Podcast
The Havoc Rundown
Hosted by Hunter Bro Studios · EN
The ultimate podcast for all things combat robotics.
From underground grudge matches to world-stage championships, The Havoc Rundown covers the full spectrum of competitive robot combat. Hosted by seasoned event staffers and builders, we break down fights, preview major events, and dig deep into the engineering, chaos, and creativity that fuel the sport.
We interview builders, organizers, innovators, and legends from every corner of the combat robotics world. Whether you're a veteran of the pits or just discovered bots hit harder than your favorite sports team—this is your front-row seat to
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S3 E8: Return of the Evil Henchman ft Sam Hanson
2w ago01:30:59Tap to summarizeThis episode on Havoc Rundown, the crew sits down with NHRL’s own “Evil Henchman” Sam Hanson for a massive behind-the-scenes look at how combat robotics content gets made, how NHRL has evolved over the last few years, and what fans can expect as the Pro League era begins. From announcing events and creating viral content to helping shape the fan experience at NHRL, Sam talks about how his role has transformed since first joining the team and what it’s like becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the sport.The episode also dives deep into the future of NHRL, including Pro League structure changes, prize payouts, stream presentation updates, builder communication, and the growing push to make combat robotics feel like a truly global sport. Sam also shares stories from filming Side Quests in New Zealand, building weird robots, nearly losing a robot to the ocean forever, and why the Synthesis vs Booty Brigade fight still stands above the rest as the greatest fight NHRL has ever had.Ryan debuts an all-new “Who’s That Henchman?” Game Corner featuring evil sidekicks, stolen points, and complete chaos as the crew struggles through movie trivia ranging from Star Wars and Austin Powers to Hercules and Goldfinger. Somewhere along the way, the conversation also spirals into maple syrup crime syndicates, robot skateparks, mushroom foraging, battle boats, robot Pokémon tournaments, and the possibility of a future steel floor invitational.The episode closes out with updates on Havoc Rundown merch, Havoc TV, Bot of the Day, and a spotlight on CFA Laser, a Connecticut-based fabrication shop helping builders get combat robot parts cut fast and locally before events.If you’re into combat robotics, NHRL, behind-the-scenes production stories, robot builder culture, or just hearing a group of people completely derail into absurd conversations about syrup economics and evil henchmen, this episode is for you.
Transcribe →S3E7: How Just 'Cuz Robotics Continues to Shape Combat Robotics ft. Seth Schaffer
4w ago01:37:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Havoc Rundown, we welcome back a familiar voice you’ve heard in our ad reads and a name nearly every builder recognizes—Seth Schaffer from Just 'Cuz Robotics. Seth joins us to break down how his company has evolved from simple power distribution boards into one of the most influential suppliers in combat robotics. We get into the full story behind Just 'Cuz Robotics, from early experimentation and solving common builder problems to scaling into a full-time business supporting competitors across multiple weight classes. Along the way, we dive into the design philosophy behind some of his most impactful products, including the SSP kit—built specifically to make combat robotics more accessible to new builders—and the development of hub motors, which have gone on to fundamentally change how many robots are designed and built today. Beyond the products themselves, this episode explores the realities of running a niche hardware business in a rapidly evolving sport. Seth talks through the risks of bringing new ideas to market, how he approaches testing and iteration, and what it takes to balance being both a competitor and a supplier. We also discuss where the sport is heading, how technology like modern 3D printing has accelerated innovation, and what future breakthroughs might look like.We also kick things off with the return of Ryan’s Game Corner, featuring a chaotic round of “Who’s the Imposter?” that tests everyone’s knowledge of robot names across multiple categories. As always, it quickly turns into a mix of strategy, second-guessing, and complete guesswork.Corey Nason was scheduled to join us for this episode, but due to technical difficulties he wasn’t able to stay on. We’re looking forward to having him back soon to continue that conversation.If you’re a builder—or thinking about getting into the sport—be sure to check out Seth’s work at https://justcuzrobotics.com, where he continues to develop parts and tools that are shaping the current generation of combat robots.This episode also marks a small production change for us. We’re experimenting with removing background music entirely. It was originally used to mask breathing, coughing, and early audio inconsistencies, but as our production quality has improved, we’re testing whether it’s still necessary. Let us know what you think—does it feel cleaner, or do you miss the music?From product design and business insight to competition strategy and community impact, this episode covers a wide range of what makes combat robotics such a unique and constantly evolving space.
Transcribe →S3E6: Max Morningstar Talks Big Wheels, Meta Breaking & NHRL
Mar 3101:25:51Tap to summarizeThe road to NHRL April 4th is heating up, and in this episode of Havoc Rundown we break down the matchups, the bots everyone’s watching, and the potential chaos waiting in the bracket. From dangerous dark horses to the machines that could dominate the night, we’re digging into what really matters before the event kicks off.We’re also joined by Max Morningstar of Team Roboctopi Combat Division (TRC) for a behind-the-scenes look at his builds, how he approaches competition, and what it’s like navigating the ever-evolving meta at NHRL. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into staying competitive at this level, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.Max also shares where to follow his work—check out TRC on YouTube and dive deeper into his bots on the NHRL Wiki:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TRC4918NHRL Wiki: https://wiki.nhrl.io/wiki/index.php/TRCIf you’re following the event, building your fantasy lineup, or just want to know who to keep your eyes on April 4th—this episode sets the stage.Stay up to date with everything Havoc Rundown, including the fantasy league and full bot registry, at https://havocrundown.com/enBackground Music:Teddy Bass by Ariel Shalom: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/teddy-bass/6000230Sparks by Aves: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/sparks/132130Luscious by Tim Maslov: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/luscious/109465
Transcribe →S3E5 - Corey Nason Goes Global
Mar 1901:32:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Corey Nason to talk about his trip to New Zealand to compete at Robot Rampage and what it’s like taking your bot to an international stage.From travel logistics to adapting to a completely different competition environment, Corey walks us through the experience of fighting abroad, the challenges he faced, and how the event stacked up against what we’re used to at home.We dive into the matches, the competition level, and what makes Robot Rampage such a unique event in the combat robotics world, along with Corey’s takeaways from the trip and what it means for future builds and events.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to compete internationally in combat robotics, this is one you won’t want to miss.Corey's Builder Profile: https://havocrundown.com/en/builder/corey-nason-1763909431321Website: https://havocrundown.com/enBackground Music Credits:- Go On by Flint- The Observer by Evgeny Bardyuzha- Fake Table by Benno, Eden Ladin
Transcribe →S3E4 - Sitting Down With a Champion Ft Zack Knight
Mar 301:17:18Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to stay competitive at the top of the 12-pound division? This week, we sit down with Zack Knight — the builder behind Pramheda, one of the most consistent and feared vertical spinners in NHRL, for a deep dive into design philosophy, strategic thinking, and what keeps him pushing the sport forward.Zack breaks down how he approaches robot design, why calculated risk-taking is just as important as engineering precision, and what it means to be part of the NHRL builder community. We also get a sneak peek at the stacked robot lineup heading into the next competition — and trust us, you're not going to want to miss it.Plus, Ryan takes over Game Corner with a robot name guessing game featuring some of the most creative (and chaotic) bots heading to the March NHRL event. Can the crew hold their own against Ryan's increasingly unfair ruleset? Tune in to find out.Zack Knight: https://havocrundown.com/en/builder/zack-knight-1763909411206🎵 Music Credits:No Trust by Flint & Roie ShpiglerLate Night Dreams by Kirsten CollinsNight Lights by Alex MakeMusicAll music licensed via Artlist.io
Transcribe →S3E3: Spyfall, Sparks & the Papasians
Feb 1901:58:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we break down the February 7th NHRL event from top to bottom, the standout performances, the biggest upsets, and what the results mean moving forward.We’re joined by Julian and Dima Papasian to talk about their experience at the event, high-level driving strategy, tough matchups, and how preparation and adjustments play out inside the cage.We dive into the top-performing bots across the weight classes, early exits that shook up expectations, and the evolving flame bot meta that continues to shift strategy at NHRL. We also unpack a full Havoc Rundown Fantasy League recap, including major leaderboard movement and a dramatic climb up the standings.And in true Havoc fashion, things take a turn with a round of Spyfall, where one robot is the secret and the interrogation gets intense. It’s part mind game, part chaos, and exactly the kind of energy you’d expect from this crew.We wrap it all up with Listener Mailbag questions from the community, bringing even more personality and perspective into the episode.From bracket chaos to strategy deep-dives to a little undercover fun, this episode covers everything that went down on February 7th.🌐 Website: https://havocrundown.com/en🎵 Background Music Credits:Kissing the Moon by SkygazeBasement by MonakoEpisode 6 by Walz
Transcribe →S3E2 - Mass Destruction Returns: Resurgence 5 Preview with Team Omega
Jan 2801:27:41Tap to summarizeWe’re gearing up for the first major combat robotics event of 2026, and this week we’re joined by Team Omega to break down everything you need to know about Mass Destruction: Resurgence 5, happening January 31st at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham, Massachusetts.Team Omega, the builders behind legendary robots like Starchild and Ripperoni and longtime pillars of the New England combat robotics scene, joins us to talk about the history of Mass Destruction, why they brought the event back, and what makes it one of the most approachable and community-driven tournaments in the sport. We dive into what makes the Mass Destruction arena unique, including its infamous launching pit, how it changes match strategy, and why this event continues to attract both first-time builders and top-tier competitors.We also walk through what to expect from the upcoming event, including the beetleweight and plastic ant classes, standout bots attending, how the event is structured to maximize fights, and what makes Mass Destruction different from larger, more rigid competitions. Along the way, Team Omega shares behind-the-scenes insight into running an event, evolving arena design, and the philosophy behind keeping robot combat fun, accessible, and chaotic in the best way possible.🛠️ Event Links - Havoc Rundown Event Page:https://havocrundown.com/en/events/events-6468Official Mass Destruction Registration:https://www.robotcombatevents.com/events/6468📺 Live Stream (Omega Robotics Team):https://www.youtube.com/@OmegaRoboticsTeam/streams🌐 Havoc Rundown Website:https://havocrundown.com/en🎵 Background Music CreditsCactus Flower (Instrumental) by Southern CallLosing Time (Instrumental) by Brian McMasterSmoke & Sizzle by Danny Shields
Transcribe →S3E1 - The 2026 Kickoff: Fantasy League Updates & What’s Ahead
Jan 2300:49:27Tap to summarizeIt’s a brand-new year at Havoc Rundown, and we’re kicking things off with a streamlined, no-frills kickoff episode. No guests, no commercials, just the crew laying out what’s changing, what’s staying, and what’s coming next.In this New Year intro, we break down everything new for 2026, including a full walkthrough of the updated Havoc Rundown Fantasy League. We cover how the league is evolving, what new formats and ideas are being tested, and how listeners can get involved this season. This episode sets the foundation for the year ahead and explains where the fantasy league is headed as it continues to grow.We also look forward to what’s coming next for the podcast, including our first official guest episode of the year, dropping soon.This is a commercial-free episode focused entirely on updates, plans, and setting expectations for the season ahead. Thanks for being part of the ride, and welcome to a new year of Havoc.🌐 Visit us at https://havocrundown.com/en🎵 Music CreditsWALAKATA by LalineaCoffee Stop by Aveso k t o b u by Benny Bronco
Transcribe →Closing Out the Year: Reflections, Robots, and the Road Ahead
Dec 2301:34:50Tap to summarizeThis week on The Havoc Rundown, the crew comes together for a special roundtable episode to close out the year and officially wrap up Season 2. With no guest and no commercial breaks, this episode is a candid, free-flowing conversation covering combat robotics, the podcast, and the community that surrounds it.The team reflects on the past year, discussing standout moments, how the sport continues to evolve, and what they’ve learned from covering events, builders, and competitions. Ryan brings a game segment to the table, sparking debate and laughs around pit life, tools, and shared builder experiences, while the conversation naturally moves into broader thoughts on events, volunteering, and what makes the combat robotics community special.On the podcast side, the crew talks openly about what worked this season, how recurring segments and listener interaction shaped the show, and how everything is becoming more connected through havocrundown.com. Tony breaks down the vision for the website, including the robot registry, stats, rankings, events, games, and plans to continue building it into a central hub for the sport.Listener mailbag questions help guide the back half of the episode, touching on future ideas, community growth, and where both the podcast and combat robotics could be heading next. As the final episode of the year and the final episode of Season 2, we want to sincerely thank our listeners for an amazing year of support. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’ll see you next season.
Transcribe →Inside the 2025 Championship with Jamison Go
Nov 2601:38:34Tap to summarizeThis week, we’re joined by Jamison Go, two-time NHRL worldchampion, BattleBots veteran, and one of the most respected builders in thesport. With the 2025 NHRL World Championships right around the corner, we sitdown to talk about what to expect across all three weight classes, who’slooking dangerous, and what it takes to show up and win on one of the biggeststages in combat robotics. Jamison shares his thoughts on the current meta, thebots and builders that could shake things up, and how experience, preparation,and adaptability all come into play when the pressure hits.We also get into builder mindset heading into a high-stakesevent, why consistency beats flash, and what makes NHRL’s championship formatso intense. Along the way there’s the usual chaos—Game Corner antics, boldpredictions, and the crew does their best to keep things on track while Jamisondrops real insight. If you’re watching the championship, building for the nextseason, or just love hearing from one of the best in the game, this is the oneto queue up.GuestJamison Go – Multi-division NHRL champion, builder of Silent X, Megatron,SawBlaze, and moreBackground Music"Memory" by Magiksolo – https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/memory/63842"Relax Bro" by Flint – https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/relax-bro/134054"Fat Banana" by Kicktracks – https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/fat-banana/109019More from Havoc RundownTo Listen to More Episodes, Get Merch, Watch Videos and more swing on over to https://havocrundown.com
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