Mercantile Radio

Mercantile Rowing Club

Mercantile Radio features stories, insights and voices from the heart of Rowing, hosted by Olympic Gold Medallist Drew Ginn OAM. Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC.

  1. 3d ago

    The Boat Beside You Becomes the Coach: Scott Rowe - Episode 49

    What happens when you swap the podcast studio for a walk along the Yarra? In this return episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM catches up with Scott Rowe for a wide-ranging “walk and talk” about his first season coaching at Mercantile, the club’s European campaign, Henley Royal Regatta, athlete development, technology, racing and the art of making boats go fast. Following a season of strong performances at the Australian Championships, athletes progressing to national teams and three Mercantile crews travelling to Europe, Scott reflects on what he has learned - and what comes next. From the value of small boats to the dangers of becoming obsessed with watts, this is a conversation about coaching what is in front of you, developing adaptable athletes and creating an environment where people learn by doing. Who is Scott Rowe? Scott Rowe is an experienced Australian rowing coach and a key member of the coaching team at Mercantile Rowing Club. Across a long coaching career, Scott has worked with athletes at school, club, pathway and national-team level. His approach centres on developing technically capable athletes, building strong relationships and giving rowers the skills to make boats move across different combinations and boat classes. Since joining Mercantile, Scott has played an important role in developing the club’s emerging athletes and strengthening its connection with Australia’s national pathway. Why Is This Conversation Important? 1. Small Boats Build Better Rowers Scott is a strong believer in developing athletes through pairs and small boats. Rather than spending an entire season preparing an eight, small boats teach athletes how to move a boat, take responsibility for their rowing and develop the technical foundations required at the highest level. 2. Data Is Powerful — If You Understand It Watts. Boat speed. Angles. Length. Telemetry. Technology is becoming increasingly important in rowing, but Scott cautions against allowing one number to dominate coaching. Bigger wattage doesn’t necessarily mean a faster boat. The challenge is understanding what the data means and connecting it with what you see and feel on the water. As the conversation reminds us: Ergs don’t float. 3. Every Great Crew Needs an Enabler Not every athlete who makes a boat faster has the biggest erg score. Scott and Drew explore the idea of the “enabler” — the athlete whose rhythm, length and feel allows everyone around them to perform better. Crew selection is about finding combinations, not simply ranking individuals by physical metrics. 4. Athletes Learn by Racing One of Scott’s biggest lessons from Henley was the value of racing itself. Training prepares athletes physically and technically, but competition teaches them to respond to pressure, make decisions, fight when they are behind and understand themselves as competitors. Every time you’re on the start, you learn something. 5. Coaching Is About People With established athletes, coaching isn’t necessarily about rebuilding their rowing. It becomes about small technical adjustments, relationships, understanding personalities and knowing which button to press at the right moment. The higher the level, the more important the human side of coaching becomes. You Can Quote Us On That “Ergs don’t float.” “You need an enabler in every boat.” “Every time you’re on the start, you learn something.” “The boat beside you becomes the coach.” “You don’t need to spend all of your time in a big boat in order to make a big boat go quick.” “Rowing is a personality-driven sport.” “Length and loose.” Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAMGuest: Scott Rowe, Mercantile Head Coach and Australian Team CoachProduced by: Nicholas FinsterSponsored by Choice Capital and 776BCPresented by Mercantile Rowing Club

    The Boat Beside You Becomes the Coach: Scott Rowe - Episode 49
  2. Aug 9

    Bobby Thatcher: Building Champions Without Chasing Medals - Episode 48

    What does it take to build one of the world's most successful school rowing programs? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn sits down with Bobby Thatcher, Head of Rowing at St Paul's School in London, to explore the philosophy that has produced multiple Henley Royal Regatta victories, generations of international athletes, and a coaching culture centred on curiosity, ownership and continuous improvement. Bobby shares the technical principles behind fast boats, the importance of athlete buy-in, how data supports, but never replaces feel, and the profound personal experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy. From racing at the Atlanta Olympics to missing selection for Sydney 2000, this is an honest conversation about resilience, leadership and why great coaching is about developing people as much as producing results. Who is Bobby Thatcher? Bobby Thatcher is one of the most respected school rowing coaches in the world. As Head of Rowing at St Paul's School (London) for the past 15 years, Bobby has transformed the program into one of Britain's most successful schoolboy rowing programs, winning multiple Henley Royal Regatta titles while consistently producing athletes who progress to Great Britain and leading university rowing programs. Before joining St Paul's, Bobby spent six years developing the rowing program at Latymer School. As an athlete, he represented Great Britain at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in the double scull alongside James Cracknell, competed at the 1999 World Championships, and was coached by the legendary Harry Mahon, whose influence continues to shape Bobby's coaching philosophy today. Why This Conversation is important 1. Great Programs Are Built on Culture, Not Just Winning Bobby explains that every crew is different. Success doesn't come from repeating last year's formula—it comes from understanding the personalities, strengths and motivations of each new group of athletes. His message is clear: sustained success is built through relationships, trust and culture. 2. Coaching Is About Creating Ownership Rather than simply instructing athletes, Bobby believes the best coaches help athletes understand why they row the way they do. By creating genuine ownership and encouraging athletes to solve problems together, crews become more connected, more resilient and ultimately faster. 3. Technical Excellence Is About Protecting Boat Speed Throughout the conversation Bobby repeatedly returns to one simple principle: Don't damage the boat. From Harry Mahon's influence through to modern biomechanics and telemetry, Bobby explains why the fastest crews move efficiently, stay relaxed and maintain rhythm rather than forcing the boat through the water. 4. Failure Can Become Your Greatest Teacher One of the most powerful moments of the episode is Bobby's honest reflection on missing selection for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Rather than defining him negatively, that experience shaped the compassionate, transparent and athlete-centred coach he became. His story reminds us that setbacks often become the foundation of great leadership. 5. Rowing Builds Better People Beyond medals and trophies, Bobby believes rowing teaches resilience, delayed gratification, teamwork and self-awareness. His measure of success isn't simply winning Henley—it's seeing former athletes continue rowing, thriving at university and becoming better people. You Can Quote Us On That "Don't damage the boat." "Every crew has a different personality." "The best coach is yourself." "Kids should row because they love rowing." "Winning is never guaranteed." "The process has to be fair." "You don't build great programs on your own." Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Bobby Thatcher Produced by Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

    Bobby Thatcher: Building Champions Without Chasing Medals - Episode 48
  3. Aug 2

    Alex Hill: Gold, Grit and More to Give

    What separates Olympic champions from the rest of the field? According to Alex Hill OAM, it isn't bigger erg scores or harder training, it is clarity. In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Olympic Gold Medallist Alex Hill OAM joins Drew Ginn OAM for an insightful conversation about three Olympic campaigns, the lessons learned from winning and losing, and why Australia's success in Tokyo was built on a simple philosophy: know exactly how you want to row. From growing up on the Murray River to winning Olympic Gold in Tokyo, Alex reflects on the coaches who shaped him, the evolution of Australian rowing, the pursuit of technical excellence, and why he's still chasing improvement after three Olympic Games. Whether you're an athlete, coach or rowing enthusiast, this conversation offers an honest look inside the mindset of one of Australia's most accomplished sweep rowers. Who is Alex Hill? Alex Hill OAM is one of Australia's most accomplished sweep rowers. An Olympic Gold Medallist in the Men's Four at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Olympic Silver Medallist from Rio 2016, World Champion and multiple World Cup winner, Alex has represented Australia across three Olympic Games and has become a cornerstone of the Australian Men's Sweep Team. Growing up in South Australia's Riverland before attending Prince Alfred College, Alex progressed through junior and Under 23 rowing to become one of Australia's most respected athletes. Today he continues his international career racing in the Men's Pair alongside fellow Adelaide Rowing Club member Angus Dawson while mentoring the next generation of Australian rowers. Why This Conversation Matters 1. Olympic Success Is Built on Clarity Alex shares one of the most compelling insights of the episode: Tokyo wasn't won because Australia trained harder, it was won because everyone knew exactly how they wanted to row. The squad shared one technical philosophy, allowing athletes to move seamlessly between crews while maintaining speed and consistency. 2. Great Coaches Teach Principles, Not Just Technique Throughout his career Alex worked with Johnny Driessen, Tim Conrad, Chris O'Brien and Ian Wright. Despite their different personalities, each reinforced the same fundamental lesson: Move the boat further on every stroke. It's a reminder that great coaching focuses on timeless principles rather than constant technical change. 3. Failure Can Become the Foundation for Success Alex openly reflects on the disappointment of Paris and contrasts it with Tokyo. Rather than blaming fitness or effort, he believes the Australian squad gradually lost clarity around its identity and rowing style. It's an honest discussion about how elite teams recover, learn and rebuild. 4. Olympic Finals Are Won Before Race Day When asked what he thinks about on an Olympic start line, Alex's answer is surprisingly simple: Stay calm. Trust the work. Trust the process. Years of preparation allow athletes to treat the Olympic Final as simply another opportunity to execute. 5. Rowing Is About Continuous Learning Even after three Olympic Games, Alex still sees himself as a student of the sport. Whether coaching beginners, racing a pair, or learning from teammates and coaches, he believes improvement comes from remaining curious and coachable. You Can Quote Us On That "Trust the work. Trust the process." "Don't let the boat slow down." "Everyone has big ergs. The difference is how far you move the boat." "I still feel like I've got more to give." "The day I stop enjoying it is probably the day I retire." Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Alex Hill OAM Produced by Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

    Alex Hill: Gold, Grit and More to Give
  4. Jul 26

    Eight Seconds and Nine Months: Teal Cohen on Getting Cut, Getting Strong and Getting Gold - Episode 46

    From being cut from the US National Team to becoming a World Champion. Teal Cohen's story is one of resilience, belief and relentless consistency. In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Teal shares how one phone call changed her mindset, why consistency beats intensity, and how the USA Women's Four rebuilt itself into World Champions. An inspiring conversation for athletes, coaches, leaders and anyone striving to improve. Who is Teal Cohen OLY? Teal Cohen is one of the rising stars of USA Rowing and a member of the 2025 World Championship-winning Women's Four. A Paris 2024 Olympian in the Women's Quadruple Scull and NCAA Champion with the University of Washington, Teal has become known for her resilience, relentless work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement. After the disappointment of the Paris Olympic Games, she rebuilt her confidence, transformed her physical performance and helped lead the United States back to the top of the world in sweep rowing. Today she trains full-time at the US High Performance Centre in Princeton while balancing a professional career outside rowing. Why This Conversation Matters What do you do after your Olympic dream doesn't go the way you hoped? For Teal Cohen, the answer was simple: go back to work. Following the Paris Olympics, Teal returned to the USA sweep squad alongside teammates carrying similar disappointment. Less than a year later they stood together as World Champions. Resilience After SetbackOlympic disappointment became the motivation rather than the end of the journey. Teal explains how setbacks can become powerful fuel for future success. The Power of Great CoachingOne phone call from her former college coach completely changed her perspective after missing selection. Instead of sympathy, she received belief, clarity and a plan. Consistency WinsRather than chasing miracle sessions, Teal focused on showing up every day. A disciplined winter of training resulted in an eight-second improvement on her 2km erg. Building Championship CultureThe USA Women's Four developed trust through everyday training, shared challenges and enjoying difficult sessions together. Trust Before PerformanceChampionship crews are built long before race day. Trust is created through countless sessions where teammates consistently show up for one another. Individualised High PerformanceUSA Rowing is embracing sports science and personalised training programs, recognising that athletes respond differently and perform best with individual support. Looking Towards LA 2028With Los Angeles on the horizon, Teal discusses why the current Olympic cycle is the ideal time to experiment, learn and continue building speed. You can quote us on that "You have nine months until Olympic selection. That's plenty of time." "The easiest way to get faster is to keep doing what you're doing—consistently." "To walk away as a World Champion after a less-than-great Olympic experience was just awesome." "The most important thing in any boat is trusting the people you're rowing with." "With success comes so many losses that people never see." Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Teal Cohen USA Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

    Eight Seconds and Nine Months: Teal Cohen on Getting Cut, Getting Strong and Getting Gold - Episode 46
  5. Jul 19

    The Boy Who Became an Olympic Coxswain: Neil Hewitt - Episode 45

    Some rowing stories define a club. Others define a generation. Neil Hewitt's journey began as a nine-year-old boy at Mercantile Rowing Club, coxing Sunday morning outings with the club's old legends on the Yarra River, Melbourne. It culminated in steering Australia's Men's Eight to an Olympic Bronze Medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, one of the most significant eras in Australian rowing history. In this remarkable conversation with Drew Ginn, Neil reflects on growing up at Mercantile, learning the craft of coxing from some of the club's greatest figures, competing in the famous Kings Cup campaigns of the 1950s and discovering that sometimes the greatest lessons in sport come many years after the finish line. More than an Olympic story, this is a conversation about resilience, perspective, craftsmanship and the lifelong friendships created through rowing. Who is Neil Hewitt? Neil Hewitt is an Olympic Bronze Medallist and one of Mercantile Rowing Club's most respected members. Beginning his rowing journey as a young coxswain, Neil developed into one of Australia's finest racing tacticians, culminating in selection as coxswain of Australia's Men's Eight at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. His career helped shape one of the golden eras of Victorian and Australian rowing while establishing a lifelong connection with Mercantile Rowing Club that continues today. Why This Conversation Matters Mercantile's History Comes AliveNeil's memories transport listeners back to a time when rowing clubs were built on mentorship, tradition and community. Learning from Mercantile's senior members wasn't simply about rowing - it was about belonging. The Craft of CoxingLong before cox boxes and GPS technology, Neil relied on instinct, rhythm and observation. He explains how coxswains once learned to: Read the Yarra River currents, judge boat speed from puddles, feel the rhythm of the crew, steer with almost invisible movements. It is a fascinating insight into an almost forgotten craft. Sometimes Bronze Feels Like Gold... EventuallyOne of the most moving parts of the conversation is Neil's honesty. Despite winning an Olympic Bronze Medal, he admits it took almost ten years before he truly appreciated what the crew had achieved. His reflections remind us that perspective often arrives long after competition ends. Great Coaches Build BeliefNeil recalls the influence of legendary coach Bob Aitken, whose simple message before every race became a philosophy for life: Do your best - and you'll always give yourself a chance. The Perfect RowPerhaps the most beautiful moment comes when Neil describes the feeling every rower spends a lifetime searching for. When the rhythm arrives. When every athlete moves together. When the boat suddenly becomes effortless. You Can Quote Us On That "I learnt to swim and I never mastered swimming. Thankfully, I was always close to the boat." "Do your best and you've got a real good chance." "It took me ten years to get over winning the bronze medal." "You could just feel the boat changing… it went really sizzling." "We didn't have cox boxes in those days, you had to feel the boat." Why You Should Listen Neil Hewitt represents a remarkable link between Mercantile's earliest generations and today's athletes. His stories remind us that while equipment, training methods and technology have evolved dramatically, the essence of rowing has never changed. Rhythm – Trust – Teamwork - Belief. This is not simply the story of an Olympic medal. It is the story of what it means to belong to Mercantile Rowing Club. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Neil Hewitt OAM Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital & 776BC

    The Boy Who Became an Olympic Coxswain: Neil Hewitt - Episode 45
  6. Jul 12

    Andrew Triggs Hodge: Three Gold Medals. One Relentless Mindset - Episode 44

    Few athletes redefine themselves as often as Andrew Triggs Hodge. From an unlikely late starter who admits he was never the best athlete growing up, to becoming one of Britain's most decorated rowers with three Olympic Gold Medals and multiple World Championship titles, Andrew's story is one of relentless growth, courage and an obsession with becoming just a little better every day. In this fascinating conversation with Drew Ginn OAM, Andrew reflects on some of rowing's greatest rivalries, the legendary coaching of Jürgen Gröbler, the pressure of competing at home in London 2012, the remarkable comeback that led to Rio 2016, and the psychology behind winning when everything is on the line. This is far more than an Olympic story. It is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, teamwork and the pursuit of continuous improvement. Who is Andrew Triggs Hodge? Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE is one of Great Britain's greatest Olympic rowers. A three-time Olympic Gold Medallist (Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016), Andrew became synonymous with British rowing's golden era under legendary coach Jürgen Gröbler. Competing across the Four, Pair and Eight, Andrew was renowned for his physical commitment, emotional honesty and willingness to constantly reinvent himself. Alongside teammates including Pete Reed, Tom James, Alex Gregory and Tom George, he helped establish one of the most successful Olympic rowing programs in history. Today, Andrew is respected not only for his achievements on the water but for his insights into leadership, teamwork, high performance and personal growth. Why This Conversation Matters Winning Starts Long Before Race Day Andrew reveals that Olympic victories are built over years—not minutes. Training environments, culture, trust and daily habits ultimately determine who crosses the finish line first. Great Teams Are Built on Difference One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is that successful crews are not made up of identical personalities. Andrew explains how different strengths, perspectives and temperaments created stronger boats, particularly his famous partnership with Pete Reed. Pressure Is a Privilege The London 2012 Olympic Final provides extraordinary insight into performing under immense expectation. With 90,000 home supporters, a changed race plan the night before the final, and Australia's legendary four pushing them throughout the race, Andrew explains what it truly feels like to perform when everything matters. Reinvention Is Essential Rather than repeating previous success, Andrew continually challenged himself to become a different athlete every Olympic cycle. His willingness to evolve technically, mentally and physically became one of the defining reasons behind his longevity. Rowing Is Ultimately About People Whether discussing coaches, teammates or competitors, Andrew consistently returns to one message: Success is never achieved alone. Great crews are built through trust, respect and shared belief. You Can Quote Us On That "Just try to be a little better every day." "The greatest crews are built on trust." "Sometimes you've got to panic better than everyone else." "Success comes from constantly reinventing yourself." "The best rowing happens when you stop trying to force it." "It's not just about what you do—it's about what you stop doing." Why You Should Listen Andrew Triggs Hodge offers an extraordinary look inside one of the greatest eras in Olympic rowing. His honesty about setbacks, illness, rivalry, coaching and teamwork reveals that sustained success isn't built on talent alone - it comes from curiosity, resilience and an unwavering commitment to improvement. Whether you're a rower, coach, leader or sports fan, this conversation offers timeless lessons about performance, perspective and purpose. Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM Guest Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Produced by Nicholas Finster & Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

    Andrew Triggs Hodge: Three Gold Medals. One Relentless Mindset - Episode 44
  7. Jul 5

    A Pioneer, an Olympian, a Coach, and the Mother of Olympic Gold, Part 2: Coaching, Parenting & Building the Next Generation with Sue Chapman-Popa - Episode 43

    In Part 2 of this special conversation, Sue Chapman-Popa moves from Olympian to coach, mentor and parent, sharing the lessons that helped shape Olympic Gold Medallist Rosie Popa and thousands of athletes who have learned to row on the Yarra. This is a conversation about leadership, trust, coaching and creating environments where people can thrive. Why This Conversation Matters 1. Parenting Elite Athletes Sue explains why parents should teach the fundamentals, trust the coaches and allow young athletes to own their journey. 2. Great Coaches Build People Success is about more than medals. Sue shares her coaching philosophy: Respect people's time.Create positive first experiences.Use language with purpose.Build confidence through progression.3. Growing the Sport Drawing on twenty years of coaching beginners, Sue argues that rowing must become more accessible, enjoyable and welcoming if it is to continue to grow. Episode Highlights Parenting Rosie PopaThe US collegiate pathwayCoaching philosophy and athlete autonomyRunning a rowing school on the YarraWhy first experiences shape lifelong participationTechnical coaching insights and movement fundamentals You Can Quote Us On That "I think people's leisure time is the most valuable time that they have." "Don't be part of the problem." "The coaches can coach anywhere. Why are the athletes considered traitors if they don't row for this country?" Key Takeaways • Great parents support rather than control. • Great coaches create environments where people want to return. • Athlete development is built on trust and autonomy. • The future of rowing depends on positive first experiences. • Every generation has a responsibility to leave the sport better than they found it. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Sue Chapman-Popa Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

    A Pioneer, an Olympian, a Coach, and the Mother of Olympic Gold, Part 2: Coaching, Parenting & Building the Next Generation with Sue Chapman-Popa - Episode 43
  8. Jun 28

    A Pioneer, an Olympian, a Coach, and the Mother of Olympic Gold with Sue Chapman-Popa - Episode 42, Part 1: Breaking Barriers

    Before Australian women stood on Olympic podiums, there were pioneers willing to challenge convention. In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with Olympic bronze medallist Sue Chapman-Popa to revisit one of the defining moments in Australian rowing history: the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. From learning to row at Lauriston in 1978, when girls on the Yarra were still a novelty, to becoming part of Australia's first-ever Olympic medal-winning women's crew, Sue shares an extraordinary story of determination, innovation and resilience. Who is Sue Chapman-Popa? Sue Chapman Popa is one of the pioneers of Australian women's rowing. She won Olympic Bronze in the Women's Coxed Four at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, becoming part of the first Australian women's crew to win an Olympic rowing medal. At a time when women's rowing was still finding its place, Sue helped break barriers, challenge perceptions and build pathways that continue to shape the sport today. Beyond her own career, Sue has spent decades coaching, mentoring and introducing thousands of people to rowing while also supporting her daughter Rosie Popa's journey to Olympic Gold in Tokyo 2020. Why This Conversation Matters 1. The Women Who Changed Australian Rowing Sue reflects on entering a sport where women were still proving they belonged and how a small group of athletes helped transform Australian rowing forever. 2. The Physiology of Winning What did it take to race an Olympic 1000 metres? Sue explains breathing strategies, oxygen debt, pain management and why elite athletes learn to become comfortable being uncomfortable. 3. Building an Olympic Crew Selection stories, tiny squads, innovative strength training and the coaches who believed women could compete on the world stage. 4. Creating Opportunity From citizenship challenges to one of the first corporate sponsorships in Australian women's rowing, this is a story of determination both on and off the water. Episode Highlights • Australia's first Olympic medal in women's rowing • The famous three-boat photo finish at Lake Casitas • Learning to row at Lauriston • Women lifting weights in the early 1980s • Building an Olympic crew from a developing program • The philosophy of pioneering and challenging convention You Can Quote Us On That "I've always been kind of pioneering. I'm not afraid of trying new things." "Once you're in pain, it doesn't get any worse." "He thought every day after that was a bonus." Key Takeaways • Progress starts with people willing to challenge convention. • Elite performance comes from embracing discomfort. • Great sporting cultures are built by courageous pioneers. • Today's opportunities exist because previous generations created them. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Sue Chapman-Popa Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

    A Pioneer, an Olympian, a Coach, and the Mother of Olympic Gold with Sue Chapman-Popa - Episode 42, Part 1: Breaking Barriers

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About

Mercantile Radio features stories, insights and voices from the heart of Rowing, hosted by Olympic Gold Medallist Drew Ginn OAM. Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC.

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