

RHAP: We Know Survivor
Survivor Know-It-All, Rob Cesternino
Survivor Recaps and Interviews hosted by Survivor Rob Cesternino
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 1, 2025 • 45min
Exit Interview: Fourth Juror on Survivor 49
Exit Interview: Fourth 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 drama heats up as Rob Cesternino returns with a jam-packed exit interview with Jawan Pitts. This Exit Interview episode dives right into Jawan’s shocking blindside—the big Tribal Council move that left viewers and players buzzing. Rob guides the discussion through Jawan’s journey from the bottom to a powerful mid-game position, and what ultimately sent him packing.
The conversation opens with Jawan reflecting on his entire Survivor 49 experience, comparing his arc to a “baby Andy” story—starting out shaky, finding his stride, then getting caught up in big strategic swings. Jawan shares how his post-merge game revolved around navigating shifting alliances and tough votes, especially working tightly with Sage and debating whether to take a bigger shot at Rizzo. He opens up about the pressures of playing for his family and weighing loyalty versus self-preservation when the numbers started slipping away. There’s also insight into the dynamic with Sophie—how her out-of-game bond with Sage played a silent but pivotal role—and the paranoia that set in as Jawan detected shifting loyalties before his vote-out.
– Jawan describes the critical Tribal Councils, including the failed Rizzo blindside and messy split vote scramble
– Rob presses for behind-the-scenes takes on alliances, vote math, fake idols, and how Sophie stealthily flipped the game
– Jawan’s thoughts on why Savannah’s camp moves spooked him and the subtle signals that tipped him off to trouble
– The impact of emotional and financial motivation on Jawan’s gameplay decisions, as he tried balancing heart and head
– Fun moments, like the fake idol antics and how the edit hid just how much hammock time Jawan enjoyed
Chapters:
0:00 Intros
6:03 Reflecting On Missed Merge Strategies
12:12 Navigating Savannah And Sophie’s Moves
18:02 Idol Fakeout Shocks Tribal Council
24:08 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!

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 38min
Why ___ Lost: Survivor 49 Ep 10
Why ___ Lost: Survivor 49 Ep 10
When Jawan was saying goodbye to everyone, he told Sage, “We tried and we made the wrong decision.” It’s true that they made the wrong decision, but was it the one he was talking about here? What decisions should they have made, and when? And which key player ensured his demise in the game? David Bloomberg and Jessica Lewis answer all these questions and many more. Because at RHAP, we know Survivor, and we know why Jawan Alex Lost.
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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!

Dec 1, 2025 • 2h 11min
Survivor B&B & Global Crossover: Survivor 49 Episode 10
Survivor B&B & Global Crossover: Survivor 49 Episode 10
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.
For Episode 10, Mike and Liana are joined by Shannon Guss for a special RHAP B&B/Survivor Global crossover!
This week’s charity shoutout is ?Furever After Rescue?, a small nonprofit aiming to provide as many homeless street cats a chance at having a happy furever after. ?Click here? to make a donation.
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@gmail.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!

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 31min
Bret Labelle Talks Survivor 49 Ep 10
Bret Labelle Talks Survivor 49 Ep 10
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.
Survivor 49 episode 10 heats up as host Rob Cesternino welcomes Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X’s Bret Labelle for a special Old School Interview. This episode dives into the wild post-merge game, where fake idols, bold swings, and shifting alliances set the stage for a chaotic Tribal Council. Rob and Bret break down the strategic moves, the social chaos, and ask if the players can keep a lid on their secrets when so much is on the line.
Bret joins Rob to recap his recent European travels before focusing on the main action: the two major alliances prepping for a blindside, Sophie’s pivotal decision to flip sides, and Rizzo’s shocking play of a fake idol. The hosts highlight Sage and Jawan’s ambitious plot to get both Rizzo and Kristina to burn their idols, and debate whether making yourself the “RizGod” helps or hurts in a season filled with big personalities. Key camp moments, the Survivor Café meetups, and even this episode’s controversial food rewards get airtime as Rob and Bret break it all down.
Rob and Bret discuss:
– Rizzo’s fake idol stunt: was it a clever read of the room or just cocky showmanship?
– Sophie’s high-stakes flip: how did she become the episode’s decision-maker?
– Sage and Jawan’s idol flush plan: is aiming for a double-blindside too bold at this stage?
– Keeping secrets in the “new era”: Sophie’s knowledge is power advantage and why silence might be golden
– Survivor Café stories, pizza debates, and real talk about food rewards
With the alliances shaken and post-merge chaos in full effect, Rob and Bret explore whether Sophie’s maneuver has changed the power structure forever and if idol antics will keep paying off. Can Sage rebound from a failed big move, or will the RizGod continue to control the narrative?
Chapters:
0:00 Intros
6:00 Survivor 49 Post-Merge Heats Up
13:30 Sophie’s Critical Flip at Tribal
22:30 Rizzo’s Fake Idol Gambit
32:00 Tribe Dynamics and Trust Clusters
38:30 Savannah’s Confrontational Game Style
44:50 New Era Alliances’ Breaking Point
50:00 Survivor 50 Casting Snubs Discussed
57:00 Survivor Legends Versus New Faces
1:04:00 Yearning for Classic Survivor Twists
1:12:00 Pitching Survivor’s Future Theme Ideas
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!

Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 28min
Purple Pants Podcast | Survivor 49 Episode 10 Recap: Fractions
Purple Pants Podcast | Survivor 49 Episode 10 Recap: Fractions
The baby boys are linking back up for another round of Survivor News as Brice, Wendell, and Jack dive into Survivor 49 Episode 10, “Huge Dose of Bamboozle.” With the game heating up and the beach getting messier by the minute, the trio breaks down all the wild maneuvering — from shaky alliances trying to solidify, to players tossing out misdirection like confetti, to the strategic fireworks that had everybody side-eyeing each other. The energy is high, the chaos is premium, and the boys are serving jokes, insight, and pure baby-boy brilliance as they unpack the episode’s twists, turns, and near-miss moves that kept the whole tribe on edge from jump.
Tickets are now available for Brice and Wen 49 Survivor Watch Party Tour!
Grab your tickets here:https://briceandwenpresent.flite.city
You can also watch along on Brice Izyah’s YouTube channel to watch us break it all down
https://youtube.com/channel/UCFlglGPPamVHaNAb0tL_s7g
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Purple Pants 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!
Previously on the Purple Pants Podcast Feed:
Purple Pants Podcast Archives

Nov 28, 2025 • 2h 8min
Andy Rueda Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 10
Andy Rueda Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 10
Rob Cesternino sits down with Survivor 47 alum “Baby” Andy Rueda to break down a game-changing episode of Survivor 49. Broadcasting live from their own Thanksgiving feasts, Rob from his apartment and Andy from a snowy Buffalo, this episode dives deep into the current state of Survivor strategy, casting, and culture, with fresh insights, warmth, and banter.
Here are some standout takes from Rob and Andy’s spirited discussion:
They are thrilled to see the season pick up after a slow start, crediting bold gameplay and strong character moments.
They explore how players’ hesitancy, largely a reaction to past idol misplays, is dictating current strategy and allowing creative players like Rizzo to thrive.
They can’t help but admire Rizzo’s deft handling of a public idol, especially after the fake idol play that left both the audience and Jeff Probst reeling.
Despite some critiques, the acknowledge the show’s commitment to telling everyone’s story, but question whether increased screen time for all serves the best narrative.
Rob ponders the direction after season 50. He is looking for a renewed focus on gameplay fundamentals while staying open to evolution, and hopes that production will thoughtfully balance fan feedback with innovation.
Join Rob Cesternino and Andy Rueda as they serve up strategic analysis, funny personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflection on where Survivor has been and where it’s headed. If you’re craving a meaty Survivor deep dive sprinkled with gratitude and laughs, this episode is a must-listen!
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
Check out our new merch at https://www.robhasawebsite.com/merch
Become a patron to get 25% off your merch for Black Friday!
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!

Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 14min
Know-It-Alls: Survivor 49 Ep 10 Recap
Know-It-Alls: Survivor 49 Ep 10 Recap
Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach dig deep into Episode 10 of Survivor 49—just in time for Thanksgiving week. This episode includes pivotal moves, unexpected betrayals, and some heartfelt real-life moments, as the hosts guide us through one of the season’s most dynamic tribals yet.
Both Rob and Stephen are locked in on Yellow Sophie’s power position. According to Stephen, Sophie’s choice to flip alliances and destroy the bottoms-up plan was a defining move and possibly worthy of his coveted “Fishy” award. Rob Cesternino weighs in on the strategic merits, noting how being on the bottom of a four-person alliance post-firemaking might actually be a sweet spot in the modern game.
Highlights from this episode include:
The unique spectacle of Rizzo intentionally playing a fake idol, fueling tribal council chaos and strategic gamesmanship.
Savannah’s bold social maneuvering, needling adversaries, and keeping her options open, impressing
The emotional reward challenge moment featuring Christina, which both hosts praise for its raw, out-of-game authenticity and Jeff Probst’s sensitive handling.
The Rob and Stephen also touch on jury management, player agency, and edit narratives with Stephen arguing Yellow Sophie’s rise might not get jury respect, and Rob speculating on how season arcs affect our perception of winner contenders.
Tune in for a Thanksgiving feast of strategy, character, and Survivor lore with Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach serving up all the takes, laughs, and nuanced analysis fans have come to expect.
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.
Today, Rob and Stephen discuss Survivor 49 episode 10.
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
Check out our new merch at https://www.robhasawebsite.com/merch
Become a patron to get 25% off your merch for Black Friday!
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!

Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 31min
Listener Treemail-Bag
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!

Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 34min
Teeny Chirichillo on Survivor B&B: Survivor 49 Episode 9
Teeny Chirichillo on Survivor B&B: Survivor 49 Episode 9
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 Survivor 49 contestant Teeny Chirichillo for Episode 9 of Survivor 49!
This week’s charity shoutout is ?the Trevor Project?, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. ?Click here? to make a donation.
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@gmail.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!

Nov 22, 2025 • 2h 43min
Why ___ Lost: Survivor 49 Ep 9 with Sam Phalen
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!


