Mercantile Radio

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...

Annie Anezakis  from Melbourne to Princeton to Oxford Who is Annie Anezakis? Annie Anezakis was drawn to Rowing at St Catherine’s School through learning to row to becoming a National Champion.  She was determined to forge a path through opportunities in the US and was fortunate to be offered a place at Princeton in the lightweight program.  She then went on to study at Oxford University and racin...

Who is Andrew Fooks? Andrew Fooks is the Director and Sports Physiotherapist at Renew Physiotherapy.  Andrew has been a physio with the Australian Rowing team since 2012,  Kookaburras Men’s Hockey Team since 2008 as well as the Victorian Institute of Sport from 2006. Andrew’s philosophy in treating athletes is to carefully understand the mechanics of the sport and gain greater speed for less effor...

Jess Morrison OAM OLY: Transitioning from Swimming to Olympic Gold In this episode Drew caught up with Tokyo Olympic Gold Medallist and Paris Olympic Bronze Medallist Jess Morrison OAM OLY.  This conversation shares Jess’ journey from High Performance Swimming at the AIS to Olympic Gold in Rowing.  Who is Jess Morrison? Mercantillian Jess Morrison OAM OLY is an Australian representative  rower  an...

Rosie Popa OAM OLY: Rosie’s journey to Olympic Gold and life after rowingIn this episode Drew caught up with Tokyo Olympic Gold Medalist Rosie Popa OAM OLY.  This conversation provides insight into Rosies  journey in Rowing as the daughter of two Olympians, finding herself through rowing and being a dual citizen, Australian and United States of America.  Who is Rosie Popa? Rosie Popa OAM OLY start...

James Tomkins OAM OLY: The Journey of Australia's Most Awarded Oarsman In this episode Drew caught up with his old team mate James Tomkins.  This conversation provides insight into James’ journey into rowing as a school boy to becoming Australia’s most awarded oarsman.  He is a seven-time World Champion and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Who is James Tomkins? James is the only person ever...

Experience goes along way with Noel Donaldson ASM, Mercantile Director of Coaching In this episode, Drew Ginn OAM interviews Noel Donaldson ASM Director of Coaching at Mercantile Rowing Club.  Who is Noel Donaldson? Noel is an expert in rowing, best known for coaching the iconic Oarsome Foursome in back to back Olympic gold medals and has led both the Australia and New Zealand National Teams as He...

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, we sit down with Scott Rowe, the newly appointed head coach at Mercantile Rowing Club. From his early days coxing alongside his brother to leading crews on international waters, Scott shares insights into his coaching journey, philosophy and aspirations for the club.