RHAP: We Know Survivor - Cirie Fields Talks Survivor Micronesia Encore Episode

Episode Date: February 10, 2026

Cirie Fields Talks Survivor Micronesia Encore Episode Today, Rob Cesternino welcomes legendary Survivor player Cirie Fields for a deep dive interview into one of the most iconic moments in Survivor history. This episode sets the stage for Survivor 50 by revisiting the game-changing Black Widow Brigade and discussing timeless strategies, memorable blunders, and what players might face in the new season. Rob and Cirie relive the pivotal events from Survivor Micronesia, focusing on Erik Reichenbach’s infamous immunity necklace surrender, and explore how similar high-stakes decisions and creative gameplay could impact Survivor 50. Cirie shares inside stories about alliance dynamics, risks taken, and how desperation can lead to brilliant moves. The discussion then expands to the lasting influence of the Black Widow Brigade, the power of chemistry and trust, and how these lessons echo through Survivor 50’s cast. Cirie reflects on her evolving perspective and talks about watching the classic episodes alongside new legends, hinting at what she and other veteran players bring to season 50—experience, adaptability, and a legacy of outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting. – Cirie’s “sorry, not sorry” moment and how bold moves can shape the game – Black Widow Brigade tactics: trusting chemistry and pushing alliance strength – Amanda’s emotional gameplay and the “dating” angle used for strategic leverage – Desperation as a catalyst for inventive Survivor strategies – Cirie’s insights on aging, adaptability, and the torch-passing nature of Survivor 50 Chapters: 0:00 Intros 6:24 Convincing Erik To Give Necklace 11:24 Real-Time Audience Reactions Discussed 14:17 Cirie’s Bond With Parvati Highlighted 16:52 Survivor’s Physical Toll Reflected On 19:32 Erik’s Blindside Reactions And Lessons 21:32 Grammys Experience Through Survivor Lens 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!

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Rob Cestrinino here, and we are kicking off a series here, appropriately, a series today with Sare Field, where we are going to be looking back at some of the classic Survivor episodes. that are going to be airing over these next couple of weeks on CBS. They've got 10 classic Survivor episodes, and we have some special interviews coming up to cover a number of these classic Survivor episodes. So if you watch on CBS tonight, back on May 8, 2008, you saw where Surrey and the Black Widow Brigade in an episode called If It Smells Like a Rat, Give It Cheese,

the poor ouster of Eric Reichenbach when he gave up his immunity necklace to Natalie, a classic episode and of course put together by the great Surrey Fields. Surrey is joining me for a special interview, one of the many interviews we're going to do to lead up to Survivor 50 and cover these classic episodes right here on RHAP. So without further ado, here's my interview with Surrey. Okay, what a treat this is. Very surreal to be here with a woman who, of course, needs no introduction. Fresh off of an appearance at the Grammys, here is the incredible Surrey Field.

Surrey, how are you? Awesome, Rob. I am awesome. How are you? It's great to be here. Great to talk to you as well. Yes, I am so incredibly all the time blessed, but especially today because we to talk to you about maybe the most famous episode in the history of Survivor, of course,

where the Black Widow Brigade came together to take poor Eric's necklace. Oh, poor Eric. I love Eric. I'm sorry, Eric. Eric, I'm sorry. You're not that sorry. Come on. Well, as my NutraGrain campaign says, sorry, not sorry. Sorry, not sorry. Yes, to you, Eric. Although you made him famous. Yeah. No, Eric is, listen, by any means necessary is what we were playing, right? And we couldn't, we couldn't get him physically. He's a young strapping, young, strong man and his four women. And listen, the women were strong too. But Eric was like young and his prime. So it's just hard to get him. So we had to be creative. It really is such an incredible story to watch it back because I think it resonates with so many people. And tell me, if you think that this is the case also where that there was such a foregone conclusion, well, there's nothing we can do.

He won the necklace. Until you asked the question, but what if he, what if we got it? What if we took it away from him? And I just think it's such a powerful story of like what people can do against that there's no chance this will work, right? And I think that that's what people feel like, hey, you know what? Like, in a hopeless situation that I might face, maybe I could come through. I think you should never underestimate or think or overestimate what another person would do.

And I tell my children, don't think you know what someone will do because of what you will do. And especially in these game settings, we're in a different world. No pun intended, we're facing a different reality. that becomes our reality. And things that fly in the games that we play may not fly in New Jersey or in Boston or Baltimore. However, that is a perfect example because in the real world, I would never, I would be like, yeah, he's going to laugh in my face. He might beat me up. But out there, hey, it's worth a try.

You never know what might happen. And I think you should take that into life. And someone told me, oh, years ago, they were doing. like a study on how many yeses they can get. And they said they would just ask people outrageous things. And maybe two out of a hundred would say yes, but those two said yes. And they would think like, oh, nobody's ever going to say yes. And it's going to borrow your car to a stranger, just perfect stranger.

Could you take me to the next state over? And 99 people are like, are you out of your mind? Zoom pulled off. But that one person says yes. And in the game, this might be the one person. that's going to say yes to what you need them to do. Yeah. It's a numbers game, you know?

You got to get used to rejection. And sometimes it comes through. When you were there, did you have any idea how big this would be at the time, forget all these years later, but did you know that this was going to be the moment people were going to talk about? No, we were just like, like you said, coming from a place of desperation, right? we're like we got to get rid we wanted to keep the black widow brigade together we wanted to to be all girls and there was eric eric just winning and we're like damn we're if you see if you

looked at our body language right before i said you think he would get think he would give net the necklace we're kind of like soaking we're kind of like down trotting and sad um so yeah no once it first of all i didn't even think it would work i just was like eh he likes net a lot you think maybe. So no, there was no forethought, no afterthought that this would be like, ta-da, a thing to be talked about this many years later. Well, it was fun watching as it's happening where you're all like, okay, well, look, let's give it a shot. What do we have to lose? But then you start saying, like, well, we're getting some nibbles. He's like dancing around it. And then he's like, at first he's like, no way, I'll never do it. And then he's considering like,

well, maybe Parvety has the idol. So I want to, Like, or maybe she's going to play it on Amanda. So let's go back and we'll, we'll get one over on Parvety. And you're like, sure, whatever he wants to do. Sure. Why not? Give him whatever he wants. Exactly.

The fact that he even entertained the conversation, let me know, like, wait a minute. Okay. He, like you said initially, he was like, oh, come on, you think I'm crazy? Absolutely not. But then when he came back with his idea of how it could potentially work, Then I perked up a little bit like, sure. He could have said, let's vote off Jeff. And I would say, sure.

What do you want, Eric? As long as you give up that necklace. Surrey, watching it back, it's hard to tell from the reactions of the jury. Sometimes it might be like a moment that didn't exactly line up to that exact moment where you said something. And when you were there, was there any concern like, hey, like, hey, guys, knock it off. This is serious, okay? Yes. Yes.

I didn't even, when the jury, when Eric started talking about redemption and Eliza's eyes got big, Ozzy started laughing. If you notice, I looked only at Jeff and I had the straightest face possible because I didn't want any, I wouldn't want Eric to have any inkling or any idea that I'm even thinking about what's happening on a jury or that I'm not serious about our deal in any way, shape, or form. But yes, I saw them. I'm like, damn, niggott. If he sees them, if he looks over there, maybe he's going to change his mind.

Because at that point, he was in hook, line, and sinker. So, yeah, I was very nervous about the jury's reaction. You know, all four of you did such a good job. You all played your part so perfectly. And it was such a, it was like watching a band play together that you all were sort of like bouncing off of each other. And you knew what you had to do. and Natalie is also so good in this of that, you know.

And you say, well, but look, I have to see the action. I can't just like words are cheap, Eric. You need to show me, give Natalie the necklace, and then I'll know I can work with you. And it was just like amazing how well choreographed the four of you were. I think we had spent a lot of time together at that point. And again, when desperate times calls for desperate measures, and we were desperate to stay together and continue in the game.

So I think everyone was going for the Oscar. Everyone wanted to be the best supporting actress with hopes that this would go through. And then we could continue on in the game. And luckily, it did go through. Yeah. I think Amanda was the one that really got him the most in the ringer from the previous vote where she really was very, very hard on him. And, you know, I think I've seen a lot more recently of Amanda in Heroes versus Villains where we don't really see that side of her.

But she really did a good job, too. Yeah, because, see, Eric had pretty much dug his grave, right? Eric was playing hard. And we all have had those times that we overplayed our hands in these games. And Eric, but what Eric didn't count on, we're all women, right? and we're all hanging out together and we're like, well, Eric's taking me on the date. Wait a minute, Eric's taking you on a date?

Eric's taking me on a date. And then Parvich's like, well, wait a minute, Eric's taking me on the date. So we had that, especially Amanda, because he kind of really liked Amanda. We had that to our benefit where Amanda could be pissed off, like, you're three-time in me. And Eric, being the kind-hearted soul that he was,

the thought of redemption and not being looked at as a two-time and three-time and cheater really looked attractive to him. And he also felt like he could redeem himself and maybe gain or garner some jury votes. How often have you watched this over the years? I've only watched this when it first come out.

I've never watched it more than once. Wow. Yeah. Because, you know, there's some people, I used to know Johnny Fairplay, and he would have, like, his survivor on loop 24-7 at his house if you went there. Oh, no.

I watched this season when, like, like 50, it's about to come out. I'm going to watch it with you guys. And then that's it, I don't, I haven't gone back to watch it. Yeah. Maybe I should. Like, I don't know. I just haven't. Is there any of your seasons?

Would you go back to the first season? Would you go back to Panama and watch any of them if you're going to watch any of them over again? I don't know, a problem. Watch. I just never, never rose the opportunity. I don't know. I just never. I don't know.

I was there. And I watched it when it aired. Yeah, no, I will watch all of them again. I love the seasons. I just haven't. I don't know. Maybe if we get snowed in some more, maybe I'll go back and watch Panama Micronesia.

Okay, yeah. Well, I think everyone would love to know what your thoughts were going back and watching them. Oh, really? I don't know that you're going on to something, Rob. Maybe I will live stream myself watching them and tell everybody what I'm actually thinking. Now, 20 years later, the older me versus the younger me.

Yeah. Now, at the time that it happened, it was such a big moment. Everybody remembers where they were. Do you remember what the response was from the audience in the real time, like what people were saying when it first aired? They were, I remember people being like, I cannot believe you guys got him to give up immunity. I cannot believe.

And some people were like bad, bad ladies. You know, he was just a young guy. And, you know, it was a mixed reaction. But it's Survivor. And a lot of people are like, good on you. I can't believe you guys pulled that off. You have the really great confessional when you get up to vote. And you say that my mother always said, yeah, if you can't beat him with these, you can beat them with these.

And I feel like that that's also just such a great, it was a great moment. but it also is such a great like encapsulation of you, the survivor player. I think you're right, Rob, because clearly I'm not a challenge beast. Well, we haven't seen 50 yet. That's true. Yeah. That's true. But my strength, I, my mother taught us to use what you have and use it wisely and use it to get what you need, right?

And I knew there was no way I was ever going to outrun Eric. I wasn't going to out challenge Eric. But, you know, maybe I could out talk, Eric. I don't know. And yeah, that's kind of what I lean on. I lean on the set of skills that a lot of people don't have that come naturally to me, right? I could go to the gym and work out and be stronger than probably you, right? But what I have people really keep.

That's a low bar, siry. Exactly. Well, I mean, because that's as high as I'm going to get if I go to the gym. But yeah, so I just use what comes naturally to me, right? And that's, if I can't physically beat you, then maybe I can mentally outthink you. Yeah. This particular season also, I think, has been very much on people. people's mind since you and Parvety went back and played on Australia versus the world.

It's amazing that the idea of the Black Widow Brigade has just had this life of its own, where people, I think it's probably the most famous alliance in the history of the show. It would be awesome. I mean, you know, I love Parvety. It's just like a relationship, right? Parvety and I have synergy. and from the second that Parvany and I connected on the beach in Micronesia, when she saved my life practically,

when Jeff told us to go ahead, go to the other side. And I'm like, wait a minute, you don't see all this water right here with the boat. And Parvety reached out her hand to me. We were locked in from that point on, and she's never betrayed me that I know of, and I would never betray her. And I think that means a lot. And I think that shows, like chemistry between couples,

like Peaches and Herb or Sunny and Share, that chemistry, you can't fake that, right? And I think it comes across on the screen. It was talked about that Jeff said they really wanted to get Amanda back for season 50, and it didn't work out with her for scheduling. Would you have been happy to have seen Amanda in season 50? I would have been expecting to see Amanda. There was rumors floating around that she might be there. I would have been thrilled to see Amanda.

I mean, that would have been three, four of some of the Black Widow Brigade. So, yeah, I love Amanda. I would love to have played season 50 with her. And if she ever comes out of retirement, hopefully I can be there with her. Yeah. Okay. So you were, because I read that in leading up to the 50, you said, this is it. I'm, you know, no more survivor for me.

But you're open to more survivor even post-season 50. No, absolutely not, Rob. Absolutely not. Maybe if you're like Robin Sandra, you could be there on the island of the idols. It's something like that, yeah. Amanda's loved one. Hopefully, yeah. Amanda, if you get called, call me.

Yeah, no. You know, I love this game. I love every experience I've had playing this game. But it's just like I would equate it to Peyton Manning. not that I am any, don't listen, oh, everybody calm down. I'm not saying I'm like Peyton Manning, but after so many years

and the abuse that he's taken and his arm, he's getting older, he had to retire. I'm getting older. I started this 20, 21 years ago now. I was 35. I'm about to be 56. And survive is hard.

Survite is hard. You don't know. You know how hard it is. I can't remember how hard it is. You remember, Rob, you can never forget. And it's hard on a younger body, so it's that much harder on an older body, spirit, and mine. So at this point, I've experienced so much of survivors more days than I had even anticipated or even could dream of. And I would be happy to hand the torch over to Jared to Izzy to any of my children or anyone that.

else who wants to take the torch and carry it on. One of the funny things in this episode is the reward challenge that you all do is Survivor Trivia. Do you remember this? Oh, in this episode. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. And that seemed very quaint. That was fun. I would listen. Here's another life lesson that my mother told me. My mother always told me, go with your first mind. go with your first answer. After the Survivor Trivia

challenge was over, Matt Van Wagnan came to me and said, why did you change your, because they can see you. Right? And I had one answer, and then I change it real quick. And every time I changed it, I changed it to the wrong answer. I would have won that challenge. Yeah. So many times. So

follow your first mind. For all your kids out there, the first thing that comes to your mind, if something says, do this, do that. But it was really, it was for the best, because I think that when Eric was gone, then you really started, you know, feeling out Natalie and getting her work out. Yeah. If it's a rat. Yeah.

So it was all like worked out fine for the way that it all went together. It's so fun also that we get to see everybody's vote also, all four of the votes that go against Eric. Also, it's one of the few times in Survivor history that we get that. And it's really like the odd, the way they put it together, the audience is really in on it also where there's no mystery when he goes in that anybody was going to flip and not and go against what the women wanted to do. And the only person who has any like doubt about how it's going to go is Eric who's like crossing his fingers when he gets up to go to go and vote. Even Jeff is so on point because then after Eric gets voted out, he comes back and he says, and this is what you could. call a life lesson. And that's like one of the best messages he ever had after.

It's like probably the most memorable of any of them of things he said after the vote. I thought the way, I think I thought and think that Eric is a stand-up guy. And I think Eric felt, and I think he said, oh, you guys, you got me. Right. He knew it wasn't anything personal. It wasn't like anything mean-spirited. It's just part of the game that we're playing. We love him and we loved him then.

It's called OutWit, Outplay Outlast, and that's all we were trying to do. It was, it would be different if Eric was annoying or if we didn't like him or, you know, but it wasn't anything like that. It was just part of the game and that was the only way for us to get him out. So I think he took it like a gentleman and I think he's always acted as a gentleman since. Yeah, he was always very likable on the show and it was, you know, just like it was presented as like this was like a naive kid and you know maybe he learned a lesson that day but it did come and like as just another one of the hits in that season after Ozzie and and Jason also before

them and then finally it culminates with Eric so just an incredible moment from an incredible season and we look forward to no pressure but maybe it'd be tough to beat this but hopefully we gets some more amazing moments in season 50. You never know. You never know. Okay. Surrey, is there anything else you want to let people know about this or anything else you're doing? So just a lot, very busy, a lot to do with this season.

I'll also be a part of the panel at the museum in New York with Jeff and a couple of other contestants from season 50. So just a lot of fun stuff going on. what a way to to like kind of ease into retirement get to experience like all of these fun things

right before I go. Can you tell us at all about your experience at the Grammys? We saw the pictures from the other week. Oh my. So the Grammys is such a grand experience. It was almost like being

I felt like I was watching myself in a dream, right? Who knew 21 years ago that getting off the couch and going to this open call and playing this game that I thought was a fun thing would culminate into all of this. I was in all, it felt like a play, right? Seeing all of the performances,

seeing all of the people that I idolized so close. Damn, they rubbed elbows with baby face. Jamie Fox was in arms reach. And I'm like, oh, my, little old me, girl from New Jersey, here at the Grammys, all thanks to CBS in my years on Survivor, something I never

and like when I tried out, Rob, there was no other shows. I think they might have had one all-star season, but there was nothing to look forward to. You know, you're going to go, you're going to win, you're going to lose, and then you're going to go back to your regular life. And I've done so many.

I rang the bell at the stock exchange. I went to the Grammys. So, I mean, just my, mind-blown, that I got to experience something like that. And, you know, forever grateful to CBS and Survivor for, you know, letting me experience that. It was quite the experience. Were there any people in the music industry that you ran into that were surprising Survivor fans?

I don't know if Billy Elish was there. Billy Elish was there, but we didn't, like, so, there was, you know what? I was like a little kid in a candy store, like at Willy Wonka. You know how a kid would just, you, you're looking. at so much that you don't see everything. Tom Hanks' wife was like right here. And I was saying to myself, my mind just went blank. I was like, I know her.

And I know him. And I know her. And I know him. I heard my name called out like a few times. I'm like, wait, did they just say, Siri? So it was overwhelming, but in the best way, Rob. Yeah. In the best way possible.

Okay. Well, Sri, thank you for making some time to talk about this. It's always a delight to be able to talk to you. about Survivor. Yeah, I appreciate that. And yeah, I will see you up in New York for all the festivities and yeah, enjoy the rest of your tour. I will. I will. It's tiring because your girl's getting old, but I'll make it happen. Okay. All right, the great Surrey Fields. Thank you so much, Surrey. All right, everybody, there you have it. The great Surrey Fields, which we will see on Survivor 50. We'll see if she can top what she did to pour Eric Reichenbach back in 2008 when Eric gave up his necklace.

If you like hearing stories about the days of classic Survivor, you're going to love this book, The Tribe, and I have spoken written by Rob Sister Nino. And I'm sure the story of Eric Reichenbach and his necklace are mentioned no less than several times in this book. And I'm sure plenty of stories about the greatness of Surreyfield and everything that you're about this. see here in The Legends of Survivor 50 mentioned many times. You can pre-order at Rob has a book.com. Thank you for joining us and we have so many more fun interviews coming up around these classic Survivor episodes. Can't wait to hear what you have to say in the comments. Take care. Hi.