Stephen Buchanan | Talkin' Hawks 2025 Off Season Ep. 5
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 aspirationsThis 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.
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Gable Mitchell | Talkin' Hawks 2025 Off Season Ep. 4
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 GableBalancing football, wrestling, and baseball through high schoolWhy he chose Iowa over other top baseball programsHow NIL and recruiting changes are reshaping college baseballThe grind of making it in baseball—from showcases to potential pro aspirationsWhat it really takes to succeed at the plate and in the fieldWhether 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
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Kalen Walker | Talkin' Hawks 2025 Off Season Ep. 3
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 successThe brutal workouts, mental toughness, and commitment that shaped his pathThe story behind his 4.15-second 40-yard dash that took the internet by stormHis dreams of competing internationally and representing Iowa on the world stageBuilding a YouTube channel to inspire future athletes and share his journeyHow perseverance through injuries helped him break multiple Iowa recordsKalen’s story is packed with resilience, passion, and a drive to keep getting better. This is one episode you don’t want to miss.
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Nelson Brands | Talkin’ Hawks 2025 Off Season Ep. 2
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
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Kennedy Blades | Talkin’ Hawks 2025 Off Season Ep. 1
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
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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