Steady State Podcast

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.
 

S3E9 - Isaac Kenyon: Seeking Connection, Finding Purpose

Isaac Kenyon just set his third ultra-distance world record on the Concept2 indoor rower. This follows on the heels of other huge achievements, like rowing the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and swimming the English Channel. We dive into the philosophy and motivation that helped him break free of the lure of screen time, and the coping mechanisms necessary to take on audacious challenges. Through it all, Isaac's advocated for the environment and Autism awareness.
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
01:53 - Rapid Fire Q&A
04:04 - Rowing Week: Scale of 0-10 
04:54 - World record for C2 tandem longest continual row (2 person) Male 20-29 LTWT to raise awareness of Autism
06:40 - Tandem partner Jordan Williams: From novice to world record holder in 5 months. Training, self-care, technique triggers
11:24 - Finding motivation, getting out of dark places, the importance of a support network, coping mechanisms
17:44 - An invitation to row the Atlantic was Isaac's introduction to rowing
22:25 - The tipping point from “outdoorsy guy” to seeking audacious challenges, exploring, and honing new skills
24:35 - The way into adventuring: start small
26:55 - 2018 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge: training, nutrition and communications, losing sight of shore, and swimming with whales
36:55 - 2019 Ted Talk: Seeking a balance between outdoor time and screen time; how the Atlantic row changed his relationship with technology
39:45 - Regulating brain chemicals, substituting outdoor time for technology
45:24 - Being a part of the first digital generation, FOMO, and never seeing people again
50:50 - Up next: Setting a speed record for swimming the 7 biggest seas in one year
53:25 - Flying the flag for the outdoor time in exchange for screen time
58:15 - Letterboxing
See the full show notes at www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast

S3E8 - Coach Brook Yimer: Advocating Inclusion for All

Brook Yimer started coaching as a volunteer in high school. Just six years later he's the program coordinator for STEM to Stern. He’s also Senior Assistant Coach and Youth Lead Coach for Athletes Without Limits, and Assistant Coach at Wakefield High School.
Brook honed his leadership skills as a high school and collegiate rower, which today is clearly represented by his advocacy for – and involvement in – community service. 
 
"I don’t think you have to be part of [a specific] community to do good in that community. I just think it’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure the community is good.” - Coach Brook Yimer
 
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:40 - Rapid Fire Q&A04:50 - Rowing Week 1-10: AWL, Serve Your City, life skills, college scholarship aspirations10:56 - When high school program dues were too much for his family, a scholarship helped him get on the water 16:00 - Supportive coaches, rowing tanks, and a new boathouse at Washington College21:35 - High school volunteer coaching with AWL and Serve Your City Youth Program, and new coach lightbulb moments27:35 - How do you know you’re a good coach?31:00 - Community service and leadership33:30 - Has the needle moved on DEI?35:35 - Athletes Without Limits is an example of all-around inclusion: racial, financial, veterans, adaptive youth and masters39:27 - STEM to Stern

S3E7 - Lisa Lowe: Building Powerhouse Rowers

The aches of a teenage growth-spurt, years of collegiate and high performance training and racing, and injuries sustained in an accident, all inform Lisa Lowe’s personal and professional attitudes and opinions about self-care.
Now a PR3 rower and physical therapist in Boston, Lisa’s goal is to cultivate a culture within rowing where we support each other without breaking each other. GUESTSLisa Lowe, DPTwww.powerhousephysio.com
IG: @lisalowe.dpt

S3E6 - Embracing Chaos: Coastal Rowing in New Orleans

Ask most any rower about the perfect rowing conditions and they’ll wax poetic about  glassy calm water and zero wind, when a blade can quietly drop into the water at the catch, release clean, and the boat glides across the surface undisturbed.
But ask a coastal rower about great conditions and the answer will be completely different. It’ll involve navigating waves, executing turns around buoys, and end with a sprinting dive to the finish line on the beach.
We invited John Huppi, Kats Siemens, and Will Kuckro from New Orleans Rowing Club to tell us about The Big Easy – a city with a rowing history that stretches back nearly 200 years – and their vision for the future of coastal rowing in the Gulf South. 
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Intro and welcome
02:30 - Rapid Fire 
04:22 - Mardi Gras is more important than rowing
07:42 - Recruit by looking outside standard flat water pipeline/training/racing 
11:40 - How Will and Kate as “coastal outsiders” are contributing to NORC’s success
12:30 - With fewer flat water LTWT opportunities, smaller rowers are finding success in coastal 
13:45 - How is coastal different?
16:55 - On-water problem solving and the importance of finesse
21:24 - The thrill of mixed boats and beach sprints
21:24 - The time John was a boat handler for Norwegian Olympians
28:44 - Throw “the perfect stroke” out the window, prepare for chaos
31:30 - What makes a great coastal rowing venue?
34:35 - Hurricane Ida's impact on NORC and training
38:04 - On coaching: helping people overcome challenges
40:39 - Rowers take ownership and redefine rowing training
42:58 - To grow coastal in the Gulf South, NORC is hosting development camps and experiential opportunities, and developing an endurance race on Lake Pontchartrain
44:38 - In a tourist town, coastal touring could thrive
48:58 - Coastal bucket list locations 
52:23 - Turning coastal boats and historic stake races in New Orleans
52:45 - NORC is the only boathouse in the Louisiana with juniors and masters programs
54:40 - LA2028 Olympics: perfect for building audience engagement, race coverage
58:50 - The year ahead at NORC
.
www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast

S3E5 - Philadelphia City Rowing: Transforming Lives and the Community

When it comes to clubs and boathouses we like to go behind-the-scenes to find out what makes them engaging, inclusive, successful, and fun! With that in mind, we’re going to the city of brotherly love to get to know Philadelphia City Rowing.
PCR is a non-profit organization drawing on the proven power of sports to empower public school students to reach their highest potential. With a small staff, lots of heart, and the support of numerous partners, the newest neighbor on Boathouse Row is leading the way in changing the face of rowing on the Schuylkill River.GUESTSCaitlin Mance: Executive DirectorGeorge Rowley: Community Outreach Manager, Middle School ManagerMyi Harte: PCR alum, asst. varsity men's coach, and boatyard assistantChristina LaBella: PCR alum, asst. novice and middle school coach
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction and welcome 02:00 - Getting to know Caitlin, George, Christina, and Myi02:49 - Rapid Fire Q&A 05:40 - The week in rowing: kicking off the Spring season08:15 - A boathouse without walls on Philly’s Boathouse Row9:00 - Caitlin’s high school transition from swimmer to rower, and a friend’s challenge led Myi to PCR13:10 - Christina on how empowering being a scholastic coxswain can be  19:45 - George was introduced to rowing as a camp counselor, an example of a non-traditional coaching 23:20 - PCR summer camps: great for rower and for providing jobs to HS kids24:33 - PCR offers transformational opportunities for city kids27:30 - Retention rates and the challenging pipeline to college rowing 30:45 - Myi’s PCR lesson learned: student first, then an athlete33:55 - Giving kids structure37:33 - “8 Ways to Make Your Boathouse More Inclusive,” social media and leading the national conversation44:52 - PCR is creating a bridge for the local community to Boathouse Row
www.steadystatenetwork.com
Produced by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan

S3E4 - Koen Elbers: Learn, Explore, Have Fun!

In this first-of-its-kind episode, we invited Steady State Network fan Koen Elbers to join us for a chat.
Koen is a masters rower and the Chairman of Alkmaarsche Roei- en Zeilvereeniging (ARZV Rowing) in Alkmaar, The Netherlands. After learning to row in university, then taking a 15-year hiatus from the sport, it was ARZV’s welcoming community that got him hooked. To give back, he took on the roll of a juniors coach, championing fun and teamwork.
Koen talks exuberantly about rowing in The Netherlands, parties with Alkmaar’s sister city and club, long distance events, rowing tours, and generally finding enjoyment in your rowing life beyond competition.
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction and welcome 05:30 - Rowing week, on a scale of 1 to 10 09:08 - Rowing at university was all fun and drinking … 13:47 - Transition from equestrian/dressage to rowing and getting hooked on the community15:05 - Slapping blades on the water17:00 - Coaching juniors: weekend rowing and flapjacks19:45 - Coaching while riding a bike24:04 - The Area of 1000 Islands, Alkmaar canals and tours28:30 - All kinds of opportunities: organized rowing tours in Holland, marathons, rowing to the ice cream shop33:18 - C boats for LTR and recreational rowing33:50 - About ARZV Roei36:29 - COVID, ZoomErgos, finding community40:13 - Alkmaar/Bath sister cities, Minerva Bath RC, Patricia Carswell, rowing with hangovers, beer tents, non-rowing regatta stories47:00 - Rapid Fire Q&A50:30 - SSN events schedule
 
Steady State Podcast is a project of www.steadystatenetwork.com

S3E3 - Steven Dowd: Pushing Past Paralysis

In 2016, Steven Dowd was a 37-year-old weekend warrior cyclist, living and training in London when an accident left him with a devastating spinal cord injury. Facing total paralysis and a bleak prognosis, Steven was motivated by his acceptance into a clinical research trial and a goal to walk by Christmas.
With an exceptional personal will and the support of family and friends, Steven today is not only walking, but cycling, skiing, erging, and even rowing. We sat down to talk about his journey, finding motivation, and the EnduRow Challenge, a charity even Steven launched in 2021.
TIME STAMPS0:00 - Intro04:00 - What a week in rowing! First time in a 4x and it was with 3 paralympians10:00 - How rowing came into Steven’s life16:00 - The people that motivated Steve in his early indoor rowing days20:00 - Steve’s 200 Day Promise27:35 - Celebrating rehab mini-wins29:22 - The two-way street of a support network32:00 - EnduRow: Everyone. Everywhere. Pulling together.36:44 - Wings for Life ambassador. Lessons learned year 1 of EnduRow Challenge and planning for the future40:22 - Micro and macro hubs for EnduRow 202243:00 - Development of EnduRow brand / #canva44:00 - Reframing rowing for a new generation46:54 - Rapid Fire Q&A48:37 - Pitch for EnduRow 202249:45 - outro
www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast

S3E2 - Founding a Rowing Club Takes a Lot of Heart … and Spreadsheets

Rowers and coaches across the country are spotting opportunities to step up – and step outside boxes – to share their love of rowing by establishing clubs for their communities. 
This conversation brings together the founders of three clubs: Dave Harvey, Tacoma Rowing; Katie Jones, North Carolina Rowing Center, and Sue Koscielski, Sweeps & Sculls Rowing. They get honest about heart-warming surprises, dealing with red tape, the importance of partnerships and collaboration, and the hows and whys behind their decisions to start their own rowing clubs.

S3E1 - Maurice Scott: Making a Name for Himself

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Maurice Scott was just a kid when he was introduced to rowing during a learn to row camp at Bachelor’s Barge Club. But when he noticed that no one else looked like him at regattas on the Schuylkill River, his father’s moral support motivated him to keep at it.
Five years later, as a member of a Philadelphia City Rowing’s newly-launched high school program, he was a part of the Philadelphia City Champs M8. Maurice went on to row for the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia and today rows for Potomac Boat Club in Washington, D.C.
He is a lightweight sculler with championship titles, multiple corporate sponsors, and a personal mission to be a face of positive change in the world of rowing.

S2E18 - Big Ideas: Rowing’s New Visionaries

Steady State Network believes access to opportunities to thrive should be inclusive regardless of ability to pay. That’s why we created the Changemaker Scholarship initiative.
Throughout the year, we seek out educational and professional development events and courses for visionaries in the rowing community. With the help of sponsors, we were able to provide eight deserving rowers, coaches, and students with scholarships to attend the USRowing Annual Convention, held virtually Dec. 6-11, 2021.
On [S2] Ep 18 of Steady State Podcast, hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan talk takeaways from the USRowing Annual Convention, big ideas, and plans for 2022 with several of our most recent Changemaker Scholars. This broad touches on the things our Changemakers are thinking about and working on – from burnout to breathing technique, to DEI, sports psychology, and transgender policy.
GUESTS
Nicole Arrato: Masters Novice LTR Coach / Winter Training Lead, Greater Columbus Rowing Association
Kati Brennan: Yoga and Mobility Coach, Philadelphia City Rowing
Corinne Kazmierczak: student, University at Buffalo
Martyna Wasilewska: student, University of Central Florida
Vanessa Harvey: Programs Director / Head Youth Coach, North Star Community Rowing
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Intro4:42 - What’s going on in everybody’s rowing week9:25 - The motivation behind applying for a Changemaker scholarship14:39 - Rowing “aha” moments20:45 - RowCon: What we most looked forward to 24:20 - Avoiding burnout by creating relationships with other programs and exploring fun31:05 - Convention networking opportunities were slim, so Corinne emailed the National Team sports psychologist33:18 - Getting out of coaching silos35:00 - Plans for changemaking in 2022: Kati will explore breathing as therapy for rowers; Nicole seeks to establish a non-gendered open regatta category; Vanessa plans to hire local HS grads41:30 - We ask "What would you do with 20 minutes and a microphone?" - Vanessa would talk about changing the culture of rowing; Kati would teach us about breathing; Martyna would tell the story of how rowing changed her life; Corinne would explore trauma and resiliency; and Nicole would tell us why rowing is the Band-Aid of all problems
THANK YOU to these individuals and businesses for their Changemaker Scholarship support: Rower’s Dream, Bobby Kizer, Catalyst Rowing Fitness, Tacoma Rowing, Science of Rowing, Concept2

S2E17 - Coach Education: The Institute for Rowing Leadership

On [S2] Ep 17 of Steady State Podcast, hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan talk with CB Sands-Bohrer, Senior Manager of Coach Education at Community Rowing, Inc. (CRI); and Mitch McManus, 2019 Institute for Rowing Leadership (IRL) Fellow and newly-named Rowing Director and Head Coach of Shrewsbury High School Crew.
If you are a rower or coxswain in the United States who’s ever thought “I want to start coaching,” where’s the first place you think to turn? USRowing, right? A USRowing Level I, II, or III coaching certification speaks volumes and opens doors. But did you know that it’s not the only coaching education option?
The Advanced Certificate in Rowing Leadership at the The IRL is an intense, one-year coaching education program offered by CRI in Boston. It provides students opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a master rowing coach. 
The IRL is the only accredited US Coaching Education Program in rowing, ever. 
 
TIME STAMPS00:00 - Intro02:25 - Rachel & Tara chat about personal experiences with coaching education08:57 - CB Sands-Bohrer’s intro to rowing in college13:30 - With lots of coaches in family, it was natural for CB to get into coaching15:20 - What a great coach can do for an athlete; Work disguised as fun17:20 - The IRL experience29:00 - How Mitch McManus (2019 IRL fellow) found coxing in grade 732:44 - Coxing in the mid-’80s34:29 - Mitch’s career move from broadcasting to coaching at 5040:00 - Bringing non-rowing professional experience to the launch42:50 - Why coaching? Why now?46:00 - What surprised Mitch about coaching48:25 - Opportunity for collaboration at IRL51:12 - Team-building tactics to make work fun56:20 - Rapid Fire Q&A

S2E16 - Coach Tom Rooks on Vulnerability, Resiliency, and Saving Lives

On [S2] Ep 16 of Steady State Podcast, hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan are joined by Tom Rooks (Dir. of Rowing, Williamsburg Boat Club). This episode buzzes with authenticity as Tom shares his "fun first" mantra and how he prepares his juniors athletes to be better humans beyond the boathouse. Tom began to coach after 22 years in the United States Coast Guard, and he gets philosophical about vulnerability, resiliency, and saving lives. We also slide into tangents about Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, ultimate frisbee, and vikings.
 
TIME STAMPS0:00 - intro2:20 - rowing week4:30 - team culture and coaching philosophy and rowing origin story12:45 - rowing is all in the Rooks family, the importance of a well-rounded life22:40 - quintessential Tom and wearing your heart on your sleeve27:30 - mentoring new coaches31:00 - what you’re capable of today, vulnerability, resiliency34:00 - how COVID taught WBC kids their “why”34:00 - taking his competitive drive to Disc Golf40:00 - choosing to row and having dominion over it43:00 - handle nerves, anxiety, expectations - visualize “rear view” moments49:00 - memorable lessons from Tom’s HS coach51:30 - how rowing helped Tom and his wife through physical challenges53:58 - risk management, safety plan development, mishap analysis1:00:50 - Rapid Fire Q&A
www.steadystatenetwork.com
 

S2E15 - Club Spotlight: Greater Columbus Rowing Association

GCRA has been on Tara's radar for a few years, after she saw adaptive rower Kristen Jackson powering through an erg piece on social media. Tara started following the club's really open and welcoming public group on Facebook, and has always been impressed with their camaraderie, presence at regattas, impassioned calls for volunteers, and shout-outs and high fives for each other.  
GCRA was founded in 1984 as a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing its diverse membership with safe sculling and sweep rowing opportunities. Today, it’s home to 145 members across masters and adaptive rowing programs.
GUESTS: GCRA Board President Laurie Gunzleman, LTR Coach Nicole Arrato, adaptive rower Kristen Jackson, recent LTR grad Cari Palmer, and rower and admin Sarah Stafford.
TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Introduction
4:30 - Speakmon Memorial Regatta / Cari falls in love with head racing / adaptive racing
10:45 - GCRA programs and events / LTR / Relentless Rowing Academy partnership
3:52 - What got Cari hooked during LTR
17:15 - What makes GCRA special
20:34 - How Laurie's son motivated her to learn to row
22:12 - GCRA para program thrives through COVID-19
27:25 - Learn to Row
48:40 - “Flat tire” friends
31:05 - Taking on leadership rolls
34:35 - Cari becomes an avid evangelist and roll model for her HS students
38:35 - Nicole’s perspective on rowing as a metaphor for life
40:20 - Lessons learned from rowing
41:55 - Land/water acknowledgement
46:00 - Rapid Fire Q&A

S2E14 - Margie Elsberg is Setting Her Own Pace

In the early 1960s, Margie was turned away by a rowing coach in Boston because she was a woman. After a full career in journalism, and raising three kids, she learned to row at 60. Today – at 78 - she's stronger than she's ever been. Together with her husband Mickey, they proudly carry the torch for I, J, and K category rowers as members of Upper Valley Rowing Club and Chinook Performance Racing.
We talk with this Baby Boomer former news woman and self-described tomboy about Title IX, putting herself first, how a Diabetes diagnosis set her on a wellness path, coxing octogenarians, training and racing with Chinook, and a whole lot more.
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:00 - From BU rowing rejection to HOCR in 40 yrs05:50 - After raising kids, making time for Margie 07:28 - Rowing a 2x with Mickey, and buying Pepto (her 1x)09:24 - Becoming a well-rounded athlete long after Title IX14:30 - Being a women of the Baby Boom generation16:35 - There at the beginning of Chinook Racing Performance20:35 - What happened when she coxed a J M4+ at Masters Nationals26:55 - From local tv/radio broadcasting to a 24/7 connected world 33:38 - UVRC’s CReW cancer recovery program36:58 - Coxing a levitating W8+ at HOCR 42:35 - Rapid Fire Q&A
Get early access to new episodes of Steady State Podcast. Join us on Patreon.