Rob Has a Podcast | Survivor, Traitors & Reality TV - RHAP

Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.

Today, Rob Cesternino, Mike Bloom, and Jess Liese discuss episode 10 of The Amazing Race 38.

Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com

Check out our new merch at https://www.robhasawebsite.com/merch

Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!

Rob Cesternino @robcesternino

Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 

Rob Cesternino sits down with Survivor 47 alum “Baby” Andy Rueda to break down a game-changing episode of Survivor 49. Broadcasting live from their own Thanksgiving feasts, Rob from his apartment and Andy from a snowy Buffalo, this episode dives deep into the current state of Survivor strategy, casting, and culture, with fresh insights, warmth, and banter.

Here are some standout takes from Rob and Andy’s spirited discussion:

Join Rob Cesternino and Andy Rueda as they serve up strategic analysis, funny personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflection on where Survivor has been and where it’s headed. If you’re craving a meaty Survivor deep dive sprinkled with gratitude and laughs, this episode is a must-listen!

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

Check out our new merch at https://www.robhasawebsite.com/merch

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you’re blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up.

To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach dig deep into Episode 10 of Survivor 49—just in time for Thanksgiving week. This episode includes pivotal moves, unexpected betrayals, and some heartfelt real-life moments, as the hosts guide us through one of the season’s most dynamic tribals yet.

Both Rob and Stephen are locked in on Yellow Sophie’s power position. According to Stephen, Sophie’s choice to flip alliances and destroy the bottoms-up plan was a defining move and possibly worthy of his coveted “Fishy” award. Rob Cesternino weighs in on the strategic merits, noting how being on the bottom of a four-person alliance post-firemaking might actually be a sweet spot in the modern game.

Highlights from this episode include:

The Rob and Stephen also touch on jury management, player agency, and edit narratives with Stephen arguing Yellow Sophie’s rise might not get jury respect, and Rob speculating on how season arcs affect our perception of winner contenders.

Tune in for a Thanksgiving feast of strategy, character, and Survivor lore with Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach serving up all the takes, laughs, and nuanced analysis fans have come to expect.

Survivor Know-It-Alls is back as Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach break down all the strategic action and surprises from Survivor 49, Episode 9. Rob and Stephen dive into a game-changing Tribal Council, where shifting alliances and clever gameplay leave everyone guessing and one player’s bold move could reshape the endgame.

Today, Rob and Stephen discuss Survivor 49 episode 10.

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

To pre-order Stephen’s novel Escape!, visit stephenfishbach.com

Check out our new merch at https://www.robhasawebsite.com/merch

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

The Listener Mailbag is open as Rob Cesternino and Brandon Donlon field questions from fans about Survivor 49 and the wider Survivor universe. While some expected deep dives on the latest episode, there’s a surprising mix of strategy talk, behind-the-scenes stories, and honest takes on the evolving game. With a focus on fan-driven topics, Rob and Brandon explore everything from cast comparisons to shifting gameplay trends.

Rob and Brandon take on a question about how players like RizGod in Survivor 49 stack up against classic Survivor personalities, even weighing in on Johnny Fairplay’s recent comments. They discuss how the final four could map onto the cast of Seinfeld, using humor to highlight personalities and alliances. The two then reflect on whether they’d recommend the reality TV journey in today’s era, weighing the excitement with the realities of post-show life and social media attention. When asked about burnout, Rob gives a straightforward look at balancing the demanding schedule of reality TV podcasting with family life and his own enjoyment of the game.

Other topics include how the increased transparency and shared knowledge among contestants has changed Survivor’s strategy, the tradeoffs of shorter seasons, and speculative ideas for the future of the franchise as it approaches its 51st season. Rob also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his own Survivor and podcasting experiences—like his history with Alicia Calaway and the realities of managing kids’ screen time in a tech-driven world.

What does the future hold for Survivor after its milestone 50th season? Will the next era bring a shake-up, or stick to the familiar? Listen to Rob and Brandon’s candid takes and sharp analysis for a fan-driven journey through past, present, and future strategies.

Chapters:

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

Rob Cesternino, Tyson Apostol, and Danny Bryson are back with another entertaining episode of News AF, where they dive into the week’s most peculiar and amusing stories.

This week Rob, Tyson and Danny talk through the week’s most newsworthy stories.

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel!

Need to catch up on more Actual Factual news?

Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Akiva Wienerkur (@keev26) need a podcast and every week, Rob and Akiva spin a wheel of listener-submitted podcast ideas, and whatever the wheel lands on is what they podcast about next. This week, Rob and Akiva watch and discuss Season 3 Episode 7 of Rugrats.

For the link to the spreadsheet that Rob and Akiva use to compile ideas, check it all out here: Rob and Akiva Need a Spreadsheet (compiled by the great Will from America).

To submit an idea for a future episode of “Rob and Akiva Need a Podcast” to be discussed on the mailbag, submit it on this form: Rob and Akiva’s Mailbag Form.

Past Episodes of Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast

Alex said as he was leaving: “It’s what I get for playing both sides.” But he reversed course on that in his interviews by saying he wasn’t messy. Which was it? Who deserves credit and who deserves blame for this outcome? And why is David Bloomberg so frustrated and annoyed at some of the other players for the way this turned out? Glue guy Sam Phalen joins David and Jessica Lewis to help figure out why Alex couldn’t make things stick. At RHAP, we know Survivor, and we know Why Alex Lost.

LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed

Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.

Today, Rob Cesternino, Mike Bloom, and Jess Liese discuss episode 9 of The Amazing Race 38.

Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com

Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!

Rob Cesternino @robcesternino

Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 

Survivor 49 takes center stage on the RHAP Survivor Post-Game Show as Rob Cesternino and Evvie Jagoda break down the biggest moves and toughest decisions from this week’s episode. Rob and Evvie highlight how the so-called “new era” is put to the test, as unpredictable votes and shifting alliances define the chaos in Fiji. The hosts discuss how Juwan and Sage’s swing vote strategy comes to a head, and whether their pendulum gameplay can hold up under pressure.

This episode tackles the blindside of Alex and the ripple effect that leaves Kristina and Steven on shaky ground. Rob and Evvie analyze why Jawan and Sage’s control isn’t as clear-cut as it seems, especially with yellow Sophie emerging as a serious threat in challenges and social bonds. The tension around Rizzo’s idol continues to stir paranoia, as the castaways debate whether flushing it or targeting “bigger threats” is the best path forward. Evvie offers insight into how Survivor contestants balance strategic gameplay with emotional reactions, and how trust breaks down after major blindsides. The show also examines the perception of Savannah as a “mean girl” and how gendered biases can affect both in-game strategy and viewer opinions.

– Jawan and Sage’s risky alliance-flipping strategy blindsides allies and changes the game’s balance

– Rizzo’s idol remains a wild card, fueling strategic debates at each Tribal Council

– Yellow Sophie emerges as an under-the-radar physical and social contender

– Evvie explores how emotions and personal connections impact strategy, alliances, and trust

– Hosts question the “mean girl” label on Savannah, sparking a discussion about perception and Survivor stereotypes

With every vote split and idol play, Rob and Evvie wonder: will Jawan and Sage’s swinging strategy swing too far? Can Savannah’s outsider run become her winning story, or will shifting numbers take her out?

Chapters:

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you’re blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up.

To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.

Today, Rob and Jess interview the eighth team eliminated from The Amazing Race 38.

Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com

Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!

Rob Cesternino @robcesternino

Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup