predictions in the "Place Your Bets" segment (25:56) before answering questions from Twitter (34:19).

Jaden Mickey, a four-star cornerback recruit from Corona (Calif.) Centennial, joins the podcast to discuss his reaction to head coach Brian Kelly leaving Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman becoming the new head coach, why he decided to stick with his commitment to the Irish, playing against former ND commit C.J. Williams and other talented players in California, his expectations as an early enrolled freshman and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen answer questions from Twitter (15:20).

Tyler James and Eric Hansen catch up with a wild few days for Notre Dame football as head coach Brian Kelly departed for LSU and defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman is expected to replace him. Was Freeman the right choice? Why did Kelly leave? What does so many assistant coaches staying mean for the Irish?

Then 247Sports director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong joins the podcast to discuss the recruiting ramifications of Freeman's promotion and the road ahead for Kelly (24:39).

Finally, James and Hansen answer questions from Twitter (43:10).

Former Notre Dame left tackle Mike McGlinchey joins the podcast to discuss watching the 2021 Irish, how the program and Brian Kelly evolved during his time at Notre Dame, former teammate Hunter Bivin's impact on the program, Notre Dame's offensive line play this season, McGlinchey's recovery from a season-ending injury, the legendary tackles he's played with for the San Francisco 49ers and more. 

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Stanford predictions in "Place Your Bets" (31:35) before answering questions from Twitter (42:20).

Bruce Feldman, a college football reporter for FOX Sports and writer for The Athletic, joins the podcast to discuss where Notre Dame fits in the College Football Playoff discussion, what the playoff committee should focus on with the top teams in the country, how head-to-head games should matter, what the head coaching market for ND defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman will look like this offseason, if schools are gaining an advantage by firing their coaches early, how much he tracks his "Freaks List" during the season and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen and make ND-Georgia Tech predictions in "Place Your Bets" (26:55) before answering questions from Twitter (34:51).