Rob Has a Podcast | Survivor, Traitors, Big Brother & Reality TV - RHAP

Listener Treemail-Bag The Listener Mailbag is open as Rob Cesternino and Brandon Donlon field questions from fans about Survivor 49 and the wider Survivor universe. While some expected deep dives on the latest episode, there’s a surprising mix of strategy talk, behind-the-scenes stories, and honest takes on the evolving game. With a focus on fan-driven topics, Rob and Brandon explore everything from cast comparisons to shifting gameplay trends. Rob and Brandon take on a question about how players like RizGod in Survivor 49 stack up against classic Survivor personalities, even weighing in on Johnny Fairplay’s recent comments. They discuss how the final four could map onto the cast of Seinfeld, using humor to highlight personalities and alliances. The two then reflect on whether they’d recommend the reality TV journey in today’s era, weighing the excitement with the realities of post-show life and social media attention. When asked about burnout, Rob gives a straightforward look at balancing the demanding schedule of reality TV podcasting with family life and his own enjoyment of the game. Other topics include how the increased transparency and shared knowledge among contestants has changed Survivor’s strategy, the tradeoffs of shorter seasons, and speculative ideas for the future of the franchise as it approaches its 51st season. Rob also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his own Survivor and podcasting experiences—like his history with Alicia Calaway and the realities of managing kids’ screen time in a tech-driven world. Rob weighs the social vs. strategic similarities between himself and Survivor 49’s RizGod, inspired by fan and alumni comparisons Honest advice for future reality TV hopefuls—from the lure of fame to managing expectations in today’s more accountable TV world Discussion of Survivor’s shift from traditional, conflict-focused gameplay to a more collaborative, experience-based approach, especially in the “new era” Playful comparisons of Survivor 49’s core alliance to classic sitcom characters Insight into the pressures and rewards of Survivor podcasting, parenting, and balancing fan expectations with real life What does the future hold for Survivor after its milestone 50th season? Will the next era bring a shake-up, or stick to the familiar? Listen to Rob and Brandon’s candid takes and sharp analysis for a fan-driven journey through past, present, and future strategies. Chapters: 0:00 Intros 4:44 Survivor 49’s Surprising Mailbag Absence 7:45 Comparing Survivor to Seinfeld 10:16 Should You Join Reality TV? 12:22 Managing Burnout and Passion 17:19 Standom and Survivor Fandom Shifts 20:17 Alicia Calaway: Survivor Connections 27:32 Traitors: Prep and Strategy Insights 30:06 Best Purchases: Daily Joys 32:23 Kids and Technology Challenges 35:46 Why Survivor Still Excites 40:16 Survivor’s Future After Season 50 45:33 What Survivor Needs to Change 51:01 Novelty and Format Fatigue 57:10 Retirement and Life After Podcasting 1:00:18 Deciding to Start a Family 1:10:09 Survivor All-Stars in New Era 1:14:37 Does My Survivor Game Translate? 1:20:33 Survivor’s Second Mount Rushmore 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!

Why ___ Lost: Survivor 49 Ep 9 with Sam Phalen Alex said as he was leaving: “It’s what I get for playing both sides.” But he reversed course on that in his interviews by saying he wasn’t messy. Which was it? Who deserves credit and who deserves blame for this outcome? And why is David Bloomberg so frustrated and annoyed at some of the other players for the way this turned out? Glue guy Sam Phalen joins David and Jessica Lewis to help figure out why Alex couldn’t make things stick. At RHAP, we know Survivor, and we know Why Alex Lost. 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!

The Amazing Race 38 Ep 9 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 episode 9 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!

Evvie Jagoda Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 9 Survivor 49 takes center stage on the RHAP Survivor Post-Game Show as Rob Cesternino and Evvie Jagoda break down the biggest moves and toughest decisions from this week’s episode. Rob and Evvie highlight how the so-called “new era” is put to the test, as unpredictable votes and shifting alliances define the chaos in Fiji. The hosts discuss how Juwan and Sage’s swing vote strategy comes to a head, and whether their pendulum gameplay can hold up under pressure. This episode tackles the blindside of Alex and the ripple effect that leaves Kristina and Steven on shaky ground. Rob and Evvie analyze why Jawan and Sage’s control isn’t as clear-cut as it seems, especially with yellow Sophie emerging as a serious threat in challenges and social bonds. The tension around Rizzo’s idol continues to stir paranoia, as the castaways debate whether flushing it or targeting “bigger threats” is the best path forward. Evvie offers insight into how Survivor contestants balance strategic gameplay with emotional reactions, and how trust breaks down after major blindsides. The show also examines the perception of Savannah as a “mean girl” and how gendered biases can affect both in-game strategy and viewer opinions. – Jawan and Sage’s risky alliance-flipping strategy blindsides allies and changes the game’s balance – Rizzo’s idol remains a wild card, fueling strategic debates at each Tribal Council – Yellow Sophie emerges as an under-the-radar physical and social contender – Evvie explores how emotions and personal connections impact strategy, alliances, and trust – Hosts question the “mean girl” label on Savannah, sparking a discussion about perception and Survivor stereotypes With every vote split and idol play, Rob and Evvie wonder: will Jawan and Sage’s swinging strategy swing too far? Can Savannah’s outsider run become her winning story, or will shifting numbers take her out? Chapters: 0:00 End of Survivor’s “New Era” 5:34 Wicked Musical and Survivor Parallels 10:28 Survivor Cafe and Boston Connections 13:23 Power Shift: Jawan and Sage 19:30 Blindspots and Hidden Alliances 27:06 Idol Threat Versus Player Threat 32:03 Yellow Sol’s Underappreciated Strategy 36:52 Jawan and Sage’s Game Dilemma 43:51 Sol’s Subtle Strategic Mastery 50:10 Steven’s Early Space Fact Overload 56:10 Survivor Challenges: Need for Variety 1:01:21 High Stakes Early Game Decisions 1:14:12 Jury Management and Bitter Votes 1:23:53 Savannah’s Game Style Examined 1:27:37 Hopes for Survivor’s Next Chapter 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 Eighth Team Eliminated Exit Interview 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 eighth team eliminated from 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!

Exit Interview: Third 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’s exit interview is back, with Rob Cesternino at the helm as he sits down with the latest castaway sent packing—Alex Moore. Rob and Alex dig into the dramatic turns, alliance shake-ups, and blindsides that shaped this week’s episode. Survivor history and gameplay collide as Alex opens up about the strategy and emotion fueling his run on Survivor 49. Rob jumps right in, asking Alex about his expectations after the split tribal council and how the night’s blindside threw his game into chaos. Alex candidly recounts the shock of Sophie returning to camp, the disintegration of his seven-person alliance, and his efforts to navigate “playing the middle” while juggling relationships with Rizzo, Savannah, Jawan, and Sage. The conversation exposes why Rizzo marked Alex as a threat, how idol knowledge was leaked by Steven, and what led to Kristina gifting Jawan the reward spot. Alex shares the difficulty of reading trust and loyalty within the merged tribe, especially as old alliances faltered and newer bonds failed to materialize. – Alex’s surprise and reaction to Sophie returning after split tribal council – The unraveling of the seven-person alliance and the risks of playing the middle – Drama over idol information leaks and reward choices – Relationship breakdowns with Jawan and Sage, and how these influenced the final vote – Rizzo’s pivotal strategy in identifying Alex as a strategic threat and rallying the numbers As Rob and Alex reflect, the game’s biggest question looms: will Rizzo’s power move redefine the tribe dynamics, or will new rivalries and revenge upend his control? Can trust and loyalty survive the merge, or is everyone destined to play their own game? Chapters: 0:00 Intros 2:03 Alliance Shock After Sophie Returns 4:28 Playing the Middle Backfires 6:53 Idol Leak Upsets Alex 8:04 Reward Choice and Missed Opportunity 10:06 Soph as Split Vote Target 12:32 Jake’s Snake Bite Impact 13:21 Losing Jawan’s Trust 14:16 Jawan or Sage: Who Flipped? 15:04 Alex Reflects on Game Control 17:12 TWISH 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!

Know-It-Alls: Survivor 49 Ep 9 Recap Survivor Know-It-Alls is back as Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach break down all the strategic action and surprises from Survivor 49, Episode 9. Rob and Stephen dive into a game-changing Tribal Council, where shifting alliances and clever gameplay leave everyone guessing and one player’s bold move could reshape the endgame. This week’s episode opens with the hosts reacting to a shocking blindside and the chaos stirred up by a vote split that pushed players like Sage and Juwan to pick sides. The castaways navigate a minefield of hidden advantages—Rizzo holds onto his idol for the third straight vote, while Savannah wins immunity and wields an extra vote. Stephen and Rob debate if keeping track of advantages is actually helping the majority, or if they’re missing the threats brewing on the bottom. The hosts also unpack how personal secrets and emotional bonds—like Savannah revealing her real job—were deployed as trust-building maneuvers and why Sophie’s flip could be a pivotal turning point. The rise of smaller strike force alliances and careful vote maneuvering show that even in a fluid game, little moves matter. – Rizzo’s fearless decision not to play his idol and why it may change how future players handle advantages – The complex impact of immunity wins and how Savannah’s safety shapes the vote split – Savannah’s “reporter reveal” as a trust-building tactic and lessons for Survivor strategists – The consequences of Sage and Jawan choosing to target Alex, leaving the door open for the underdogs – How Sophie’s alliance switch sends shockwaves through both sides As the merge tribe faces more advantages and shifting loyalties, Rob and Stephen question whether the majority really sees the threats forming—or if the bottom alliance is quietly taking control. Is holding the idol until the last moment the new winning strategy? Will a risky flip secure a spot in the final? Survivor 49’s power dynamic is changing fast. Chapters: 0:00 Intros 1:09 Episode’s Ending Sparks Frustration 2:22 Predicting the Alex Vote Outcome 4:50 Rizzo’s Idol Survives Again 6:09 Is It Smart To Flush Idols? 8:53 Survivor 46 Idol Lessons Discussed 11:21 Sage and Alex Alliance Examined 14:32 Majority Group’s Misstep Explained 18:14 Split Tribal Council’s Lasting Impact 21:29 Awkward Reaction Reveals Alliance Shift 24:45 Small Groups Build Survivor Trust 27:37 Savannah’s Personal Reveal Strategy 31:09 Analyzing Alex’s Downfall 38:05 Sophie’s Game-Changing Switch 42:14 Survivor-Style Reward Gesture Debated 51:53 Next Moves: Power Shifts Loom 56:29 This Week’s Fishy Award Winner 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 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!

Kathy O’Brien Talks Survivor It’s time to take a trip back to the Old School! All season long, Rob Cesternino is bringing legendary Survivor alumni onto the podcast to break down Survivor 49 through the eyes of those who played in the game’s early days. Rob Cesternino catches up with Survivor legend Kathy O’Brien, known for her memorable performances on Survivor: Marquesas and Survivor: All Stars. Kathy shares updates on her life in Vermont, emphasizing her active lifestyle with hiking, skiing, and sailing. She reflects on her unconventional path to Survivor, her unique game approach, and her experiences as a woman over 40 competing on the show. The conversation spans Kathy’s thoughts on recent seasons—including her views on Survivor 49 and 50—game strategy, casting choices, and the show’s evolution, especially the shift toward emphasizing personal growth over ruthless gameplay. The pair reminisce about Survivor All Stars, production secrets, and challenges, and discuss Kathy’s ongoing career in real estate and her passion for community activism. Personal anecdotes dominate, from signature Survivor moments (including the infamous sea urchin rescue) to behind-the-scenes stories and travel memories. Kathy also shares insights on her family, her social media presence, and her time spent protesting for causes she believes in. The episode offers a mix of nostalgia, game analysis, and life updates from one of Survivor’s most authentic voices. 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!

Christian Hubicki Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 8 Welcome to the RHAP Survivor Post-Game Show! Coming to you the day after Survivor 49 episode, Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino), two-time Survivor player, is joined each week by a special guest to recap everything that happened in the episode. Today, Rob Cesternino teams up with Christian Hubicki to break down all the moves, twists, and drama from Survivor 49. This week, Rob and Christian dig into a wild post-merge Tribal Council, where alliances crumble and unexpected gameplay takes center stage. The spotlight is on risky decisions, shifting trust, and how a powerful trio—Sol, Rizzo, and Savannah—shakes up the game. Rob and Christian recap everything from idol paranoia at camp to the tangled vote that sends MC to the jury. They go deep on the fallout from MC’s idol play, showing how distrust fractures the main alliance and fuels new strategic chaos. With knowledge is power, banked votes, and social bonds all swirling around camp, the podcast explores the ways risky conversations, shifting targets, and surprise advantages are rewriting the rules of Survivor 49. Rob and Christian discuss: – Rizzo and Savannah’s alliance, plus Sol’s critical positioning in the trust cluster – MC’s choice to play an idol: a turning point for trust and alliance stability – Jawan’s role as possible swing vote, with both sides fighting for his loyalty – Sage’s anti-Savannah strategy and her impact on the evolving alliances – The importance of connecting the votes: Who’s the true “glue” holding the tribes together? At each step, Rob and Christian question how the complex social and strategic game will play out. Can Rizzo and Savannah hold their numbers, or will shifting bonds overthrow their advantage next week? Chapters: 0:00 Intros 11:16 MC’s Motivation For Telling Jawan 17:01 Merge Twist Creates Strategic Chaos 23:21 Nate’s Exit Sparks Unpredictability 29:38 Divisions Deepen After Tribal Council 33:40 Decoy Plans Backfire On Sophie 44:03 Should Rizzo Play Shot In Dark? 50:12 MC Senses Betrayal Approaching 57:13 Savannah’s Immunity Amplifies Rizzo’s Power 1:02:41 Vote Math Secrets Revealed 1:13:02 Who’s Most Vulnerable At Nine? 1:16:57 Double Agent Jawan’s Dilemma 1:20:35 Idol, Advantages Change Vote Outlook 1:25:08 Three-Way Vote Split Possibilities 1:31:23 MC, Savannah Keys Scene Discussed 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!

The Amazing Race 38 Ep 8 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 episode 8 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!