Podcast Episodes

  1. A serious man in a dark blue shirt and glasses stands with his arms crossed in front of a colorful hurricane projection.

    Improving hurricane forecasts

    • (13 minutes listen)

    How do you improve hurricane forecasts? By studying one of the most powerful and destructive forces on Earth up close—where the ocean meets the atmosphere.

  3. A man in a dark pinstripe suit and gold bow tie stands before the U.S. Supreme Court building. He wears glasses and looks upward.

    Faith and freedom: Dean Marcus Cole on religious liberty

    • (20 minutes listen)

    G. Marcus Cole, Professor of Law at Notre Dame Law School, shares why protecting religious freedom—especially for minority and land-based faiths—is essential to safeguarding all human rights. Learn how Notre Dame is fighting for religious freedom in all its forms—and how future lawyers are learning to do the same.

  4. A person views a projected chart showing a large increase in earnings for graduates.

    Fighting poverty: Research helping our communities

    • (41 minutes listen)

    By collaborating with policymakers, local leaders, and global networks, Notre Dame is bridging the gap between poverty research and real-world impact. Learn how Notre Dame is driving change—and why this work matters.

  5. A white man and woman stand smiling in a lounge area. The man wears a navy blue quarter-zip with the ND logo and jeans. The woman wears a green sweater and black pants. They stand before a large, arched, multi-paned window with green lighting.

    Advancing rare disease research and patient advocacy

    • (38 minutes listen)

    Barb Calhoun, Director for Patient Advocacy Education and Outreach, shares how work at the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare Diseases is advancing rare disease research and patient advocacy, offering hope to patients and families.

  6. Two men descend the steps of a light brick building with a large wooden door as snow falls. The man on the left is white and wears a clerical collar and black coat. The man on the right is Black and wears a black trench coat.

    Building bridges to a Beloved Community at Notre Dame

    • (22 minutes listen)

    University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., and Rev. Canon Hugh R. Page Jr., vice president for belonging, engagement, and mission and advisor to the president, join host Jenna Liberto to discuss their shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.

  7. Silhouettes of three wise men riding camels across a desert landscape at night. A bright star shines in the dark blue sky above them.

    What was the Christmas Star?

    It’s a story so familiar to many that you may not even realize there’s more to be discovered. The Bible describes an event that led so-called wise men to Jesus. Scripture calls it a star, but what was it really? That’s the question Grant Mathews, director of the center for astrophysics at Notre Dame, set out to answer. He believes the Christmas star was actually a planetary alignment. He shares his research with us for this episode of Notre Dame Stories.

  8. An Indian man and a white woman sit facing the camera in red rolling chairs around a small glass table. The room has red walls, a patterned carpet, potted plants, and a bookshelf visible in the background. They appear to be in a casual conversation or interview setting.

    Artificial intelligence for the common good

    In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, Nitesh Chawla, founding director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Amid growing concerns about AI’s societal impacts, Chawla emphasizes a proactive and inclusive approach to leveraging this technology for good. From addressing biases in AI systems to creating global solutions for health care and poverty, his work exemplifies Notre Dame’s mission to advance the human condition through interdisciplinary collaboration. He also discusses how Notre Dame’s holistic educational approach empowers students to use data and AI ethically and responsibly to tackle complex global challenges.

  9. Micki Kidder stands to the left of Jenna Liberto outside of a brick building at Notre Dame

    Pathways to Notre Dame

    In this Notre Dame Stories podcast episode, Micki Kidder, vice president for undergraduate enrollment, highlights Notre Dame’s new no-loan financial aid packaging and expanded need-blind admissions as part of the new Pathways to Notre Dame initiative, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can access a Notre Dame education without the burden of debt. As a Notre Dame alumna, a staff member, and now a Notre Dame parent, Kidder shares her personal insight into the University’s mission to provide an unparalleled educational experience rooted in Catholic values.

  10. A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses sits in a gray chair in front of bookshelves. She wears a navy blue suit jacket over a light blue v-neck shirt and a gold chain necklace. She is posed with her hands resting on the arms of the chair.

    The future of mental health care with Notre Dame's Sarah Mustillo

    In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, we go deep on a topic featured in the University’s award-winning series, “What Would You Fight For?” In an in-depth conversation, Sarah Mustillo discusses the bold University initiative around mental health. She talks about her own research into childhood trauma, and how it helps to inform her approach. Later, we also chat with Austin Wyman, a Notre Dame doctoral student. Austin has his own personal story of how he became interested in studying quantitative psychology. Learn about the University’s commitment to combat America’s mental health crisis.