

The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast
The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast
The Independent is the essential listen for fans of Fighting Irish football. Pete Sampson of the Athletic and Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone are back to take you inside the Notre Dame program. With a combined 35 years + of experience on the ND beat, this twice weekly podcast has you covered for everything blue and gold.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
NC State at Notre Dame preview, plus special guest Joe Schmidt
Notre Dame reaches the halfway point of its regular season this week when it takes on NC State. Can Marcus Freeman's squad improve to 4-2? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down. Plus, former Fighting Irish captain Joe Schmidt joins the show to break down the Irish's defense so far this season. Bring your questions and let's talk some ball. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 5, 2025 • 48min
Notre Dame beats Boise State, 28-7
Notre Dame improved to 3-2 this season with a workmanlike 28-7 victory over the visitors from Boise State. Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish have some momentum as they ready for next week's game against NC State, while Chris Ash's defense looks like it may have turned the corner. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down after another strong outing from CJ Carr, Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price and Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 16min
Brady Quinn joins the show, plus a Notre Dame-Boise State Preview
Brady Quinn joins The Independent to talk about Notre Dame's season and his appreciation of QB CJ Carr. Plus, Matt and Pete preview Notre Dame's matchup with Boise State on Saturday, a battle of two teams from last year's College Football Playoff. How can Marcus Freeman's team build off its 56-13 win at Arkansas? Can Chris Ash's defense continue to improve? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 28, 2025 • 55min
Notre Dame beats Arkansas, 56-13
Notre Dame notched a huge win in SEC country, dominating Arkansas from start to finish in a 56-13 triumph to get to 2-2. Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish appear to be headed in the right direction, and Chris Ash's defense took a big step forward. CJ Carr, Jeremiyah Love and the Irish offense, meanwhile, look unstoppable. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down what it al means. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 14min
Notre Dame at Arkansas Preview, plus special guest Joshua Perry of NBC
Notre Dame looks to get back to .500 this week as it travels to SEC country to face Arkansas in a game with big-time stakes for both programs. How will Marcus Freeman's program handle the environment? How will Chris Ash's defense step up to the challenge? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to discuss that and more. Plus, NBC Sports' Joshua Perry joins the show to share his insights from playing for Chris Ash at Ohio State, and much more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 21, 2025 • 57min
Postgame reaction: Notre Dame beats Purdue, 56-30
Notre Dame got its first win of the season, beating Purdue, 56-30. What does this mean for Marcus Freeman's squad moving forward? How will Chris Ash's defense fare next week at Arkansas? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down all of that and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 25min
Purdue vs. Notre Dame preview | special guest Ivan Maisel on Frank Leahy book
Notre Dame goes for its first win of the season Saturday as it hosts in-state rival Purdue. Can Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish take out their frustrations against the Boilermakers again, like they did last season? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to preview that game and much more. Plus, special guest Ivan Maisel joins the show to talk about his new book: "American Coach: The Triumph and Tragedy of Notre Dame Legend Frank Leahy." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
Notre Dame loses to Texas A&M, falls to 0-2
Notre Dame's football team is facing a tough 0-2 start after a heartbreaking loss to Texas A&M. The hosts dissect key moments that led to the defeat, scrutinizing coaching decisions and defensive blunders. They dive into the struggles of the young quarterback and the execution of the running game. Concerns about player morale and coaching strategies loom large, highlighting the need for significant changes. The passionate atmosphere during the game reflects the deep emotional investment of fans facing a challenging season ahead.

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
Texas A&M-Notre Dame Preview, plus special guest Father Nate Wills
Notre Dame returns from its bye week with a showdown against Texas A&M. Can Marcus Freeman and Co. make it two in a row against Mike Elko and the Aggies? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down. Plus, team chaplain Father Nate Wills joins the show to talk about his new book, "Pray Like a Champion Today." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 4, 2025 • 46min
The Independent Bye Week Edition with Mike Golic Jr.
As Notre Dame turns the page from its season-opening loss at Miami, Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson of The Independent take a look at what went right, what went wrong, and how that all will affect the Fighting Irish come next week against Texas A&M. Plus, former Irish offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr. joins the show to share his insights into what really goes down in the trenches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


