Talkin' Hawks with The VandeBergs

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 commitm...

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 leade...

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 o...

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...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Bennett Stirtz, Iowa men’s basketball guard and one of the most intriguing voices on the roster, for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the box score. Bennett opens up about his journey to Iowa, growing up in Liberty, Missouri, in a competitive, all-boys household, and what it was like being coached by...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura break down Iowa’s emotional walk-off win over Michigan State—including Drew Stevens’ senior day game-winner—and reflect on the heartfelt sideline moments surrounding longtime PA announcer Mark Abbott’s retirement and Kelsey Laverdiere’s final game in Kinnick. They also spotlight the unsung heroes of special teams and the offensiv...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura unpack another gut-punch finish as they break down the USC heartbreaker, from the “Heartbreak Kids” vibes and missed breaks to the toe-tap drama, non-calls, and why they still believe this might be Iowa’s best team since 2015. They revisit the electric “Philly Special” moment, highlight unsung standouts like freshman tight end D...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura open with a raw breakdown of Iowa’s last-second loss to Oregon—weather woes, special teams swings, and what the fumble/two-point sequence meant for momentum—before zooming out on why this team is still right there with the nation’s best. They spotlight “unsung hero” OC Tim Lester for the gutsy final-drive calls, then pivot to wr...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Laura and Matt sit down with Jaxon Rexroth—Cedar Rapids native, Xavier alum, and Hawkeye linebacker—to talk identity, mindset, and what it means to grow up black and gold. From family roots just up the road to the reality of earning your shot as a preferred walk-on, Jaxon opens up about choosing Iowa, embracing a position change, and finding hi...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura celebrate a dominant 41–3 Iowa victory over Minnesota — keeping Floyd of Rosedale right where he belongs in Iowa City. The energy inside Kinnick was electric, and the Hawks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season across offense, defense, and special teams. Then, defensive back Deshaun Lee joins the show f...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura celebrate a massive win over Penn State under the lights at Kinnick before turning their attention to the upcoming matchup with Minnesota. From the electric atmosphere in the “stripe-out” stadium to key defensive stops and Marky G’s clutch performance, they break down what made this one of the season’s most memorable nights in I...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura break down Iowa’s dominant shutout win over Wisconsin and look ahead to a pivotal matchup against a reeling Penn State team. Defensive back TJ Hall joins the show for an exclusive interview, sharing insight on the Hawkeyes' mindset, his growth in the secondary, and when he decided to focus on football. Matt and Laura also di...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura sit down with Koen Entringer , Iowa defensive back and emerging force in the Hawkeye secondary, for a conversation that dives into his journey from the soccer pitch to the gridiron. Koen opens up about his late transition into football, what drew him to defense, and the mentality it takes to play physical, disciplined football i...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura welcome Trevor Lauck, standout Iowa offensive lineman, for a conversation that blends game-day insight with plenty of laughs. The VandeBergs open with a recap of Iowa’s hard-fought matchup against Indiana, breaking down the highs, the frustrations, and the standout defensive performances that kept the Hawks in striking distance....

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura recap Iowa’s big win over Rutgers before welcoming Iowa women’s basketball guard Callie Levin to the show. From game-changing plays on the football field to the excitement building around women’s hoops, it’s an episode packed with Hawkeye pride. Callie shares her journey growing up in Solon with a sports-driven family, her love...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura recap Iowa’s big Saturday night win over UMass at Kinnick Stadium, a historic evening that secured Coach Kirk Ferentz’s 206th victory and cemented his legacy as the winningest coach in Big Ten history. From offensive rhythm and defensive dominance, the Hawkeyes put together a statement performance heading into their upcoming Fri...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura recap Iowa’s tough loss to Iowa State. While the result didn’t go the Hawkeyes’ way, they highlight moments of growth from the offense, including the emerging connection with wide receiver Jacob Gill and quarterback Mark Gronowski finding more comfort in the pocket. They also touch on the lessons to take from a close battle agai...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura recap Iowa’s season-opening win over Albany, diving into the key plays, standout performers, and what the game revealed about the Hawkeyes on both sides of the ball. They’re also joined by Addison Ostrenga, Iowa’s rising star at tight end, who opens up about his journey from a multi-sport athlete in Wisconsin to becoming a key pi...

In this Season 3 opener of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura return with a fresh look at the 2025 Iowa football season—starting with a preview of the Hawks’ matchup against Albany and a special conversation with former wide receiver Tevaun Smith. Tevaun reflects on the unforgettable 2015 undefeated season as the Hawkeyes celebrate its ten-year anniversary, while also sharing his jo...

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs , Matt and Laura sit down with new Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski , whose journey from Naperville, Illinois to the Big Ten spotlight is full of resilience, drive, and quiet confidence. Mark shares how growing up in a sports-loving family shaped his competitive mindset—especially with a sister who played college softball and a brother who’s a Sp...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...