RHAP: We Know Survivor - Rizo Velovic & Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick Survivor 50 Preseason Interviews

Episode Date: February 5, 2026

Rizo Velovic & Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick Survivor 50 Preseason Interviews Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) is here to chat to the cast of Survivor 50! Join us to hear from your favorite returning Survivor players! Today, Mike Bloom brings together a special Vatu tribe duo for an in-depth round of preseason interviews. In this milestone episode, Mike sits down with returning Survivor 49 standout Rizo Velovic and legendary veteran Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick to explore how new-school energy collides with old-school experience, all while strategists and super fans gear up for an epic season. Survivor 50’s anticipation becomes even more intense as Rizo grapples with the notoriety of being the infamous “Riz God” and Stephenie reflects on her return to the game after more than a decade away. The discussion opens with Rizo sharing his whirlwind journey—playing Survivor 49, getting pulled aside by Jeff Probst just hours before leaving Fiji, and learning he’s in for back-to-back seasons. Rizo talks openly about carrying the “Riz God” persona into Survivor 50 and his calculated read on how cast perception shapes his target level. He breaks down the division between old-school and new-school players, explaining why he feels safer aligning with Survivor’s original legends over modern contestants who are deeply interconnected and more likely to view him as a threat. In the “Friend or Foe” game, Rizo offers rapid-fire takes on castaways, revealing his read on potential allies, rivals, and how he hopes to become “The Prodigy” under Coach’s mentorship. On the flip side, Stephenie shares emotional stories from her years away—retiring from reality TV for family, overcoming personal loss, and what motivates her Survivor comeback. She considers her original reputation, lessons learned on Snake in the Grass and The Traitors, and her plan to build genuine bonds while dodging the threat radar. Both Rizo and Stephenie analyze the tribe’s dynamics, assess loyalty, spotlight connections, and weigh who could shield them from an early exit. Rizo’s strategy as the youngest contestant and navigating his “Riz God” identity The divide between old-schoolers and new-era players, and why Rizo prefers to work with Survivor legends Stephenie’s return after years away and her plan to blend in, stay loyal, and play for her family Hints about pregame connections, potential alliances, and which players stand out as immediate threats or trusted allies Highlights from the “Friend or Foe” game—Rizo’s picks for key alliances, who could be targeted first, and who both guests would bring back for Survivor 50 As Survivor 50 gets closer, will Rizo’s superfan energy and calculated alliances help or hurt his chances? Can Stephenie prove she’s still a force or will her legendary status make her an early target? Tune in for Mike Bloom’s deep-dive interviews to hear all the alliance tea, pregame stories, and cast dynamics before the game even begins. Chapters: 0:00 Intros 6:13 Embracing the “Riz God” Persona 13:17 Choosing Old School Versus New 19:32 Navigating New Era Alliances 27:51 Rizo Seeks Strategic Partnerships 34:53 Celebrity Loved Ones Fantasy Picks 39:47 Stephenie Returns After Long Hiatus 45:14 Balancing Motherhood and Gameplay 53:01 Survivor Friend or Foe Decisions 56:17 Emotional Tribute to Lost Brothers 1:00:00 Stephenie’s Survivor 50 Wish 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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as we are closing out the VATU tribe today with VAT a good pair in Rizzo and Stephanie. We are talking about an incredibly recent new school stand out and quite the old school stand out as well to see what they're bringing to the beach for this milestone season. If you miss any of the interviews I did with the other members of this tribe, you can easily go back into the archives at we know survivor.com while you're there. Subscribe to our Survivor podcast feed. You know you want to. We've got a lot of great stuff for you. And of course, if you want to check out the video versions of these interviews at any time, go to rob has a website.com slash YouTube.

And we'll start off by talking about a guy who may or may not be able to judge if those videos are cinema. It is the fourth place finisher from Survivor 49, Rizzo Velovic, but more colloquially known as the man, the myth, the legend, R-I-Z-G-O-D-R-Z-G-O-D-R-G-G-G-G-God, baby. The interesting thing is, everyone else in the game also knows how he's colloquially. referred to as well. For those who may not remember, the teaser for Survivor 49 aired at the end of the Survivor 48 finale, as it usually does for the next season. The only issue is Survivor 49 had not yet aired by the time Survivor 50 filmed.

So I'm sure as you all have been experiencing over the course of this interview series, there are quite a number of preconceived notions about one Rizzo, considering that He is, I believe, the opening confessional to said trailer in which he gives out his entire extended honorific. And it certainly has garnered a lot of takes. And Rizzo gets into what essentially having that secret identity out in the open is going to mean for his game moving forward. Just a quick little briefer on Rizzo, if you don't know him all already. Rizzo is 26 years old, the youngest member of this season's cast, originally from Yonkers, New York, where he currently lives, and he works in tech sales. Something else I'd like to brief you on before we get into my interview with Rizzo is the same thing I said before my Savannah interview.

As I mentioned, Survivor 49 had not yet aired at the time Survivor 50 filmed. CBS asked all the press who were out there during our interviews with Rizzo, with Savannah, to not ask them any specifics about their game on Survivor 49, so as to not allow any major bits of information to leak back to the public. Subsequently, Rizzo and Savannah were also told they could not go into any specifics about things that happened in Survivor 49, be it their allies, their enemies, Challenge performances, big moments, and most importantly, placements. So if it sounds like there's vagaries going on with both sides of the table here, that's the reason why.

Regardless, Rizzo is obviously an avowed survivor super fan, so you know he was chomping at the bit to talk about all these players. I know you all are chomping at the bit to listen to it. So without further ado, here's my interview with Rizzo. We're back, baby. We're back like I never left. You are, we've now officially entered the church again of the man, the myth, the legend, RISD, Rizga, baby.

We have, we have. We have. I'm super pumped. I mean, I'm sure you're going to ask and we'll talk about it. But literally, maybe it's 12 days ago now that I was literally just here playing season 49. And 12 days later, here I am talking to you about season 50. So, you know, it's been done before Russell, Malcolm, Rupert, but the fact that now I am in one of that illustrious company is pretty fucking unreal.

Yeah, so talk to me about this turnaround, you know, from like a mentality perspective, is it sort of like almost like keeping up like a light jog and cardio, you know, like my heart beats still up? Or did you legitimately have time to like decompress and then get ready for this again? You know, I think I'm one of the more sadistic people in terms of like my love for survivor in a sense of like after. Lovingly sadistic. Right.

After 49 finished, I was like, dude, I could do this thing again. Like, this was the best thing I've ever done in my life. Like, I'll literally do it again. And to put it into perspective, hours before I board my flight to be, or board my flight back home from Fiji, production pulls me to the side. And I walk into a room and Jeff Probst is on a Zoom call. I'm like, oh my God, Jeff does this with everybody.

This is great. I'm like, Jeff, what's up, man? We're like best friends at this point. And then he does his whole spiel. I even forget what he said. But long story short, he basically said, how do you feel about coming back for 50? So I knew I was going to be on 50 before I even talked to my family.

So I went home and my parents, my girlfriend, and everybody is waiting for me, start crying. I'm like, oh my God, Rizzo, blah, blah, blah. And I'm like, damn it, I'm going to start crying now. And I was like, guys, you got to stop crying because in nine days, I'm going to be back in Fiji playing Survivor 50. And the turnaround, honestly, the whole time has just been reflecting. And like, I just did that.

Like, three months, like, the premiere. of 48 when it's all, this is what you're going to vote for for Survivor 50. I don't even know I was playing Survivor 49. So I'm literally voting for what people, like what legends I want to see Play 50 and how I want the game to be. Yeah. Later to find out that I'm not only playing Survivor 49, but I'm now playing Survivor 50 with all these people I idolized growing up watching.

And I basically voted for the game I'm playing now. So it's... In the hands of your view, essentially. Right, right, right. It's... So to go back to your question, I don't feel mentally or emotionally taxed at all. Okay.

The only thing I'd say is physically, I was already a skinny guy, so the weight that I lost, I didn't gain back. But I'll come back eventually. You don't get to play Survivor twice, let alone Survivor 50, so I could care less. Yeah, so let's talk about this perception coming in. I mean, you mentioned a few names that, you know, were these great unknowns,

that was more of the devil you don't know as better than the devil that you do. Right. On the other hand, the sole impression that people got to see of you coming out here. And this is really interesting, right? Because when you and I talked, and I don't know what happens up 49, if the Riz God identity comes up,

but you would said that that entire moniker is something that you wanted to keep in the confessionals. And then when you were personable down to earth, you know, head in the sand, not heading the same, but sort of like, you know, not as, you know, as out there. As grandstanding, yeah, Rizzo. So now you get the only shot that people get to see. of you is you declaring this title that I imagine in Fort

now and you still kept in private. So what has sort of been the way you've been unpackaging that perception based on this, what, 15 second confessional that people got out of you? Right. So I'm actually super stoked that my preview to the whole world is literally my stick. Like, it's so great.

But in terms of my perception, A, I'm like maybe 10, percent worried and then be like the 90 percent I'm really not because at the end of the day like I'm playing with coach I'm playing with Q I'm playing with literally insane people and I'm playing with great strategist like Aubrey sorry I'm playing with comp beasts like Jonathan Joe Colby like everybody has a reason for being here and if they think my reason for being here is I'm this young super fan that has a self-proclaimed nickname I honestly rather that be my perception than like if they had the opportunity to actually watch 49, because I think if people watched 49 and I came back,

I would have been in a lot more trouble than my little silly nickname, to be honest. Interesting. And that's the most I'll go into it. Yeah. So I'm, and, you know, the Risgot thing, like I told you back in 49, it's kind of endearing, like, it's a confessional kind of thing, but once you get to talk to me and get to talk to Rizzo, I don't really come across that way.

Yeah. And this is the oldest average aged cast we've had in, a long time. And I am the youngest by, I mean, Charlie and D, but besides us three, like, I'm the youngest by a long shot. Like, there's a lot of people in their late 40s, early 50s. I'm probably the same age as most of these people's kids. So that's kind of what I'm going to play into. Like, listen, I'm a big super fan. Like, yeah, I have this Risgod thing, but let me explain why I call myself Risgod. Yeah, that's kind of the, the direction I'm heading. So, as you mention, are you going to tell the whole truth about 49 when you inevitably get those questions

asked? Is there a narrative that you're trying to come in with right now? So, if I was by myself, I think I would have fabricated their truth. However, knowing that Savannah is here with me, I'm telling everything, like truth in terms of placement. The two of you didn't collude on a story going in? Well, the thing is, I can't go more. That's all I'll say. We didn't, no. Okay. Because the thing is, is I could say one thing. And if Savannah says another thing, one of us are screwed.

And I think the better mantra is just to be honest and forthcoming. Because when I think of all the people that have done back-to-backs, historically they've all done really well. Like Russell went back-to-back FTCs. Amanda went back-to-back FTCs. Rupert went to the final four. Everybody's done well. And I don't, I mean, I'm hopeful that nobody really cares because, like,

I look at people like Colby and Ozzy. I bet my bottom dollar they haven't watched Survivor in the last few years. So I don't think they really care about me being on 49. But these new era people definitely care. Like Kyle won and then saw my face. You know what I mean? There's a lot of, and in my opinion, I could be wrong. But I think the new era players are a lot more intertwined than maybe the old school players.

In a sense of like, I don't know when the last time Surrey and Colby had like a hard. heart to heart conversation. Like, obviously they played Heroes, villains, and all these people have played other games with each other. But, like, as a fan looking at New Era, they go to all these charity events, all these meet and greets, they go to all these watch parties.

Like, just because Genevieve is the only one from 47 doesn't mean that she doesn't know Q or Tiffany or Charlie, you know what I'm saying? So, like, I think the new era players are going to be more threatened by me than the old school players, which is why I prefer to work with pre-new era personally. Okay.

Because I think I can, intermingle with them better than the new era. All right, well, on that note, I have a game for you this time. Yes, let's do it. It's called friend or foe. Okay. So we're gonna go through the cast. Yeah, let's do it.

One by one and you're gonna tell me friends, someone that you want to work with, the foe. Either someone you're picking up, you know, not so good vibes from right now or someone that you want to target for whatever reason and you can, you know, provide a brief explanation for each one too. Right, let's do it. That's fun. Well, let's start from the top here with Jenna Lewis. Friend.

And I think what better way to have a story because the first time Jenna played for the first time Jenna Lewis played Survivor I couldn't even walk yet and she's the most or she's the first season I'm the most recent season and honestly like I like how Jenna played all-stars she was loyal and she did target all the winners but with two winners being here that means she's not going to target me first and I feel like she's looking for a home yeah she's only played with Colby if I'm forthright with like Jenna I want to work with you I think we could go long way. Well, how about Colby? Friend. I think Colby isn't threatening to me at all. Like, I think if Colby was 26, an Australian outback, I'd be like, holy shit. But Colby's in his 50s now.

If he plays this season, like how he played Heroes versus Villains, I rather him work with me and just be a number. And I think that's what I anticipate. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Colby comes out and is bat shit crazy. But I don't think so. So I'm going to go with friend for Colby. How about Stephanie. Friend as well. I'm a big Stephanie fan. And I know she's played Snake in the Grass and Traders with Surrey and this is her fourth time. But I think she has a lot to prove in terms of Survivor.

Interesting. When she played Heroes versus Villains, obviously, I think she was the second boo. And then Guatemala, like, she went from hero to villain. And I feel like she still has a lot to prove left in her survivor journey. And why not let me help her? You mentioned her before. Give me your thoughts on Surrey. Oh my God.

Twitter don't hate me, but I'm going to go with Fo. And the only reason why, I love Surrey. I love that you're, I mean, you're already setting yourself up for two seasons in a row by saying Twitter don't hate me. That's a good disclaimer to put out there. Right. Because, listen, as a fan, sure, I love Surrey, but as a player, it's a totally different ballgame.

Surrey has played Survivor six times now. Like, with Australia versus World, five times U.S. Survivor, she's won the traitor. She almost won Big Brother. I think she won Snake in the Grass. Like, you name it, she's done well in everything. So I don't care to work. Okay, maybe for a vote or two, but she is not on my long-term plans. I was going to say, were you going to bring up Sarri's Big Brother career to her?

I know you're a fan of Big Brother as well. I mean, I'll ask, but I don't want to be like a kiss-ass. I'd be like, oh, my God, like, how was working, playing with your son, I'm a big brother? You know what I mean? Like, I'll ask because I'll be your Jared, Surrey. Right, right. I don't think so. How about Ozzy?

I'll leave foe because I just don't have any intention with working with Ozzie. Ozzie literally has played four times and it's been the same game every single time. It's either he comps his way to the end or he gets super arrogant and cocky and gets blindsided as one of the first few jurors. So I would go with foe. Coach. 100% friend.

And here's the reason why. If I get South Pacific coach foe. But if I get the coach that I fell in love with, if you remember, I talk about Survivor Token Chines being my love. JT. in the tooth. JT. in the tooth is who I love. And I still remember as an eight-year-old kid watching, I think it was the final five episode of Exile Island

where coach is doing the Tai Chi and and literally breaking down mentally. And if you would have told 8-year-old Rizzo 15 years or whatever, like 18 years later, he would be playing Survivor 50 with Coach. I would have thought it's a fever dream. So coach and Riz God speaking strategy is something I never thought would happen. But it's a very good possibility. And if I can make that happen, I will make it happen.

So friend. If he gives you another nickname. Oh my God, the prodigy. I already know it. I've already had it planned. I want, sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off. No, please, please. But, Mike, you don't understand.

I've been thinking of this very moment my entire life. I don't want him to even call me the Riz God. You had the warrior, the wizard, and I want to be the prodigy, because I want to be the next generation. I want to be the next JT for the next era of people, like the next kid, the next Rizzo. Hopefully without your teeth intact. Right, exactly. So I want to be the prodigy by coach.

And that's interesting because that could also be like, no, I'm not the Riz God. Like that thing you see it, I'm not that person. I'm the prodigy. Exactly, exactly. Let's talk about Aubrey, one of your thoughts on her. I lean more friend than foe I think Aubrey's another one that has a lot to prove because obviously

and we'll get to the next person that is going to come up but the word robbed gets thrown around so much nowadays and Aubrey played a great game but I don't think she was robbed and then she comes back in Game Changers has a pretty small edit like doesn't really show her co-wrong Aubrey and then she gets dog-walked by new players and Edge of Extinction

So I think Aubrey has a lot to prove And as a strategist and someone that Feels like they have a good strategy for the game I feel like we can align more than we'll be against each other Well, you were alluding to her giving your thoughts on Chrissy Chrissy is friend She is the number one person I want to work with in this cast She is top of my list

Is it not just because you're like I'm your new Ryan So Ryan is my mom's favorite player Really? Yes and The reason why we love HHS is because I viewed Chrissy like my mom and my mom viewed Ryan as me and it almost felt like if we ever played Survivor, we'd play like that. So this is almost me paying homage to my mother and working with Chrissy. But Chrissy, and there's a lot of people that agree with me, but I genuinely feel like

she was robbed, probably the most robbed person ever. And I'll give a brief explanation. When you think of Charlie, when you think of Ozzy, when you think of all these other players that were runner-ups, they could have controlled who they sat with at the end. Chrissy literally couldn't control Ben had an idol at 8, Ben had an idol at 7, Ben had an idol at 6, and then she gets told the final four firemaking in the last minute. How can you even control that?

And I think it was just the Ben bombs. The jury was eating it up, but I think Chrissy played a complete game that she should have won, which is why I want to work with her, because she has a lot to prove. But also, out of 24 people on this cast, 21 people have played with someone. Only three people haven't.

Those three are Chrissy. Genevieve and Jonathan. And as someone that is an unknown, I mean, I'm going to tell everyone how I did, but I want to be that known factor to Chrissy. I want her to feel like I'm her new Ryan. Yeah. And I hope we can turn the tables.

I don't know Chrissy's relationships in terms of the alumni. The only thing I know is that her and Angelina are pretty close because I saw a picture on Twitter before I got out here. But also, like, in terms of pregame, everybody is doing a lot better of a job than 49 in terms of not giving any... For many reasons. For many reasons.

But I will say Chrissy has shown that her and Angelina are like really cool. Like they'll like giggle or whatever like some time to time. So that's probably my only worry, but Chrissy's number one on my list. So then talk to me about Angelina. Does that give you any pause wanting to work with her?

I'm gonna honestly, all the David versus Goliath people are all foes for me. Interesting. And I'm gonna tell you why each... Yeah, yeah. Angelina, if she was by herself, would be a friend for me. But I think the tightest group of people from that season are literally all here. I mean, Mike White, Christian, and Angelina, obviously, we're all on White Lotus.

I don't really care about White Lotus. But that's nothing to ignore. Angelina literally went to the end with Mike. And already right off the back, if she's close with Chrissy, if she's close with Mike White and Christian, I'm nowhere near the top of her list. So with 24 people, if I'm not at least, in your top two. I don't need you.

Riz got next. You know what I mean? Same thing with Mike White. And already Mike White's going to have his ass kissed because people want some 10 seconds of fame after this show. Like Mike White, great.

I like White Lotus, but I'm not here to get on White Lotus. Like I'm here to cement my legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. So while I would love to vote with you for a voter two, I could care less. And then Christian, I would want to be a friend

if I meet up with him and Angelina. Mike White are not here. That would be a friend for me. But same premise like the other David versus Goliath. I'm not going to be in the top of his list, so it's a foe for me. How about Rick Devons? I'm going to have to go foe.

Okay. I think Rick Devons is just too much. I think Rick Devons is kind of cracked like me in a sense. Like, we're really out there. We're really energetic. We're a lot. But, like, I don't know. I'm like, I loved watching Rick Devons,

but I don't know if I'd like. like playing with Rick Devins. Like, there's a reason he got voted out in the pre-merge and the Edge helped him come back and he, like, Ben, found idle, idle, idle. Right. And then lost in the firemaking. So to me, like, that's a great shield,

but I don't see myself aligning with Rick Devons. All right, let's get into the new area. You had mentioned before that maybe some of these people are more kept at arm's length than some of these old schoolers. So let's get into it, starting with a man who has quite the arm's length, Jonathan. Yeah, it's a, he's actually who I want to be first boot. Oh, okay.

Jonathan is a big foe for me. I mean, I will say I am in awe for how massive he truly is. Yeah. It's not represented on a laptop. Dude, right. Like, he's actually fucking ginormous. But the reason why is, like, reflecting back on 42, Jonathan never really was open to compromise.

And in a season like this, for me, it's about ego management. And a lot of these people have survivor god complexes, which is funny coming from me. Yes. But I could put Rizgod complexes. Right. But I could put Riz God to the side. I feel like a lot of these people can't put their ego to the side, which is why I'm kind of down on Rick Devons,

and I'm down on Jonathan. Because Jonathan, like, walks around Ponderosa. I feel like that his shit don't stink. And Jeff, like, we actually had the opportunity to see the Good Morning America, like Jeff revealed. And Jeff goes to biggest physical threat ever, Jonathan. And I think Jonathan feels that. And for me, assuming that,

that we're going to drop like flies in the pre-merge. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm just assuming I don't want Jonathan to be there because if he's a reason people keep around because they think it's about challenges, realistically, we're all going to go to tribal. Right. I rather him go home early.

Talk to me about D. So she's a friend. Okay. And I want to work with the winners because they... God, I got... Do I want to air people out? Damn it.

Come on, don't you. I think the new era people probably pre-gamed a lot more than the pre-new era. I could be wrong, but just the little inklings that I've heard. And listen, I was only out of Survivor for nine days. I think Dee is very well connected, even though she's a winner, arguably, and I think the best winner in a long time, I want to work with Dee because D is also, actually, I can't talk about four now, but D is very loyal. I know what I can get out of D.

She either likes you or she doesn't. So I'm hoping I can be on her good side and we can work together now. Do I want her to be my ride or die until the end? Absolutely. But could I see making a deep run with D in this game? Absolutely. What's your thoughts on financial analyst Emily Flippen? She's hard to read.

Honestly, like, Jeff put her story great from abrasive to embraced. And I think if I can get that embraced side of Emily Flippen, I would lean more friend. But if I get that early 45 Emily flipping where she's calling people out on their bullshit, like I don't want to work with that. So I'll lean foe right now because I do want to reign true to working with pre-new era. So I'll reign foe. What about Charlie? So Charlie is one of the three new era people, well, I guess four, if I count D,

that I actually really want to work very closely with. Okay. And I'll explain why. You're just trying to get that on-fire spot. No. Now, I'm thinking about that, yeah, which I sadly won't because I'll be back-to-back seasons. But anyways, Charlie, very similar to Chrissy, I feel like has a lot to prove. I don't think Charlie was robbed like Chrissy, but I feel like Charlie is one of the more talked about runner-ups in the last few years where it's like Charlie should have won.

And I feel like Charlie has that feeling in the back of his head where it's like, I should have won. and he probably has a lot to prove. And Charlie is the second youngest person behind myself. I think we have a lot of similarities in terms of the fandom and how we look at the game. So I want to work with people that want to play this game hard because, like, you're not going to be able to escape by. With 26 days and 24 people, like I said, we're going to have to play right off the jump. And I want to play with people that want to play. And I get the vibe that that's what Charlie wants to do.

How about Q? All right. I'm going to answer this in two ways. Please. As a fan of the show, he's a friend, because I'm literally salivating at the mouth to have a moment where Q, coach, and Rizgod are all talking strategy. That's a journey waiting to happen. I need it to happen. But as the player on the island, Q is a foe.

I can deal with a lot of egos. I can ego manage a lot of people, but I can't ego manage revisionist history. And I think Q has that. I think Q thinks if he played his idol, he would have won season 46. Like, that's just a vibe that I get from preseason, postseason, Ponderosa here. Like, he feels like he could have been one of the greatest players of all time. And I would love nothing more to go in that voting booth and say, Q, this is not a big mistake.

And you can cancel Christmas this year because the man the myth, the legend, R-I-Z-G-O-D-R-G-G-R-G-G-Riz God, baby, is voting your ass out of here. I just think Q is a little too much for me to handle. So he's going to be a foe for me. Tiffany. Tiffany's like Emily flipping to me. Okay. I love Kenzie, and I actually know Kenzie,

know loosely outside of Survivor. Okay. And she actually reached out to me when I got revealed. And I was like, oh my God, Rizzo, you actually made it. And I said, hell yeah. Like, she's the best. And I know her and Kenzie are really close. So I feel like if I lean into that and be like, listen, I know Kenzie, like,

Kenzie told me to work with you. I mean, that's bullshit. But, like, just to kind of say that. She doesn't need to know that. Right, exactly. I think we can work. work well together, but very similarly to why I don't want to work with the new era. I see Tiffany was with Kyle in pictures at the 48 finale. I see Tiffany is very well integrated in the new era

survivor alumni. And I don't know if I'm on the top of her priority list. So if I can change that, it would be friend, but as of right now in the preseason, it's faux. How about Genevieve? So like I mentioned with Chrissy Jonathan and Genevieve, Genevieve is a big, big friend for me. And I think just looking at her game, I think Survivor 50, looking at the cast, it's people that have a second chance. It's people that trying to correct their mistakes. It's people that are trying to not tarnish their survivor reputation. And then there's people that are trying to cement their legacy. I feel like I'm in the cement their legacy part.

That's like the new out would out play out last. Right, right. I feel like I'm here. I think Genevieve is probably trying to correct some mistakes. And I don't think Genevieve played a bad game at all. I think Genevieve is one of the better strategic minds of the new era. But I think her dealing with the emotional side of Survivor really tripped her up and really maybe lost sight of the end for her. And looking at her end game, she was very closely aligned with Sam.

And I feel like I have a lot of similarities to Sam in terms of our age, in terms of our likes and not likes or, you know, whatever. I think I could get along with Genevie very well. And where she has not played with anybody, she needs somebody to play with. Yeah. Why not it be me? And I don't think I come across as this very ego, this is so funny, egotistical person. Like, I think I'm a very...

Just rewind and show that promo a little, right? Right, right, right. But I am a very down-to-earth person. Totally. And I think she is as well. And I think we can align in that fact. So let's get into 48, because you were in this really unique position

where when you came out here, you would see him through the first half. And so you didn't really, as we began to Joe, like, see the dominance that he exhibited in that latter half. So what is your headspace with him going into this season? Joe, you said, right? Yes. So he, while Chrissy is the number one person I want to work with the women,

in terms of the man or the men, it's Joe. Joe's number one on my list. And I think it's very simple. And I know Reddit, Twitter, everybody was like, Joe's boring. He doesn't need to come back. Now I'm playing. Joe literally's entire story of 48 was, this is not about me anymore.

This is about me helping evil win or me helping Kyle win. Like, what the fuck? Like, help me win. Like, that's who I want. Like, Joe is the epitome of the best ally you can ask for, someone that's honest, someone that's truthful, and someone that's predictable. Yeah. And that's exactly what Joe is. And Joe can win a lot of challenges, which is fine.

That's a shield for me. And honestly, like, like, game aside, like, on some real personal shit, like, I love Joe because, like, I told you, like, my brother is autistic. And, like, going through the whole process, obviously, I didn't see 48. So, like, my story was, like, I want to inspire my brother. Yeah. And, you know, autism was never spoken about on Survivor ever. And literally, I think the last episode before I came out here, or the second to last, was Joe having that moment with Evo.

Yeah, I remember we talked about that. Yeah. Right. Right. And, like, to me, it was like, wow. Like, on a human level, like, we need more people like Joe in this world. And, like, I'm, like, dying at the fact that just literally thanking him personally. Like, not even, like, for the strategy.

You'll be like, dude, like, not like my brother would ever play Survivor, but if he did decide to play, knowing that there's people like Joe out there that will help somebody that probably would need that kind of help is like, means the world to me. So, like, personally, I want to work with Joe, but strategically he just makes so much sense as an ally. How about Camilla? Foe, 100%.

I think Camilla played a great game, watching as a fan. But Camilla's whole mantra was, I will throw you under the bus, I will lie, I love lying. Lying is fun. And I agree, lying is fun, but lying's not fun when we're working in this game together.

And I didn't have that much opportunity to hear, like, exit interviews. Yeah, yeah. I tried a little bit, but I was so locked into 50. Right. But, like, I feel like maybe Kyle and Camilla weren't as tight at the start that the show kind of led on. And to me, that just means, like, who was Camilla truly loyal to? Like Camilla was loyal to all

And if you're loyal to all, you're loyal to none And to me it's like, I don't want to play that game And I don't want her Because a lot of her game was literally just making up lies And people believed it So that means that she's good at doing that Which is not something I want to align with What about Kyle?

Kyle is like D But I prefer going farther in the game with D than I do Kyle Only because I think recency biases against Kyle I think if Kyle and D were flopped In terms of like time wise and I had time to reflect, I would feel what I feel with D with Kyle.

But, listen, Kyle's loyal. Like, Kyle is not a disloyal person. Yeah, he made strategic moves and did everything, but he was a man of his word to the people that he was loyal to. So that's enticing for me. And he's always going to be a bigger threat than I am. And that's what I want to work with. But if I go too far with Kyle at the end,

and listen, Kyle has two other people on his cast here. And he's tight with both of them. Like D and Emily Flipping on their season weren't tight. D literally idled Emily out. Yeah. But I know postseason 45 is like a cult. They like all love each other. 48, it's like, Kyle, you have too many options.

And very similar to how I feel about David versus Goliath. Like, I don't think I would be a top priority. We're both New York native. So like I feel like we can connect. So right now, I lean friend, but entirety will be a foe. Obviously, you can't get into any specifics. But what is your headspace with Savannah right now? I will say this.

I think I'm not shocked. They picked both of us to be on 49. Interesting, okay. I don't know if I can give an answer to friend or foe, but I'll say this. If there was anybody on 49 to be picked, I'd prefer it be her. Okay.

That's awesome. Well, who is one person from the past that you wish played Survivor 50, who is not on the cast right now? Dude, I can literally give you like 10 names. I'll give you three. Please. I'll give you four.

Two men and two. in. Mount Rushmore. Right, Mount Rushmore. Every era has been represented in 50, besides 21 through 29. Obviously, Ozzy and Coach played in Heroes Villains, but to me, when I think of that era, I think of Malcolm. And the fact that he's not here is crazy to me because Jeff, production, the fans, the casual audience, online, like, all love Malcolm.

And I feel like Game Changers isn't a good way to end his story. And I thought, what better way than a Legends... Well, survive for these not legends, but you know what I mean? Like, this is his time to come back. And the fact that he's not here and nobody from 21 and 29 is not here is shocking. In terms of women, Jerry Manthy not being here sucks. Not only because Colby's here, but it's like she is literally the OG of OG like survivor icons. And I feel like, I mean, Jenna Lewis is great.

I love Jenna Lewis, Borneo representation. But I feel like Jerry is the first most notable survivor woman to ever play. So her not being here sucks. In terms of the next man, I'm going to say Sean Rector, but I feel like a lot of people say that. So I'm going to switch it and do Dom from Ghost Island. Ghost Island sucks,

but Dom is the closest person to ever win Survivor that didn't win Survivor. And I'm shocked that he's not here. And I don't know if there's like beef with production or these sets. Like I have no idea. But Dom not being here is shocking to me. Because I feel like we need a lot more. strategic minds on 50. Like, I feel like we have a lot of comp beasts, a lot of legends, and a lot of good social

players, but not a lot of strategy. Like, I think there's like maybe five that I can count. So maybe that's a lot. But like Domna being here is shocking to me. And then I know, I'm not shocked that she's not here because she made it very apparent online. But like, put the pride aside survivor. Like, why is Carolyn not here?

Like, she, and I know, well, I don't know. But I can assume her going on traitors was like her Survivor 2.0. Like that was her redemption arc. So Survivor's like, you did that. Like, we don't have that opportunity. So I get why she's not here. But she is such an interesting character that we really never seen before. And she played the game well.

Like, and for her to not be on 50 to me is almost a travesty. Last thing, real quick. We just did this again. The celebrity fictional character loved ones. So you said, if you don't remember, John Sina and number two, fittingly, Derek Jeter. Do you want to take another bite of the apple or you want to double down on this? No, I'll, because it's fun.

We'll do it again. All right, so the one answer that I didn't say and was Luca Donchich. Oh. So Luca Donchich means a lot to me because I told you on 49, being a part of an Albanian representation means a lot to me. There isn't many Albanian people out there. And Luca is not Albanian, but he's Balkan. from the Balkans

and as like we're the same age so as a 16 year old kid I followed his journey playing at Real Madrid and then going to the NBA and being one of the biggest NBA stars like that

is inspirational to me it's like dude if you made it from the slums of Slovenia like I can make it too so I would love nothing more for him to come out here and say his little spiel

lock in man you got like you know he's a man of very few words but those few words would go a long way yeah and then if I had to pick another one

I'm going to go with Paul Walker. I know he's no longer with us, but another person that I looked for inspiration as a kid was Paul Walker. Brian O'Connor was the coolest person to me. Fast and Furious is my favorite franchise, because when I look at Brian O'Connor or Paul Walker, this guy goes from a police officer to a bandit, to the most wanted man in America,

to, like, Fast 7 had such a good storybook. ending. Yeah. That like that final scene of the two of them bearing off. Literally it's like it's cinema like as I remember as a 13 year old kid watching that like I cried and it's so fucking crazy how the world works because he literally said I don't I forget the quote now but it's basically like if I die behind the wheel like don't worry like that's how I wanted to die and that's literally how he passed away so it's like so fitting and I would love for him just to come here and like have that moment with me. You can tell how much Rizzo absolutely loves getting to talk Survivor.

And the fact that he gets to do so just before he jumps into the game alongside some people that played a pivotal role into him not only falling in love with the show, but becoming a part of it is just incredible. Fire, if you will. I don't know, maybe that's too soon of a subject to bring up for Rizzo. but I'm incredibly excited to see what he's going to do when his feet hit the sand because whether he knows this or not, again, as you've experienced, as we will experience for the rest of these interviews, there are a lot of assumptions, a lot of perceptions

about him based on the fact that he's coming back from 49, whatever vibe he's given off, whether it's like ultra marathoner or schemy snake or something in between, should be a lot of fun to see if he can make a two-firmarer. two shot at the end game or if like his unfortunate day with flippers, he ends up falling on his face. But we are going to land on our feet with our eighth and final interview with the VATU tribe. Right after this, you'll hear my interview with Stephanie Lagrosa Kendrick. At Medcan, we know that life's greatest moments are built on a foundation of good health, from the big milestones to the quiet winds.

That's why our annual health assessment offers a physician-led full-body checkup that provides a clear picture of your health today and may uncover early signs of conditions like heart disease and cancer. The healthier you means more moments to cherish. Take control of your well-being and book an assessment today. Medcan. Live well for life. Visit medcan.com slash moments to get started. It has been a journey for Stephanie Lagrosa Kendrick on Survivor. far had one of the most unfortunate experiences really any survivor player has had in surviving

the first ever oolonging but becomes this nationally adored character then gets to guatemala sort of becomes the definition of you know die a hero or live long enough to see it yourself become the villain as she does get to the final two but is nearly shut out and then we get to heroes versus villains where she has a long fall from second down to 19th. Her time with reality TV was, for lack of a better term, a little dislocated. But then she got a very special call just a few years ago to step back in those waters once more. And now, from Stephanie's perspective, she is swimming, just like she did on that first day in a palau when she jumped out of the boat. some stuff to know about Stephanie LaGrosa, Kendrick,

because as the last name indicates, a lot has happened in her life since last we saw her. She is currently 45 years old, originally from Delco, currently lives in Dunedin, Florida, and she's currently, as she writes in her bio, quote, part-time recess monitor, full-time, busy mom of three.

Well, the bell won't be ringing any time soon when it comes to this playtime. as you're about to get into my interview with Stephanie LaGrosa Kendrick. Hi, Steph. How are you? I'm good. How are you? I'm great. I get a chance to talk with you. You're back out here in Fiji. I mean, the first thing I want to ask is the last time we saw you with Survivor, you were lovingly hawking some filet mignon pizza at Gigi's in the Heroes versus Villains Reunion.

So what has life been like for you the past 15 years? Oh, my gosh. Well, um, I was engaged then. So I got married after that. And shortly after that had my first child, Sophia. So she's 13 now. And then I had a son. He's 11.

And then I had another daughter. She's six. We sold the restaurant. So no more, sadly, no more flamia on pizza from Gigi's. I had it for about five years. And it was just too hard to keep and move all over the country. And at the time, we were moving. My husband played baseball at the time.

we moved three times a year. Wow. Yeah. So, like, it was a lot. And that's kind of why I, like, retired or whatever you want to call it from reality TV because his life became mine. And, you know, as a professional athlete, it's a really demanding life. The wife really holds down the fort.

I mean, they're always gone. And so with little kids at home and two dogs and moving three times a year, I mean, I had some offers come my way and just mommy and daddy both could not be gone. And so I hung up my hat for a little bit. And then I guess about three years ago, maybe it's four now, I don't know, TV reality came and knocking. And I did snake in the grass after reluctantly, I said no at first. But then I decided, you know, I'll give it a shot. It's only 10 days.

Kyle now retired and around. So it's not like, you know, we're both negligent parents and going off. and he's working and I'm just doing reality TV and we're leaving our kids with some nanny or something like Daddy was home. So it was the time to kind of get back in and see if I still had it. So I did snake in the grass.

I lost. Good old Surrey was there. She figured out I was the snake. She knows me too well from us spending a month together in Fiji after Heroes films. And then after that, I took a little more time off. Went back to just being a mom.

I worked at the kids' school. I still work at their school. I do sales part-time. I do a couple things. And then Traders call. Mm-hmm. And I got the call. I was in the car with my son.

And I had the guy on speaker because I was driving, the casting agent. And I was like, that sounds amazing. Yeah. I have to say no. I can't do it.

It was the day of my son's first Catholic. It was his first Holy Communion lunch in the day I needed to fly out. Yeah. And he was making his first Holy Communion. And I already had that. My whole family was coming. I was already committed. Hang up the phone.

It sounds like, Mom, that sounds so fun. Like, you should do that. That's so cool. A castle in Scotland, like, game of clue. Like, you should do it. I'm like, no, Kyle, so I go home and talk to my husband. Kyle Sr., he's like, yeah, if you want to do it, do it. I'm like, are you serious?

After all that. Literally two weeks later, I was on a plane in the Scotland. Oh, my God. See the traitors. Yeah, so then let's talk about, you know, because again, this is your return to survivor after a while, but as you mentioned, you're getting your feet a little wet in the world of reality TV.

Yes. So what are you sort of taking away from your recent reality TV experience into coming back into Survivor? So Traders totally different and Sanein the Grass, totally different from Survivor. And it was actually a really good refresher for me because Traders was like you knew nobody, except I knew Surrey and Rachel from Sank in the Grass. But you literally can trust no one, much like Survivor. Yeah. But in the game of Traders. you kind of need to trust someone.

Right. So I decided to trust Surrey and Rachel, because those were the people I knew, and Surrey was a traitor in the end, but she kept me just as safe as I kept her for nine out of ten episodes. And right as I really started to figure it out, she got rid of me.

And good gameplay to her, you know what I mean? Yeah. She did what she had to do. She's still to this day, like the only traitor that's ever won. Yeah. And that's a hard job. Like she,

the way she had to just lie to everybody. Oh, yeah. Like, she did an unbelievable job. Mm-hmm. But it was really a good test for me because I kind of had to play a little bit more of a quieter, Stephanie, and sit back and just observe and kind of feel people out. And not being on Survivor in almost 16 years now, I think that's kind of the route I need to take. Like, I'll be myself for sure.

Like I can't be somebody that I'm not But I'm also going to try to blend in a little bit Because I was on it three times Yeah I was a huge threat back in my 20s when I was on Yeah I'm still pretty physically fit Yeah And I don't want people to feel threatened by that

I want to be the person that people Enjoy being around and want to talk to And I also contribute to camp And I'm good in challenges Yeah, I'm not a threat to them So it's going to be kind of a fine line for me this time. But that's kind of

how I've got to play this game. Yeah, so talk to you about what you think your perception is coming in because, I mean, certainly this is a stacked cast in many regards and we'll get into it. It is. But like, listen, I was around during the Stephanie fever of 10 and 11 back to back.

You have people in Guatemala being like, I applied because of you. I think there certainly is a status regarding you and everything that happened in particular with Palau. Do you feel like that's something that's going to work for or against you in this game? I really hope it works for me because that's who I was in my 20s

You know what I mean? And I came out here just like everybody else Not knowing what to expect And just giving it my all And never giving up And being a team player And you know Just fighting

For the team And I'm still that person And I'm still a very loyal person Yes did I have to stab some people In the back of Guatemala Yes I did But that's the game of Survivor Yeah

And in the new era, that's like applauded. So do I want to play that type of a game this time around? Absolutely not. I have three kids watching. I want to play a very honorable game. Okay. And I want to be truthful. But at the same time, I need to do what I need to do to get further in the game.

Yeah. And my children will understand that. And so will their school friends? So I think my reputation is going to help me. Okay. I think there's going to be people here that are going to want to work with me. All right. And they're going to like the Stephanie that played way back when.

And they're not going to think the 45-year-old Stephanie that played awesome men is a huge threat now to them. Mm-hmm. I think they're going to want to keep me around at least enough until the going gets tough. And then we have to start making some moves. And then I'll reassess it. I'm not going to sit here and wearing myself sick over it, though, because mentally you can take yourself out of the game before the game even begins, if that makes sense. Well, let's talk about some of these people that will hopefully, want to, you know, start working with you.

So we're going to play a game called friend or foe. Okay. I'm going to go through the cast. Okay. You rapid fire just tell me friend or foe we might stop down. If you have an explanation or we'll talk about maybe some, some relationships you're certainly coming in with. Let's start at the top here with Jenna.

I think Jenna can be a friend. Mm-hmm. Yeah. I think she's an old schooler. I think she hasn't played since season one, right? She ever played him? She came back in four. Oh, she came back.

I mean, I'm going to start in All-Stars. Okay. Yeah. So it's been a long time. And she's a mom? Yeah. I think we're going to hit it off. How about your fellow hero, Colby?

Colby 100%. I mean, he stood up for me against the bully James way back when, and I haven't seen or heard or anything. I don't think he's really on social media, and I'm kind of, we weren't on social media back then. It wasn't even a thing. So I'm not like, I don't have this huge social media presence either, but I think he's going to be a huge friend.

All right. Let's open up Pandora's box here. Surrey, how are you feeling right now? I think Surrey's going to be a big friend of mine out here. I think Surrey is going to have a way bigger target than I have on me. She won Traders. She's already played how many times? Four?

Mm-hmm. This will be a number five for her. This is her fifth time. She's proven to be brutal in the game. Like, brutal in a good way. Like a huge threat. If that girl goes far, she's winning the whole thing. They're not fools.

And then she played Big Brother with her son and kept it a secret. Yeah. Like, and she's done way more TV than me. So she's going to be a huge threat out here, and she's going to be a great shield for me. So she's going to be a very good friend of mine. There we go. There we go. Until she's not.

A nice mea culpa for Scotland. Exactly. Exactly. How about Ozzy? I don't really know Ozzy, but I always loved him. And I would really like to play. I always would love to play the game with Ozzie, and I hope he's on my tribe. So I think Ozzie will be a friend.

How about coach? Coach, definitely a friend. I loved, I loved coach. Like I have never met coach. Yeah. I still don't understand why he was on the villain's tribe. I really don't. That's music to his ears.

I really don't. Like, seriously, I just think he's a great guy. I think he's an honorable guy. I think he'll want to play an honorable game. He has kids now. And again, I don't know coach from Adam, but friend. Okay. How about Aubrey?

Aubrey, I want to get to. to know. Okay. I don't know her at all, but if I, if I'm correct, she played with Surrey. So if I have Surrey, I think I can have Aubrey. Okay. How about Chrissy? Chrissy reminds me of just like a really cool mom. Like she, I know had kids then, older than my kids, so they must be older now. She's super smart. Um, so I think Chrissy would be a good foe of mine. Oh, okay. This is like sort of like... I mean, a friend. A friend. Okay, I was going to say, like...

A good friend. And so all that being said, she must go. No, I think she'll be a friend. I think she got the raw... A raw deal. Mm-hmm. When she played, and she went far, just like me, and then lost in the firemaking challenge. So isn't that how she lost?

Yeah, she... It was the first time they did the final four fire making, so she went to the final three, but Ben had won final four fire making. Oh, I see. So she got screwed right before that. Mm-hmm. Yeah, but even so, yes. How about Angelina?

Angelina is hard for me to read. I want to get to know her. I want to like her. I know she's a mom. I know she's all for women and girls' empowerment and things like that. But I just, she hasn't made much eye contact with me. I feel like she's super in with the new bees. I'm going to call the new bees, new errors.

And I feel like I'm very old school and potentially could be a threat to her. And that, like, worries me. So I will try to befriend her, and if she does not bite, she will become a foe. How about Christian? Christian cracks me up. Christian cracks me up. I want to be friends with him, and I want to be on his tribe because he's fabulous. Like, he's so smart, and he would be great at puzzles, but I think he's in with Angelina,

and Evangina's not going to want to work with me. I think I'm going to be on the outs there. How about Mike White, third member of that day first of Goliath tree? Same with Mike White. He cracks me up. I love the White Lotus. Like I watch it just like everybody else in the world I just think he's a funny guy

I think he's a brilliant guy I would love to get to know him I hope again they're gonna want to get to know me and he will be my friend Otherwise he's a foe Rick Devons Rick Devons

has been smiling at me from the second he got here ear to ear So I think Rick wants to work with me Rick would be smiling and everybody your ear, I don't know. I'm going to follow him because he's really good of finding idols. Just draped off of him, yeah.

I'm just going to be like, show me the way. Teach me. We didn't have all this stuff back in my day. So I'm hoping he's a friend. If not, he's got to go. All right, let's go to these newbies, new era, whatever you want to call them. Let's start with Jonathan.

Love Jonathan. Friend, 100%. Need him on my tribe. Need him in my life. Love him. Love everything about him on the show. Provider, Beast, good person. Great to be around.

easy, yes. All right, let's talk about one of our winners here. What's your thoughts on D? I don't know much about D. Okay. She looks like a brick shit house, though. Holy shit. In my best day, I don't look like that.

And I was fit. But, again, good shield for me. She was a winner. Like, she won. Won the million. You're going to let her stay in the game and hand her another million, potentially? I'll keep her.

around. How about Emily? Emily, I like. She just seems so quiet and keeps to herself, smart. You know, again, I don't need to be with all the jocks and the men and all that. Like, I, I like to get to know people. Yeah. So I would like to get to know somebody like Emily and Christian and Genevieve, you know? Let's talk about Charlie. What are your thoughts on him? Charlie seems so quiet. I was thinking coming out here Charlie would want to work with somebody like me but he hasn't even looked at me

so I don't know Maybe just playing hard to get maybe he's nerd Like maybe people are just nervous Yeah You know like old school when we were at Ponderosa We were like nobody knew anybody Yeah

And that's all you had was to look at somebody In a first impression and a wink or like Yeah You know something And either he's already got his crew which I think you I think he's smarter than that because it doesn't matter if you have your crew

Yeah Things are going to be like this in a second Mixed, done, whatever I don't even know Advantage in the tree on the thing On the tent, whatever How about Q? Q worries me

Because I feel like Q is like in with everybody or tries to get in, tried to get in with everybody because I only let me say that because he reached out to me on Instagram and, like, he friend at me, and then he reached out to me, but then he never, like, said anything about the game. He just, like, comment of, like, hi, how are you?

Like, stuff like that. So I either thumbs up did it or just ignored it. Oh, okay. So do you think he's pissed that I, like, didn't bite? You left him on red? Maybe. Yeah. Yeah.

Like, maybe, like, because I didn't bite and was like, hey, are you on 50? Like, I wasn't going to freaking say that. But he didn't say it either. So now, since I've been here, he hasn't even, like, look to me. Well, he might be a little bit of a risk to keep around. How about Tiffany? Tiffany also, was she an athlete? Wasn't she an athlete?

I don't entirely sure. Forget her story. But again, she worries me because she was on with Q. You know, so that's another trio. It was Charlie, Q and Tiffany. Yeah. But to be fair, that season, they were not necessarily a group. I'll say that much.

That's true too. That's true too. But because they weren't then doesn't mean they won't be now. Valid. Because maybe they'll think, oh, people aren't going to. think we're together. Yeah. So anything can you go. You mentioned Genevieve before, but give me your thoughts on her. Genevieve, I like. She seems to just be warm. She's kind of giving me a warm smile. We were like in the group walking in front of the airplane and a couple of things happened.

She laughed like one time at me. I did something stupid and I don't know. She just seems kind of like cool. Let's talk about some of our 48 people that we just recently. So I gave me your thoughts on Joe. Because you talk about wanting to play this honorable game for your kids. Love Joe. I loved him on the show. He reminds me of like a Tom Westman. Hmm. I feel like he would probably want to play with somebody like me who's loyal and wants to play an honorable game too for my children.

Yeah. I can relate to Joe. His sister passed away. I had two brothers that passed away very unexpectedly. Wow. Yeah. Big reason I'm out here. They were huge fans of mine.

I grew up with four older brothers. the only girl, youngest, and I lost them, one, right after COVID, totally unexpected. Yeah. Heart attack. He was in his 50s. Oh, my God. I know. And then, like, almost a year later, another brother. Heart attack, same thing. Oh, my God.

No, awful. And they were, like, my brothers, they were at all three live fineries. Yeah. Like, they were, like, Jeff knows them. Like, people on the crew knew, like, Stephanie. I mean, it's why I am who I am. Yeah. Like, I'm toughest now.

else because I was a tomboy growing up and I had these brothers that loved me no matter what, but like they just made me tough. Like they never fought my battles. They're like, you got a problem with him? Him, her, didn't matter. Boy, whatever. So I'm partly here for them. And then when Joe had the whole thing about his sister, I was like, oh my God, no way.

Like, because I'm doing, because like, I would have said yes, 50 regardless. It's 50. But I heard my brother's going, yeah, you got to fucking do 50, Stephanie. And he's like, get the hell out there. Show him, you still got it. Like, you know what I mean? So like, I relate to, I really did. I related to Joe on the show.

So I hope he'll, like, want to get to know me. Yeah. How about Camilla? I loved her and Kyle. Like, I can't believe they're both here, actually. I'm like, really? They both of them here? I thought they would have did like one or the other, you know?

Because they were so, and I loved the game they played. Like, I almost feel like Surrey and I could play a little bit of a game like that. Even though people think we, know each other, you know. Yeah. Surrey and I did that in the castle. Yeah. We didn't even act like we knew each other.

And it was just implied, like, we would quick have these talks when we could. Like, you barely even saw us talking on camera because their camera crew is on as good as this camera crew. And they never even caught us. Hardly talking. And she's like, I'll keep you safe, you keep me safe. And you can never say you're a traitor.

Yeah. But, like, basically, I knew it had to be one of us, and I knew it wasn't me. Right. And it's also one of these things probably of like, I'm staying around. That's the thing. The whole traitor angel of it all in here.

When Sandra coined that phrase, I just didn't verbalize it. But I already, in my mind, I was like, Ceres basically my traitor angel or she's protecting me from the inside. Yeah. Why would I fucking out her?

Do you know what I mean? Yeah. So I really respected Camilla and Kyle's game. She's just, she's a huge threat. I mean, obviously Kyle's because he won, but she's almost like a Ceree. Like, keep her around long enough, she'll win.

whole thing. So, and she's another one, hasn't really made eye contact with me. Yeah. So, like, I don't know if she would even want to get to know me. I don't know. She worries me. What about the 249ers? Any opinions about them? Um, there's been rumors with Savannah won. So we'll see. How true that is, I'll see if I can get that out of Rizzo. But it leads me to believe if she won, he was probably runner up or close, close behind. And either they're working together to hate each So either way, you know, I'd like to get to know both of them first before forming any opinions, but I do think an enemy that you know is like easier to get rid of, or at least you know what you've got than an enemy you don't.

Yeah. I'm going to throw out a weird scenario for you. There's a loved one's visit, but you can only bring a celebrity or a fictional character out as your loved one. Who would you pick and why? Boston Rob. Okay, that counts, I think. He's a celebrity. He's doing Dunkin commercials.

Boston Rob would be my visitor. Yeah. Like, yeah, because I would just need some real true advice. And he'd be the guy. Yeah. That would know it. Absolutely. And what was the second part?

I mean, it's five. It was a fictional character or a celebrity. So if there's another one you want to pick. Otherwise, I think Boston Robb's, he takes up the category for it. He would be freaking everything for me. Last thing I want to ask is that we just talked about all the people that are around you. Who's the one person that you wish from a previous season was on Survivor 50?

The one season, I wish, Rief. Mm. He's got a lot in his hands right now. Yeah, I know. But honestly, he was such a great guy to bounce things off of. And I would say Tom, but we already played together in Heroes, we see how that played out. I thought maybe Rief would maybe come back. He was only on one time.

He was so brilliant. Yeah. Like, truly, he knew the game inside. Now he's the reason I got. He's a big reason I got to the end. Mm-hmm. And I just loved him. And I kept in touch with him for a really long time,

and then I've kind of lost touch. But, you know, I follow him, and I see how successful he's become. Yeah. And I hope he's the next Mike White or better. Absolutely. Just don't say that to Mike. Yeah.

And there you have it. Really fun to see Stephanie re-energize, filled with some VIM and vigor. Maybe a trip to Scotland will do that for you, but she seems ready to finally dive back into the game and perhaps not to dissimilar

to Colby, wanting to make sure that Heroes versus Villains was not the end to her survivor's story. And from what it sounds like, the two of them might be picking up from where they left off. That is going to be a big topic of conversation that Rob and I will get

into tomorrow, and we give our analysis of the Vatu tribe. Again, now that you've heard from all eight members, we're going to stop down and tomorrow. Rob and I are going to get his thoughts on each of these eight interviews and try to put the pieces together a bit based on that friend or foe game or pre-existing relationships as to how we think the dynamics might at least initially work out when it comes to VATU. We want to hear from you all as well. Who do you think is going to immediately glom onto one another? Who's in trouble. You can always let me know your thoughts on social media at a Mike Bloom type. And while you're

there on the interwebs, why not do a couple of favors for us? Go to we know survivor.com to make sure you're subscribed to all of our Survivor podcast feed as we are encroaching upon just a couple weeks left and change before the Survivor 50 premiere. And of course, if you want to see the video versions of these interviews, our tribe breakdowns go to Rob. has a website.com slash YouTube. As we come to the end of another tribe, I just want to thank you all again.

This has been so much fun to write up, to record, to talk about, to watch you all respond to like, truly it brings me more joy than a filet mignon pizza from Gigi's. Had to get the plug

in there, much like Stephanie herself. Well, I am smiling and waving right now to you all, but it won't be too long until you hear from me next as I'll be back tomorrow with Rob breaking down the VATU tribe. Until then, everybody, take care. Bye-bye.