Steady State Podcast

Steady State Network
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From indoor rowing and flat water masters, beach sprint and ocean adventures, let’s explore rowing culture.

  1. 6D AGO

    S7E8: Crews, Code, and the Rise of RegattaCentral

    Before RegattaCentral became the go-to platform for regatta registration, it was just an idea sparked by an Ohio State alum and rowing coach who saw a better way. We talk with founder and president Steve Lopez about his lightbulb moment in 1999 that brought rowing and early internet technology together, and how his idea quietly reshaped  regatta registration, data, and analytics. From fax machines, FedEx envelopes, and modems, to mobile-first design and data-driven insights, we trace the evolution of RegattaCentral from scrappy  minimal viable product to an essential tool used by the global rowing community.   QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - Rachel and Tara reflect on using computers at the turn of the century 04:54 - Welcome and Steve’s rowing week on a scale of 1-10: 10 (business) / 0 (no rowing) 05:30 - The Huddle 07:18 - The Hot Seat 08:48 - Steve’s rowing origin story began as a freshman at Ohio State University looking for something to be a part of 11:24 - Volunteer coaching the club novice program at Ohio State started with sports physiology and sports psychology books, USRowing certs, and coaching mentors 14:12 - RegattaCentral was a planned leap of faith in 1999’s nascent Internet landscape 22:05 - Row2k’s 1997 launch, Active.com, Y2K, 9/11 25:19 - “I have and had a vision where to take the business.” Deep in the trenches of building the business, 27-year-old lines of code, and considering the “human factor” in pushing out updates 32:02 - Integrating AI to analyze data and see trends 33:14 - The big question everyone asks: “Where are the results?!" - When it comes to results, RegattaCentral partners with timing providers 35:43 - Tara’s “thank you” to RegattaCentral 37:20 - Nearly 30 years on, RegattaCentral remains aligned with Steve’s original vision, and works around unforeseen tech, cybersecurity, and compliance 39:00 - At the heart of RegattaCentral is the team 40:14 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Steve,  and get links to the people, programs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    44 min

  2. MAR 28

    S7E7 - Cillian Mullen: “There's Always Gonna’ Be a Way”

    In 2021, then high school junior Cillian Mullen was at a pivotal moment — navigating his identity, the college recruitment process, and transgender athlete policies. Five years later, his journey has taken him to the U19 and U23 national teams, twice each, and the University of Washington. We catch up with Cillian to explore what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how he’s continuing to carve out his place in rowing. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Introduction 03:08 - Welcome and rowing week on a scale of 1-10: 7 (2k test and then a cold) 05:07 - The Huddle 05:52 - The Hot Seat 08:41 - Rowing origin story: Mom was a former college rower who said “go try it.” 10:14 - Getting back into the college recruiting pool senior year 12:08 - Knowing he belonged 13:41 - High school to college transition: learning to take care of his body, rowing at UW/Seattle aka Rowtown USA 17:53 - Strong in his identity, following the NCAA transgender rules, and fitting into women’s programs 20:16 - Tough conversations with – and the support of – coaches and teammates 24:56 - Leaving a legacy at UW: not just the first trans rower, but a boathouse community builder 27:08 -  What the public conversation gets wrong about trans athletes 34:32 - Learning that to “really fill his cup” life can’t be 24/7 rowing 38:31 - Advice for young trans rowers 40:44 - Next up: trialing for the US U23 1x again this summer 41:46 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Cillian,  and get links to the people, policies, programs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website. . This episode was made possible in part by RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    45 min

  3. MAR 14

    S7E6 - Club Spotlight: Ann Arbor Rowing Club

    Head to Michigan for our semi-regular club spotlight series to get to know Ann Arbor Rowing Club. We talk with masters rower Francine McBride about being a rower Mom, and the early days of the club in the 1980s; fundraising and marketing chair Andrea Danz about setting the groundwork for effective fundraising; and Coach Mary Giacobbe who tells us how AARC balances novices and experienced rowers along two tracks in one practice session. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Introduction 01:50 - Welcome and rowing week on a scale of 1-10 02:43 - The Huddle 04:02 - The Hot Seat 07:55 - Rowing origin stories 11:41 - Francine: rower and rower mom 13:47 - Coach Mary on adults learning together 15:15 - Andrea’s rowing pitch 16:43 - Rowing on the Huron River 18:24 - AARC origin story 21:16 - The AARC boathouse and leadership in the rowing community 23:45 - When you fundraise for a new dock, and then it gets destroyed by a fireworks accident… 28:02 - Andrea’s grant-writing and branding toolkits 32:13 - AARC programs: balancing novices and experienced rowers; providing opportunity for adaptive athletes  43:16 - Hosting Michigan Club Invitational and supplying volunteers for RowFest 46:54 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Francine, Mary, and Andrea,  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 RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    50 min
  4. S7E5 - Leadership on the Lake: Matt Knifton and Texas Rowing Center

    FEB 28

    S7E5 - Leadership on the Lake: Matt Knifton and Texas Rowing Center

    Mention Texas and you might picture the Wild West — flat, dusty highways, and tumbleweeds rolling by. But head to Austin, tucked into the Hill Country, and you’ll find something different. Right in the heart of the city flows Lady Bird Lake, a stretch of the Colorado River that has become a daily gathering place for runners, paddlers, and rowers alike. On its banks sits a true Austin institution: Texas Rowing Center. For owner Matt Knifton, this place isn’t just a business, it’s where his story unfolded. His ties to the lake reach back to the 1980s, and over the decades he’s become not just an owner, but a steward — someone who has quietly shaped the culture of rowing in Austin, protected access to the water, and ensured that this shoreline remains a starting line for generations to come. In this conversation, we also explore how Matt is thinking about the future — and what thoughtful, sustainable growth looks like for a place so deeply rooted in community. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - Welcome and Matt’s rowing week on a scale of 1-10: 6 (great weather!) 03:25 - The Huddle 04:35 - The Hot Seat 6:00 - Matt's rowing origin story started at the University of Texas 10:47 - How the University of Texas women’s program got its start in Austin in the 1980s 11:30 - Matt’s daughter Kate Knifton, an Olympic rower, only agreed to learn to row after seeing tall boys at Texas Rowing Center 14:38 - How Matt came to be the sole owner of Texas Rowing Center 17:01 - TRC member and rowing evangelist Napoleon Griffin 19:08 - The growth of rowing in Texas: Austin, Texas Hill Country, Lady Bird Lake, and the University of Texas  23:48 -  The synergy between competitive rowers and weekend SUPers at TRC  25:11 - Aha moments running TRC 27:25 - Daniel Velazquez: TRC’s famous greater 30:22 - The “boathouse welcome mat” concept and TRC’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility 36:20 - Rowing! Come try it! 39:06 - The vision: Make Austin a center of rowing in the United States. Mission accomplished. 40:47 - For Matt, rowing on Lady Bird Lake is rewarding 43:14 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Matt, Katie, and Daniel,  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 RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    46 min
  5. S7E4 - Katie Weber: Reclaiming the Athlete Within

    FEB 14

    S7E4 - Katie Weber: Reclaiming the Athlete Within

    Katie Weber was at home on the soccer field and basketball court. But after a brain cancer diagnosis and multiple surgeries left her balance impaired, the athletic identity she’d always known felt suddenly out of reach. For years, she searched for a way back. That path led her to Seattle-based organization Seize the Oar, and to a sport that rewards patience, persistence, and the willingness to keep learning. Rowing didn’t just give Katie a new challenge; it gave her a way to rebuild confidence and independence, and redefine what competition could look like. Through it all, her husband – Will Bull – has been in her corner as a steady supporter, gym buddy, race-day cheerleader, and self-proclaimed number one fan. Today, we talk with Katie and Will about resilience, partnership, and what it means to navigate sport — and life — side by side. If rowing has helped you reconnect with a part of yourself that you'd been missing, this episode's for you. Katie has partial facial paralysis which does affect her speech. We encourage you to follow along with the episode transcript available below. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 02:23 - Katie’s rowing week on a scale of 1-10: amazing 04:51 - The Huddle 09:44 - The Hot Seat 11:54 - Finding Seize the Oar: seeking an athletic and competitive outlet after multiple brain surgeries impacted her balance and stability 13:53 - Medulloblastoma diagnosis, chemo, radiation, a bleak outlook, and living long into unchartered waters 17:07 - Katie refuses to be defined by her disease 19:11 - Getting hooked on rowing, after growing up playing soccer and basketball 22:32 - Feeling in control at NW Ergomania 25:30 - Rowing’s tremendous impact on Katie’s physical and mental health 28:42 - How rowing has changed Katie and Will’s relationship 30:08 - A message for others dealing with tough health issues who are seeking an outlet 32:11 - Looking forward to more time on the water with Seize the Oar at its new location, Greenlake Boathouse 33:25 - Tara reflects on founding Seize the Oar 40:53 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Katie and Will,  and get links to their socials plus 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 RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    44 min
  6. S7E3 - "Quit Last" Says Marnie McBean

    JAN 31

    S7E3 - "Quit Last" Says Marnie McBean

    Three-time Olympic gold medallist Marnie McBean is one of the most decorated Canadian rowers of all time, and a driving force in our sport’s history. She’s been a mentor and leader for generations of athletes and now she’s also serving her country as a Senator in the Canadian Parliament, bringing that same curiosity, leadership, and commitment to service to national issues.  Get ready to hear about her early experiences testing on the gjessing erg, what rowing taught her about growth and resilience, and how those lessons shape the work she’s doing now to support Canadian citizens on and off the water. QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Intro 01:45 - Rowing Week scale of 1-10: amazing 04:55 - The Huddle 06:13 - Hot Seat Q&A 09:03 - Rowing origin story 13:00 - Advice for young athletes: don’t worry about fear and doubt 13:52 - Before rowing, Marnie was athletic but  didn't know there were avenues to be ambitious in sport 15:20 - Making the junior national team by “being fast but looking bad” 19:58 - Rowing with 2x partner Kathleen Heddle felt like an “arranged marriage” until they learned to pay attention to each other 26:04 - Rowing with legendary Olympic coxswain Leslie Thompson Willie was all about preparation, listening, and trust 30:10 - Life lessons from rowing: you can recover from a bad stroke; “Can I/Will I” moments 34:20 - Empowering young rowers to work hard and “quit last” 37:02 - Serving Canada as a Senator 42:32 - Speaking up and speaking out against policies that negatively affect participation in sport 45:09 - The perfect stroke 46:42 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Marnie,  and get links to her socials plus 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 RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    51 min

  7. JAN 17

    S7E2 - Coach Nicki Plucinksi: "First, Do What’s Hard"

    Nicki Plucinski discovered rowing as a teenager in Victoria, Australia. Though “woefully uninformed” going into her first 2k race, Nicki’s effort caught her coach’s attention and that day left a lasting impression. Nearly 30 years later, Nicki has turned that early experience into a mission. She founded Ratio Theory Rowing to give athletes the attention, direction, and information they need to succeed. In this conversation, we explore the rowing lessons that carry into everyday life, the work ethic and mindset behind her coaching, the science that drives her approach, and why self-care is a non-negotiable part of long-term success.  QUICK LOOK 01:04 - Rowing Week on a scale of 1-10: 7 (back on the water after a long hiatus!) 02:15 - The Huddle 05:11 - Hot Seat Q&A 08:46 - Nicki doesn’t remember making a decision to row as a teen, but next thing she knew she was selected for camp 13:04 - Growing up in a sport household 15:25 - Rowing lessons that have carried over into our everyday lives 24:33 - transition to coaching 27:49 - the work ethic, mentality, and science behind her coaching success 33:22 - Ratio Theory Rowing designed to support athletes in big clubs who aren’t getting the coaching or structure they want to reach their goals 36:30 - the importance of self-care: rest, nutrition, time-management, core strength, mobility, warmdowns  48:27 - Nicki’s description of the perfect stroke 49:11 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Nicki,  and get links to her socials plus 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 RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    52 min

  8. JAN 3

    S7E1: Rowfluencers: Expanding the Reach and Impact of Rowing

    Maurice Scott has been on a personal mission to be a face of positive change in the world of rowing. From beginning with zero Instagram followers, to the 2025 launch of Rowfluencers – what he calls the "#1 Rowing Talent & NIL marketing agency in the World" – Maurice has sought to  uplift the sport as a whole. He's dedicated to expanding the reach and impact of rowing through innovative marketing approaches.  Rowing is the ultimate team sport, but NGOs often overlook the stories of individual athletes. Taking a piece of the playbook from professional sports like Major League Baseball and Formula 1, Rowfluencers seeks to take the power of individual storytelling and amplify it.  From the first wave of Rowfluencers, Dani Hansen also joins the conversation, sharing her unique perspective as the most decorated Paralympic rower, and Hydrow on screen athlete. . QUICK LOOK 00:00 - Season 7 kickoff! 02:33 - Considering the pro sports sponsorship playbook; recognition in the sport of rowing 06:44 - Welcome and Rowing Week scale of 1-10 10:19 - The Huddle: Maurice, then Dani 13:12 - Hot Seat Q&A 15:05 - Rowing Origin Stories 19:40 - How Maruice and Dani met 22:00 - Dani’s role at Rowfluencers 22:55 - Maurice’s community support as a police officer and as founder of Rowfluencers 27:10 - The snowball effect of sponsorship deals for Maurice 28:33 - Establishing Rowfluencers to give back to other athletes 32:20 -  What’s happening in the rowing world that makes a case for rowers deserving better visibility?  36:56 - How rowing industry influencers are shaping rowing: For Dani, free speed can be found in having fun 42:42 - Key for the first wave of Rowfluencers: proud and passionate 48:04 - Advice for young rowers 49:52 - Steady State Network news and notes . To see photos of Maurice and Dani,  and get links to their socials plus 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 RowSource and our Supporters. . Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network. It 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 Open Mind by Soundroll. . SHOP SSN GEAR: www.steadystatenetwork.com/shop SIGN UP FOR THE SSN NEWSLETTER: www.steadystatenetwork.com/newsletter MAKE A DIFFERENCE: www.steadystatenetwork.com/support  CONNECT:  FB - /SteadyStateNetwork IG - @SteadyStateNetwork FB - /AllieswithOars IG - @AllieswithOars Connect on FB and IG with the hosts: Rachel Freedman - @RowSource Tara Morgan - @CmonBarber

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

From indoor rowing and flat water masters, beach sprint and ocean adventures, let’s explore rowing culture.

Information

  • Creator
    Steady State Network
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Steady State Podcast

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