Head Coach Marcus Freeman and star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (KVA) join the show to dive into all things new and Notre Dame, starting with the bizarre new tradition of "six, seven" and why Coach’s players warned him it was "too late" to try and use the viral phrase. KVA, the Inland Empire kid now bracing for South Bend's snow, dishes on his learned future lesson of needing leather gloves to secure a pick in freezing temperatures. From his secret life as a self-taught piano player who jams with Bryce Young in hotel lobbies to his "calm and intense" ping pong game and passion for Korean BBQ, KVA brings this episode deep into the priorities of a modern-day linebacker.

00:00:00 Intro

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In this "reverse episode," Notre Dame's Australian punter, James Rendell, joins Head Coach Marcus Freeman and Isaiah Dunn for an international deep dive. Rendell, who still pinches himself about trading the Australian Rules Football field for a golden helmet, reveals the biggest mental challenge of his new job. Plus, hear his terrifying animal stories from Down Under and find out Coach Freeman's hilarious reaction when he is brave enough to taste the salty Australian staple of Vegemite.

00:00 Intro (Tony Simeone)

02:48 Tell me a Story (Tony Simeone, James Rendell, Isaiah Dunn)

17:11 Subject Matter Expert (Tony Simeone, James Rendell, Isaiah Dunn)

33:02 Opening Conversation (Tony Simeone, Marcus Freeman, James Rendell)

56:40 Ask the Host (Tony Simeone)

01:00:00 Outro (Tony Simeone)

Head Coach Marcus Freeman and explosive WR Malachi Fields join Tony for a deep dive that's anything but "boring", starting with Coach's candid reaction to the broken-play touchdown that somehow worked out (thanks to Malachi's vertical ability, which he calls a "60-40" ball in his favor). Malachi (one of the only married guys on the team) shares the story of his October 1st wedding and the simple-yet-profound philosophy that drives him: "Faith, family, football". Oh, and "fishing!"

00:00 Intro (Tony Simeone)

02:14 Opening Conversation (Tony Simeone, Marcus Freeman, Malachi Fields)

25:32 Subject Matter Expert (Tony Simeone, Malachi Fields)

32:11 Tell me a Story (Tony Simeone, Malachi Fields, Isaiah Dunn)

45:51 Ask the Host (Tony Simeone)

48:03 Outro (Tony Simeone)

Notre Dame Football is built on trust, and Head Coach Marcus Freeman and safety Adon Shuler are here to break down the culture that’s forging elite players. Tune in as Shuler, the proud "Tough Jersey Kid" who is (in the middle of) copyrighting his personal brand, reveals his dedication to his "comfort calm" style and names the players with the best drip on the team. With Adon, not even the sky's the limit, and he's made it his mission - and foundation - to become a real-life superhero to kids back home.

The Fighting Irish are ranked #1! Head Coach Nate Norman and star player Izzy Engle from the top-ranked Notre Dame Women's Soccer team join Tony for a deep dive into what it takes to win in the era of "instant gratification," and why the team's culture of love has made this season extra special for Coach Norman.  Hear their secrets to maintaining success, embracing the unique challenges of Notre Dame, and Izzy's ruthless mentality. Plus, learn which star athletes you should never ask about their college laundry habits... Hint: they're both featured in this podcast.

0:00:00 Intro

0:02:20 Nate & Izzy Take the Set

This week's episode of Wake Up the Echoes starts with an essential debate on Tony's haircut (complete with Coach Freeman's seal of approval, even if he had to be begged for it). Captain Donovan "Donnie" Hinish brings the "Pittsburgh Tough" mentality, detailing his family's blue-collar pride and the raw, inspiring story of how his father beat 5% odds against Stage IV cancer to become his ultimate motivation. Then, things get interesting when he and Isaiah Dunn, the "Froyo King," recount the freshman talent show tradition, where Donnie cemented his locker room legend status by delivering a pitch-perfect impersonation of his older brother, Notre Dame Football alum and current Houston Texan, Kurt Hinish. Plus, find out how Donnie made it to the Met Gala one year and how his lacrosse career ended in the 8th grade thanks to a repeated inability to stop body-checking.

On the heels of Irish Jam, Notre Dame Men's Basketball season is about to take shape, and host Tony Simeone brings in the two men charting the course: Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry and the Irish's trailblazing new General Manager, former NBA player/exec Pat Garrity. They debate everything from exhibition game prep and what's changed since the Big East days to the complex world of Pat's dual-GM role overseeing both the men's and women's rosters in the NIL era. The conversation goes deep into the new realities of college athletics, before pivoting to a more personal segment where Pat offers first-hand advice on raising an only child. Tune in—you'll learn something about hoops, roster strategy, and the importance of having a good outlook on "hoops in life" regardless of which dining hall you choose.

00:00:00 Intro

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On this week’s Wake Up the Echoes, Tony welcomes Coach Niele Ivey, grad transfer Vanessa DeJesus, and new co-host KK Bransford for a conversation that zigzags from Filipino spaghetti and Jeremy Lin jerseys. Along the way, we get a first look at the team’s chemistry, hear about Vanessa’s whirlwind national team debut, and learn why networking and saying “yes” might be as important as nailing a three-pointer. It’s equal parts hoops talk, life lessons, and a few laughs - maybe next time over ube ice cream.

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Linebacker Drayk Bowen joins the set for a conversation that balances grit on and off the field. We dig into what it really takes to become a Notre Dame captain—the slow grind of daily discipline over instant gratification—and how Drayk learned from leaders like JD Bertrand and Jack Kiser. But between the football talk, you’ll also hear about Coach Freeman's Disney-cruise and the family dynamics of Drayk being both a big brother and a role model to little Crew Bowen. Toss in a debate over scary movies and the unforgettable story of Drayk’s Texas scorpion sting, and you’ve got an episode that shows how Notre Dame Football is just built different.

What do backyard baseball brawls, a near-miss 80 at Whistling Straits, and a flawless Batman-villain wall collapse have in common? They’re all part of the wonderfully chaotic world of Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth. In this episode, Billy takes us from his competitive big-family roots in small-town Wisconsin to his love of golf - before revealing how a stage combat class turned him into Gotham’s most convincing henchman. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and you may just never look at a bag of milk the same way again.

00:00 Intro

01:30 Marcus Freeman & Billy Schrauth

24:49 Tony Simeone & Billy Schrauth

35:02 Billy Schrauth & Isaiah Dunn

41:24 Ask Tony & Outro

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