Tracking The Storm: Stories From Loyal Sons

A bye week, another frustrating loss, and more questions than answers. On this episode of Tracking the Storm, Chris and Keith unload on Iowa State’s performance against Arizona—from questionable quarterback decisions and missed opportunities to the costly fumble that summed up the night.

Is it time to hand Connor Moberly the offense? Where does Zane Flores fit into the conversation? The guys debate the Cyclones’ quarterback situation, explain what needs to change before Oklahoma State, and examine the increasingly difficult road to bowl eligibility. Plus, a discussion about quarterback development across college football, NIL and transfer portal challenges, and a little optimism as Cyclone basketball approaches.

Honest reactions. Strong opinions. Loyal sons forever true.

Recorded LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio. Sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrel REMAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, and Revelton Distilling Company.

Where do the Cyclones go from here? Chris and Keith break down Iowa State’s loss to BYU, an offense struggling to find answers and a defense that kept fighting. With a bye week ahead, is it time for a quarterback change—or can simpler reads, better execution and a stronger downfield passing game turn things around?

The guys go game by game through the remaining schedule, debate a possible 7–5 finish and map out a path to bowl eligibility. Plus, Big 12 power rankings, BYU’s fourth-down gambles, a salute to Cyclone legend Troy Davis and some hilarious reminders of why neither host should tackle home improvement projects.

Honest takes, Cyclone pride and plenty of laughs on Tracking the Storm, part of Iowa’s Independent Podcast Network, 3 Beards Media.

Sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrel REMAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions and Revelton Distilling Company.

LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio.

Iowa State’s loss to Utah left plenty for Cyclones fans to unpack. The Tracking the Storm crew breaks down the slow start, the defense’s second-half adjustments, missed tackles, and an offense still searching for its rhythm. Should the Cyclones make more use of their quarterback’s running ability? The guys also discuss the team’s fight to get back in the game, what gives them hope for the rest of the season, and the reaction to former Cyclones at Penn State.

LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio. Sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrel RE/MAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, and Revelton Distilling Company.

Iowa State football is back — and the Cyclones opened the season exactly how they were supposed to: with physicality, pressure and domination.

On this episode of Tracking the Storm, Chris and Keith break down Iowa State’s season-opening win, including a defense that flew to the football, piled up six sacks and forced three turnovers. They discuss the early signs of the new era, the increased aggression and physicality, and why this team may have a much higher ceiling than people expect.

Then it’s officially Cy-Hawk Week.

Keith looks back at playing, coaching and experiencing the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry firsthand, while Chris brings the receipts: Iowa hasn’t beaten Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium since 2018. They revisit memorable Cy-Hawk moments, the history and hatred behind the rivalry, and why this matchup means so much more when neighbors, friends and families live it 365 days a year.

Plus: opening-week college football chaos, questionable officiating, a brutal Michigan controversy, the changing traditions of college football — and Chris’ absolutely terrible attempt at shotgunning a beer.

Sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrell RE/MAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Revelton Distilling Company.

🎙️ Tracking the Storm — LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio, part of Iowa’s Independent Podcast Network, 3 Beards Media.

Iowa State tight ends coach Seth Hestness joins Tracking the Storm for an inside look at the culture being built in Ames and why this new era of Cyclone football is centered on physicality, toughness, grit and togetherness.

Hestness shares his journey from Mason City and Wartburg College to stops at Minnesota, North Dakota State, Tennessee State and Army before getting the opportunity to come home to Iowa and join the Iowa State staff. He talks about the coaches and mentors who helped shape his career, the sacrifices required to climb the coaching ranks, and why developing players as people matters just as much as what happens on Saturdays.

The conversation turns to the Cyclones themselves: building an almost entirely new roster, surviving adversity together, the players who chose to stay at Iowa State, the importance of the tight end room, and why Hestness believes this team has already developed a special bond.

His message is simple: sometimes the grass isn't greener somewhere else—you have to water the grass where you are.

Plus, get an inside look at training camp, the competition in the trenches, Coach Rogers' leadership style, and what Cyclone fans should expect from a team determined to make physicality and grit its identity.

🌪️ Tracking the Storm — following Iowa State athletics and the people building the future in Ames.

Sponsored by:
KnoPros Remodeling
Jenny Farrell Team – RE/MAX Concepts
Iowa Beef Steakhouse
Revelton Distilling Company

🎙️ LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio

Former Iowa State Cyclones running back Tommy Davis joins Kent Anderson, Keith Schrage and the 3 Beards Media crew live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio for an unfiltered conversation on Tracking the Storm.

From East St. Louis Assumption High School and Clarence “Hudson” recruiting him hard, to stealing the show as a freshman and exploding for a legendary 75-yard touchdown run against a star-studded Tennessee defense (Reggie White and all), Tommy shares the stories, the grit, the teammates (Crutchfield, Carl Nelson, Terrence “Baby Jack” Anthony, and more), and the bond that still holds 40+ years later.

Then he opens up about life after football: founding TD4 (named for Tommy Davis and his four kids), partnering with a 130-year-old electrical contractor, surviving the 2008 crash $8 million in the hole, and scaling a minority-owned electrical contracting firm to roughly 450 employees and major data-center work for Google, Microsoft, Intel and others—powered by the AI boom. He also reveals how he created the RFID “WeTrack” system that authenticated Emmitt Smith’s record-breaking gear.

Plus candid thoughts on NIL, pay-for-play, transfer culture, and what today’s athletes are missing in the way of lifelong team camaraderie.

Sponsored by Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Revelton Distilling Company.

Real talk. No filters. Tracking the storm.

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio and powered by Revelton Distilling Company.

Iowa State legend Seneca Wallace joins Tracking the Storm for a raw, unfiltered deep dive into his journey from Sacramento to Ames and beyond. The dual-threat quarterback shares how he went from non-qualifier and junior-college standout to Cyclone icon under Dan McCarney, the culture shock of Midwest winters, and the grit it took to change the program’s identity.

Hear the inside stories behind the legendary scramble (“the run”), the massive 2001 win over Nebraska that sent fans storming the field, the unforgettable 2002 comeback at Kinnick against a stacked Iowa team featuring Brad Banks and Bob Sanders, and the near-upset of Florida State in the Eddie Robinson Classic at Arrowhead. Seneca also opens up on the NFL draft process (teams wanting him at receiver), landing with the Seahawks, throwing the longest touchdown pass in franchise history at the time, becoming the first Black quarterback to start a regular-season game for the Green Bay Packers, and what it really takes to play the hardest position in sports.

Plus: life after football, selling his Wingstop franchises, the Netflix QB series, shit-talking on the field, and why Iowa State still feels like home.

Sponsored by Styled by JJ Boutique, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Revelton Distilling Company.

Real talk. No filters. We’re tracking the storm.

Chris & Tom Boskey join the show for an unforgettable deep dive into Iowa State football history. The Boskey brothers — Chicago tough guys who became synonymous with greatness at Iowa State — share stories from growing up on the south side, their recruitment, playing in the brutal Big 8 era, and battling legends like Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa.

From Earl Bruce’s intense practices and Pete Rodriguez’s revolutionary defenses, to iconic games (the near-upset of #1 Oklahoma, the Missouri thriller, Iowa rivalries), devastating injuries that cut Chris’s career short, Tom’s record-setting tackles, and the unbreakable brotherly bond — this episode is packed with raw, hilarious, and inspiring tales of old-school Cyclone football. Plus, Tom opens up about his incredible battle with COVID and the power of Cyclone Nation.

A must-listen for any Iowa State fan who wants to understand the heart, grit, and legacy that built the program.

Sponsors:Revelton Distilling Company • Iowa Beef Steakhouse • Jenny Farrell Team - RE/MAX Concepts

Full episode available now. Drop a comment with your favorite Boskey memory or Big 8 story!Subscribe, rate, and turn on notifications — more Cyclone legends coming soon.

#IowaState #Cyclones #BoskeyBrothers #Big8Football #ISUFootball #TrackingTheStorm

In this special heartfelt tribute episode of Tracking the Storm, we honor the life and legacy of legendary Iowa State football coach Jim Walden, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 88.

Host Dave Larson and Keith Schrage welcome former players and coaches who knew Coach Walden best, including Dan McCarney (who succeeded him at ISU), longtime assistant Jimmy Burrow, and standout running back Blaise Bryant to name a few. Together they share powerful, personal stories about the man who was far more than a coach — he was a mentor, a second father, and a constant positive force in their lives.

From his brilliant offensive mind and signature wins over Nebraska and Oklahoma, to the way he recruited and developed Troy Davis into a two-time 2,000-yard rusher and Heisman finalist, this episode celebrates Coach Walden’s impact both on and off the field. Guests open up about his famous humor, his blunt honesty, the life lessons he delivered in staff meetings and on the sideline, and how he helped them through some of their toughest personal moments.

You’ll also hear about the challenges he faced early in his tenure, his deep love for the Ames community, and how he stayed connected to Iowa State long after his coaching days — becoming a beloved broadcaster and friend to generations of Cyclones.

This is a celebration of a true gentleman of college football whose legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. Whether you played for him, coached with him, or simply loved Cyclone football, this episode is a must-listen tribute to a man who gave so much to the game and to the people around him.

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Powered by Revelton Distilling Company.Additional sponsors: Iowa Beef Steakhouse and Jenny Farrell – RE/MAX Concepts.

Live from the Iowa State Football Letterwinners Golf Outing at Cold Water Golf Club! Keith and the crew are on-site soaking up the sun, stories, and Cyclone brotherhood with former players, coaches, and alumni.

Mike Green, Director of the Letterwinners Club, joins to talk about embracing history, alumni reunions, and keeping the "Loyal Sons Forever True" bond strong under new head coach Jimmy Rogers. Coach Rogers stops by for an in-depth conversation about building a physical, tough, old-school mentality, assembling the roster, the whirlwind transition, and his vision for Iowa State football.

Plus, All-Big 8 QB John Quinn and Iowa State legend Tom Randall drop in with memories from the Mack Brown era, the first Iowa-Iowa State game in Ames, playing days, and what makes the Cyclone family special.

From smelling training camp in the air to hitting people in the mouth, this episode is packed with raw Cyclone pride, history, and excitement for the upcoming season.

A 3 Beards Media Production.🎙️ Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios

Sponsors:

• Revelton Distilling Company
• Jenny Farrell - RE/MAX Concepts
• Iowa Beef Steakhouse

Full episode drops on all platforms. Subscribe, rate, and review — and drop a comment: Who’s your favorite all-time Cyclone legend?

#LoyalSonsForeverTrue #IowaStateFootball #CycloneNation #TrackingTheStorm #ISU #GoCyclones

Connor Moberly, Iowa State quarterback and Southeast Polk two-time state champion, joins Chris Shipley and Keith for a raw, unfiltered look at life as a Cyclone QB.

From building a dynasty at Southeast Polk alongside stars like Abu Sama and Caden Proctor, to his recruitment journey, early playing time as a true freshman, and navigating the high-stakes QB competition with Rocco Becht, JJ and others — Connor breaks it all down. He opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of Matt Campbell’s departure, the transfer portal chaos, staying loyal as an Iowa kid, and what sold him on the Jimmy Rogers era.

Plus: The surreal moments of running out of the tunnel as a former fan, building bonds in the new NIL/portal world, the “violent” physicality under Coach Rogers, offensive expectations with Coach Roll, and a hilarious Storm Anchor Amendment (no more intentional grounding?).

LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios — real talk on Iowa State football, family ties, rivalries, and the grind ahead.

Sponsors:Powered by Revelton Distilling Company.Freight simplified with US FEX — email your BOL to intake@us-fx.com.Iowa’s favorite steakhouse — Iowa Beef Steakhouse.Your Des Moines metro real estate experts — Jenny Farrell Team at RE/MAX Concepts.

Full episode on Three Beards Media.Drop a comment: What are you most excited for in the Jimmy Rogers era?Subscribe, rate, and turn on notifications — new episodes drop weekly.

Follow @3BeardsMedia for clips, more Tracking the Storm, and the full 3 Beards Network.

#IowaState #Cyclones #ISUFB #ConnorMoberly #TrackingTheStorm #GoCyclones #Big12Football

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios, join hosts Kent and Keith on Tracking The Storm as they sit down with Iowa State Cyclone legend and birthday boy Alex Espinoza.

In this heartfelt episode, Alex shares his remarkable journey from Pico Rivera, California, through Cal State Fullerton, to becoming a starting quarterback for the Cyclones. He opens up about the massive culture shock of moving from sunny California to the harsh Iowa winters, the bonds formed with teammates, memorable games (including his debut at Kinnick Stadium), and what it meant to be embraced by Iowa fans as a man of color in a predominantly white state.

From high school dominance and throwing lasers in winter conditioning, to his pro career across the NFL (Kansas City Chiefs), CFL, Arena Football, and NFL Europe’s Frankfurt Galaxy, Alex delivers candid stories, laughs, and wisdom. Special guest appearance by his longtime friend and brother Johnny makes it even more unforgettable.

Whether you're a die-hard Cyclone fan or love great sports storytelling, this episode is packed with inspiration, football insight, and Cyclone family love.

Sponsored by:Revelton Distilling Co • We Will Pizza • US FEX Shipping • Jenny Farrell - RE/MAX Concepts • Iowa Beef Steakhouse

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs StudiosThree Beards Media | Real Talk. No Filters.

Join us for an unforgettable episode of Tracking The Storm on the 25 year anniversary of ISU Baseball's last game. We talk to Iowa State baseball legends Mike Busch (All-American two-sport star), Chris Zima (1984-88 pitcher), Jon Heath (1982-86 pitcher/outfielder), Mark Hanrahan, and Rob Conway from that final team, sit down to share stories from the diamond.

From the glory days of Big 8 baseball and beating ranked teams like Oklahoma State and Nebraska, to the heartbreaking 2001 decision to drop the program, the guys deliver raw, hilarious, and heartfelt tales — including dugout antics, epic home runs, road trip chaos, coaching legends like BR and LC, and what it meant to wear the Cyclone uniform.

Whether you bled Cardinal and Gold on the field or in the stands, this one’s for every ISU baseball fan. Real talk, no filters.

🔴 LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs StudiosPowered by Revelton Distilling Company • We Will Pizza • Jenny Farrell - RE/MAX Concepts • US FEX Shipping • Iowa Beef Steakhouse

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios and powered by Revelton Distilling Company.

From the family farm in Parkersburg to becoming a two-time All-Big 12 star and 1,000-point/1,000-rebound legend at Iowa State, Chelsea Poppens joins Keith and Kent for a raw, unfiltered conversation.

Chelsea opens up about small-town Iowa values, playing through an EF5 tornado, the Sweet 16 run at Iowa State, her WNBA journey (drafted by the Seattle Storm), overseas championships, and life now as a new mom, CEO of a branding & web agency, and passionate advocate for athletes.

They dive deep into:

• The Wild Wild West of NIL and the transfer portal
• Tough coaching under Coach Bill Finley and building real character
• Loyalty vs. chasing the bag in modern college sports
• What it takes to succeed after the game ends

Plus, Chelsea drops her “Storm Anchor Amendment” as Commissioner of College Sports.

Sponsors:We Will Pizza • Revelton Distilling • USFEX Shipping • Iowa Beef Steakhouse • Jenny Farrell Team – RE/MAX Concepts

Real talk. No filters. Cyclone family forever.

Turn it up and lock in.

#IowaState #WomensBasketball #NIL #TrackingTheStorm #CycloneNation

Join hosts Keith and Kent for an unforgettable conversation with Iowa State football icon Tom Randall. From growing up in Mason City and reluctantly playing one year of high school football, to starring as a defensive tackle under Earl Bruce, getting drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, playing in Super Bowl XIII, and later suiting up for the Houston Oilers alongside Earl Campbell — Tom shares incredible stories from the field, the locker room, and life after football.

He opens up about the toughness of the old Big 8, going against Randy White in practice, his awe at sharing the huddle with Roger Staubach, founding the modern Lettermen’s Club, and his 45+ years building a life and real estate career in Ames. Tom also gives his candid take on the current state of college athletics, NIL, the transfer portal, and what’s being lost in today’s game.

A raw, heartfelt, and hilarious episode packed with Cyclone history, NFL memories, and timeless perspective from one of Iowa State’s most loyal sons.

🎙️ Tracking the Storm — Where Cyclone legends tell their stories.

Sponsored by US-Flex AI Shipping, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, We Will Pizza, Revelton Distilling and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

In Part 2 with Olympic silver medalist Danny Harris, the conversation turns raw, real, and uncomfortable—in the best way possible. Danny pulls back the curtain on what happens when elite success, ego, and pressure collide with real life.

From competing at the highest level in the world to battling addiction and facing himself in recovery, Danny shares the truth about how quickly things can unravel—even when you’re at the top. He talks about control, identity, and the dangerous mindset of believing you’re untouchable… until you’re not.

This episode dives into:

• The “why” behind the choices that changed everything
• Life after Olympic success—and losing that identity
• Addiction, rock bottom, and the brutal reality of recovery
• Faith, accountability, and rebuilding from nothing
• Why being “Danny Harris the Olympian” almost became the problem

There are moments in this episode that hit hard—stories from recovery programs, losing control, and being forced to confront who you really are when everything else is stripped away.

This is more than a sports story.
It’s a human story about pride, pain, and fighting your way back.

If you only knew Danny Harris from the track… this episode will change that.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling, We Will Pizza, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Olympic silver medalist and Iowa State legend Danny Harris joins Tracking the Storm for an unforgettable conversation about one of the most remarkable journeys in Cyclone history.

Harris burst onto the world stage in 1984 when he won Olympic Silver in the 400m hurdles in Los Angeles, becoming one of the youngest athletes ever to medal in the event. A standout at Iowa State University, Harris went on to dominate collegiate track, becoming a multiple-time NCAA champion and one of the greatest hurdlers in school history.

In this episode, Danny shares stories from his rise from small-town beginnings to Olympic glory, what it was like competing against the best athletes in the world, and the lessons he learned through adversity, perseverance, and faith after his competitive career.

We also dive into:

•

His legendary run at Iowa State

•

The experience of competing in the 1984 Olympics

•

Life after track and the challenges many elite athletes face

•

The impact of Cyclone athletics and the legacy of Iowa State track & field

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and what it truly means to chase greatness.

Sponsored by:
🍕 We Will Pizza
🥃 Revelton Distilling Company
🥩 Iowa Beef Steakhouse

🎙️ LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios

Former Iowa State Cyclones standout Ellis Hobbs joins Tracking the Storm for a wide-ranging conversation that goes way beyond the box score. The guys open with the pulse of the season—Big 12 hoops, March Madness vibes, and what Iowa State has to clean up—then settle in for an honest, high-energy interview with one of the most recognizable names to come through Ames.

Ellis shares his journey from Niagara Falls to becoming an All–Big 12 player at Iowa State, what it was like getting drafted by the New England Patriots, and the mindset required to survive the grind of football at the highest level—special teams, defensive back life, and earning everything. From there, the conversation turns to what athletes don’t always get taught: identity after the game, mental approach, discipline, and building a real-life playbook once the lights go out.

Now focused on growth off the field, Ellis talks about stepping into business, becoming a real estate investor, mentoring in the day trading space, and using his story to help others through motivation and leadership. If you’re a Cyclone fan, an athlete, or someone building your next chapter, this episode delivers real perspective with plenty of laughs along the way.

Sponsored by We Will Pizza, Revelton Distilling Company & Iowa Beef Steakhouse & LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Coach Hudson was so great and had so much more to tell, we had to have a part 2. If you havent heard,

Clarence Hudson joins the show to talk about his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the pride that comes from representing the Cardinal and Gold. From behind-the-scenes memories to honest reflections on growth, culture, and the future of the program, this episode dives deep into what makes Cyclone Nation different — and why the bond between players, fans, and community continues to grow stronger. If you love real conversations, Cyclone history, and the personalities that helped build it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Sponsors: We Will Pizza, Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Naked Daves, and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

On this episode of Tracking the Storm, the crew sits down for a real, unfiltered conversation that blends Cyclone passion, personal stories, and the moments that shape what it means to be part of the Iowa State legacy. Clarence Hudson joins the show to talk about his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the pride that comes from representing the Cardinal and Gold. From behind-the-scenes memories to honest reflections on growth, culture, and the future of the program, this episode dives deep into what makes Cyclone Nation different — and why the bond between players, fans, and community continues to grow stronger. If you love real conversations, Cyclone history, and the personalities that helped build it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Sponsors: We Will Pizza, Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Naked Daves, and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.