STATE CHAMPS! RoboZone

Episode Description: In this episode, we discuss some of the off-season events that are taking registrations NOW across the State of Michigan that you can take your team to again compete in the Deep Space game. Alex provides some volunteer opportunities across these off-season events and Scott tells us a little bit about an upcoming Mentors Camp that will be soon approaching in the Fall. ROB-CON I...

In this episode, we listen to the audio form the video interviews that I gathered while at the Detroit World Championships for Deep Space. There are a variety of interviews provided and the incredible chance to interview a combined team from overseas was one of the personal highlights for myself while at Champs. This is not an episode you will want to pass or fast forward! If you have an offseason...

Episode Description - In this episode, we listen to a series of audio interviews I had the chance to record while at the Detroit World Championships 2019. From interviews with Rookie Teams to DaMoose, Enginerds, and GEMS, all of the interviewees provide their thoughts captured in time when each team was trying to win their way win by win to try to qualify for the Einstein Rounds.

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with the Winning Alliance from the Michigan State Championships. Members from the Goon Squad, GEMS, and The Lightning teams provide their viewpoints on what it was like to win the State Championship, how it compares to the World Championships and what they each thought of the game this season. Interviewees: Scott Hall - Team 3604 Steven Holland - Tea...

Episode Description - In this episode, I speak with Clinton Bolinger and Jon Uren about the rollercoaster of driving coaching and how things can change on a dime during a competition. Clinton and Jon provide their viewpoints on the Deep Space game and also how each of their teams approached the game this season. As they prep for Week 6 events they inform us on the last minute changes they are impl...

Episode Description - In this episode, Jack Rumple and Marjie Jenkins joins the podcast and provides their insights into the Deep Space game. With Jack's team done for the year and Marjie headed to the Troy District in Week 5, both mentors have had great experiences within the Region model of FIRST. Jack provides some input on the Regional setup for his State and Marjie compares the Regional model...

In this episode, our panel of interviewees discuss each of their team's success and challenges this season thus far. They provide their thoughts on the game, how the game is going to change from Week 3 to Week 6. The students on the panel provide their suggestions on approaching college after high school and also give some advice for students that may just be starting their FIRST experience. Inter...

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with a panel of both mentors and students that have either participated in 1 or 2 events over the past two weeks in the Deep Space game. They provide their thoughts on the game thus far, the current Meta 2 weeks in and what they see may change from now through the State Championships. This is one you will NOT want to pass you by! Interview - Mark Fau...

Episode Description - With the Final Bag Day for the near future now past all of the teams competing in FRC our interview panel gives a recount of their build seasons. In addition, Week 0 events such as Kettering Week 0 have happened and the group discusses what a team could learn by participating in these events. Finally, Week 1 events are discussed and how the Deep Space game might be played out...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #090 - STRIKE Up A conversation with Stryke Force! Episode Description - In this episode and with less than two weeks to go in the Deep Space build season Cory Walters from Stryke Force stops by to talk about drive trains and his thoughts on the game this season. He provides us with his thoughts on the game some information and thoughts on the sandstorm part of the event a...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #089 - Kickoff Review with Frank Merrick! Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with FRC Director Frank Merrick about Deep Space. He provides us with some updates on the season thus far, his review on this years kickoff and how to handle items such as inclement weather during build season! Finally, we have a winner of the AndyMark giveaway! Interview - Frank Merr...

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Andy Baker from AndyMark. Andy provides some background on AndyMark and how the company prepares for an upcoming FRC season. Andy informs us about what each day is like within the company during a build season. He also provides some advice for younger teams on when to order certain parts for your team both within and outside of the FRC season. I...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #087 - Let's talk PNEUMATICS Baby! Episode Description - In this episode, two weeks into build season our panel is still in the design phases for each of their teams. We talk about pneumatics and how they have been used in the past, how they can be used for Deep Space and the aspects teams need to be aware of during this part of your robot design. Coding for pneumatics is...

In this episode, with the kick off of Deep Space and the game announcement this past weekend we sit down with a variety of FRC mentors to capture their initial thoughts of the Deep Space game! The mentors provide a glimpse of what their teams are planning for and how they broke down the Deep Space game thus far. This is not an episode you will want to miss! We also we have a giveaway from AndyMark...

In this episode, we have a round-table discussion with Mentors that are entering their second season within FRC. Jeremy, Paul and I provide some lessons learned through our first season in FRC with Power Up and how our experiences can be passed on to those individuals starting a team this season. In addition we have an additional gove away which you need ot listen to the entire episode to know how...

Episode Description - In this episode, we revisit episode #40 where we spoke with a fellow Rookie Team mentor and discuss the things that are needed to get a team ready for the upcoming FRC season with Power Up. We also have the Woody Flowers Award Winner Andrew Spiece on the podcast to give some insight and advice for rookie teams. Interview - Andrew Spiece - Team 314 Jeremy Callahan - Team 7211...

Episode Description - In this episode, I get the great privledge to interview Frank Merrick from FIRST. Dunring this interview we cover topics such as Franks background and adventure into FIRST, his experiences from past seasons, and what his favorite game has been. We discuiss the events that led up to the announcement of removing Bag Day for the 2020 season and why the 2019 was not the right tim...

Episode Description - In this action-packed episode, we catch up on the FTC Rover Ruckus game. We talk about the HUGE Bag Rules change for FRC season 2020 and finally, we discuss SLACK and how the application and its implementation can help your team NOW! Interviewees: Scott Stap - Head Mentor - Team 5084 John Hankerd - Head Mentor - Team 5260

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Jason and Trace from Team 5234. This Father and Son coding duo provide some insights, suggestions and proven methods of coding that you can implement in your team right now. From coding to testing to scrum methodologies the discussion hit on multiple areas that a team can focus their efforts NOW to better their team's processes before the start...

Episode Description - In this episode we revisit an early episode in our podcast history, number 17 where Brandi Bollinger from Team 2337 the EngiNERDS from Grand Blanc provides her learning experiences! Brandi is a wealth of knowledge and helps provide some great informaiton that a mentor, no matter their level of experience, can learn from. Interviewee: Brandi Bollinger - Co-Head Mentor - Team 2...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #079 - Revisiting Recruitment with a FridgeBot! Episode Description - In this episode we revisit an early episode in our podcast history, number 19 to be exact and that 60 epsidoes ago! In this episode we discuss the things needed to start a new robotics team and how to put your new team in the best place to be successful! There are new teams at every level of FIRST and Sc...

Episode Description - In this episode, we have an interview panel that has extensive experience with the Swerve Drive that is all the rage in the FTC and FRC games of the past, present and future. Jerry, Kyle, Jack and Alex all provide a description of the their experiences with the SWERVE drive and the benefits, limiations and how to prepare a team to use a swerve drive. Interview - Jerry Culp -...

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Nick who works for Andymark as an Engineer and ALSO is a FRC Mentor and most importantly FIRST Alumni! Nick provides some strategy for FTC's Rover Ruckus game and how team can change and adapt their robots throughout the FTC season. We also have a discussion on the simularities between adoption of new strategies in both FTC and FRC formats. Nick...

In this episode, we speak with Alex and Kyle from the Orange Alliance, these Co-Founders of this organization provide us with an update and how the Orange Alliance has grown since the last time we have had them on the podcast. We talk about discussion topics including the final power Up thoughts, Rover Ruckus, how to become an FTA and finally the Deep Space game. This episode has some pretty good...

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Chirs Sommers from Team 5237 the Loose Screws. Chris tells us what he believes will be the META for this season Rover Ruckus game. After discussing different aspects of the game Chris tells us how his FTC will be approaching this years game and their approach to maximizing the points they can amount for their alliance partners. In addition, we h...