Steady State Podcast

S4E7 - The Crew of San Diego Crew Classic

We head to California and go behind the scenes of the San Diego Crew Classic, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Crew Classic Executive Director Bobbie Smith – also a masters rowers and coach in San Diego – for the past year has been planning this event with Associate Director Megan Kalmoe. Megan, who is currently training for an historic fifth Olympic team, began her racing career at Crew Classic as a novice walk-on at the University of Washington. Coxswain and Head Beach Master Lex Switzer also joins the conversation about this West coast regatta that kicks off sprint season in the United States.
.
QUICK LOOK
00:00 - Intro01:44 - Episode lead-in02:46 - Team Huddle: get to know Bobbie, Megan, and Lex07:49 - Rapid Fire Q&A17:00 - The guests reminisce about being college walk-ons24:19 - For Bobbie and Megan, Crew Classic was their first 2k race27:48 - Lex explains the diagonal line optical illusion that coxswains see on the Crew Classic course30:30 - What first-timers can expect at Crew Classic32:55 - Tara and Rachel’s Crew Classic memories, 2k vs 1k racing, and making use of a “flutter”37:03 - Celebrating 50 years of Crew Classic and its evolution from collegiate only to today’s inclusion of youth, masters, and novices.45:51 - The work behind the scenes to plan and host Crew Classic50:04 - 50th Anniversary celebrations and special happenings
.
To see photos of the Bobbie, Megan, and Lex, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, and our Patrons.

S4E6 - The Next Generation of Coaches: Inclusive, Supportive, and Motivated

We believe whole-heartedly in inclusion at all levels of rowing. That’s why we created the Steady State Network Changemaker Scholarship initiative, designed to help up-and-coming leaders of programs, clubs, and small businesses to get the knowledge and skills they need.
To support the development of these leaders in the rowing community, we provided scholarships to three deserving coaches to help them attend RowCon, USRowing’s Annual Convention, held In Atlantic City, NJ Feb. 3-5, 2023.
Thanks to Concept2, Rower’s Dream, and the support of our Steady State Patrons, whose financial support helped make these scholarships possible.
Our third-annual class of Changemaker Scholars to attend the USRowing Annual Convention is a young, diverse group of rowers, coxswains, and coaches, all in the early years of their coaching careers.
Today we’re talking with our 2023 Changemaker Scholarship recipients – Jalen Baldwin, Angelina Koch, and Faby Velazques – to find out what sort of ideas and information they picked up at the Convention, and what they’re exited to put into practice this season.
.
QUICK LOOK
00:00 - Intro02:03 - Episode lead-in03:23 - welcome04:11 - Rowing Week 1-1005:52 - Rapid Fire Q&A08:16 - Team huddle: get to know the Changemakers15:22 - The importance of coaching education, and what motivated each Changemaker to apply20:35 - Big “aha” moments from RowCon202326:43 - Jalen’s Networking strategy and fundraising for Row, Sail, Dream30:00 - Putting new coaching concepts into practice36:49 - Coaching the whole athlete39:09 - What would you give a TedTalk about40:20 - Elevator pitches
.
To see photos of the Changemakers, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is sponsored by the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, and made possible in part by Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, and our Patrons.

S4E5 - RowAlong Founder John Steventon on Rowing, Rubbish, and Racing

The popularity of indoor rowing has exploded since the early days of the COVID pandemic in 2020. A whole new rowing community has come together around the erg, buoyed in large part by people who have never touched an oar.
 
On this episode we talk with John Steventon, a gold medal and world record holding indoor rower who made his way into the sport by way of squash and cycling. He started to make rowing workout videos while rehabbing from an injury during the pandemic lockdown, and today John’s RowAlong YouTube channel boasts nearly 17,000 subscribers and provides hundreds of indoor rowing workouts.
We had a long chat with John and most of it was too good to chop, so we hope you enjoy this extended episode, full of story telling and curiosity.
John explains: "I wanna’ be the rowing buddy talking rubbish to them while they're rowing. And of course I talk technique, but there doesn't need to be another Shane [Farmer of Dark Horse] or another Training Tall because they're really good at what they do. What I found is there was a tiny niche for some idiot Scotsman to fill and I filled it perfectly."
.
QUICK LOOK
00:00 - Intro
02:27 - Welcome, regatta t-shirts
07:45 - It’s a 10 out of 10 rowing week for John, who’s back on a “proper training for rowing program” after spending 8 months training for Hyrox
11:27 - Falling in and out of love with rowing; the lines between exercising, putting in effort, and performance training; and finding reasons to row
14:24 - Rapid Fire Q&A
15:13 - John tells a spirited tale of his transition from squash player, to cyclist, to indoor rowing enthusiast
23:42 - First impressions of the indoor rowing scene as someone without on-water experience
26:45 - Finding community with other indoor rowers; how COVID lockdown changed perspective on training on the erg; the recent implosion of indoor competitions in the UK; and the rise of a new class of indoor rowing machines
36:44 - How a kitchen knife accident helped John focus the development of RowAlong, find his niche, and help people have fun and get a good workout
45:28 - After creating 400 videos: a wide variety of content, packaging, green screen use, a vivid imagination, and “talking rubbish” are key
50:22 - Why John is evangelical about the rowing machine
55:50 - John admits he’s never rowed on the water, and we try to convince him to learn to sweep
58:17 - A RowAlong fan calls in to say thanks, and John comes to terms with being recognized as “RowAlong John” in public.
1:01:34 - A non-rower and jiu jitsu practitioner calls in to ask about optimal 60-minute pacing
1:08:10 The psychology of chasing and being chased while racing
1:14:45 - Looking ahead: John’s planning to make a big come back when he hits 50, using micro and macro goals
1:22:55 - bonus outtake
.
To see photos of John, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, and our Patrons.

S4E4 - Donna Pili Swings Late Nights at Her Bar and Early Mornings Practices

Donna Pili is a San Diego native whose childhood desire to play sports was restrained by the need to help her immigrant Filipino parents. She remembers watching rowing on TV during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, but it wasn’t until nearly 30 years later, in an effort to retake control of her life, that she committed to learn to row. Since then, Donna’s found community at ZLAC and San Diego Rowing Club, and has traveled the world as a member of Endeavor Racing Alliance.
.
Categories: culture, training
.
QUICK LOOK00:00 - Intro
02:10 - Rachel met Donna at SteeringUWright camp in Tempe; Lesleh Wright was Donna’s first coach at ZLAC
04:12 - Getting into a pair with a new partner, wet launches, and sharing the water with non-rowers
09:23 - Rapid Fire Q&A
10:55 - Watching the ‘84 Olympic rowing, not having time for sports as a kid, and committing to learning to row as an adult
17:20 - Opening a restaurant to honor her Dad
19:45 - Getting involved with Chinook Performance Racing and Endeavor Racing Alliance
24:19 - Coaches Lesleh Wright and Lindsay Dare Shoop give us the scoop on Donna
26:30 - Raising the bar for masters, and creating supportive environments for masters women
32:18 - Local, national, and international racing plans for 2023; being open to learning in any environment, in any boat, with rowers of all experience levels
36:43 - Considering the possibility of a perfect stroke
40:55 - Finding Karaoke in London between practices for Henley
47:59 - After the show …
.
To see photos of Donna, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, and our Patrons.

S4E3 - The Freshman (Power) 15 with Corin Wiggins

On today’s show we’re talking with Corin Wiggins. You might remember that we interviewed her back in 2021 for our "next generation of coxswains" episode. At the time, 17 year old Corin was a member of the Atlanta Junior Rowing Association and already had four years of coxing experience. But what really caught our attention was her Instagram account - @TheBlackCoxswain - which she began in an effort to connect athletes of color in the rowing community. Two years later, she’s a recruited member of Hobart College men's crew, and has forged a community of thousands online and on the water, while finding her own coxing voice.
.
CATEGORIES: Coxing, Culture
.
QUICK LOOK:
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - Southern transplants to NY
05:55 - Learning coxing skills and confidence from coaches at AJRA, and developing the trust of her athletes
09:45 - Rapid Fire Q&A
14:15 - Getting on the water in winter
15:30 - From thinking of quitting to getting addicted to the multi-tasking challenge of coxing
17:55 - HS senior season in the 2V and transition to first year at Hobart College
20:44 - Winter training camp in FL, learning about practice management, and mentoring novice coxswains
26:15 - History of rowing at Hobart College goes back to 1860; alumni visit the crew 
31:10 - Establishing @TheBlackCoxswain IG account, growing a community of thousands, and open the door for networking and recruiting opportunities
37:12 - The importance of mentors
40:47 - Corin’s idea of the perfect stroke begins and ends with rhythm
42:37 - This one time, at ODP HP camp: when everything went right
49:39 - bonus outtake
.
To see photos of Corin, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by  Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, and our Patrons.

S4E2 - Jess Jackson Brings DEI Perspective to USRowing

A former D1 volleyball player with an M.S. in Sports Administration, Jess Jackson joined USRowing in 2022 as a DEI associate. She hasn't learned to row (yet), but swears by Orange Theory workouts which incorporate indoor rowing. She's honest about her first impressions of rowing as exclusive and white, proud of the steps USRowing is taking around diversity and equity, and hopeful that today's juniors are leading the way in inspiring change for the future of rowing.
We also talk in depth about USRowing’s RowCon2023, which is scheduled to take place two weeks after this episode launches.
.
CATEGORIES: Coaching, Culture
.
QUICK LOOK:
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - HOCR experience and thoughts on sync in the boat
03:45 - On a scale of 1-10, this week was an 8: travel, Orange Theory
05:14 - Growing up playing a variety of sports
08:00 - Title IX influence on all of us
11:15 - First impressions of rowing: exclusive and white
14:15 - Takeaways from HOCR
17:05 - Code switching, the challenges of overcoming the sport’s exclusive past, and today’s juniors leading the DEI charge
22:46 - Defining diversity, equity, and inclusion
25:08 - The DEI team at USRowing
28:08 - About the TruClusion survey developed to help USRowing formulate its strategic plan
30:40 - RowCon2023's wide variety of content, all with an inclusion lens
37:52 - How RowCon2023 attendees can take ownership of the event and network successfully
46:23 - bonus outtake
.
To see photos of Jess, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by  Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, and our Patrons.

S4E1 - For Lisa Stone and Daughter Gevvie, a Philosophy of Joy

Seattle has the Pococks. Philadelphia has the Kellys. And Boston has the Stones. We’re really excited to kick off season 4 with mother/daughter Olympians Lisa and Gevvie Stone. Lisa was a member of the first U.S. women’s Olympic rowing team in 1976. She married Gregg Stone (an Olympian and original founder of C.R.A.S.H.-B.s), and went on to a 42-year coaching career at the helm of collegiate and high school programs. 
Gevvie was raised in a competitive environment, and was a natural when she took up rowing in high school coached by her mom. She won Youth Nationals her first year on the team and went on to row at Princeton. Gevvie was a member of the 2012, 2016 and 2021 U.S. Olympic teams – all while in medical school, and then as an emergency medicine resident.
.
CATEGORIES: coaching, training, racing
.
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Welcome 
02:42 - Tara and Rachel talk about why they’re excited to talk with Lisa and Gevvie
05:00 - What's going on their rowing week
06:45 - Rapid Fire Q&A
11:25 - Lisa’s quick turn from LTR to National Team
16:45 - Gevvie was a natural, winning youth nats her first spring season
20:52 - Gevvie and her siblings were raised to be active and competitive - but not necessarily to be rowers
25:45 - The perfect stroke: is it even possible? There’s always “faster” out there
32:01 - Lisa reflects on being part of the first women’s Olympic squad, doped vs undoped, incremental progress for women in sport
37:47 - Gregg Stone: Rude and Smooth Harvard crew, C.R.A.S.H.-B.s
42:00 - The family dog interrupts and Gevvie ends up telling a story about racing boat slings
43:19 - Leaving a family legacy of joy in rowing in Boston
49:45 - Advice from Gevvie’s coaches 
51:25 - Lisa reflects on her coaching legacy
53:32 - Looking ahead to 2023
58:00 - bonus outtake
.
To see photos of Lisa and Gevvie, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, and our Patrons.

S3E26 - CRI Octogenarian 8+ Proves Rowing is for the Ages

If you were at the Head of the Charles in 2022 and stuck around Boston through Sunday afternoon, you might have caught a glimpse of a Community Rowing, Inc. crew with a combined 720 years of rowing experience. Coach Catherine Saarela put together what she calls her dream team – an Octogenarian 8. In this episode we’re talking with Coach Saarela, 86-year-old coxswain Bill Becklean, and 83-year-old rowers Lee Warren and Alan McClennan. They shared insights on lifelong fitness, being relentlessly active, and those moments you can only find after shoving off the dock.
.
CATEGORIES: Coaching, Coxing, Culture, Training
.
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Intro and welcome04:45 - Rowing week: coaching, sculling, and begrudgingly getting on the erg09:54 - Rapid Fire Q&A16:47 - Learning to row at any age23:55 - Rowing stroke styles, sculling vs. sweep, and caring for your body long term32:35 - Coach Saarela’s idea for an Octo 8 at HOCR35:15 - Coxing, being coxed, and finding swing on the Charles43:25 - Thoughts on rowing as a lifelong sport, the elusive perfect stroke, and why getting out of bed and into a boat each morning is worth it50:23 - Rowing and aging: what’s necessary for continuing to row as long as possible54:15 - What rowing can teach us about: time management, body awareness, seeking perfection, and accepting imperfection
.
To see photos of Community Rowing Inc.’s Octogenarian 8, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Lake Washington Rowing Club, and our Patrons.

S3E25 - Liz Winter on Coaching from the Inside Out

When she learned to row in the late 1970s, Liz Winter was excited to have a place be “unladylike.” She fell in love with putting power behind the oar and moving boats fast. After landing in Pittsburgh in the ‘80s, Liz was involved in developing Three River Rowing Association, focusing on creating community. Now retired, she’s combined her experience as a lawyer, social worker, coach, and educator, with a USRowing Level 3 High Performance Coaching Certification. We talk with her about coaching education, trauma-informed coaching, and building trust.
.
CATEGORIES: Coach, Train
.
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Intro
04:10 - Rowing week: Winter training means a transition to the erg and resisting the urge to peek at your teammates monitors
11:09 - Rapid Fire Q&A
13:10 - Learning to row at Oxford in the mid-1970s: freedom to be “unladylike” and altering men’s heavyweight equipment for women
16:44 - Seeing a shift in perspective about women’s rowing beginning in the 1980s
20:15 - Leaving a career in London, traveling around the world, discovering Pittsburgh's rivers, and a deep involvement with developing TRRA with a community-first focus
25:38 - Law + social work + coaching education = integrated formula for ”do no harm.” For coaches to earn the trust of their athletes they have to be consistent, have integrity, and be transparent.
31:30 - Trauma-informed, allowing rowers time to learn, and “outside in” coaching
39:00 - USRowing Level 3 High Performance Coaching Certification: every rower, at every level, deserves a high performance coach
42:44 - Team Based Learning approach
46:00 - Coaching rowers with anxiety: start with small, incremental challenges
54:00 - Passion project: Partnering with the Puerto Rico Rowing Federation to establish a coastal rowing program
.
To see photos of Liz, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast/s3ep25-liz-winter
.
This episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Lake Washington Rowing Club, and our Patrons.

S3E24 - Isaiah Harrison: Blazing His Own Trail

Isaiah Harrison is a huge talent in the next generation of American single scullers. Born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, he started erging – and setting indoor records in 2016, when he was just 12. Today, this 6’9” 19-year-old currently holds 35 indoor rowing world records across multiple age groups. Isaiah made the transition from the erg to a single, coached by his Dad, and quickly started racking up medals. Independent of a school program or community club, Isaiah climbed the ladder to the Junior National team and now the U23 National team. He was just named the 2022 USRowing Under 23 National Team Male Athlete of the Year and has his sights set on Paris 2024.
.
Categories: racing, training
.
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Podcast intro02:07 - Before the Show: Rachel and Tara chat about Isaiah07:05 - USRowing Golden Oars08:58 - Isaiah’s rowing week is a 6/7 on a scale of 1- to 10: High volume intensity work with a goal of breaking the overall men’s world indoor 1k record12:14 - First taste of in-person competition: Northwest Ergomania11:08 - Rowing all the distances, and the body knowing how to respond16:48 - Rapid Fire Q&A22:30 - How Arnold Schwarzenegger motivated 12-year-old Isaiah to get on the erg24:48 - Transition from indoor rowing to sculling and his pursuit of excellence from a young age29:28 - How growing up in a large family translates to team boat rowing31:44 - Isaiah’s and his Dad dove into rowing theory and mechanics to create a blueprint outside the box of standard scholastic rowing programs36:20 - Advice for young rowers: set your own goals 41:05 - All in the family - a team effort43:20 - Rowing up a category at HOCR in the Men’s Champ 1x48:35 - Isaiah describes the perfect stroke
.
To see photos of Isaiah, and get links to the people and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast/s3ep24-isaiah-harrison
.
This episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Lake Washington Rowing Club, and our Patrons.

S3E23 - Baby on Board: Allison Mueller Balances Pregnancy and Racing in 2022

Allison Mueller is many things including: a highly competitive masters rower. A successful business owner. Former communications director for USRowing. Associate Faculty at Columbia University School of Professional Studies. We’ve followed her career trajectory for years, and her most recent marketing campaign has really got us enamored: Allison announced that she and her husband are expecting a baby early in the new year. She wrapped up the 2022 season having rowed seven regattas and 15 races, 14 of them with her +1.
 
Categories: business, coaching, coxing, gear
.
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Podcast intro02:07 - Episode lead-in03:50 - A HOCR unlike any before: five months pregnant09:10 - Camaraderie of team boats in the Basin at the Charles11:04 - Rapid Fire Q&A13:10 - Wrapping up 2022 at Head of the Schuylkill and contemplating modifications for winter erging15:15 - When your spouse doesn’t row … talking about things besides rowing18:20 - Life-changer: getting recruited to row at the University of Iowa25:00 - Moving to Princeton, NJ to work at USRowing, and a debate about Carnegie Lake26:55 - Venue media manager at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics30:05 - Witnessing raw Olympic elation and defeat up close33:20 - What’s ahead? Cheering on friends from the shore35:28 - Coming up next on Steady State Podcast: Isaiah Harrison
.
To see photos of Allison, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast/s3ep23-allison-mueller
.
This episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Lake Washington Rowing Club, and our Patrons.
.
This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Tara provides additional audio engineering, and Rachel manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by the Free Harmonic Orchestra.

S3E22 - Brent Keuch’s Course Correction

Before he was the Director of Marketing for King Racing, 13-year-old Brent Keuch was watching TV when rowing came on the screen. That was when he knew he wanted to learn to row. Looking for direction, Brent found a boarding school 120 miles from home where he could study and row. Later, rowing helped him land his first job, and introduced him to the woman who would become his wife. He’s coached juniors and masters. Today his personal and professional philosophy is all about getting more people in boats and sharing the life lessons that this sport holds.
Categories: Business, coaching, coxing, gear
 
TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Intro 02:49 - King Racing preps for off the charts HOCR boat rentals; why boat rental at regattas became commonplace 07:25 - Stories of coxswains gone bad 11:40 - Rapid Fire Q&A 14:52 - Brent’s return to the erg to remedy “Dad Bod” 16:35 - Shipping off to boarding school at 13 to row 17:59 - Rachel & Brent compare experiences coaching in D.C. 21:00 - First season rowing, learning to row in small boats, teamwork in big boats
29:40 - Chinook and Endeavor: clubs of ”nowhere and everywhere” 32:03 - Coaching masters women at Rock Creek Rowing 35:10 - What rowing has meant to Brent, and pitching the sport to parents and adults 39:38 - Rowing’s life lessons for juniors 47:00 - Partnerships and collaborations: Rowing Blazers, Stem to Stern, Detroit Boat Club55:20 - History and legends: UW, Husky Open, Windermere, and building replica hulls for the Boys in the Boat movie.
.
To see photos of Brent, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast/s3ep22-brent-keuch
.
This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Tara provides additional audio engineering, and Rachel manages our website and social media. Our theme music is by the Free Harmonic Orchestra.

Bonus: Eric Murray on Hamish Bond’s Famous Mid-Race Hand Dip

In [S3] Ep20 we interviewed New Zealand Olympic gold medalist Eric Murray, known for dominating in the men’s pair with partner Hamish Bond. The wide-ranging conversation covered his terrible novice season, impressive U17 erg splits, World Championship and Olympic training and racing, and a lot more. So much more we couldn't get it all into one episode.
In this 15-minute bonus episode, Eric tells us about racing in the 2014 World Championships when Hamish dipped his hand in the water at 38spm, and the preparation necessary to have the confidence to pull that off.
He also shares a story about an Amsterdam World Cup race nearly sidetracked by an errant water bottle; hydration and chronic sweating; and dialing in heavy pre-race warmups on land.
.
Just a heads up: Eric does swear a bit in this episode ...
.
This bonus episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Lake Washington Rowing Club, and our Patrons.
.
www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast
.
Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network.
This episode was written, produced, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Rachel also manages our website and social media.
Our theme music is by the Free Harmonic Orchestra.

S3E21 - Sophie Brown Shows Up, Does the Work

When Sophie Brown wanted to learn to row a coach asked her, "why would you do this if you're disabled." Her reply was "why not?" More than a decade later, a drive to find the perfect stroke has brought her two Henley wins. She'll be checking off a bucket list item when she crosses the pond to race a para mixed double at the 2022 Head of the Charles. 
We first met Sophie when she began working out with us during our virtual Steady State Sunday erg workouts. She's been a lively and spirited fan of the erg work and our podcast, and this was our opportunity to talk with her about adaptive rowing, racing, and awareness.  
.
To see photos of Sophie Brown, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Lake Washington Rowing Club, and our Patrons.
.
Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network.
This episode was written, produced, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Rachel also manages our website and social media.
Our theme music is by the Free Harmonic Orchestra.

S3E20 - Crikey! Eric Murray on Rowing.

New Zealand Olympic gold medalist Eric Murray is known for dominating in the men’s pair with partner Hamish Bond. We know. You might be saying: “An Olympian? I thought you were all about celebrating the everyday rower!” We are. And we always will be. But we have to admit that when Eric reached out and asked to be on the podcast, we had a total fan moment. There was no doubt we’d invite him for a chat.
From humble beginnings as an awkward teenage athlete, Eric quickly discovered that being 6’5” translated into impressive erg splits. Coaches noticed too, and he soon found himself on the podium at U16 and U17 events. From there, it was a one way ticket to the national team, World Rowing Championships, and the Olympics. Between 2007 and 2015, a commitment to be the very best brought Eric four indoor rowing world records, eight World Rowing Championships, and two Olympic gold medals.
Retired from flat water rowing since 2017, Eric is keeping himself very busy working with Concept2, the Asensei rowing app, and is a member of the World Rowing Indoor Rowing Commission. And if that wasn’t enough, he recently took a turn as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.
.
Just a heads up: Eric does swear a bit in this episode ...
.
To see photos of Eric Murray, and to get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
.
This episode is made possible in part by the Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Lake Washington Rowing Club, and our Patrons.
.
Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network.
This episode was written, produced, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Rachel also manages our website and social media.
Our theme music is by the Free Harmonic Orchestra.

S3E19 - Kathy Frederick: Founder of Row for the Cure

Like many women who grew up before Title IX, Kathy Frederick spent her young life studying ballet. When, at 42, she learned to row it felt like dancing with partners and she was immediately hooked. Just a few years later in 1993, the loss of a dear friend to breast cancer prompted Kathy to host a fundraising event on Portland, Oregon’s Willamette River. From those modest beginnings Row for the Cure was born, with regattas now hosted across the country in support of breast cancer care, support, and research.
Kathy opens up about:
finding her competitive drive
rowing with her husband, her “permanent mixed double partner”
becoming a rower with a mission
Advice for first-time regatta planners
To see photos of Kathy Frederick, and to get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network.
This episode was written, produced, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Rachel also manages our website and social media.
Our theme music is by the Free Harmonic Orchestra.

S3E18 - Brothers Dick and Pete Dreissigacker: The Innovators Behind Concept2

Concept2 oars and indoor rowing machines are nearly synonymous with rowing. But did you know that it all started in the early 1970s with brothers Pete and Dick Dreissigacker? They were just a couple of grad students messing around with carbon fiber and fiberglass in a kitchen hoping to develop a better oar - their “secret weapon” for finding more speed on the water.
And to keep training through cold winters in Vermont? Nail an old bike to the floor and pull on the free end of a chain. Voila! The mass market indoor rower was born.
Pete and Dick open up about:
getting hooked on rowing
how Title IX expanded the demand for oars
being champions of rowing in the 1980s fitness market
hoping to get it all together by the time you reach the HOCR start line.
GUESTSDick DreissigackerPete Dreissigackerwww.concept2.com
.
TIME STAMPS[00:00] Episode lead-in[03:04] Rapid Fire Q&A[08:20] In preparing for another run at HOCR (which they’ve done every year since 1979) working on disappearing into the row, and sharing memories about their coxswains[15:28] Dick left football for rowing, and persuaded Pete – a discuss thrower – to get in a 1x[19:00] Getting hooked on teamwork and getting it all right[25:06] Starting to experiment with making composite oars[30:38] Oars: early prototypes, manufacturing, and what made them unique[33:55] Tackling innovations: split handles, big blade controversy of 1992[39:29] Growing a business, hiring staff, driving innovation[44:05] Success of C2 oars around the world[46:55] Listener question: Who has a faster 5k?[48:10] Listener question: How does the monitor calculate its data?[51:10] The Model A origin story, and what the indoor rowing market looked like in the early 1980s[55:00] Best screen display for learn to row students[56:50] The impact of COVID on Concept2 production and staff, and the explosion of indoor rowing around the world[1:00:30] What expectations Dick and Pete had for the business[1:04:11] Favorite coxing commands
.
This episode was made possible in part by our Patrons, Concept2, and Lake Washington Rowing Club. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
.
EPISODE MENTIONS
CAMPSCraftsbury
CLUBSLake Washington Rowing ClubVesper Boat Club
COACHES Albin Moser
EQUIPMENTGamutSpeedBoss (Bart Gullong)
EVENTSC.R.A.S.H.-B.sErg SprintsHead of the Charles
RESOURCESScience of Rowing
ROWERSMeredith BreilandLarry GluckmanJudy GeerSusan Kinne
UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS Brown UniversityDartmouth CollegeTrinity CollegeStanford University
.
To see photos of Pete, Dick, early oars and ergs, and to get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

S3E17 - East Bay Rowing Club Gains Speed in Oakland

This is a wide-ranging, roundtable chat with East Bay Rowing Club President Denise Martini, DEI Committee co-chair Carla Jourdan, and Erin Cafaro, two-time Olympic gold medalist and new Head Coach of Oakland Tech Men’s Varsity program.
Founded as a women's team, EBRC is growing to meet the needs of its Oakland, California community. Through recruitment, scholastic programming, and intentional DEI outreach, the boathouse looks different than even just a year ago. And EBRC is proud of that change.
Just some of what you'll hear:
• When landmarks go missing!
• Growing a rowing club to meet the needs of – and look like – the community
• Beyond standard certs for coaching education
• Boycotting USRowing Masters Nationals and hosting Boats Without Barriers regatta as an alternative
 
TIME STAMPS[00:00] Episode lead-in
[02:37] Intro and welcome EBRC 
[08:20] Rowing Week - Carla, Denise 20k Tour of the Estuary; Erin back on the water (in a launch!)
[11:45] Six degrees of Coach Sarah Nevin 
[12:30] Rapid Fire Q&A
[22:49] About EBRC: founding mothers, added Jrs team, working on adding men, LTR, novice, mixed masters, comp. The “home of community rowing” - DEI initiative
[29:13] Recipe for success … providing an opportunity, barriers to entry
[32:35] Creating a welcoming and inclusive boathouse is an ongoing work in progress
[37:35] DEI committee, STEM to Stern, Arshay Cooper
[40:51] Additional outreach to the community, getting in front of Oakland Unified Schools ADs to introduce kids to rowing
[42:51] Coaches can meet people where they’re at, Positive Coaching Alliance as a resource for athletes, coaches, and parents
[47:55] Masters Nationals boycott and EBRC’s decision to host Boats Without Barriers regatta
.
To see photos of East Bay of Rowing Club, and get links to the people, clubs, end events mentioned in this episode, visit www.steadystatepodcast.com

S3E16 - UPDATE: Tom Rooks, USRowing’s Health and Well-Being Associate

This episode revisits a conversation with Tom Rooks, the Director of Rowing at Williamsburg Boat Club, in Williamsburg, VA. When we talked with him back in 2021, we loved how authentic he was. From his "fun first" mantra to how he prepares his juniors athletes to be better humans beyond the boathouse. Tom was one of our favorite guests - sharing his philosophies about saving lives, being well-rounded, and finding your calling.
Since then, Tom’s been hired by USRowing as its Health and Well-Being Associate. This title doesn’t do justice to the work he’s doing there, ensuring that our NGB, local clubs, and regattas have procedures in place to keep athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers safe - from PFDs to hydration tablets, safety education, and emergency plans.
This remix includes a new intro, with banter between hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan about Tom, safety, and USRowing Masters Nationals in Sarasota, FL.
 
TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Lead-in 
03:55 - Intro
09:29 - Rowing week
10:35 - Team culture and coaching philosophy; and rowing origin story
19:50 - Rowing is all in the family, the importance of a well-rounded life
28:00 - Quintessential Tom and wearing your heart on your sleeve
34:10 - Mentoring new coaches
38:35 - What you’re capable of today, vulnerability, resiliency
41:25 - How COVID taught WBC kids their “why”
44:10 - Taking his competitive drive to Disc Golf
47:45 - Choosing to row and having dominion over it
50:20 - Handling anxiety and expectations by visualizing “rear view” moments
55:50 - Memorable lessons from Tom’s high school rowing coach
58:50 - How rowing helped Tom and his wife make it through physical challenges
1:01:18 - Risk management, safety plan development, mishap analysis
1:08:08- Rapid Fire Q&A
.
To see photos of Tom, and get links to the people, clubs, end events mentioned in this episode, visit www.steadystatepodcast.com

S3E15 - Jasper Liu’s Rowing Dojo

From walk-on at the University of Pennsylvania to gold in the LM2x at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Jasper Liu is an elite-level lightweight rower who’s worked hard on and of the water to learn about all aspects of our sport.
As a U.S. Senior National Team member, Jasper and his LTWX doubles partner Zack Heese will represent the U.S. at the World Rowing Championships this September in Prague, with a focus on Paris 2024.
Jasper also founded www.rowingdojo.com to share the most useful information that he’s picked up from some of the best coaches in the country.
TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro02:40 Rapid Fire Q&A04:09 Freshman walk-on at UPenn and lessons learned as a novice09:22 Paying it forward through Rowing Dojo12:04 Volunteer involvement with Philadelphia City Rowing receiving the 2020 PCR Champion Award 14:25 Establishing TRC High Performance at Texas Rowing Center18:20 The Perfect Stroke20:04 The #1 thing Jasper sees rowers do wrong21:58 Working on body prep and the front end, from LTR to high performance, on the erg and in the boat28:10 Advice for the masses: What makes a great doubles partner?29:52 Typical training week30:25 The analytical engineer’s brain and rowing33:34 Up Next: World Championship in Prague35:15 Morning routine: coffee, PB&J, crossword puzzles 36:15 Debrief: Rachel & Tara deep dive into coaching and taking time to work on one element of the stroke
To see photos of Jasper and links to the people, events, and clubs mentioned in the episode, visit www.steadystatenetwork.com

S3E14 - The Rowing Stories We Tell ... While Drinking

It’s July, which means summer, which means vacations. And we’re taking one. Or, at least, a break. This special bonus episode was recorded live in May at Deer Apple Farm on Vashon Island, WA.
After a long day – and a couple of local hard ciders – we started swapping rowing stories. So of course, we recorded it. We hope you have fun listening!
Do you have any equipment breakage or river traffic snafu stories? Click here to tell us.
 
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Introduction01:00 - 14-year-old Tara ran a 2- up onto the shore03:45 - Breaking a brand new 8+ during an LTR day10:07 - Dealing with kayakers, outriggers, paddle boarders, pleasure boats, and float planes18:30 - Archives, Patreon, Coffee Chat
To see photos and get links to the people, places, and events mentioned in this episode, visit www.steadystatepodcast.com

S3E13 - Marqus Brown: Testing the Waters at UW

From Fairmount Park rowing camp as a teenager, to team captain at La Salle University, to coach at BLJ Community Rowing – you could definitely call Marqus Brown a Philly guy through and through. But the chance to coach for the prestigious University of Washington Huskies recently took Marqus out to Seattle, where he’s digging into the details to help his motivated crews move boats even faster.
In 2021, Marqus was the stroke of an all Black Men’s 4x, the first ever to row at a USRowing Masters National Championship. We’ve talked with the other members of that lineup, and hope you’ll listen to those episodes, too: Napoleon Griffin, Maurice Scott, and Brook Yimer.
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Welcome and Introduction01:54 - Rapid Fire Q&A04:50 - The perfect stroke7:55 - Rowing week: Lots of great coaching with the guys at PAC10s and determining IRA boats.10:00 - Learning to row at Fairmount Park Rowing Camp as a high school freshman, and getting hooked15:00 - History and tradition in Philly and Seattle 18:30 - What kind of legacy would he like to leave at UW?22:00 - The road to UW26:15 - As a coach, the learning never ends28:00 - UW's adaptable style; developing a sharper coaching eye31:35 - Being stroke of an all black Mens 4x at 2021 Masters Nationals36:20 - UW crew: from IRA winners to walk-ons38:20 - Thoughts on diversity in the sport and being an influential coach41:55 - Where will he go from here?45:55 - Motivating rowers to work hard: keep it simple and safe, with a little push
This episode was made possible in part by our Patrons and Concept2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
To see photos of Marqus Brown, and to get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website, steadystatenetwork.com

S3E12 - Zoe Vais: Youth Rowing Evangelist

We are really interested in backstories – the experiences on and off the water that make people the rowers, coaches, and coxswains they are today. And when it comes to rowing programs and initiatives, we’re curious about who’s behind the scenes creating opportunities for their communities.
With that in mind, we took a trip to the George Pocock Rowing Center in Seattle to talk with Zoe Vais, the organization’s Middle School Programs Specialist. She’s also a coach for GPRF’s Camp Lucy – a free learn-to-row camp for girls, inclusive of non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming youth. From being a walk-on at the University of Washington, to leaving a mark on Seattle rowing, Zoe offers a thoughtful look at slowly falling in love with the sport and the important role coaches play in young rowers’ lives. GUESTZoe Vaiszoe@pocockfoundation.org@coach_zoe / @thepocockfdn
 
TIME STAMPS
0:00 Welcome2:00 Introduction to George Pocock Rowing Foundation and Pocock Racing Center2:55 - Rapid Fire Q&A7:53 - Being a walk-on at UW when you don't know anything about rowing or UW's place in rowing history14:45 - Falling in love with rowing… slowly19:00 - Coach Bob Ernst inspired Zoe to follow a path to coaching, starting with an internship at UW26:00 - Coach Across America / Up2Us AmericaCorps 28:30 - Making practice a loving and encouraging place for HS girls and keeping it competitive31:39 - Camp Lucy: fun, hard work, empowerment, curiosit39:45 - Partnering with non-profits and schools to bring kids to camp41:30 - How to know that Camp Lucy is a success?48:50 - Girls carrying “the load” on inclusion; "Camp Stan;" and kids leading the conversation
To see photos of Zoe, along with links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes on our website.
This episode was made possible in part by our Patrons and the support of Concept2.
 

S3E11 - Susan Kinne: A Meditation on Boats

When Susan Kinne cracked the bottom of a wooden hull, she never could have guessed that nearly 25 years later she’d be a master craftsman handling boat repairs of all sizes at Lake Washington Rowing Club. Just north of 70 years old, Susan sets pitch, patches damaged hulls, and builds Frankenstein boats. She is a powerhouse with tools and in a scull, and is a well of information about Pocock Racing Shells.
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Intro and welcome02:15 - On a scale of 0-10, Susan’s rowing week was a … 504:00 - Rapid Fire Q&A7:00 - Learning to row in her 40s with Martha’s Moms after a life of mountaineering and skiing; Learning to scull with Coach Frank Cunningham13:09 - Cold hands, blacking out, and winning Gold on the Charles21:20 - Salvaging boats at LWRC began with Frank Cunningham26:05 - “Frankenstein” boats Susan would like to build: 3x and 6+31:00 - Susan got involved with boat maintenance after a foot stretcher accident in a wooden boat34:00 - Most common repair, and irritating repairs that could be avoided36:35 - Rowers should become acquainted with mechanics of the boat 38:18 - Rowing as a bond with the tribe, competition, and a meditative experience
To see photos of Susan, along with links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes on our website.
This episode was made possible in part by our Patrons and the support of Concept2.

S3E10 - Rock City Rowing Builds Community in Arkansas

Rock City Rowing members will tell you that Arkansas is sorely underrated. Located on a beautiful stretch of water in Little Rock, RCR is home to one of just two boathouses in the entire state offering programs for masters and juniors. RCR Head Coach Ted Riedeburg and three masters rowers tell us about bringing rowing back to Little Rock after a long hiatus, and how rowing changed their lives.
GUESTSTed Riedeburg, Head CoachLeslie Cain, novice masters rowerAnne McCormick, masters rowerJulia Watkins, masters rower
TIME STAMPS00:00 Introduction01:45 Rapid Fire Q&A03:58 Rowing Week on a scale of 1-1004:50 Get to know Ted, Julia, Anne, Leslie12:13 Rowing in Little Rock is beautiful and underrated14:00 RCR is one of just two clubs in Arkansas offering juniors and masters16:24 Developing a club by educating the community about rowing18:20 Who’s rowing at RCR and what makes it special?20:35 Leslie, a novice, gives her pitch about why people should row25:00 Anne’s hard worked paid off at Nationals 2021; and the club looks ahead to racing in 202232:21 RCR has big ideas for a potential new multi-purpose boathouse to help connect with the community38:13 RCR seeks to host more juniors events on the Little Maumel River
To see photos of Rock City Rowing, along with links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
This episode was made possible in part by our Patrons and Concept2.