Derek Stusynski: From Weird Kid to Community Builder | Pod Friends

This week’s Pod Friends guest is Derek Stusynski @DerekStusynski), a force behind the Rob Has a Podcast Patreon community and one of the quietly impactful people making RHAP possible. Joining Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Derek shares how growing up feeling weird and out of place became the very thing that taught him how to build belonging for others.

Derek takes us from a farm in rural Minnesota to chasing his creative dreams through improv, web series, and independent films, even winning an episode of Wipeout, before landing behind the scenes at RHAP, where he now helps thousands of fans feel seen, welcomed, and connected. He also opens up about his work as a writer, actor, and filmmaker, including his upcoming film Snatched, starring drag icons like RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Nina West.

This special episode also features messages from members of the RHAP community — Grace, Alyssa, Laura, Kelly, Michael, Tommy Guam, Kim and Tim, Lisa, Mike, and Chantele — who share what Derek and the Patreon experience have meant to them, celebrating the power of chosen family and the magic that happens when people truly show up for one another.

If you have ever felt different, awkward, or alone, Derek’s story is a reminder that those very things can become your greatest strength.

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SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

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Shannon & Peter Guss: Pregnancy, Podcasting, & What’s Next | Pod Friends

This week’s Pod Friends season premiere guests are Shannon Guss (@shannongaitz) and her husband Peter Guss, the hosts of Gussin’ Around, joining Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) live in San Francisco to talk about love, self-worth, community, and the biggest chapter of their lives yet: becoming parents.

Shannon, host of Survivor Global and a familiar voice from Talking Tribal and behind the scenes of Survivor South Africa, and Peter, a longtime sports podcaster in his own right, open up about navigating doubt and joy while growing a family in the public eye. From pregnancy and partnership to fandom, vulnerability, and the RHAP community that helped shape them, this conversation is about what it really takes to believe in your story while everything is changing.

If you have ever wondered whether you are ready for what comes next, this episode is for you.

If you’re curious, check out Shannon’s first appearance on Pod Friends: https://robhasawebsite.com/pod-friends-shannon-guss-defining-her-religious-identity-navigating-ocd-singing-rapping-her-way-into-your-hearts-survivor/

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Email: [email protected]
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
Instagram: @MattScottGW
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Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed
WATCH:  Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

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This week’s Pod Friends guest is Dash Katz (@dashkatz)—actor, model, host, and reality TV superfan. Best known from Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge, Dash steps beyond the game to share their journey of resilience, identity, and community. In this heartfelt and fiery conversation with Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Dash opens up about navigating grief, the reality TV experience beyond the edit, and the power of queer representation. They share their passion for uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and what it means to rise like a phoenix from life’s toughest moments.

But this season finale is also about YOU! Featuring listener voicemails, this episode is a celebration of connection, appreciation, and the incredible Pod Friends community.

4:20 - Rob Cesternino

6:25 - James

8:20 - Stefan

10:35 - Tommy

11:10 - Interview with Dash Katz begins

38:10 - Laura

40:15 - Stacie

43:00 - Joy

1:07:25 - Greg

1:08:55 - Nathan

1:10:55 - Hartley

1:13:30 - Kurt Whether you’re here for the laughs, deep conversations, or unfiltered tea, this episode is all about resilience, joy, and embracing your truth—unapologetically.

 Watch on YouTube: robhasawebsite.com/youtube

 Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

 Become an RHAP patron: robhasawebsite.com/patreon 

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media:

Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW

Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed

WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

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This week’s Pod Friends guest is the legendary Josh Wigler (@roundhoward)—journalist, podcaster, and RHAP’s executive editor. In this heartfelt and hilarious conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Josh gets real about his journey through the highs and lows of life, podcasting, and personal growth.

Listen as Josh opens up about vulnerability, boundaries, and where he is in life now. He reflects on his Survivor coverage, his sobriety journey, and what it means to face the hard things—twice. With musical theater memories, stories of mistaken fame, and a surprise song from Wanda Shirk, this episode is a rollercoaster of laughter, heart, and authenticity.

Whether you know Josh from Post Show Recaps, the Evolution of Strategy, or his iconic Survivor coverage, this conversation is a masterclass in self-reflection, grace, and embracing every part of your story—even the cringey moments.

Don’t forget to visit RHAP on Patreon to listen to Fifteen Minutes with Friends, where we get a little bit more into Carolyn’s mind, including encouragement if you’re going through the Survivor casting process.

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media:

Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW

Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed

WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Pod Friends guest is the one and only James Jones (@J2daJones), the ‘Godfather’ of Survivor 43, but there’s so much more to his story than the game. In this conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), James reveals sides of himself you might not expect—his work in maternal health, his journey through ADHD and anxiety, and how personal loss shaped his passion for building community and creating impact.

Listen as James shares how working in maternity care opened his eyes to racial disparities in healthcare, how hosting events became his way of bringing people together after his mother’s cancer diagnosis, and what really happened the day he pretended he had never heard of Survivor in a group of Survivor superfans… despite just filming the show a few weeks prior. James doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re a Survivor fan, a strategist at heart, or just love hearing inspiring and unexpected life stories, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media:

Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW

Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed

WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Pod Friends guest is the talented Sharon Tharp (@SharonTharp), a leading entertainment journalist and host of The Exclusive podcast. In this insightful conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Sharon shares her journey covering reality TV for nearly 20 years, from writing for top magazines to navigating the ever-changing digital media landscape.

Listen as Sharon dives into the behind-the-scenes world of entertainment reporting, including the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity, handling exit interviews, and balancing personal connections with objective storytelling. She opens up about the evolution of media, the impact of social media on celebrity coverage, and how she brings empathy into her interviews. Whether you’re a media enthusiast or a reality TV superfan, this episode offers a fascinating look at the art of entertainment journalism and the power of adaptability in an ever-changing industry.

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media:

Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW

Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed

WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Pod Friends guest is the iconic Carolyn Wiger (@car0lynr0se), fan-favorite from Survivor 44, The Traitors 3, and co-host of the Let’s Get Tribal podcast. In this deeply heartfelt conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Carolyn opens up about her incredible journey as a single mother, drug counselor, and life coach, and how she’s navigating her “freedom era.” Known for her raw authenticity and emotional depth, Carolyn reflects on her experiences with sobriety, motherhood, and the importance of embracing imperfections.

Listen as Carolyn shares touching stories about raising her son, building open communication, and finding beauty in struggle. Learn how she transformed personal challenges—addiction, ADHD, and abusive relationships—into opportunities for growth and connection. Whether you’re a Survivor fan or inspired by her resilience and honesty, this episode is a masterclass in self-compassion, empathy, and the power of staying true to yourself.

Don’t forget to visit RHAP on Patreon to listen to Fifteen Minutes with Friends, where we get a little bit more into Carolyn’s mind, including encouragement if you’re going through the Survivor casting process.

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media:

Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW

Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed

WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Pod Friends guest is the incomparable Pooya (@Pooyaism), a cornerstone of the RHAP community and a beloved podcaster known for his insightful takes on shows like 90 Day Fiancé, The Masked Singer, The Traitors, and more. In this candid conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Pooya opens up about his journey to becoming one of RHAP’s most recognizable voices, sharing how he’s transformed his insecurities into strengths and built a thriving career in content creation.

Hear Pooya’s reflections on his growth as a podcaster and streamer, his path to “securing insecurity,” and how he channels his experiences into creating communities that resonate. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights, advice for aspiring creators, and a celebration of community. Don’t miss it!

Check out Pooya’s previous Taran Show interview here: https://robhasawebsite.com/taran-show-33-pooya/

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media:

Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW

Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed

WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Pod Friends guest is part of the glue that holds RHAP together! You may not often hear his voice on podcasts, but you’ve undoubtedly seen his impact across RHAP’s live events, community initiatives, and behind-the-scenes operations. In this interview with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Sam More (@SamMoreRHAP) gives a rare glimpse into his journey to RHAP, his love of live TV production, and the work it takes to make RHAP a vibrant and growing community.

Hear Sam reflect on his time working in talent management, how joining the RHAP community changed his path, and what it’s like collaborating with Rob Cesternino to shape the RHAP experience. From anecdotes about the early days of RHAP live shows to managing a global community during the pandemic to RHAP’s Class of 2020, Sam shares how he balances creativity, logistics, and fun to make it all work. Plus, don’t miss a surprise call to Rob himself!

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

This week’s Pod Friends guest is part of the glue that holds RHAP together! You may not often hear his voice on podcasts, but you’ve undoubtedly seen his impact across RHAP’s live events, community initiatives, and behind-the-scenes operations. In this interview with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Sam More (@SamMoreRHAP) gives a rare glimpse into his journey to RHAP, his love of live TV production, and the work it takes to make RHAP a vibrant and growing community.

Hear Sam reflect on his time working in talent management, how joining the RHAP community changed his path, and what it’s like collaborating with Rob Cesternino to shape the RHAP experience. From anecdotes about the early days of RHAP live shows to managing a global community during the pandemic to RHAP’s Class of 2020, Sam shares how he balances creativity, logistics, and fun to make it all work. Plus, don’t miss a surprise call to Rob himself! 

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom

Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media:

Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW

Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends podcast feed

WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices