{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Rowers Choice - Innovating Rowing","title":"2026e5 - Chris Samul - Cranbrook Crew","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/9feeee28\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4205,"description":"In this episode, host Alex DelSordo interviews Chris Samul, a math teacher and head rowing coach at Cranbrook Schools, about his journey from a novice in a low-resource club to a collegiate rower and dedicated coach. Samul details how a strong sense of belonging and friendship kept him in the sport despite early losses, a philosophy he now uses to lead a varsity program of nearly 70 athletes. The conversation critiques the \"professionalization\" of youth sports, arguing that it creates barriers and leads to burnout, while Samul advocates for a culture that balances competitive speed with character development. Ultimately, the episode highlights the unique value of scholastic rowing in fostering long-term engagement and personal growth through a supportive team environment.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/UUYWJ4IiR3qwH7bydrgN9fHycpNe1-q6_z_gfP2ROAw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM2ODM4LzE2NzAy/NDk2NDYtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}