The Notre Dame Arts Initiative is Breaking Down Barriers, with Rebecca Struch (Ep. 46)

The Notre Dame Arts Initiative is Breaking Down Barriers, with Rebecca Struch (Ep. 46)

An arts renaissance is unfolding at Notre Dame, and the University is investing in the arts to enrich the student experience and strengthen the bonds between campus and the broader community. In this episode of For Good, Rebecca Struch, Managing Director of the Notre Dame Arts Initiative, reflects on why people turn to the arts in times of uncertainty, how creativity builds community and breaks down barriers, and why Notre Dame's investment in the arts is shaping a new generation of artists, scholars, leaders, and citizens. She also shares her vision for the inaugural Notre Dame Arts Biennial, an ambitious six-month celebration of the arts beginning in January 2027. Please join us for this conversation about the power of the arts to break down barriers, build bridges, and strengthen communities. 00:00 — Black box theatre as a metaphor for the arts 04:04 — Rebecca’s Journey to Notre Dame 09:43 — Why the arts matter during hard times 12:52 — Inside Notre Dame's Arts Initiative 16:06 — The inaugural Notre Dame Arts Biennial 21:37 — Why now is the right time for the arts 25:15 — Faith, tradition & creativity 28:48 — A renaissance in the arts at Notre Dame 31:40 — Breaking down barriers

Notre Dame Law School is cultivating hope, with Dean Marcus Cole (Ep. 45)

For Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean of Notre Dame Law School, true success goes far beyond rankings, salaries, or prestige. Instead, it’s found in purpose—the lives our graduates lead, the communities they serve, and the profound good they do in the world. In this episode of For Good, Dean Cole reflects on how Notre Dame is forming lawyers to lead with conviction and compassion. He discusses the growth of the Law School's clinical programs, the launch of the Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic, record success in judicial clerkships, and Notre Dame’s increasingly global reach.  We invite you to join this thoughtful conversation on leadership, legal education, service, and hope. 0:00 — Forming mission-driven lawyers  5:34 — A historic year for Notre Dame Law School 10:07 — What it takes to be a Notre Dame Law student 13:42 — Why religious liberty is worth fighting for 19:49 — How Notre Dame became a clerkship powerhouse 22:21 — Seeking justice for the wrongfully convicted 25:28 — Why supreme court justices keep coming back to Notre Dame 28:03 — A bold vision: tuition-free law school 31:06 — The best lawyers must think globally 35:30 — Notre Dame Law School is cultivating hope

Notre Dame’s Growing Role in Global Catholicism with Kathleen Cummings (Ep. 44)

Kathleen Sprows Cummings brings Catholic history vividly into the present—illuminating not only where the Church has been, but where it may be headed next. In this episode of For Good, Cummings, the John A. O’Brien Collegiate Professor of American Studies and History and inaugural director of Notre Dame’s Global Catholic Research Initiative, reflects on the people and movements that have shaped Catholic life across generations—from the women religious whose work helped build Notre Dame to the growing influence of the global Church today. She also shares timely insight into the election of Pope Leo XIV, the growing role of women’s leadership in the Church, the call for Catholics around the world to listen and discern together, and why Notre Dame is uniquely positioned to become a leading center for the study of global Catholicism. Join us for a fascinating conversation about faith, history, and the evolving role of the Church in a rapidly changing world. 0:00 — The hidden history of Visitation Hall at Remick Commons 4:05 — A Saint of Our Own, canonization, and the making of Catholic heroes 9:04 — From American Catholicism to the global Church 12:18 — Notre Dame archives and preserving Catholic history 15:15 — The election of the first American pope 20:27 — Pope Leo XIV’s first year and the future of the Church 23:47 — Pope Leo XIV, politics, and moral leadership 27:00 — How the Church is rethinking women’s leadership 34:05 — Leading a global Church 37:12 — Notre Dame and the future of global Catholicism 40:00 — Finding hope in the global Church

For Coach Mike Norment, winning starts with people (Ep. 43)

Mentors, teammates, and now the athletes Mike Norment leads have shaped his journey and his approach as Notre Dame’s Peterson Family Head Swimming and Diving Coach. His focus: building a program defined by character, consistency, and care for the individual. In this episode of For Good, Coach Norment shares his path into coaching, what defines a strong team culture, and the values that drive success. At Notre Dame, those values come together through top-tier athletics, rigorous academics, and a faith that anchors it all. Listen now to hear how he’s developing leaders for life, one student-athlete at a time. 0:00 – Meet Coach Michael Norment 4:24 – Role Models & Breaking the Mold 10:03 – A Calling to Coaching 11:40 – Character Before Performance 13:47 – Coming to Notre Dame 16:19 – The Student-Athlete Experience at Notre Dame 18:26 – Raising the Standard of Notre Dame Swimming 24:53 – Elevating Notre Dame Diving 26:24 – A Legacy in Motion

Fr. Nate Wills C.S.C. on vocation, Catholic education, and the heart of Notre Dame (Ep. 42)

At Notre Dame, formation happens in classrooms, residence halls, and even on the football sidelines. Rev. Nate Wills, C.S.C., brings that mission to life every day. As a Holy Cross priest, faculty member in the Alliance for Catholic Education, and chaplain to the Fighting Irish football team, Fr. Nate accompanies students across many dimensions of University life: celebrating dorm Mass, mentoring future Catholic school leaders, and praying with players before kickoff. In this episode of For Good, Fr. Nate reflects on his path to the priesthood, the transformative impact of Catholic education, and the joy of walking with students as they grow in faith, purpose, and community. Tune in to hear how Notre Dame’s mission comes to life through presence, prayer, and relationships that continue long after graduation. 0:00 – Meet Fr. Nate Wills C.S.C.: formation and call to the priesthood 7:16 – ACE and the mission of Catholic education 8:57 – The Remick Leadership Program 10:42 – Higher-Powered Learning, technology, and AI13:28 – Life as Notre Dame football team chaplain14:42 – Holy Medals and football traditions17:07 – Writing the Pray Like a Champion Today book 20:24 – Accompanying students at Keough Hall 24:46 – Students engaging with their faith at Notre Dame29:09 – The Pod Quad podcast 31:46 – Lent and Holy Week reflection