Mercantile Radio

In this bonus episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew sits down with James Tomkins to unpack what he focused on, thought about, and felt throughout the stroke. This conversation dives into the subtle details that define world-class rowing - from connection and rhythm to efficiency and feel - offering practical insights into what it takes to row well, row fast, and row effectively. Enjoy the new video co...

In this episode, Lucy Stephan trades her Tokyo 2020 gold medal for a coach's whistle, offering a raw and masterfully honest look at the transition. From the "5-4-3-2-1" mental routine she used to conquer the world to the gruelling process of untangling her self-worth from her results, Lucy reveals why the hardest race isn't against the crew in the next lane—it’s the one inside yo...

In this episode Drew Ginn engages in a deep conversation with David Crawshay, an esteemed Australian rower who achieved Olympic glory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. David’s journey exemplifies resilience, mindset, and the essence of doing the simple things exceptionally well. His story serves as both inspiration and a powerful reminder of the mental aspects of sports and life. Who is David Crawshay...

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew sits down with Ken Davey, the founder of Decent Rowing. Recorded in the heart of the Mercantile Rowing Club, this conversation explores the evolution of rowing education, the power of video analysis, and how to bridge the gap between elite coaching and club-level development. Who is Ken Davey? Ken Davey is a Tasmanian rowing coach and innovator who has spe...

What happens when the world’s most renowned biomechanist sits down with one of the greatest technical rowers of all time? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, we bridge the gap between the laboratory and the water as we welcome Dr. Valery Kleshnev, Crewlab Founder Simon Hoadley and Drew Ginn OAM OLY. From their formative days at the AIS to the secrets behind the "Oarsome Foursome," this...

From Tassie rivers to Olympic podiums: community, persistence & the love of racing with Kate Hornsey OLY In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM OLY is joined by Tasmanian rowing legend and Olympic medallist Kate Hornsey OLY. This conversation dives deep into Kate’s journey from a "FOMO-driven" junior in Tasmania to standing on the Olympic podium. Who is Kate Hornsey? Kate Hornsey is on...

Nick Bartlett – “The coach who Started Over” There’s a canal in regional Victoria that almost no one knows about. The coach who found it had to lose everything he thought he knew first. In this episode, Drew Ginn OAM OLY sits down with Nick Bartlett to discuss the unique challenges and unexpected triumphs of building a high-performance rowing program in regional Victoria. From navigating the &quot...

Switching On: David “Chipper” Colvin on Average Speed, Elite Focus, and the '92 Eight Chipper’s journey spans decades of elite rowing history, from steering the Oarsome Foursome through their legendary 1990 unbeaten domestic season to the Barcelona Olympics and a hard-fought bronze at the 1997 World Championships. Chipper shares rare insights into the "switch on, switch off" mentalit...

Reg Crawford- The Architecture of Trust: War Zones, Collingwood, and 200km Rows In this episode, Drew Ginn OAM OLY sits down with his long-time collaborator and friend, Reg Crawford. From the high-stakes environments of SAS operations to the high-performance culture of the Collingwood Football Club and the grueling world of elite rowing, Reg provides a no-nonsense masterclass on leadership under p...

Episode 23 The Mechanics of Dominance with New Zealand Legend Eric Murray CNZM In this episode, Drew Ginn OAM OLY sits down with New Zealand rowing royalty, Eric Murray CNZM. We dive deep into the journey of the "Kiwi Pair," the transition from the disappointment of the 2008 Beijing Olympics to their legendary undefeated streak, and the raw, technical physics of how they moved a boat fas...

High Performance Isn’t Loud - It’s Harmonic: Lessons from Nick Green and the Oarsome Foursome. Who is Nick Green OAM OLY? Nick Green OAM OLY was a member of the "Oarsome Foursome" from 1990 to 1996. The ‘Oarsome foursome” was one of the most dominant crews in history, having won almost every major international race between 1990 and 1996. His success extended to the World Championships,...

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-dominan...

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 Gramma...

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 teamwo...

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 fro...

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...

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. Li...

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...

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 comp...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Josh Dunkley-Smith, a world-class rower and former teammate of Host Drew Ginn. Discover how he conquered the 2K ergo challenge and set his sights on breaking a world record with unwavering confidence. In this episode, Josh shares insights from his rowing career, including pivotal moments that shaped him as an athlete. Who is Josh Dunkley Smith? Josh...

Who is Grace Brown? Grace Brown is an Australian elite professional cyclist, known primarily as a world-class Time Trial (TT) specialist. Her major achievements include: • 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist (Time Trial) • World Champion (Time Trial) Grace came to professional cycling relatively late, transitioning from middle-distance running, and is celebrated for her exceptional ability to manage sustai...

Who is Peter Antonie? Peter Antonie is celebrated as one of Australia’s most durable and versatile rowers, with a career spanning three decades including World Championship Medals as a lightweight and an Olympic Gold in Barcelona in the Men’s Heavy weight double scull. Peter Antonie has been described as the finest all-rounder in the history of Australian rowing. He is the only rower to have won a...

Who is Emmie Frederico? Emmie Frederico, a rower with deep family connection to Mercantile Rowing Club, has achieved success through hard work and a commitment to technical precision over raw power. Her journey, shaped significantly by a challenging yet rewarding transfer to Syracuse University in the US, highlighted the immense value of a supportive elite team environment. This progression led he...

Sean Colgan – Colgan Foundation and Patron of Mercantile In this episode of  Mercantile Radio , Drew sits down for breakfast with one of rowing’s great characters and most generous supporters, Sean Colgan. Recorded in a bustling Melbourne café on the eve of the Head of the Yarra, this conversation is rich with stories, humour, and deep insight into the global rowing community. Why does this conver...

Mark Fangen-Hall - Head Coach Oxford University Boat Club In this episode Drew Ginn OAM OLY talks to Mark Fangen-Hall Head Coach Oxford University Boat Club Head Coach.  Mark talks through his experiences in Australia and delves into the mechanics and experiences at the Boat Race, 2025. Who is Mark Fangen-Hall? Mark Fangen-Hall is the Head Coach of Oxford University Boat Club, having previously wo...