Wake Up the Echoes

Latest Episodes:

Episode 84: Marcus Freeman, Francis Brewu & Cam Williams Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Wake up the Echoes presented by Sofi, Head Coach Marcus Freeman takes you inside the film room to break down the subtle, high-level adjustments Notre Dame made from the practice field to game day against Stanford.

Next, defensive lineman Francis Brewu sits down to share his unique off-field passion—exploring how practicing archery helps him dial in his focus, relax, and hit the mark. Player host Cam Williams then joins Brewu for a conversation on what makes Fighting Irish fans so special and the incredible energy of the Notre Dame fan base.

Finally, Coach Freeman wraps up the show with an exclusive preview and game plan analysis for Notre Dame's upcoming matchup against BYU.

Created by Fighting Irish Media

00:00 - Intro 01:53 - Coach Freeman 21:00 - Francis Brewu & Coach Freeman 38:55 - Francis Brewu & Cam Williams 48:40 - BYU Preview
50:37 - Outro

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Episode 83: Marcus Freeman, Sullivan Absher & Cam Williams Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Wake Up the Echoes, presented by Sofi Head Coach Marcus Freeman goes to the film room to break down Notre Dame’s battle through the elements in a rainy matchup against North Carolina. Then, we step off the gridiron for a lighter moment as offensive lineman Sullivan Absher shows off his comedic timing—watch and listen as he delivers his best home-plate baseball umpire strike calls. Later, player host Cam Williams sits down with Sully for an inside look at the Notre Dame offensive line room, discussing the chemistry, trust, and tight-knit bond that drives the unit on and off the field. Finally, Coach Freeman returns to set the stage and preview the upcoming clash with Stanford.

00:00 - Intro

02:16 - Coach Freeman

24:08 - Sullivan Absher & Coach Freeman

45:03 - Sullivan Absher & Cam Williams

1:05:27 - Stanford Preview

1:06:45 - Outro

created by Fighting Irish Media

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Episode 82: Marcus Freeman, Christian Gray & Cam Williams Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Wake Up the Echoes, presented by @SoFi, Tony Simeone and Coach Marcus Freeman go inside Notre Dame’s win over Purdue and the strategy behind the biggest plays.

Next, Christian Gray joins the couch to reveal an unexpected off-field talent—and Freeman wants proof.

Then, co-host Cam Williams takes over for dream rides, plenty of laughs and a music conversation that leaves Tony feeling his age.

Finally, Freeman looks ahead to North Carolina and explains why it’s always “Notre Dame time.” 00:00 - Intro

01:40 - Coach Freeman

21:07 - Christian Gray & Coach Freeman

43:47 - Christian Gray & Cam Williams

1:03:43 - UNC Preview

1:04:53 - Outro

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Episode 81: Marcus Freeman, Micah Gilbert & Cam Williams Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Wake Up the Echoes, presented by Sofi host Tony Simeone sits down with Head Coach Marcus Freeman to break down the dominant performance against Michigan State—including a closer look at wide receiver Micah Gilbert’s career breakout game (8 catches for 170 yards), marking the best individual receiving performance by a Fighting Irish receiver since 2017. Next, Micah Gilbert joins the couch to talk about his off-the-field adventures studying abroad, including the unique local dishes he was brave enough to try—and the specific foods he couldn't bring himself to touch. Then, player host Cam Williams takes over for a fun segment with Micah to talk about major personal style changes, including the story and decision behind cutting off his dreadlocks. Finally, Coach Freeman returns to close out the show with an in-depth preview and game plan as Notre Dame prepares to hit the road to face off against rival Purdue at Ross–Ade Stadium. 00:00 - Intro 02:27 - Coach Freeman 25:31 - Micah Gilbert & Coach Freeman 45:47 - Micah Gilbert & Cam Williams 1:00:23 - Purdue Preview 1:02:13 - Outro

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Episode 80: Marcus Freeman, Jaylen Sneed & Cam Williams Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

We're back for another episode of the Official Podcast of the Fighting Irish. Coach Marcus Freeman breaks down the tape from the victory over Rice, highlighting key defensive stops & offensive execution. Linebacker Jaylen Sneed sits down to share stories from his upbringing in the South Carolina Low country, discussing how his background and community shaped his path to Fighting Irish football. Player host Cam Williams takes over for a fun segment with Jaylen Sneed, diving into Jaylen’s passion for cars, his favorite builds, and what he loves to drive off the field. Coach Freeman returns to close out the episode with an in-depth preview of the upcoming match-up against rival Michigan State. 00:00 - Intro 01:55 - Coach Freeman 22:14 - Jaylen Sneed & Coach Freeman 39:51 - Jaylen Sneed & Cam Williams 55:09 - Michigan State Preview 55:49 - Outro

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Episode 79: Season 4 Premiere - Marcus Freeman, Jaden Greathouse, Cam Williams Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Wake Up the Echoes is back for Season 4! In this action-packed premiere, host Tony Simeone kicks off the new season with an exclusive look inside Notre Dame Football. First, Head Coach Marcus Freeman pulls up to the couch to go beyond the stat sheet, breaking down key plays, scheme adjustments, and what’s driving the Irish this season.

To wrap things up, we hear about personal favorite wide receivers with our new player-host Cam Williams and we get a preview of the upcoming Rice game from Coach Freeman!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Season 4!
02:06 – Coach Freeman
25:34– Coach Freeman & Jaden Greathouse
42:17 – Jaden Greathouse & Cam Williams
1:00:38 – Rice Preview with Coach Freeman
1:03:04 - Outro

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Episode 78: Tee Time: A Season 3 Send-off With Notre Dame Golf (feat. Pete Bevacqua, Alexsandra Lapple, Breanna Jenco, Jacob Modleski, John Handrigan, Gia Kvaratskhelia) Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

We’re shifting gears to the greens for the debut of the highly anticipated Golf Leprechaun—the logo update your weekend bag has been begging for. AD Pete Bevacqua and our golf programs dive into the "Notre Dame Advantage," where student-athletes balance world-class degrees with elite opportunities that range from the hallowed fairways of Augusta to the "one-two punch" of the nation’s best resources. Plus, Tony attempts to convince the actual pros that his 10-finger grip is a legitimate technical innovation (it’s not), while the teams prepare to carry this championship momentum into the spring postseason. We’re closing out the season with a literal trophy haul as Coach Gia Kvaratskhelia and the fencing squad drop by to explain how two more National Championships are just another day at the office for the most dominant brand in college sports. Whether we’re taking a victory lap for the blades or fueling up the jet for the next tournament, this finale is a sharp reminder that at Notre Dame, excellence is the only standard.

00:00 - Intro

02:20 - Pete Bevacqua

15:57 - Subject Matter Expert - Women’s Golf - Alexsandra Lapple, Breanna Jenco

33:32 - Men’s Golf - Jacob Modleski, John Handrigan

59:16 - Tell Me A Story - Gia Kvaratskhelia

1:08:39 - Outro

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Episode 77: CJ Carr, Jordan Faison & Isaiah Dunn Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

It’s the football finale on Wake Up the Echoes, and we’re going out with a high-energy blend of upperclassmen energy and literal sorcery. Our co-host Isaiah Dunn officially hands in his mic after two seasons on the couch, but not before putting on one final show with guests CJ Carr and Jordan Faison. While the group dives into the legacy of the "old heads" who came before them, CJ reveals his true calling as a South Bend wizard by pulling off a magic trick that leaves the studio questioning the laws of physics (and the security of the Heisman trophy?). We wrap up Isaiah's final episode as co-host with the ultimate postseason mantra: "Don’t let the pursuit of your goals diminish the joy of today." It’s been a legendary run for our first co-host—thanks for everything, Isaiah!

00:00:00 Intro

02:19:00 Subject Matter Expert: CJ Carr, Jordan Faison & Isaiah Dunn

26:07:00 Tell Me a Story: CJ Carr, Jordan Faison & Isaiah Dunn

34:05:00 Ask the Host: Tony Simeone & Isaiah Dunn

40:36:00 Outro

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Episode 76: A Notre Dame Fencing Feature (feat. Eszter Muhari, Ahmed Hesham, Gia Kvaratskhelia & Cedric Loiseau) Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

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 02:17:00 Gia Kvaratskhelia & Cedric Loiseau 20:44:21 Eszter Muhari & Ahmed Hesham 32:50:20 Eszter Muhari & Ahmed Hesham 44:47:06 Ask Tony/Outro

created by Fighting Irish Media

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Episode 75: Carson Towt, Matt MacLellan & Micah Shrewsberry Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

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

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