In this episode of Post-Podium, I am joined by Justin Bolsen, the winner of the recent Jeopardy! High School Reunion Tournament - a competition including 27 contestants who previously competed in the teen tournaments of season 35. In his last appearance on the show, Justin finished as a semifinalist; this time around, he completed his redemption arc by defeating Jackson Jones and Maya Wright in a two-day total point affair final. Topics discussed include Justin's preparation for the teen tournament versus the HSRT, his eager response to a clue about one of his favorite musical artists, and how he plans to face his greatest challenge yet: the season 39 Tournament of Champions (TOC). We also analyze each of his games from the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals individually and talk about, among other things, the nuances of gameplay and wagering strategy.

Timestamps

0:14 Introducing Justin Bolsen

0:55 What was competing in the teen tournament like?

2:16 Did Justin make any large purchases after the teen tournament?

2:43 How did both groups of teen tournament contestants get to know each other?

4:06 Justin on his connection to trivia after the teen tournament

5:44 Justin's reaction to the first email about the HSRT

7:21 Did Justin ever consider the possibility of a second chance?

8:08 Who did Justin not want to face in the quarterfinals?

9:28 Best glow-up of the HSRT?

10:08 Justin on studying for the teen tournament vs. the HSRT

12:01 Final Jeopardy! wagering was consistent throughout the HSRT

12:57 Did Justin have any goals or expectations for the HSRT?

13:52 Justin on how his quiz bowl experience shaped his preparation

14:52 Justin's best and worst categories

16:44 No college attire?

17:43 Any unused contestant stories?

18:45 Justin's quarterfinal match (vs. Shriya Yarlagadda, vs. Teagan O'Sullivan)

21:26 "Who is JID?"

23:06 How did Justin spend his day off before the last taping day?

25:00 Justin's semifinal match (vs. Stephanie Pierson, vs. Claire Sattler)

29:02 The Finals: Game 1 (vs. Jackson Jones, vs. Maya Wright)

31:57 The Finals: Game 2

35:02 Post-HSRT celebrations

35:56 Justin's HSRT watch party experience

37:00 Justin's dad's reaction to the finals

37:42 How much clout does winning on Jeopardy! get you at Brown?

38:22 Justin's plans for the prize money

38:48 Who is Justin looking forward to meeting in the TOC?

39:26 Some trivia regarding Justin's TOC berth

40:03 How much time will Justin dedicate to TOC prep?

40:59 Wrapping up and promoting social media

42:06 Outro