The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Survivor 51 Cast Reveal First Reactions

   Survivor 51 Cast Reveal First Reactions Watch the podcast on YouTube! Survivor 51 explodes into the “open era” as Rob Cesternino and guest Mike Bloom come to you live from RHAPCon in Milwaukee with a special Survivor 51 cast release episode. The hosts give their instant reactions to the largest cast ever at 21 players, a new unpredictable game format, and a tribal council set decked out with actual whale bones. RHAPCon is the backdrop as Rob and Mike tackle all the latest twists and turns delivered in a surprise 30-minute Survivor 51 cast video, laying out everything fans can expect ahead of the September 23 premiere. This episode dives deep into the brand-new concept of the “open era,” where any past advantage, idol, or twist could be resurrected at any time—making the game more random and unpredictable than ever. Rob and Mike discuss CBS’s shake-up of preseason coverage, including the first-ever cast without standard press interviews, leaving superfans searching for info on a wildly varied group that features three farmers, a Grey’s Anatomy actor, a voiceover artist from The Boys, and even a sex shop owner. The hosts also tee up their plans for weekly cast previews, hunting down cast tidbits to try and get the inside scoop fans crave. – Rob and Mike’s thoughts on the chaotic “open era” and unpredictable game mechanics – First reactions to the 21-member cast: chefs, mental health counselors, wrestlers, and chaos-seekers – How CBS shut down preseason interviews, shifting the way superfans learn about contestants – Tribes, buffs, and Survivor survivalists: more blue-collar representation than in recent years – On-set laughs about bras full of rocks, Survivor contract wedding clauses, and whether anyone can really plan for this season As the preseason launches live from RHAPCon, Rob and Mike wonder whether true superfans and gamebreakers can keep pace with the season’s breakneck twists and shifting rules. Will this new era create legendary moments or just chaos at Tribal Council? Don’t miss this jam-packed Survivor 51 opener—tune in for all the “open era” surprises and cast insights direct from RHAPCon! To order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com Chapters: 0:00 Survivor 51 Cast Drop Reactions 1:11 Open Era Format Changes Explained 2:05 New Twists and Unpredictability Talk 5:09 Survivor 51’s Historic Cast Size 8:04 No Preseason Interviews This Year 10:19 Previewing the 21-Person Cast 14:16 Whale Bones at Tribal Council 15:21 Meet Aaliyah the Survivor Chef 19:16 Ana Sani’s Acting and Voice Work 22:20 WWE’s Brady Booker Joins Survivor 25:21 Farmers Take Center Stage This Season 31:37 Superfan Kilby Joins the Game 36:01 Mental Health Pro Eric 40:01 Jenna and Her Survivor Dream Clause 42:51 Kristin: RHAP Patron to Player 46:18 Lewis Kelly: Irish Farmer’s Chaos Approach 50:01 Maggie: First Contestant from West Virginia 54:09 Yankees Exec Mike Pinsky Enters Survivor 56:11 Ori’s Football Background 57:00 Pat: Prosecutor and Navy Attorney Story 1:00:39 Sharonda: OB-GYN Playing for Herself 1:01:51 Thien An Nguyen: Med Student’s Survival Skills 1:03:34 Upcoming Podcasts and Preseason Plans Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

   August 26, 2026·1h 12min
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   Number 2: Talking with T-Bird: Sue Hawk

   Talking with T-Bird: Sue Hawk Watch this podcast on YouTube! The time has come for the return of “Talking with T-Bird.” Each episode, Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Survivor: Africa‘s Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper (@tbirdcooper) will catch up with a former Survivor player and talk about anything and take listener questions. Just when you think you know Survivor 50, the legends themselves return to shake things up. Host Rob Cesternino teams up with T-Bird Cooper for a memorable “Talking with T-Bird” deep dive, retracing the roots of Survivor history and connecting it with the unpredictable energy of the current season. This episode stands out as T-Bird finally tracks down the elusive Sue Hawk, whose raw, unfiltered perspective on Survivor Borneo still sets the standard for honest gameplay and legendary jury speeches. Survivor 50 is back in the spotlight as Rob and T-Bird relive Sue’s iconic story, all while comparing early Survivor’s “wild west” style to the fast-paced idol hunts, immunity twists, and softer conditions of the modern game. Sue doesn’t hold back, critiquing how much easier conditions seem now—from 26-day seasons to the abundance of clothes and comforts—and reflecting on the real threats and alliances that shaped Borneo. She breaks down the truth behind those first alliances, the sting of betrayal, and why every move on Survivor comes with lasting consequences, both in the game and back in the real world. Key discussion points include: – Sue’s behind-the-scenes journey from “off the grid” legend to Survivor All-Star, and how she finally agreed to talk after years of letters and texts with T-Bird – Insights into Survivor Borneo’s original alliances and Sue’s “snake and rat” speech that rocked reality TV – Raw comparisons between old-school survival—sand fleas, rain, boredom, and bush medicine—versus Survivor 50’s so-called “softball” era – How modern twists (idols, shortened seasons) impact the intensity and credibility of winning – Reflections on loyalty, trust, and what it really means to survive—on the island and beyond As Rob and T-Bird revisit Sue’s legacy, they question whether today’s players could endure old-school hardships or if strategic complexity now outweighs environmental grit. Can emotional honesty still change the game, or has the new era made it all about flash and fleeting power? Dive into this episode for Survivor storytelling that bridges generations, reveals hard truths, and keeps your torch burning for what’s coming next. Listen now to see Survivor 50 through the eyes of legends—and decide for yourself if the game will ever be the same. Chapters: 0:00 T-Bird’s Epic Sue Hawk Journey 2:47 Landing the Elusive Sue Hawk Interview 6:07 Borneo Origins: Sue’s Survivor Backstory 14:25 Survivor Softballs: New Era Critique 19:17 Creating the Gilligan’s Island Audition 24:56 The Wild Survivor Casting Process 32:59 Crafting the Legendary Final Speech 39:03 Growing Up Tough in Wisconsin 45:56 Adventures Hunting Bears in Russia 1:14:21 Losing Out on Survivor Endorsements 1:26:20 The Missed All-Girls Alliance Opportunity 1:35:38 From Horses to Trucking Life 1:45:09 Playing With Sue: Rob Reflects 1:55:04 Hero or Villain: Sue’s Survivor Legacy 2:21:40 T-Bird’s Toast to Sue Hawk Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

   August 22, 2026·2h 34min
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   Number 3: Survivor 51 Cast Preview Part 1

   Survivor 51 Cast Preview Part 1 Watch the podcast on YouTube! Survivor 51 is on the horizon, and Rob Cesternino and Mike Bloom are here to talk about the cast! Rob and Mike pull back the curtain on a cast shrouded in mystery and “permanent uncertainty.” Rob and Mike comb through every available detail about the first seven contestants, uncovering hidden stories, professional secrets, and potential game-changing personalities. With no pre-game interviews allowed this season, the duo relies on cast bios, social media clues, and fan-sourced tidbits to piece together what’s in store for the dramatic two-hour premiere, titled “As the Crow Flies.” This preview episode dives deep into the castaways’ backgrounds—highlighting a chef with a past in the Patriots’ kitchen, a criminal defense attorney hiding her true profession, a My Little Pony voice actress, a pro wrestler with NXT ties, a livestock farmer channeling classic JT, a director of HR with a Survivor legacy in his family, and an actor from Grey’s Anatomy and Queer as Folk. Rob and Mike speculate on the big twists teased for opening night, including an odd 21-person starting mat, the promise of “permanent uncertainty,” and the immediate impact of a mysterious journey and a dramatic first Tribal Council pitting allies head to head. The cast’s eclectic mix brings comparisons to iconic players and sets the stage for unpredictable alliances, challenge prowess, and plenty of conflict—both culinary and strategic. Key discussion points from Rob and Mike include: – Aaliyah’s high-energy, talkative style and her history as a chef for the New England Patriots – Alexis’s secret lawyer strategy and her candid approach to exploiting emotional game moments – Ana’s animated career, including her time as Strawberry Shortcake and a cameo on The Boys – Brady’s pro wrestling background, wild early life stories, and alliance plans with opposites – Carter’s old-school farmer work ethic and JT-like potential – Cristian’s alternate origin, HR expertise, and ties to Survivor history – Devin’s “no lies, no backstabs” philosophy and his knack for creative gameplay Is Survivor’s open era about to rewrite the rules, or will day one twists send castaways scrambling? Rob and Mike tease how food, authority, and first impressions could shape the season from the start. Don’t miss this jam-packed Survivor 51 preview as Rob and Mike break down cast secrets and speculate on who might thrive—or stumble—once the game begins! Chapters: 0:00 Survivor 51 Preview Begins 2:10 Permanent Uncertainty: Season 51 Twist 3:01 Premiere Press Release and Episode One 6:07 Meet the First Seven Contestants 6:49 Chef Aaliyah’s Survivor Background 10:04 Aaliyah’s Survivor Role Models 12:18 Aaliyah: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Game 16:44 Alexis the Defense Attorney’s Strategy 20:27 Alexis on Emotional Players and Diversity 24:15 Ana: Voice Actress and Survivor Fan 25:05 Ana’s Roles: Strawberry Shortcake, The Boys 29:13 Ana’s Personal Story and Family 30:57 Ana Prepping for Survivor’s Social Game 35:17 Brady Booker: From Wrestler to Castaway 39:19 Ties to Jonathan Young and Survivor 50 46:42 Carter the Iowa Farmer’s Multi-Tasking 50:27 Carter’s Weakness and Survivor Prospects 55:43 Cristian Chavez: HR Director’s Survivor Prep 59:28 Cristian’s Survivor Family and Motivation 1:04:27 Do Alternates Have an Advantage? 1:09:11 Devin Way: Actor and Social Pro 1:14:35 Devin Wants a No Lies Game 1:18:47 Closing Thoughts and Listener Callout Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

   September 02, 2026·1h 30min
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   Number 4: BB28 Why ___ Lost Week 6

   BB28 Why ___ Lost Week 6 Also available on YouTube. Kamu came into the game as an obvious physical threat and it would be easy to point to that as the sole reason he was evicted. But as David Bloomberg and Chappell discuss, there was definitely more to it. Muscles are not the only way someone can cause people to worry in the game, and Kamu gave the other players multiple reasons for concern. It’s time to take a look at all of them because at RHAP, we know Big Brother, and we know Why Kamu Lost. Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

   August 22, 2026·1h 52min
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   Number 5: Jonathan Penner Rewatches The Mutiny | Survivor Time Trip

   Jonathan Penner Rewatches The Mutiny | Survivor Time Trip Also available on Youtube. Survivor Time Trip is back as Rob Cesternino and Mike Bloom sit down with legendary Survivor alum Jonathan Penner to revisit one of Survivor’s boldest turning points: Survivor Cook Islands, Episode 9 “The Mutiny.” As the trio marks nearly 20 years since this unforgettable season, they break down what really happened when the infamous mutiny twist shattered alliances and set the stage for a season-defining shakeup. Right from the top, Jonathan Penner opens up about the raw regret and adrenaline he felt after stepping off the mat alongside Candice, instantly changing the course of his game. The discussion covers the intense fallout, what it was like to suddenly be on the outs, and how one impulsive decision haunted Penner throughout the years. Rob Cesternino, Mike Bloom, and Penner walk through the episode’s tribal dynamics, with honest stories about misread alliances, the scramble to survive on a new tribe, and how providing for the camp complicated Penner’s role. This episode spotlights: – The unforgettable moment of mutiny and how Penner’s regret shaped his Survivor legacy – The breakdown of shifting alliances and how both strategy and social misreads set the vote in motion – Yul’s “super idol” reveal and the underdog run of the I2 four – Ozzy’s transformation into a challenge beast after being left on the bottom – Penner’s unique bond and back-and-forth with Jeff Probst, plus Nate Gonzalez’s memorable one-liners Together, the crew asks: what if the original I2 had stuck together? Did this move doom Penner’s game, or did it open the door for future returns? Would you take the risk of mutiny, or does loyalty win in the end? Don’t miss this candid, revealing discussion as Survivor Time Trip revisits “The Mutiny”—one of the series’ most game-changing Tribal moments—through the eyes of those who lived it. 0:00 Survivor Time Trip Kickoff 1:04 Jonathan Penner’s Europe Adventure 3:32 Revisiting Survivor: Cook Islands Mutiny 5:03 Penner’s Regret After Mutiny Decision 12:10 Becoming the Raro Workhorse Provider 16:47 Mutiny Changes Game Dynamics, Numbers 21:48 Penner and Candice’s Post-Game Bond 27:47 Penner Learns Fishing From Ozzy 33:08 Raro’s Power Dynamics and Parvati’s Role 41:21 Penner’s Unique Dynamic With Jeff Probst 51:54 Penner and Yul: Day One Alliance 57:53 Survivor as a Personal Hero’s Journey To order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

   August 15, 2026·1h 9min
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