Talkin' Hawks with The VandeBergs

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 his dad throughout high school. He shares how an early wake-up call about work ethic changed the trajectory of his career, why he didn’t play AAU until later than most, and how countless early mornings in the gym shaped both his game and mindset.The conversation also dives into Iowa’s early-season challenges, including tough road environments, narrow losses, and what this group is learning as they grow together under Coach McCollum. Bennett talks leadership, basketball IQ, embracing hard coaching, and what it really means to “fit the culture” at Iowa — on and off the court.Plus, things take a fun turn with stories about siblings, other sports he played growing up, March Madness memories, and a teaser of a potential new fan-driven fundraising idea that Hawkeye fans won’t want to miss.Whether you’re following Iowa basketball closely or just love hearing the personal stories behind the jersey, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and a glimpse into the work ethic that defines Hawkeye hoops.🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join the Talkin’ Hawks community as we head into the offseason.

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 offensive resilience shown in the fourth quarter.Men’s basketball standout Cooper Koch joins the pod to discuss Iowa’s undefeated start, his unique recruiting story, growing up in a competitive hoops household, and the cultural shift under Coach McCollum. He gives insight into leadership, conditioning, strategic defensive changes, and the intentional connection the team is building with students and fans. The episode closes with a preview of the upcoming matchup against Nebraska, highlighting key adjustments and what to watch for as the Hawks prepare to carry momentum into the rivalry game.

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 DJ Vonnahme, and talk about how this group can respond, reset, and finish the season strong with a statement against Michigan State. Then the crew flips to the offensive side of the ball with wide receiver Seth Anderson, diving into his journey to Iowa City, his days as a multi-sport athlete in track and wrestling, and what ultimately pulled him out of the transfer portal and into the Hawkeye family. Seth opens up about learning the game from his dad, former NFL receiver “Flipper” Anderson, balancing a Business and Enterprise Leadership major with Big Ten football, and why his quiet, media-trained demeanor off the field doesn’t stop him from talking a little trash between the lines.Whether you’re still stinging from USC or already looking ahead to Michigan State, this episode delivers film-room insight, locker-room culture, and a closer look at one of Iowa’s playmakers on the rise. 🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!

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 wrestling season with Iowa great Alex Marinelli. Marinelli traces his path from Miamisburg, Ohio, to the Black & Gold, talks multi-sport toughness, coaching the next generation, and how the mindset on the mat translates to football. The show closes with a measured look ahead to USC: where Iowa can win in the trenches, how to clean up the details, and why a 9–3 finish and 10th win bowl path are still on the table. Go Hawks.

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 his voice on special teams and defense.He shares the locker-room standard, “championship effort, attitude, and toughness”—and why the defense lives by the “mind of a goldfish” after a big play (good or bad). We also get the human side: siblings on campus, faith shaping the team’s togetherness, and the unlikely backstory of a future doctor who also grew up skiing, wakeboarding, and learning resilience the hard way.Then the crew looks ahead to Oregon in Kinnick, breaking down vibe, matchups, and where Iowa can assert itself without getting lost in numbers—just the culture, the details, and the belief that travel, noise, or narratives don’t change who the Hawks are. Plus: we’re continuing the Q&As—drop your questions so we can bring them to the next episode.🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!#TalkinHawks #Hawkeyes #IowaFootball #B1G #SwarmUp #Kinnick #HawkeyeNation