Spin and Win: The Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Derek Dawson, a 38-year-old resident of San Diego, California, who shares a touching story that bridges family memories with game show aspirations. Derek reminisces about his cherished summers spent with his grandparents in Arizona, where evenings were dedicated to watching Wheel of Fortune together, creating a core memory that stayed with him throughout his life. Following the loss of his grandmother 15 years ago, Derek made a promise to honor her memory by competing on the show. Despite the challenge of getting noticed, his persistence paid off on his second attempt, years after his initial application. Derek recounts the surreal moment of receiving the audition email, which he initially doubted, only to find out it was indeed his ticket to the show. His episode, filmed on December 7th, 2019, and aired on January 15th, 2020, saw Derek winning over $20,000 and a dream trip to Europe.

His journey serves as an inspiration, with Derek offering advice to others dreaming of game show glory: "Don't give up, be as energetic as you think you can be, and then add 20% more to that."

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Derek Dawson, a 38-year-old resident of San Diego, California, who shares a touching story that bridges family memories with game show aspirations. Derek reminisces about his cherished summers spent with his grandparents in Arizona, where evenings were dedicated to watching Wheel of Fortune together, creating a core memory that stayed with him throughout his life. Following the loss of his grandmother 15 years ago, Derek made a promise to honor her memory by competing on the show. Despite the challenge of getting noticed, his persistence paid off on his second attempt, years after his initial application. Derek recounts the surreal moment of receiving the audition email, which he initially doubted, only to find out it was indeed his ticket to the show.

His episode, filmed on December 7th, 2019, and aired on January 15th, 2020, saw Derek winning over $20,000 and a dream trip to Europe. His journey serves as an inspiration, with Derek offering advice to others dreaming of game show glory: "Don't give up, be as energetic as you think you can be, and then add 20% more to that."

Janet Stephens is an administrative assistant from Southern California with over 23 years of marriage to her husvand. Janet's story is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for game shows.

As an avid hockey fan and former professional roller derby skater, Janet brings a unique perspective to the table. Her love affair with game shows began in the mid-70s when Chuck Woolery hosted Wheel of Fortune. Janet decided to try her luck. Despite initial setbacks, Janet persisted and eventually secured a spot on the show in 1980, walking away with over $400 in winnings.

But Janet's game show journey didn't stop there. Over the years, she has appeared on over 12 game shows, demonstrating her expertise and love for the genre. Her Wheel of Fortune success continued when she received a call inviting her to participate in the primetime version of the show. Making a triumphant return, she emerged as the big winner of the night, securing over $2000 in prizes.

Tune in to hear Janet's captivating story of perseverance and success on one of America's favorite game shows, and learn more about her incredible journey through the world of game shows.

Robert Santoli, currently residing in Connecticut. Robert's Wheel of Fortune episode aired on March 25th, 2016, marking a memorable moment in his lifelong connection with the show. His earliest memory dates back to 1996 when he watched the Seattle College Week edition with his mother, igniting his passion for the game. Growing up, Robert immersed himself in Wheel of Fortune video games and often dreamed of being a contestant.

As a child, Robert had the extraordinary opportunity to attend a taping of the show, courtesy of his aunt's connection in California. He even had the chance to spin the iconic wheel and had his name, "Robert," featured in the puzzle book, a cherished memory captured in a photograph. Robert's fascination with Wheel of Fortune extended to his artistic endeavors, as he frequently drew scenes from the show.

Although his initial attempt to appear on College Week didn't materialize, Robert persevered and applied again after hearing about upcoming auditions. After multiple attempts, he received the thrilling news that he had been selected to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune, with a tape date scheduled within the next two years. Robert's determination paid off as he navigated his way to the bonus round, ultimately winning over $70,000.

Tune in to hear Robert's captivating journey from a devoted fan to a successful contestant on Wheel of Fortune, and the unforgettable experiences that unfolded along the way.

In our latest podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Tim Sternberg, a dedicated student education advocate from sunny Florida, just outside Fort Lauderdale. Alongside his wife of 32 years, Tim has carved out a unique niche for himself, buying and selling collectibles on eBay. But there's more to Tim's story than his professional endeavors. A lifelong fan of game shows, his fascination began in the 1980s while watching classics like Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right during days home sick from school. He reminisces about the days when Wheel of Fortune contestants would shop with their winnings at the end of each round, sparking his childhood dream of competing on the show.

Tim's journey to Wheel of Fortune is a tale of persistence and enthusiasm. He attended a Wheelmobile event at a local Carmax, where his name was drawn, leading him to dazzle on stage and secure an invitation to a city audition. His mock game performance landed him a spot on the show, which taped on February 10th, 2006, and aired in May of the same year. Reflecting on the experience, Tim views his participation as a pivotal life moment, reinforcing his belief in the power of setting one's mind to achieve anything.

But Tim's game show adventures didn't stop there. He also took his chances on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, 1 vs. 100, and most recently, We Are Family, showcasing his diverse talents and unwavering spirit. Tune in to hear Tim share his insightful journey, highlighting the thrill of game shows and the valuable life lessons they've taught him about determination, ambition, and the importance of chasing one's dreams.

In our latest podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Tim Sternberg, a dedicated student education advocate from sunny Florida, just outside Fort Lauderdale. Alongside his wife of 32 years, Tim has carved out a unique niche for himself, buying and selling collectibles on eBay. But there's more to Tim's story than his professional endeavors. A lifelong fan of game shows, his fascination began in the 1980s while watching classics like Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right during days home sick from school. He reminisces about the days when Wheel of Fortune contestants would shop with their winnings at the end of each round, sparking his childhood dream of competing on the show.

Tim's journey to Wheel of Fortune is a tale of persistence and enthusiasm. He attended a Wheelmobile event at a local Carmax, where his name was drawn, leading him to dazzle on stage and secure an invitation to a city audition. His mock game performance landed him a spot on the show, which taped on February 10th, 2006, and aired in May of the same year. Reflecting on the experience, Tim views his participation as a pivotal life moment, reinforcing his belief in the power of setting one's mind to achieve anything.

But Tim's game show adventures didn't stop there. He also took his chances on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, 1 vs. 100, and most recently, We Are Family, showcasing his diverse talents and unwavering spirit. Tune in to hear Tim share his insightful journey, highlighting the thrill of game shows and the valuable life lessons they've taught him about determination, ambition, and the importance of chasing one's dreams.

Join us in our latest podcast episode as we unravel the remarkable journey of Cesar Redaja, guided by none other than fan-favorite guest host Christian Dixie!

Cesar, a pharmacist from Tampa, Florida, originally from the Philippines, shares his captivating story. From childhood TV nights with Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Survivor, to unexpectedly auditioning for Wheel of Fortune during the COVID lockdowns, Cesar's path is filled with twists and turns.

Tune in to hear how Cesar's seemingly ordinary pastime turned into an extraordinary adventure, culminating in a triumphant win on Wheel of Fortune, complete with over $20,000 in winnings and a dream trip to Portugal and Spain. Don't miss this inspiring tale of turning the wheel of destiny with Cesar Redaja and special guest host Christian Dixie!

Join us in our latest podcast episode as we unravel the remarkable journey of Cesar Redaja, guided by none other than fan-favorite guest host Christian Dixie!

Cesar, a pharmacist from Tampa, Florida, originally from the Philippines, shares his captivating story. From childhood TV nights with Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Survivor, to unexpectedly auditioning for Wheel of Fortune during the COVID lockdowns, Cesar's path is filled with twists and turns.

Tune in to hear how Cesar's seemingly ordinary pastime turned into an extraordinary adventure, culminating in a triumphant win on Wheel of Fortune, complete with over $20,000 in winnings and a dream trip to Portugal and Spain. Don't miss this inspiring tale of turning the wheel of destiny with Cesar Redaja and special guest host Christian Dixie!

In the second episode of "Spin and Win: The Podcast," we delve further into the incredible Wheel of Fortune journey of former contestant Preston Leslie. With an extensive background as a gymnastics coach spanning over 20 years and fluent in Spanish, Preston's story is a fascinating tapestry of skills and experiences.

This episode takes us deeper into Preston's astounding win on the "Bust A Move" bonus puzzle, securing a remarkable $100,000 prize and surpassing $100,000K in total winnings on the show. Throughout his thrilling Wheel of Fortune experience, Preston expresses deep appreciation for his partner of over 15 years for their unwavering support and encouragement.

Originally from Texas, Preston, now residing in Seattle, brings a traveler's spirit to his captivating journey. Transitioning from coaching gymnastics for two decades to his current career in the software industry, he shares how his path unfolded. Additionally, we explore Preston's nostalgic connection to Wheel of Fortune, rooted in fond memories of watching the show with his grandparents during the era when Vanna White was flipping the letters over. Join us for an engaging episode uncovering more of Preston's remarkable journey filled with triumphs, gratitude, and diverse experiences.

Erika McCall, originally from Chicago but raised in a small town just an hour away, is a dynamic figure now based in Los Angeles. With her roots in Illinois State, she's deeply immersed in the non-profit sector, spearheading the "Go for Yours Foundation." Additionally, she's a prolific author with three published books to her name. One of her notable works, "Don't Wait Create," emphasizes seizing opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear.

Her journey took an unexpected turn one evening while watching "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" with her grandmother. Inspired by the contestants, she boldly decided to apply herself, never expecting a response. To her surprise, she received a call for an audition. Despite living in LA, her first attempt had her on standby, but eventually, she secured a spot on the show a few months later.

In an episode filled with anticipation, Erika triumphed, winning over $12,000. The joy of the moment was amplified by the presence of her grandmother and supportive family. Reflecting on her experience, Erika advises prospective contestants not to fixate on winnings but to focus on enjoying the ride and creating cherished memories.