The Amazing Race 38 Finale Recap

Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.

Today, Rob Cesternino, Mike Bloom and Jess Liese discuss the finale, episode 12, of The Amazing Race 38.

On this episode, the Rob, Mike, and Jessica gather to recap the finale of Amazing Race 38, celebrating Jag and Jazz’s victory and scrutinizing the highs and lows of the final leg. The team brings in insights from the city where the race concluded, New York,  providing on-the-ground context.

Rob, Jessica, and Mike discuss:

• behind-the-scenes exit interview anecdotes.
• the leg design and wonder about the lack of detours, while also championing a more competitive shake-up in future seasons.
• the need for harder tasks in the finale and ways to enhance the Cookie Monster challenge, like a cookie-making task and subway travel over taxis.
• the cab driver factor, the logistics of repelling the Empire State Building, and the simplicity of the fabric-delivery challenge
• the crossword puzzle task, pointing out its ease and lack of New York authenticity

The episode rounds out with reflections on the Big Brother crossover, season-long trends, standout teams, and speculation on future reality TV themes and contestants. Listen in for interview highlights, commentary on leg design, and hillarious banter!

Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at  http://www.robhasabook.com

Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!

Rob Cesternino @robcesternino
Jessica Liese @HaymakerHattie
Mike Bloom @AMikeBloomType

Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 

LISTEN: Never miss an episode of Amazing Race coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Amazing Race Feed. 
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Shauhin Davari Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 12

Survivor 49 is reaching its breaking point, and Rob Cesternino teams up with Survivor 48’s Shauhin Davari for a recap of the penultimate episode. With the finale days away, Rob and Shauhin spotlight the rapidly-shifting alliances, dramatic advantage plays, and emotional reward moments that have shaped the hurricane of strategy at camp. Every move matters as players like Sophi, Savannah, and Rizzo jockey for position on their way to Tribal Council.

Rob and Shauhin dissect Sophi’s high-tension Knowledge Is Power play, debating whether her shot at flipping the game came just a bit too late. Rizzo’s idol theatrics spark major debate, with Shauhin providing insight into the bluffing and social reads that let him slip through more than one dangerous vote. The duo weighs Savannah’s clutch challenge wins, and how being a physical force keeps her in the spotlight (and on everyone’s target list). Plus, the impact of the loved ones letter reward leads to an honest take on how family support shifts players’ motivations and endgame plans.

Key topics include:

– Sophi’s Knowledge Is Power moment: was it bold enough to change her fate?

– Rizzo’s inventive idol strategy and what it reveals about social perception

– Savannah’s immunity run and why it drives the final five’s vote calculus

– The evolving bonds between Sophi, Savannah, and Rizzo

– Real parallels between Shauhin’s Survivor journey and this season’s emotional crossroads

This episode leaves one big question: Can Savannah and Rizzo stay one step ahead, or will a last-minute flip topple the power balance right before day 26?

Chapters:
0:00 Intros
6:31 Sophi’s Crucial Idol Decision
13:36 Emotional Impact of Family Reward
20:49 Social Bonds Shape Jury Perceptions
27:41 Comparing Savannah and Joe’s Paths
34:01 Savannah’s Direct Communication Examined
43:40 Powerful Family Stories Emerge
50:30 Savannah and Rizzo’s Unbreakable Alliance
53:13 Sophi’s Knowledge Is Power Downfall
59:14 Clutch Immunities Shift Endgame Odds
1:07:31 Sage’s Authentic Moves Analyzed
1:14:10 Seasons for New Survivor Fans
1:18:44 Survivor Deepens Family Connections
1:29:16 Reading Nonverbal Cues on Survivor
1:32:29 Survivor 49’s Unique Win Conditions
1:39:00 Who Shauhin Would Work With
1:57:52 Final Reflections on Survivor 49

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you’re blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up.

To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Amazing Race 38 Finale Exit Interviews

Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.

Today, Rob and Jess interview the final four teams from The Amazing Race 38.

Chapters:
00:00 Jag and Jas
16:50 Taylor and Kyland
34:00 Joseph and Adam
50:00 Izzy and Paige

Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com

Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!

Rob Cesternino @robcesternino
Jessica Liese @HaymakerHattie
Mike Bloom @AMikeBloomType

Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 

LISTEN: Never miss an episode of Amazing Race coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Amazing Race Feed. 
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Exit Interview: Sixth Juror on Survivor 49

Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) interviews the latest castaway voted off the Survivor 49 island, followed by This Week In Survivor History with Jordan Kalish (@JordanKalish) where Rob plays against an RHAP patron.

Survivor 49 is back with Rob Cesternino leading an in-depth Exit Interview after one of the wildest Tribal Councils of the season. Rob is joined by Steven Ramm, known as the rocket scientist, who shares his firsthand account of what went wrong when the votes suddenly flipped against him. This episode dives deep into trust, shifting alliances, and one big plan that unraveled just when Steven thought he was safe.

Rob and Steven break down all the chaotic events after Immunity, including the confusion over the “Knowledge is Power” advantage and the shocking moment when Sage and Kristina chose to betray Steven. Listeners get an insider perspective on the signs of betrayal Steven noticed, why he stuck with his original plan, and how Survivor’s unpredictable alliances can change the game in an instant.

• Steven recounts the uneasy feeling he got when Kristina and Sage had secret beach discussions without him—setting off alarm bells.
• Rob asks Steven to reflect on whether playing his advantage actually put a bigger target on his back, and if not having it could have kept him in the game.
• Steven reveals why he didn’t trust Yellow Sophi after being lied to, and instead saw Savannah as a more reliable, if dangerous, ally.
• The duo explores how Rizzo’s idol theatrics might have annoyed the jury and why Steven didn’t see Rizzo as a big endgame threat from his vantage point on the island.
• Steven opens up about the complexity of working with allies who didn’t always seem to “play basketball the same way,” and how missed connections led to his blindside.

Heading into the finale, Rob and Steven weigh whether the tight alliances on the other side have made it impossible for underdogs to make a comeback. Will loyalty hold strong, or is another shocking blindside around the corner?

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

Chapters:
0:00 Intros
6:32 Tribal Council Betrayal Revealed
12:28 Alliance Loyalty Questioned
15:08 Space Fact Missed Opportunity
17:24 TWISH

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Know-It-Alls: Survivor 49 Ep 12 Recap

Survivor Know-It-Alls is back as Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach dive into Survivor 49’s wild final six episode! The game takes a major turn with blindsides, emotional rewards, and strategic blunders, as the castaways fight for a shot at the million dollar prize. One reward pick changes everything, and no one sees the vote coming—even the hosts admit they were truly blindsided.

This week’s episode centers on the impact of the loved ones’ letters reward, where Savannah chooses Sophi B. to join her at the sanctuary as they share tacos and heartfelt moments. That pick proves to be a pivotal decision, shutting down Sophi B.’s chance to pull off a game-defining move with her “Knowledge is Power” advantage. Meanwhile, Rizzo continues to fool his fellow players about the true power and timing of his idol, sneaking through yet another vote. Sage’s transformation from emotional gameplay to hard-nosed strategy catches everyone by surprise, as she targets threats over allies. Tribal Council is chaotic, with misreads and a stunning outcome that leaves the jury shocked.

– Sophi B.’s dilemma after the reward and her wavering between loyalty and making a big move
– Rizzo’s clever idol misinformation lets him skate into the final five
– Sage’s shift to strategic voting and how Rob and Stephen debate its impact
– Savannah’s reward choice forges strong bonds and shapes the voting outcome
– Kristina’s unfiltered reaction and “sloppy ally” status

As the finale approaches, will Sophi B. bounce back, or has she lost her winner equity? Who can stop Savannah’s immunity run, and will Rizzo’s inventive gameplay finally catch up to him? Expect fire, strategy, and heartbreak as Survivor 49 barrels toward its endgame.

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

To pre-order Stephen’s novel Escape!, visit stephenfishbach.com

To request a limited edition Escape! map, email proof of hardcover pre-order (within the US) to [email protected] with the subject line MAP. Previous hardcover pre-orders are also eligible!

Buy tickets for Stephen’s book events here! stephenfishbach.com/events

Chapters:
0:00 Intros
6:15 Emotional Impact of Loved Ones
13:00 Most Legitimate Viewer Blindside Ever
18:10 Savannah’s Reward Decision Shifts Outcome
25:00 Rizzo Tricks Tribe About Idol
33:01 Sophi Misses Game-Winning Idol Move
39:00 Fate of Savannah-Rizzo Duo Debated
46:40 Unanimous Vote Stuns Podcast Hosts
56:00 Sage’s Risky Move Gets Fishy Award
1:01:10 Survivor Finale Preview And Farewell

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Thirst Trap Divorce is News AF – December 9, 2025

Rob Cesternino, Tyson Apostol, and Danny Bryson are back with another entertaining episode of News AF, where they dive into the week’s most peculiar and amusing stories.

Today, Brandon Donlon, Tyson and Danny talk through the week’s most newsworthy stories.

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel!

Need to catch up on more Actual Factual news?
Archive of News AF
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View the News AF Archive
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Be sure to check our some great offers from our sponsors!

Brice Izyah Talks Survivor 49 Ep 11

Rob Cesternino welcomes fan-favorite commentator Brice Izyah to breakdown of Survivor 49, episode 11. This episode is packed with hilarious takes on Survivor’s evolving social dynamics and memorable personalities. The conversation includes banter about Survivor nicknames, thoughtful reflections on diversity, fan culture, and navigating the competitive edge.

Rob and Brice discuss:
– The evolution of Survivor’s cast nicknames and how they stick
– The importance of creating safe and welcoming fan events
– Behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Bryson Wynn Tour and building connections
– Bryce’s hilarious gripes about workplace etiquette and “covering” for co-workers
– Reflections on the episode’s top players, strategic moves, and jury fashion statements
– Quick takes on Secret Santa gifts for the cast, as well as playful speculation about future Survivor holiday and Area 51-themed seasons
– Heartfelt reminders to check in on friends, stay mentally well during the holiday season, and cherish community

Get ready for all of Rob and Brice’s hot takes!

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Drew Basile and Austin Li Coon Recap Survivor 49 Ep 11

Rob Cesternino welcomes Survivor 45 favorites, Austin Li Coon and Drew Basile, for an energetic recap of Survivor 49, Episode 11. They look in to the evolving game dynamics and recent developments in Survivor 49. The conversation is packed with big-picture analysis, personal reflections, and plenty of playful moments.

Rob leads Austin and Drew through a thoughtful conversation about the changing meta of Survivor, spotlighting trends like the disappearance of the floater archetype and the rise of tight alliance groups. They break down Survivor 49’s pivotal final seven vote, discuss the strategic implications (and comedy) of advantages like the vote block and knowledge is power, and reflect on their own gameplay and observations from the edge.

The panel discuss:

• the evolution of game strategy, calling out both the strengths and downfalls of Survivor’s current format.
• Survivor 45 tales of post-reward motion sickness, boys’ night at camp, and why eating a fish eyeball wasn’t the worst thing he ate on the island.
• Survivor meta-analysis, comparing eras, theorizing about edit choices, and offering candid takes on the cast and jury behavior.
• predictions for Survivor 50, debates the strengths of different advantages, and muses about the future of the show.

This episode is a blend of Survivor strategy talk, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss all the insights and banter as Austin, Drew, and Rob dissect the latest in the Survivor episode, reminisce about their own journeys, and look ahead to what’s next.

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you’re blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up.

To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

RAANAP 309: Rob and Akiva Ride Along

Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Akiva Wienerkur (@keev26) need a podcast and every week, Rob and Akiva spin a wheel of listener-submitted podcast ideas, and whatever the wheel lands on is what they podcast about next. This week, Rob and Akiva go on ride alongs with the listeners.

For the link to the spreadsheet that Rob and Akiva use to compile ideas, check it all out here: Rob and Akiva Need a Spreadsheet (compiled by the great Will from America).

To submit an idea for a future episode of “Rob and Akiva Need a Podcast” to be discussed on the mailbag, submit it on this form: Rob and Akiva’s Mailbag Form.

Past Episodes of Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast

The Amazing Race 38 Ep 11 Recap

Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.

Today, Mike Bloom and Jess Liese are joined by Chappell to discuss episode 11 of The Amazing Race 38.

Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com

Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!

Rob Cesternino @robcesternino
Jessica Liese @HaymakerHattie
Mike Bloom @AMikeBloomType

Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 

LISTEN: Never miss an episode of Amazing Race coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Amazing Race Feed. 
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Drew Basile and Austin Li Coon Recap Survivor 49 Ep 11

Rob Cesternino welcomes Survivor 45 favorites, Austin Li Coon and Drew Basile, for an energetic recap of Survivor 49, Episode 11. They look in to the evolving game dynamics and recent developments in Survivor 49. The conversation is packed with big-picture analysis, personal reflections, and plenty of playful moments.

Rob leads Austin and Drew through a thoughtful conversation about the changing meta of Survivor, spotlighting trends like the disappearance of the floater archetype and the rise of tight alliance groups. They break down Survivor 49’s pivotal final seven vote, discuss the strategic implications (and comedy) of advantages like the vote block and knowledge is power, and reflect on their own gameplay and observations from the edge.

The panel discuss:

• the evolution of game strategy, calling out both the strengths and downfalls of Survivor’s current format.
• Survivor 45 tales of post-reward motion sickness, boys’ night at camp, and why eating a fish eyeball wasn’t the worst thing he ate on the island.
• Survivor meta-analysis, comparing eras, theorizing about edit choices, and offering candid takes on the cast and jury behavior.
• predictions for Survivor 50, debates the strengths of different advantages, and muses about the future of the show.

This episode is a blend of Survivor strategy talk, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss all the insights and banter as Austin, Drew, and Rob dissect the latest in the Survivor episode, reminisce about their own journeys, and look ahead to what’s next.

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you’re blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up.

To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!