The days are dwindling but the fire is heating up. The final six begin with the highest stakes reward challenge of the season and unfortunately for Shauhin, it is not leg day. First up, Jay asks Jeff about the making of a great endurance challenge.  One thing is for sure, it's made all the more dramatic by the pouring rain. Jeff details what it takes for the Survivor crew to be prepared for any and all elements, including a massive rainstorm in the middle of the ocean. Then, the aftermath - how important is getting to the Sanctuary one final time, and what's it like for those who don't make the cut? And what happens to all of those other letters from home? Rachel remembers her experience on the beach while other lucky tribemates got that final fuel and theorizes about how winning the biggest reward of the season can also come with a cost.

Later, Joe's impactful moment remembering his sister. Jeff gives his thoughts on watching it back. And the big move that took everyone by surprise. Plus, your questions, including what Rachel crammed before her time on the island that was ultimately completely useless. 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are bonds meant to be broken? Kyle has a shot on the table, but he can’t keep himself from tears when he considers his options. Jeff, Rachel and Jay discuss the depth of a Survivor bond and how in a zero sum game, someone’s gotta be the first to make a move.

Then, coconut etiquette. Rachel explains the rules at camp when it comes to sharing, and how Mary’s appetite may get the best of her. Later, a journey challenge description sounds like a mad lib. Jeff admits he never believed it would work until he saw it and realized - it does!

The gang also discusses underwater photography and how Survivor is like a nature documentary - you don’t tell the lion when to walk in! Plus, is there an out-loyaled? And your questions, including what Jeff keeps in all those shirt pockets.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We don't have 300-pound biceps, but we've got spirit! Star starts off this week's episode with some motivation, before Jeff, Jay and Rachel dive into the trials of the final 8. First up, Kyle and Kamilla's secret alliance stays secret. Rachel schools us as to why what they have accomplished so far is so unprecedented. Then, fried chicken and waffles, an incredible reward, gets a musical treatment! Jeff details how and why this hot new tune was born.

Then, the name of the game is paranoia. As the rewards become more precious, the feeling of being left back at camp can fester. Rachel explains how that anxiety never really goes away, and for good reason! Later, the rice negotiation... More like a negation. Jeff dives into what it means that the players are refusing rice this season and what it might mean for the seasons ahead. Plus, your questions, including whether the stools at tribal council are a luxury when all you have to sit on is the ground! 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're down to the final nine, which means things are getting tense. First up, wombats! Or rather, Shauhin, in the middle of the night, creeping up on Joe to let him know that Eva snuck off. Jay asks Rachel if this sort of midnight wake up is ever ok. Then, the immunity challenge brings us an epic rematch. Jeff digs into how he approached the aftermath of what ended up being a serious letdown and a major turning point.

Later, the making of a blindside. The gang looks at this seed planting approach and analyzes how long an expert finishing move can take. Plus, how does Jeff's view of an episode change from being there to watching it back? And, your questions, including what would happen if everyone played their Shot in the Dark. 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shauhin just wants to paint the tribe flag, Jeff! But in the new era... the game does not stop. Jeff, Jay and Rachel start by analyzing the pace of the new era and why exactly it moves so fast. Then, the power of two prevails. Jay asks Jeff his favorite part of challenges that require pairs. And Rachel provides insight into why duos are so dangerous as the number of castaways dwindles.

Later, it's time to Get a Grip. Jeff talks about the evolution of the iconic Survivor challenge and why those footholds continue to shrink. Plus, how do you deal with a tribemate with an agenda? And Jeff harkens back to the Survivor season where he decided to wear sunglasses. 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes all you have to do is hang on. Jeff, Jay and Rachel start with a small, but important wrinkle in the game: penmanship. Did Sai's secret vote throw Cedrek into tailspin? Then, the immunity challenge asked castaways to hold 25% of their pre-game body weight and the previous record is shattered. Jay asks Jeff if that means it's time to make it tougher.

Later, with two tribal councils, the gang analyzes the strategic power the first group has in eliminating a potential jury member. Plus, should you ever accept being the decoy vote? And, your questions, including whether Jeff would ever consider bringing back head-to-head physical challenges. 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One will be safe... Twelve will not. The treemail heard round the world kicks off this episode of On Fire, when the castaways find out it's time to earn the merge. First, Jay asks Jeff about the philosophy behind the new era merge and its evolution over the past several seasons. And the merge advantage - Sai's snipe right out from under Charity's nose. Jeff dives into exactly what it takes to happen to capture such an iconic moment.

Then, the merge challenge - why is it so damn hard? Rachel dives into how it feels to be "tarred and feathered" with mud and wood chips. And what was up with that vote read? Rachel and Jay question the order of the votes that took both of them by surprise. Plus, your questions, including how hard would it be to win Survivor if you get extremely hangry? 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First up, trash talk. Sai thinks Mary needs more tact when she gloats in her reward victory. Is she just trying to get under her skin? Next, what is the difference when the challenge team approaches a reward challenge vs. an immunity? And can the players take their foot off the gas? 

After Kamilla and Shauhin discuss the hardships their parents endured, Jeff reveals how players' backstory is always up to them, and how the Survivor team approaches framing a story if and when they do share. Later, Eva's extremely powerful and brave moment after her challenge win. And Jeff digs into the historic moment when he cried for the first time ever on Survivor. 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three words can change the entire game on Survivor, and this week they did. Jeff, Jay and Rachel dive into the switch that mixed up Civa, Vula and Lagi in ways no one could anticipate.

First up, everybody, drop your Buffs®! The gang analyzes the switch and what it really feels like to lose your tribe after 8 days, a Survivor eternity. Later, after Vula unsuccessfully called their shot, the game was afoot. Rachel discusses why searching Kyle's bag might have seemed taboo, but really, wasn't enough! Finally, your questions, including why people love pretending they aren't lawyers! 

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The game never rests... Especially if you're Mary and Sai! This week, Jeff, Jay and Rachel discuss Survivor's ultimate odd couple and if they can ever just work it out. Then, the castaways take on the infamous Survivor blindfold challenge. Jeff dives into its history as well as how they keep players on their toes with each new edition. And Rachel adds her two cents as to who, if anyone, she'd trust to keep her from all of those bruises.

Later, the journey's dice game was the ultimate test of Survivor luck, a critical Survivor game design element. Jay presses Rachel on if it's wise for Kamilla to share the advantage she won with the full Civa tribe. And finally, they break down that unprecedented tribal council, where a deadlock meant Cedrek was the last man standing, literally. Plus, your questions, including asking Jeff whatever happened to that cowboy hat?!

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices