Outside of the Box

Outside of the Box Ep 134 | Rules & Judging Roundtable | NHRL | BattleBots

Combat robotics rules and judging criteria are some of the most hotly debated topics in the sport and I had Mike Jeffries (BattleBots match steward), Connor Benton (New Zealand builder & judge), Michael Hall (MRCA board member) and David Calkins (RoboGames & former BattleBots judge) join me to talk through all of it. We got into a whole host of topics including OOTA rules and whether it can be done safely, a judging criteria deep dive, the merit of challenges and tapouts at all levels and a brief glance at Ray Billings' fan mail!

Outside of the Box Ep 133 | Cole (Nubert) & Josh ( Red Hawk) | NHRL

Getting young people into the sport of combat robotics is so important and I talked to two of them who have already started to make their mark with 1 and 3 lb bots. Cole and Josh both have their own individual robots, but will be coming together for the NHRL August event to bring something they say has never been seen before. We also talked about their inspirations and their potential plans to build a future heavyweight which, in Cole's case might be inspired by Spartan and Johnny Tsoumpas.

Outside of the Box Ep 132 | Owen & Cory Cokley | NHRL

In this episode, I talk to the brothers from Ohio who have taken the 12lb NHRL weight class by storm this year - Owen & Cory Cokley. We talked about how they got their start in combat robotics, a breakdown of how the June event went for their bots Cthulhu and Superscope including their take on the big showdown with another pair of brothers (the legendary Doerfler brothers), and what their thoughts are on the future including talk of heavyweights.

Outside of the Box Ep 131 | Diversity Spotlight: Women in STEM Roundtable | NHRL | BattleBots

Get ready for a very special episode where I spoke with a group of wonderful ladies in combat robotics including Genny Korn (Banshee), Ashley Beckman (Milktank), Kezia Skye (Chainsaw Kitty), Shea Johns (Triton/Jackpot), Ellie Clark (Bloodsport) & Lisa Winter (Builder & BattleBots Judge). We talked about their sources for inspiration for getting into combat robotics which included many amazing builders such as Andrea Gellatly of Witch Doctor and Zoe Stephenson of Chomp. We also touched on many topics including tiny hands & feet, the importance of diversity & inclusion, growing the sport and their proudest moments in combat robotics. This is an amazing episode full of great advice and stories.

Outside of the Box Ep 130 | Don & Joe Doerfler of HUGE | NHRL | BattleBots

In this episode I talk to two brothers who hail from the Steel City and have done a great job bringing their robotics skills to the table both at BattleBots with HUGE and also to NHRL - the Doerfler Brothers. We talked about the amazing journey for World Championship VII with HUGE as well as the crazy brother vs brother showdown at the June NHRL event where they fought the Cokley brothers and ended up finishing third and fourth respectively with Disko and Ugee. We also touched on the evolution of NHRL and whether we may see more creative/innovative robots at BattleBots.

Outside of the Box Ep 129 | Jordan Neal of Squire | NHRL | BattleBots

If you recognize Jordan Neal from BattleBots, you may remember DragonSlayer from World Championship VI. Lately, he has been slaying the competition at NHRL with his robot Squire. We talk about everything from his incredible chainmail ensemble that he wore at the event, a breakdown of every one of Squire's fights at June NHRL including multiple fights against eventual winner Kablooey Tango and possibly trying to work on a mini bot for the finals.

Outside of the Box Ep 128 | Unconventional Robots Roundtable | NHRL | BattleBots

Get ready for an absolutely amazing roundtable discussion on unconventional robots! I spoke with Jonathan Schultz (HUGE), Anna Zolnikov (RIPperoni), Brice Farrell (Doomba), Eli Davis (Hot Wings/Sawblaze) and Joe Fabiani (SMEEEEEEEEEE) about a variety of topics surrounding bots that are not of "traditional design". What is considered unconventional? How do you deal with setbacks when building/driving an unconventional robot? What other crazy robot designs are the panelists all fans of? You can catch it all here on this very special episode.

Outside of the Box Ep 127 | GSCRL (Garden State Combat Robotics League) | NHRL | BattleBots

If you love combat robotics and live near the east coast, you may want to check out GSCRL. I talked with some of the folks who run the league as well as some who compete there including 12 year old Beckett who is definitely one of the smartest kids I have ever spoken to. It is a growing league that just keeps getting more competitive and full of people who are passionate about fighting robots. This is probably the biggest group of people I have ever had on the show. Really fun discussion!

Outside of the Box Ep 126 | Commentator Chris Rose | BattleBots

If you ever wondered what it is like to be a BattleBots commentator, I had Chris Rose on the show to break it all down. We talked about his beginnings in sports journalism and how that led him to BattleBots, how he has grown to love combat robotics and the builders who make it all possible and how BattleBots filming has become such an important part of his career. Chris was a joy to speak with and I hope fans enjoy this perspective from a non-builder who has become a huge fan.

Outside of the Box Ep 125 | Getting Started in Combat Robotics Roundtable | NHRL | BattleBots

Join me for the first of a series of roundtable discussions - this one being on a topic very near and dear to me - getting started in combat robotics. I am joined by Alicia Garnache (Horizon/Frustration), Tom Farkas (First Drink of the Day/Pawsitively Hissterical), Alex Hall (Shogun), Johan (Team Stamina) and a separate clip with Jonathan (Jupiter Robotics). We talk about the trials and tribulations of building a combat robot at various levels and how everyone celebrates successes and deals with setbacks. If you are thinking about building a robot, this is a must listen.