Spin and Win: The Podcast

Eugene Byon, a 49-year-old IT enthusiast from Houston, Texas, takes us on a captivating journey through the world of game shows. Growing up in Korea as a teenager and later settling in Texas, Eugene's fascination with game shows was sparked by his older brother, with classics like "The Price is Right" leaving an indelible mark on his memory. From mimicking "Come On Down" with Johnny Olsen to navigating a friendly feud between "Wheel of Fortune" and "The Price is Right," Eugene's love for game shows only intensified over time.

Despite initially feeling that his game show dreams were out of reach, Eugene took a chance with the Wheelmobile, camping out overnight at a Kroger parking lot to spin the wheel and submit his application. His persistence paid off, leading to appearances on five game shows, including "Wheel of Fortune," "The Price is Right," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," "The $100,000 Pyramid," and "Let's Make A Deal." Beyond his on-screen experiences, Eugene's journey has been shaped by valuable lessons learned from game show failures and successes alike.

Inspired by Pat Sajak's impact on his life, Eugene now shares his wisdom with others, encouraging them to embrace failure as a crucial part of the learning process. Join us as Eugene shares his inspiring story and insights firsthand, reminding us all that "it's okay to fail, as long as we learn from it"

Chantel Lamppa, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and a dedicated nurse shares her remarkable journey on the Wheel of Fortune.

Raised as an only child, Chantel found solace in the wholesome tradition of watching Wheel of Fortune with her grandparents while her parents worked long hours.

Despite being taught to be seen but not heard, Chantel's passion for reality TV, particularly the Real Housewives series, shaped her love for entertainment.

The Wheel of Fortune partnered her with WWE superstar The Miz, whom she and her boyfriend had followed since his reality TV days, Chantel brought her admiration for his determination and resilience to the Wheel of Fortune audition. During the audition process, she inspired others as a cheerleader and dubbed herself "Nurse Pain," a nod to her nursing profession and her determination to conquer any challenge.

Tune in to hear Chantel's heartwarming story of perseverance and triumph during Wheel of Fortune's WWE week, where she and The Miz secured a victory, winning over $5000 together.

Experience the thrill of our latest podcast episode featuring Spenser Hunt, the star of Wheel of Fortune's Home for the Holiday edition, which aired on November 13th, 2023. Spenser, a former social studies teacher from Louisiana, now travels across Florida, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama as the host and owner of the Suspense Game Show, a venture he initiated in 2019.

In this captivating episode, Spenser shares his journey, from his childhood fascination with Wheel of Fortune to realizing his dream of being on the show. As a seasoned commentator for Pro-Wrestling 225, Spenser also delves into his passion for pro-wrestling and his mission to create an inclusive game show experience accessible to everyone.

The Suspense Game Show, a unique blend of trivia akin to Jeopardy and the teamwork dynamics of Family Feud offers participants a chance to win a $1000 cash prize. Spenser, typically the host in his daily life, took center stage as a player alongside his cousin Kaylen in the family team version of Wheel of Fortune. Their remarkable journey, marked by landing on the million-dollar wedge and solving four puzzles, resulted in winnings exceeding $10,000.

Spenser attributes his success on the show to his background as a teacher, honing his public speaking skills and confidence in front of lights and cameras. He cherishes the experience of sharing the stage with his favorite cousin Kaylen and emphasizes the impact of realizing a lifelong dream while surrounded by loved ones.

For those aspiring to be on Wheel of Fortune, Spenser's advice is simple: be yourself, as authenticity is what the show values the most. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and entertaining exploration of Spenser Hunt's extraordinary journey on and beyond the Wheel of Fortune stage.

Airing on November 14th, 2023, featuring the heartwarming story of Liz and KC. Liz, a remarkable 92-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas, became the oldest person ever to grace the Wheel of Fortune stage. Born in Oklahoma City, KC is Liz's son, and together, they share a unique and inspiring Wheel of Fortune journey.

Liz's appearance on the show was not only historic but also financially successful, as they made it to the bonus round and won over $40,000. This special moment was shared with her grandkids, making it a cherished family experience. With a college degree in speech pathology, Liz's expertise in language and words played a crucial role in her Wheel of Fortune success, particularly in deciphering challenging puzzles.

Liz and KC emphasize the importance of authenticity, sharing that being true to oneself is key to making an impact on the Wheel of Fortune stage. In a touching gesture, KC gifted ornaments for each of his mom's solved puzzles on the show, creating lasting memories. Liz reciprocated by presenting ornaments to all her grandkids, ensuring they have a special keepsake for their future Christmas trees. Don't miss this delightful episode highlighting the power of family, authenticity, and the joy found on the Wheel of Fortune stage.

Grant is a Connecticut resident with an intriguing Wheel of Fortune journey. He enjoyed the show with his twin sister and grandparents growing up. A Boston College alum working in IT, Grant's passions extend beyond technology—he's also a plane enthusiast and an avid WWE fan. Grant's connection with Wheel of Fortune began during WWE Fan Week. He recorded his audition tape at a WWE Smackdown wrestling show, showcasing his unique flair.

Grant's good luck charm, "Crockanana," a stuffed animal, accompanied him during his audition. His Wheel of Fortune experience took an extraordinary turn when he participated in a tournament, making history by being on the show twice a week—the first occurrence in 25 years. The tournament brought an unexpected twist as Grant was paired with none other than WWE women's wrestler Natalya.

The anticipation of discovering his WWE partner added an extra layer of excitement, and Grant was thrilled to find out that Natalya would be by his side. His impressive Wheel of Fortune performance resulted in a goal-winning of $53,000, including WrestleMania tickets, transportation, $1,000, and coveted floor seats. Grant, an ardent fan of Natalya, attests that she is the kindest person ever, adding a touch of warmth to his already remarkable journey. Tune in to hear the exhilarating tale of Grant's Wheel of Fortune adventure, where passion, wrestling, and big wins collide.

Welcome to season two of our podcast, where we unravel the fascinating journey of Julian Batts. At 28 years old and residing in Orlando, Julian took the Wheel of Fortune stage in 2014 during College Week, proudly representing the Indiana Hoosiers. Growing up, Wheel of Fortune was a staple in Julian's household, enjoyed during dinner time with his family. Inspired during his freshman year of college, Julian decided to apply in the fall of 2013, leading to the taping of his episode on Valentine's Day in 2014.

Julian's episode marked a significant milestone as the 6,000th show, airing in spring 2014 as the 5th episode on a Friday. Reflecting on his Wheel of Fortune experience, Julian recalls the inviting atmosphere in the makeup room, where even Vanna White surprised contestants with words of encouragement. However, the real gravity of the show hit Julian when Jim Thornton announced the arrival of Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

Despite an early triumph in solving an entire puzzle, Julian faced a viral moment when attempting to pronounce "Mythological Hero Achilles." This unforgettable mistake did not hinder him, as Julian ultimately emerged victorious. An avid Disney park enthusiast and accomplished runner, Julian has completed eight half marathons. His love for Disney extends to his role as a content creator, uniting people through their shared passion.

Wheel of Fortune provided Julian with a broader perspective on life and the realization that anything is possible. His grandfather's wise words, "You can't win if you don't play," resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that embracing opportunities is key. Since his Wheel of Fortune triumph, Julian has expanded his game show journey to Price is Right, Tosh.O, and even the Drew Barrymore show, where he won a car during the game show episode.

Julian's advice to aspiring contestants is simple yet profound: "Have fun and be yourself." Embracing every moment, Julian emphasizes that nothing negative can come from the experience. With a total winnings of $11,700, Julian Batts' Wheel of Fortune journey is not just a game show triumph but a testament to the transformative power of embracing life's opportunities with joy and authenticity.

Sheri Blank is a fascinating with a unique journey. Originally from New York, she relocated to California just before her 16th birthday. Currently teaching first and second grade at a French school, Sheri's path took an unexpected turn from her initial dream of becoming a doctor at UCLA. Inspired by a profound interest in child psychology, she pursued a bachelor's degree in psychology with a specialization in child development.

Sheri's love for game shows, particularly Wheel of Fortune, traces back to cherished moments with her grandmother, a jeweler from Czechoslovakia. Encouraged by her grandmother's belief in her puzzle-solving skills, Sheri took the plunge and applied for the show in 2015. After a rigorous audition process, she secured her spot as a contestant, declining an alternate role.

Taping in September 2015, Sheri emerged victorious on Wheel of Fortune, winning over $100,000. Her advice for aspiring contestants is simple yet profound: approach the experience with an open mind, enjoy the journey, and don't let the test intimidate you. Sheri emphasizes that even if things don't unfold exactly as planned on the show, the experience itself is a victory.

Welcome to season two of our podcast, where we unravel the fascinating journey of Julian Batts. At 28 years old and residing in Orlando, Julian took the Wheel of Fortune stage in 2014 during College Week, proudly representing the Indiana Hoosiers. Growing up, Wheel of Fortune was a staple in Julian's household, enjoyed during dinner time with his family. Inspired during his freshman year of college, Julian decided to apply in the fall of 2013, leading to the taping of his episode on Valentine's Day in 2014.

Julian's episode marked a significant milestone as the 6,000th show, airing in spring 2014 as the 5th episode on a Friday. Reflecting on his Wheel of Fortune experience, Julian recalls the inviting atmosphere in the makeup room, where even Vanna White herself surprised contestants with words of encouragement. However, the real gravity of the show hit Julian when Jim Thornton announced the arrival of Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

Despite an early triumph in solving an entire puzzle, Julian faced a viral moment when attempting to pronounce "Mythological Hero Achilles." This unforgettable mistake did not hinder him, as Julian ultimately emerged victorious. An avid Disney park enthusiast and accomplished runner, Julian has completed eight half marathons. His love for Disney extends to his role as a content creator, uniting people through their shared passion.

Wheel of Fortune provided Julian with a broader perspective on life and the realization that anything is possible. His grandfather's wise words, "You can't win if you don't play," resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that embracing opportunities is key. Since his Wheel of Fortune triumph, Julian has expanded his game show journey to Price is Right, Tosh.O, and even the Drew Barrymore show, where he won a car during the game show episode.

Julian's advice to aspiring contestants is simple yet profound: "Have fun and be yourself." Embracing every moment, Julian emphasizes that nothing negative can come from the experience. With a total winnings of $11,700, Julian Batts' Wheel of Fortune journey is not just a game show triumph but a testament to the transformative power of embracing life's opportunities with joy and authenticity.

In our milestone 10th episode, we bring you the extraordinary journey of Dr. Reka Barton, a beloved contestant on Wheel of Fortune who has graced the iconic wheel not once, but twice. Hailing from Alexandria, Virginia, and now residing in San Diego, Dr. Barton is not only an educator but a beacon of inspiration.

Starting her career teaching K-5th graders, Dr. Barton has transitioned to instructing college courses, specializing in literacy methods. Her passion for learning and questioning led her to pursue a Ph.D., viewing it as a realm to continue exploring the inquiries that fueled her curiosity. Driven by a love for word games cultivated during childhood visits to her grandmother's house, she found herself drawn to Wheel of Fortune.

Dr. Barton's brother, her source of encouragement for the Wheel of Fortune, tragically passed away. She pressed on with her Wheel of Fortune journey, dedicating her appearance on the show to his memory. The second time around, she approached the game with a spirited determination, contrasting the initial experience where she secured the minimum $1,000.

As the aired episodes unfolded, Dr. Barton shared the joy with her family and grandmother back home. In a serendipitous turn, she won a prize puzzle that granted her a Cruise – a fitting honeymoon for her marriage in 2023. The second game marked a special moment as the audience returned, breaking free from the constraints of quarantine.

Between her first and second appearances, Dr. Barton achieved significant milestones – earning her Ph.D., getting engaged, and making Wheel of Fortune history by being the first contestant with "Dr" on her name tag. Her message to aspiring contestants is simple yet powerful: Just do it and go for it.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable story of Dr. Reka Barton, an embodiment of resilience, achievement, and the enduring spirit of Wheel of Fortune.