Mercantile Radio

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

  1. Episode 21: Alex Wolf

    4D AGO

    Episode 21: Alex Wolf

    A conversation with GB Strength and Conditioning specialist Alex Wolf Who is Alex Wolf? Former Head of Strength and Conditioning for English Institute of Sport and consultant to various Rowing National Teams. Why is this conversation important? Rethinking Rowing Techniques -Knee vs. Hip Dominance in Rowing Traditional belief sees rowing as hip-driven—Alex argues it's predominantly knee-dominant.Importance of ankle dorsiflexion and hip internal rotation for effective force production.The Role of Glutes Common misconception about glute activation at the catch phase.Glutes stabilise rather than produce significant force during early stroke phases.Coaching Insights and Philosophy Successful coaches define performance clearly, aligning support services accordingly.Importance of coaching based on principles over methods for adaptability.Performance Support Evolution Shift from traditional strength training to more targeted adaptations based on specific needs:Use of leg presses and trunk-specific exercises over traditional barbell lifts.Emphasis on isometric holds and partner-resisted exercises to maximize muscle contraction without equipment overloads.Future Innovations in Rowing Physiological Advances:Explore high-intensity interval training adapted from cycling/athletics models.Technological Innovations:Encourage changes in boat design or materials similar to advancements seen in Formula One or athletics footwear.Entertainment Factor:Enhance spectator engagement by pushing boundaries like sub-six-minute pairs races akin to breaking two-hour marathon barriers.Takeaways for Coaches & Practitioners Define what a successful performance looks like before integrating support services like S&C or nutrition into programs.Maintain curiosity; be open-minded toward new ideas even if they aren't immediately adopted ("Be curious, not judgmental").Recognise that suggestions are part of a creative process—contribute continually without fear of rejection.This conversation is great for rowers, coaches, rowing enthusiasts and parents of rowers.  Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest Alex Wolf Produced by Nicholas Finster

    1h 9m
  2. Episode 20: Hayley Verbunt

    FEB 8

    Episode 20: Hayley Verbunt

    Insights from Hayley Verbunt, Australian National Team Coxswain Ever wondered what it takes to guide a crew to victory from the coxswain seat? Hayley Verbunt, a national team athlete, recently shared her fascinating journey and expertise on Mercantile Radio, offering a rare glimpse into the art and science of coxing at the highest level. Who is Hayley Verbunt? From her early days at Firbank Grammar School to representing Australia on the world stage, Hayley’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and precision. She described the critical moments before a race—the countdown, the narrowing focus, and the calls that unite a crew in perfect harmony. Her approach blends technical mastery with emotional in diligence, ensuring every stroke is purposeful and every move is strategic. Why does this conversation matter? Hayley shares her philosophy on race planning: a balance of structure and adaptability. The first strokes are a “set play,” rehearsed to perfection, while the middle thousand meters demand responsiveness to the race dynamics.Her ability to inspire and lead, coupled with her relentless pursuit of improvement, has been pivotal in her success. What truly stood out was her advice for aspiring coxswains: Be a student of the sport - knowledge is power. Seek feedback - from coaches, peers, and teammates.Lead by example - confidence and commitment inspire trust. Hayley’s journey reminds us that success in rowing - or any field - requires dedication, curiosity, and the courage to embrace challenges. As she looks ahead to the LA Olympics, her mindset is clear: innovation, evidence-based training, and a relentless drive to find that extra edge. Let’s celebrate the passion and precision that make rowing such a unique and inspiring sport. What’s your favourite insight from Hayley’s story? Share your thoughts below! Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest Hayley Verbunt Produced by Nicholas Finster

    1h 15m
  3. Episode 19: Andrew Guerin

    FEB 1

    Episode 19: Andrew Guerin

    Behind the Scenes of Rowing Excellence: A Conversation with Andrew Guerin OAM What does it take to transform a team, manage coaches, and create an environment where athletes can thrive? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn had the privilege of sitting down with Andrew (Andy) Guerin OAM, a man whose journey through rowing is as rich in history as it is in lessons for leadership and teamwork. From navigating the financial challenges of Rowing Australia in the mid-90s to being part of the team that orchestrating the logistics behind the Australian rowing team’s stellar performance at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Andy shared invaluable insights into the art of team management. Why does this conversation matter? Andrew has undertaken successfully most aspects of the sport from elite to masters rowing, administration at club, State and National levels, umpiring at all levels including 30 years as an international umpire, team manager at all levels including two Olympic Games and World Championships, trustee of club and national rowing funds, rowing photographer and rowing historian. He one of the few people to be life member of his club, and also his state and national association. His philosophy? Let the coaches focus on the athletes while he ensured the coaches had everything they needed to succeed. The result? A seamless operation that allowed the athletes to focus solely on their performance.One standout story was the team’s innovative approach to the 1996 Games. By securing off-site accommodations near the rowing venue, organising private transport, and even the introduction of cutting-edge ice vests for the athletes, Andy in his role as team manager recalls details about how key leaders and coaches worked to optimise logistics and support for team success. Of course, this ingenuity didn’t go unnoticed by rival teams, sparking a mix of admiration and frustration. But as Andy put it, “It was all about making sure the crews had everything they needed and were masters of their own destiny.”Beyond the logistics, Andy reflected on the evolution of rowing, the importance of club culture, and the enduring bonds formed through the sport. His passion for rowing is infectious, and his dedication to fostering community and excellence is a testament to the power of sport to shape lives.Whether you are a rower, coach, or simply someone who appreciates the behind-the-scenes of high-performance teams, this episode is a must listen. Andy’s stories remind us that success is built on collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on the details. Tune in to hear the full conversation and gain a deeper appreciation for the people and decisions that drive rowing forward. Let’s celebrate the history, the lessons, and the future of this incredible sport. Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest Andrew Guerin OAM Produced by Nicholas Finster

    1h 22m
  4. Episode 18: Paige Barr

    JAN 25

    Episode 18: Paige Barr

    Inside the Mind of a National Team Athlete: Paige Barr's Journey to LA 2028 What does it take to compete at the highest level in rowing while staying grounded and inspired? Paige Barr, a current member of the Australian Rowing Team, shared her journey, insights, and aspirations on the latest episode of Mercantile Radio. Who is Paige Barr? Paige Barr is a determined and talented sweep rower from Bairnsdale, Victoria, who continues to rise through the ranks of Australian rowing with grit, skill, and a trademark sense of humour. A two-time National Training Centre (NTC) scholar and Mercantile Rowing Club athlete, Paige made her Olympic debut in Paris 2024 in the stroke seat of the Australian Women’s Eight, which finished fourth, Australia’s best-ever result in the event at an Olympic Games. Paige first discovered rowing at Gippsland Grammar School in Sale, where she was named Captain of Boats. Guided by her first coach, Peter Campbell, she began rowing at the age of 15 and quickly found her stride in the sport. After school, she joined Mercantile and won her first national title in the Under 21 Women’s Coxless Four in 2021. That same year, she was selected to the U23 Australian Rowing Team and went on to claim a Bronze medal at the World Rowing U23 Championships in the coxless four. Paige has represented Australia in the Senior Rowing Team from 2022 to now, in the women’s sweep program with World Cup Gold, Olympic Representation in 2024 and World Championship Medals. Why does this conversation Matter? From her early days rowing on the Thompson River to representing Australia on the world stage, Paige’s story is one of resilience, growth, and finding joy in the process. She reflects on the importance of balancing intense training with moments of fun; whether it’s laughing with teammates in the gym or sharing snippets of her journey on social media to inspire the next generation of athletes. Enjoying the Process: Paige emphasises the value of finding joy in rowing, both on and off the water. For her, it’s about connecting with teammates, embracing the grind, and not taking things too seriously. Inspiring the Next Generation: Through her social media, Paige offers a glimpse into the life of an elite athlete, showing younger rowers that it’s not all about pre-race debriefs; it’s also about having fun and building camaraderie. Technical Growth: Paige is constantly refining her technique, focusing on staying loose, maintaining a strong finish, and making the boat run smoothly. The Power of Discipline: For Paige, discipline is the foundation of confidence. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and trusting the process. As she looks ahead to LA, Paige is motivated to build on her experiences, including a fourth-place finish in Paris, and push her crew to new heights. With a focus on teamwork, adaptability, and a fresh coaching perspective, she’s ready to take on the challenge. Paige’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and positivity. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone striving for excellence in your field, her journey is a reminder to enjoy the ride, trust the process, and always back yourself. Tune in to the full episode of Mercantile Radio to hear more about Paige’s journey, her training insights, and her vision for the future. Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest Paige Barr OLY Produced by Nicholas Finster

    1h 11m
  5. Episode 17: Cameron McKenzie-McHarg

    JAN 18

    Episode 17: Cameron McKenzie-McHarg

    Cameron McKenzie-McHarg, CEO and Founder 776BC and Olympic Gold Medalist In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn sits down with Cameron McKenzie-McHarg, Olympic rower and co-founder of 776 BC, for a wide-ranging, wonderfully honest and passionate conversation. Who is Cameron McKenzie-McHarg? Cameron McKenzie-McHarg is an Australian former rower and Australian rules footballer. He is a dual Olympian who won a rowing silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He represented Australia at twelve world championships. Why does this conversation matter? Founding 776BC the early days- Cameron unpacks the raw reality of starting 776 BC with zero apparel experience, the naivety required to begin, the scar tissue built along the way, and why intensity, doubt and vision are part of the deal.Translating the Athletic mindset to business- managing stakeholders and transmitting energy and visionThe conversation dives deep into Beijing 2008, the power of simplicity in crew culture, race plans and execution, and why knowing exactly what you’re trying to do on the first three strokes matters under Olympic pressure.Cameron reflects on lessons from Scotch College rowing, great coaches, learning fundamentals before cleverness, pacing, mental preparation, and how elite sport thinking translates directly into business and life.They cover erg tests, training philosophy, fitness post-career, favourite drills, iconic regattas, funny rowing moments, coffee rituals, and where 776 BC is heading as a global performance brand.This is one of those episodes that cuts through the noise—no fluff, just clarity, craft, and lived experience—and if you care about performance, teams, or building something meaningful, you’ll take something practical away Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest Cameron McKenzie-McHarg OLY Produced by Nicholas Finster

    1h 49m
  6. Episode 16: Paul Reedy

    JAN 11

    Episode 16: Paul Reedy

    Paul Reedy From Olympic Medals to Coaching Success An Olympic journey from 1984 in Los Angeles to 2012 London and 16 Rio the journey and insights are World Class. Drew Ginn and Paul Reedy dive deep into the world of rowing as an accomplished athlete and coach! In this episode of Mercantile Radio, we welcome back Paul Reedy to discuss his illustrious journey from Olympic rower to renowned coach. Listen as he shares captivating stories from his 1984 silver medal campaign and contrasts it with the 1988 Olympics. Discover the challenges faced in transitioning from athlete to coach and how innovation played a role in shaping his coaching philosophy. Who is Paul Reedy? Paul Reedy is a dual Olympian, an Olympic and Commonwealth Games silver medallist who competed over a seventeen-year period at the elite level. He was a fourteen-time Australian national champion across both sculling and sweep-oared boats and then coached six Australian crews to national championship titles. Paul has made a significant contribution to Rowing as an athlete and now as a coach. Why does this conversation matter? Pauls experience as a rower and coach provides insights for athletes, coaches and rowing enthusiasts. Key takeaways include: The nuances between sculling and sweep rowing techniques.Training and competing in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics and the expectations in performance after successInsights on fostering a winning mindset for athletes.The importance of experimentation and adaptation in trainingPaul recounted starting rowing thanks to encouragement during school years in rural Victoria then developing further at Melbourne Uni—eventually prioritising rowing enough even to pause studies temporarilyThe transition to coaching, his core philosophy became maximising hull run during recovery phase, particularly important when working with lighter/under powered athletes where every bit counts toward easy speed.Transition to coaching in the United Kingdom with London Rowing Club and Team GB.How a background as a Physiotherapist has assisted him in his rowing and coachingThis inspiring conversation that blends history, technique, and personal growth. Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest: Paul Reedy Produced by Nicholas Finster

    1h 15m
  7. Episode 15: The Douglas Family

    JAN 4

    Episode 15: The Douglas Family

    Who is David, Gina and Rob Douglas? The conversation features three generations of the prominent Australian rowing family, the Douglas': David Douglas: Olympic Silver Medalist (Mexico, 1968).Gina Douglas: Olympic Finalist (Sydney, 2000 & Atlanta 1996), former U19 World Record Holder (Ergo).Rob Douglas: World Championship Rower (2001, 2002), Club and School Rower.The conversation reveals a unified, intentional strategy across the Douglas generations regarding how parents with high sporting pedigree nurture and support their children in the sport of rowing. Why Does This Conversation Matter? David, Gina and Rob share their unique experiences in striving to achieve their goals, across 5 decades. Each story provides an insight into how they navigated and learned to be agile. High-Altitude Strategy (1968): David provides a rare insight into the radical, specialised preparation needed for the Mexico 1968 Olympics, including five weeks of acclimatisation and the need to "start racing at 75% and gradually build through the whole race."Sydney Olympics 2000: Gina discusses the extraordinary and unique experience of the Sydney Olympics, feeling the support of the crowd and the power of the home-crowd advantage.Searching for a team environment: Gina explains how she was driven to learn the single scull not just for competition, but to gain technical confidence after years of feeling like the least experienced person in crew boats. It took until six weeks before the Sydney Games, following a tough conversation with coach Noel Donaldson ASM, to become truly independent. She was searching for the team environment, so she cut out the noise and became a sculler.David and Gina reflect on the evolution of the Mercantile Rowing Club, highlighting the strong social fabric and enduring camaraderie that defines the club across generations. Intergenerational Pressure & Support: Explores the difficult balance of being highly decorated Olympian parents (Gina and Rob are now parents of rowing children) who deliberately reserve coaching advice to allow their children to develop their own intrinsic motivation and relationship with the sport.How do you navigate being a parent of rowers? Both Gina and Rob admitted that stepping back from coaching their children was a conscious, difficult process. Rob revealed he initially wanted to be very involved to share his knowledge, but realised he overstepped early on. He openly states, "It took me three seasons to get to that point" of focusing solely on support. Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest David Douglas, Gina Peele (Douglas) OLY, Rob Douglas Published by Nicholas Finster

    1h 15m
  8. Episode 14: Robyn Selby Smith

    12/28/2025

    Episode 14: Robyn Selby Smith

    Robyn Selby-Smith OLY In this episode, we sit down with Robyn to explore her journey from being an elite rower focused solely on the Olympics and World Championships to rediscovering the vibrant community surrounding masters rowing. We delve into her reflections on a career highlight at the 2005World Championships in Gifu, where she won two gold medals amidst challenging conditions and fierce competition. Who is Robyn Selby-Smith? The highlights of Robyn's international rowing career were the 2005 World Championships where Robyn was in the winning 4- and 8+ and becoming an Olympian in 2012 in the W8. The lowlight was missing out on the Beijing Olympic eight after being in the eight which won the first World Cup in 2008 by six seconds. After being a reserve for the Beijing Olympic eight Robyn took a break from rowing. Leading into 2012, Robyn returned to rowing and played a vital role in the battle to allow a women's eight to represent Australia for the first time since Beijing. Robyn was selected in the Australian women's eight in 2012 which qualified for the Olympics at the final qualification regatta and finished 6th in London. Domestically, Robyn rowed in many successful Mercantile eights as well as Victorian eights. Retiring after London, Robyn returned to her career as a lawyer and has kept up her strong interest in the sport. Why does this conversation matter? Robyn shares her story of coming through rowing at Mercantile Rowing Club, Victoria and Rowing for Australia. Return to Rowing: ●Insights on transitioning back into the sport after an elite career. ●The vibrant community atmosphere at riverbanks during masters events. Memorable Career Moments: ●Reflections on winning two gold medals at the 2005 World Championships. ●Discussion on team dynamics and how past experiences shape current perspectives. The Art of Rowing: ●Technical aspects that contributed to successful races. ●Importance of maintaining rhythm and balance within a crew. Coaching Influence: ●Impactful coaches throughout her journey; balancing innovation with consistency. Club Culture & Community Engagement: ●Growth observed in club culture since early days; inclusive environment fostering new talent. ●Encouragement for more participation across all age groups. This candid conversation shares Robyn’s learning through her experiences and learning more about herself. This conversation is for athletes, coaches and parents of rowers coming through the domestic programs, learning from Robyn's breadth of experience and priorities. Sponsored by 776BC Hosted by Drew Ginn Guest Robyn Selby-Smith Published by Nicholas Finster

    1h 9m
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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. Proudly supported by 776BC.

Information

  • Creator
    Mercantile Rowing Club
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mercantile Rowing Club
  • Show Website
    Mercantile Radio

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