Episode Description -
In this episode, I get the chance to talk with the Allison from FRC Team 3538 the RoboJackets. Allison provides some history of the team, her involvement and how the team's success comes from their ability to problem solve quickly. Allison also provides some input on how teams can improve their processes quickly through a concise problem solving process. Finally we discuss the upcoming season, how her team will approach the season and how much Allison LOVES Colson Wheels! This is an episode you will want to hear completely!

Interview Panel:
Allison Kneisler - Head Mentor Team 3538 The RoboJackets

Team Website:
https://sites.google.com/rjk12.com/team3538/home

Website mentioned in podcast:
https://www.buyswervewheels.com
https://www.ltu.edu/

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/r1L8Zb___6E

Episode Description -
In this episode, I get the chance to talk with the Leadership Team from Team 7762, the Autopilots. They provide some history of their team since forming the team in 2018. They provide some details on how Covid affected the team during its first couple of years in existence. Looking forward to the 2024 FRC competitive season they try to guess what the game might involve and the challenges that await all FRC teams in the upcoming season.

Interview Panel:
Rob Black - Head Mentor
Autopilot Leadership Team - Tyler (Captain), Andrew (Build Lead), Charlie (Safety Captain and Electrical Lead) and Gabe (CAD Lead)

Video Link: https://youtu.be/7XSC2H2F6go

Episode Description -
In this episode, David Russell and Ed Wynne stop by to give us their FIRST Take on the CENTERSTAGE FTC Game for the 2023 competitive season. We break down the game, make some comparisons to past FRC games and start to see where teams might focus their efforts. This game is complex and challenging so we hope you enjoy this episode.

Interview Panel:
David Russell - Mentor, Iron Dams
Ed Wynne - Programming Mentor, 3 Hartland Robotics FTC Teams

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/gVCKQCWWpXg

Episode Description -
In this episode, we speak to LTU's Executive Director of Admissions Jane Rohrback. Jane talks about all the scholarships that LTU provides to potential students to the university. From Sports scholarships to STEM and Robotics scholarships, LTU has a vast array of opportunities for students looking to find a university to attend. Kane provides some great advice for students, parents and even mentors when looking at the next step for students leaving high school. It is never too early to start the research for high school students and their scholastic goals.

Interview Panel:
Jane Rohrback, LTU Executive Director of Admissions

Links Mentioned:
https://www.ltu.edu/admissions
https://www.ltu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/CiwRshYrIg0

Episode Description -
In this episode, we catch up and check in on the success of Lawernce Technological University's Robofest events that happened during the same time span as the FIRST FRC season. Shannan palonis, LTU's Robofest Coordinator, explains what happened during the series of events and what LTU is focused on for next years Robofest schedule!

Interview Panel:
Shannan Palonis - LTU Robofest Coordinator
Erik Rosvold - Robofest Coach (8 years) and Side Host

Links Mentioned:
http://www.robofest.net/

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/urEQmirOiHc

Episode Description -
In this episode, Jeff Parks form Error Code 404 stops by and discusses grants. He provides some in-depth detailed instructions on how you can find, apply for and possibly get awarded Grants for your team. Jeff, as the expert Grant writer, also details on some grants to avoid if you are new to grant writing. Every team could use more money so we hope this episode starts your grant writing journey!

Interview Panel:
Jeff Parks - Head Coach for Team 7226
https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/7226

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/sH-ftw8SWJI

Episode Description -
In this episode, I discuss on how to create a 501.c3 Non-Profit Organization for your robotics team with Cheryl form the Twisted Angels. Cheryl and her robotics squad just completed this a couple years ago and has helped the Twisted Teams write grants and help get the funds they need each season. The links we reference in this episode are displayed for you below and for your use!

Interview Panel:
Cheryl Thornton - Head Coach for Team 4422
https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/4422

501.c3 Links:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/how-to-start-a-501c3/
https://form1023.org/nonprofit-articles-of-incorporation-501c3-template-sample

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/a5cwSNGeww0

Episode Description -
In this episode, we interview the third member of the Winning Alliance (Team 6090 - Wayland Wildcats) from the FIRST in Michigan State Championships. Each panel member provides a small recap of each of their season, what MSC was like in the qualification matches and how their alliance was meant to become the champs! We get to hear from Mentors and Students including the Drive Coach and a Student Driver of the Wildcats!

Interview Panel:
Rod Killips - Co-Head Coach - Team 6090 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/6090
Dave Merice - Co-Head Coach - Team 6090
Isabel - Marketing, Social Media and Outreach - Team 6090
Alex C. - Head Coder and Driver - Team 6090
Alex K. - Design Lead and Drive Coach - Team 6090

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/xIkBQmlQ9x4

Episode Description -
In this episode, we check in with two thirds of the WINNING Alliance from the Michigan State Championships. Each panel member provides a small recap of each of their seasons, what MSC was like in the qualification matches and how their alliance was meant to become the champs! We get to hear from both Drive Coaches and a Student Driver in this episode and how each position saw the game field and what it took to win the State Championship here in Michigan.

Interview Panel:
Donovan Whitehead - Drive Coach - Team 217 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/217
Jeff Olson - Drive Coach - Team 1506 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/1506
David Goodheart - Driver - Team 1506 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/1506

In this episode we check in with Jake Hawley from Team 7211 Hollywood! Jake provides us with a little history of Team Hololywood and how they have been lucky enough to make the FIRST in Michigan State Championships every year since he helped start the team. We collectively talk about what FOM State Championships are like and how teams should get ready for some intense robot action! We would like to thank ALL of the volunteers that help make States Chapionships a reality!

Interview Panel:
Jake Hawley - Team 7211 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/7211