Wake Up the Echoes

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.

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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

created by Fighting Irish Media

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We're baaaack and in video! Wake Up the Echoes the Official Podcast of the Fighting Irish is kicking off Season 3 in style! We are joined by the newest member of the 2025 Notre Dame Football Captains, Will Pauling. Learn a little bit about his life growing up in Chicago, the hard work ethic instilled in him by his father, and the time he found himself in over his head in the NDFB ping pong tournament. As always we're joined by the Head Coach Marcus Freeman and our favorite co-host Isaiah Dunn joins us to kick off the '25-'26 podcasts season!

00:00 Intro

01:23 Marcus Freeman & Will Pauling

17:26 Subject Matter Expert with Will Pauling

26:28 Tell Me a Story with Will Pauling & Isaiah Dunn

42:07 Ask The Host & Outro

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It’s the bittersweet send-off to Season 2 of Wake Up the Echoes! Host Tony Simeone wraps the year with an insider look at Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, featuring Head Coach Niele Ivey and longtime assistants Carlos Knox and Carol Owens. From legacy-building moments to future plans, they reflect on the journey so far. Plus, we spotlight a can't-miss preseason showdown between Irish legends in the WNBA and give you one last chance to score a piece of history: the one-of-a-kind YETI cooler signed by season guests — up for auction to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Indiana Corridor. Echoes may sleep for now, but this finale leaves us eager for next season!

Bid on the cooler here.

Buy WNBA tix here.

created by Fighting Irish Media

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In this episode of Wake Up the Echoes, Tony Simeone sits down with national champions Chase Emmer and Eszter Muhari to talk all things Notre Dame fencing—from their latest title win to the unique team culture that’s turned the program into a quiet powerhouse. They share what it’s like competing on the national and Olympic stage, how Coach Gia builds an environment of support and success, and why fencing, despite being a solo sport, thrives on team energy. It’s a conversation full of heart, humor, and just enough blade talk to make you feel like an expert.

created by Fighting Irish Media

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Episode 50 marks a milestone at Wake Up the Echoes, and what better way to celebrate than with a spring football special. Host Tony Simeone is joined by Head Coach Marcus Freeman and new General Manager Mike Martin to talk all things 2025 — from roster shaping to culture-building — helping fans officially turn the page on last season’s championship run. Later, standout cornerback Leonard Moore and Isaiah Dunn bring both insight and energy, while Hall of Famer Bryant Young reflects on his legacy and his new role as a Notre Dame dad.

Plus, don’t miss the details on the limited-edition, guest-signed YETI cooler up for auction to support the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor. It's been part of the set all year, and now it could be yours. A milestone episode with the perfect mix of perspective, personality, and purpose.

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An episode so fun and festive that we couldn't wait to share! Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua and Tony break down the latest in Notre Dame Athletics, from the triumphant return of men’s swimming to the madness of March. Plus, it’s day one for new hockey coach Brock Sheahan, and our resident Leprechaun, Colin, joins the set for some festive fun. Oh, and there’s a game-changing athlete compensation deal to dissect—right after we master an elite cupcake-eating technique. Sports, snacks, and shenanigans? Sounds like a perfect Irish celebration!

created by Fighting Irish Media

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In this episode of Wake Up the Echoes, Tony Simeone sits down with Coach Freeman, Jordan Faison, Isaiah Dunn, and Marist Liufau for a deep dive into the grind, growth, and grit of Notre Dame football. They reflect on the evolution of two-sport star Jordan Faison, the challenges of balancing football and lacrosse, and the mental toughness it takes to perform at an elite level. Coach Freeman preaches the importance of constant improvement, while Marist shares insights on transitioning to the NFL and the culture of discipline and respect ingrained in Hawaiian athletes. Plus, they break down the highs and heartbreaks of the season, the art of playing angry, and why Notre Dame’s women’s basketball squad is must-watch TV. 

created by Fighting Irish Media

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With March Madness on the horizon, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team is charging into the ACC Tournament with their eyes on the prize after co-winning the conference championship. Head coach Niele Ivey joins us to break down the team's mindset heading into the postseason, while star players Maddy Westbeld and Kate Koval share the couch. Plus, former Irish great and WNBA champion Jackie Young stops by to reflect on her tournament experience and what it takes to shine in March. Buckle up—it's tourney time!

created by Fighting Irish Media

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