Wake Up the Echoes

Latest Episodes:

Episode 61: Malachi Fields, Marcus Freeman, Isaiah Dunn Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

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)

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Episode 60: Adon Shuler, Marcus Freeman, Isaiah Dunn Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Episode 59: Izzy Engle, Nate Norman Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

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 0:29:47:00 Subject Matter Expert 0:45:18:00 Tell Me a Story 01:00:48:20 Ask Tony/Outro

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Episode 58: Donovan Hinish, Marcus Freeman, Isaiah Dunn Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

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. 00:00 Intro 01:47:00 Marcus Freeman, Donovan Hinish 22:28:16 Donovan Hinish: Subject Matter Expert 32;52;09 Donovan Hinish, Isaiah Dunn: Tell Me a Story 42:18:19 Ask Tony 47:42:00 Outro

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Episode 57: Aug-tober (feat. Micah Shrewsberry & Pat Garrity) Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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 01:57:19 Subject Matter Expert 15:07:12 Tell Me a Story 47:01:24 Ask Tony/Outro

created by Fighting Irish Media

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Episode 56: Vanessa de Jesus, Niele Ivey, KK Bransford Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

created by Fighting Irish Media

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Episode 55: Drayk Bowen, Marcus Freeman, Isaiah Dunn Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

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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Episode 54: Billy Schrauth, Marcus Freeman, Isaiah Dunn Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

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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Episode 53: Marcus Freeman, Will Pauling, Isaiah Dunn Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

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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Episode 52: Legends & Legacy: A Season 2 Send-Off with Notre Dame Women’s Basketball (feat. Niele Ivey, Carlos Knox, and Carol Owens) Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

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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