Wake Up the Echoes

Coach Niele Ivey’s fast-paced Notre Dame Women's Basketball squad is back after making the scoreboard sing this weekend and racking up over 100 points like they’re just getting warmed up! Maddy Westbeld joins as the new co-host, bringing her A-game on and off the mic, while international phenom Cassandre Prosper gets a shoutout for making her Olympic dreams a reality. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, Kayla "KMAC" McBride drops in to dish on everything from her pro playdays to throwback memories from her days hooping with the Irish. It’s all hoops, health, and high energy—don’t miss a minute!

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On this week’s episode, guest-host Isaiah Dunn is absolutely killing it as we dish with Marcus Freeman and Howard Cross III on everything from football to food. Get the lowdown on Howard’s bolognese skills (yep, HCIII’s secretly cheffing it up), plus an intense “This vs. That” showdown where we finally settle the eternal debate: pasta or pizza? We’ll also dig into the origin stories behind HCIII's name—because who doesn’t love a bit of lore with their lasagna? It’s sharp, it’s savory, and it’s full of flavor. Hope you brought your appetite this week!

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You voted, and we listened! In this Halloween-themed episode, Tony Simeone steps into character as Lou Holtz, setting a spirited tone for an episode packed with fall festivities- including the much anticipated Hoops Szn. The crew hosts a Halloween costume draft, balancing clever picks with friendly competition, while Micah Shrewsberry and Demetrius Jackson join in to discuss the buzz surrounding the upcoming Notre Dame basketball season. With trick-or-treat season in full swing, this episode strikes the perfect balance between Halloween fun and serious Notre Dame hoops anticipation.

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This week, Marcus Freeman drops by to hang with fellow Wayne High School alum (albeit, a few years separated), Aamil Wagner—apparently that school produces both football stars and overachievers, since Aamil’s tackling 18 credits this semester (no big deal). Jeremiyah Love swings by for some games which, to no one's surprise, he's pretty darn good at. "Hat's off" to Khalid Kareem for joining us this episode as he rounds out the show.

Your job for this week? Help Tony pick out his Halloween costume for next week's episode. Between the Fighting Irish Leprechaun (zombie edition), the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Lou Holtz circa '88, you've got some pretty solid options to choose from- and the choice is indeed yours!

Fresh off another home game win, we reminisce back to Jack Kiser's biggest W of all—proposing to his girlfriend in New York City like a true linebacker tackling life head-on. Meanwhile, Marcus Freeman keeps Notre Dame on track for greatness, offering leadership so solid, he could probably give a TED Talk on both coaching and commitment. And speaking of big decisions, we need your help to pick Tony’s Halloween costume for our Halloween special on October 29th—do we go with something spooky? How about “Audric Estimé’s ghosted defenders”? 

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The first bye week's come and gone and we're still here, steady as a pumpkin spice latte in the hands of a college student during midterms. Riley Leonard joins us for his first appearance on the show, and to no one's surprise, he's made for the bright lights. But just like fall, this guy's got layers, and you'll be glad you got to know him a little bit better after listening. Speaking of big stages, JD Bertrand makes his second appearance on the show (check out Episode 8) after making his first starting appearance for the Atlanta Falcons. So whether you're gearing up for fall or football, this week's episode might just be exactly what you needed to get ready for the best season in the Midwest.

It's National Podcast Day, and we're serving up a jam-packed episode that promises no ASMR—just good craic! Pete Bevacqua reflects on Notre Dame’s calculated win over Louisville and the timely arrival of the football bye week—a perfect storm for fans to bask in the glow of victory. Coach Salima Rockwell dives into the nuances of her team's winning volleyball season, reminding us that there’s more to the game than just spikes and serves (though those don’t hurt). And just when you think we’re done, WWE’s Sheamus rolls through with “Banger after Banger after Banger,” because who needs downtime when we're here to Wake Up the Echoes?

Fall is officially upon us, and so is the start of official practices for basketball. Here comes Micah Shrewsberry as this week's extra special guest in this football/basketball crossover episode. We're talking football players that could be basketball players, hoopers that found their way to the field, and everything in between. Benjamin Morrison's dream board makes us all want to reach for the stars. Isaiah Dunn continues to crush his new role as co-host. And maybe Seattle isn't as rainy as everyone thinks it is. You'll just have to listen to find out.

Season two has officially arrived, and we could not be more excited to share what's in store for Wake Up The Echoes. We've made quite a few changes to keep things interesting for Fighting Irish fans and first-time listeners. For starters, James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua will officially become a regular guest on the show as he takes us through his first year at the helm of Notre Dame Athletics. We're also welcoming Isaiah Dunn to the set this season as Tony's official co-host for all football-themed episodes. We're going to be playing games (on set, too), meeting new faces, and finding all the ways to give you never-before-heard conversations between your Notre Dame favorites. There's even an opportunity to take home a piece of the set... So stay tuned this season. We know you've been waiting for our return!

It's been a wild first season of Wake Up the Echoes, Fighting Irish Fans! We can't believe we're at the season finale, either. Thank you for sticking around as we welcomed new faces, honored legendary ones, discussed big ideas, reminisced on coldest moments, and answered your burning questions. Here's to putting a bookmark right at the end of this episode for next year, just we know where we left off. We'll see you next season!