S3 E8: Return of the Evil Henchman ft Sam Hanson
From The Havoc Rundown by Hunter Bro Studios
May 7, 2026 · 1h 31m
About this episode
The episode features an interview with Sam Hanson discussing the evolution of NHRL and the future of combat robotics.
This 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…
People in this episode
Guest: Sam Hanson
Topics covered
- combat robotics
- NHRL evolution
- fan experience
- Pro League
- robot building
- movie trivia
- future of robotics
Keywords
- combat robotics
- NHRL
- Sam Hanson
- Pro League
- robot building
- movie trivia
- Side Quests
- maple syrup crime syndicates
- robot Pokémon tournaments
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NHRL
Books & works: Side Quests
Places: New Zealand, ocean, global
More episodes of The Havoc Rundown
- Rundown Roundtable: An Interview with NHRL and DAZN · June 5, 2026 · 58 min
- S3E10: Deadrise, DAZN, and the Future of Pro Combat Robotics · June 3, 2026 · 1h 32m
- S3E9: College Robotics, Late Nights & the Next Generation of Builders · May 27, 2026 · 1h 27m
- S3E7: How Just 'Cuz Robotics Continues to Shape Combat Robotics ft. Seth Schaffer · April 23, 2026 · 1h 37m
- S3E6: Max Morningstar Talks Big Wheels, Meta Breaking & NHRL · March 31, 2026 · 1h 26m
- S3E5 - Corey Nason Goes Global · March 19, 2026 · 1h 32m
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