FRC Outside the Bot

Carolyn Arthurs

Welcome to FRC: Outside the Bot, where in each episode you'll hear FIRST Robotics Competition team management content, broken into short, easy to digest segments.

  1. JAN 11

    EP9 S2: Kickoff is over...Now what? w/Daniel Eiland

    Keywords   FIRST Robotics, Kitbot, Team Readiness, Game Rules, TeamDynamics, Robotics Education, Mentorship, Goal Setting, Community Support, TeamMorale   Summary   This conversation provides a comprehensive guide for rookieteams participating in FIRST Robotics. It covers essential steps from watchingthe kickoff video, inventorying parts, understanding game rules, and buildingthe Kitbot. The discussion emphasizes the importance of team dynamics,maintaining morale, and iterative improvement. It also highlights thesignificance of community support and effective meeting structures to ensure asuccessful build season. Chapters   00:00 Kickoff and Team Readiness 02:56 Starting with the Kickoff Video 06:00 Inventory and Understanding the Kit of Parts 09:05 Reading the Rules and Understanding Game Mechanics 12:01 Building the Kitbot and Its Capabilities 14:54 Understanding Autonomous Mode and Strategy 18:00 Support and Resources for Rookie Teams 19:25 Gracious Professionalism and Team Cooperation 21:43 Building the Kit Bot: Steps to Success 25:43 Iterative Improvement and Avoiding Burnout 26:30 Effective Meeting Strategies for Teams 30:19 Recognizing Progress and Ownership in Teams 33:19 Creating a Supportive Build Environment 35:11 Setting Goals for Rookie Teams     LINKS 2026 Game Manual / Season Materials https://www.firstinspires.org/programs/frc/game-and-season   2026 Game Animation https://youtu.be/_fybREErgyM?si=Yk2FATDbRyc1Qcy1   2026 Kit of Parts Lists – Veterans and Rookies https://www.firstinspires.org/resources/library/frc/kit-of-parts   FIRST Tech Challenge Engineering Notebook https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/Education_Resources/thinkscape/ftc-classpack/2021/EngineeringDesignProcess-1.pdf   2026 MAGNAtech Kickoff Resources – checklists, guides andtemplates https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13v4H6-b4Puxu3toeKrTA3Ebrbi3q8K-_?usp=drive_link

    12 min
  2. JAN 11

    EP9 S1: Kickoff is over...Now what? w/Daniel Eiland

    Keywords   FIRST Robotics, Kitbot, Team Readiness, Game Rules, TeamDynamics, Robotics Education, Mentorship, Goal Setting, Community Support, TeamMorale   Summary   This conversation provides a comprehensive guide for rookieteams participating in FIRST Robotics. It covers essential steps from watchingthe kickoff video, inventorying parts, understanding game rules, and buildingthe Kitbot. The discussion emphasizes the importance of team dynamics,maintaining morale, and iterative improvement. It also highlights thesignificance of community support and effective meeting structures to ensure asuccessful build season. Chapters   00:00 Kickoff and Team Readiness 02:56 Starting with the Kickoff Video 06:00 Inventory and Understanding the Kit of Parts 09:05 Reading the Rules and Understanding Game Mechanics 12:01 Building the Kitbot and Its Capabilities 14:54 Understanding Autonomous Mode and Strategy 18:00 Support and Resources for Rookie Teams 19:25 Gracious Professionalism and Team Cooperation 21:43 Building the Kit Bot: Steps to Success 25:43 Iterative Improvement and Avoiding Burnout 26:30 Effective Meeting Strategies for Teams 30:19 Recognizing Progress and Ownership in Teams 33:19 Creating a Supportive Build Environment 35:11 Setting Goals for Rookie Teams     LINKS 2026 Game Manual / Season Materials https://www.firstinspires.org/programs/frc/game-and-season   2026 Game Animation https://youtu.be/_fybREErgyM?si=Yk2FATDbRyc1Qcy1   2026 Kit of Parts Lists – Veterans and Rookies https://www.firstinspires.org/resources/library/frc/kit-of-parts   FIRST Tech Challenge Engineering Notebook https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/Education_Resources/thinkscape/ftc-classpack/2021/EngineeringDesignProcess-1.pdf   2026 MAGNAtech Kickoff Resources – checklists, guides andtemplates https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13v4H6-b4Puxu3toeKrTA3Ebrbi3q8K-_?usp=drive_link

    19 min
  3. 12/13/2025

    EP8 S2: Dean's List w/Michelle Long and Rudra Karadkhelkar

    Takeaways (AI created) The Dean's List Award recognizes not just STEM skills but also leadership and teamwork. Each year, only 20 students globally receive the Dean's List Award. The selection process involves nominations from teams and judging at regional events. Judges are selected to minimize bias and ensure fair evaluation. Mentors play a crucial role in nominating students for the Dean's List. Rudra's journey highlights the importance of community and outreach in STEM. Being a Dean's List winner comes with expectations to continue inspiring others. Future aspirations include mentoring and contributing to STEM education. Students should document their achievements for future opportunities. Art and creativity are important outlets for STEM students. Summary (AI created) This conversation explores the significance of the Dean's List Award within the FIRST community, highlighting the journey of Rudra, a Dean's List winner. The discussion covers the award's criteria, the selection process, and the responsibilities that come with being a winner. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and the integration of STEM with leadership and creativity. Rudra shares his experiences and aspirations, providing valuable insights for future candidates. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to FIRST and Alumni Relations 01:54 Understanding the Dean's List Award 04:43 The Selection Process for Dean's List 09:45 Judging Criteria and Bias in Selection 14:44 Rudra's Journey to the Dean's List 19:39 Celebrating Dean's List Winners 28:54 Celebrating Achievements in Robotics 30:03 The Essence of the Dean's List Award 31:40 Insights from Dean Kamen 33:55 The Ongoing Journey of a Dean's List Winner 36:24 Future Aspirations and Mentorship 39:26 The Responsibilities of a Dean's List Winner 44:04 Balancing Life and Robotics 45:02 The Intersection of Art and STEM 49:07 Advice for Future Dean's List Candidates 52:58 Opportunities Beyond the Award Keywords FIRST, Dean's List, Alumni Relations, STEM, Robotics, Mentorship, Community Impact, Leadership, Education, Scholarships

    8 min
  4. 12/13/2025

    EP8 S3: Dean's List w/Michelle Long and Rudra Karadkhelkar

    Takeaways (AI created) The Dean's List Award recognizes not just STEM skills but also leadership and teamwork.Each year, only 20 students globally receive the Dean's List Award.The selection process involves nominations from teams and judging at regional events.Judges are selected to minimize bias and ensure fair evaluation.Mentors play a crucial role in nominating students for the Dean's List.Rudra's journey highlights the importance of community and outreach in STEM.Being a Dean's List winner comes with expectations to continue inspiring others.Future aspirations include mentoring and contributing to STEM education.Students should document their achievements for future opportunities.Art and creativity are important outlets for STEM students. Summary (AI created) This conversation explores the significance of the Dean's List Award within the FIRST community, highlighting the journey of Rudra, a Dean's List winner. The discussion covers the award's criteria, the selection process, and the responsibilities that come with being a winner. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and the integration of STEM with leadership and creativity. Rudra shares his experiences and aspirations, providing valuable insights for future candidates. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to FIRST and Alumni Relations 01:54 Understanding the Dean's List Award 04:43 The Selection Process for Dean's List 09:45 Judging Criteria and Bias in Selection 14:44 Rudra's Journey to the Dean's List 19:39 Celebrating Dean's List Winners 28:54 Celebrating Achievements in Robotics 30:03 The Essence of the Dean's List Award 31:40 Insights from Dean Kamen 33:55 The Ongoing Journey of a Dean's List Winner 36:24 Future Aspirations and Mentorship 39:26 The Responsibilities of a Dean's List Winner 44:04 Balancing Life and Robotics 45:02 The Intersection of Art and STEM 49:07 Advice for Future Dean's List Candidates 52:58 Opportunities Beyond the Award Keywords FIRST, Dean's List, Alumni Relations, STEM, Robotics, Mentorship, Community Impact, Leadership, Education, Scholarships

    14 min
  5. 12/13/2025

    EP 8 S1: Dean's List w/Michelle Long

    Takeaways (AI created) The Dean's List Award recognizes not just STEM skills but also leadership and teamwork.Each year, only 20 students globally receive the Dean's List Award.The selection process involves nominations from teams and judging at regional events.Judges are selected to minimize bias and ensure fair evaluation.Mentors play a crucial role in nominating students for the Dean's List.Rudra's journey highlights the importance of community and outreach in STEM.Being a Dean's List winner comes with expectations to continue inspiring others.Future aspirations include mentoring and contributing to STEM education.Students should document their achievements for future opportunities.Art and creativity are important outlets for STEM students. Summary (AI created) This conversation explores the significance of the Dean's List Award within the FIRST community, highlighting the journey of Rudra, a Dean's List winner. The discussion covers the award's criteria, the selection process, and the responsibilities that come with being a winner. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and the integration of STEM with leadership and creativity. Rudra shares his experiences and aspirations, providing valuable insights for future candidates. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to FIRST and Alumni Relations 01:54 Understanding the Dean's List Award 04:43 The Selection Process for Dean's List 09:45 Judging Criteria and Bias in Selection 14:44 Rudra's Journey to the Dean's List 19:39 Celebrating Dean's List Winners 28:54 Celebrating Achievements in Robotics 30:03 The Essence of the Dean's List Award 31:40 Insights from Dean Kamen 33:55 The Ongoing Journey of a Dean's List Winner 36:24 Future Aspirations and Mentorship 39:26 The Responsibilities of a Dean's List Winner 44:04 Balancing Life and Robotics 45:02 The Intersection of Art and STEM 49:07 Advice for Future Dean's List Candidates 52:58 Opportunities Beyond the Award Keywords FIRST, Dean's List, Alumni Relations, STEM, Robotics, Mentorship, Community Impact, Leadership, Education, Scholarships

    10 min

About

Welcome to FRC: Outside the Bot, where in each episode you'll hear FIRST Robotics Competition team management content, broken into short, easy to digest segments.