Talkin' Hawks with The VandeBergs

Presented by Hills Bank
  • 4.9 (63)
  • Football
  • Weekly

If you’re a Hawkeye football fan, you’ll love Talkin’ Hawks with the Vandebergs, a podcast hosted by Matt and Laura Vandeberg, two Hawkeye fanatics who have a lot of experience and knowledge about the game. They will give you a weekly update on the previous game, the upcoming matchup, and their predictions. They will also chat with Hawkeye football players and other Iowa athletes, and share their enthusiasm and insights on everything Hawkeye football. Listen every Monday morning and be part of the conversation. Let’s go Hawks!

  1. 1d ago

    L.J. Phillips Jr. | Wisconsin Recap + Northwestern Preview

    Iowa gave Hawkeye fans a Halloween treat with a win over Wisconsin. On this week’s Talkin’ Hawks, presented by Hills Bank, Matt and Laura VandeBerg break down how Iowa bounced back from the Minnesota loss. Matt takes a closer look at Hank Brown’s decision-making, from standing in the pocket to deliver a throw under pressure to spotting an open lane and taking the first down himself. Hawkeye running back L.J. Phillips joins Matt and Laura to share how South Dakota offered him a spot just as he was getting off crutches. He remembers what it meant to have his dad and two best friends in the stands for his first college start, explains why he chose Iowa, and opens up about the role his faith plays in his life. He also makes a pretty good case for why one winning 400-meter race was enough to end his track career. Then it’s on to Northwestern, where Matt breaks down how Iowa’s defensive front can keep the Wildcats’ quarterback in the pocket. In this week’s Lore-a segment, Laura answers a question that could only come up in college football. How did Northwestern’s goalposts end up in Lake Michigan? Read the story Laura referenced at Inside NU: A Look Back at Laking the Posts

    L.J. Phillips Jr. | Wisconsin Recap + Northwestern Preview

  2. Oct 26

    Jeremy Hecklinski | Minnesota Loss Recap + Wisconsin Preview

    Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski joins Matt and Laura VandeBerg on this week's episode of Talkin' Hawks! Jeremy shares his journey from high school football to Wake Forest and eventually Iowa, the challenges of competing for the starting quarterback job, and what it means to put the team first while chasing his own goals. Plus, we get to know Jeremy off the field with stories about his family, teammates, pregame traditions, and life as a Hawkeye. Before the interview, Matt and Laura break down Iowa's frustrating 13-10 loss to Minnesota, including the turnovers, quarterback decisions, and missed opportunities that cost the Hawkeyes the game. Matt also names his Unsung Hero before the two look ahead to Iowa's rivalry matchup with Wisconsin and the battle to bring the Heartland Trophy back home! Subscribe to Talkin' Hawks for weekly Iowa football recaps, game previews, exclusive player interviews, and everything Hawkeyes! #IowaHawkeyes #HawkeyeFootball #JeremyHecklinski #TalkinHawks #CollegeFootball

    Jeremy Hecklinski | Minnesota Loss Recap + Wisconsin Preview

  3. Oct 19

    Cam Manyawu | Bye Week Q&A + Minnesota Preview

    Iowa basketball’s Cam Manyawu joins Matt and Laura VandeBerg on Talkin’ Hawks, presented by Hills Bank! Cam shares how basketball brought his parents from Zimbabwe to the United States, his journey from Wyoming to Drake to Iowa, and why following Ben McCollum was an easy decision. From the culture behind the Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight run to the faith that keeps him grounded, get to know Cam and what’s driving him heading into a new season. Plus, Matt and Laura answer your bye week questions, discuss Iowa’s quarterback situation, and preview the matchup with Minnesota as the Hawkeyes look to bring home Floyd of Rosedale. Laura also revisits the unforgettable story of Iowa fans tearing down the Metrodome goalposts in 2002! Subscribe for weekly interviews, game breakdowns, and more from Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs. Go Hawks!

    Cam Manyawu | Bye Week Q&A + Minnesota Preview

  4. Oct 12

    Robert Gallery | Life After Football, Mental Health + Iowa vs. Washington Recap

    Former Iowa Hawkeye legend and NFL offensive lineman Robert Gallery joins Talkin' Hawks for one of our most powerful conversations yet. Robert takes us through his journey from growing up in small-town Iowa to becoming the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, the challenges of his professional career, and the difficult transition to life after football. He opens up about traumatic brain injuries, mental health struggles, and the treatments and experiences that helped him find a new path forward. It's an honest and emotional conversation about identity, family, resilience, and the importance of asking for help. Before the interview, we break down Iowa's big win over Washington, discuss the quarterback situation between Hank Brown and Jeremy Linskey, highlight the impressive performances from Kamari Moulton and the Hawkeye defense, and name our Grand Appliance Unsung Hero. We also look ahead to the bye week and what's next for the Hawkeyes as they prepare for Minnesota. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES This episode includes discussions of mental health challenges, traumatic brain injuries, suicidal thoughts, and suicide. Some portions of this conversation may be difficult for listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 for free, confidential support in the United States. Learn more: https://988lifeline.org/ You are not alone, and help is available.

    Robert Gallery | Life After Football, Mental Health + Iowa vs. Washington Recap

  5. Oct 5

    Kenny Merrieweather | Ohio State Recap + Washington Preview

    After one of the biggest weekends Iowa City has seen in a long time, Laura and Matt VandeBerg recap Iowa’s loss to Ohio State and break down what went wrong against one of the most talented teams in the country. They discuss the quarterback conversation surrounding Hank Brown and Jeremy Oginski, Jeremiah Smith’s impact on the game, the positives Iowa can take away from the loss, and why one game shouldn’t define this Hawkeye team. Plus, Laura shares some behind-the-scenes stories from an unforgettable weekend featuring Caitlin Clark, College GameDay and even a Talkin’ Hawks shoutout from Pat McAfee. Iowa defensive lineman Kenny Merrieweather joins the show to talk about his journey from Detroit to becoming a Hawkeye. Kenny shares how he received his first college offer before even reaching high school, his transition from wide receiver to the defensive line, what brought him to Iowa, and the people who helped shape him along the way. He also settles into some important debates, including LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan and which Hawkeyes he’d want on his basketball team. Finally, Laura and Matt turn their attention to a quick turnaround as Iowa heads west for a Friday night matchup against Washington. They break down what the Hawkeyes need to do to bounce back, the challenges Washington presents, the importance of establishing the run and getting pressure up front, and what Iowa can expect from its first trip to Husky Stadium in decades. And, of course, Laura discovers the magic of “sailgating” in Seattle.

    Kenny Merrieweather | Ohio State Recap + Washington Preview

  6. Sep 28

    Jayden Montgomery | Michigan Recap + Ohio State Preview

    The Hawkeyes pulled off a thriller in the Big House, taking down Michigan in the final seconds, and Matt and Laura break down everything that went into the win. From Iowa’s bend-don’t-break defense and another huge day from the special teams unit to Braden Jackson’s kickoff return touchdown, the offense’s 91-yard final drive, and Hank Brown connecting with Reece Vander Zee for the game-winning score, they look at how all three phases contributed when it mattered most. They also discuss Iowa’s discipline down the stretch, Tim Lester putting his trust in his players, and why this win felt like another reminder to “play the full 60.” Jayden Montgomery joins the show to share the journey that brought him to Iowa, from growing up in a football family and moving around the country to eventually finding his own path as a Hawkeye. Jayden talks about his high school career, recruiting process, his family’s deep ties to Iowa, and the influence of his father, former Hawkeye Jerry Montgomery. He also dives into the developmental culture inside the Iowa program, learning behind veteran linebackers, embracing special teams to earn a role, and how years of consistent work have helped shape him into the player and leader he is today. Then it’s on to Ohio State. Matt and Laura break down the challenge presented by Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and a talented Buckeye roster, including how Iowa might approach slowing down one of the best receivers in college football. They discuss the importance of disrupting timing at the line of scrimmage, staying disciplined in coverage, winning one-on-one matchups and continuing to spread the ball around offensively. After an unforgettable win over Michigan, the biggest challenge may be turning the page, carrying that confidence forward and putting together another complete 60-minute performance against Ohio State.

    Jayden Montgomery | Michigan Recap + Ohio State Preview

  7. Sep 21

    Nathan McNeil | UNI Recap + Michigan Preview

    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.

    Nathan McNeil | UNI Recap + Michigan Preview

  8. Sep 14

    Reece Vander Zee | Cy-Hawk Victory Recap + UNI Preview

    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

    Reece Vander Zee | Cy-Hawk Victory Recap + UNI Preview
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About

If you’re a Hawkeye football fan, you’ll love Talkin’ Hawks with the Vandebergs, a podcast hosted by Matt and Laura Vandeberg, two Hawkeye fanatics who have a lot of experience and knowledge about the game. They will give you a weekly update on the previous game, the upcoming matchup, and their predictions. They will also chat with Hawkeye football players and other Iowa athletes, and share their enthusiasm and insights on everything Hawkeye football. Listen every Monday morning and be part of the conversation. Let’s go Hawks!

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