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 Special Olympics gold medalist. From playing three sports year-round to being under-recruited out of high school, he opens up about the chip on his shoulder that fueled his standout career at South Dakota State and ultimately led him to transfer to Iowa.

The conversation explores Mark’s leadership style, the lessons learned from his father (a former college quarterback at Drake), and the gratitude he carries for the often-overlooked offensive line. He also reflects on navigating COVID-era football, developing through multi-sport experiences, and why being underestimated might have been the best thing for him.

Whether you’re curious about Iowa’s quarterback future or inspired by stories of perseverance, this episode is a compelling look into one of the Hawkeyes’ most anticipated additions.

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 it pushed him to the limit
🟡 Making a leap of faith to transfer to Iowa for his final year of eligibility
🟡 How misconceptions about the Brands brothers and Iowa wrestling fueled his decision—and what the culture is really like behind the scenes
🟡 The intense grind of freestyle wrestling and his Olympic aspirations

This is more than just a wrestling story—it’s about faith, family, and taking risks when the outcome is uncertain. Whether you're a wrestling fanatic or someone chasing your own goals, Stephen’s journey will leave you inspired.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more raw and real conversations with Iowa’s top athletes.

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 programs

How NIL and recruiting changes are reshaping college baseball

The grind of making it in baseball—from showcases to potential pro aspirations

What it really takes to succeed at the plate and in the field

Whether you're a diehard baseball fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with heart, hustle, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a Hawkeye.👉

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Hawkeye athlete spotlights.

#TalkinHawks #GableMitchell #IowaBaseball #DanGableLegacy #HawkeyeNation #CollegeBaseball #Hawkeyes

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 later than most—and why that fueled his success

The brutal workouts, mental toughness, and commitment that shaped his path

The story behind his 4.15-second 40-yard dash that took the internet by storm

His dreams of competing internationally and representing Iowa on the world stage

Building a YouTube channel to inspire future athletes and share his journey

How perseverance through injuries helped him break multiple Iowa records

Kalen’s story is packed with resilience, passion, and a drive to keep getting better. This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

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 training regimen and mental toughness required at IowaHis dad’s unconventional coaching methods (wait until you hear about the gravel buckets and lawnmower tricks)Balancing family and competition in a program built on legacyHis love for hiking 14ers and how it helps him reset outside the sportNelson also talks about recovering from injuries, cutting weight the right way, and his future in wrestling. This is one conversation you don’t want to miss.Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more in-depth Hawkeye sports stories.#TalkinHawks #NelsonBrands #IowaHawkeyes #Wrestling #HawkeyeNation #FaithAndSports #CollegeWrestling

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 age, winning World Titles and making history in women’s wrestling, her faith journey and how it has shaped her career, and her signature suplex move (and why she’s NOT going to stop using it!)

PLUS, Kennedy shares what it was like qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, training for the biggest stage in sports, and what’s next for her career. This is one conversation you don’t want to miss!

 Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications to keep up with more Hawkeye sports stories!

#TalkinHawks #KennedyBlades #IowaHawkeyes #Olympics #WomensWrestling #HawkeyeNation #Wrestling #FaithAndSports

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 season. Plus, Jackson opens up about his time in the transfer portal, life as a student-athlete, and even a few surprises (spoiler: his car is not what you’d expect!). Oh, and don’t miss the behind-the-scenes scoop on bowl game prep and what it’s like to be part of Hawkeye Nation!👉 Hit that like button, subscribe to the channel, and ring the bell to keep up with all things Hawkeyes!#TalkinHawks#IowaHawkeyes#JacksonStratton#HawkeyeNation#CollegeFootball

🎙️ Talkin' Hawks with the VandeBergs - Special Guest Dalles Jacobus 🎸

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 his background, family, and sports journey, including his experiences growing up in Michigan and playing various sports. In this engaging conversation, Hayden shares his journey through sports, resilience, and personal growth. He discusses his experiences with injuries, the challenges of the transfer portal, and how he found a new home at Iowa. Throughout the conversation, Large emphasizes the importance of faith and personal development, reflecting on how these elements have shaped his identity and athletic career. The dialogue explores the importance of perspective in life, the impact of personal experiences on faith, and the significance of family relationships. Additionally, the conversation delves into college football, analyzing team strategies, player performances, and the cultural aspects of the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry.

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 challenges.

Matt and Laura also discuss leadership within sports, the Iowa recruitment process, and the strategy behind game analysis. Whether you're a die-hard Hawkeyes fan or love stories of perseverance and teamwork, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss!

🔥 Topics Covered:

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#IowaHawkeyes #TalkinHawks #CollegeFootball #EthanHurkett #PlayerInterview #HawkeyeNation #FootballLeadership #Teamwork