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At The Thousand Podcast

At The Thousand Podcast
Author: Kevin Leslie | At The Thousand
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© Kevin Leslie | At The Thousand
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Kevin Leslie talks with college coaches, Olympic athletes, performance experts, and other influential voices in rowing to help athletes truly learn from the best, evolve their training, and be better positioned for long term success!
73 Episodes
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In this episode, Greg Myhr, Head Coach for the Marietta College Men’s Rowing Programs, dives into his mentality developed coaching at Wisconsin, the importance of consistent hard work and not looking for the easy way, and how to build toughness on the erg.Key Takeaways:Wisconsin Rowing - How coaching at Wisconsin helped shape Coach Myhr’s philosophy around building a culture and doing what it takes to be successful.Success Thru Hard Work - Why there is no easy way in rowing and why consistent hard work is the single most important factor for getting faster and finding success.Building Erg Toughness - Why the erg is primarily a confidence builder, and how rowers need to expose themselves to the intensity to develop more speed.Follow Coach Myhr and Marietta Rowing:Marietta Rowing - @mariettarowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Peter Steenstra, Head Coach for the Bates College Men’s and Women’s Rowing Programs, dives into how to build successful programs for two teams simultaneously, the importance of safety when managing a large team, and how they attract a massive freshmen class to both programs.Key Takeaways:Building Two Successful Cultures - How Bates won 5 NCAA Championships on the women’s side, while also having top finishes for the men’s program. Managing Large Programs - The importance of communication between the athletes and coaches, establishing leadership positions, and the role of coxswains for athlete safety. Attracting New Rowers - How Bates started with 57 first year athletes in the fall, and their methods for recruiting rowers, and attracting on-campus walk-ons.Follow Coach Steenstra and Bates Rowing:Bates Rowing - @batesrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Gregg Hartsuff, Head Coach for the University of Michigan Men’s Club Rowing Program, dives into the differences between coach-led clubs from student-led clubs, why flourishing alumni bases drive a program, and the formation of ACRA’s into a top tier national championship!Key Takeaways:Club Rowing Versus Varsity - The history behind club rowing programs being removed from the IRA National Championships, and why this led to the ACRA Championships. Differences in Clubs - Why coach-led clubs are becoming more important, and the differences between student-led and coach-led programs. Alumni Networks - Why alumni networks are the key to the sustainability of a successful program, and how to begin building a programs network. Follow Coach Hartsuff and Michigan Men’s Rowing:Michigan Rowing - @michiganrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, John Graves, Head Coach for the Dartmouth College Women’s Rowing Program, dives into athletic versatility and why rowers should play multiple sports in high school, the value of small boats in college rowing, and what he looks for in aspiring Division 1 rowers at an Ivy League program!Key Takeaways:Athletic “Range” - Why participating in multiple sports in high school can preserve “emotional capital” and lead to more success long term. Rowing Technique and “Play” - The value of small boats for college rowing and developing a comfort in the single that will help drive confidence in an eight. Cross Training - John’s unique view on cross training and why Dartmouth takes advantage of the winter to disconnect from the ergs to cross country ski. Follow Coach Graves and Dartmouth Women’s Rowing:Dartmouth Rowing - @dartmouthrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Justin Price, Head Coach for the Rutgers University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into the experience of winning the Island Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, growing Rutgers into a top 10 NCAA program, and what it takes to compete for a top Division 1 rowing program!Key Takeaways:Winning Henley - The lead up to Henley, what it took to go for the first time in program history, and the experience of winning the Island Challenge Cup.Creating a Winning Culture - Building a program of continued growth as Rutgers went from bottom of the Big 10 to six consecutive NCAA appearances.Recruiting - The intangible qualities coaches look for in aspiring college rowers, in order to identify athletes who can perform at a high level of Division 1 rowing.Follow Coach Price and Rutgers Women’s Rowing:Rutgers Rowing - @rutgerswrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives into 6 tips for consistent erg training to maximize August and head into the fall rowing season feeling prepared to move forward. Focusing on consistency over intensity, this advice will help any rower be more successful with their individual training.Key Takeaways:The Importance of Summer Erging - Why rowers need to erg in August to be ready to move forward when they return to their team in September.Tips for Erg Consistency - 6 actionable tips athletes can use to be more successful on the erg and collect daily wins with their training.Psychology of Erging - How individual erg training is oftentimes more mental than physical, why we need to plan ahead for success.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Martin Stone, Head Coach for the University of Notre Dame Women’s Rowing Program, dives into college recruiting, what coaches look for in recruits, and the evolution of women’s rowing through his 25+ year experience leading the Notre Dame program!Key Takeaways:Life as a College Athlete - The emphasis on balance as a Division 1 rower who aspires to have both a rigorous academic load, and the demands of college rowing.College Recruiting - Breaking down the rowing facts, such as 2k and 6k erg score, wing span, race results, etc., in addition to the intangible team first qualities to get recruited..Scholarships and Roster Limits - Coach Stone’s input on how scholarships impact recruiting, and whether roster limitations will have effect recruiting.Follow Coach Stone and Notre Dame Women’s Rowing:Notre Dame Rowing - @ndrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Nate Clark, Assistant Coach for the Trinity College Men’s Rowing Program, returns for round 2 on the podcast to share the experience of Trinity winning the 2025 Varsity 8+ National Championship, what it took to get there, and the process for retooling for a repeat in 2026!Key Takeaways:Winning an IRA Championship - The experience of winning a championship in the V8, but not being content, and immediately shifting focus to the next season.Competitive D3 Rowing - What it takes to win a D3 championship, and the process-oriented, and present-focused mindsets, required to actually win.Rebuilding to Repeat - Recruiting the next class of athletes who want to “build” rather than “join” a national champion contender.Follow Coach Clark and Trinity College Men’s Rowing:Trinity College Rowing - @trinitycollegemensrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin discusses his process for creating a training program for high school and college rowers that is both effective in helping us become faster rowers, but also sustainable. We only have so much time to dedicate to training, and this podcast will help you maximize your training!Key Takeaways:Minimum Effective Training - Why athletes should aim for 6-10 sessions per week, and have a significant portion of those sessions on the erg.Routine - How to find the windows of opportunity in your weekly schedule, and aim for 90% consistency.Consistency Over Intensity - Why rowers should focus on consistency in their training, then build the intensity after establishing their rhythm.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Coach Delaney and Kevin dive into the importance of summer training, the right approaches for incorporating the erg into your summer, and returning to your rowing program prepared for your fastest fall season!Key Takeaways:Importance of the Erg - Erg standards for the fall, and why coaches want rowers erging throughout the summer.Building the Aerobic Engine - Why high volume, low intensity work, and building the base of the endurance “pyramid” should be the priority in the off-season.“Storyteller Workouts” Vs. 2k Prep - How rowers can use long distance workouts for more effective training, and to push future 2k performances further.Follow Coach McGuire and Eastern Michigan University:Coach McGuire - @coach_dmcg EMU Rowing - @emurowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin discusses the keys to maximizing a high school or college rowers summer off-season, and why athletes need to prioritize developing their athletic foundation, erg training multiple times per week, and setting themselves on a path to achieve their individual goals.Key Takeaways:Why The Summer Is For Training - Why there is no better time of the year to focus on your individual goals as an athlete.Focus on Athlete First - The importance of prioritizing Athlete Development, Strength, and Durability.Erg to Get Faster on the Erg - Why we need to be on the ERG if our goal is a faster erg score.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode we have Will Porter, Head Coach for the Yale University Women’s Rowing Program, and we are diving into Coach Porter’s 25+ years leading Yale; including three V8 NCAA Championships, his thoughts on the evolution of women’s rowing, and what makes athletes successful at a top-end Ivy League rowing program!Key Takeaways:Preparation for Championship Racing - Yale’s preparation and focus heading into the NCAA Championship, focusing on race execution and boat movement in the final practices. Successful Coaching - Coach Porter’s thoughts on what makes a coach successful, and measuring it by an athlete’s 20 year reunion and who they’ve become versus only results.Rowing at Yale - What Yale looks for in recruits, the importance of the story behind an erg score, and what it’s like rowing D1 at a competitive Ivy League program.Follow Coach Porter and the Yale Women’s Rowing Program on Instagram:Yale Rowing - @yalewcrewEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode we have Charlotte Buck, 2020 and 2024 US Olympian, and we are diving into her career from a “non-athlete” in high school, to a walk-on for the Columbia University women’s rowing program, then to a two time Olympic rower who stroked the Women’s 8+ at the Paris Olympics!Key Takeaways:Charlotte’s Non-Traditional Path - From the high school debate team, to taking a gap year, to walking on without any prior rowing experience, to being cut multiple times, then making the national team.Playing the Long Game and Grittiness - The intangible qualities that are important for staying on the path to success through adversity and failing to make the team.Thriving in Academic and Athletics - Time management, and how to focus on school and rowing separately to be successful in both.Follow Charlotte and the US Women’s National Team on Instagram:Charlotte Buck - @charbuckwildUS National Team - @womenintheboatEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode we have Beth Greene, Head Coach for the Ithaca College Women’s Rowing Program, and we are diving into Ithaca’s conference championship and earning a bid to the NCAA Championship, creating a culture for any athlete who wants to be a college rower, and the balance of athletics and academics at a competitive D3 Rowing Program.Key Takeaways:Finding the Right Fit - Coach Greene’s coaching philosophy of giving every athlete a chance to succeed as long as they feel it is enhancing their life! Balancing Expectations with Competitiveness - Getting athletes to realize that they “belong” and have the ability to succeed as rowers if they truly want it.Competitive Division 3 Rowing - Understanding the balance of competitive rowing, and a diversified and fulfilling educational experience that D3 rowing can provide.Follow Coach Greene and the Ithaca Rowing Program on Instagram:Ithaca Rowing - @ithacawrowEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode we have Lily Siddall, Head Coach for the reigning Division 3 National Champion Tufts University Women’s Rowing Program, and we are diving into her first two years as a head coach, her unique coaching background, and the benefits of D3 rowing! From Lily’s experience of leading a team and winning an NCAA Championship in her first year, to her service-focused coaching style, Lily provides great insight into what it’s like to be a part of a competitive D3 rowing program.Key Takeaways:Winning a National Championship - Learn about Lily’s journey of becoming the head coach, and leading the team to a D3 national championship in her first year.Developing a Culture around Service - How the team balances the expectation of repeating as national champions by focusing on being the “best team” they can by incorporating community service and other service-driven team events.The Athletic and Academic Experience in Division 3 - Lily’s thoughts on what makes D3 rowing unique, and how athletics can complement a student's academic experience.Follow Lily and the Tufts Rowing Program on Instagram:Lily Siddall - @rowing.coach.lilyTufts Rowing - @tuftsrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin discusses five actionable steps current sophomores in high school, and their parents, can take to best prepare for the college recruiting process. College rowing, and recruiting can be overwhelming, and these steps will help you feel more confident heading into the summer.Key Takeaways:Misconceptions with Recruiting - Breaking down why rowers have more time than they think, and what to truly focus on as a rising junior. Recruiting Timeline - The real timeline for when college rowing coaches are communicating with athletes, and how to prepare.5 First Steps for Success - What sophomores, and parents, can do NOW to best position themselves for success.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Coach Delaney and Kevin dive into what athletes and parents need to know about college rowing, and getting started with the recruiting process. From actionable steps to begin, to what is college rowing 2k speed, we cover many of the questions aspiring college rowers may have as they begin the process.Key Takeaways:When Recruiting Really Begins - Talking about the recruiting timeline, and the significance of June 15th entering an athlete’s junior year.First Steps In Recruiting - How should athletes prepare prior to the start of recruiting. From questionnaires to emails to visits. 2k Score for College Rowers - Why 7:45 is the new 8:00 2k to get an athlete's foot in the door. Learn about what coaches are looking for in erg performances and why.Follow Coach McGuire and Eastern Michigan University:Coach McGuire - @coach_dmcg EMU Rowing - @emurowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives into the importance of strength training for rowing performance, and how rowers can better incorporate it into their training. Get ready for a 3 + 3 for strength training tips that will help you train like an Athlete First, Rower Second!Key Takeaways:Why We Must Train Like Athletes - As a “training-based” sport, learn why rowers often neglect training like an athlete, and only focusing on the water.3 Reasons Why Rowers Need Strength Training - Learn the main reasons why we need to make the time for resistance training and building the athlete. 3 Ways To Better Include It In Your Training - Learn how to maximize your time, enjoy strength training, and stay consistent with your resistance training program. Be sure to go back to our previous episode with Dr. Nick Goode (#048) for a deep dive into the “why” behind strength training!Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode we have Manny Valentin, Head Coach for the Skidmore College Men’s and Women’s Rowing Programs, and we are diving into how to build a successful team culture from the ground up! From youth rowing to college rowing, we talk about the importance of retention, gamifying rowing, developing relationships with athletes, and the processes for success on the water. Key Takeaways:Coaching Youth Rowing - Why specialization is wrong for rowing at a young age, and the importance of gamifying training to keep kids engaged and energized about the sport. Developing Connection with Athletes - How being personable and “human” as a leader can help create a fun environment and that athletes want to be a part of all four years.Process Driven Coaching - How to achieve a goal, it is important to focus on “checking the box” daily rather than on just the outcome.Follow Manny and the Skidmore Men’s and Women’s Programs on Instagram:Manny Valentin - @coach.valentinSkidmore Rowing - @skidmorerowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode we have David Schary, the Director of Mental Health and Performance at Winthrop University, and former rowing coach, and we are diving deep into one the the most important topics in rowing, mental performance and sports psychology. David provides incredible advice and tactics for overcoming performance anxiety, and how to push past our mental barriers.Key Takeaways:Why is Mental Performance Important - The awareness of sports psychology, how to engage in these conversations, and the approach to dealing with mental struggles. Performance Anxiety for Athletes - Why do rowers get performance anxiety when thinking about and approaching a 2000 meter race or erg test.Tips and Tactics to Overcome Mental Barriers - David talks about actionable steps athletes can take before and during an important race to mitigate adversity.Connect with David on LinkedIn and check out his Website:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschary/Website - https://davidschary.com/Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!