Notre Dame Stories

Notre Dame Stories

Notre Dame Stories highlights the work and knowledge of the University's faculty and students. This podcast features interviews with Notre Dame faculty members who can lend insight into some of the major national and international stories of the day, as well as pieces that show the breadth of the life and research at the University. Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame.

  1. Fighting poverty: research helping our communities

    03/24/2025

    Fighting poverty: research helping our communities

    This podcast episode features Heather Reynolds, Managing Director of the Notre Dame Poverty Initiative and the Michael L. Smith Managing Director, Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), who shares how Notre Dame’s research has shaped policy changes—such as expanding access to high school diplomas for adults—and helped nonprofits implement programs that truly work. With more than 100 projects in 30 states, LEO’s evidence-based approach is cutting through political divides to create solutions that lift people out of poverty. We’re also joined by Tracy Kijewski-Correa, the William J. Pulte Director of the Keough School’s Pulte Institute for Global Development. She discusses how her experiences—from being a first-generation student at Notre Dame to leading post-disaster rebuilding efforts—have shaped her work in helping communities build resilience. She also explains how the Keough School’s approach to poverty extends beyond economic hardship, addressing social, psychological, and environmental challenges to foster true human flourishing. By collaborating with policymakers, local leaders, and global networks, Notre Dame is bridging the gap between poverty research and real-world impact. Listen to the full episode of Notre Dame Stories to learn how Notre Dame is driving change—and why this work matters. Show links: Watch on YouTube Episode page Fighting For website Fighting to improve education policies Notre Dame Poverty Initiative ----- 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.

    41 min
  2. Advancing Rare Disease Research and Patient Advocacy

    02/17/2025

    Advancing Rare Disease Research and Patient Advocacy

    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 Show links: Watch on YouTube Episode page Fighting For website Fighting for those with Rare Diseases Patient Advocacy Initiative ----- 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.

    39 min
4.5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Notre Dame Stories highlights the work and knowledge of the University's faculty and students. This podcast features interviews with Notre Dame faculty members who can lend insight into some of the major national and international stories of the day, as well as pieces that show the breadth of the life and research at the University. Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame.