Talkin' Hawks with The VandeBergs

Latest Episodes:

Nathan McNeil | UNI Recap + Michigan Preview Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

The Hawkeyes put together one of their most complete performances of the season against UNI, and Laura and Matt break down an Iowa offense that was firing on all cylinders. From Hank Brown’s efficient day through the air to a huge performance from the running back room, Iowa took care of business and built some serious momentum heading into Big Ten play.

This week’s guest is Iowa running back Nathan McNeil, fresh off his first career start and first career touchdown. Nathan takes us through his journey from Tampa to Iowa City, how the Hawkeyes discovered him while recruiting one of his teammates, adjusting to the college game as a young running back, and the people who helped him along the way. Plus, we learn about his quiet pregame routine, his love for Barry Sanders, and how he earned the nickname “Showtime.”

Then it’s time to look ahead to a massive road matchup against Michigan. Matt breaks down what Iowa will see from the Wolverines on both sides of the ball, why discipline and winning one-on-one matchups will be so important, and how Iowa’s offensive balance could give the Hawkeyes opportunities in Ann Arbor.

Reece Vander Zee | Cy-Hawk Victory Recap + UNI Preview Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

The Cy-Hawk Trophy is staying in Iowa City! Laura and Matt break down Iowa’s thrilling win over Iowa State, including the biggest moments from the offense, defense and special teams, Hank Brown’s response in a pressure-packed finish, and an unforgettable atmosphere inside Kinnick Stadium.

Then Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee joins the show for a conversation that goes far beyond football. Reece talks about growing up as the oldest of six kids in northwest Iowa, competing in four sports, playing alongside Zach Lutmer, and helping build his family’s ice cream sandwich business, Carroll Street Treats. He also shares how his recruitment led him to the Hawkeyes, what it was like being thrown into the action as a true freshman, and how injuries have strengthened his faith and changed the way he approaches the game.

Finally, the crew turns its attention to Northern Iowa. Laura brings some UNI history and trivia before Matt breaks down what Iowa can expect from the Panthers and what he wants to see from the Hawkeyes as they look to build on the momentum of their Cy-Hawk victory.

Carroll Street Treats link: https://carrollstreettreats.com/

UNI Mascot History: https://scua.library.uni.edu/uni-history/historical-essays/mascots-and-nicknames

Hank Brown | NIU Shutout Recap + Iowa State Preview Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

The Hawkeyes are 1-0 after a dominant 40-0 shutout of Northern Illinois, and Laura and Matt break down everything that stood out from the season opener. From Iowa’s quarterback play and an explosive rushing attack to a defense that barely gave NIU room to breathe, there was plenty to like in Week 1.

Then Iowa quarterback Hank Brown joins the show for a conversation about his journey from Illinois to Nashville, playing for Trent Dilfer, his time at Auburn, entering the transfer portal, and ultimately becoming a Hawkeye. Hank opens up about competing for the quarterback job, handling adversity, growing as a leader, his faith, and what he’s learned from the highs and lows of playing quarterback at the college level.

Finally, it’s Cy-Hawk week. Laura and Matt preview Iowa vs. Iowa State under the lights at Kinnick Stadium, break down a very different Cyclone team, and look at the biggest questions facing the Hawkeyes as they prepare for their first major test of the season.

Kamari Moulton | 2026 Iowa Football Outlook + Northern Illinois Preview Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Talkin’ Hawks is back for the 2026 Iowa Football season! Matt and Laura VandeBerg break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Hawkeyes as they prepare to return to Kinnick Stadium, including the questions facing the offense, the expectations surrounding this year’s team and what Iowa needs to establish in its season opener.

Then, Iowa running back Kamari Moulton joins the show for an in-depth conversation about his journey to Iowa, how he has developed throughout his Hawkeye career and the mindset he is bringing into the new season. Kamari discusses the competition and depth inside the running back room, becoming a leader for the Hawkeyes and what he believes Iowa’s offense can accomplish in 2026.

Matt and Laura close the episode by previewing Iowa’s matchup with Northern Illinois, breaking down the biggest keys to the game and giving their predictions for the season opener. Subscribe to Talkin’ Hawks for weekly Iowa Hawkeyes recaps, player interviews, opponent previews and predictions throughout the 2026 season.

#IowaHawkeyes #IowaFootball #KamariMoulton #CollegeFootball #BigTen #TalkinHawks

Kirk Ferentz | Iowa Football & Life Beyond the Sidelines Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Iowa Hawkeyes head football coach Kirk Ferentz joins Talkin’ Hawks for a rare, personal conversation that he describes as his first sit-down podcast interview. Matt and Laura go beyond the sidelines to learn more about the man behind nearly three decades of Iowa Football—from his childhood in Pittsburgh and the coaches who shaped him to the family and values that have guided his career.Coach Ferentz opens up about his relationship with Mary, raising five children while building a career in football, the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way, and why staying true to who you are matters. He also breaks down the philosophy behind Iowa’s culture, the major changes that helped reshape the program after 2014, and how the Hawkeyes balance tradition with innovation as college football continues to evolve.Plus, Ferentz shares why player development remains at the heart of Iowa Football, what he looks for in overlooked recruits, how the NIL and transfer portal era has changed the sport, and what has made the University of Iowa and Kinnick Stadium such a special place for him.Whether you’re a lifelong Hawkeye fan or simply want to hear one of college football’s longest-tenured coaches talk about leadership, family, culture and the game, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations with Iowa Hawkeye players, coaches and alumni.#KirkFerentz #IowaFootball #IowaHawkeyes

Kennedy Ruff | From Iowa Dance Team to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

This month on Talkin’ Hawks, Laura and Matt catch up on the latest Hawkeye news, including preseason football honors, the Micah Hyde Charity Golf Classic, upcoming Iowa basketball matchups and the game-day themes fans need to know before football season begins.

Then, Marion native and former Iowa Dance Team member Kennedy Ruff joins the show to share how an 11-year-old Cowboys fan turned a childhood dream into reality. Kennedy opens up about growing up in competitive dance, performing for the Hawkeyes, getting cut during her first Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders audition and returning with the confidence and determination needed to finally earn her boots and stars.

Kennedy also takes us behind the scenes of life as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader—from the demanding audition and training camp process to Netflix cameras, uniform fittings, performing “Thunderstruck” at AT&T Stadium, dancing with Post Malone and inspiring young dancers across the country. It’s a conversation about resilience, self-belief and what it takes to represent Iowa on one of the biggest stages in professional sports.

Subscribe to the official Talkin’ Hawks YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the upcoming Hawkeye football season.

Sophie Schriever | Iowa Gymnastics, Recruiting Journey + Building the Hawkeyes’ Nest Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura welcome Iowa gymnast Sophie Schriever to the studio for the show’s first-ever gymnastics episode. Sophie shares what brought her from Sandy, Utah to Iowa City, how she fell in love with gymnastics at a young age, and what it took to grow into a five-star recruit and Hawkeye all-arounder.

Sophie opens up about the intense commitment behind elite gymnastics, including early mornings, long training days, injuries, setbacks, and the year away from the sport that nearly made her walk away for good. She also walks through the recruiting process, the moment she earned her first scholarship offer, and why her relationship with Coach Jen Llewellyn played such a big role in her path to Iowa.

The conversation also dives into the world of college gymnastics—from scoring, beam mounts, floor routines, and “staying in the nest,” to Sophie’s leadership mindset as a freshman and the energy this Iowa team is building together. Whether you're a longtime gymnastics fan or just learning the sport, this episode offers a fun, honest, and inspiring look at one of Iowa Gymnastics’ rising stars.

Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, plenty of laughs, and a new appreciation for what it takes to compete in the black and gold.

Mark Gronowski | Iowa QB Mindset + Spring Practice Takeaways & 2026 Season Preview Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Mark Gronowski for an in-depth conversation on his transition into the Iowa Hawkeyes program and what fans can expect heading into the 2026 college football season.

Fresh off spring practices, Gronowski breaks down how he’s adjusting to Iowa’s system, building chemistry with new teammates, and stepping into a leadership role at quarterback. The discussion dives into his football journey, the mindset that’s helped him succeed at a high level, and what it means to now wear the black and gold inside one of the most tradition-rich programs in college football.

Matt and Laura also unpack key takeaways from Iowa’s spring camp, including offensive development, locker room culture, and how this team is shaping up ahead of fall. With insight into preparation, expectations, and the competitive edge Gronowski brings, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Hawkeyes’ quarterback room and the direction of the program.

If you’re an Iowa fan or follow college football closely, this is a must-listen conversation as the Hawkeyes gear up for a pivotal season.

🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!

#IowaHawkeyes #HawkeyesFootball #MarkGronowski #CollegeFootball #BigTen #TalkinHawks

Kylie Feuerbach | What’s Next for Iowa Women’s Basketball Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Iowa women’s basketball standout Kylie Feuerbach for an honest conversation about her journey, the culture inside the Hawkeye program, and what the future holds for Iowa hoops.

Kylie opens up about her path from Illinois to Iowa, the transfer decision that changed her career, and what it was like stepping into one of the most nationally recognized programs in college basketball. She shares behind-the-scenes insight into the team culture under Lisa Bluder, the pressure and excitement of playing in sold-out arenas, and how the Hawkeyes navigated the rise of national attention around the program.

The conversation also dives into the whirlwind years of Iowa women’s basketball—from buzzer beaters and national headlines to unforgettable moments like packed crowds at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the historic growth of the sport. Kylie reflects on the friendships, challenges, and lessons that shaped her time as a Hawkeye while also giving fans a glimpse of what’s ahead for the program.

Matt and Laura also recap the latest storylines around Hawkeye athletics, including Iowa basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and NFL Combine performances from former Iowa football players, before turning the spotlight to one of the team’s most respected leaders.

If you’re an Iowa fan, this episode gives you a candid look inside the program and the mindset of a player who has experienced the rise of Hawkeye women’s basketball from the inside.

Taylor McCabe | Senior Leadership, Injury Update & What’s Next for Iowa Women’s Basketball Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

In this offseason edition of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Iowa senior guard Taylor McCabe for a conversation that’s honest, reflective, and full of perspective. From her early recruiting days in Nebraska to playing on some of the most historic teams in Iowa women’s basketball history, Taylor opens up about the journey that shaped her — and what this final season means to her now.

Taylor shares what it was like entering the program during the Caitlin Clark era, learning from elite teammates, and finding her role on nationally ranked teams that changed the trajectory of Iowa women’s basketball. She talks about the mindset required to stay ready, the culture that keeps the program thriving through roster changes, and how preparation has fueled her confidence every step of the way.

The conversation also dives into her recent injury — how she’s navigating recovery, leading from the sidelines, and embracing her senior season with gratitude and perspective. You’ll hear about her family’s athletic background, her competitive upbringing, the recruiting process that led her to Iowa, and the special bond she shares with her teammates.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to wear the black and gold. Whether you’re a longtime Iowa women’s basketball fan or just love hearing the real stories behind college athletics, this one is for you.

🎧 Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify, turn on notifications, and stay locked in as we continue our offseason series with Hawkeye athletes across all sports.

#TalkinHawks #IowaWomensBasketball #TaylorMcCabe #Hawkeyes #BigTenBasketball #IowaCity