RHAP: We Know Survivor

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!

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Kyle Fraser & Q Burdette 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 sits down with standout players Kyle Fraser and Q Burdette to talk all things strategy, reputation, and gameplay in anticipation of the landmark season. Mike dives deep into these returning castaways’ headspaces, exploring how recent wins, big personalities, and past moves shape their approach to Survivor 50. With a supersized cast and shifting alliances, every move counts, and both Kyle and Q are ready to state their case.

In this interview-packed episode, Mike Bloom explores Kyle Fraser’s journey from newest Sole Survivor to defending champion. Kyle shares what it’s like to play while his winning season is still fresh in everyone’s mind and reflects on navigating public perceptions, especially around his “secret trio” alliance with Joe and Kamilla. Kyle weighs the risks of being an obvious threat and how he plans to use ego management to his advantage, pointing to classic Survivor winners for inspiration. Q Burdette bursts in with his unique brand of energy, discussing fatherhood, the lessons learned from his last chaotic season, and his intention to lay low before unleashing his trademark big moves. Both contenders break down who they see as friends, foes, and frenemies in the game, identifying which castaways pose the biggest risks or could make the strongest allies. They also speculate about the mysterious “49ers”—the two fresh faces whose game tape is still a mystery.

– Kyle’s take on being underestimated and managing the target on his back as a recent winner

– Q’s “wagon” theory for dragging key allies, and his new approach to playing calm before the chaos

– Both contenders’ detailed friend-or-foe breakdowns for the Survivor 50 cast, revealing surprising trusts and threats

– The pair’s thoughts on legacy players like Sandra, Tony, and Earl, plus which Survivor legends they wish were joining this season

– Surprising strategies for jury management, spinning narratives, and tackling unpredictable wild cards

As the Survivor 50 season draws near, pressing questions set the stage: Can Kyle avoid getting blindsided as the defending champion? Will Q’s new “quiet Q” approach keep him safe, or will past chaos resurface? Who will get the upper hand when legends and under-the-radar players collide?

Chapters:

0:00 Intros

6:00 Kyle Discusses Managing His Ego

12:00 Friend or Foe Cast Assessment

18:00 Navigating Returning Player Dynamics

23:06 Kyle’s Narrative Spinning Strategy

27:35 Q’s New Approach Revealed

33:02 Idol Regrets and Lessons Learned

36:03 Q Targets Finalist Players

42:03 Alliance Thoughts: Genevieve, Joe, Kamilla

45:04 Mysterious 49ers: Threats and Suspicions

47:31 Q Admits Past Game Mistakes

48:51 Celebrity Loved One Dream Pick

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!

Colby Donaldson & Genevieve Mushaluk 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 sits down with Survivor legends Colby Donaldson and Genevieve Mushaluk to break down their mindsets and strategies heading into the season. Both players open up about the unique challenges of returning to the island, and share candid thoughts about their fellow castaways and their own approaches to the toughest social game on TV.

Kicking things off, Mike Bloom asks Colby about his return after 15 years and what inspires him to play again. Colby talks about moving back to Texas and reconnecting with his roots, feeling “hungrier” than ever despite being no longer seen as a physical threat by the new cast. When Mike quizzes Colby in a “Friend or Foe” cast assessment, Colby fires from the hip and reveals how old-school alliances may collide with new-era game chaos. Colby even highlights his regrets from Heroes vs. Villains and All Stars, sharing how he’s studied his past mistakes to transform his gameplay for Survivor 50.

Genevieve gets her chance to weigh in, discussing her evolution from strategic player to a more balanced social game. She opens up about feeling like an outsider among a sea of returning players, revealing she has “no friends” on this cast and sees that as both a risk and an opportunity. Genevieve’s own “Friend or Foe” reads are guided by gut instinct, raw vibes, and past Survivor arcs, with surprising picks and a little dry humor mixed in. She’s most worried about being the easy early vote, but vows to bring a cutthroat edge from day one.

– Colby candidly assesses threats and allies, from Cirie and Ozzy to new school wild cards like Kyle and Camilla

– Genevieve admits her fears about early vulnerability and speculates on how social connections shape safety and targeting

– Both players wrestle with past missteps and their plans to rewrite their Survivor legacies

– Colby and Genevieve offer friend-or-foe hot takes on iconic castaways, including Coach, Angelina, Chrissy, and the mysterious “Rizgod”

– Funny moments abound, including Colby’s long-lost schoolyard pick strategy and Genevieve’s goal to channel “Joy” from Inside Out for her loved ones visit

Will Colby’s Texas comeback strategy finally bring him a win, and can Genevieve break out of her outsider shell to outmaneuver old and new alliances? Survivor 50 is shaping up for big reversals and deeper connections.

Chapters:

0:00 Intros

6:11 Colby Embraces New Survivor Era

12:01 Friend or Foe Game Introduced

19:59 Winners Strategy Dissected Deeply

26:15 Colby’s Surprising Schoolyard Picks

33:47 Genevieve’s Transformation Discussed

40:51 Early Game Vulnerability Concerns

46:09 Genevieve Analyzes Cast Vibes

52:02 Lessons From Rachel’s Winning Game

54:59 Celebrity Loved Ones Picked

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!

Angelina Keeley & Aubry Bracco 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 starts a preseason deep dive into the Vatu tribe featuring returnees Angelina Keeley and Aubry Bracco. Angelina opens up about her major life changes since David vs. Goliath, while Aubry reflects on her evolution across her storied Survivor journey, setting the stage for a season full of big personalities, new alliances, and possible blindsides.

Mike chats with Angelina about what it’s like to be called back after seven years away from the game, including leaving behind a young family and a new business to take another shot at the title of Sole Survivor. Angelina breaks down her approach heading into the game, how being a mom and entrepreneur brings a new flavor to her gameplay, why her “BFF, friend, or foe” approach will guide her alliances, and how she handles being labeled “chaotic.” Aubry discusses her surprise at being invited back, what she’s learned from her three previous seasons, and how she aims to play with more self-awareness, adaptability, and focus on one-on-one connections. Both women weigh in on their perceptions of fellow castaways, discussing new era strategists, obvious threats, and the push and pull between loyalty and gameplay.

Angelina ranks her cast as BFF, friend, or foe in a candid alliances game, revealing beef, admiration, and strategic wariness, especially when it comes to winners and new era players.

Aubry shares how being blindsided in Edge of Extinction changed her approach, and why she’s focused on staying grounded and present this time around.

Both discuss leaving behind kids, running businesses, and the “joyful warrior” mindset they hope to channel on the island.

Each interview explores Survivor’s evolving meta, including whether recent winners should be targeted, which returnees are most dangerous, and how pre-existing relationships will shape alliances.

Funny moments include Angelina’s dream “summer solstice” camp party and her family rooting for Ozzy right alongside her.

As the anticipation for season 50 builds, Mike asks: Can Angelina or Aubry climb higher on the Survivor ladder, or will new threats and old friends stand in their way? How will personal growth off the island translate into better game performance in Fiji’s high-stakes returnee showdown?

Chapters:

0:00 Intros

6:25 Angelina Reflects on Major Life Changes

9:00 Friend or Foe Game Begins

13:32 Angelina Discusses Strongest Alliances

15:54 Value of Survivor Prize Money

18:20 Strategy Toward Returning Winners

21:29 Navigating New Era Castmates

26:16 Thoughts on Mystery 49ers Revealed

29:32 Aubry’s Surprising Return Explained

33:38 Aubry’s Changed Perspective on Survivor

36:22 Lessons Learned from Past Losses

37:55 Building Connections and Playing Differently

41:12 Aubry’s Approach to New Players

46:16 Final Cast Impressions and Hopes

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!

Survivor 50 Cila Tribe Preview

Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) and Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) are here to share their thoughts on the Survivor 50 Cila Tribe consisting of Christian Hubicki, Cirie Fields, Emily Flippen, Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, Joe Hunter, Ozzy Lusth, Rick Devens and Savannah Louie!

Rob Cesternino and Mike Bloom preview the Cila Tribe of Survivor 50, analyzing player interviews, preseason strategy, and early alliance potential. Drawing from Mike’s conversations in Fiji, Rob and Mike assess how returning players are preparing for the milestone season and how past reputations may shape early gameplay.

The discussion begins with Christian Hubicki’s “theory of threes” and his concept of “narrative warfare.” Rob and Mike debate whether Christian’s analytical approach will translate into practical influence or make him an early target. They also consider how his likability and intelligence could impact his longevity.

Attention then turns to Cirie Fields’ evolving mindset. Rob and Mike examine her reflections on flexibility, managing relationships, and learning from recent seasons. They evaluate her chances of reaching another deep run and the obstacles she faces in a faster, high-pressure format.

Rob and Mike analyze Emily Flippen’s self-described growth, questioning whether her claims of insecurity mask a highly strategic and capable player. They explore how her social adaptability and reputation from Season 45 could shape her positioning.

Jenna Lewis’ return is framed as one of the tribe’s most unpredictable elements. Rob and Mike highlight her preparation, candid assessments of fellow players, and deliberate use of targeted flattery as a social tool.

The episode also explores Joe’s social strengths, loyalty, and potential path to victory, alongside broader themes of old-school versus new-era dynamics. With detailed breakdowns of relationships, threat perception, and strategic outlooks, the podcast sets the stage for how the Cila Tribe may influence the opening phase of Survivor 50.

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!