This is the fourth episode in a series on heart attacks and emergency preparedness. In this multi-part series you’ll hear first hand accounts from rowers who survived heart attacks, teammates and coaches who witnessed these events, and even from widows who reflect on warning signs and “what ifs.” On this episode: Damion Winship had only been coaching for the Ancient Mariners Rowing Club for a short while the morning his coaching life changed. A masters rower new to his program had a heart attack on the water. Hear how Damion worked through his emergency checklist, how his CPR training kicked in, and how the crew worked together to try to save a life.  Other episodes in this series: Giving and Getting Support: Burnham Boat Slings’ Peter Kermond Sue and John Hooten’s Mutual Admiration Society For One Heart Attack Survivor, the Beat Goes On   QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in 01:25 - What prompted our heart attack and emergency preparedness series 03:40 - Coaching older rowers; Rowing and Aging project 05:58 - Coach Damion Winship details the moment a guest rower suffered a heart attack and the steps he and the crew took to try to save his life 12:38 - Providing CPR on the water, and quick decision making 23:05 - Damion and the aftermath - protocols and more 28:31 - Tara and Rachel post-interview reflections 36:28 - USRowing Director of Safeguarding Tom Rooks’ tips for rowers and coaches in an on-water emergency situation 39:47 - SSN events and initiatives . To see photos of Damion, and get links to the people, clubs, events, and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Live2Row Studios, Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

Bonnie Garmus was a competitive masters rower for years before an offhand comment during a business meeting prompted her to begin writing her debut novel, "Lessons in Chemistry," which has been adapted into an Apple TV+ series. Everyone wants to talk with Bonnie about the book’s main character, Elizabeth Zott, but we turned the table to ask Bonnie about the role rowing plays in her life – and her book – which has been on The New York Times bestseller list for nearly 100 weeks. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in and intro 03:04 - The Huddle: Get to know Bonnie Garmus 03:35 - Rowing Week: erging 05:15 - Meeting the Queen  07:26 - Hot Seat Q&A 08:38 - Cold open water swimming as a kid with her Dad 11:42 - Learning to row at Green Lake Rowing Club in Seattle 15:08 - Feeling a boat pick up and go for the first time 17:34 - Tara explains “the rower life cycle” 19:33 - How rowing effected Bonnie’s life 22:50 - Rowing as a character in "Lessons in Chemistry" 22:46 - Rowing as a hardship for Elizabeth to handle  29:14 - Was any of the book’s rowing based on Bonnie’s personal experience? 30:11 - What Bonnie really thinks about the Apple TV+ adaptation of "Lessons in Chemistry" 32:34 - Learning to never quit 33:19 - About that other book adapted for screen: "Boys in the Boat" 39:01 - SSN events and initiatives . To see photos of Bonnie, and get 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 Live2Row Studios, Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

This is the third episode in a series on heart attacks and emergency preparedness. In this multi-part series you’ll hear first hand accounts from rowers who survived heart attacks, teammates and coaches who witnessed these events, and even from widows who reflect on warning signs and “what ifs.” On this episode: Peter Kermond has been the face and voice of Burnham Boat Slings since purchasing the business in 1999. When he's not in the shop, or out rowing, he is probably manning a Burnham booth at a regatta. That’s where we met him - at Head of the Charles - in 2022, just a month after he survived a widowmaker heart attack. Peter and his wife Carin Reynolds are both successful national team members, masters rowers, and high school coaches. They are also a testament to teamwork, as they navigated Peter’s health emergency and rehabilitation, and his return to racing. Other episodes in this series: Sue and John Hooten’s Mutual Admiration Society For One Heart Attack Survivor, the Beat Goes On   QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in 02:20 - The Huddle: Get to know Peter and Carin 04:40 - Rowing Week: erg and tank workouts 06:12 - Hot Seat Q&A 10:59 - Peter got hooked on rowing in high school training, traveling, and racing in the summer with Belmont Rowing Club 13:22 - Carin’s college sophomore experience with “WRECK” rowing 14:10 - Peter and Carin met in 1984 as members of the US  LTWT National Team, reconnected years later as coaches in New Hampshire 15:59 - The day in 2022 when Peter had a widowmaker heart attack 24:12 - Family history, no warning 25:45 - Rehab, getting back in the boat, and feeling better than before the heart attack 31:08 - Support from the rowing community 32:32 - Bringing awareness to friends and rowers about heart health 35:59 - Finding perfect strokes on the Connecticut River in Hanover, NH 39:47 - Burnham coastal products, Blackburn Challenge, and Race Around the Rock 47:10 - Tom’s Tips 49:10 - SSN events and initiatives . To see photos of Peter and Carin, and get 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 Breakwater Realty, Live2Row, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

As part of our club spotlight series and in the lead-up to San Diego Crew Classic, we head to California to get to know ZLAC, the oldest women’s rowing club in the world. Established in 1892, ZLAC's unique structure allows for both competitive and social memberships. You don't have to row. New members are added to generational Crews to bolster cross-program and boathouse interaction and provide personal connections to members in a similar age range for support. As far as we know, ZLAC is unique in this offering. Be prepared to take notes and consider what more your club could do to help build and sustain community. Through the years, ZLAC programs have produced U.S. National Team members, Olympians, top college rowers, regional racers, and thousands of recreational rowers. The heart of ZLAC’s mission is to support all women and girls through the sport of rowing.  We're joined by ZLAC's Masters Head Coach Chris Shannon, Athletic Chair Tanya Ferguson, and recent LTR grad Lee Copson. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in 02:17 - The Huddle: Get to know Chris, Tanya, and Lee 02:54 - Rowing Week 05:39 - Hot Seat Q&A 09:56 - Chris got just one sculling lesson, then spent months flipping before being invited to a sweep team 14:49 - Lee was a social member since high school, and learned to row when she became an empty nester 17:38 - Tanya came to rowing after a soccer injury 20:52 - A brief look at ZLAC's 130+ year history 23:18 - ZLAC’s generational social crews and the bonds they help create among members 27:06 - Understanding the inner workings that make ZLAC so special  27:55 - Joining, membership, and programs 30:18 - Lee describes San Diego Bay 30:59 - ZLAC’s decades-long involvement with San Diego Crew Classic 35:14 - Chris, Tanya, and Lee tell us what's ahead in 2024 41:39 - ZLAC’s Legacy . To see photos of Chris, Tanya, Lee, and ZLAC founders, and get 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 Breakwater Realty, Live2Row, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

This is the second episode in a series on heart attacks and emergency preparedness. In this multi-part series you’ll hear first hand accounts from rowers who survived heart attacks, teammates and coaches who witnessed these events, and even from widows who reflect on warning signs and “what ifs.” On this episode: A member of the first U.S. women’s Olympic team and a longtime masters rower, Sue Hooten has a lifetime of rowing memories. She learned to row in California in the early 1970s, really appreciated the boathouse sock box in Philadelphia, and has raced around the world. In March 2018, her husband, former National Team and Vesper Boat Club coach John Hooten, had a medical emergency on the water while training in his 1x. He was out with his training partner, without a coach, and – like most rowers – was not wearing a PFD. Stay tuned ‘til the end. We tapped Tom Rooks, USRowing’s Director of Safeguarding, for top safety tips that scullers – who row without a coach present – should consider. Other episodes in this series: Giving and Getting Support: Burnham Boat Slings’ Peter Kermond For One Heart Attack Survivor, the Beat Goes On . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in 01:57 - The Huddle: Get to know Sue 05:55 - Sue’s Rowing Week… could have been better: arthritis & cataracts 06:37 - Hot Seat Q&A 11:20 - Sue’s rowing story began as walk on at UC Santa Barbara 14:29 - Meeting Coach Harry Parker and moving to Boston for National Team selection camp 18:47 - Coach Ted Nash paired Sue with Laura (Staines) Giardano for the 2x 22:27 - Meeting Vesper coach John Hooten 24:36 - About John and his unconventional way of looking at things 29:37 - John’s return to rowing in 2016 31:14 - March 5, 2018: The day John didn’t make it back to the dock 33:20 - Looking back at warning signs 35:57 - Could a life jacket have helped John? 38:21 - Staying connected with friends after John’s death 39:23 - What’s ahead for Sue’s rowing life in 2024? 41:57 - Tom’s Top Tips: USRowing safety guidelines for scullers rowing without a coach present . To see photos of Sue and John, and get links to the people, clubs, events, and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, Live2Row, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

This is the first episode in a series on heart attacks and emergency preparedness. In this multi-part series you’ll hear first hand accounts from rowers who survived heart attacks, teammates and coaches who witnessed these events, and even from widows who reflect on warning signs and “what ifs.” In this episode: Willamette Rowing Club couple David Setter and Sarah Copeland are enthusiastic about having learned to row as adults and use the word "fun" to describe their rowing life way more than anyone else we've can think of. But one day in 2018, David had a heart attack. Together, David and Sarah recount that day and why he survived, and delve into  recovery and returning to the boat. We also come to terms with erg splits going up as we get older and talk about learning to enjoy rowing for the sake of rowing. We also tap Tom Rooks, USRowing’s Director of Safeguarding, for top tips that coaches, rowers, and teammates can use when there’s an emergency on the water, or around the boathouse. Other episodes in this series: Giving and Getting Support: Burnham Boat Slings’ Peter Kermond Sue and John Hooten’s Mutual Admiration Society . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in 01:21 - The Huddle: Get to know David and Sarah 04:10 - David and Sarah's rowing week was terrible 06:44 - Hot Seat Q&A 17:00 - David’s rowing origin story 21:43 - Sarah’s rowing origin story 24:41 - David describes his heart attack like “the 1,500m mark of a 2k” 30:27 - Genetics had David thinking he’d be dead by 60 35:39 - Sarah’s side of the story: knowing David since they were 16, she was sure he’d survive the heart attack 37:36 - Trusting your body after injury, and your heart after a Widowmaker heart attack 44:18 - The reality of getting older, slower splits, and finding joy in rowing 49:19 - What’s ahead for David and Sarah’s rowing life in 2024? 53:18 - Tom’s Top Tips: USRowing guidelines for responding to a heart attack at your boathouse 57:49 - Behind the scenes with Tara and Rachel . To see photos of David and Sarah, and get links to the people, clubs, events, and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

Elizabeth Gilmore has had in insanely meteoric trajectory from indoor rowing newbie to indoor rowing champion and world record holder, to Head of the Charles course record breaker. It all started with getting on the erg to rehab a running injury. Then came the Concept2 Logbook and challenges. Then virtual racing (and winning), before stepping onto the gym floor at Erg Sprints for her first in-person event where she took home two gold medals. She was scouted by Capital Rowing Club where she learned to row sweep on the fly with the competitive women’s program, and today is to training for a row across the Atlantic. And all of this in the span of just about two years. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in 04:20 - The Huddle: Get to know Elizabeth in a minute 05:07 - Rowing Week on a scale of 1 to 10: 7 - good training, bad weather 05:53 - Hot Seat Q&A 08:44 - When ball sport coordination is lacking, run 10:57- Elizabeth’s rowing origin story began while rehabbing a running injury 13:57 - COVID and the rise of virtual indoor rowing training and racing 16:04 - Elizabeth’s first in-person indoor rowing event: Erg Sprints 18:54 - Getting scouted by Capital Rowing Club and how learning to row with the competitive women’s program was like drinking water from a firehouse 25:35 - Endurance rowing: training to row the Atlantic in 2024; December 2023 erg 100k with friends; passing the time on the erg; Lessons in Chemistry 31:25 - What’s next in 2024? . To see photos of Elizabeth, and get 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 Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

Teens are super aware of stranger danger from a really young age, but most of them have genuinely never thought about misconduct from known adults. Using SafeSport training as a springboard, Coach Libby Boghossian leads in-depth discussions with her Brookline High School rowers about team policies and the concepts of consent, power imbalance, and coercion. She’s helping to create a culture for her young athletes where everyone is enlisted in the effort to keep their rowing community safe. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode lead-in 01:54 - Rachel & Tara talk SafeSport, "when were kids," and "kids nowadays" 07:45 - Key point: the kids are crucial 08:40 - The Huddle: Get to know Libby in a minute 09:22 - Rowing Week on a scale of 1 to 10: 6 09:55 - Hot Seat Q&A 16:28 - Libby's rowing origin story is a doozie 24:25- Libby's first coaching gig while in college, and the quirks of coaching novices 33:07 - A (very) brief intro to SafeSport 34:26 - Why SafeSport and conduct are important to Libby and her rowing community in Boston 38:11 - SafeSport training for teens: making sure the whole team is on the same page 46:38 - Inside the teenage mind when determining unpleasant vs abusive treatment by coaches 49:07 - Kids are critical in terms of being on the front lines and seeing behaviors and activities first 50:13 - Red flags to look out for and a deep dive into Libby’s discussion for her junior athletes 58:27 - Feedback from rowers and parents about Libby's curriculum 1:03:10 - What Libby wished she knew as a teenager  1:04:07 - Libby’s hope for the future of the rowing community 1:05:43 - Abuse can happen at all levels, getting kids involved in spotting and reporting incidents 1:08:22 - Resources 1:09:14 - Teenagers and maturity 1:10:00 - Sign off . This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

After providing some basic instruction, coaches often leave coxswains to figure things out on their own. Three-time medal-winning U.S. Olympic coxswain Mary Whipple recognized this gap in the coaching playbook and founded The 9th Seat, offering camps, resources, and community for coxswains. Hear what Mary has to say about lucky breaks and logistics, and why being a motivator isn’t at the top of her coxing list. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 05:07 - Team huddle: Mary’s coxing bio  05:45 - Mary’s rowing week: Writing the USRowing Coxing Course for athletes and coaches 13:30 - Developing empathy as a coxswain and giving rowers time to make changes 16:48 - Creating a practice environment where coxswain feels safe to fail 23:03 - Hot Seat Q&A 26:45 - What was behind Mary’s successful trajectory from high school, to UW, to the National Team? 33:33 - Hitting her stride at the University of Washington 35:15 - Mary’s most influential coaches 40:21 - Keeping coxswains engaged and motivated throughout the pipeline from scholastic, to college, to masters 45:27 - On bad days… 46:30 - More talking isn’t better. Listen, feel, check-in, fix. 49:05 - The perfect stroke: a feeling that comes from efficiency, suspension, and collaboration 55:38 - Leading the way in coaching coxswains 56:29 - Outro . To see photos of Mary, and get 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 Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons. . This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

Jen Huffman gave her son a guilt trip about learning to row. “You would make your great grandpa so happy!” And when your great grandpa is Joe Rantz, 7 seat in the University of Washington crew that took gold at the 1936 Olympics, you learn to row. Jen also took up the challenge and learned to row as an adult, quickly becoming an accomplished masters rower in the Seattle area. Growing up, Jen didn’t know much about her Grandpa Joe’s rowing history. But late in his life, she found his memorabilia from the crew’s trip to the Berlin Olympics. Jen tells us how a scrapbook she made became the jumping off point for author Daniel James Brown’s now blockbuster book The Boys in the Boat. Ten years after the book was published, it’s become a George Clooney-directed movie. We talk with Jen about the power of rowing and seeing her grandpa brought to life on the big screen. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Team huddle: Jen’s rowing bio  02:13 - Jen’s rowing week rated a 6, and included a “sushi race” in Lake Union in Seattle, WA 05:33 - Hot Seat Q&A 08:34 - Getting to know grandpa Joe 13:18 - Jenn guilt-tripped her son into learning to row, then learned to row herself in 2008 18:24 - Coaching gymnastics, coaching rowing, and taking off your coach’s hat when you’re rowing 25:56 - Jen’s 2023 rowing season 28:45 - The story of The Boys in the Boat book began with a family scrapbook  34:42 - Being a part of Daniel James Brown’s writing process, and learning about Grandpa Joe chapter by chapter 39:55 - MOHAI exhibit, Joe’s “Amerika” flag, and some Husky Challenger history 43:28 - North Cascades Crew Joe Rantz Boathouse on Lake Stevens . To see photos of Jen, Joe, and 1936 UW memorabilia, and to get 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 Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

In this special episode, co-hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan take a look back at 2023. Go behind the scenes of Steady State Podcast to learn more about Rachel and Tara's rowing careers, listen to clips from some of their favorite season 4 episodes, consider their big takeaways from interviews with nearly 40 guests in the past 12 months, and get a peak at what's to come in Season 5 in 2024. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro / a reflection on the first 4 seasons of Steady State Podcast 03:14 - Get to know co-hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan 08:57 - On a scale of 1-10 ... rating our rowing year 13:28 - Hot Seat Q&A 24:05 - The building blocks of a podcast: awesome audience, supportive Patrons, marketing 26:25 - Favorite moments of 2023: gender identity policy series, Gevvie Stone, Lindsay Dare Shoop, Next Level Rowing, Indianapolis Rowing Club spotlight, Unity Boat Club's Excellence in Black Rowing event 45:05 - Upping our game as a media outlet at USRowing Masters Nationals and Head of the Charles 47:41 - Takeaways: it's time to take beach sprints and coastal rowing seriously; incorporating non-binary athletes into racing is complicated 53:05 - Partnerships 54:29 - Wrapping up Season 4 with Jennifer Huffman, masters rower and granddaughter of Boys in the Boat central character Joe Rantz. 56:07 - Season 5 sneak peek: Olympic coxswain Mary Whipple, on water emergencies and safety, keeping junior athletes safe, indoor world record holder Elizabeth Gilmore, and Lessons in Chemistry author Bonnie Garmus. . To see photos of Rachel and Tara, 2023 podcast guests, and get links to the people, clubs, policies, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

Think of rowing and Boston and there’s one name that really stands out: Ellen Minzner. Born and raised in Lawrence, Mass., Ellen has spent more than two decades developing and leading programs in the state, including most recently as the Director of Outreach and then Director of Inclusion and Advocacy at Community Rowing Inc. Ellen also balances being the co-chair of the Head of the Charles Announcing Committee with her full-time position as USRowing Para High Performance Director, a title she’s held since 2019. From walk on at Villanova University to 5-time National Team member, to her transition into coaching and program development, Ellen saw the long game: changing the status quo of her clubs, organizations, and communities. In this episode, she also gives a peek behind the curtains of the world’s premier annual rowing competition - the Head of the Charles - from her vantage point in an announcers booth on the roof of Cambridge Boat Club. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 00:24 - Lead-In Banter 04:45 - Welcome 06:26 - Bio/Olympics Distance Rowing Week is quiet after getting home from Worlds, looking ahead to para rowing in ‘24 and ‘28 11:19 - The Hot Seat Q&A 18:51 - Walking on at Villanova sophomore year, being a part of Boathouse Row, and finding summer rowing in Lowell, MA 23:39 - Coaching at CRI planted the seeds of a National Team dream. A bumpy trajectory across five national teams in the ‘90s was a lesson in playing the long game. 26:24 - Retiring from the National Team and transitioning into college coaching 28:40 - The teaching magic of the pair 31:50 - Returning to Massachusetts to help bring rowing opportunities to her blue collar community 34:36 - Pairing rowing community accessibility with “what is just and equitable” has driven Ellen’s career 37:15 - The future of para rowing: developing juniors athletes, and supporting collegiate programs that recruit athletes with disabilities 45:50 - Ellen’s early involvement with HOCR, how announcing has changed over the years, and how it makes the sport more inclusive and accessible 49:54 - Watching HOCR from the roof of Cambridge Boat Club, Elliot Bridge, and other great spots 51:58 - Behind the scenes at HOCR 56:56 - Listener Question: "My HOCR coxswain hasn't coxed in several years. Should I be worried?"  58:50 - HOCR meet and greet for para rowers at Noon in the USRowing tent 1:00:04 - HOCR’s Ellen Minzner trophy, awarded each year to the winners of the  LTA 4+ . To see photos of Ellen and get 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 Barb, Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

In 2002, Lindsay Dare Shoop reluctantly walked-on at the University of Virginia. Within a year she became an NCAA Division I All American. In four years she broke a world record and earned her first World Championship. Within six years her hard work manifested a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Today she seeks to help others remove self-imposed limitations. This Fall, 20 years after it all began, the author of Better Great Than Never returns to UVA as an assistant coach, paying it forward.  This thought-provoking conversation considers serendipity, struggle, pressures on student athletes, walk-ons, team-building, rowing for life, Head of the Charles (and being coxed by Mary Whipple), and a whole lot more. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 04:50 - How 9/11 indirectly led to Lindsay walking on at the University of Virginia 07:38 - When Rachel met Lindsay at Steeringuwright / Endeavor Racing Alliance Camp; coaching rowers to consider the long timeline 11:30 - The Huddle 12:48 - Coaching CrossFit coaches and developing an indoor rowing curriculum with USRowing 15:31 - Rowing Week 16:00 - Preparing for HOCR, being coxed by 3-time Olympic medalist Mary Whipple 18:14 - Beijing teammate Anna Mickelson on savoring the moment 19:30 - The Hot Seat Q&A 23:23 - Growing up on a farm in Virginia, playing with boys, and trying “all the sports” 25:19 - Early Olympic dreams and the notion of “not being a real athlete” 27:40 - Losing her athletic self and finding it again at the University of Virginia 32:44 - The waning prevalence of collegiate walk-ons, the importance of novice rowing, and optimizing movement patterns 38:48 - How social media, NILs, and the prospect of financial contracts  have put additional pressure on college athletes 43:15 - Beyond erg scores: intangibles that make for positive team culture 46:19 - Better Great Than Never, inspiring others, “catching up with the things your parents always said,” and taking it one day at a time 50:49 - “Team” as the tribes of today; and the importance of paying attention, getting and staying connected with people 53:00 - Winning gold in Beijing and the weight of the moment she was handed a medal from Anita DeFrantz . To see photos of Lindsay and get 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 Barb, Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

“Physical limitations only exist if you’re willing to find them.” This is the philosophy of Mitch King, a coxswain for River City Rowing Club in Sacramento, CA. Every day he does countless things that doctors said were impossible when he was a kid diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Mitch doesn’t call himself a disability advocate, doesn’t want to be an inspiration, and would rather folks didn’t try to tiptoe around his disability. We talk balancing coxing with graduate school, collaborative coxing, finding tenths of seconds on the erg, and shattering expectations.  . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 02:10 - The Huddle 04:38 - Rate Your rowing week: 1-10… quickly turns into swapping coxing stories 10:05  - The Hot Seat Q&A 15:44 - Coxing origin story 19:24 - How rowing helps student athletes with discipline and time management 21:22 - Erging with the team began as a means to understand what his athletes were going through, and became an outlet for moving beyond internal and external limitations of his Cerebral Palsy 29:18 - Collaborative coxing: getting to know your rowers, giving and receiving feedback, sharing race strategies, leaving your worries on shore 35:08 - Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a kid, Mitch wants strangers to assume he, and other people with disabilities, are competent and capable 38:50 - It’s okay to ask, and it’s okay to say “disabled” 43:21 - Being an inadvertent ambassadors for people with disabilities, how we’ve been socialized to understand disability, and  rebutting the notion of being an inspiration 49:03 - Mitch’s rowing pitch 50:00 - What’s next and hoping to make it to Head of the Charles 49:56 - Outro 54:48 - Outtakes . To get 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 Barb, Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

That place a lot of us call a second home – the boathouse – is on land with a long history. And the waterways we dip our oars in once provided sustenance. Know Where You Row is a campaign across the United States and Canada to explore the spaces and places where we row, which have been – and continue to be – the lands of the native peoples who, for centuries, have stewarded them. Know Where You Row encourages rowing clubs to connect with the history of the waterways and land that they use, and the indigenous tribes of the area. The team behind the campaign – Dave Harvey, Julia Gonzalez-Wolf and Steady State’s own Tara Morgan – tell us more. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 03:15 -  The Huddle 03:52 - Rate your rowing week: 1-10 04:35 - The Hot Seat Q&A 06:50 - How rowing came into Dave and Julia’s lives, and what keeps them hooked on rowing 11:42 - An intro to Tacoma Rowing’s work in the community 13:12 - How Tara and Dave connected 14:20 - Tara’s nugget of an idea that led to Know Where You Row began at Lake Stevens 19:10 - About the PacNW, the prevalence of indigenous tribes, and land acknowledgements 22:35 - About the Know Where You Row campaign 28:45 - How clubs and boathouses can move beyond the performative . To get links to the people, clubs, events, and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Barb, Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

The World's Toughest Row is a 2,800-mile race across the Pacific Ocean. On June 12, 2024, more than 20 teams will leave Monterey, CA and race to Kauai, HI in unsupported, man-powered ocean rowing boats. Hannah Huppi (NORC), Phil Doyle (PBC), and Hunter Deuel (OWRC) formed Horizon Racing USA to take on this massive rowing challenge. They are solidly into their planning and training with a goal of breaking the Mixed 4x World Record for rowing across the Mid-Pacific ocean – which currently stands at just over 34 days. We talk about lots of steady state training on the erg, star-gazing and the unknown, competitive drive, Cheez-Its, and fundraising for Laureus Sport For Good USA. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - intro 02:00 - Welcome and The Huddle 03:20 - Rate Your rowing week: 1 to 10 05:04 - The Hot Seat Q&A 08:33 - Rowing origin stories: Hannah, Phil, Hunter 14:13 - About the World’s Toughest Row across the Pacific 15:50 - About their 4-person Ranoch RX45 boat 18:20 - Whose  idea was it to row the WTR; finding a fourth crewmate, necessary skills, and the importance of coming together as a competitive unit 28:56 - Supporting their charity partner Laureus Sport for Good USA 31:20 - Sponsorship opportunities and Hannah’s hopes for Cheez Its 33:24 - How training started, what they’re looking forward to, and what they’re nervous about  40:40 - Letting go of flatwater perfection, thinking BIG intervals, and canned peaches for celebrating milestones 46:15 - The adventure of a lifetime and leaving an impact on the next generation 50:10 - Sign Off . To see photos of Hannah, Phil, an Hunter, and get 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 Barb, Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

This is the final episode in a four-part special series on gender identity policies in rowing. Since December 2022, World Athletics, World Rowing, USRowing and other national governing bodies, have announced updated gender identity policies. In response, voices across the rowing community have stood up for "fairness for women" and alternatively "inclusion for marginalized athletes." We're taking a closer look. Dr. David Scherzer learned to row with DC Strokes Rowing Club, one of just a handful of dedicated, independent LGBTQ+ rowing clubs in the world. But for many years, even DC Strokes wasn’t able to provide answers to David about how they could participate and race as a non-binary athlete. And when Bobbi Kizer, PhD inquired about racing at Head of the Lake as a transgender athlete, the organizing committee worked with them to create an exhibition “mixed” category for all genders. But in general, the current USRowing gender inclusion policy leaves transgender, non-binary, and other gender nonconforming rowers with very few opportunities to race. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Rachel and Tara re-introduce the podcast’s Gender Identity Policies series 05:40 - Welcome and The Huddle 08:05 - David and Bobbi’s rowing week 10:12 - Hot Seat Q&A 12:45 - Rowing origin stories: Bobbi, then David 21:02 - Club community agreements and DEI committees 25:09 - Intro to World Rowing and USRowing gender identity policies 26:55 - Laying the groundwork: sex, gender, and gender identity 29:45 - Bobbi’s experiences as a trans rower at SRRA, Head of the Lake, and ZLAC sweep camp 37:50 - David’s surprising experiences as a non-binary rower in an LGBT+ club 40:32 - What current USRowing open and mixed racing opportunities mean for non-binary and trans rowers 46:32 - ICONS petition and “fairness for females” 53:21 - As a new member of USRowing’s DEI committee, David is ambivalent 56:08 - David and Rachel’s perspective on DC Strokes Rowing Club and the challenge of retaining gender non-conforming rowers 1:01:35 - How Bobbi’s combining their psychiatry practice with the sport through rowing group therapy  1:06:00 - Sign off . To see photos of Bobbi and David, and to get links to the people, clubs, policies, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Barb, Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

Start your engines! Get to know Indianapolis Rowing Center, host of the 2023 USRowing Masters National Championships. We talk with IRC board President Janet Francis, Masters Head Coach Zach Christopher, and recent LTR grad Lisa Stickley. Developed in the 1980s, the race course at Eagle Creek remains one of the country’s premiere venues, host to PanAm Games, World Rowing Championships, NCAA Championships, and a lot more. Get an inside scoop on Vendors Village, course strategy, and IRC, Indy’s only rowing club. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro/Lead-in 02:35 - Welcome and The Huddle 05:06 - Rowing week and local tornado 07:00 - Hot Seat Q&A 12:13 - Rowing origin stories: Zach, Lisa, then Janet 17:50 - Rowing into our 80s 20:19 - Janet’s role as IRC president, current challenges and plans/ initiatives  24:13 - A local’s perspective on Eagle Creek 27:25 - IRC is the only rowing center in Indy, and offers programs for all ages 30:41 - Volunteering for Masters Nats 31:11 - Recruiting new members 33:18 - Rowers sure do love talking about rowing… 36:46 - the development of IRC at Eagle Creek for a premiere rowing venue 39:55 - committees and community partnerships make big events possible 41:37 - Vendor village, the beach where there shall be no swimming, beer garden, and coxswain tosses are approved. 43:41 - First Masters Nationals experiences 48:51 - IRC Course trade secrets 50:44 - Sign off . To see photos of Janet, Zach, and Lisa, and to get 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 RowSource, Barb, EB5 Investors, Concept2, and our Patrons.

GENDER IDENTITY POLICIES: Part 3 Since December 2022, World Athletics, World Rowing, USRowing and other national governing bodies, have announced updated gender identity policies. In response, voices across the rowing community have stood up for "fairness for women" and alternatively "inclusion for marginalized athletes." We're taking a closer look. Kevin Harris’s coaching career began in the early 1990s and culminated with 20+ years at the helm of the University of Tulsa women’s rowing program. Harris offers an in-depth and thought-provoking perspective on DEI, the importance of boathouses as welcoming spaces, the prevalence of transgender and non-binary rowers in the United States, and gender inclusion policies. ICYMI: Gender Identity Policy Series Part 1 - Dr. Mary O’Connor: Fighting to Save Women’s Rowing Part 2 - Coach Anne Strayer on Inclusion and Self-Worth in Rowing . QUICK LOOK 00:50 - Pre-interview banter with Tara and Rachel 04:30 - The Huddle, a discussion of Kevin’s early coaching career in D.C. and Virginia 05:30 - Hot Seat Q&A 08:20 - Starting out as a coach, Stonewall Regatta 10:35 - Experience at 2023 Youth Nationals with the USRowing Board of Directors, perspective on FL controversy as a Black man who grew up in the South 19:00 - Welcome mat at T.C. Williams High School when he learned to row 21:30 - The Harris family history in Alexandria, VA and why Kevin’s mom asked him why he wanted to get into a “white boy’s sport” 29:20 - Kevin’s reality as a lightweight hit him when he arrived at the Naval Academy, and then coach bumped him to the cox seat 31:50 - An unexpected early departure from the Naval Academy led him to his first coaching job at T.C. Williams 33:50 - History of Dee Campbell Boathouse in Alexandria, VA 36:10 - The development of USRowing’s DEI committee in 2020 45:00 - Intro to Gender Inclusion Policies and the ICONS petition 47:10 - Kevin’s inroads to coaching women’s programs  50:02 - Title IX, gender policies, the ICONS petition, and DEI from Kevin’s unique perspective as an NCAA coach and member of the USRowing Board. 1:00:00 - USRowing’s work to accommodate a huge variety of members . To see photos of Kevin, and to get links to the people, clubs, policies, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by RowSource, Barb, EB5 Investors, and our Patrons.

PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL: PART 2 We visit Chicago Rowing Union (CRU), the Midwest's only LGBTQ+ rowing organization, and one of just a few such clubs in the world. CRU member and social media manager Michael Toutloff talks with us about the importance of safe spaces and being yourself, finding community and competition on the water, and proudly flying the flag at regattas.  Listen to Part 1 of our Pride month special – a chat with LGBTQ+ DC Strokes Rowing Club and the Melbourne Argonauts. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Podcast lead-in 01:37 - Rachel and Tara banter about Pride month 03:30 - Team Huddle: Michael’s bio in 45 seconds 04:14 - Tara’s out sick! 05:18 - The Hot Seat Q&A 09:35 - “Set the wayback machine” - learning to row at Indiana University with tulip blades and wooden shells 12:30 - Personal and professional changes led Michael back to rowing after many years off the water 17:33 - LGBTQ+ community in Chicago 20:10 - Partnering with other LGBTQ+ sports organizations for networking and club growth 21:00 - CRU – the only LGBTQ+ rowing club in the midwest – was established in 2006 for the Chicago Gay Games 22:43 - Comparing experiences at CRU with other rowing clubs, and CRU as a safe space where LGBTQ+ members can be themselves 26:07 - Flying the flag of inclusion, and acceptance of the local rowing community 30:25 - Supporting DC Strokes’ boycott of the 2022 USRowing Masters National Championship in Florida 34:48 - CRU is having a renaissance in 2023 . To see photos of Michael, and to get 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 Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, Barb, EB5 Investors, and our Patrons.