Inspired by his parents from an early age to work hard, Julien Bahain became a 3-time Olympian and an Olympic medalist. He’s been involved with rowing for 25 years, taking on multiple disciplines including flat water, coastal, and ocean rowing. Along with his wife Katie, Julien is now the owner and co-founder of West Coast Rowing Adventures, and together their goal is to grow coastal rowing and share the beauty of British Columbia.

In 1984, Kris Thorsness brought home gold in the women’s 8+ from the Olympic Games L.A. Forty years later, she prefers sculling, is a USRowing Referee, and an Arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Before heading to Paris for the Olympics, she joined us to talk about refereeing, which is often glossed over by rowers but key to ensuring regattas are safe and effectively run.

Born and raised on Vashon Island, WA, Jacob Plihal learned to row in 2012 after a knee injury prompted him to give up his basketball dreams. He climbed the ladder to Northeastern University team captain, the U23 National team, and was named to the 2024 U.S. Olympic team in the men’s single. At 6’10”, Jacob has a clear view of the world’s biggest rowing and athletic achievement: Paris 2024.

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.

In [S3] Ep20 we interviewed New Zealand Olympic gold medalist Eric Murray, known for dominating in the men’s pair with partner Hamish Bond. The wide-ranging conversation covered so much we couldn't get it all into one episode.

New Zealand Olympic gold medalist Eric Murray is known for dominating in the men’s pair with partner Hamish Bond. From humble beginnings as an awkward teenage athlete, Eric quickly discovered that being 6’5” translated into impressive erg splits. Coaches noticed too, and it was a one way ticket to the national team, World Rowing Championships, and the Olympics.

This wide-ranging conversation with Coach Tom Rooks is funny and philosophical. Learn about creating positive team culture, mentoring new coaches, the importance of vulnerability, handling anxiety, preparing for emergencies, and hear how the 2k erg test has become Tom’s measuring stick for all life’s challenges.

John Huppi, Kats Siemens, and Will Kuckro from New Orleans Rowing Club tell us about The Big Easy – a city with a rowing history that stretches back nearly 200 years – and their vision for the future of coastal rowing in the Gulf South.

On [S2] Ep 16 of Steady State Podcast, hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan are joined by Tom Rooks, Williamsburg Boat Club Head Coach. This episode buzzes with authenticity as Tom shares his "fun first" mantra and how he prepares his juniors athletes to be better humans beyond the boathouse. We get philosophical about saving lives, being well-rounded, and finding your calling. We also slide into tangents about Dave Grohl, ultimate frisbee, and vikings.