RHAP: We Know Survivor - Talking with T-Bird: Big Tom

Episode Date: July 29, 2026

Talking with T-Bird: Big Tom The time has come for the return of “Talking with T-Bird.” Each episode, Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Survivor: Africa‘s Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper (@tbirdcooper) will catch up with a former Survivor player and talk about anything and take listener questions. This week, Rob and T-Bird talk to Survivor Africa and Survivor All Star’s Big Tom Buchanan. 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!

If you stay here, listen, your life will never be the same as we're talking with T-Bird. Oh, this T-Bird you cannot change. Oh, this T-Bird cannot change. Yeah, that's right, talking with T-Birds like that. They're going to get strange to thanks because Big Tom is joining us. And here is the woman who rounds up all your favorite survivors. It's Theresa T. Bird Cooper. Teabird, how are you?

Hey, Rob. Rob, the music. The music's back. That was a surprise. That was wonderful. Rob, 25 years in, seven years, this is our seventh season. Wow. Yes.

This is our seventh season. I can't believe it. It's great to be here. We've got a great one on here for today. Let me mention it's been a busy summer. I'm in the reading program now. And as you can see up here, I've got the tribe and I've spoken. Yes.

Some great reading material. I highly recommend it for every survivor fan. Thank you so much, T-Bird. Yes. Yes. No, when you say you're in the reading program, what does that mean? I'm not got your book. Oh, okay.

Get in the reading program and get the tribe and I have spoken. Today, we are talking with your friend and mine. The first person that we have ever talked to, I think, that has played on the beach or in the game with

both of us. So we'll ask Big Tom who his favorite is. We'll see. And it is somebody who we both got the chance to play with. Now, unfortunately, and we did try, we could not get Big Tom on video today. So Big Tom is going to be calling in to talking with Teabird. But the good news is we've got a great connection.

He's up in the mountains. And fortunately, he's clear. You won't be able to see him like we were hoping. But, hey, you can hear him. Yes. And you can, you've got the visualization of Big Tom. You can't imagine. You can't get that visual out of your head.

once you've seen or met Big Tom. Yes. He's larger than life. Larger than life. Tiber, before we talk to Big Tom, how are you doing? I'm doing good. And how are you? Yeah, I'm doing good.

I mean, there's so much big brother going on. I know you follow Big Brother from time. I'm following this survivor-laden season of Big Brother? Yes, I'm following Big Brother because of Devons and Dee. Yes. I'm very good friend. I've met Dee, and I really like Dee. I'm good friends with Devons.

So I'm loving Devin's. I love the way Devin's loves to mix it up. He just, I love it. And he's a great guy, by the way. He's a great person. So watching him play, it seems like he's treating everybody, you know, kindly. And he's just a great guy. And to see him mixing it up like, of course, we knew he would.

Yes, I'm loving it. The pride of making Georgia, they call him. The pride of Macon, which is making from Jackson is about 30 minutes. So it's not far away. And so, yeah, I'm enjoying it. How about you? You're doing a lot of coverage for it. Are you enjoying it?

T-Bird, we got to. I mean, that's what RJP is all about. So we're covering this thing. Eight Ways to Sunday. Is that right? Eight ways to Sunday, yes. So listen, when I heard that we're going to be two survivor players, I actually thought you were going to be one of them.

Yeah, you always think that. Remember when you thought I was in sequester for Survivor 50? Well, not only are you my podcast and crime. and a very good friend, I think a lot of you, as far as you playing again on these shows, because you're that good.

Thank you, Tiber. And so I talked to Sam, who was your left-hand, right-hand man, and I said, Sam, is Rob going on Big Brother? He goes, shoot, heck no. And I said, well, I figured since they were having two survivors,

and Rob had initially interviewed for Big Brother, and they moved in the survivor. And you're a big deal now. Did I mention you're a really big deal with the, did I mention the summer reading program and traders? Sure. And for some reason,

season 50 didn't pick you up this time. I think it's got to be robbed. So then Sam said, no, it's not. And then we talked about Devons. And then Sam and I were talking about, why would anybody want to go on Big Brother,

you know, that are, you know, parents, maybe a little bit more mature than most of the players. And so we were kind of running that back and forth. I mean, would you want to go on Big Brother and be gone for three and a half months? I would want to go on Big Brother, but I would not want to go on Big Brother for three months.

Like, I would want to go on Big Brother if they did a shorter season. Mm-hmm. You don't mean you want to go on Big Brother, but just get evicted early. No, I don't want to go on Big Brother and lose, like, off the, but the marathon of Big Brother at this station of my life does not sound super fun. Would you do it? Would you do it for the marathon days? For the marathon?

That would be something I'd really have to think about. It would be an instant yes for some kind of like shorter season. What about Nicole? Would she be up for you doing it? She would not like that. No. She wouldn't because she was real supportive with you on traders. Very supportive.

She was great. She would not like that. But are you ready to get to Big Tom? Yes, I am. All right, T-Bird, I know you've got a great intro planned. Let's go ahead and bring in Big Tom and take it away. This episode is brought to you by Activia. You might already be eating yogurt, but not all yogurts are created equal.

Activia contains over one billion probiotics per serving to survive and reach the gut alive. When it comes to gut health, Activia is the number one family doctor-recommended probiotic yogurt brand. Choose Activia. Feel good from the inside out. Visitactivia.ca for more details. We were first introduced to this likable underrated player from Rich Valley, Virginia on season three Africa. He had never seen the show, but his wife had and was a fan. She thought he should apply.

She shot his video and gave him only one piece of advice. Just keep your mouth shut. He was 45 years old, weighed 285 pounds, and did no training. or preparation. Finding out it would be played in Africa was right up his alley. He hunted grouse, deer, bear, and raccoon. As a kid, he would catch snakes, put them in a pillowcase, and sell them to look out mountain, $5 for poisonous snakes, and a dollar or non-poisonous ones. He had prepared his whole life for this adventure. How hard could it be? Plus, he had his luxury item, the penis of a raccoon.

given to him by an old man who confidently predicted that good luck would befall any who carried it. He knew nothing about the game, but listened to another player who taught him. He used her strategy and his common sense. He was approached by another player and asked if he wanted to be in an alliance. What's that, he asked. He ended up being in a strong alliance of three with a handshake, the only way he had ever done business. The alliance stayed strong, but uncontrollable factors interfered.

He made it today 37, losing 80 pounds, still considered the record, and has said, quote, my honesty probably cost me a million dollars, end quote. But this larger than life, self-recllaimed pick from the sticks left a big impression, and at 48 years old was asked to come back for season 8 for the first returny player season Survivor All-Stars. Now, he knew exactly what he needed to do. He prepared. He spent time at the pool learning to swim. He was physically fit.

He had formed some personal relationships with some of the other players and knew the importance of farming alliances. He ended up on a strong tribe, winning challenges, and staying out of tribal council. He felt he was in a good, solid position to win, but he underestimated the loyalty of his alliance partners who found love on the island. They cut him loose once they thought he was not loyal to them. He was voted out on day 36.

His survivor journey did not end there. He traveled for seven years after his two seasons. He is grateful for all the many first he experienced. First time on an airplane, promoting and endorsing products, visiting many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. I introduced the man who says everything is either black or white, right or wrong, and he believes honesty is integrity. My one-of-a-kind, loyal, amazing friend, Big Tom Buchanan,

and his beautiful childhood sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Sandy. Wow. Hey, Big Tom. That was. Man, that was good. Hey, that tore me up. Hey, so Big Tom, I just want you to know, I've got on my Big Tom starter set. I've got on my overalls.

I've got on my Big Tom sleep shirt that you actually sit me, and it says, T-Birds, T-Birds 90, and I've got my lucky raccoon penis. I guess that is what you sent me. Look, see, right here. And I want to know, is this an actual, is this an actual raccoon penis? Yes, it is. And it's a good, it's a lucky charm. Sweet, baby, Jesus.

Nice for the raccoon. Here it is. There it is. Big Tom, hey, sweetheart. Thank you so much for joining us. Well, I'm glad to be here. I've had trouble with the phone. and, you know, I'm not very high-tech.

Well, you live up on, you live on a mountain somewhere, Big Tom. We're glad we can even hear you. I am too. I was getting nervous. We were, too. Yeah, we were too. Big Tom, let me start by asking you this. So, Sandy, your beautiful wife is the one that had been a fan and got you to apply.

You had never seen the seasons. Did you think it was going to be as difficult? or did you think it was difficult when you went out to Africa? Oh, no. I just knew it was going to be hot. But, you know, I worked on the farm and I was used to the heat and sunshine. And I just said, well, it can't be worse than a summer on the farm putting up, hey, square bells a hay. So I said, hey, I'll be all right.

Yeah. And Big Tom, but wasn't it, because I was thinking about this when I've got your night shirt on here, it was cold or cool slash cold at night because we were all snuggling up. You and I were snuggling up. No hanky, pinky, simply just trying to stay warm, right? You remember? Exactly. But, you know, T. Bird, you're not hard to sleep with.

I can tell you that. If anybody knows you, we were big. buddies and we've always been that way. And so no problem sleeping with you, T-Bird. So, that's a question, T-Bird. So, Tom, I'm so curious to know that you really didn't know anything of what the show was when you went out of. What did you think you were going to go do?

And were you surprised at all? Oh, oh, was I surprised? I was surprised I got on a plane. Me and my wife was, you know, she. was a big leader. She was in, oh, you know, no problem. You'll be all right. And I said, well, what I do?

She should just be yourself. And I said, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's good for you to say. But I'll have to admit I had none a clue. But Big Tom, before you got on the plane to go to Africa, didn't you binge watch a little bit of season one or season two? or had you not? Yeah, yeah. My wife got, you know, it got me the,

well, she said I didn't watch any of it. No, I didn't. I didn't get to watch it. Yeah. She watched it, but I never did, but she, hey, he was telling me everything I needed to do. Lord, it took a Philadelphia lawyer to learn that. T-Bird, I don't think binge watching was invented yet.

well you're right i'm sure you're right about that i keep forgetting but big tom so i mentioned in your intro that when you got out there you had another one of the players on your tribe that was a huge fan and taught you the game and that was kelly goldsmith right yeah yeah uh kelly helped me a lot because you know i i don't know how we got the uh i forgot how we got together but you know we ended up being big buddies. So what did you think when that vote, when Kelly got voted out, I think Lex was kind of leading the group right then. What did you think when Lex was wanting to go after Kelly?

Because you and Kelly were good buddies. Yeah, I was just playing. I was playing along. I didn't have a bit of fault, but that. that was going to happen. And, you know, I wasn't sure. Lex had all those tattoos and a Mohawk, and I thought he was a freaky Friday. I wasn't sure what, you know, I just didn't know what kind of guy, you know, how he was going,

men, him was going to get together. But he approached you right at the beginning and wanted to farm an alliance, which y'all did with you and Lex and Ethan. right, with a handshake? Yeah, a handshake deal. That's the way it was. But did you trust him, or were you still unsure of him at that time? I wasn't sure of him at first.

I wasn't sure of him. But Ethan, you know, he was a sporty guy and stuff. And then after I got the no legs, you know, it grew on me. you know, he was, he had tattoos all over him. And then I learned about some of his family and stuff. And it just, you know, I found out he's a good man. Yeah. Now, I would say, and you correct me if I'm wrong,

was he calling the shots for you and Ethan most of the time? Most of the time, you know, he was a. And he was, he, Lex is a smart man. Let me tell you something. I, I was in

eighth grade before I learned two plus two in my ABCs. Okay. Well, all right. So did you think that Lex, did you think far enough ahead to think Lex could possibly win this game? Because I think you realized he was a threat because you had approached me

some time to let me know that I may want to consider getting Lex off. Of course, little did you know I had been trying to get Lex off. So were you realizing that he might be a threat to win the whole thing? Well, yes,

but it took me a long time because I just, I live in the country and his appearance just with a you know, it just, it just tore me up that, you know, this freaky guy was doing that good. Yeah. So when he was saying, let's go ahead and get Kelly off and kind of basically saying who should go next, who should go next,

did you ever say, hey, no, wait a minute, maybe we should zig this way or zag that way, or did you just let him run the show? well I was basically him run the show because I'm down you people don't realize how smart Lex is and you know and just what a good guy is when you when you get down to it and so every day was a learning experience for me and I was and I was you know learning him and I and I find out you know, hey, you can't judge a bookbuts cover there. Right. But did you think also, because I'm thinking maybe Ethan,

who's also a very smart guy, y'all were thinking, we'll let him stay up front and be kind of the bad guy. So when it comes down to it, maybe at the end, we can get the votes to win. Yeah, maybe. And, you know, we took that hot-hour balloon ride. and me and Lex

and that, you know, being up fire I was going, you know, I was a little nervous of being in our balloon. And Lex, you know, well, he kind of took care of me because I all had to admit I drank a little bit too much a night before.

And, but Lex, he kind of took me under his wings because he knew I was, a country bumpkin and didn't know all that's that. All right, Big Tom, this is a perfect time for me to say this. Yeah, you call yourself a country bumpkin and you play up the, like you don't know what's going on. But I want everybody to know that is not true at all. Remember out there you had set up a chess board to play chess with everybody.

And I'm pretty much sure you beat everybody at chess. Is that correct or not? It was checkers. Checkers. Yeah. Well, and I used to play, you know, I was a pretty good checker player. I will tell you that. And I think I did beat everybody, but, you know, I was a little lucky, but I know that I know that to play checkers.

Yeah, you know how to play checkers. Let me tell you what else you know how to do. Remember when the chicken got out? and I was running around trying to get the chicken and you were laying under a tree. Remember, you were laying under a tree, lying under a tree. And all of a sudden the chicken ran beside you really fast. And Rob, he reached out and grabbed that chicken

and he was like still looking like he was sleeping. Mm-hmm. Do you remember that big time? Yeah, yeah. Now, see, that's my farm training come in. You know, ever since I was a little boy, I've lived on this farm with chickens, cattle, sheep, and, you know, anything to do with animals, I was all about it. So I didn't have problems with that chicken. I didn't have problems eating it either.

No, I know you didn't. Big Tom, what do you think was the hardest part out there for you in Africa? Well, the sun, you know, the heat, I wasn't used to that, you know, that heat, you know, that heat burned down. But also, I, my family, you know, I was, that was hard on me, you know, and of course it was for everybody, but, you know, being away from your family, I, I was family oriented and always have been. And, you know, that was tough almost all, but me for sure. Right. Yeah. You know, recently there was a story that Mark Burnett was interviewed for for the 50 season anniversary of Survivor.

And there was a story about how a lion got a lot closer to where you all were sleeping than anybody had in physical. that an antelope had jumped over a fence and the lion went through it and ran right through the camp that you were at. Is that something that anybody has a recollection of or did this happen where you didn't even realize it? Well, yeah, I'm telling you, by living on the farm, those animals, it didn't matter. and I was all about, you know, lines and this and that, because, you know, I live on this farm, and I knew things weren't as hunky door as they seemed. But we were out amongst them, really. Yeah.

Teepard, did you know that story? I don't know. I did not. I've never heard that story. I would love to know when it took place if it was after the merge. because, but whenever if it was, I never heard that before. So, and I don't remember anybody getting crazy in the camp or as far as the production team, if that had happened.

So that's interesting. I'm not surprised, though. I know big time, remember I thought the heart, probably one of the most challenging other than not knowing who you're playing with was just having to walk so far to get our water and bring it back. I still don't exact. Do you know, Tom, how far we had to walk? down and back to get our water each day?

Do you know? I don't know exactly how far it was, but when you're as weak as we are, people don't realize that you're not eating enough, you're not drinking enough, and you're busy trying to keep the fire going and stuff. They don't realize that the pressure on your body, and it's just, and mentally, it's just tough.

And, you know, sitting in my recliner watching Survivor drinking a bud life and eating Tater chips, it looks simple, but it's not. And also, most, a lot of people would know this about Africa, but we were in the Shava Reserve. So we could do no fishing, no hunting, nothing. We just lived off a little bit of maze, which is basically like a kind of rice product, a little palmful twice a day. So that was it, right? Right, Big Tom?

We got an, we eat enough, I guess rice wouldn't even make good day. Yeah, we were, we were very much limited, very much limited. And I won't eat grids, rice to this day. my wife knows that she fixes it not to put none on my plate. I'm done. Really? Because of Africa? Yeah.

Yeah. I just, you know what? I just, she knows that's not something I need. Right. Okay. You talked about how on the chair watching Survivor with a Bud Light, Are you still watching the show? Do you keep up with it?

Yeah, yeah. It's part of my life. And you watch Survivor 50? Yes. What do you think? I don't think it are, of course, naturally, I wouldn't think it's as good as ours. You know, they seem like they get a lot of food,

and get the go-to-resort. to get a candy apple and a sucker when they do something good. So Big Tom, what do you think about the different changes through all these seasons with them going from 36 days to 29 days and that all of these different types of idols and nullifiers and the Jimmy Fallon and the, you know, Billy Elish idols? What do you think about all that? You like it, right?

It's not a true survival. Now, it's, you know, I tell everybody when I watch it. That ain't us. That ain't the way we had it. Hey, Lex, I want to ask you, Lex, Ethan. Big Tom, big Tom. I want to ask you. Well, I'm thinking about you.

Look, I've got you three guys. You can't see this. Look, Rob. This was my three. These were the guys I had to pull down to try to win Africa. These three toughies right here. Where's your TV guide, T-Bird? Big Tom.

I don't know. Anyway, Big Tom, I've got your TV guide. Yours, Ethan and Lexus sitting on my desk. Anyway, so what I was going to ask you, Big Tom, you know, we saw during Survivor 50, Jeff Proops make a little hiccup during the live finale when he had, Rob, what, who was it that he, it was. The Riz God, T-Bird.

The Riz God. The Riz God. Okay. Generally, I will always say, I don't think Proops usually. messes up ever. However, in our season, there was a little hiccup that I think we all found out about on finale night in Big Tom, if you

can, if you're able to talk about this, was when they did the question and answers and the controversy over Lindsay's pierced ears. Can you tell to me about that? It was a tattoo on her butt, wasn't it? Yeah.

That was that was Isn't that controversy? I thought it was who... Big Tom, I thought it was who does not have any piercings? Yeah. Was that it? I could be wrong.

Well, you could be right because Lindsay... I said she had a tattoo on her butt, but I don't think she had a but on her, but she didn't wear her ear rings or not. Right. So when we were in the green room during finale night and that came out

and then Lindsay said something about I don't have any ear, I don't have any ear piercings, any piercings. That kind of changed up the whole final four, I guess, because didn't that move you and Lex up to first place status as far as the money won from the game? Are you able to talk about that? Well, I don't think it moved us up, you know. It was a mistake, but I think they made it right with us as time went on. You know, as time went on. So, you know, that's kind of all I can say about that. All right, that's good.

And maybe I shouldn't have asked you that. But anyway, so thank you for that. This is what I'm really, really curious about. Had you and Lex been the final two, who do you think would have won with the two of y'all? Oh, man, that's tough. You know, as people got to know Lex, you know, it was just like me, you know.

The more I knew him and stuff, And he would have probably been me, because most people know that I'm a third grade speller and a Sam's grade smeller. I mean, it just, I'm just an old farm boy at Lex. You know, he's got all the tools. All right. Hubert, who do you have voted for? Rob, I was thinking that you might ask me that. All right, Big Tom, Big Tom, I love you dearly, right?

We've known each other. Oh, this is not looking good, Big Tom. Big Tom. I know. Listen, I'm not sure when you say you think Lex would have won. I'm not sure. Big Tom, I would have voted for Lex. But let me tell you why.

Lex was my kryptonite. Lex was the one I thought. If I can get Lex out, then I've got, I can kind of, I think I can get in through here. So he's the one I focused on so hard from the merge. Because I knew he was calling shots. So I would have voted for Lex only because, in my opinion, he played the game right up front. He wasn't afraid of it, which is why I think if he had been up against Ethan, I think Ethan would have won. and if he had been up against you,

I'm not so sure you wouldn't have won too because I think a lot of people, you know, were probably frustrated with Lex. But I thought if I'm going to vote for the one that's played this game, Lex has played this game. How do you feel about that? Yeah, it could be.

You know, I mean, he, you know, Lex, he knew all the cracks and crannies there, and me, hey, I didn't know, I was lucky to know morning from night. All right, so Big Tom, let's fast forward. Can I do it? Teabird, can I just say that? So I feel like Big Tom,

Big Tom, I think has Frank. I think Big Tom has Kelly Goldsmith. Yes. But I'm not sure. I'm not sure who else we're getting for Big Tom. All right. Brandon goes with. Lex.

Brandon goes to Lex. All right. Who else is here? Maybe Kim Powers. How about Kim Powers? I think Big Tom. Yeah. Yeah.

Big Tom. Yeah. Kim. All right. Big Tom. So what about Kim Johnson? I'm not looking too good for Big Tom. I don't think so.

Maybe what about Ethan? What about Ethan? Ethan's a wild card. Yeah. Big Tom. With whoever would that he felt would help him the most, you know, he could be. But, Ethan, I mean, he's going to explain that.

But Big Tom, if it's you and Lex, who does Ethan vote for? You or Lex? That's going to have to be one of the his questions you're going to ask. Sandy, Sandy, what do you think? I think you'd have to ask him. I don't know. Fair enough. It might come down to who votes him out.

Like, does Lex win the final challenge and then vote out Ethan? Right. And maybe is Ethan like, I didn't like that. Yeah. I mean, it would have definitely been a toss-up. Been an interesting, an interesting one. All right, fast forward. Then you were such a huge, huge character.

They put you on Survivor All-Stars. Remember that? Yeah. Yeah, it was, well, I just, I didn't know, But there I was on All-Stars. All right. So was there a big difference to you in All-Stars to Africa? Was it different since you'd already play?

You had a, you know, you had a knowledge of what it was going to be like. Certainly, because, you know, in Africa, I had not a clue just what my wife had told me and what I was, you know, what little. I just didn't know anything in there. And now I felt like I knew what was going on. And I knew that I was, you know, I need to hook up and get things going. We've got no beating around the bush this time. All right. Rob, I have to ask Big Tom this.

There's such raw emotions. And I've got a friend of mine, Susie. Susie from St. Louis wanted me to ask Big Tom, is it harder playing with strangers or with friends people you actually know, which a lot on All-Stars you already actually met and had developed relationships with. Which is harder? It's harder to make decisions with your friends and have, you know, because you're saying, well, I'm all having to look them in the eye, you know, but I was raised that,

eye for eye, you know, and, you know, whatever I say, you know, I try to stick with it and I, not tell tells and stuff. And that was one thing is, you know, my parents and grandparents, you know, that was one thing. They had taught me, you know, that that was the key, you know. So. Did you have any pregame alliances going into All-Stars, maybe with Lex and Ethan? No. Well, I was the work. You know, in other words, I didn't even know about being on All-Stars.

less. But we were, we were buddies, but, you know, we, at once we got out, we were busy. I mean, you know, and Ethan and Lex was too. But, I mean, I had a agenda to go through.

I mean, they were people. I just couldn't believe I had that many fans. Right. All right. So, Big Tom, you knew Ethan and Lex were going to be out there. So I'm wondering, since Ethan had already won.

Did that make a difference on how you played? Did y'all talk to each other and say, you know, let's just get out there and we'll see how it plays out? Yeah, basically that was it. But, you know, I just kept saying, hey, I need the money. I've got a farm pay for. I got a wife that eats a lot. and I had to take care of feed her and my boy. So I was all about going a long way because I needed money.

Right. Okay. So you get out there. You've got an alliance formed and your tribe did really, really, really well. And you thought you had a really good end. Not amazingly well. Well, hey, this is a lot. a good opportunity. Oh, fine. Hey,

Ben Tom, do you remember a player? Not undefeated. Okay. Good Tom, do you remember a player out there named Rob? Yeah. Unfortunately, yeah. No, which, which one? Which Rob? Boston Rob was my pain in the butt. Do you remember the other Rob that was out there that made it to day 12? Yeah, yeah.

What'd you think about his gameplay? Well, you know, I was, he was a, he was a computer man, and I thought he was smart, but I, I didn't think, you know, I didn't think he was going to, I wasn't worried about him. I had that other Rob in my site. Mm-hmm. All right. Rob, what do you say to that? I had so much fun with Big Tom that big, you know, I remember just having so many laughs with Big Tom. And, you know, for me, it was like I watched this person on television.

And then I was just so happy that I was in person getting to just be. front row seat to the comedy show that was Big Tom. And he used to talk about how that Boston, Rob and Amber, they're going to have the survivor baby. And they're going to name it Crowbar. And they did have, they had four babies. They did not name any Crowbar. But Big Tom did call that they were going to have a baby.

Yeah. Yeah. I did. I knew. I knew that was. I don't know why I won't the name at Crowbar, but... I don't know why either. I called that shot.

He did. So, Big Tom, Big Tom, when did it come off the rails for you? Was it when Kathy confirmed to Boston Rob that you and Lex were in an alliance once you two got together. Is that when everything kind of came apart for you with Boston Rob and Amber? Let's see. When Legs, I think, the same Amber, that kind of turned a boat around, you know, when I said, well, wait a minute, I said to myself, Seth, Lex what are you doing saying if you

Amber, you know. Amber's pretty to look at, but I mean, she ain't no dummy. So once he saved her, did you know that might be a problem that Boston Rob might not honor the handshake? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, it lit the light up.

That sure it is. Yeah, could we go back to that? Because I feel like that from your perspective, what was your reaction? Because, you know, you were on the tribe with Rob. and Amber. And so they were your allies. And then Amber goes off with Lex and Kathy and Sheehan and Jerry. And so it must have been like on the one hand where

if Amber gets voted out, then Rob has less options to work with. Like he probably has to stick with you more. And you didn't do it. Like, you know, if anything, if Lex and Kathy did it. But then that then they save her. It's also somebody who was your ally. So it must have been mixed emotions for you. I wasn't too mixed, because I didn't trust him.

I feed him to Ted a little bit to let him suckle. But I didn't trust him and that one. You know, I just never could get him to hug. sure. Big Tom, and this, I could have gotten this wrong, but it seems like that I had read somewhere or heard in an interview that you had done, that you thought Boston Rob was your guy and that y'all were going to take it to the end. Did I have that wrong?

Yeah, yeah, that one, yeah. I know he wasn't my guy. Okay. You know, the situation, a daily situation, and stuff and decisions. And I couldn't compete with Amber, so don't

forget about that. Right. So after Lex was gone, Rupert and Jenna came to you and said, join us, come with us. And did you think maybe

or did you think you were still okay hanging in with, well, obviously you stayed with Boston Robb and Amber, but did you want to, why didn't you go with Rupert and Jenna? I probably should have, you know.

And, but, you know, I wasn't, I wasn't the greatest fan of Rupert, you know. I mean, I thought he was a little more talkative and stuff about, you know, all the game. And I just, I said, well, you know, I ain't got no college degree on this survivor. but, you know, I'm still playing, but I always felt like Rupert was, you know, bigger, you know, he thought he was a little bit bigger wheel than what he was. But, you know, I liked Rupert. I just getting, you know, I just didn't think it was all there.

All right. Now, what about Jenna? Did you have much of a relationship with Jenna at that time? Not really no No Okay Yeah And they were close with Robin Amber too

And so that was like a tricky spot where They did have good relationships with Jenna Even from before the show started And then she had Rupert So that was going to be a Tough nut to crack Right

Yeah For sure For sure that, you know, and that was it. Yeah, but did you watch Jenna play on Survivor 50? Yeah, I sure did. Yes. Were you surprised?

Are you surprised that she ended up being the first person voted out on Survivor 50? Yes, I just, I don't know. Well, I just, she may have pushed a little too hard there, you know. And plus, you probably had some at Rob Sweep still stunk on her. I don't know. What about Colby? We excited to see Colby play on Survivor 50. I wish I could play with him.

Yeah, he was A number one, and I liked him for sure. Do you think if you had played Survivor 50 with Boston Rob also, if y'all could have made demands and you worked together in alliance? No. I'm foolish, but I ain't that foolish. Have you stayed in touch with Boston Rob? No, no. I think he called me or I called him one time or something, but I was, and I got the, I got the, I got the, I, I got the, a visit with him some

on, we'd run into travel. But Alston Rob he was well, and he wasn't far wrong and I was a big dummy. And he didn't make no bones

about it. And he even said he couldn't understand me talking in my side. Well, you know. And so I just never could. We never did patch everything up. And, you know, he talked about basically my family was morons.

And I, you know what? Probably wasn't far wrong. We were up here a bunch of Hicks, and I didn't realize how much, but I didn't like it. Yeah. And that's understandable for sure. I know how protective you are, especially when. Bucky Boe came out to visit and he was

making jokes. And I'm sure that he's a parent too now. I'm sure he would not like anybody making jokes about his family. But I do feel like that you two you know, it's hard that there's

so much there's like a lot of emotion that's in it. But I feel like there was a good friendship there to start. Like, you guys did get along good from what I saw. You still, oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I mean, I, yeah, it's like, you know, you've ever had your wife mad at you.

You know, you got to make up and at least talk and go along. And so I've been in that boat before and known how to get out of it. So, yeah. That's the way I kind of handled it. And Big Tom and Rob, I know, you know, the All-Stars was a while back, but I think theatrics, of course, we see more theatrics now with the players wanting to do, you know, big confessions. And, you know, I'm wondering if Austin Rob wasn't doing a lot of theatrics

with some of the things he was saying and not necessarily completely meaning it. yeah oh yeah yeah for sure but like and you know he was trying to do his best and uh when he a lot of times when he reached in a bag of tricks a lot of times when he get do-do on his hands when he's right in that bag uh you know it just didn't pan out for me so but uh you know but everybody's got their own deal. And Big Tom, this is, I think I know the answer for this for you, but do you think you play the game the way you live your life? Yeah, I pretty much, you know, I'm straight on about everything.

And I didn't have sense enough to know I played a game much less. You know, I was, you know, I didn't have a clue. I was just out there just, I was having fun, and I was, I just couldn't believe that, you know, I was even on the show. So I didn't get all the war up. I was giggling and just doing the thing. And Big Tom, do you think your edit was accurate? it because even some people I know on our season in Africa would say their edit was not how they really are or how they really were.

And Rob, I'd like your opinion on this as well because I feel like most of us play the game the way we live our life. Now, you might not like the way it comes across. And I know editing can change that up a little bit. But I think that you pretty much are the way you are out there. I'll agree with that. I mean, you know, I hate to say it about what I am and what I am. Yeah.

That's just me. Yeah, I think you can get underedited. I think that if they don't show you enough, I think that they could paint a different picture. But I think if they show enough of you, I think that we start to get through the real person is. yeah i'll i'll agree with that especially the longer you go is the longer people know you and see what your true feelings are or what's going on and and i'll say living around that campfire you know uh it'll take and after a few days you know it gets pretty uh growly and you know aggravation uh at kick-sick So, Big Tom, now I don't know, I know you had a lot of sleep deprivation. Did you have that in Africa and in All-Stars where you barely slept at all? Yeah, I didn't sleep.

I didn't sleep much, even on. I didn't know that. Oh, yeah. I just, I was a wiggler at night. I was wiggling around and this and that. Big Tom. All right, Big Tom. So I was curious, you lost 80 pounds in Africa, which still and will probably remain the record since now we're down to 29 days instead of 36 days.

How much weight did you lose in All-Stars? Because you were already pretty trim in All-Stars. I didn't lose much, you know, a large amount of weight. But I had, I knew what was coming. I had worked out. I had jogged a little. And, you know, my wife was pushing me to do this and do that. And nothing, she ain't the best cook in the world.

So I ain't much way I could have got fat. My mom was fashioned away. And this woman I'm married, too, she didn't win the cooking book. Oh, hope he told me. Now, I know Sandy, Sandy, I hope you can hear this. And I love Sandy. And I've been to your place several times where Sandy has cooked. Her cooking is not bad at all.

And Big Tom, also, when you played Africa, what did I say he weighed? He said 285, I think. 285 pounds. Your wife was cooking for you then when you weighed 285 pounds. So what do you say about that? Right, Sandy? I say I'm a pig. Yeah, I was a desperate pig.

A desperate pig. Yeah, I was desperate. I had a day. So it worked out. It might not work out when you get off of this podcast, but good luck to you for that. Hey, so, big Tom, I have to ask you this. In what country did season three Survivor take place? in what country

It was Africa Yeah Remember I think this was so cute Remember in All Stars When they had the question and answer And then they asked Y'all

I think you had Your tribe was listening to you And you said Nairobi Do you remember that? You said Nairobi Instead of Kenya, Africa And last second Lex was over there telling everybody, Kenya,

and I thought that was really cute. So, yes, we were at Kenya. Hey, is this accurate that you were asked back, you've been asked back, you were asked back for fans versus favorites, but you requested to have upfront cash, upfront money, so you think that might have caused you from being cast.

Is that correct? No, I don't think so. I just don't think they wanted me. But did you ask for upfront money to go back out there? No. I obviously, hey, I was used to being poor. They never asked me back, and money was never a problem for me, you know. I mean, I never had none.

So Big Tom, what was the coolest thing you did after Survivor with all of your seven years of traveling? Oh, I, you know, I'm with, I guess I'm, you know, I got to go places that I never even thought about going. But I went, New Zealand, Japan. And I mean, I have a country and I get that. And I ended up with kids going to schools. And, you know, that was, you know, it just ended up being a big thing for me to go in and get that. I never thought, I never was a real smart guy. And I never thought I'd get a chance to tell the kids stuff.

And it just, my travels, you know, I traveled to every school in the state, I guess, around here and everywhere. And that really turned me out. I do want to, I do want to make a note, let everybody listen to note that you started a reading program at your elementary school. Reading is the key to survival. So you definitely took your survivor fame, you know, to help. others, which does not surprise me at all. Well, it turned out, you know, a lot bigger than I ever dreamed of. And, you know, it just, and so, you know, I had so much trouble, you know,

doing everything school-wise, because I never, all I know, I know, all I knew about was Cal. So this school thing was not on my agenda, but after Survivor, I realized all the kids that was watching into it. And so it really, I found out it was really a good thing. Yeah. So Big Tom, you know, we're still, of course, very close, and you're really close with a couple of the other players. I want you to hear a little stuff that we've got for you from one of the people you might have remembered that played on Africa with us. What's up, Big Tom and Teabird and Rob? Can you believe 25 years ago this month, July, 2001, we were playing Survivor Africa. I think right about now we formed our alliance, me, you, Lex, and all the way to the end of the game

together. And I mean, I remember hopping off that truck at the start of the game. And I took one look at you. And I was like, this guy is going to die out here. But it was the exact opposite. You were incredible. You played a great game, strong. You knew where the water was. You gave away your ham to me. Thank you so much. If I played this game again, I would definitely eat the ham. I'm just going to let you know. So if that ever happens again, I'm eating the ham. not getting a freebie anymore. I also want to know, is Buster the Boyle still around? That thing that was living underneath your skin in your neck for pretty much the entire game.

I have nightmares about Buster the Boyle. But anyway, Big Tom, you are a true legend of Survivor. I hope you having fun of the podcast, and I can't wait to hang out with you getting sued, bud. Truly good and Buster the Ball. That thing like killed me. But, yeah, I will up it. I will fit. And it's good to hear from an old friend.

And I'm just telling you, that's part of survivor that I'm 70 years old. And it's one thing I can say, we steal my friends. Yep. And I want to mention that Ethan's got a podcast kicking back Weed and the World Cup. So he mentioned that for me to mention it. So there's that for Ethan. All right. So Big Tom, but you made some other friends, too, from some other seasons.

Some big characters. Good question. Some big characters. Let's see if you remember this guy. Big Tom, it's Fur Play. Just checking in on you, buddy. I'm over here at a hydraulic place. They said you sold them some bootleg, bootleg.

That's right. That moonshine you sold him was Antipreeze. they're still drunk they said everything's fine don't worry about it big time love you brother wow i'll say we've got some i i still got them i mean there are we made friends for life out there and you know how can you what can you say it was just uh i just every now on there is like times like it, you know, when a master do something, it just runs all the way back. And, you know, I think about how lucky I was to have friends, you know,

that's a lifelong friend. And that don't have them. But, you know, these Army guys that have been to the armies, and I understand how they get, how they were with friends. and they still got them, and that's the way we are. It is. 25 years later, I know I could pick up the phone, Paul Big Tom, Ethan, Lex, I mean, and know that it doesn't matter how long it's been,

we connect right back. Really cool. Yeah. It's a beautiful. Yeah, and if we need anything, I wouldn't feel a bit, you know, if I got a jam or something, there's a nothing I'd, I'd call any of them. You know, they'd be right.

You know, they'd be there for you. I mean, that's, we've made a different kind of friendships. It's a lifelong friendship of people we didn't know. And there they are. Yeah. Very, very, very awesome. Very beautiful. And real, very beautiful, real friendships.

Big Tom, I saw a video recently where you talked about how you still live in the house that you grew up in. That's incredible. Yeah, yeah. Well, it's just an old big house, you know. It's just an old big farmhouse. And, you know, I think my parents groved up here. I think they had two sets of twins and seven of them and one girl. and so this house has been used to some rough transitions.

Yeah. It's a beautiful, very warm home. The farm is beautiful, Big Tom and Sandy. It's absolutely beautiful. There's no place on earth like it. You might not have good Wi-Fi reception, but hey, it's worth it what you got there on that mountain. Yeah, yeah.

we've got a donkey or two and we and cattle but we've got I don't need I don't need a whole lot and

about everything I need right here so everything everything's good I just and I let you know when people come up I say well

what do you want to see you know I don't know you know walks the things to see and then I go to I went to New York City and didn't know how to cross the street

and everything else. I had a learning experience. Well, Big Tom, you were recognized in your town before you were recognized in your town. But are you still recognized other places if you leave your home and go to New York or wherever? Are you still recognized? Yeah, but not like it was.

You know, I used to call it. myself Elvis personally. I just couldn't shake it like he could. But I always it's pretty close. And I

just laugh and say you know that I can go nowhere and especially from being in a small town like yes, you know. There would be people lined up in a dry

way and I'd say what the hell What do I want to me to do? What they want? And I just, you know, I just started doing things with kids with them and, you know, they're going to schools and stuff. And it just rolled in. You know, I felt like ever stressful. I think I remember you saying we were baby rock stars.

Yeah. Baby rock stars. Yeah. We was. Big Tom, thank you so much for joining us. Thank you so much, Sandy, for being there, Big Tom. Oh, yeah.

You're welcome. Yeah. And I thank y'all. I've enjoyed it. Teabird, it's always good talking to you. And having a girlfriend from Survivor is great. and so but

we we just glad to hear from him and hey don't don't forget our man there

oh Rob, Rob C Rob C I want to thank him too yeah I'm glad it worked out Tom

hey big Tom Rob Rob C is actually a baby rock star he's got a book out. He is a New York Times bestseller. Rob, I've got to, hey, hold on. What?

I got to ring the bell for you. He's a New York Times bestseller writing his Survivor book, which is right up here. Great summer reading. So big time, big time, Rob sees a, he's a big deal. Well, Tom, you call me Little Rob. I'm glad that didn't stick. That didn't become my official name. Little Rob.

Only big time. For sure. Yeah. Well, listen, I want to read the book. It may take me a year. Like I said, I'm not, but I sure can read and I'll read it. Yeah. So if you get a change, just send it on.

Okay. And it'll take me a while to read it, but I want to read it. and I'm sure I'll be happy over it. Thank you so much, Big Tom. Yeah. Well, and both y'all, you don't forget, I've got a cabin on this farm, and I've got a mule you can ride

and two or three other things. So y'all, if you get a chance, come up to stay a day with it, but don't, hey, bring a hamburger. My wife can't cook. She's getting more people of shit than anybody I know. But anyway, it's better than nothing. Big Tom, much luck to you for the rest of the day. Good luck to you.

That's all I have to say about that. Love you, Big Tom. Love you, Sandy. Okay. Thanks, Big Tom. Okay, hey, I'll see y'all and come up anytime. I love you. All right.

All right, seven. Bye. Bye. All right, T. Bird, there you have it. Big Tom Buchanan. Big Tom. Hey, do you have your little bell anymore? Yeah, I haven't.

I hadn't heard it much times. I had many times during this podcast. Well, you have one. I don't want to overdo it. Well, you're right. And plus, I keep missing it. I would have done it more, but I keep missing it down here. You do with your foot.

Right. My foot keeps missing it. Anyway, what a great podcast that was. Yes. Okay. Tom. Classic. Yeah.

Fun to catch up. with Big Tom. Tiber, what do you do with your raccoon penis when you're not talking to Big Tom? All right.

So I have had this up in my little survivor shrine cabinets. And luckily, none of your guests ask you what it is, right?

Do you know, I guess I never really thought of it until I was, you know, doing this research for Big Tom and his podcast.

And I thought, wait a minute, he sent me one. And then I wondered if it was actually real, which in my heart of hearts, I felt like it

probably was. So I don't know. We have raccoons here on the farm. It's going to change the way I look at the raccoons. Right. Right. But yeah, just stays up on the bookshelf with all my other survivor stuff. Yes. Okay. Well, hopefully, no questions about that. Tiber, what's coming up for you? What will you be working on next? Well, I'm trying to get some more really good guess this season. Yes. And I hope we've got a few really good ones lined up. I think you, from what I've heard, I think there's reason for optimism. Yes, I'm hopeful. So I'm excited to be back with you.

It's been a while. Yeah. Okay. All right. So be on the lookout for more talking with T-Bird coming this summer. In the meantime, follow T-Bird on social media. Check out all of the fun videos she's making along the way. And then check out everything else we have going on over here on R-HAP.

T-Bird, anything else? No. Thank you for joining us. All right. More to come. Take care. everybody have a good one. Bye. Hi.

A lot of folks listen to Rob, it's a podcast, because they want to get smarter about Survivor. But when you want to get smarter about your money or your time, you got to check out all the hacks. The host is named Chris Hutchins. He's a financial optimizer, not like Emily Flippin. He sold two companies. He traveled to over 60 countries, mostly for free, racked up millions of rewards points. that every week, he breaks down exactly how he thinks about getting more out of life without spending more to do it.

It's one of those shows where you finish an episode and immediately want to change something. Two episodes worth your time, episodes 170 on cashback versus points, which reframes how to actually think about credit card strategy, and episode 176 with Nick Reyes, redeeming points for maximum value. It really pairs well. Between the two, you'll have a completely different approach on how to get travel rewards. No fluff, just proven playbooks to travel better, spend smarter, and design a life you're excited about. Every episode has at least one thing that you can act on the same day.

Search for all the hacks. That's all the hacks in your podcast app. Hit follow and start upgrading your life today.