Advertise on podcast: Tracking The Storm: Stories From Loyal Sons

In this episode of Tracking The Storm, we sit down with Iowa State basketball legend Jeff Hornacek for a powerful, story-driven conversation that traces the roots of Hilton Magic, Cyclone basketball history, and the mindset that helped transform Iowa State into a national brand. Jeff shares his unlikely journey from a lightly recruited guard out of suburban Chicago to walking on at Iowa State, earning a scholarship, and becoming a cornerstone of the Cyclones’ rise in the early 1980s. The conversation dives deep into the Johnny Orr era, the coaching philosophies that built confidence and culture, and the moments that defined Iowa State basketball inside Hilton Coliseum—including the games many fans point to as the birth of Hilton Magic. Beyond Ames, Jeff reflects on his NBA career, his transition into coaching, and his current role as a consultant in the Utah Jazz organization. He opens up about leadership, player development, confidence, and how lessons learned at Iowa State shaped his approach at every level of the game. This episode blends Cyclone nostalgia, behind-the-scenes basketball insight, and timeless lessons on culture, coaching, and believing in opportunity—making it a must-listen for Iowa State fans, Big 8 historians, and anyone who loves the deeper stories behind the game. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Naked Dave's Seasoning, Iowa Beef Steakhouse Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

In this unforgettable episode of Tracking the Storm, the guys sit down with legendary college football coach Dan McCarney for a deep, unfiltered conversation about Iowa football, Iowa State history, and what it truly means to lead, rebuild, and leave a legacy. Coach McCarney walks listeners through his journey from growing up in Iowa City to playing and coaching at Iowa, Wisconsin, and ultimately becoming the head coach who helped restore pride and integrity to Iowa State football. Across 45 years in Division I football, McCarney was part of 21 bowl games, national championships, and program turnarounds that reshaped multiple universities. This episode is packed with Cyclone football history, including reflections on Troy Davis, Dwayne Crutchfield, Seneca Wallace, and the uphill battles of building Iowa State into a respected program. McCarney also offers candid insight into today’s college football landscape—covering recruiting, loyalty, the transfer portal, NIL, and how the modern game compares to the era that shaped him. Along the way, he shares stories about coaching alongside legends like Hayden Fry, Barry Alvarez, Kirk Ferentz, Bill Snyder, and Urban Meyer, revealing how relationships, trust, and accountability—not shortcuts—drive lasting success. More than just a football conversation, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, perseverance, and Midwest values. Whether you’re an Iowa State fan, a college football diehard, a coach, or someone who appreciates authentic stories about building something the right way, this is a must-listen episode that preserves a vital chapter of football history—straight from one of the men who lived it. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Naked Dave's Seasoning and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios

In this powerful episode of Tracking the Storm, Iowa State legends sit down with College Football Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown for an unfiltered conversation about the modern state of college football—and what’s being lost in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. Coach Brown reflects on his early days at Iowa State, his journey to national championships, and the relationships that defined his career. He delivers candid insight on how NIL money, constant roster turnover, and pay-for-play culture are reshaping recruiting, loyalty, graduation rates, and mental health for student-athletes. This episode goes beyond X’s and O’s—exploring leadership, integrity, earning your role, and why college football was always meant to be about people, community, and four-year commitments, not just dollar figures. From stories about Darrell Royal to hard truths about today’s system, this is a must-listen conversation for fans who care about where the game has been—and where it’s headed. Topics include: NIL and the transfer portal’s impact on college football Loyalty vs. money in modern recruiting Why relationships matter more than championships Graduation rates, mental health, and player development Iowa State football culture and legacy Lessons from a Hall of Fame coaching career Follow Tracking the Storm as we honor the past, analyze the present, and read the clouds on the future of college football. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Styled by JJ Boutique and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

College football is changing faster than ever, and this episode breaks down exactly why. The show opens with a deep dive into the transfer portal and NIL era, using Indiana’s rapid rise from program afterthought to national contender as a case study in how money, roster turnover, and donor support are reshaping the sport. Then legendary former Iowa State head coach Jim Walden joins the conversation for a rare, firsthand look at one of the toughest rebuilds in college football history. Walden recounts navigating brutal NCAA sanctions in the late 1980s that left Iowa State with barely enough scholarship players to practice, let alone compete — relying on walk-ons, makeshift scout teams, and sheer toughness to survive. With candid stories and sharp perspective, Walden draws powerful parallels between past NCAA punishment models and today’s transfer portal landscape, raising tough questions about fairness, competitive balance, and whether modern rules would have completely changed Iowa State’s fate. This episode blends modern college football analysis with raw, behind-the-scenes history — essential listening for fans of Iowa State, the transfer portal, NIL, and the future of college athletics. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

The inaugural episode of Tracking the Storm sets the tone for what this show is all about: loyalty, toughness, history, and the stories that built Iowa State athletics. Keith Schrage and Kent Anderson kick things off by explaining the vision behind the podcast—giving Cyclone “Loyal Sons” a platform to tell their stories, from the early days to today, and preserving the legacy that still shapes Iowa State sports. The first guest is former Iowa State quarterback and NFL veteran Dave Archer, whose journey from small-town Idaho to Ames—and eventually the NFL—embodies everything Cyclone fans admire. Archer reflects on junior college football, earning his shot at Iowa State, unforgettable rivalry moments, the brotherhood inside the locker room, and what it meant to wear cardinal and gold during a gritty era of Cyclone football. From beating Iowa in Kinnick to the lessons learned long before kickoff, this conversation is equal parts football history, life perspective, and Cyclone pride. This episode isn’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding where Iowa State has been to better appreciate where it’s going. Roll up your sleeves, settle in, and start Tracking the Storm. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.