Onward to Victory: A Notre Dame Football Podcast

Today, join host Alex Painter as he does a dive on the harrowing Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852 and how it helped Notre Dame subsist throughout the 19th century, as well as gain an identity they've never lost. The episode provides some necessary context to both the history of the university and the country alike! Enjoy, Irish fans!

Wowee! Irish fans, you don't want to miss this one. Today, join host Alex Painter as he tells the tale of a Australian Rules Football player who made good on the college scene, claiming national fame as a player...and then he ended up as Notre Dame's head coach during the pre-Rockne era! But...The story only begins there. Tune in today!

A real crackerjack of an episode today! Meet John R. Flynn, a lineman on some of those ultra memorable Knute Rockne teams, who would later team up with the most famous crime fighter of the 20th century - Eliot Ness! Tune in today to learn of Ness and Flynn's escapades and to learn more about the times that defined them. Enjoy!

Whoah - what a trip! Today, host Alex Painter tackles the strange, litigious story of the 1965 film 'John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!'. The film, though inherently ridiculous, was taken to court by Notre Dame officials in an attempt to stop its release. What's the story here? Find out today on Onward to Victory!

Welcome! Today, for the second straight year, Onward to Victory designates a November offering to commemorate Native American Heritage Month. Join host Alex Painter as he not only outlines the history of Notre Dame squaring off against Native American institutions back in 1910s, 20s, and 30s, but also the overlooked significance of the meetings. Enjoy, Irish fans! 

To celebrate the icon's 190th birthday month - Onward to Victory tackles Father William Corby and the famed Irish Brigade of the American Civil War. Corby served as a beacon of inspiration for the gritty outfit, and provided encouragement and spiritual guidance at some of their most pressing moments - including one that will be forever immortalized on campus. Don't miss this one, Irish fans!

Look out, Irish fans - we have a high-flyer joining the show today! Onward to Victory welcomes Len Clark to the show. Len is a veteran journalist who has covered Notre Dame as well as anyone in recent memory.  Join Len and host Alex Painter as they tackle a myriad of topics as it pertains to your beloved Fighting Irish. If you didn't already know, Len is a fantastic storyteller with a wide breadth...

Phew - talk about a random episode! Even so, this is a good one (save an allergy-ridden host). Join Alex as he discusses the intersection of Notre Dame and Ivy League Football. Don't sleep on this one, Irish fans - it's a nice walk through Notre Dame history!  

Nestled between some of the biggest landmarks on Notre Dame's campus is an assuming yellow brick building called The Presbytery. Join host Alex Painter today to learn more about one of the oldest structures on campus, which played a pivotal part of Notre Dame founder Father Edward Sorin's life and death. Enjoy!   Want to learn more? There is a fantastic article written by Notre Dame alumnus Margar...

Woohoo! Today is the day! Join Onward to Victory host Alex Painter and special co-host Colton Painter as they breakdown the Irish roster, schedule, and sleepers for the 2023 season. Get in the spirit of the season with this special 'sode, courtesy of your pals at Onward to Victory!   This episode is proudly presented by WCScreens.com and sponsored by the show's Consensus All-Americans.

For this episode, pretend your a patron in the famed Linebacker Lounge and raise a glass! Join host Alex Painter for this dive on the origins of perhaps the most famous of all the Notre Dame bars, the Linebacker Lounge, and its intimate connection with Irish football.  Cheers, Irish fans!

Here comes the big one! Notre Dame legend Terry Hanratty (QB 1966-1968) joins the show to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the show. An interview for the ages, Terry talks candidly about his time at Notre Dame, some of his favorite teammates, his time spent as a professional, and his thoughts on sports today.  You don't want to miss this one! Enjoy!

A great one for you today, Irish fans! Learn more about the life and career of Notre Dame man Elmer Layden. Though he was certainly a member of the 1924 backfield, famously known as 'The Four Horsemen', he was also so much more.  Join host Alex Painter and check in today to learn more about this somewhat obscured head coach of Notre Dame - you surely won't regret it! Cheers!

Glad to be back! After a month off podcasting, I gotta say, I missed it terribly! Today, join host Alex Painter for a recap of the Blue/Gold Game from both a family and fan perspective, as well as having the opportunity to meet Head Coach Marcus Freeman in, of all places, Alex's hometown of Richmond, Indiana.  We are indeed playing a bit of 'catch-up' today, but look out for a great summer here wi...

An idea so nice, let's try it thrice! Welcome to the third edition of Alex's Irish Anecdotes. One episode, four short stories, including: -When the first bicycle reached Notre Dame's campus -A generational rock star's close connection with the Fighting Irish -Knute Rockne...professional football player? -A short history of campus tradition the Bengal Bouts! Enjoy, Irish fans!

In honor of Spring Training, the World Baseball Classic, and the beginning of the college baseball season, join host Alex Painter on a dive into the origins of baseball at Notre Dame campus, and a memorable ride to the present day!  For a university synonymous with the gridiron, get a load of all this amazing history on the diamond today! Enjoy!

As the show puts some energy towards the officially unofficial 'podcast tour' of campus by way of the 'Iconic Sights...' miniseries, the Word of Life mural on the Hesburgh Library, better known as 'Touchdown Jesus' seemed like a grand place to start!  Join host (and de facto tour guide) Alex Painter as he runs down the history of the library and the spectacular mural which made it famous! Enjoy th...

A show tradition continues! Tune in and learn about the sisters of Saint Mary's, who served in battlefield and military hospitals as nurses, and their indelible impact on the Northern war effort! Truly an inspiring story. Additionally, Alex shares the tale of Thomas Bulla, an ardent abolitionist and 'stationmaster' on the Underground Railroad who lived on the modern-day Notre Dame campus! Enjoy, I...

2023 marks three years since the end of Ian Book's tenure as a Notre Dame quarterback. Yes, football is the ultimate team sport, but, fair or unfair, it is the quarterback who is largely credited with both the team's successes and failures. That being said, it's high time we have the discussion of his place among all the Notre Dame greats at the position! You may be surprised of the assessment. En...

In September 2022, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman did something that no Irish head coach had done in ninety-seven years...he converted to Catholicism! The last guy who did was a pretty good coach too, I'd say! Whether this is important to you personally or not, I guarantee you'll enjoy this very interesting parallel between these two men! Enjoy, Irish fans!

Winning a Heisman before earning a varsity letter? Who knew?! Today, host Alex Painter does a deep dive into the playing career of Notre Dame quarterback John Huarte - easily one of the most improbable Heisman Trophy winners in history. Not only did Huarte come out of Notre Dame with the most coveted of all awards, but he also helped turn the tide of Notre Dame football - which was in peril of los...

Today, Onward to Victory has a special charge - celebrating a few Native American athletes who have (or will!) made a huge impact on our beloved Fighting Irish. Learn about the following: Wynter Jock, an incoming women's lacrosse player and member of the Mohawk tribe - who just signed her letter of intent! She's breaking down barriers as she sees them, and we can't wait to see her suit up for the...

We all know George Gipp...but do we all *know* George Gipp? Join host Alex Painter as he attempts to peel back the many fascinating layers of the Gipper himself, using his best and most memorable game as the backdrop to the episode! Gipp is perhaps best known as the first player in program history to be selected to Walter Camp All-American First-Team. George Gipp was truly a one-of-a-kind. Enjoy,...

Just in time for Halloween, join host Alex Painter for a tasteful, historical overview of the cemeteries on Notre Dame's campus - which are nearly as old as the school itself!  As a pleasant bonus, Notre Dame's cemeteries find a rich context within a general discussion of the prevalence of cemeteries on college campuses.  Want to plink a few coins in Onward to Victory's virtual tip jar? Please vis...

Buckle up those chinstraps, Irish fans! Today, Alex is joined by Notre Dame alumna and artist Kathleen Keifer, whose vast portfolio includes a countless number of timeless pieces dedicated to preserving the spirit of Notre Dame and celebrating her football team.  Enjoy her and Alex's conversation, which details not only her career and inspirations as an artist, but encapsulates her pure, unadulter...