This week on Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with national champion wrestler Stephen Buchanan for an honest and powerful conversation about grit, growth, and going all-in. From a small town in Wisconsin to the Hawkeye Wrestling Room, Stephen’s path has been anything but ordinary. He opens up about: 🟡 Growing up as one of 11 siblings and learning discipline early 🟡 His transition from football dreams to wrestling reality 🟡 Training “Cowboy Tough” at Wyoming and why i...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 18 min
This week on Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura welcome their first-ever Iowa baseball player to the studio—Gable Mitchell. From growing up in Iowa City to carving his own path in the shadow of wrestling royalty, Gable shares the unique journey that led him to the Hawkeye diamond. In this episode, Gable opens up about: His family legacy and being the grandson of Dan Gable Balancing football, wrestling, and baseball through high school Why he chose Iowa over other top baseball prog...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 10 min
On this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Kalen Walker, Iowa Track and Field standout and viral sensation known for his record-shattering speed and relentless work ethic. From small-town Iowa roots to breaking school records and sprinting a 4.15 in front of a packed Kinnick Stadium, Kalen shares his incredible journey—and the passion that drives him to push through every challenge. In this episode, Kalen opens up about: How he fell in love with track late...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 11 min
This week on Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Nelson Brands, a homegrown Hawkeye with deep wrestling roots and an incredible journey on the mat.From growing up in Iowa City to training under Tom and Terry Brands, Nelson shares his experiences navigating the sport, competing at the highest level, and the unique dynamic of having a legendary coach as a father.In this episode, Nelson opens up about:His late start in wrestling and what drew him to the sportThe intense ...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 19 min
On this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura sit down with Kennedy Blades , one of the most dominant athletes in Iowa and a rising star in wrestling! From growing up in Chicago to training at an elite boarding school and competing around the world , Kennedy shares her incredible journey —from first stepping on the mat as a kid to becoming an Olympian . She opens up about: Her intense training regimen and sacrifices growing up, competing in over 20 countries at a young ag...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 43 min
On this week's episode of Talkin' Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jackson Stratton, and delve deep into his amazing story. From growing up on the sunny beaches of San Diego to stepping into the spotlight in Iowa City, Jackson shares his journey of how surfing waves turned into throwing touchdowns. We talk about everything—his first impressions of the Midwest, his love for the beach, and what it was like being thrown into a starting role this seas...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 9 min
🎙️ Talkin' Hawks with the VandeBergs - Special Guest Dalles Jacobus 🎸 The Heroes Trophy stays in Iowa City! 🏆 Matt and Laura VandeBerg break down the thrilling last-second victory over Nebraska, and there's no better way to celebrate than with special guest Dalles Jacobus. The former Hawkeye defensive lineman turned rising country music star shares his incredible journey from the gridiron to the stage. Plus, don't miss his heartfelt live performance that will give you chills! 🎶 Also, Matt an...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of Talking Hawks, host the VandeBergs recap the recent Iowa Hawkeyes football game, highlighting the performance of quarterback Jackson Stratton and the team's overall success. The conversation transitions into a detailed analysis of Stratton's quick decision-making and effective plays. The discussion then shifts to the defensive highlights and the contributions of unsung heroes on the team. The episode features an engaging interview with Hayden Large, who shares insights about h...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 29 min
In this episode of Talkin' Hawks , hosts Matt and Laura VandeBerg dive into all things Iowa Hawkeyes! Coming off the recent bye week, they break down player health updates, concussion protocols, and the team's overall recovery. Special guest Ethan Hurkett, a standout Hawkeyes player, joins the conversation to share his inspiring journey. From high school memories to his goals beyond football, Ethan opens up about the importance of mental preparation, family support, and faith during life's chall...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of Talkin' Hawks, Matt and Laura recap the unfortunate loss for the Hawkeyes against UCLA. They go over key injuries and moments as to why the team may not have been playing to their full potential this game. This episode also features an insightful interview with linebacker Nick Jackson, discussing his background, team dynamics, and experiences as a player. In this engaging conversation, Nick Jackson reflects on his upbringing, specifically his time playing for the Virginia Cava...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 10 min
In this episode of Talkin' Hawks, Matt and Laura recap the huge home game win for the Hawkeyes against Wisconsin, highlighting key moments, fan engagement with the new starting QB, and standout performances. The episode also features an insightful interview with defensive lineman Deontae Craig, discussing his background, team dynamics, and experiences as a player. In this engaging conversation, Deontae Craig reflects on his upbringing, specifically his time at Culver Academies, and family dynami...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 34 min
In this episode of Talkin' Hawks, Matt and Laura recap a thrilling homecoming game for the Hawkeyes against Northwestern, highlighting key moments, fan engagement, and standout performances. The conversation delves into the defensive and offensive strategies employed during the game, including a quarterback change and the impact of special teams. The episode also features an insightful interview with offensive lineman Tyler Elsbury, discussing his background, team dynamics, and experiences as a ...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 49 min
In this episode of Talkin' Hawks, Matt and Laura recap the recent Iowa Hawkeyes game against Michigan State, analyzing the offensive and defensive performances. They discuss key plays, missed opportunities, and the impact of injuries on the team's strategy. The conversation also covers special teams' performance and features an interview with comedian Brian Allen Jr., who shares insights about his background and experiences. In this conversation, Brian discusses his journey from growing up in So...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 54 min
In this episode of Talkin' Hawks, Matt and Laura VandeBerg recap the recent Hawkeye football game against Washington, highlighting the team's performance in various aspects including special teams, offense, and defense. They discuss the importance of player development and the dynamics of the team, before transitioning into an interview with Jacob Gill, who shares insights about his early life, recruitment, and experiences in football. In this conversation, Jacob discusses his journey through ea...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 25 min
In the latest episode of Talkin' Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura dive into the Hawkeyes' unfortunate lose against Ohio State. Matt and Laura also sit down with special guest, Gennings Dunker, offensive lineman for the Hawkeyes! They discuss Gennings' up-bringing, some interesting recipes, and a wide range of topics that only Gennings could bring to the table. This is an interview you definitely don't want to miss! Finally, they also discuss the upcoming game against the Washignton Husk...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 58 min
In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks, Matt and Laura have an engaging conversation with Rhys Dakin as he shares his journey from Australia to becoming a punter for the Iowa Hawkeye Football team. He discusses his experiences with Pro-Kick, the cultural adjustments he faced, and his early sports background. Rhys reflects on his first impressions of Iowa, Coach Woods, and the unique atmosphere of Kinnick Stadium. He also touches on his personal interests outside of football, including basketball and g...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 24 min
In this exciting episode of Talkin’ Hawks, Matt and Laura VandeBerg sit down with Mason Richman, a standout player from the Iowa Hawkeye Football team. Mason shares stories from his upbringing, including his early days playing soccer and basketball, and how those experiences shaped his athletic journey. Listeners will get a glimpse into Mason’s personal life as he talks about his favorite movies and what he enjoys doing off the field. Of course, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without divi...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 17 min
In the latest episode of Talkin' Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura dive into the Hawkeyes' 21-38 win against the Troy Trojans! Matt and Laura also sit down with special guest, Logan Jones, offensive lineman for the Hawkeyes! They discuss Logan's up-bringing, more team golf and basketball rivalries , and what it's like being a part of the Hawkeye family. This is an interview you definitely don't want to miss! Finally, they also discuss the upcoming game against rival team, Minnesota!...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 39 min
In the latest episode of Talkin' Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura dive into the Hawkeyes' close, but unfortune 20-19 lose against Iowa State. They break down the key plays, both good and bad, and how the Hawkeyes can keep moving forward the rest of the season! Matt and Laura also sit down with special guest, Zach Ortweth, tight end for the Hawkeyes! They discuss Zach's up-bringing, adjusting to the 'big city" of Iowa, and what it's like being a part of the Hawkeye family. This is an int...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 34 min
In the latest episode of Talkin' Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura dive into the Hawkeyes' recent 40-0 victory against Illinois State. They break down the key plays that led to the win, including standout performances on both offense and defense. They also analyze how the team's strategies unfolded on the field and what this win means for the rest of the season. They also take a look at the upcoming game against the Iowa State Cyclones, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and what...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this exciting episode, we're thrilled to have special teams coach LeVar Woods from the Iowa Hawkeyes as our guest! 🏈✨ Coach Woods shares exclusive insights into the special teams' strategies, his coaching philosophy, and what it takes to prepare for a big game. You won't want to miss his behind-the-scenes stories and expert analysis! But that's not all—stick around as we dive into a comprehensive preview of the upcoming showdown against Illinois State. 🦅🔍 We break down key matchups, discus...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 41 min
In this exciting episode, Matt and Laura Vanderberg sit down with the new head coach of Iowa Women’s Basketball, Jan Jensen! 🌟 Coach Jensen shares her journey from being an associate head coach to stepping into the head coach role, following the legendary Lisa Bluder’s retirement. They delve into her long-standing relationship with Bluder, reflecting on their incredible partnership that spanned over decades and led to back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances. She also shares what it was like ...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 38 min
In this month's episode of the Off Season, Matt and Laura dive into recent Iowa Hawkeye Football news, other sports events as well, and tease something new for the show...Then, join us for an intimate interview with Marco Lainez where he opens up about his experience of his football career at Iowa so far. Marco discusses the bond he shares with Cade and the invaluable lessons that have shaped his approach to the game. Beyond the gridiron, he reveals his passions for reading and music, giving us ...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In this month's episode of the Off Season, Matt and Laura take a deep dive into the recent WNBA draft, where standout players Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin left their mark with being first and second round picks, respectively. Matt and Laura also discuss the latest updates from the Iowa Hawkeyes Football Spring Practice. Matt and Laura then sit down for an exclusive interview with Jada Gyamfi, a member of the Iowa Women's Basketball team, as she shares her remarkable journey. From the unforgetta...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 19 min
In this offseason episode of Talkin' Hawks with The Vandebergs, we're thrilled to chat about Iowa's recent victory against LSU in Women's Basketball. We're breaking down the game's standout moments by players like Kate Martin and Gabby Marshall. Then, we'll switch gears to talk about winter sports, sharing Caitlin's inspiring basketball journey and discussing how the transfer portal is shaking up college basketball. But hold onto your seats because the excitement doesn't stop there! Later in the...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 33 min
On this month's episode we sat down with Owen Freeman, the rising freshman star of Hawkeye basketball. In this exclusive feature, Owen shares his journey from a small-town athlete to a celebrated freshman sensation. Join us as we delve into the Freeman family’s legacy, and the significance of community in their athletic pursuits.
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 22 min
In the first episode of the offseason, Matt and Laura break down the big news from Iowa football: the hiring of Tim Lester as the new offensive coordinator. They share their thoughts on what Lester brings to the Hawkeyes, how he will fit in with Kirk Ferentz's philosophy, and what his impact will be on the offense. Then, they welcome a special guest to the show: Ben Kueter, the four-sport star from Iowa City High who committed to play both football and wrestling for the Hawkeyes. Kueter talks ab...
Feb 02, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In this episode The VandeBerg’s recap Iowa’s unfortunate loss to Tennessee at the Citrus Bowl. They also have an inspiring (and hilarious) conversation with Spencer Lee, who will be going to the U.S. Olympic trials for freestyle wrestling this year.
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Matt and Laura are back to talk about the upcoming Citrus Bowl. They discuss the future of the podcast, what it's like to travel for bowl games, and then welcome Luke Lachey to the show. Luke talks about growing up in Columbus, his obsession with Harry Potter, and his many Ohio State connections. Matt and Laura round out the episode talking about the history of the Tennessee Volunteers, what to expect for the upcoming game, and the future of Bowl games and whether they are still relevant. Thanks...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 24 min
In the latest episode of Talkin’ Hawks, Matt and Laura dissect Iowa’s loss to Michigan at the Big Ten Championship. In the first segment, they delve into the defense’s performance on the field, highlighting how it was much better than what the score suggests. They also analyze the key turnovers of the game, which played a pivotal role in Iowa’s defeat. The hosts welcome Quinn Schulte to the show, who shares his experience of walking on at Iowa. He talks about the reasons behind his decision, his...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 23 min
