Steady State Podcast

Think of all the companies represented in your boathouse. Maybe it’s boats manufactured by Vespoli, Pocock, or Hudson, and ergs and oars by Concept2. Maybe your coach keeps communications going using iCrew, or you open up the ErgZone app for training workouts. All of these companies – and nearly 20 others – are members of the Rowing Industry Trade Association (RITA).  On this episode we talk with two founding members of RITA  – Michael Naughton, the COO of Nielsen-Kellerman; and Glen Burston, the Owner and Operations Manager of Hudson Boat Works. We’ll talk about how the association has opened up communication with World Rowing; about rules and regulations that impact companies and clubs; about what it would take to get more young kids into rowing, and more adults working in the rowing industry. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro and welcome 03:19 - Rowing Week on a scale of 1-10 04:25 - The Huddle 06:25 - Hot Seat Q&A 11:23 - Michael and Glen’s rowing origin stories began in high school after turning away from other sports 17:35 - Finding profession in the rowing industry 22:03 - How RITA came to be and the vision for the association 24:48 - Balancing the needs and interests of RITA members 29:22 - RITA’s relationship with NGOs 30:44 - RITA members and member benefits 39:00 - Acknowledging three major disciplines: traditional, coastal, and indoor 41:38 - Considering ways to make rowing more accessible 47:24 - RITA at HOCR, sparking innovation, and industry job shop talk 51:02 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Michael and Glen, and get links to the people, clubs, businesses, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber    

Indianapolis Rowing Center was like lots of other clubs, running several small Learn to Row sessions each year but struggling with retention. Then IRC rower, coach, and brand new Board member Lisa Stickley proposed something big. Really big. She wanted to develop a new type of introduction to rowing program that would get 120 registrants in the boathouse door and on the water all within the month of July. With the support of the Board and club membership, IRC’s First Strokes program moved from big idea, to social media marketing campaign, to eight sessions a week for four weeks, plus three big social events. As of today, the retention rate is 40%. Find out from Lisa how she made it happen and how your club can think outside the box to truly use LTR to grow membership and create community connections. . QUICK LOOK 0:00 - Intro 05:05 - Lisa’s Rowing Week was an 11! 06:57 - The Huddle 08:37 - Hot Seat Q&A 11:23 - Rowing origin story 15:05 - Transition into competitive rowing, the rower life cycle, and Lisa’s “iron sharpens iron” motto 20:43 - About Indianapolis Rowing Center 23:25 - The idea that became IRC’s First Strokes program 25:39 - Big goal: register 120 new rowers 30:28 - Coaches, volunteers, and operational logistic strategy 39:10 - Phase 2: retention and integration of new rowers into club programs  42:48 - Club culture shifts 47:52 - Considerations for future growth of First Strokes 49:25 - Keys to success: fun and friends 53:31 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Lisa, IRC's huge First Strokes program, and to get links to the people and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber  

Like plenty of other college rowers, Jordan Hanssen felt he had more to prove on the water. So after graduation he committed to training with a goal of making the National Team. But when he spotted a flier in the boathouse challenging rowers to take on an ocean, the trajectory of his rowing career – and life – changed completely. We sat down with Jordan to talk about his 2006 World Record-setting Atlantic row, and a second Atlantic crossing that ended with a  capsized boat in the Bermuda Triangle. But the story of the boat – named for his late father and outfitted with scientific instruments and satellite communications – didn’t end there.    QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro and banter 02:04 - Rowing Week  03:19 - The Huddle 03:51 - Hot Seat Q&A 08:39 - Oar the Rainbow de-brief 12:21 - Rowing Origin Story: learning to row in college and a very memorable first head race  15:07 - From National team dreams to pulling together a team for a race across the Atlantic, and creating OAR Northwest 19:31 - Setting a Guinness World Record; rowing the Atlantic a second time with a new purpose 23:31 - CWF Africa to the Americas Expedition: Dakar, Senegal bound for Miami, FL capsized 72 days in 25:56 - The “10 most cowboy days” of Jordan’s life searching for, finding, and retrieving, the boat 28:08 - The boat’s namesake, its last mission and “funeral,” and handling grief 37:36 - Seeking to make OAR Northwest: The Film 39:47 - Connect with Jordan 40:45 - Wrapping up his pandemic project Tiny Boat Sessions 43:04 - Steady State Network news and notes 45:50 - Outtake . To see photos of Jordan, his teammates, and their boat the James Robert Hanssen, and get links to the people, organizations, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber  

Lea Park-Kim wanted to row in college, but realized she couldn’t give it the time and dedication she wanted. For her it was all or nothing so she stepped away to focus on academics. Several years later, with her professional life on track, she found her way back to the water. Today Lea is a disciplined, motivated, and insightful rower, coxswain, and coach at River City Rowing Club in West Sacramento, CA.   QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro and welcome 04:00 - Rowing Week on a scale of 1-10: tendonitis, injury, and “customer relations” 09:40 - The Huddle 13:15 - Hot Seat Q&A 15:28 - Rowing Origin Story 20:29 - Coxing personality: absorb all she can; give rowers what they need in a way they can best receive it 25:16 - Taking a holistic approach to coxing ROWsist 28:34 - Coxing levels I, II, III 32:41 - Chatter in the boat? Absolutely no. But: here are tips for signaling your coach when things aren’t ok. 37:24 - Bringing her professional skills as a communications director to the boathouse, and how rowing time management has made her more efficient at the office 39:23 - About RCRC, Lea’s many rolls, and her transition to coaching with the support of other RCRC coaches  44:30 - The creep of AI into developing training plans and club communications 47:24 - A look back at the season, and a look ahead to growing as a coach and coxswain 50:44 - A consideration of the post-practice huddle 55:47- Lea’s idea of a perfect stroke 57:11 - Steady State Network news and notes 59:52 - Outtake . To see photos of Leah 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, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber  

Carolyn Webster-Stratton had been an active masters rower when she flipped over her handlebars while out for a bike ride in 2013. She can’t remember the first two weeks after the accident, but clearly remembers doctors painting a grim prognosis of her future with a traumatic brain injury. With a personal mantra of “keep going” and a dedication to recovery that includes daily long sessions on the erg, Carolyn returned to rowing in July 2025. After 12 years off the water, she's switched from sweep to sculling and is building new neural pathways.   GUEST Carolyn Webster-Stratton  Founder, The Incredible Years  Professor Emeritus, University of Washington Member, Vashon Rowing Club   QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro 00:25 - Banter 02:25  - Rowing Week  03:45 - The Huddle 07:24 - Hot Seat Q&A 11:11 - Carolyn’s rowing origin story 13:58 - A bike accident, a brain injury, and stubbornly pushing (instead of resting) through recovery 22:54 - The best rowing advice Carolyn ever received 20:28 - The human brain, the simplicity of repetition on the erg, and dealing with feelings of inadequacies  when returning to the water  26:00 - Honoring where you’re at in rowing 33:00 - What the rowing life has given Carolyn 36:20 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos 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, iCrew, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

Cara Stawicki won gold in the Lightweight Women’s pair at the 2019 World Championships, but as a high school swimmer, a walk on to Lehigh University’s rowing program, and even as she moved into international competition, Cara struggled with confidence. A well-meaning phrase: “you have so much potential” was repeated so often she wondered why she wasn’t reaching that potential. Today, as the Founder of Be Brave High Performance, she facilitates peak performance and well-being in athletes, coaches, and industry leaders through mindset training and personal development. GUEST Cara Stawicki Founder, Be Brave High Performance 3x US National Team member 2019 World Champion, LW2- QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro 01:56 - Cara’s rowing week on a scale of 1-10 02:36 - The Huddle 04:01 - Hot Seat Q&A 06:07 - Cara’s rowing origin story 09:22 - Defining moments that helped shape Cara’s path 11:26 - Working through setback and challenging times 13:46 - Building a community of trust 18:19 - Love affair with the pair 22:00 - Cara’s transition to coastal rowing was “freeing;” the opportunities coastal brings  27:44 - Be Brave began as a blog to give back to the rowing community 29:49 - Performance doesn’t happen in isolation: considering the whole athlete 36:29 - Rituals and mind set on race day 40:22 - How Be Brave High Performance is helping athletes 43:11 - Self-talk and the inner critic 44:17 - Advice to Cara’s younger self 44:51 - Steady State Network news and notes . 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, iCrew, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

Dive into the world of coastal rowing and beach sprints with guests Ben Booth and Mark Oria, co-authors of the new book 'Ride the Waves: A Complete Guide to Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint.' Our conversation delves into the unique aspects and growing popularity of coastal rowing, training tips, and the differences from flat-water rowing. We also introduce youth rowers Cooper and Noah of Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association, highlighting their experiences and passion for the sport. The conversation underscores the importance of love for rowing, proper training, and the expanding opportunities within coastal rowing, including upcoming championships, training camps, and the debut of beach sprints at the Olympics. Sponsored by Breakwater Realty Group, the episode also promotes community engagement and support for rowing initiatives. GUESTS: Marc Oria - Head Coach, US National Beach Sprint team; co-founder of Next Level Racing Ben Booth - Co-Founder, Next Level Racing; boat designer at Next Boat Works Noah Oberly and Cooper Disque - Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association members   FIND OUT MORE Ride the Waves: A Complete Guide to Coastal Rowing & Beach Sprint QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro 01:34 - Hosts Tara and Rachel talk candidly about the topic 05:50 - Welcome guests and Rowing Week on a scale of 1-10:  07:00 - The Huddle: Ben then Marc 09:19 - Growth of coastal and beach sprint in the past 5 years 12:43 - New Book! Ride the Waves 15:47 - Extreme conditions + knowledge + skills = success 18:18 - camps 19:29 - Welcome Cooper and Noah 20:42 - Rowing Origin Stories: Cooper then Noah 22:33 - The Hot Seat Q&A 24:56 - The kids ask the experts 32:37 - Reframing the flat water rowing experience and benefits of adding beach sprints and coastal to flat water programs 34:48 - What’s on Noah and Cooper’s racing schedule this Summer? 35:54 - How to bring coastal to your club. Tips and cautionary tales. 37:33 - On the schedule: youth nationals, national team trials, ID camps, Youth Olympics, 2028 Olympics in LA. 40:19 - Steady State Network news and notes . 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, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

A Long Talk About the Uncomfortable Truth was developed by two black fathers in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, during a moment of national reckoning. There was a collective national and international outcry, but there was also a gap between intention and action. People wanted to help but didn’t know where to start. In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, USRowing came to terms with its own limitations when it came to talking about – and taking action around – diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Long Talk gives space to have the conversations that people are afraid to have. They lead activation experiences designed to empower participants with knowledge and skills to interrupt problematic thinking and behaviors. Kamal Carter and Kyle Williams, founders of A Long Talk, are not rowers, but they are proud to be a USRowing Unity Partner, and working with rowing programs across the country. GUESTS: Kamal Carter, President Kyle Williams, Chief Empowerment Officer FIND OUT MORE www.alongtalk.com FB, IG & X: @alongtalk2020 YouTube: @Alongtalk QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro 01:50 - Hosts Tara and Rachel talk candidly about policies that led to segregation, and outdated ideas that persist 04:10 - Welcome guests and week on a scale of 1-10  09:15 - The Hot Seat Q&A 17:53 - Kyle and Kamal met in college at Hampton University 20:02 - A Long Talk origin story began in response to a 2020 incident with an NCAA basketball coach 29:45 - Connecting with USRowing started with Matt Logue at TRRA 32:04 -  A willingness to learn and progress over perfection 36:10 - Success looks like… 40:56 - Information plus empathy equals action 41:58 - A Long Talk’s CPR ( clarify, probe and redirect) training 49:44 - How white women can impact change 52:56 - Are you ready to take your first steps towards  interrupting ignorance? 54:50 - Steady State Network news and notes . 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, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

At the heart of New Orleans, at Xavier University of Louisiana, two coaches decided to challenge tradition—by bringing an elite sport to an unexpected place and building something that had never existed before: the first co-ed rowing program at a Historically Black College and University. Xavier University Rowing Club is a trailblazing force in collegiate sports, championing diversity and unity on Bayou St. John. Coaches Beth Manley and Chloé Jobin, and rower Victoria Duffey, are at the heart of the grassroots effort fueled by the belief that sports have the power to change minds and communities. Every stroke they take on the water is a step towards breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future for rowing. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro 02:05 - Co-Hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan banter 06:14 - The Huddle: A quick get to know guests Beth Manley, Victoria Duffey, and Chloé Jobin 07:41 - Welcome guests and Rowing week on a scale of 1-10: a mixed bag of rain, gators, and flip tests 08:43 - The Hot Seat Q&A 11:18 - For Victoria, the importance of attending an HBCU 14:30 - XULA’s location in New Orleans 15:04 - What sparked the idea of starting a rowing program at XU? 16:55 - No blueprint for starting a rowing club at XULA 19:27 - Partnership with New Orleans Rowing Club 22:07- Victoria: from Crossfit to XULA Rowing Club walk-on and beyond 25:50 - Building club culture of accountability, leadership, and building each other up 30:24 - Training, growth, and plans 33:48 -  About being the first, motivation and the legacy of XULA. Contextualize what you're doing and the space that you're making for other people  40:23 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Victoria, Chloé, Beth, and XULA Rowing Club, 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, RowSource, and our Patrons. . Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

As part of our semi-regular club spotlight series, we head to Conshohoken, Pennsylvania to get to know Whitemarsh Boat Club. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, we check in with Linda Chisholm and Jane Voss – two of the club's Founding Mothers – about the early days of getting the club off the ground in 2005, the growth it’s seen in the years since, and what makes this multi-generational club a stand-out. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Hosts Tara and Rachel banter about pipe dreams and logistics of starting a club 07:02 - Rowing week on a scale of 1-10: planning for a 10 next week! 08:10 - The Huddle: A quick get to know you with Linda and Jane 11:04 - The Hot Seat Q&A 13:53 - Linda and Jane's rowing origin stories: Rowing moms unite! 18:17 - Why start a club in Conshohocken? Why not join a club on Boathouse Row? 21:54 - Early days of borrowed boats and fund raising 22:28 - About Whitemarsh Boat Club and its place on the Schuylkill River 25:56 - Development of Whitemarsh Boat Club programs 30:47 - Not so secret secrets to building club culture 36:13 - 20 years of Whitemarsh Boat Club 39:07 - Linda and Jane's advice for starting a club 42:32 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Jane Voss, Linda Chisolm, and Whitemarsh Boat Club, 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, 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 and donor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber  

On June 7, 2025, Oar the Rainbow will be one of just five teams losing sight of shore for an unsupported, human-powered, 2800-mile row from Monterey, CA to Kauai, HI. The team, – including the first out transgender person to row across the Pacific – are about two years into their planning and training.  Members Taylan Stulting, Julie Warren, and Courtney Farber have inclusion, joy, and kindness at the heart of the team, with the belief that representation in sports matters, while pushing the limits of endurance. We talk about the love of rowing, having something to prove, what to expect out there, and fundraising for Athlete Ally and Doctors Without Borders. Stick around for a bonus Q&A with ocean rower, author, and adventurer Jordan Hanssen.   QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Podcast Series Introduction 01:45 - Episode Intro: Rachel and Tara’s take on taking on an ocean 08:57 - The Huddle: A quick get to know you  10:39 - Rowing week on a scale of 1-10 11:26 - The Hot Seat Q&A 13:58 - Rowing origin stories: For Courtney the stars aligned in her 30s; Julie got handed a flier as a college freshman; Taylan sought out a college LTR program 19:20 - Most recent training/practical session together 21:09 - The dream of rowing an ocean 26:05 - How Oar the Rainbow came to be 28:40 - Commitment and family sacrifices 30:30 - About the World’s Toughest Row 31:20 - The boat named Emma 32:30 - Training 33:37 - Extrapolating personal skills to make the teamwork work 38:03 - The “why”  42:42 - Charities and support 44:14 - Intro to Q&A with ocean rower, author, and adventurer Jordan Hanssen 44:55 -  What is so exciting about rowing on the ocean?  45:56 -  What piece of equipment or personal gear do you wish that you had with you?  48:25 -  How did you feel hitting the halfway point and in the days following that milestone?  49:44 -  What was the transition back to life on land like for you?  51:38 -  How to plan for something unexpected? 53:10 -  Lovely nuggets 56:10 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Oar the Rainbow, 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, 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 and donor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber  

Neil Bergenroth is an educator and rowing coach whose work with kids has developed successful rowers and students for nearly 40 years in his adopted hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma and across the country. Neil’s Rowing STEM curriculum introduces kids to concepts like data analysis, graphing, physiology, precision, and accuracy. And as an online rowing coach, Neil’s helping rowers of all ages dial in their rowing technique, and reach new personal milestones. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Podcast Series Introduction 01:17 - Episode intro: Hosts Rachel and Tara banter about their personal experiences learning about data from the Concept2 monitor 05:27 - Neils's rowing week on a scale of 1-10: 9 (or 10) because a client set a U.S. record on the slides 05:52 - The Huddle: A quick get-to-know Neil's rowing background 07:41 - The Hot Seat Q&A 11:07 - Neil's rowing origin story began at Kingston Grammar School in London 14:00 - Making the decision to attend Boston University 14:41 - When your new wife is from Tulsa ... you move across the Pond and volunteer at Tulsa Youth Rowing Association 18:54 - Aging, making time for family, stepping away from the launch, and deciding what to do next 20:20 - A vision for what online coaching could be: apps 22:37 -  Developing the Rowing STEM curriculum and app, and bringing it into the classroom 25:52 - Why rowing is a great way to teach STEM concepts 28:41 - Using the Concept2 RowErg for STEM experiments 32:17 - The future of the Rowing STEM curriculum depends on others stepping up 34:20 - Neil describes the perfect stroke  42:40 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Neil, 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, 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 and donor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber  

At Peninsula Community Rowing Club, Tongan American coach Anthony Heimuli is making an impact in his San Francisco-area rowing community, providing young athletes a deeper understanding of community and self. And with his eyes set firmly on the 2026 Youth Olympics and 2028 Olympic Games, Anthony is working to establish the Pacific Islander Rowing Association to develop high-performance athletes for international competition.  QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode Intro 2:16 - Rowing week: On a scale of 1-10, Anthony's was a 9 while prepping two youth for New Zealand Coastal Championships 02:54 - The Huddle: A quick get to know Anthony 03:40 - The Hot Seat Q&A 05:22 - Rowing origin story: A very short-lived football career led to a rowing team tryout 07:55 - Being recruited to – and divorced by – the University of Washington 12:48 - After a 10 year rowing hiatus, coaching middle schoolers was “insane” 17:57 - The Pacific Islander community in San Francisco 20:54 - Working with community partners to introduce Pacific Islander youth to rowing 28:22 - Coaching philosophy: "It's just rowing. Let's have fun!" 31:26 - Working to make the Peninsula Community Rowing Club a recognized member of the Tonga Rowing Association 37:47 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Anthony, 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, 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 and donor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

Olympian Caragh McMurtry gives an unflinching look at living and rowing with a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, a follow-on diagnosis of autism, and struggling to fit the standard mold in the GB system. Now retired from rowing and at the helm of Neurodiverse Sport, Caragh champions other neurodiverse athletes, and aims to reshape sports environments so neurodivergent individuals can thrive without needing to mask or compromise their unique needs QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode Intro 01:46 - Rowing week on a sale of 1-10 02:25 - The Huddle: A quick get to know you 04:23 - The Hot Seat Q&A 07:52 - Rowing origin story: an outlet for loads of energy and “messing around” 12:13 - A square peg in the GB system, a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, the negative impacts of medications, autism diagnosis and a new communication plan 20:18 - Separating negative team experiences from the restorative aspect of rowing 23:08 - learning style: quiet coaching, no word salads 27:43 - Neurodiverse Sport: reducing stigma, and making universally designed coaching the norm 32:20 -  when you're asking for help, support, accommodations, it needs to be a two way conversation 34:30 - Defining neurodiversity 37:26 - incorporating neurodiversity training into coaching certs 39:01 - the state of the neurodiversity conversation in sport 42:45 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Caragh, 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, 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 and donor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

Cassandra Cunningham, founder of P3 Physical Education, and coach with Endeavor Racing Alliance, has lived by the philosophy of "prior proper planning." So she knew it had to be the driving force behind her coaching, too. From walk-on at Sacramento State University, to National Team rower, to coach of all levels, Cassandra believes in the power of curiosity to drive success. Our wide ranging conversation for rowers and coaches, touches on the power of sport, positive mindset, being present, trusting the process, and blending with your teammates. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 02:43 - The Huddle 03:32 - The Hot Seat Q&A 06:19 - Rowing origin story: To keep her life from unravelling, Cassandra walked on at Sacramento State 09:23 - Navigating her way to success in college came by way of being curious 12:14 - Finding and needing sport 17:00 - Cassandra was inspired to become a coach by her dad who was a coach, and her mom who installed her with common sense 19:04 - Strengths and struggle buses of new coaches, and setting the tone for the team 23:14 - Coaching, connecting with, and being present for the whole athlete 26:49 - Founding P3PE to bring her philosophy of prior proper planning through communication, organization, and professionalism 29:33 - The perfect stroke doesn’t exist 30:54 - Trusting the process: consistency, growth, awareness 33:22 - Cultivating a positive mindset starts with self-care, showing up, and reading the room 37:34 - Endeavor Racing Alliance: creating good humans and less chaos, thinking outside the box to “race up” 41:11 - From camp to club and back: sharing ideas, curiosity, and blending 46:18 - Evolution of positive planning mindset 49:04 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Cassandra, and get links to the people, clubs, events, mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by 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. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DONATING TO ALLIES WITH OARS: www.steadystatenetwork.com/allieswithoars  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with Rachel at @RowSource, and Tara at @CmonBarber

Holding an old canister in his hands, rower and documentary film producer Lenny O’Donnell’s heart skipped a beat when he read the hand-written note “Berlin 1936” on an old piece of athletic tape stuck to its lid. After years in storage, unseen for several decades, Lenny was entrusted to restore and digitize it, along with boxes full of other historic photos, film, and ephemera documenting the University of Washington crew in the early 20th century. To share it all, he created RowingArchives.org and wonders who the next generation of historians will be to carry on the work.  QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 02:40 - The Huddle 03:20 - Rowing Week on a scale of 1-10: 7 because of time spent with the Ancient Mariners 05:25 - Tara and Lenny crossed paths in Seattle years ago at Pocock Foundation 07:21 - The Hot Seat Q&A 09:50 - Rowing origin story: Title IX encroached on wrestling, so he walked on to the UW crew 11:45 - After 25 years off the water: carbon fiber oars! 13:05 - Erging + walking the dog = keeping healthy 13:50 - A life in teaching made for an easy transition to coaching 18:35 - Rowing Archives began with research into the 1958 UW crew - the first American athletes to compete in the Soviet Union 24:13 - Working towards a future national rowing museum 26:57 - Holy Grail of archival rowing footage 28:31 - Lucy Pocock competed in coxed singles 29:34 - T & R post-interview banter worth keeping. 30:45 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Lenny, and get links to the people, clubs, events, and organizations mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by 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. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DONATING TO ALLIES WITH OARS: www.steadystatenetwork.com/allieswithoars  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars BLUESKY - steadystatenetwork.bsky.social Connect on FB and IG with Rachel at @RowSource, and Tara at @CmonBarber.  

Like many athletes sidelined by injury, Cassi Niemann turned to rowing to see what her body could handle. After walking on as a freshman, she found strength in the community her Georgia Tech crew provided. Cassi never could have known then that her trajectory was about to drastically change. Nearly 30 years later, Cassi’s resume is packed with coaching experience and training certs. She's the lead UCanRow2 Master Rowing Instructor with Concept2. She’s also a competitive power lifter and the owner of CASstrong, where she blends rowing with her expertise as a strength coach. Cassi not only helps indoor rowers improve their skills and confidence on the machine, but also trains other coaches to effectively integrate rowing into a variety of fitness settings.  We got to talk to Cassi about indoor rowing, lifting, and creating sustainable training habits for health, confidence, and community.  . Want a training program that combines strength and rowing? Check out BarbellMedicine.com and use code CASSI10 for a discount. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro  01:38 - Rowing Week: 1-10 02:42 - The Huddle 03:20 - The Hot Seat Q&A 04:53 - Rowing origin story: walking on at Georgia Tech brought community and a focus for success as a student athlete 09:45 - First coaching gig: Georgia Tech novices 12:30 - Developing a coaching style, influences 16:13 - Transition from collegiate rowing to masters rowing 18:18 - Bootcamps, powerlifting, and CrossFit 21:37 - UCanRow2 training verification, coaching other coaches, and talking about indoor rowing without talking about rowing on the water 29:18 - Setting yourself up for winter fitness success with: BAM (bare ass minimum), RAD (really awesome day), auto-regulation 33:58 - Barbell Medicine rowing + strength training program 39:29 - Cassi’s “original domino piece” - the thing that's gonna catapult someone into making more changes with just one change 42:15 - Outro . To see photos of Cassi, 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, 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. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DONATING TO ALLIES WITH OARS: www.steadystatenetwork.com/allieswithoars  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect with Tara at @CmonBarber, and Rachel at @RowSource

In 2024, Rebel Strength and Rowing was named to Entrepreneur magazine’s list of the top 150 independently owned and operated small businesses in the United States. Then in late September – like hundreds of other businesses in Asheville, NC – it was inundated by the flood waters of Hurricane Helene. In this episode, we talk with owner Adam Smith, and member Jason Mogen, about founding a small business, growing meaningful community, and sustaining it all through incredibly challenging times. EPISODE QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro  02:00 - The Huddle 04:23 - The Hot Seat Q&A 12:15 - Rowing Week: 1-10 14:32 - Brain surgery, a new perspective on life, and founding Rebel Row 20:03 - Growing the Rebel community and the non-sales pitch pitch 19:55 - Processing the reality of Hurricane Helene 33:45 - Post-hurricane recovery  39:21 - Training non-rowers to use the erg as a conditioning tool 42:56 - Looking forward to getting back to Rebel Row 45:20 - How you can help small businesses in Asheville . To see photos of Adam and Jason, 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, iCrew, 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. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DONATING TO ALLIES WITH OARS: www.steadystatenetwork.com/allieswithoars  Check out more Steady State Network here:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect with Tara at @CmonBarber, and Rachel at @RowSource

Ever dreamed of rowing on the Nile? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Competing in the World Rowing Indoor Championship? Egyptian Nermine Khenefar found rowing in her 40s when, winded on her ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro, friend and explorer Omar Samra suggested she take up the sport to increase her aerobic capacity. After just a few years, Nermine is an avid masters rower and indoor rowing competitor who is seeking to row everywhere she travels and welcome visitors to row with her on the Nile in Cairo. EPISODE QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Episode intro 01:38 - Nermine's rowing origin story 03:35 - Rowing Week 1-10: training for the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships 05:39 - The Hot Seat Q&A 09:24 - Competitive horse riding came to end with a knee injury 11:00 - Rowing as spiritual and sacred time 13:36 - Rowing provided renewed body confidence 14:31 - Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on her 40th birthday 17:23 - Challenges of racing when there are so few masters women rowing in Cairo 22:53 - Flat water rowing on the River Nile, coastal rowing on the Red Sea 27:53 - Rowing bucket list . To see photos of Nermine, 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, 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. . Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @steadystatenetwork

Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Mass. is one of the jewels in the rowing crown. In our annual homage to this mega rowing event, we meet the leadership that makes it happen – new HOCR Executive Director Tori Stevens, and Director of Racing Brendan Mulvey. We find out their personal stories of involvement in sport, and what about this regatta attracts 12,000 athletes and a few hundred thousand spectators each year to the waters and banks of the Charles River. EPISODE QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 1:26 - Rachel and Tara talk personal HOCR histories 4:40 - Welcome to Tori Stevens and Brendan Mulvey 5:40 - Rowing Week on a scale of 1 to 10 05:57 - The Hot Seat Q&A 07:02 - Brendan's rowing origin story 08:05 - Tori’s life has always been infused with sport, including spectating HOCR as a college student 10:45 - HOCR is about racing, as well as community, tradition, reunion, and celebration 12:25 - What makes HOCR so unique? 14:50 - The importance of volunteers, from local regattas to HOCR’s 2000+ volunteer crew 19:45 - Tori’s onboaring as HOCR Executive Director, and continuing Fred Schoch’s legacy of balancing innovation, growth, and tradition 23:06 - Finding a new audience for HOCR using storytelling, the media, and technology to showcase rowing and help increase engagement and understanding for spectators 27:57 - Survivor Rowing Network and the exhibition Survivor Row 28:50 - Creating an inclusive envionment 30:38 - What’s not to be missed at HOCR: everything *else* to do at HOCR  33:52 - Getting Boston, and spectators, prepared for race weekend 35:54 - Brendan’s Race Director tip for all crews . To see photos, 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, 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. . Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @steadystatenetwork