Steady State Podcast

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
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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
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S2E13 - Changemaker Scholarships: Supporting Visionaries in the Rowing Community

Steady State Network believes access to opportunities to thrive should be inclusive regardless of ability to pay so 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. We are proud to partner with organizations and businesses to make these opportunities possible for rowers, coaches, and coxswains, plus club boards and staff.
Today on this special episode, Tara and Rachel talk about the Changemaker Scholarship Initiative - the why, the who, and what’s next
 
TIME STAMPS
00:00- Intro / paying it forward3:37 - Who are Changemakers?7:45 - Elevating visionaries and leveling the playing field 11:50 - 2020/21 Changemakers16:25 - Scholarship recipient testimonials18:38  - Our amazing sponsors22:25 - Next up: scholarships for the 2021 USRowing Convention 23:56 - Sponsorship opportunities24:30 - Rapid Fire Q&A29:18 - Patreon support

S2E12 - Liz Fusco, Dir. of Sports Nutrition for USRowing

As the Director of Sports Nutrition for USRowing, and in her own private practice, Liz Fusco helps Olympians, Paralympians, high performance athletes, recreationally active clients, and young athletes establish healthy relationships with food and  improve energy levels.  
Liz is also a sports dietitian for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Oklahoma City High Performance Center. She makes evidence-based nutrition strategies approachable, and in this chat she helps us better understand some of the nutrition choices we all make.
 
TIME STAMPS00:00 - intro2:20 - LTWT, coxswain weight, Jr LTWT13:31 - Liz’s education and research that led her to USRowing21:00 - Building a robust sports nutrition portal24:35 - Wellness Wednesdays26:00 - Regatta day: keep it simple & familiar28:35 - Carbo loading, Athlete Plates, and nutrition that supports your training plan32:45 - Concerns about intermittent fasting for masters rowers40:00 - Diet fads, our relationship with food, working with a registered dietician44:25 - Tips for athletes on a budget and/or in a food dessert51:00 - Liz’s signature dish: grain-based garden bowl53:25 - Coffee before, during, and after a row?58:30 - SSN announcements

S2E11 - Coach Rachel Le Mieux, Martha‘s Moms

As a 5’1, 108lb freshman at Western Washington University, Rachel Le Mieux was literally picked up and placed in a coxswain seat. Thirty five years later she’s the head coach of Martha’s Moms, a competitive masters women’s team in Seattle, WA. She’s also a USRowing referee and FISA umpire.
During her years in the cox seat, coach’s launch, and chase boat, Rachel’s seen her share of sketchy situations. Today, in her role as the Chair of the USRowing safety committee, she wants to make sure that rowers, coaches, and coxswains have the knowledge and skills to stay safe around the boathouse, at practice, and during regattas.
We talk boat feel, coxing commands, flipping a four at the dock, nearly losing your lunch after a race, the rich history of rowing in Washington, and a whole lot more.

S2E10 - Club Spotlight: Oak Ridge Rowing Association

Oak Ridge Rowing Association was founded in 1978 and today is home to the Atomic Juniors and Masters Rowing Team. Oak Ridge offers a wide array of Learn-to-Row classes, hosts several championship regattas every year, and provides a world-class training venue to visiting crews. ORRA – built on the passion and enthusiasm of its community, coaches, and volunteers – successfully navigated COVID, keeping all of their programs intact, healthy, and thriving.
GUESTS:Head Coach John “JD” DavisBoard President, rower, and rower dad Jim RogersMasters rower Jen Bon

S2E9 - Napoleon Griffin: From Track to Power 10s

When recent podcast guest Tracy Falkenthal suggested we talk with Napoleon Griffin, we chased the lead.
A decorated middle distance track runner who learned to scull as an adult, Napoleon beat male breast cancer and today strives to get as much out of life as possible. He also survived Hurricanes Irma and Maria which devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, causing long-lasting power outages and leaving residents without access to clean water. Motivated by a desire for more training and racing opportunities, Napoleon relocated to Texas, where he now splits his time between Austin and Dallas.

S2E8 - Filmmaker Eamon Glavin: Behind the Scenes

Eamon Glavin is a former high school and collegiate rower who started experimenting with cameras in boats and drones overhead to capture video of rowing unlike anything else we’ve seen in mainstream rowing media. In February 2021 he began following lightweight Olympic hopefuls through training and qualification trials to produce a rowing documentary about the journey to the Tokyo Olympics.

12 Months. 1 Global Pandemic. Endless Stories.

Take a look back at the launch of Steady State Network in June 2020, go behind the scenes of the podcast, get updates on our Changemaker Scholarship initiative, and listen in as co-founders Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan go unscripted to talk about our own experiences as rowers and coaches.

S2E6 - Club Spotlight: Anchorage Rowing Association

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 clubs and boathouses we want to meet the people that make them vibrant, engaging, inclusive, successful, and of course, fun!
With that in mind, our semi-regular club spotlight series takes us around the world. On this episode we head West to Alaska, to talk with Anchorage Rowing Association.
Guests
Founder, member, and coach Ed Hall
Head Coach Steve Full
President Kim Morris
Situated on beautiful Sand Lake, ARA’s seasonal coaching staff learns to deals with float planes and moose. And the club works together to care for each other and their fleet.

S2E5 - Tracy Falkenthal: Paying it Forward

An introduction to rowing as a teen in California completely changed the trajectory of Tracy Falkenthal's life. She has spent the years since paying it forward as a member of the Army National Guard, a firefighter, a personal trainer, health coach, and rowing coach.
Today she's a member and coach at Texas Rowing Center in Austin, and is working in lock step with the Center's owner to develop and lead DEI initiatives to get "butts in seats."
Her rowing story is one of finding a way up and a way out through rowing and sport, and we’re honored to talk with her.
 

S2E4 - Dammie Onafeko: Losing Sight, Finding Vision

After losing his vision to cataracts in his 30s, Dammie Onafeko wanted to get involved with a specialized sport. He was introduced to Capital Rowing Club’s adaptive program at the Anacostia Community Boathouse in Washington, D.C. where he quickly found success at regattas, and the support of his rowing family. And Dammie is hard to miss around the boathouse: at 6’5”, this Nigerian man is a presence.
Take a listen to our interview with him, which is full of his quietly profound perspectives on rowing and life.

S2E3 - Indoor Rowing: A Community for Fit, Fast, Fun

Part erg review, part coaching advice - this episode is what you need to get connected and get moving on your rowing machine.
If you’re a rower – in a boat, with oars – it’s likely that your introduction to the erg was by way of supplemental workouts for race training and the dreaded 2k test. Most on-water rowers (aka oarsmen) roll their eyes at the mere mention of spending time on the erg.
Sarah Fuhrmann, CEO of UCanRow2 wants to flip the script and reshape the way people think about indoor rowing. She is passionate about sharing the sport with people who can benefit from its total body workout no matter their fitness or competitive athletic goals at any age.
Lisa Weise was a recipient of the Steady State Network Changemaker Instructor Scholarship in April 2021. With the scholarship, Lisa was able to attend a UCanRow2 online instructor certification course.
A note: UCanRow2 founder – and Sarah’s business partner – Terry Smythe, passed away from mucosal melanoma, a rare form of the skin cancer melanoma, in November 2018. While recording this interview it was clear that telling the story of UCanRow2 and indoor rowing was impossible without telling Terry’s story, too. Terry’s legacy lives on through Sarah and Lisa, UCanRow2/Concept2 instructors, fitness professionals, and enthusiasts they have worked with around the world.
GUESTS
Sarah Fuhrmann: CEO, UCanRow2
Lisa Weise: Founder, Rower’s Dream