Talkin' Hawks with The VandeBergs

The Hawkeyes are keeping the momentum rolling! Matt and Laura VandeBerg break down Iowa's win over Northwestern, including the offense's continued growth, big plays on special teams, and the unsung heroes who helped secure another victory in Chicago.
This week's special guest is Iowa linebacker Cam Buffington! From growing up in the small town of Winfield, Iowa, and playing on a high school football team with just 18 players to earning a scholarship offer from the Hawkeyes, Cam shares his incredible journey to Kinnick Stadium. He opens up about his unique recruiting story, the lessons he learned raising sheep through 4-H, and how his small-town upbringing shaped his work ethic. Cam also discusses learning from Iowa's veteran linebackers, developing into a leader on defense, and what it takes to succeed in the Hawkeye program.
To wrap things up, Matt and Laura look ahead to Iowa's upcoming matchup against Purdue! They break down what the Hawkeyes need to do to keep winning, explore some hilarious Purdue football history in Laura's Lore-a segment, and preview a chilly Military Appreciation Night at Kinnick Stadium. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join us every week for more Talkin' Hawks, presented by Hills Bank!

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

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!
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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!
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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.