So Back (3/23/26)

It's the final in-person episode of Five for Fighting Irish (at least for a while), as Ryan, Tyler, and Jack reflect on their times at Notre Dame with the help of a special guest: Tom Rinaldi! From bits to feels, this episode reflects a show that Jacob Irons says "is what Notre Dame is all about."

In the final show before senior week, Jack fulfills J.J.’s request with an in-depth men’s tennis NCAA tournament preview, then the two get existential about the Mets. Some South Bend bar talk also fills the conversation. Irons gets a bit unhinged on the call line as well. And Andrew gets to discuss Flyers playoff hockey!

Tyler overthrows Jack “Hollywood” Rinaldi’s hosting efforts. But Jimmy is the big winner as he calls in for a fantasy hockey victory lap. Jack’s birthday is also a discussion topic.

The vibes are laid back as Murph and Jack return from Easter Break and enter their final full month of college. Tyler joins late from the links to set the stage for a Name That Tune thriller.

Murph expands his apple crisp agenda with Tyler a late arriver and early goer and Jack busy with bookstore basketball. J.J. and JIrons attempt to fill the gaps by talking about March Madness and softball.

It’s a throwback show as Andrew is in town for a wedding! He tries to instill his “wisdom” on the kids (seniors) through Puckdoku and an NCAA hockey tournament preview.

Flight chaos sidelines Jack from this show as Tyler and Murph throw it back to the fall 2023 days. Andrew and J.J. try to fill the void with early calls, bringing up student media travel stories and broadcast debates.

Tyler, Ryan, and Jack discuss a thrilling senior night OT win over Penn State, upcoming baseball broadcasts that J.J. attempts to sponsor/sabotage, and take Andrew’s call-in “Shotgun of the Game” suggestion.

Tyler, Ryan, and Jack do indeed talk about “it” — it being the entire Irish sports landscape (including a surging hockey team!), plus some Olympic hypothetical content later in the show.

JIrons, Tyler, and Ryan recap Notre Dame’s valiant Big Ten Tournament run as the Jeff Jackson era comes to an end.