The Social Game Ep 2 w/ Dee Valladares: Keep the Lights On, Rob

Join your Survivor besties Michele Fitzgerald and Kellie Nalbandian for the ultimate off-season hang-out sesh, The Social Game. Take a break from strategy and spend an hour listening to stories and playing games with your favorite reality television contestants from Survivor, Big Brother, and The Challenge.

Michele and Kellie bring their sharp wits and signature East Coast charm to create a cozy, relaxed vibe — like pulling up a chair at the bar with your closest friends.

Rob has handed over the keys to Michele and Kellie for full creative control for the next six weeks. What could Kaoh Rong? Listen to The Social Game and find out!

Michele and Kellie discuss the controversial results of The Challenge 40 finale and Kellie’s recent Disney trip with her Survivor 45 crew. Then, Michele and Kellie are joined by Survivor 45 winner, Dee Valladares. They discuss winners guilt, farting in front of your significant other, being a woman in reality TV, and more. They test their communication in a Password-style competition and put a spin on the classic party game… showmance, alliance, blindside.

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Rachel LaMont Post-Season Interview | Survivor 47

It’s time for a Survivor 47 post-season interview. Get a look behind the Survivor scenes and catch a fresh perspective from the castaways themselves. Today, Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) is joined by Sole Survivor Rachel LaMont to discuss her time in Fiji! Learn more about her strategic choices, alliances, relationships and much much more!

Survivor 47 winner Rachel Lamont joins Rob Cesternino for an insightful discussion about her journey from superfan to champion. Rachel shares her experiences, strategies, and the unexpected twists that defined her path to victory.

Rachel reflects on her early days with the Gata tribe, where she navigated complex social dynamics and formed key alliances. She recounts her cautious approach to working with Andy, whose unpredictable gameplay made her wary. Despite initial hesitations, Rachel’s strategic adaptability allowed her to pivot when necessary, especially after the Annika blindside shifted the tribe’s power dynamics.

One of the pivotal moments in Rachel’s game was her decision to play her Shot in the Dark, a move that showcased her ability to think on her feet. This decision, driven by a gut feeling during a tense tribal council, exemplified her knack for leveraging opportunities to her advantage. Rachel’s strategic prowess continued to shine as she navigated the merge, forming alliances with players like Caroline and Sue, while keeping options open with Andy.

Rob and Rachel discuss:
– Rachel’s early alliance management on the Gata tribe
– The impact of the Annika blindside on her strategic positioning
– Her daring Shot in the Dark play at a crucial tribal council
– The rekindling of her alliance with Andy and its implications
– Rachel’s use of a hidden immunity idol to secure her position

Rachel’s journey underscores the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities in Survivor. Her ability to maximize every advantage, from hidden idols to strategic alliances, ultimately led her to victory. As Rachel reflects on her game, she emphasizes the unpredictability of Survivor and the need to trust one’s instincts.

Curious about Rachel’s winning strategies and how she navigated the game’s twists and turns? Listen to the full episode for an in-depth look at her remarkable journey.

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The Social Game: Summit Sisters

Join your Survivor besties Michele Fitzgerald and Kellie Nalbandian for the ultimate off-season hang-out sesh, The Social Game. Take a break from strategy and spend an hour listening to stories and playing games with your favorite reality television contestants from Survivor, Big Brother, and The Challenge.

Michele and Kellie bring their sharp wits and signature East Coast charm to create a cozy, relaxed vibe — like pulling up a chair at the bar with your closest friends.

Rob has handed over the keys to Michele and Kellie for full creative control for the next six weeks. What could Kaoh Rong? Listen to The Social Game and find out!

This week, Michele and Kellie discuss their fateful meeting and how this podcast came to be before Kellie tests Michele’s New Era Survivor knowledge by making her guess which guests were or were not on Survivor.

Follow The Social Game on Instagram at thesocialgamepod

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Sam Phalen Post-Season Interview | Survivor 47

It’s time for a Survivor 47 post-season interview. Get a look behind the Survivor scenes and catch a fresh perspective from the castaways themselves. Today, Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) is joined by Sam Phalen to discuss his time in Fiji! Learn more about his strategic choices, alliances, relationships and much much more!

Survivor 47’s post-season series kicks off with an insightful interview featuring runner-up Sam Phalen, hosted by Rob Cesternino. Sam’s journey through the game is a tale of strategic maneuvers and social dynamics, offering a fascinating look at his gameplay from start to finish.

Sam shares his initial strategy of becoming the “glue guy” in his tribe, aiming to defy the typical “big threat” stereotype. He discusses his early alliance with the women on his tribe, a move designed to shift perceptions and build strong social bonds. As the game progressed, Sam’s strategic acumen was put to the test with the execution of Operation Italy, a complex plan that showcased his ability to adapt and influence the game.

Rob and Same discuss:
– Sam’s “glue guy” strategy to integrate and influence his tribe
– The intricacies of Operation Italy and its impact on the game
– Sam’s decision-making process in pivotal moments, like the Annika vote
– The dynamics of his relationship with Genevieve and the fake idol reveal
– Insights into the fire-making challenge and final tribal council

Throughout the interview, Sam reflects on the highs and lows of his Survivor experience, revealing the thought processes behind his moves and the relationships that shaped his game. As he navigated the challenges and shifting alliances, Sam’s ability to remain adaptable and strategic was key to his deep run in the game.

Did Sam’s bold strategies ultimately help or hinder his chances at the million-dollar prize? Dive into the full interview to uncover the layers of gameplay and social maneuvering that defined Survivor 47. Listen now for an in-depth look at the strategies and dynamics that kept Sam in the game until the very end.

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
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SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

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Emily Nussbaum on The Invention of Reality TV

Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) welcomes author Emily Nussbaum onto RHAP to discuss her book, Cue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV.

Rob Cesternino hosts an insightful conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Emily Nussbaum about her latest book, Cue the Sun, which explores the history and impact of reality TV. Nussbaum, a renowned television critic and staff writer at The New Yorker, delves into the origins of reality television, tracing its roots from 1940s radio to the modern influencer economy.

Nussbaum shares how her book uncovers the hidden stories behind iconic shows like Survivor and Big Brother. She reveals that Charlie Parsons, not Mark Burnett, was the true creator of the Survivor format, a revelation that reshapes our understanding of the show’s history. The discussion also touches on the cultural shift in reality TV, from early participants’ reluctance to the current appeal of reality fame.

Rob and Emily discuss:
– The book’s title, Cue the Sun, is inspired by The Truman Show, highlighting the complex relationship between producers and cast.
– Charlie Parsons‘ pivotal role in creating the Survivor format, tracing its origins to a Scottish radio show.
– The evolution of reality TV from a niche genre to a cultural phenomenon, influencing everything from social media to the influencer economy.
– The ongoing discussion about labor rights and protections for reality TV participants and crew.

Nussbaum’s book offers a comprehensive look at how reality TV has shaped our culture and blurred the lines between reality and fiction. How will the next generation of reality stars navigate the complex world of social media fame and influencer marketing?

Listen to the full episode for an in-depth exploration of reality TV’s past, present, and future, and discover the untold stories behind your favorite shows.

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Deal or No Deal Island EXPLAINED

Welcome to We Know Deal or No Deal Island, the RHAP podcast where Rob Cesternino, Jenny Autumn, and Chappell bring you episodic recaps of Deal or No Deal Island Season 2! This isn’t your average briefcase showdown—season 2 is packed with high-stakes drama, strategic gameplay, and unexpected twists as contestants battle it out in paradise for life-changing cash prizes. Join Rob, Jenny, and Chappell as they break down each episode’s biggest moments, analyze the players’ strategies, and debate whether they made the right call—deal or no deal. Don’t miss out on the fun as we dive into all the island action!

Today, Rob explains what Deal or No Deal Island is for the uninitiated.

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Kellyn Bechtold: Do It Scared | Pod Friends

This week on Pod Friends, Kellyn Bechtold (@thekellynb) shares her journey of resilience, transformation, and connection. You may know Kellyn from Survivor: Ghost Island, but in this heartfelt interview with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), you’ll discover so much more about her path to self-discovery and career reinvention.

Hear Kellyn open up about her experiences on Survivor, growing up on a chicken farm in Indiana, and taking courageous leaps—from moving 38 times to launching her Road to Reality podcast. Learn about her philosophy of “doing it scared” and how she’s creating spaces for connection, storytelling, and career transformation through the Career Coven.

Kellyn’s insights on returning to yourself, embracing curiosity, and reimagining success will inspire anyone seeking a more authentic and fulfilling life. And, there’s even a very special guest cameo from Survivor: Ghost Island winner and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Wendell Holland in this episode. Don’t miss this empowering conversation!

Here is the short story referenced by Kellyn, from Sight Hound by Pam Houston: https://www.bslshoofly.com/archives/deep-creek-finding-hope-in-the-high-country

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Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
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Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
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Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

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The Biggest Reality TV Stories of 2024 (and What’s to Come in 2025) | The Reality Flash

Welcome to The Reality Flash, your one-stop podcast for all the breaking news in the world of reality TV! Hosted by Mike Bloom, this podcast brings you the freshest headlines from your favorite shows and reality stars. From shocking cast announcements to behind-the-scenes gossip to the latest social media drama, Mike gives you everything you need to stay in the loop. If it’s happening in reality TV, we’ll bring the news to you in a flash!

In today’s podcast, Mike talks through the biggest stories in reality TV from the past year, and looks ahead to what he’s most excited about in 2025.

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Club Condo Survivor 47 Finale

Welcome to the Survivor Club Condo! Every week, Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) and Chappell (@chappells_show) will get together to chat about the Survivor episode in this light-hearted podcast.

Club Condo is back, and it’s time to dive into the finale of Survivor 47.

Rob Cesternino and Chappell dive into the thrilling finale of Survivor 47 on the “Club Condo” podcast. This episode unpacks Rachel’s strategic journey to victory, offering insights into her gameplay and the season’s standout moments. With a mix of analysis and humor, Rob and Chappell explore the dynamics that made this season unforgettable.

In this episode, Rob and Chappell discuss Rachel’s impressive win, highlighting her strategic “funeral” move at the final six. They delve into how RHAP has influenced Survivor gameplay, noting its role as a study tool for contestants. The hosts also explore the personalities of the cast to understand players’ motivations. A lighthearted segment features holiday gift ideas for the Survivor 47 cast. Finally, they preview upcoming shows featuring Survivor alumni, keeping fans excited for what’s next.

Rob and Chappell discuss:
– Rachel’s strategic “funeral” at final six
– RHAP’s impact on Survivor strategy
– Cast personalities and Enneagram insights
– Holiday gift ideas for the Survivor 47 cast
– Upcoming shows with Survivor alumni

Will Rachel’s strategic prowess set a new standard for future players? How will the lessons from Survivor 47 shape upcoming seasons?

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

Dave Jorgensen on Survivor B&B: S47 Finale

With a new Survivor season upon us, it’s time for Mike Bloom and Liana Boraas to re-open the RHAP B&B! On the B&B, Mike and Liana are inspired by the lighter side of Survivor, featuring a series of segments and games based on what’s happening on Survivor that week. This week, Mike and Liana are joined by the Washington Post TikTok’s very own Dave Jorgenson to talk about the ending of Survivor 47!

This week’s charity shoutout is Lead to Read KC, which supports the social, emotional and reading skills that are foundational to student success by advancing our literacy platform and mobilizing community volunteers. Click here to donate.

If you have any suggestions for games or feedback for the B&B, feel free to reach out to us on social media or email rhapbnb [at] gmail [dot] com. Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
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Today, Rob Cesternino, Pooya, and special guest, Shannon Guss, discuss Survivor TWO-TIME winner, Tony Vlachos.