Talkin' Hawks with The VandeBergs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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