The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast

By The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast

What's The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast about?

The Independent is the essential listen for fans of Fighting Irish football. Pete Sampson of the Athletic and Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone are back to take you inside the Notre Dame program. With a combined 35 years + of experience on the ND beat, this twice weekly podcast has you covered for everything blue and gold.

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The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast episodes:

04.24.2024
Blue-Gold Spring Game Recap
Matt and Pete recap Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold spring game and look ahead to the Irish’s summer priorities. Why has QB depth been so important with Riley Leonard, Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr? Plus, why Marcus Freeman thinks this...
04.19.2024
Blue Gold Spring Game Preview
Matt & Pete return to discuss the Blue Gold game and what they expect to see from Marcus Freeman’s team on Saturday. How will the Transfer Portal impact the Irish and what can we learn from the offense without the...
03.16.2024
Tourney Preview with Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey
As we head deeper into March the hoops talk continues on the Independent as Matt & Pete are joined by Irish head Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey. Coach Ivey talks about the ACC tournament win as well as what to...
03.09.2024
Notre Dame First Spring Practice Impressions
The Irish were back on the field for the first time ahead of the 2024 season as Spring Practice as begun in South Bend. Tune in for thoughts from Matt & Pete on the new faces for Marcus Freeman’s team,...
03.02.2024
Notre Dame Spring FB Preview & Men’s Basketball Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry
This week, Matt & Pete get ready for Notre Dame Spring Football as the first open practice of the year is on the horizon plus they are joined by first year Notre Dame Head Basketball Coach Micah Shrewsberry. The conversation...
02.07.2024
Notre Dame Winter Player Availability: Riley Leonard, CJ Carr & More
Matt & Pete return to share their takeaways from their conversations with Notre Dame players prior to winter conditioning beginning. Find out their takeaways from their first conversations with Riley Leonard as well as CJ Carr plus what new Director...
01.20.2024
Notre Dame offseason notes & College Football headlines
Matt & Pete return to look back at the season that was for the Irish as well as discuss some of the sport altering news around Nick Saban retiring and the ensuing coach and player shuffle. Kalen DeBoer taking the...
12.30.2023
Notre Dame wins the Sun Bowl, 40-8
The Irish closed out a 10-3 season with a 40-8 victory over Oregon State to take home the Sun Bowl title and earn Marcus Freeman a Frosted Flakes bath. Steve Angeli threw for three touchdowns in his Notre Dame debut...
12.28.2023
Final Sun Bowl Preview: Notre Dame vs. Oregon State
Matt & Pete preview the Irish bowl game against Oregon State from El Paso where Pete has the latest from Notre Dame before tomorrow’s matchup. Tune in for thoughts on how the bowl will go and how it will setup...
12.23.2023
Mike Denbrock is Notre Dame's next Offensive Coordinator
Join Matt & Pete as they discuss the hiring of Mike Denbrock as Notre Dame's offensive coordinator to replace Gerad Parker. How does this impact the Irish for next season and what will this mean for Marcus Freeman's staff.
12.19.2023
Gerad Parker departs for Head Coach job at Troy
For the third consecutive year the Irish will have a new offensive coordinator under Marcus Freeman. Join Matt & Pete as they discuss the departure of Gerad Parker and what it means for the staff and Notre Dame’s prospects in...
12.13.2023
Riley Leonard Commits to Notre Dame
For the second straight year the Irish bring in a highly sought after transfer portal QB in Riley Leonard from Duke. Matt & Pete discuss Leonard joining Marcus Freeman’s team and how he will fit in with this offense as...
12.05.2023
Notre Dame heads to the Sun Bowl against Oregon State
The Irish found out their bowl destination on Sunday night as they will be headed to El Paso, Texas to face Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. Join Matt & Pete for first thoughts on the bowl selection as well...
11.30.2023
Notre Dame transfer portal news & firing of wide receiver coach Chansi Stuckey
On this week’s episode of the Independent, Matt & Pete talk about the news that Notre Dame has parted ways with wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey. Plus, thoughts on transfer portal options for the Irish as well as who has...
11.26.2023
Notre Dame defeats Stanford 56-23 behind Estimé's career day
In the final game of the regular season the Irish defeated Stanford 56-23 behind a career day for Auric Estimé. Estimé had four touchdowns and ran for a career high of 238 yards as Notre Dame improved to 9-3 on...
11.22.2023
Notre Dame at Stanford preview with Father Nate Wills
Matt & Pete return for a pre-Thanksgiving show to discuss the upcoming matchup with Stanford to close out the regular season on Saturday. Plus, Father Nate Wills joins the show to talk about his role as the team chaplain and...
11.19.2023
Notre Dame closes out home schedule with a 45-7 win against Wake Forest
Sam Hartman poured it on against his former team on Saturday, throwing for four touchdowns and 277 yards in Notre Dame’s win against Wake Forest. Rico Flores Jr. had 102 yards receiving and Marcus Freeman’s team improved to 8-3 on...
11.16.2023
Notre Dame vs. Wake Forest preview with former Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt
Matt & Pete return from the bye week to preview the final home game of the season for the Irish as they face off against Wake Forest. Plus, former Notre Dame linebacker Joe Schmidt stops by to discuss his thoughts...
11.08.2023
Next Steps for Notre Dame with ACC Network’s Eric Mac Lain
This week Matt & Pete talk aftermath of the Clemson loss with Eric Mac Lain of the ACC Network as well as what does Notre Dame need to do to take the next step under Marcus Freeman.
11.05.2023
Notre Dame suffers third loss of the season at Clemson
The Irish offense struggled throughout the day and Sam Hartman was 12-25 with 146 yards & two interceptions as Notre Dame lost to Clemson 31-23. Matt & Pete give their thoughts on the loss and where this leaves Marcus Freeman’s...
11.02.2023
Notre Dame at Clemson preview with Ian Williams
Heading into a very different Notre Dame - Clemson matchup than years past, Matt & Pete return discuss the Irish with former ND defensive lineman Ian Williams. Tune in for predictions as well as reaction to the latest from Dabo...
10.29.2023
Notre Dame Demolishes Pitt, 58-7: Postgame Reaction
The Irish put together a dominant performance against Pitt as they forced five turnovers that led to 23 points and cruised to the home victory. Audric Estime rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns while Sam Hartman threw for almost...
10.26.2023
Notre Dame vs. Pitt preview with Tim O’Malley
This week Matt & Pete return to discuss the upcoming matchup between the Irish and the Pitt Panthers. They are joined by Tim O’Malley to talk about Notre Dame headed into the final four games of the season and what...
10.20.2023
Notre Dame Bye Week with Tim Murray of VSiN
Matt & Pete are joined by Tim Murray of VSiN to discuss Notre Dame through eight games. Plus, a look at what Vegas thinks of the Irish for the remainder of the season and thoughts on how opinions of the...
10.15.2023
Notre Dame knocks off undefeated USC, 48-20
Matt & Pete share their postgame reaction to Notre Dame’s dominant victory over the Trojans. The Irish forced 3 Caleb Williams interceptions and bounced back from their defeat a week ago. Marcus Freeman praised the defense and the show looks...
10.11.2023
Notre Dame vs. USC Preview with Antonio Morales
Matt & Pete are joined by Antonio Morales of the Athletic to discuss the upcoming matchup with the Trojans in South Bend this Saturday. Plus, the state of the program following seven games and predictions for how the Irish will...
10.08.2023
Notre Dame falls to Louisville 33-20
Matt & Pete discuss the struggles for the Irish in their Saturday night defeat at Louisville. Sam Hartman threw three picks and the offense could not get going against the Cardinals as Notre Dame falls to 5-2 on the season.
10.04.2023
Notre Dame at Louisville preview with special guest Mike Golic Jr.
This week, friend of the show and former Irish offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr. joins to talk about Notre Dame’s season through six games and what all these night games mean to players. Plus, Matt & Pete preview the Saturday...
10.01.2023
Notre Dame beats Duke 21-14 with late game heroics from Hartman & Estime
The Irish found a way to win on the road at Duke with a final drive that kept Notre Dame’s season from spiraling. Matt & Pete give their postgame reaction to a game that appeared to have the Irish headed...
09.27.2023
Notre Dame at Duke preview & a therapeutic talk with Ty Hildenbrandt
How does Notre Dame respond from a gut-wrenching loss to Ohio State? Ty Hildenbrandt from the Solid Verbal joins Matt and Pete to talk it out. Plus, the guys preview this weekend’s game at Duke.
09.24.2023
Notre Dame loses to Ohio State 17-14: Postgame Reaction
Matt & Pete share their thoughts on Notre Dame’s first loss of the season against Ohio State. Tune in for perspective on the ending and what Marcus Freeman had to say about the sequence that led to giving up the...
09.22.2023
LIVE EP: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State predictions + Q&A
A monumental game necessitates a monumental week of podcasting with the second episode previewing Notre Dame welcoming Ohio State this Saturday. Matt & Pete answer questions during a live taping of the show in Chicago at ESQ Clothing and give...
09.20.2023
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State preview with NBC analyst Joshua Perry
The biggest Notre Dame home game in nearly two decades is upon us as Ohio State pays a visit to South Bend this weekend. Matt & Pete are joined by former Buckeye and current NBC analyst Joshua Perry to discuss...
09.17.2023
Notre Dame defeats Central Michigan 41-17 to improve to 4-0
As Marcus Freeman said afterward: It’s Ohio State week. Matt and Pete recap Notre Dame’s 41-17 win over Central Michigan and start diving into next week’s top-10 matchup with the Buckeyes.
09.14.2023
Week 3 preview with Notre Dame radio voice Paul Burmeister
Notre Dame passed its first test of the 2023 season with a convincing win at NC State and now Matt & Pete return to preview the Central Michigan game as well as catch up with Irish radio voice Paul Burmeister....
09.10.2023
Notre Dame defeats NC State 45-24 as the Irish improve to 3-0
Pete and Matt recap Notre Dame’s 45-24 win at NC State, as the 3-0 Irish take another step forward in their first real test of the season. Audric Estme had an 80-yard touchdown run after the weather delay and Sam...
09.07.2023
Notre Dame Week 2 preview with Roddy Jones of the ACC Network
Following a 2-0 start for the Irish, Matt & Pete return to preview the matchup with NC State on Saturday as well as catch up with Roddy Jones to discuss the ever-expanding ACC. Find out what to expect from the...
09.03.2023
Notre Dame Defeats Tennessee St, 56-3: Postgame Reaction & Sam Hartman Continues to Impress
Matt and Pete recap Notre Dame’s 56-3 win over Tennessee State, as the Irish improve to 2-0 and Sam Hartman continues to look like a star QB. Sam Hartman passed for 194 yards and two touchdowns and the defense kept its...
08.30.2023
Notre Dame Week 1 preview plus Joe Montana from Dublin & Ryan Harris early season thoughts
With Week Zero in the books, Matt & Pete return to preview the second week of the Notre Dame Fall campaign. Pete catches up with Irish legend Joe Montana in Dublin to talk about his deal with Guinness as well...
08.27.2023
Notre Dame Defeats Navy, 42-3: Postgame Reaction
Matt & Pete breakdown the Notre Dame victory over Navy, 42-3, in Dublin to start the 2023 season. How does Sam Hartman's performance raise the ceiling for the Irish this Fall? Who stepped up in Week 0 and Pete shares...
08.23.2023
Notre Dame 2023 preview & Bruce Feldman discusses Irish players on his Freaks List
The debut show previews the 2023 Notre Dame season and welcomes Bruce Feldman to talk about Marcus Freeman’s program’s rise up his Freaks List. Plus, reaction to Freeman’s weekly press conference, final record predictions, and why Notre Dame could surprise.
08.21.2023
The Independent Teaser
Pete Sampson of the Athletic and Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone are back to take you inside the Notre Dame program. With a combined 35 years + of experience on the ND beat, this twice weekly podcast has you...

What's The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast episodes:

Blue-Gold Spring Game Recap

Blue Gold Spring Game Preview

Tourney Preview with Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey

Notre Dame First Spring Practice Impressions

Notre Dame Spring FB Preview & Men’s Basketball Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry

Notre Dame Winter Player Availability: Riley Leonard, CJ Carr & More

Notre Dame offseason notes & College Football headlines

Notre Dame wins the Sun Bowl, 40-8

Final Sun Bowl Preview: Notre Dame vs. Oregon State

Mike Denbrock is Notre Dame's next Offensive Coordinator

Gerad Parker departs for Head Coach job at Troy

Riley Leonard Commits to Notre Dame

Notre Dame heads to the Sun Bowl against Oregon State

Notre Dame transfer portal news & firing of wide receiver coach Chansi Stuckey

Notre Dame defeats Stanford 56-23 behind Estimé's career day

Notre Dame at Stanford preview with Father Nate Wills

Notre Dame closes out home schedule with a 45-7 win against Wake Forest

Notre Dame vs. Wake Forest preview with former Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt

Next Steps for Notre Dame with ACC Network’s Eric Mac Lain

Notre Dame suffers third loss of the season at Clemson

Notre Dame at Clemson preview with Ian Williams

Notre Dame Demolishes Pitt, 58-7: Postgame Reaction

Notre Dame vs. Pitt preview with Tim O’Malley

Notre Dame Bye Week with Tim Murray of VSiN

Notre Dame knocks off undefeated USC, 48-20

Notre Dame vs. USC Preview with Antonio Morales

Notre Dame falls to Louisville 33-20

Notre Dame at Louisville preview with special guest Mike Golic Jr.

Notre Dame beats Duke 21-14 with late game heroics from Hartman & Estime

Notre Dame at Duke preview & a therapeutic talk with Ty Hildenbrandt

Notre Dame loses to Ohio State 17-14: Postgame Reaction

LIVE EP: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State predictions + Q&A

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State preview with NBC analyst Joshua Perry

Notre Dame defeats Central Michigan 41-17 to improve to 4-0

Week 3 preview with Notre Dame radio voice Paul Burmeister

Notre Dame defeats NC State 45-24 as the Irish improve to 3-0

Notre Dame Week 2 preview with Roddy Jones of the ACC Network

Notre Dame Defeats Tennessee St, 56-3: Postgame Reaction & Sam Hartman Continues to Impress

Notre Dame Week 1 preview plus Joe Montana from Dublin & Ryan Harris early season thoughts

Notre Dame Defeats Navy, 42-3: Postgame Reaction

Notre Dame 2023 preview & Bruce Feldman discusses Irish players on his Freaks List

The Independent Teaser