Pod Quad

What it’s like keeping the student body healthy, from flu season to finals stress. Dr. McAward talks about his own experience of being an undergrad at Notre Dame, what it's like to work with ND student-athletes, and some stories from the front lines of being a "Girl Dad" at home. 

Professor Wendy Angst doesn't just connect students to important causes throughout the world, she brings them there. In this conversation, we dive into her work with Saint Bakhita’s Vocational Training Center in Uganda and the countless ways Professor Angst is helping students open their eyes and hearts to fighting for justice in our world.

“The Show Behind the Show” - What it takes to pull off weddings, galas, lectures, and football weekends on campus. Senior Director of Academic Conferences and Campus Events, Amy Seamon, gives us a window into the people, details, and magic behind the constant goings-on across Notre Dame.

Reflections from Rev. Brian C. Ching, C.S.C on the Basilica of the Sacred Heart where faith, beauty, and campus tradition converge.

Designing the Future: Shaping Notre Dame’s Next Chapter with Dan Cook, University Architect and Vice President for Facilities and Design.

“The Creative Process” with Carolyn Pirtle: Where art meets faith and beauty becomes an open door to wonder. Here are a few links for things Carolyn mentions in the show: Raclin Murphy Museum The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams (Soloist: the inimitable Hilary Hahn) Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

“Keeping the Dome Safe” with Major George Heeter of the Notre Dame Police Department. Find out how he balances campus security, tradition, and the quirks of college life at the University of Notre Dame.

The joys, surprises, and behind-the-scenes stories of building community in a residence hall at Notre Dame. 

What does it take to lead one of the top law schools in the nation? In this episode of Pod Quad, we sit down with G. Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean of Notre Dame Law School. From his upbringing in a challenging Los Angeles neighborhood to his journey through law and academia, Dean Cole shares how faith, resilience, and a commitment to justice have shaped his life and leadership. Whether yo...

The Pod Quad goes global! Notre Dame’s chief international officer, VP Michael Pippenger, gives a fresh and global perspective on a Notre Dame education. From global politics to the world’s best cuisine, Michael dives deep into themes of accompaniment, encounter, and broadening our perspectives. Get ready to engage your curiosity on a global scale. The Pod Quad is two Holy Cross priests having cur...

Sinai Vespie’s desserts aren’t just delicious—they’re works of art. As the executive pastry chef at Notre Dame, she’s passionate about transforming simple ingredients into stunning creations. In this episode of Pod Quad, we explore Sinai’s creative process, her journey as a chef, and what it’s like to compete under the bright lights of the Food Network. From the precision of pastry to the thrill o...

Priest, professor, historian, and... real estate guru? Get ready to be fascinated by the history of Notre Dame and American Catholicism in our dynamic conversation with Fr. Stephen Koeth, CSC, a history professor and long-time friend of Fr. Pete McCormick and Fr. Nate Wills. Even if you don't typically enjoy history, we bet you'll enjoy this great conversation with Fr. Stephen. The Pod Quad is two...

Professor Forrest Spence teaches undergraduate courses in microeconomics and statistics. How does he keep students interested in courses that might otherwise be a little dry? Find out as we sit down with this dynamic and engaging Notre Dame professor who talks about his journey to teaching, putting in the hard work, and even teaching inmates at a local correctional facility. The Pod Quad is two Ho...

When you’re the CEO of the PGA or the chairman of NBC Sports, there’s little room for error. Yet when Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua had those jobs, he wasn’t afraid to take big swings. In episode 4, we sit down for a fascinating talk about leadership, learning from your mistakes, the keys to negotiation, and staying true to who you are. Pod Quad is two Holy Cross priests having curios...

The art of coaching is a delicate dance of motivation, challenge, intelligence, and strategy. In episode three, we sat down with Niele Ivey, the Notre Dame women’s basketball coach and expert practitioner of this art to talk about her approach and the qualities all of us can look for in finding a coach (life, spiritual, financial, or otherwise!) that can help achieve our goals. Pod Quad is two Hol...

Notre Dame students overcrowded his classroom, sat in the aisle, and hung on his every word. What is it about Fr. Kevin Grove, CSC’s approach to the Catholic faith that is so compelling? In episode two of Pod Quad, we talk to this fascinating theology professor about this class, his roots in rural Montana, and what viral class might be next. Pod Quad is two Holy Cross priests having curiosity conv...

In the first episode of Pod Quad, we explore friendship in the era of social media. Friendship can seem harder–and maybe weirder–than ever. How can each of us create and cultivate life-giving friendships and walk away from toxic ones? ACE faculty member April Garcia helps shed some light on the important topic of friendship on this week’s episode. Pod Quad is two Holy Cross priests having curious...