THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Jessica Smetana, Mike Golic Jr.
  • 4.9 (144)
  • Football
  • Updated Weekly

THE ECHOES is your home for Notre Dame Fighting Irish talk like you’ve never heard it before. Step into the world of Notre Dame football with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana—two proud ND alums who bring the perfect mix of insight, energy, and humor to as they break down the latest on the Fighting Irish. From big-time matchups and memorable moments to the stories and traditions that make Notre Dame special, it’s all here. Fun, honest, and full of Irish pride, THE ECHOES is just two friends talking ball.  New episodes will be released weekly.  Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @TheEchoesNDPod on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.

  1. 19h ago

    Brady Quinn Joins the Show! CJ Carr, Notre Dame's Expectations & Parallels, Irish All-Americans

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome legendary Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn to the show! As Mike points out early in the episode, there are plenty of similarities between Quinn's Notre Dame teams and the 2026 Fighting Irish squad—both carrying sky-high expectations heading into the season. Before Brady joins the show, Jess shares what it was like being in New York City as the Knicks captured their first NBA Championship in 53 years and how she celebrated the historic victory with her fiancé's family. The conversation then shifts to Phil Steele's Preseason All-American Team, which featured several Notre Dame standouts. Who earned the recognition, who got snubbed, and where did quarterback CJ Carr land among the nation's best? Mike and Jess catch up with Brady about life with his family this summer, what it was like playing under immense expectations during the Charlie Weis era, and the parallels he sees between those teams and Notre Dame's current roster. Brady also discusses which Fighting Irish wide receiver is poised for a breakout season, where CJ Carr can improve, how he ranks Carr among quarterbacks nationally, and what it was like being recruited to Notre Dame from Ohio State territory. Plus, Brady shares what makes South Bend so special during the summer, reflects on Notre Dame's rich quarterback tradition, tells the funniest Paul Hornung story you've ever heard, and gives his thoughts on the current state of the USC rivalry. Subscribe, rate, and review for more Notre Dame football coverage all season long. #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    53 min

  2. Jun 9

    Notre Dame Spending Big NIL Money, Summer in South Bend, and College Football Drama | The Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are back after a two-week hiatus with an action-packed show! Mike returns from Europe just as Notre Dame's freshman football players arrive on campus and the countdown to the season continues. Could incoming freshman quarterback Teddy Jarrard gain an early edge in the battle for the backup QB job? We break down the quarterback competition and Mike explains what makes summertime in South Bend so special. The college football offseason has also been filled with courtroom drama. We dive into some of the biggest stories in the sport, including whether Notre Dame is spending enough in the NIL era, Brendan Sorsby's gambling addiction and eligibility situation, and the growing debate around a potential college football super league and salary cap. Even when we're talking litigation, we keep things fresh and fun on The Echoes. Unfortunately, while we were away, the Notre Dame men's lacrosse team fell to Princeton in the national championship game. Mike explains why Fighting Irish fans shouldn't panic and why the future remains bright for the program. Plus, could the Chicago Bears really end up moving to Hammond, Indiana? All that and more on The Echoes! #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    45 min

  3. May 19

    Niele Ivey Joins the Show! Notre Dame WBB Mt. Rushmore, Hidalgo Expectations + CFP 24 teams??

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome special guest and Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Head Coach Niele Ivey to the show! Before Coach Ivey joins the program, Mike and Jess break down the latest comments from Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua on why the College Football Playoff should expand to 24 teams — and what changed over the last few months. Plus, they discuss whether the ACC needs Notre Dame more than Notre Dame needs the ACC after some anonymous conference quotes made headlines recently. Later in the show, Coach Niele Ivey joins The Echoes for an awesome conversation covering everything from Notre Dame’s deep March run, Hannah Hidalgo’s superstar expectations heading into next season, and Coach Ivey’s Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Mount Rushmore, to her favorite travel spots, favorite HBO show, and what it’s like watching her former players thrive in the WNBA. To wrap things up, the crew celebrates Notre Dame Men’s Lacrosse as the Fighting Irish head back to the Final Four once again. #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    46 min

  4. May 12

    Notre Dame Football Home Schedule Released, ND-USC Rivalry Back On?? Brian Kelly Returns | Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are back after a week off — and Mike is ENGAGED! 💍 Plus, Notre Dame officially released kickoff times for the 2026 home schedule, so we break down the biggest matchups coming to South Bend this season. We also react to breaking news surrounding the University of Notre Dame and University of Southern California rivalry. Are ND and USC finally working toward saving one of college football’s most iconic matchups? We dive into the latest in the scheduling saga and what it means for the future of college football. Later, Brian Kelly is making media appearances again and even talked about using AI in coaching — while also hinting at a return to South Bend. Would Irish fans welcome him back around the program? Let us know in the comments. Plus, Dabo Swinney had more to say about Notre Dame football, ND Men’s Lacrosse continues its NCAA Tournament run, and the WNBA is filled with former Irish stars, including Skylar Diggins. Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    48 min

  5. Apr 28

    Ian Book Joins the Show! Blue-Gold Game, NFL Draft, Golic Subpar Classic Recap | The Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana return from a packed weekend in South Bend—balancing a family charity golf tournament, the Blue-Gold spring game, and all the action from the NFL Draft. They kick things off by breaking down what stood out in the Blue-Gold Game—what impressed them, what didn’t, and which areas the team needs to sharpen heading into the summer. From there, the conversation shifts to a huge day for Notre Dame in the NFL Draft. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price made history as first-round selections from the same backfield, a rare feat in today’s game. Plus, several other Fighting Irish players heard their names called, capping off a strong showing for the program. Then, former Notre Dame QB Ian Book joins the show! Fresh off calling the Blue-Gold Game, Ian shares his perspective from the booth and dives into a range of topics with Mike and Jess—including Heisman hopeful CJ Carr’s performance, standout playmakers, the dominant offensive and defensive lines, the QB2 competition, and his transition into broadcasting. Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    58 min

  6. Apr 21

    Notre Dame NFL Draft Preview with Nate Tice! Spring Game Preview, Hoops Teams Cookin' in Portal

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana get you set for Notre Dame’s spring football game and break down everything you need to know ahead of the NFL Draft with Nate Tice. CJ Carr has been turning heads all spring, and the hype around Notre Dame’s potential star QB is starting to feel very real. It’s not just him—the offensive line has been dominant up front, and (fingers crossed) the Irish may have finally found some stability at kicker. Mike and Jess dive into all the key takeaways from last week’s spring scrimmage. Then, Nate Tice joins the show to preview the NFL Draft. Is Jeremiyah Love worthy of a top-3 pick? Where could Jadarian Price land? Which Irish players are expected to hear their names called—and who is Tice higher on than most? They cover it all. To close things out, the show shifts to basketball and lacrosse updates. Both Notre Dame basketball programs are making moves in the transfer portal, and the crew even wonders: could the Pope make an appearance in Rome when the Irish open their season in November? Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    1h 1m

  7. Apr 14

    Jordan Cornette Joins the Show! Hidalgo BACK, Men's Hoops Teams Struggles, & Spring Ball | Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off by celebrating Hannah Hidalgo and her return to Notre Dame women’s basketball. After a surprising run this past season, the Irish look poised to be even more dangerous with a strong recruiting class and potential impact transfers on the way. With the Notre Dame Spring Game approaching, the show turns to football as they break down Leonard Moore’s “revenge tour” comments, what fans should expect from the spring game, and whether there’s real concern around the backup quarterback situation. Later, former Notre Dame hooper Jordan Cornette joins the show to dive into the current state of the men’s basketball program. With key players transferring out, the group discusses NIL challenges, roster outlook, and whether head coach Micah Shrewsberry is truly on the hot seat. To close things out, the guys check in on the red-hot Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team following two massive wins over top-ranked opponents, and look ahead to what’s next for the MLAX squad. Plus a special cameo from Jess’ dog, Willow. Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    1h 4m

  8. Mar 31

    Hannah Hidalgo and The Irish are ELITE. ND Pro Day, CJ Carr Throwing for Scouts | The Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off by celebrating a historic run from Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball.Before diving into football, the spotlight is on head coach Niele Ivey and her squad after reaching the Elite 8 for the first time in her tenure. Led by superstar Hannah Hidalgo, the Irish proved they’re among the nation’s best—and Mike and Jess make sure to give them their flowers.From there, the conversation shifts to the men’s program, where roster changes are already underway with players entering the transfer portal—and potentially more to come. Then it’s back to the gridiron as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football hold their annual Pro Day. Mike and Jess break down who boosted their draft stock, why CJ Carr throwing was such a big storyline, and how Will Pauling turned heads. To close things out, Mike and Jess preview their upcoming trip to South Bend for the Spring Game and Mike’s family golf tournament. 👉 Learn more about the event: Golic Family Foundation Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    54 min
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4.9
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144 Ratings

About

THE ECHOES is your home for Notre Dame Fighting Irish talk like you’ve never heard it before. Step into the world of Notre Dame football with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana—two proud ND alums who bring the perfect mix of insight, energy, and humor to as they break down the latest on the Fighting Irish. From big-time matchups and memorable moments to the stories and traditions that make Notre Dame special, it’s all here. Fun, honest, and full of Irish pride, THE ECHOES is just two friends talking ball.  New episodes will be released weekly.  Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @TheEchoesNDPod on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.

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