Beyond The Competition

From Formula SAE to Rocket Science: Carson Wilke’s Journey to Relativity Space

June 19th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  23 mins 46 secs

In this episode, Carson Wilke joins the show to share his journey from competing in Formula SAE at Texas A&M to becoming a rocket engineer at Relativity Space. Carson discusses his current role working on quick disconnect systems that enable rockets to launch safely and efficiently, and how his FSAE experience laid the foundation for his engineering career—right down to being hired by one of his design finals judges.

Baja SAE Maryland 2025 Know Before You Go

June 9th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  20 mins 36 secs

In this special “Know Before You Go” edition, host Mike Sorg is joined by SAE Program Manager Damon Anding and Maryland event organizer Zach Love to give teams an essential rundown ahead of Baja SAE Maryland 2025.

SAE CDS Action News June 2025

June 3rd, 2025  |  Season 8  |  6 mins 2 secs

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors.

From Comic Con to Connected Cars: Behind SAE’s Online Events with Matt Wasowski

May 22nd, 2025  |  Season 8  |  39 mins 2 secs

In this episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, we welcome Matt Wasowski, the producer of virtual events for SAE International. Matt shares the behind-the-scenes story of SAE’s transition into impactful and accessible online events—developed during the pandemic but continuing strong today. We explore how these events offer real-time industry insights, including timely topics like EV infrastructure and AI in mobility, all while staying free and open to the public.

SAE CDS Action News May 2025

April 30th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  5 mins 7 secs

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors.


Behind the Cones: Evolving the Endurance Experience at FSAE

April 29th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  22 mins 25 secs

In this episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, we’re joined by the Endurance Event captains for Formula SAE IC: Laura Krauser, Matt Kalmus, and Cory Johnson. Together, they break down important updates to the Endurance Event format for the 2025 competition.

Baja SAE Arizona 2025 Know Before You Go

April 24th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  19 mins 9 secs

Get ready for Baja SAE Arizona 2025! In this special episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, host Scott Schultz sits down with Damon Andring, Program Manager for Baja SAE, to break down everything teams need to know before heading to Tucson, Arizona.

Aero Design East 2025 Know Before You Go

April 24th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  36 mins 4 secs

In this “Know Before You Go” episode, SAE University Programs Media Producer Mike Sorg and CDS Action News host Scott Schultz sit down with Zeke Bowden, Competition Director, and Glenn Cashion, Airboss, to walk teams through everything they need to know before arriving at SAE Aero Design East 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Building a Hemp Aero Kit for Formula SAE? Here’s What Happened!

April 17th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  16 mins 4 secs

What happens when a Formula SAE team trades carbon fiber for hemp? In this episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, we talk with Alton Coolidge from Olin College of Engineering about his team’s bold experiment — building an aero kit for their Formula car using sustainable hemp materials. Alton shares how the idea came together, why hemp was the perfect choice for their budget and workspace, and what they learned from the challenges of working with non-traditional composites. It’s a great conversation about creativity, problem-solving, and how sustainable materials like hemp could play a bigger role in the future of automotive design — especially for student teams.

CDS Action News April 2025

April 1st, 2025  |  Season 8  |  35 mins 46 secs

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors.

Aero Design West 2025 Know Before You Go

March 27th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  35 mins 46 secs

Get ready for SAE Aero Design West 2025 with this special “Know Before You Go” episode of SAE Beyond the Competition! Host Mike Sorg is joined by key event leaders to break down everything you need to know before heading to Van Nuys, California—from what to expect during inspections and flight operations to important competition rules, safety tips, and on-site logistics. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or returning team, this episode offers valuable insights to help you succeed and stay prepared. Plus, hear about networking opportunities with top industry sponsors, tips for exploring Los Angeles, and how to make the most of your Aero Design experience!

The Father of Formula SAE

March 20th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  30 mins 8 secs

In this episode of Beyond the Competition, host Scott Schultz and producer Mike Sorg sit down with Ron Matthews, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin and the founder of Formula SAE. Often called the “Father of Formula SAE,” Matthews shares the fascinating story behind the competition’s creation in 1981, how it evolved from a student-led idea into the world’s largest student engineering design competition, and the challenges faced in its early years. He reflects on how technology, engineering education, and student innovation have shaped the program, expanding it from just four teams in its first year to over 200 teams competing globally today. Matthews also highlights the impact of Formula SAE on real-world engineering careers, offering insights for students looking to get involved. With stories from early competitions, the importance of securing sponsors, and how the event continues to grow, this episode is a must-listen for engineering students, motorsport enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about innovation in education. Tune in to hear how Formula SAE has left a lasting legacy on the automotive world and why Matthews remains proud of its impact decades later.

CDS Action News March 2025

March 3rd, 2025  |  Season 8  |  5 mins 27 secs

bajasae, cleansnowmobilechallenge, competitionprep, electricvehicles, engineeringcompetitions, engineeringstudents, formulaev, formulasae, fsae, fsaeev, goprofootage, industriallecturers, motorsportengineering, motorsports, onsiteevents, saechapters, saecommunity, saecompetitions, saeinternational, saemembership, stemeducation, studentengineering, studentprojects, techinnovation, universityprograms, vehicledesign

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors.

Empowering Future Engineers: Inside A World in Motion with Emma Akouri

February 20th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  30 mins 6 secs

In this episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, we explore A World in Motion (AWIM) with Emma Akouri, Education Program Specialist at SAE International. AWIM is a hands-on STEM education program designed to engage students from pre-K to 12th grade through real-world engineering challenges. Emma shares how educators, industry professionals, and university teams can get involved, including the Learn Twice program, which offers a $2,500 stipend for university teams volunteering in classrooms. Plus, we discuss AWIM’s exciting new electric vehicle (EV) challenges for high school students. Tune in to learn how AWIM is shaping the next generation of engineers! 🚀🎓

CDS Action News February 2025

February 5th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  5 mins 23 secs

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors.

Celebrating Excellence: SAE’s Contributor of the Year Insights

January 16th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  36 mins 23 secs

The “SAE Beyond the Competition” podcast explores the experiences, insights, and impact of volunteers and professionals within SAE International’s various programs. The episode highlights the Contributor of the Year event held in Key Largo, Florida, celebrating exceptional volunteers who drive the success of SAE’s programs.