Omar Zaheer (Survivor, Traitors Canada): Let It Suck | Pod Friends

This week on Pod Friends, Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) sits down with Omar Zaheer (Survivor 42, The Traitors Canada) for an honest conversation about identity, belonging, grief, and the subtle ways we learn to make ourselves smaller just to feel safe.
Omar reflects on growing up Muslim and Indian, becoming a chronic people-pleaser, and finding community through Survivor and RHAP long before stepping into the spotlight himself. He opens up about heartbreak, losing his father, professional burnout as a veterinarian, and what it took to stop waiting for something external to save him and begin healing on his own terms.
Together, Matt and Omar unpack the reality-TV experience — the edit, backlash, panic attacks, and standing up for a friend even when it came at a cost — before closing with reflections on community, integrity, and choosing to take up space.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to shrink or disappear to belong, this episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear — and you don’t have to disappear to be worthy.

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Mark Levy: Stories Squid Game Should’ve Shown | Pod Friends

This week’s Pod Friends featured guest is Mark Levy (@MarkLevy85 on Instagram), best known as Player 100 from Squid Game: The Challenge season 2. Joining Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Mark opens up about resilience after bullying, growing up feeling different, and what it means to move through the world as someone who’s always been “weird” — and learning not just to survive, but to fully love who you are.

Mark takes us through his journey of self-acceptance, passion, fandom, and community, including his decade-long love for the RHAP world and how reality TV became both an escape and a place of belonging. He reflects on how embracing his emotions, vulnerability, and enthusiasm helped shape his confidence, identity, and voice.
The conversation also dives deep into Mark’s Squid Game: The Challenge experience — from the story of his relationship with his fiancée and their now-iconic Star Wars wedding dream, to how sharing that dream nearly got him eliminated without him ever knowing. Along the way, we unpack tears, vulnerability, the edit, and the surreal experience of watching deeply personal moments play out on a global stage.

In a Pod Friends first, Mark also brings on LeAnn Plutnicki (@leannwplutnicki on Instagram) from Season 1 and Manfred Joa (aka Messy Manfred – @Manfred.Joa on Instagram) from Season 2 to pass the mic and spotlight voices he believes deserve to be heard. Together, they explore representation of older women, queer and Asian identity, moments that didn’t make the edit, and the complicated realities of telling your story through reality television. The group also reflects on the power of community, especially within RHAP, and what it means to define yourself rather than let an edit — or the internet — do it for you.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or reduced to a storyline, this episode is a powerful reminder that your story belongs to you — and that reclaiming it can be both healing and transformative.

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Sai Hughley: "Villain", Vision, & Staying Ready | Pod Friends

This week’s Pod Friends guest is Sai Hughley (@BeyonSai_ on Instagram), one of the most dynamic and debated personalities from Survivor 48. Joining Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Sai opens up about navigating life in the public eye, being labeled a “villain,” and what it really means to own your story when the internet has already decided who you are.

Sai takes us through her journey from journalism and digital content creation to entertainment marketing with NBC, sharing how her career behind the scenes prepared her for the spotlight in front of the camera. She talks about the power of vision boarding and scrapbooking, manifesting big dreams, staying ready for opportunities, and learning to play big even when others try to shrink you.

The conversation also dives deep into representation and inspiration, as Sai reflects on the Black women who have shaped her perspective, the importance of tenacity, and the mindset it takes to go after the life you want. Plus, Matt and Sai have some fun breaking down dream picks for the Survivor 50 cast and debating which reality TV players would be perfect for The Traitors.

If you’ve ever been misunderstood, underestimated, or turned into a character instead of a person, Sai’s story is a powerful reminder that perception doesn’t define you — your confidence does.

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
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Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
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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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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.

Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Email: [email protected]
Follow on social media:
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Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
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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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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/

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Email: [email protected]
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Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
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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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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:

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Instagram: @MattScottGW

Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social

Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

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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

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Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

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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 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:

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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 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

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Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:

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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 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