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.
Mercantile Radio
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43 episodes
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Podcast Overview
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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Publishing Since
9/14/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 28, 2026
A Pioneer, an Olympian, a Coach, and the Mother of Olympic Gold with Sue Chapman-Popa - Episode 42, Part 1: Breaking Barriers
<p>Before Australian women stood on Olympic podiums, there were pioneers willing to challenge convention.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Who is Sue Chapman-Popa?</strong></p><p>Sue Chapman Popa is one of the pioneers of Australian women's rowing.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Why This Conversation Matters</strong></p><p>1. The Women Who Changed Australian Rowing</p><p>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.</p><p>2. The Physiology of Winning</p><p>What did it take to race an Olympic 1000 metres?</p><p>Sue explains breathing strategies, oxygen debt, pain management and why elite athletes learn to become comfortable being uncomfortable.</p><p>3. Building an Olympic Crew</p><p>Selection stories, tiny squads, innovative strength training and the coaches who believed women could compete on the world stage.</p><p>4. Creating Opportunity</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Highlights</strong></p><p>• Australia's first Olympic medal in women's rowing</p><p>• The famous three-boat photo finish at Lake Casitas</p><p>• Learning to row at Lauriston</p><p>• Women lifting weights in the early 1980s</p><p>• Building an Olympic crew from a developing program</p><p>• The philosophy of pioneering and challenging convention</p><p><br></p><p><strong>You Can Quote Us On That</strong></p><p>"I've always been kind of pioneering. I'm not afraid of trying new things."</p><p>"Once you're in pain, it doesn't get any worse."</p><p>"He thought every day after that was a bonus."</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><p>• Progress starts with people willing to challenge convention.</p><p>• Elite performance comes from embracing discomfort.</p><p>• Great sporting cultures are built by courageous pioneers.</p><p>• Today's opportunities exist because previous generations created them.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hosted by: </strong>Drew Ginn OAM</p><p><strong>Guest: </strong>Sue Chapman-Popa </p><p><strong>Produced by: </strong>Nicholas Finster</p><p><strong>Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC</strong></p>
June 21, 2026
Martin Cross: Olympic Gold, Henley & A Life in Rowing - Episode 41
<p>Few people have experienced rowing from as many perspectives as Martin Cross.</p><p>Olympic Champion. World Championship medallist. Coach. Author. Broadcaster. Storyteller.</p><p>In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with one of rowing's most respected voices to explore a lifetime in the sport. From winning Olympic Gold in the Coxed Four at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games to becoming one of the world's leading rowing commentators, Martin shares the lessons, challenges and moments that have shaped an extraordinary journey.</p><p>The conversation travels from Olympic glory and selection controversies to coaching, commentary, athlete development and the future of the sport. It is a masterclass in performance, perspective and passion for rowing.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Who is Martin Cross?</strong></p><p>Martin Cross MBE is an Olympic Gold Medallist who represented Great Britain across four Olympic Games.</p><p>He was a member of the British Men's Coxed Four that captured Gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, ending a 36-year drought for British Olympic rowing gold medals. Beyond his athletic career, Martin has become one of the sport's most recognised commentators, providing expert analysis for World Rowing, the Olympic Games and major international regattas around the world.</p><p>Today he remains deeply connected to rowing through coaching, writing, broadcasting and mentoring athletes and coaches globally.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Why This Conversation Matters</strong></p><p><strong>1. Olympic Success Doesn't Solve Everything</strong></p><p>Martin reflects candidly on the reality of winning Olympic Gold and the surprising emotional complexity that followed.</p><p>His story reminds us that sporting success and personal fulfilment are not always the same thing.</p><p><strong>2. Great Crews Are Built Through Trust</strong></p><p>The journey to Olympic Gold was far from straightforward.</p><p>Selection disputes, differing opinions and strong personalities all shaped the famous British Coxed Four. The conversation provides a fascinating insight into how elite crews are formed and the importance of trusting a shared vision.</p><p><strong>3. The Love of Rowing Lasts a Lifetime</strong></p><p>From athlete to coach, commentator and mentor, Martin describes rowing as more than a sport—it is a lifelong connection to people, challenge, nature and personal growth.</p><p><strong>4. Great Commentary Tells Human Stories</strong></p><p>Listeners gain a rare insight into what happens behind the microphone.</p><p>Martin explains how the best commentary comes from understanding athletes, talking with coaches and finding the stories that bring racing to life.</p><p><strong>5. The Future of Rowing Is Bright</strong></p><p>From Henley Royal Regatta to World Championships, Martin shares his excitement for the next generation of athletes and the increasing professionalism, visibility and competitiveness of the sport worldwide.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>You can quote us on that!</strong></p><p>"The sport has become part of me."</p><p>"Rowing is about connection."</p><p>"The best races are the ones that leave you speechless."</p><p>"You can never stop learning in rowing."</p><p>"Henley is on the bucket list of rowers around the world."</p><p>"The whole thing is almost impossible to describe—it's a way of life."</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM</strong></p><p><strong>Guest: </strong>Martin Cross MBE</p><p><strong>Produced by Nicholas Finster </strong></p><p><strong>Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC</strong></p><p><strong>Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club</strong></p>
June 14, 2026
Five Paralympics, Countless Lessons, One Relentless Pursuit: Erik Horrie - Episode 40
<p>Few athletes embody resilience and longevity quite like Erik Horrie OAM PLY. A five-time Paralympian, multiple World Champion and one of Australia's most successful para-rowers, Erik has spent more than a decade redefining what is possible in elite sport.</p><p>In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Erik joins Drew Ginn for a candid conversation about the lessons learned across a remarkable career. From overcoming a challenging childhood and life-changing spinal injury to becoming one of the dominant athletes in para-rowing, Erik shares the mindset, relationships and relentless curiosity that have kept him competing at the highest level.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Who is Erik Horrie?</strong></p><p>Erik Horrie is one of Australia's most successful para-rowers and a pioneer of international para-rowing. Following a spinal cord injury that left him paraplegic, Erik discovered rowing and rapidly rose through the ranks to become a multiple World Champion and Paralympic medallist. Since making his international debut, he has represented Australia at five Paralympic Games and has consistently been among the world's leading PR1 men's single scull athletes.</p><p>Known for his resilience, technical innovation and relentless pursuit of improvement, Erik has helped redefine what is possible in para-rowing. Beyond his achievements on the water, he is respected for his leadership, advocacy for athletes with disabilities, and his willingness to share the lessons he has learned through sport, adversity and life.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Why is this conversation important?</strong></p><p>The conversation explores the evolution of para-rowing, the importance of trust between athlete and coach, the pursuit of marginal gains, and the realities of competing across multiple Paralympic campaigns. Erik reflects on unforgettable moments from London, Rio, Tokyo and Paris, his long partnership with coach JB, and why he continues to search for new ways to improve as he looks toward Los Angeles 2028.</p><p>This is a story of perseverance, adaptability and finding purpose through sport.</p><p><strong>1. Resilience Can Be Built Through Adversity</strong></p><p>Erik's journey demonstrates that life's greatest challenges do not have to define a person's future. From a difficult childhood and a life-changing spinal injury to becoming a Paralympic medallist and World Champion, Erik shows how adversity can be transformed into purpose, determination and success. His story provides a powerful reminder that resilience is not something people are born with—it is developed through persistence, mindset and the willingness to keep moving forward.</p><p><strong>2. Excellence Requires Continuous Learning and Adaptation</strong></p><p>Despite competing at the highest level for more than two decades, Erik continues to search for ways to improve. The conversation highlights the importance of listening, embracing change, trusting coaches and being willing to evolve as an athlete and person. His approach demonstrates that long-term success is not about doing the same thing forever, but about constantly learning, adapting and refining your craft.</p><p><strong>3. Success Is Built Through Relationships and Community</strong></p><p>Throughout the discussion, Erik repeatedly acknowledges the coaches, volunteers, teammates, support staff and family members who have contributed to his journey. His experiences reinforce the idea that while sporting achievements may appear individual, they are often the result of a strong support network. The conversation serves as a reminder that great outcomes are rarely achieved alone and that investing in relationships is critical to sustained success.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>You can quote us on that!</strong></p><p>“The biggest thing is being willing to change."</p><p>"I'm the person that shapes the picture frame of my life."</p><p>"What happened to me doesn't define me."</p><p>"The volunteers who helped me get into a boat are the reason I'm here today."</p><p>"You never fully understand rowing. You're always learning."</p><p>"The recovery is just as important as the work."</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Guests: </strong>Erik Horrie OAM PLY</p><p><strong>Host: </strong>Drew Ginn OAM</p><p><strong>Produced by:</strong> Nicholas Finster</p><p><strong>Sponsored by Choice Capital & 776BC</strong></p>
43 total episodes available
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