Gear Maniacs Podcast

his episode’s a bit different. Tudor Nica sits down to talk about what it’s been like moving from being a team leader to becoming a mentor: how it actually feels, what’s been weird about it, and what he’s learning along the way. No big lessons or fancy advice, just some honest thoughts about stepping back, letting others take the lead, and figuring out what mentoring really means. If you’ve ever tried to help someone grow while still figuring things out yourself, you’ll probably relate to this one.

In this episode of the Gear Maniacs Podcast, Gear Maniacs Junior looks back at last season’s innovation project — WaterWatchers. During the SUBMERGED season, we built an app that helps NGOs track water pollution. By scanning photos, it calculates the percentage of pollution and plots it on a map so organizations know where action is needed most. We talk about how the idea came to life, the challenges we ran into, and what we learned from the whole process. It’s a look back at one of our biggest projects — and the story behind it.

In this episode of the Gear Maniacs Podcast, Gear Maniacs Junior talks about their experience with the ROBOSCHOOLS project. Through this initiative, our team visits (and sometimes gets visits from) students from different schools around Sibiu to introduce them to the world of robotics. We show them how to build and code simple robots, play games, and take on fun quizzes — all while sharing the core values of FIRST. It’s one of our favorite ways to inspire creativity, teamwork, and curiosity in the next generation of young innovators.

In this episode of the Gear Maniacs Podcast, our team shares their thoughts on the brand-new FLL season, UNEARTHED. We talk about what caught our attention, what challenges we’re already curious about, and what we’re most excited to build and explore this year. It’s a laid-back conversation full of ideas, laughs, and that start-of-the-season buzz every FLL team knows. If you’re getting ready for UNEARTHED too, come hang out and see what we think!

We’re diving into the world of the FLL pit area — the team’s command center at competitions. Discover the essentials of setting up an organized and efficient pit, tips for showcasing your team’s creativity and accomplishments, and strategies for assigning team roles that maximize productivity. We’ll also share advice on building connections with other teams, staying focused under pressure, and adding fun, engaging elements that reflect your team’s spirit. Whether you’re a rookie team or a seasoned competitor, this episode will help you turn your pit into a powerhouse of innovation and teamwork!

In this episode of Gear Maniacs Podcast, we dive into the importance of social media for FIRST LEGO League teams. Discover how it can shape your team's image, amplify your impact, and become a game-changer in your FLL journey!

In the first episode of the Gear Maniacs Podcast 🎙️, our team dives into tips and tricks for mastering the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE robot game! 🤖 We share how we prepare effectively, stay focused, and keep things organized during competitions. If you want to learn how we approach each mission 🚀, tackle challenges 🔧, and make every second count ⏱️, tune in to this episode packed with insights and enthusiasm! 🎉