Melissa Deni Talks The Amazing Race Season 38 Ep 3

Host Mike Bloom welcomes Melissa Deni, fan-favorite Big Brother analyst and lifelong Amazing Race viewer, for a dive into one of the most strategic and chaotic seasons yet. This “incredibly Big Brother-based” edition of The Amazing Race 38 has transformed the globe-trotting competition into a social strategy game—and Melissa has takes.

Melissa admits the season has “exceeded my expectations,” praising how alliances and gameplay echo Big Brother’s best seasons. She and Mike dissect the rise of the Train Wreck Alliance—a three-team pact between Natalie Negrotti, Stephanie Negrotti, and Joseph Abdin that shared directions, gifted a birthday win, and deflected attention in true Big Brother fashion. Melissa especially loves that the alliance members—known more for personality than cutthroat gameplay—are unexpectedly thriving strategically.

They also break down standout team performances: Jag and Jas Bains’ near-perfect dominance; Natalie and Stephanie Negrotti’s surprising physical and tactical strength; and Taylor Hale and Kyland Young’s puzzling ninth-place stumble after early promise. Melissa laments the loss of Matt and Megan Turner, her favorite “fun-quote team,” while applauding Kat Dunn and Alex Romo for their kindness and chemistry.

Along the way, Mike and Melissa unpack Amazing Race mechanics—the Roadblock quota rule, post-leg isolation policy, and the “Driver’s Seat” twist that mirrors a Big Brother Head of Household power. As the Race heads to Budapest, Melissa is rooting for more personality-driven casting in future seasons—and maybe even a return for Zach Rance.

The Amazing Race is back — and this time, the cast is full of familiar faces from the Big Brother house! Mike Bloom and Melissa Deni break down episode three.

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