Notre Dame Stories

Advancing Rare Disease Research and Patient Advocacy Feb 17, 2025

In the United States, a disease must affect fewer than 200,000 people to be considered rare, but there are over 8,000 known rare diseases. That leaves the chances of being diagnosed with a rare disease in the U.S. at around 1 in 10, yet research and funding remain scarce.

Rare diseases, commonly referred to as "orphan diseases," are often overlooked. As a result, effective treatments exist for less than 5% of all rare diseases, leaving millions of people without viable options.

Notre Dame is committed to understanding, treating, and advocating for those affected by rare diseases. This episode of Notre Dame Stories explores how researchers at the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare Diseases are driving groundbreaking research to uncover new treatments and bring hope to patients and families.

Guests:

Barb Calhoun, Reisenauer Family Director for Patient Advocacy Education and Outreach; Director of Minor in Science and Patient Advocacy

Sean Kassen, Director of the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund at the University of Notre Dame

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Building bridges to a Beloved Community at Notre Dame Jan 23, 2025

In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, University President Reverend Fr. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. and Reverend Dr. Hugh R. Page, Jr., vice president of institutional transformation and advisor to the president, join host Jenna Liberto to discuss their shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.

Together, they explore the University's mission, the importance of bridging differences, and how faith informs their work in fostering a beloved community on campus and in the world.

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

What was the Christmas Star? Dec 16, 2024

It’s a story so familiar to many that you may not even realize there’s more to be discovered. The Bible describes an event that led so-called wise men to Jesus.

Scripture calls it a star, but what was it really? That’s the question Grant Mathews, director of the Center for Astrophysics at Notre Dame, set out to answer. He believes the Christmas star was actually a planetary alignment. He shares his research with us for this episode of Notre Dame Stories.

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Artificial Intelligence for the common good Nov 25, 2024

In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, Nitesh Chawla, Founding Director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society, discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Amid growing concerns about AI’s societal impacts, Chawla emphasizes a proactive and inclusive approach to leveraging this technology for good. From addressing biases in AI systems to creating global solutions for healthcare and poverty, his work exemplifies Notre Dame’s mission to advance the human condition through interdisciplinary collaboration.

He also discusses how Notre Dame’s holistic educational approach empowers students to use data and AI ethically and responsibly to tackle complex global challenges.

Listen to discover how Notre Dame is driving innovation in data and science to create meaningful societal impact.

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Pathways to Notre Dame: Affordability and access with Micki Kidder Oct 23, 2024

In this episode, Micki Kidder, vice president of undergraduate enrollment, highlights Notre Dame's new no-loan financial aid packaging and expanded need-blind admissions as part of the new Pathways to Notre Dame initiative, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can access a Notre Dame education without the burden of debt.

As a Notre Dame alumna, staff member, and now a Notre Dame parent, Kidder shares her personal insight into the University’s mission to provide an unparalleled educational experience rooted in Catholic values.

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The future of mental health care with Notre Dame's Sarah Mustillo Sep 23, 2024

In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, we go deep on a topic featured in the University’s award-winning series, “What Would You Fight For?” In an in-depth conversation, Sarah Mustillo, the I.A. O’Shaughnessy Dean of Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters, discusses the bold University initiative around mental health. She talks about her own research into childhood trauma, and how it helps to inform her approach.

In this episode, we also meet Austin Wyman, a Notre Dame doctoral student. Austin has his own personal story of how he became interested in studying quantitative psychology.

Watch on YouTube

Learn about the University’s commitment to combat America’s mental health crisis.

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Host: Jenna Liberto

Executive Producer: Andy Fuller

Producers: Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, Staci Stickovich

Videographers: Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, Michael Wiens

Music: Alex Mansour

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., reflects on 19 years as President of the University of Notre Dame May 08, 2024

In October, it was announced that Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., would step down from his role as the 17th president of the University of Notre Dame. He has shaped and grown the University and its impact over the past 19 years in research, global engagement and by attracting super faculty and the highest caliber students, just to name a few.

In this special episode of Notre Dame Stories, Father Jenkins reflects on his tenure with host Jenna Liberto.

Watch the interview

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications. Hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller, content coordination by Staci Stickovich, edited by Michael Wiens and Jessica Sieff, and videography by Tony Fuller and Zach Dudka. Original music by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Notre Dame as a leading research university Mar 22, 2024

The University of Notre Dame has experienced transformational growth in research over the past decade. The evidence is everywhere on campus, both in the talent of the faculty and the resources devoted to making Notre Dame a leading research institution.

In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, host Jenna Liberto talks to Vice President of Research Jeff Rhoads who shares his plans for expanding the University's impact globally.

Watch the interview

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, written and produced by Andy Fuller, with content coordination from Staci Stickovich. This episode was edited by Michael Wiens with videography by Tony Fuller and Zach Dudka. Original music is by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Breathe with both lungs Feb 23, 2024

What comes to mind when you think about the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame? Likely, an image of traditional Roman Catholicism. But the Church is a global body with diverse traditions and people who lead them. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the life story of the chair of Notre Dame’s Department of Theology, Father Khaled Anatolios.

In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, we explore one way the University embraces and advances its Catholic character in the global context.

Watch the interview

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Notre Dame Stories is created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications. Hosted by Jenna Liberto. Written and produced by Andy Fuller with content coordination from Staci Stickovich. Edited by Michael Wiens and Jessica Sieff with videography by Tony Fuller and Zach Dudka. Original music is by Alex Mansour.

Kate the Chemist: A passion for science education Jan 26, 2024

Kate the Chemist's explosive and entertaining experiments have taken her from the college campus to network television. In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, host Jenna Liberto talks with Kate about her passion for teaching audiences of all ages to fall in love with scientific discovery.

Show Links

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Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, written and produced by Andy Fuller, with content coordination from Staci Stickovich. This episode was edited by Michael Wiens with videography by Tony Fuller and Zach Dudka. Original music is by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

G.K. Chesterton and Notre Dame Oct 20, 2023

In this episode, we look at the relationship between the great Catholic intellectual, G.K. Chesterton, and the University of Notre Dame. Chesterton spent a semester on campus in 1930, lending his intellectual prowess and good humor to the Notre Dame community. Today, a collection of his personal belongings is adding a new dimension to the University's presence in London.

The connection between dreams and work productivity Sep 22, 2023

We know that a good night’s sleep can help you at work…but what role do dreams play in your 9-to-5? We sat down with Casher Belinda, assistant professor for management at the Mendoza College of Business, to discuss a new study that shows how the emotions we experience at night can help us during the day.

How Notre Dame became the "Fighting Irish" Aug 23, 2023

One of the more popular stories we've produced is on the origin of the University's athletics nickname, the "Fighting Irish." As the football team prepares to open its season in Dublin, Ireland, for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, we revisit that history to open the new season of Notre Dame Stories.

Guest narration by Brian Ó Conchubhair of the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies. Explore the University's relationship with the Emerald Isle with the limited podcast series East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland.

Sounds of Commencement 2023 May 26, 2023

The academic year culminates in one of the most distinctive events at the University of Notre Dame — Commencement in Notre Dame Stadium. Before the conferring of thousands of degrees, the inspired and meticulous work of thousands of University employees orchestrates an unmatched experience for the graduates and their families.

In this special episode, we take you behind the scenes to explore the sounds of the 178th Commencement Exercises: from the preparations to the ceremony to the celebration after.

Countless Journeys: Notre Dame in London May 12, 2023

This special episode takes a look at the University's presence in London. We spent some time with a few of Notre Dame's students there, following them to different locations on that most iconic mode of transport, the Underground. Along the way, we explored the home of a major Premier League football club, the Houses of Parliament, and the thriving London art scene. We found that the Tube makes the best kind of journey possible: the one that takes you somewhere new.

Insight into Human Trafficking Apr 21, 2023

In this episode, we chat with Dean Shepherd, the Ray and Milann Siegfried Professor of Entrepreneurship in Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Professor Shepherd recently published research into the organization of sex work and human trafficking in India. The study draws from interviews with girls and women forced into the sex industry, human traffickers, brothel managers, doctors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and police officers, in an effort to better understand the cycle and ultimately invoke change.

The Legacy of "The Liberator" (East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland, Ep. 3) Mar 31, 2023

We round out our time in Ireland by exploring Dublin, from its familiar sounds to its famous Georgian homes. One such home is the first stop for Notre Dame students studying here: O'Connell House, the former residence of Daniel O'Connell, known as "The Liberator." As we found out, students are using the structure much in the same way O'Connell did: as a place where knowledge is made to serve the common good. To learn more about Notre Dame's presence in Dublin, head to dublin.nd.edu.

Common Home (East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland, Ep. 2) Mar 17, 2023

In episode two, we explore Notre Dame students' work on environmental issues in Ireland. None is more pressing than the role of bogs, a quintessential feature of the Irish landscape. They've been plowed over for generations to harvest the underlying peat for fuel. As the practice is phased out, one Notre Dame graduate student is studying how to restore these crucial pieces of carbon-storing habitat. But her work is only part of the University's effort to care for our common home.

May the road rise up to meet you (East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland, Ep. 1) Mar 03, 2023

There’s a traditional Irish blessing that begins, “May the road rise up to meet you.” It’s meant to convey well-wishes for a smooth journey…both literally and figuratively. But yet, there’s something to be said for choosing to go off the beaten path. For intentionally taking the road less traveled. In the first part of our look at Notre Dame's relationship with Ireland, we focus on Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in the Connemara region. Students and scholars from every academic discipline come to Kylemore for the space they need to focus on their work and experience the cultural heart of Ireland.

East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland | Trailer Feb 17, 2023

For a University with Ireland in its DNA, a presence on the Emerald Isle is only natural. But Notre Dame doesn't just have a presence in Ireland; it has a relationship with it. In East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland, we take a look at how the University is making an impact in Dublin and in the western part of the country.

One student's Notre Dame journey and a preview of Notre Dame in Ireland Feb 13, 2023

Today we feature the story of Temitayo (Tayo) Ade-Oshifogun, president of the Black Graduates in Management Club at the Mendoza College of Business. Tayo shares how he came to ND and offers some perspective on the Black experience on campus. Later in the episode, we present a trailer for the series East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland.

The Law School's DEI Podcast Jan 23, 2023

The Notre Dame Law School seeks to "educate a different kind of lawyer." Part of that process is training in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Max Gaston joins us to talk about his role as the Law School's director of DEI, and how his podcast gives a window into his work. Find The DEI Podcast with Max Gaston wherever you get your podcasts. For more about the exoneration work referenced in this episode, read Wrongful Convictions.

Seeking Renewal in the New Year Dec 30, 2022

The new year is a time for resolutions and renewal. We spoke to a certified wellness coach from the McDonald Center for Student Wellbeing for advice on seeking a fresh start in the new year. Known on campus as "McWell," the McDonald Center provides a variety of services for students aimed at promoting adaptability, wellbeing and the education of the whole person.

Throwback: What was the Christmas Star? Dec 09, 2022

The Gospel of St. Matthew records a strange astronomical phenomenon: Magi from the East who were drawn to the site of Christ's birth by a star. In this replay episode, we chat with Notre Dame astrophysicist Grant Mathews, who explains what the Christmas star may have been.

Why a Notre Dame VP was tapped by the State Department to travel to Africa Nov 18, 2022

Michael Pippenger was pleasantly surprised by the opportunity in September to represent the United States as a citizen diplomat building ties to universities in Uganda, where Notre Dame has a long history. The State Department's U.S. Speaker Program recruited Pippenger, Notre Dame's vice president and associate provost for internationalization, to speak about a topic close to his heart: the importance of global partnerships in higher education.

The Future of Tech Ethics and Notre Dame's Technology Ethics Center Oct 28, 2022

In this episode, we highlight another Notre Dame podcast called TEC Talks hosted by Kirsten Martin, the William P. and Hazel B. White director of the Technology Ethics Center at Notre Dame.

We sat down with Professor Martin to hear a bit about the center and how it’s helping to shape the future of our relationship with tech. At the end of our brief conversation, we’ll play an episode from TEC Talks about dealing with social media addiction.

Inside the takedown of a drug kingpin Oct 14, 2022

The arrest this summer of Mexican drug kingpin Rafael Caro Quintero caught the attention of Notre Dame Law School professor Jimmy Gurulé. Caro Quintero was wanted for the 1985 torture and murder of a DEA agent, a story so infamous it was recently featured in the Netflix show Narcos: Mexico. Gurulé was the prosecutor in Los Angeles who first indicted Caro Quintero, and he tells the story from an insider's perspective.

Helping the Last of the Instrument Makers Sep 16, 2022

ConnSelmer is the last major manufacturer of band instruments in the United States. They were looking for ways to innovate to keep their operations in-country. That's when they received a boost from iNDustry Labs, Notre Dame's platform for collaboration between the University and local manufacturers.

The 2022 Valedictorian: Devin Diggs May 11, 2022

The Class of 2022 valedictorian Devin Diggs joins us to talk about his Notre Dame story, and what's in store after commencement. Among other activities, Diggs worked in Dr. Jessica Payne's Sleep, Stress and Memory Lab.

A Conversation with Commencement Speaker Archbishop Borys Gudziak Apr 06, 2022

On March 23rd, Ukrainian Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak was announced as the keynote speaker at Notre Dame’s 177th commencement ceremony. Ten days earlier, Archbishop Gudziak sat down for an interview for the Henri Nouwen Now and Then podcast, produced by the Henri Nouwen Society. Henri Nouwen was a Dutch-born Catholic priest who taught psychology at Notre Dame for a time. The society that bears his name is dedicated to advancing Nouwen’s spiritual vision. In this podcast episode, which originally aired on March 13, host and Nouwen Society executive director Karen Pascal, speaks with Archbishop Gudziak about his background and his perspective on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Our sincere thanks to the Henri Nouwen Society for sharing this episode with us. To hear the full episode, visit henrinouwen.org.

Ukraine: Sanctions, War Crimes, and International Law Mar 16, 2022

After three weeks, the war in Ukraine is only becoming costlier—and deadlier—for both the militaries fighting, and the civilians caught in the middle. We spoke with Mary Ellen O’Connell, the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law, about the international legal framework that could help bring the war to a close and deal with its aftermath.

Understanding the 5G rollout Mar 02, 2022

The rollout of 5G seemed to be going along smoothly until it wasn’t. So why did the airline industry ask for a pause in some areas? And, should we expect other disruptions in the future? For answers, we turned to Nick Laneman, co-director of the Notre Dame Wireless Institute.

The Winter Olympics, Equality in Sports, and Exercising in the Cold Feb 02, 2022

The Winter Olympics are here, and while they provide hours of incredible viewing for sports fans, they also offer insights into life and society. To explore the Olympics in this light, we turn to Cara Ocobock, assistant professor of anthropology. In a wide-ranging discussion, Prof. Ocobock explains what makes the Olympics so appealing, but also what needs to happen to achieve greater equality for male and female athletes. Finally, Ocobock talks about what happens to the body in extreme temperatures, citing insights from her research working with reindeer herders in northern Finland.

What's going on with the supply chain? Jan 12, 2022

One of the biggest stories in the last half of 2021 was the supply chain. It seems everyone was impacted by shortages or delays in getting a product from a manufacturer to a consumer. Now that we’ve turned the page into 2022, where do we stand? To find out, we spoke with Kaitlin Wowak, associate professor of IT, analytics, and operations in the Mendoza College of Business.

Explaining the Christmas Star Dec 22, 2021

The Gospel of St. Matthew records a peculiar event: a star marking the place of Jesus' birth. As the story goes, this phenomenon inspired "magi" from the East to journey to find the Christ child. But is there a way to know what the Christmas Star really was? Using various multi-disciplinary threads of information, astrophysicist Grant Mathews has developed a theory to explain what the Christmas Star may have been. He walks us through the research in this re-play of an episode from Season 1 of Notre Dame Stories.

Tortured by the police (Proving Innocence, Ep. 6) Dec 03, 2021

What do you do when the officers who are supposed to protect and serve the public are the ones torturing their suspects? Not in a third-world country, but in the city of Chicago. If you're a civil rights attorney, you stand up and defend the rights of those being abused — regardless of whether the fight takes three decades, the tortured have been jailed as long as you've been alive, or you're a recent Notre Dame Law School graduate drawn to the effort.

The final episode of the Proving Innocence series focuses on Jackie Wilson, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 36 years after his brother killed two Chicago police officers in 1982. Wilson and others were beaten, suffocated and shocked in a systematic torture scandal that was hidden for decades until it was exposed by civil rights crusaders who are inspiring the next generation. Wilson spoke to the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic in September.

The Great Crown Caper Nov 10, 2021

Tour guides have been answering questions about it for years. There's a large gold crown in a case, situated by the elevators in Notre Dame's Main Building (aka, the "Golden Dome"). A plaque inside the case offers some explanation, but there's much more to know. Turns out, this crown may not be the most famous piece of royal headwear the University has received. Our story is about two crowns, one crime, and one unsolved mystery.

Social Media, Misinformation, and You Oct 22, 2021

It's one of the biggest news stories of the month: social media and the spread of misinformation. While Facebook garnered much attention over the past several weeks, the problem of misinformation goes back far longer and is far broader than many people realize.

In this episode, we chat with Tim Weninger, Frank M. Friemann Associate Prof. of Engineering. His work in this area goes back to the dawn of ISIS in the Middle East and continues today through the development of a suite of forensics tools to help fight coordinated misinformation campaigns.

Making A Musical Sep 29, 2021

Ronnie and Alex Mansour chose Notre Dame over a traditional music conservatory because the University’s music program allowed them the flexibility to do it, as Sinatra would say, their way. In this episode, Brendan O'Shaughnessy tells the story of the siblings who charted their own creative path at the University.

Remembering 9/11 Sep 07, 2021

In this episode, Rev. Edward Malloy, C.S.C., reflects on the events of 9/11 and what followed for the campus community and himself.

No evidence, no hope (Proving Innocence, Ep. 5) Aug 25, 2021

Iris Seabolt was convicted of felony murder in 2004 and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Prosecutors did not accuse her of killing restaurant owner A.J. Williams, but claim she was the female lure in an intended robbery that ended in murder. The police presented no physical evidence at all in her trial. Instead, a series of witnesses claimed they heard Seabolt admit her guilt. Seabolt lost hope, so she took a plea deal. All those witnesses have since recanted, saying they were coerced into lying by a corrupt and disgraced police officer.

In the fifth installment of the Proving Innocence series, Mary Rofaeil guides us through the case as the students race to exonerate Seabolt before her prison term ends next year.

One call can change everything (Proving Innocence, Ep. 4) Jul 14, 2021

In the fourth installment of the Proving Innocence series, Notre Dame law students take on the case of Leon Tyson. He was convicted of a 2015 murder in Elkhart and sentenced to 63 years in prison. The Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic believes he is innocent. The case took a turn when the students and professor placed a call to the mother of a man who was also there during the crime. Her revelations intrigued the students, but the case may turn on the question of hair — witnesses said the shooter had dreadlocks, but Tyson has long had alopecia, a condition that makes him bald. Tyson team leader Mackenna Krohn guides listeners through the twists and tangles of this case.

*Edited description July 21, 2021.

The journey: The 2021 valedictorian May 21, 2021

In the final episode of the season, we sit down with Madeline Owen, the valedictorian of the class of 2021. Madeline discusses her Notre Dame journey, and what it meant to finish that journey here, on campus.

Before the Sunrise: St. Joseph's Farm May 07, 2021

In this episode, we look at the history of St. Joseph's Farm, a place where religious brothers cultivated land to provide fuel for the University. Today, the farm is being used to produce another kind of fuel: solar power.

3D Printing & the Rise of Industry 4.0 Apr 23, 2021

In this episode, Ted Fox, former host of the With a Side of Knowledge podcast, interviews C. Fred Higgs, vice provost for academic affairs at Rice University.

Will the stimulus slash poverty? Mar 26, 2021

The American Rescue Plan—the latest pandemic stimulus—was signed into law earlier this month and it was billed as a means to slash poverty. We discuss that proposition with Jim Sullivan, economist and co-founder of the Wilson-Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities.

What's going on with the mail? Mar 05, 2021

For the better part of a year, the mail has been increasingly slow…and COVID is only partly to blame. To find out what’s behind this, we spoke with James O’Rourke, professor of management at the Mendoza College of Business and an expert on corporate communications and reputation. O'Rourke has studied the cost structure and business of the United States Postal Service for more than a decade.

Developing a COVID-19 Vaccine Feb 05, 2021

As most of the country awaits their turn in line to receive a coronavirus vaccine, some have questions about its safety. How it was developed, and what it means for life after vaccination.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mark Mulligan '80, an infectious disease expert and head of NYU’s Langone Vaccine Center. Dr. Mulligan has worked on vaccine trials for decades, including the vaccine for COVID-19.

"Mom guilt" and the pandemic Jan 11, 2021

These days, “office hours” take place almost anywhere but the office. The dining room, bedroom, basement… they’ve all become the places we work, not just where we live. The pandemic has profoundly altered the work-life balance of Americans, and new research is uncovering how we’re dealing with this shift.

In this episode, Abi Ocobock, who studies family sociology, shares findings from her research on how working parents are managing dueling priorities.

Gentle Giant Finally Free (Proving Innocence, Ep. 3) Dec 18, 2020

Andy Royer confessed in 2003 to strangling a 94-year-old woman who lived in his apartment building in Elkhart, Indiana. But Royer, who has mental challenges that make him seem childlike despite his huge size, then asked if he could just go home. Confessions are convincing to juries. Most people are surprised to learn that they are sometimes given by the innocent. Royer was convicted and given a sentence of 55 years.

After three earlier attempts failed, the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic won his release after 16 years – the first of what law students and faculty leaders hope are a string of successful petitions. In episode three of this six-part series, we hear about Royer’s legal troubles from his mother, himself and his attorney. But our main guide is former Notre Dame law student Paula Ortiz Cardona, who worked on his case during her three years on campus.

Tall, Thin and Black (Proving Innocence, Ep. 2) Dec 16, 2020

In episode two of this six-part series, we hear the story of Keith Cooper’s 20-year odyssey to clear his name of a crime he didn’t commit in a town he hardly knew. Cooper tells the story in his words, starting with his arrest in 1997 based on a description of a crime by someone tall, thin and black. Mistaken witness identifications led to a speedy bench-trial conviction and a 40-year sentence. New scientific evidence weakened the case against Cooper, and in 2006 he chose to give up his claim to innocence so he could help his struggling family. It took another 11 years of struggle to win the first pardon based on actual innocence in Indiana history.

A Club Becomes a Class (Proving Innocence, Ep. 1) Dec 14, 2020

Episode one of this six-part series traces the origins of the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic’s rapid growth over the last four years. It began as a student volunteer club in 2016 with some awareness and advocacy events. The students launched into action after a visit from Keith Cooper, the only person in Indiana history to receive a governor’s pardon based on actual innocence, and his attorney, Elliot Slosar. They focused their legal assistance on Slosar’s cases in Elkhart, Indiana, a city about a half hour from Notre Dame’s campus. After recruiting faculty member Jimmy Gurulé, their efforts turned into a class and this year into the University’s sixth legal clinic. Club founder and first president Tia Paulette guides listeners through this evolution.

Proving Innocence | Trailer Dec 10, 2020

Thousands of people across the country are penned in prisons for crimes they didn’t commit. Want proof? More than 2,700 prisoners have been legally exonerated over the last 30 years, largely through the work of crusading lawyers and legal students.

Notre Dame law students, inspired by meeting a nearby example of this tragedy, pushed to get involved in overturning wrongful convictions. With guidance from Chicago attorney Elliot Slosar and faculty member Jimmy Gurulé, the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic is now on the case. Our series, Proving Innocence, takes you inside this legal effort through a handful of individual stories.

Replay: What was the Christmas Star? Dec 02, 2020

In one of our most popular episodes, Notre Dame astrophysicist Grant Mathews unpacks his research into what the Christmas Star may have been.

Finding the "Just Right Home" Nov 11, 2020

As the real estate market rebounds, more people are thinking about what makes a perfect home. School of Architecture professor Marianne Cusato, industry leader in the home building industry and one of the top women in real estate according to Fortune Magazine, has earned international acclaim for the Katrina cottage, an attractive, well-built home that could be deployed in case of emergency.

In her book, "The Just Right Home," Cusato suggests criteria for home buying and community that is, at times, contrarian to some of today’s popular home buying trends.

Equity in Policing Sep 23, 2020

As the national conversation about race and policing took shape over the summer, questions began surfacing about how police departments would respond. At Notre Dame, they were already working on an answer.

Guests: Keri Kei Shibata, Chief, Notre Dame Police Department; Mike Seamon, Vice President for Campus Safety and University Operations; Matty Aubourg '21, Black Student Association of Notre Dame

Lessons from the past, hope for the future May 09, 2020

As the University prepares to confer degrees on the Class of 2020, we speak with the class valedictorian, Brady Stiller, about this unique moment in Notre Dame history.

Connection in the time of pandemic Apr 24, 2020

In this episode, we examine two connections shown in dramatic ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the connection between humankind and the planet: We speak with a climate scientist on how the economic shutdown is impacting the planet, and how coronavirus could be a template for the fight against climate change. Then, we explore the connection between doctor and patient, and how the science of compassion is on full display.

Guests: Jason McLachlan, associate professor of biological sciences Dominic Vachon; John G. Sheedy, M.D., Director of the Ruth M. Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care. "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" arranged by David Tran

A student's work to help Italy deal with COVID-19 Apr 03, 2020

As campus shuts down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we speak with Paolo Mazzara ’23, an undergrad who is spending quarantine aiding Italian healthcare workers.

Women's Suffrage and Political Barbies Mar 13, 2020

We’re visiting scholars in their workspaces to discuss their research...and whatever else we happen to find there. In this episode, we drop in on political science professor Christina Wolbrecht. She’s co-authored a book titled, “A Century of Votes for Women,” which looks at how women have used their right to vote in the hundred years since the 19th Amendment was passed.

Oasis (Tantur: Hill in the Holy Land, Ep. 4) Feb 21, 2020

In the final episode of this four-part series, we explore Tantur using two interpretations of a commonly used metaphor for the place: an oasis. Many people describe the Tantur grounds in terms of its tranquility, beauty and peace. That is certainly true. But the literal definition of an oasis is “a fertile spot.” We’ll explain how Notre Dame at Tantur has become a place where seeds are planted and meet a Tantur “alumna” who views her time there as a pivot point in her career. And, we’ll explore what the University is planning to do to plant more seeds over the next 50 years. Learn more about Notre Dame's presence in and around Jerusalem.

The Fifth Gospel (Tantur: Hill in the Holy Land, Ep. 3) Jan 31, 2020

St. Jerome, who famously translated the Bible into Latin working from the same cave system in which Jesus was born, said: “Five gospels record the life of Jesus. Four you will find in books and the one you will find in the land they call Holy. Read the fifth gospel and the world of the four will open to you.” In the third episode of this four-part series, we visit St. Jerome’s study in Bethlehem with a group of Notre Dame students in the Holy Land for a summer study program. Their time in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and other key sites in Israel was a transformative experience, and not just in religious terms.

“People come here to see the holy sites,” observed University of Notre Dame at Tantur academic director Hannah Hemphill, “but while they see the old stones, they fail to see the living stones, the people who are living in the land today.” As Notre Dame students explore Israel and the West Bank, they’re exposed to different narratives about the current conflict in the region, and are forced to square the reality they’ve heard back home with the one they’re seeing firsthand. Learn more about Notre Dame's presence in and around Jerusalem.

Unearthing the Past (Tantur: Hill in the Holy Land, Ep. 2) Jan 10, 2020

In the second episode of this four-part series, we explore what may be under the surface of the University of Notre Dame at Tantur. Abraham (Avi) Winitzer, Notre Dame professor of theology, leads a group of students in the first-ever official archaeological survey on the grounds. Then, Winitzer’s class joins students from all over the world at Tel Azekah, in the Judean hill country. Azekah is most famous for anchoring the theater of one of the greatest stories ever told: the battle of David vs. Goliath. We hear from Notre Dame students, and scholars from Tel Aviv University, on what the past can tell us about the present ... and we encounter a truly bizarre scene in which a tour guide bursts onto the site to give us his own rendition of the David vs. Goliath story. Learn more about Notre Dame's presence in and around Jerusalem.

What was the Christmas Star? Dec 19, 2019

The Gospel account of St. Matthew includes a peculiar episode: Magi or wise men who followed a star to the place of Jesus’ birth. Grant Mathews, a Notre Dame astrophysicist, details the astronomical phenomenon he believes led them to Bethlehem. (Re-edited version of the episode that aired Nov. 30, 2018.)

Origin Story (Tantur: Hill in the Holy Land, Ep. 1) Nov 29, 2019

In the first episode of this four-part series, we trace the origins of Notre Dame’s presence in Jerusalem back to the events of the late 1950s in the Catholic Church. The Second Vatican Council inspired a warming of relations between various Christian traditions, a movement memorialized by Pope Paul VI, who famously embraced Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem in 1964, ending centuries of excommunication between East and West.

On the momentum of that embrace, the pope would turn to his friend in Catholic higher education, Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., to take on an ambitious and unprecedented project: the establishment of a center for intra-Christian scholarship and dialogue in Jerusalem. The task was no small feat to begin with, and many unforeseen obstacles only added to its daunting nature. Not the least of these unexpected turns was the Six-Day War, which literally changed the country in which the institute would be located.

Eventually, in 1972, the Tantur Ecumenical Institute was inaugurated at a spot between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The dream of ecumenical scholarship was born on 36 acres of land that sit amid some of the holiest sites in Abrahamic religion. Learn more about Notre Dame's presence in and around Jerusalem.

Tantur: Hill in the Holy Land | Trailer Nov 12, 2019

Tantur founder Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., once said, “Jerusalem is a place that really catches you in the heart.” And it’s Fr. Ted’s words that we hear first as we introduce a new four-episode series Tantur: Hill in the Holy Land. But the experience in and around Jerusalem is about more than a pilgrimage to honor the past. The University of Notre Dame is engaging the region to build a better future.

Of Analytics and Art Nov 08, 2019

In this episode, we meet a business student who is helping the NBA understand a new rule change... And, one of the most iconic landmarks on campus gets an upgrade.

Food and Thought Sep 27, 2019

In this episode, we share what Notre Dame is doing to address major food-related problems: how Basar Bilgicer, associate professor of engineering, is fighting to cure food allergies. And, how the University is providing local kids with the nutrition they need so they can focus in school. Read more about Cultivate.

Unexpected Guides Sep 06, 2019

In this episode, we learn what your social circle can tell you about your health, and what centuries-old travel guides can tell us about a city.

Preparing for the Future May 23, 2019

In this episode, we look at preparing for the future in two very different economic circumstances: In the U.S., how AI and advanced technology could disrupt the workforce; in the Amazon basin, how indigenous people are bolstering the production of a common food staple. We are joined by Ray Offenheiser, distinguished professor of the practice and director for the Notre Dame Initiative for Global Development. Learn more about the Future of Work Conference

Breastfeeding & IPV, Rome Global Gateway Apr 27, 2019

A Notre Dame psychologist explains how breastfeeding can mitigate the impacts of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). And, we return to the Eternal City for a look at the layered experiences that make Notre Dame, in Rome. Laura Miller-Graff, the William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families Assistant Professor of Psychology and Peace Studies joins us. Read more about her work.

Lunar Samples, Rome Studies 50th Anniversary Apr 10, 2019

We chat with Notre Dame geologist and moon expert Clive Neal, who is part of a team that will examine previously sealed lunar samples obtained during the Apollo missions. Learn more about Clive's work. In addition, we look at the School of Architecture's Rome Studies Program as it marks its 50th Anniversary in the Eternal City. Read more about the program.

Producer's note: Clive refers several times to "regolith," which is the powdery, dusty material on the lunar surface.

Irish Dance Special Edition Mar 17, 2019

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we're re-releasing our story on the Notre Dame-St. Mary's Irish Dance Team and their 2016 All-Ireland competition championship. Sláinte!

Venezuela, Irish Dance Mar 15, 2019

As the situation deteriorates in Venezuela, we chat with Latin American expert Michael Coppedge of the Keough School of Global Affairs, who explains how we got here, and what to expect next. And, as millions of people celebrate their Irish heritage this month, we look back at a student club’s championship foray into Irish Dance.

Trend Spotting Feb 28, 2019

In this episode, we chat with Kasey Buckles, a Notre Dame economist who studies the family. Her research follows trends in the fertility rate and yields clues about what that may mean for the U.S. economy. Read more about Buckles' work. And, we bring you the story of Notre Dame students getting real-world experience as police officers through the county's cyber crimes unit.

On Preservation Feb 01, 2019

In this episode, we chat with Pinar Zorlutuna, a professor in aerospace and mechanical engineering, who uses tissue engineering to extend the viability of hearts in a transplant scenario. Read more about her work. In addition, we caught up with Sophia Bevacqua, an alumna working to restore art at the Vatican Museums. Her story was featured in the story Cultural Maintenance.

Pathways Jan 11, 2019

A Notre Dame researcher discusses the relationship between the built environment and our habits, especially our eating habits. And, as hundreds seek a path to asylum in Italy through a unique private-public partnership, the University is tracking how this method of resettlement is working, and if it can be replicated elsewhere.

Star of Wonder Nov 30, 2018

The Gospel account of St. Matthew includes a peculiar episode: Magi or wise men who followed a star to the place of Jesus’ birth. A Notre Dame astrophysicist details the astronomical phenomenon he believes led them to Bethlehem.

The role of Latinos in American politics Nov 10, 2018

As the dust settles on the 2018 midterm elections, how the Latino community is shaping the American political landscape. Our guest is Luis Fraga, director of Notre Dame's Institute for Latino Studies.

Confidence, building Oct 19, 2018

In this episode: Confidence, building. New research on confidence says nonverbal cues can help people avoid the social penalties of overconfidence. And, a collaboration between Notre Dame’s School of Architecture and the City of South Bend shows how buildings from the past can help plan for the future.

Heavenly Realms Sep 21, 2018

In this episode: heavenly realms. We're closer than ever to knowing whether life exists on other planets. A Notre Dame researcher talks about what he and other experts are recommending to find the answer in the next 20 years. And, what can be done at the moment a life passes from this world to the next? A scholar of Medieval chants finds surprising insight into how modern Americans respond to the end of life.

Helping the Most Vulnerable Aug 31, 2018

In this episode: helping the most vulnerable. A report from the White House Council of Economic Advisors declared the war on poverty largely over. A Notre Dame researcher, who helped produce much of the data behind the report, explains that statement, and talks about what can be done to continue to help those in need in the U.S. And, two Notre Dame students signed up to spend their summer at a shelter near the U.S.-Mexico border, helping migrant families who are seeking asylum. But they didn’t know the role that shelter – called Casa Vides – would play when the immigration issue exploded.

(Producer's note: The audio for the Casa Vides story was captured on-site and is extremely raw. It is best to listen through headphones or earbuds for clarity.)

Notre Dame Stories | Trailer Aug 01, 2018

Through expert interviews and feature spotlights, Notre Dame Stories showcases the work our faculty and students are doing to be a force for good in the world. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Notre Dame Stories is produced by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

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