On this episode of Wake Up the Echoes, we’re trading the jump shots for parries as Notre Dame Fencing prepares to defend its status as a literal dynasty. Head Coach Gia Kvaratskhelia stops by to talk National Championship prep alongside Cedric Loiseau—a man who carries the nickname "Liezu" (Bird) with such poise that Tony has officially dubbed him the "French Larry Bird." We’re diving into the technical mastery of the Epee, the relentless dominance of a women’s program that treats ACC titles like a light weekend errand, and the mental gymnastics required to balance world-class athletics with South Bend academics. Whether you're here for the elite swordplay or just to see if Cedric can live up to his legendary basketball namesake, this episode is a sharp reminder of why the Irish are the gold standard on the strip.

00:00:00 Intro

created by Fighting Irish Media

It’s the final men's basketball episode of the season, and we’re packing the couch with enough cinematic drama and postseason momentum to carry the Irish straight through the winter. Coach Micah Shrewsberry joins us from "the boot" to give a massive shoutout to his wife, Molly, for being the ultimate MVP during his rehab, all while keeping his eyes locked on the program's upward trajectory. Then, things get properly theatrical as Carson Towt and Matt MacClellan drop in to relive a Vegas F1 weekend that Carson is convinced was a deleted scene from Mission: Impossible. It's an episode that, with enough conviction, could land some of our players on Peacock's hit show Traitors.

Presented by Fighting Irish Media

It’s the final women's basketball episode on this season of Wake Up the Echoes, and we’re going out with high-octane energy and a heavy dose of millennial existential dread. Host Tony Simeone finds himself in a generational gap as he attempts to explain the concept of "burning a CD" to 22-year-olds Iyana Moore and KK Bransford. While Coach Niele Ivey breaks down the championship-level culture being built by this core roster, Iyana Moore takes us into the kitchen to discuss her visceral horror at the concept of caviar (shoutout to Hannah Hidalgo's 21st birthday celebrations after yet another dominant performance) and her deep bond with her father, who taught her to cook at age six. It's been a season of evolution for the women's team, and we're celebrating that growth, grit, and the exciting postseason that awaits.

Host Isaiah Dunn brings together the best of Notre Dame legacy and locker room energy in this episode of Wake Up The Echoes.

Athletics Director Pete Bevacqua offers a heartfelt look at his father’s influence and the enduring power of the Irish network, while Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Christine Halfpenny breaks down the strategy behind the team's dominant 4-0 start.

To top it off, players Madison Rassas and Grace Maroney join the fun to reveal the secret weapon behind their game-day confidence—Madison’s signature bedazzled hair clips. It’s a perfect blend of tradition, winning streaks, and sideline sparkle.

00:00 Intro

00:40 Catching Up With Pete Bevacqua

23:03 Subject Matter Expert with Madison and Grace

33:48 Tell Me A Story with Madison and Grace

38:26 Convo with HC Christine Halfpenny

50:47 Ask the Host + Outro

Buckle up for a marathon doubleheader as Isaiah Dunn officially sits in the host chair to navigate the diamond-side of Notre Dame Athletics. This episode is a must-listen for those currently playing in the "Life Majors" (Coach Stiffler’s term for the "Big Leagues" of weddings, promotions, and parenthood). Coach Ganeff stops by to officially recruit Isaiah to the softball hype squad while Micaela Kastor and Mickey Winchell reveal how they turned a five-person Bible study into a campus-wide movement. From lighthearted stories with Jack Radel and Drew Berkland to a deep dive into the legendary Notre Dame alumni network, this episode proves that while the games are on the dirt, the real legacy is built in the dugout.

00:00:00 Intro

00:55:18 Tell Me a Story with Micaela and Mickey

07:09:00 Subject Matter Expert with Micaela and Mickey

17:34:06 Catching up with Kris Ganeff

28:56:04 Top Ranked Players with Jack and Drew

32:47:10 Tell me a Story with Jack and Drew

41:7:14 Catching up with Shawn Stiffler

50:11:18 Ask the Host + Outro

created by Fighting Irish Media

Is Ryder Frost ready to officially unleash the "shivers" celebration on the ACC? The freshman sharpshooter joins the booth to discuss his "icy" persona and the "snowflakes" video board graphic that could give Logan Imes’ "limes" a run for its money. But this episode isn't just about the range; we’re diving into the locker room’s unofficial "Film Club," reviewing the team’s group trip to see Marty Supreme and debating an eclectic list of must-watch classics—from the gritty streets of The Departed to the pure 90s nostalgia of Cool Runnings . Plus, we reopen some deep-seated sports memories as Massachusetts-native Frost and Seattle-bred Tony Simeone relive the Malcolm Butler interception that still haunts (or thrills) their respective hometowns. It’s all about that New England-to-South-Bend pipeline.

00:00:00 Intro

02:33:27 Ryder Frost Joins the Set

15:03:04 Subject Matter Expert with Ryder Frost & Micah Shrewsberry

25:41:12 Tell Me a Story with Ryder & Micah

41:08:19 Ask Tony & Outro

created by Fighting Irish Media

Twenty-five years since the 2001 Title—feeling nostalgic? Coach Niele Ivey joins the booth to bridge the gap between that legendary run and the current era of defensive havoc being wreaked by the record-shattering Hannah Hidalgo. Cass Prosper and KK Bransford stop by to discuss how to cook on and off the court. From the science of the 1:00 AM bedtime to the importance of letting every player be their authentic self in the locker room, we’re diving into the culture that keeps this program elite.

Could a regular person score on Victor Wembanyama in 50 tries? NBA vet Pat Garrity joins the booth to officially crush your driveway-hoop dreams before we dive into the high-stakes world of the 2026 collegiate landscape with AD Pete Bevacqua. We’re navigating the "Wild West" of NIL with Notre Dame’s "North Star" as our guide, making the case that a degree in South Bend is the ultimate hedge against a four-school-in-four-year portal tour. Between the business talk, we’re hitting peak millennial "Dad-mode": debating the merits of sous vide Tomahawks vs. the traditional grill, reminiscing about the glorious Rasheed Wallace era of the NBA, and giving host Tony Simeone the floor to defend his passionately held (and highly specific) theory on why Topo Chico bubbles are objectively superior. It’s a masterclass in sports leadership with steak-grilling tips to help you win your next tailgate before you cheer on the Irish.

02:27 Bevacqua & Pat Garrity

29:42 Subject Matter Expert

35:38 Tell Me a Story

42:02 Ask Tony & Outro

created by Fighting Irish Media

Grab a Topo Chico and settle in as we catch up with the backcourt duo of Logan Imes and Jalen Haralson, who are currently balancing ACC prep with the true rigors of campus life—like making it to an 11:00 AM "Music Through Technology" class on time. From the inside scoop on those Logan Imes "Limes" video board graphics to an inside look on Jalen's Team USA experience, the guys give us a candid look at the chemistry powering this roster. Plus, Coach Shrewsberry joins the booth to break down the "togetherness" exercise that defines the team’s identity and why staying locked in as a unit is the only way to navigate the mid-season grind. It’s witty, it’s fundamental, and it’s—of course—good times!

created by Fighting Irish Media

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Wake Up the Echoes! In this nostalgic Holiday Special, Head Coach Niele Ivey stops by to chat about surviving finals week, the upcoming Bellarmine clash, and the much-needed "reset" awaiting the team over Christmas break. Then, pour yourself a hot cocoa as we settle in by the fire for a celebratory trip down memory lane, unwrapping the very best stories from Season 3. We’re revisiting the unforgettable saga of Coach Shrewsberry’s fashion choices (specifically the "boots" that had to go) along with Jeremiah Love’s deep dive into his "Jeremonstar" comic book universe. Plus, we look back at the inspiring moment Hannah Hidalgo opened up about her faith in teammate KK Bransford. From dining hall debates to Vegemite tastings, this episode is the perfect gift for every Fighting Irish fan looking to relive the laughter and magic of this season.

00:00:00 Intro