Beyond The Competition

SAE International

As the official must-listen podcast of SAE University Programs, you can expect authentic, engaging (and often amusing) conversations about all things related to SAE's collegiate programming, as well as other industry-driven topics from SAE International. Our guests will include SAE International staff, former competitors, volunteers, organizers, and occasionally industry professionals! Topics range from ruleset discussions to career advice and everything in between. This is the perfect podcast to listen to in the shop.

  1. APR 24

    Baja SAE Oregon Know Before You Go

    Get ready for Baja SAE Oregon with this essential “Know Before You Go” episode of Beyond the Competition, the SAE University Programs Podcast. Host Mike Sorg is joined by Baja SAE Program Manager Damon Andring and Organizing Committee Chairman Tom Paasch to break down everything competitors need to know before arriving in Washougal. From registration requirements and tech inspection prep to trailer staging logistics and site rules, this episode is your complete guide to navigating the event smoothly. The team also dives into what makes Baja SAE Oregon unique — including its iconic motocross venue, challenging terrain, and fan-favorite dynamic events like rock crawl, hill climb, and endurance. 🔧 In this episode: Registration must-haves (fast track rosters, wristbands, tech sheets) Engine check procedures and safety reminders Important site rules (footwear, prohibited items, spectator policies) Trailer staging system and how to secure a prime paddock spot Navigation tips for arriving at Washougal safely Event schedule breakdown (design, dynamics, endurance, awards) Food, water, and planning ahead for a remote venue Dynamic event strategy, including rock crawl timing advantages Endurance course features on a national motocross track Career opportunities with sponsors and how to prepare Weather expectations and packing tips for the Pacific Northwest Whether you're a first-time competitor or a returning team, this episode will help you arrive prepared, stay safe, and focus on performing your best. 👉 For more competition details, rules, and updates, visit Baja SAE at BajaSAE.net. 📍 Show notes: beyondthecompetition.fireside.fm 📱 Download the Baja SAE app for real-time updates

    31 min

  2. APR 16

    From Parts to Podiums: Oshkut’s Role in Baja SAE This Year

    In this episode of Beyond the Competition, Mike and Scott welcome Caleb Chamberlain, CEO and co-founder of Oshkut, to discuss how on-demand metal fabrication is revolutionizing the way student engineering teams build. Caleb shares the origin of his company—from a challenging VR motion rig project to a rapidly growing fabrication platform—and explains how Oshkut is uniquely designed for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. This makes it an ideal partner for student teams working on one-off parts and rapid prototypes. The conversation dives into how Oshkut supports hundreds of university teams, including those competing in Formula SAE and Baja SAE, offering discounted services and tools that make advanced manufacturing more accessible than ever. Listeners will also gain practical advice on designing for sheet metal, avoiding common CAD mistakes, optimizing lead times, and leveraging modern fabrication workflows to accelerate development cycles. If you're a student engineer, team member, or educator looking to push your build further—this episode is a must-listen. Oshcut Academic Sponsorship: https://www.oshcut.com/academic-sponsorships

    28 min

  3. APR 15

    Aero Design West 2026 Know Before You Go

    Heading to SAE Aero Design West 2026? This Know Before You Go episode has you covered. In this episode, we talk with students, teams, and SAE staff to give you a full picture of what to expect at competition—from technical inspection and design judging to the real-world challenges teams face getting their aircraft ready to fly. You’ll hear firsthand experiences about preparation, travel, teamwork, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether it’s your first competition or you’re a returning competitor, this episode offers practical advice and insights to help you make the most of the event. SAE Aero Design isn’t just about building an aircraft—it’s about collaboration, problem-solving, and gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for a career in engineering. 👉 Learn more or get involved: https://saeaerodesign.com/

    41 min

  4. MAR 19

    Student Leadership in Engineering: Bridget O’Connell Wins the Max Rumbaugh Leadership Award

    In this episode of Beyond the Competition – the SAE University Programs Podcast, hosts Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz are joined by Gretchen Urenek and special guest Bridget O’Connell, president of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Women’s Baja SAE Team and winner of the Max Rumbaugh Outstanding Student Leadership Award.  Bridget shares her journey from building and innovating on her team’s experimental tracked “tank-style” Baja vehicle to leading a student engineering team through design challenges, competition preparation, and leadership growth. The conversation explores how SAE competitions shape engineering careers, what it takes to lead a successful Baja SAE team, and how hands-on competition experience helped Bridget land a career as a test engineer at Northrop Grumman after graduation.  In this episode • The Max Rumbaugh Outstanding Student Leadership Award and what it means for SAE student leaders • Bridget’s experience leading the Embry-Riddle Women’s Baja SAE Team • Designing and racing a tracked Baja vehicle that pushed competition innovation • Lessons learned from team leadership and engineering decision-making • How SAE competitions help students prepare for real engineering careers • Advice for students stepping into leadership roles in engineering teams • Why Baja SAE competitions are some of the most exciting engineering events to attend Whether you’re a student competitor, engineering leader, or future SAE participant, this episode offers insights into leadership, innovation, and the real-world value of engineering competitions.

    21 min

  5. MAR 3

    Aero Design East 2026 Know Before You Go

    The official Know Before You Go episode for SAE Aero Design East 2026 is here. In this episode of Beyond the Competition, event leadership provides essential information for teams competing in Lakeland, Florida at Lakeland Linder International Airport. You’ll hear important guidance from Program Lead David Sander, Contest Director Michael Bereswell, Air Boss Glenn Cashin, Deputy Director Sydney Hollis, and the SAE operations team as they walk through: • Event schedule and daily timelines • FAA-controlled airspace procedures • Inspection process and compliance expectations • Flight operations for Micro, Regular, and Advanced classes • Safety briefings and required attendance • Airport entry/exit rules and transportation requirements • Field logistics, power availability, and equipment rules • Heat safety, hydration, and Florida wildlife precautions • Engagement Lab details for registered teams This episode is designed to ensure every team arrives prepared, informed, and ready to compete safely and professionally. Make sure your documentation, Fast Track roster, and required materials are finalized before arrival, and download the Aero Design app for live updates during the event weekend. We look forward to seeing you in Lakeland — stay safe out there and good luck at Aero Design East 2026.

    38 min

  6. FEB 19

    Unlock SAE Membership Perks: Chapters, Sections & Career Connections

    In this episode of Beyond the Competition, Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz welcome Zac Pace, SAE Membership Specialist for Community Engagement, to break down how Sections and Chapters work together to support students and young professionals. We explore how SAE involvement can help you build real industry connections, access mentoring opportunities, host industrial lectures, and even unlock dues reimbursements for your chapter. Zac also shares common mistakes schools make, why becoming a registered chapter matters, and how students can get more value from their SAE membership. Whether you’re already competing in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Aero Design, or just getting started — this conversation highlights resources that can accelerate your academic and professional journey. 👉 Learn how to start, reactivate, or engage with your SAE Chapter 👉 Discover networking & mentoring advantages 👉 Understand young professional membership benefits 📌 Have questions? Reach out: membership@sae.org ⸻ 👍 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe for more insights, competition updates, and student success stories from SAE University Programs. ⸻ SAE #SAEInternational #SAEChapters #EngineeringStudents #STEMCareers #Mentorship #ProfessionalDevelopment #FormulaSAE #BajaSAE #BeyondTheCompetition ⸻

    24 min

  7. JAN 22

    Baja Beginnings With Dr. William Shapton

    Beyond the Competition marks a major milestone as Baja SAE celebrates 50 years of innovation, competition, and hands-on engineering education. In this episode, hosts Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz are joined by Dr. William Shapton, one of the original contributors to the creation of Baja SAE. Dr. Shapton takes listeners back to the early 1970s, when experimental design competitions like REV 73–75 laid the groundwork for what would become Baja SAE. He explains why traditional senior design programs needed change, how building and testing real vehicles reshaped engineering education, and how student competition became the catalyst for deeper learning. The conversation covers the practical challenges of launching the first events, including keeping costs low, securing industry support, and organizing competitions that schools could realistically enter. Dr. Shapton also shares memorable stories from early Baja events—from desert riverbeds and motocross tracks to nationwide expansion and international participation. This episode explores how Baja SAE influenced accreditation standards, strengthened ties between students and professional engineers, and helped inspire other collegiate competitions such as Formula SAE and Supermileage. It’s a reflective look at how a student-focused idea evolved into a global program that continues to prepare engineers for real-world problem solving. Whether you’re a current competitor, an alumnus, or simply curious about the origins of collegiate engineering competitions, this episode offers rare insight into the history, impact, and legacy of Baja SAE.

    35 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    Women in Motorsports @ Baja SAE Carolina 2025

    In this special episode of the SAE Beyond the Competition Podcast, we spotlight an inspiring Women in Motorsports panel discussion held at the Baja SAE Carolina event. Join us as a group of dynamic women share their experiences navigating the world of motorsports engineering, from breaking stereotypes and balancing team dynamics, to finding mentorship, tackling imposter syndrome, and leading innovations in vehicle design and leadership. Whether you’re a current competitor, alumni, or prospective team member, this panel offers valuable insight and encouragement for all genders working in STEM and motorsports fields. 🎧 Hear from passionate leaders, students, and professionals as they reflect on: • The importance of representation and visibility • Unique challenges faced by women in motorsports • Advice for the next generation of female engineers and teammates • How Baja SAE and similar programs have shaped their personal and professional growth 📍Recorded live at Baja SAE Carolina, this episode captures the energy, challenges, and triumphs of women paving the way in a competitive engineering landscape. 🔗 For more information on Baja SAE and upcoming events, visit https://bajasae.net

    1h 8m
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About

As the official must-listen podcast of SAE University Programs, you can expect authentic, engaging (and often amusing) conversations about all things related to SAE's collegiate programming, as well as other industry-driven topics from SAE International. Our guests will include SAE International staff, former competitors, volunteers, organizers, and occasionally industry professionals! Topics range from ruleset discussions to career advice and everything in between. This is the perfect podcast to listen to in the shop.

Information

  • Creator
    SAE International
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SAE International
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Competition