Spin and Win: The Podcast

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.

Lisa, a former high school history and psychology teacher, now plays a vital role at a local community college and school for adults, with a focus on ESL education. The unique aspect of this institution is that it's a free school funded by grants, offering adults aged 18 and up the opportunity to earn their high school diploma.

Lisa's path to the Wheel of Fortune stage began in 2013 when she stumbled upon an advertisement on Facebook. Intrigued, she not only discussed the opportunity with her students but also had a transformative moment, asking herself, "Why not me?" This self-reflection led Lisa to apply for the show, and after receiving the call, she underwent her audition at a hotel.

Although initially on standby, Lisa's Wheel of Fortune journey continued years later. Interestingly, Kellen Franklin, our co-host, was once Lisa's student in her intro to psychology class. Lisa's appearance on the show served as inspiration for Kellen, who eventually became a fan favorite contestant. In this episode, Kellen expresses his gratitude to Lisa for being on the podcast and reveals that her own Wheel of Fortune experience influenced his decision to apply.

Lisa's total winnings from the show amounted to $3,000. Join us for a fascinating episode as we explore Lisa's transition from a high school teacher to a Wheel of Fortune contestant, the unique dynamics with our co-host Kellen Franklin, and the impact her journey had on inspiring others to take the Wheel.

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.

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.

Join us for our fifth podcast episode featuring Jerry Milenbach, a resident of El Dorado Hills, California, who made his mark on the show in 2020. Jerry's journey with Wheel of Fortune dates back to 2004 when he had tickets to attend the show. In a heartwarming twist, he seized the moment and proposed to his then-ex-wife with the iconic message, "Lori, will you marry me?" on the puzzle board. His enduring connection with the show Join us for our fifth podcast episode featuring Jerry Milenbach, a resident of El Dorado Hills, California, who made his mark on the show in 2020. Jerry's journey with Wheel of Fortune dates back to 2004 when he had tickets to attend the show. In a heartwarming twist, he seized the moment and proposed to his then-ex-wife with the iconic message, "Lori, will you marry me?" on the puzzle board. His enduring connection with the show began in his teens, fueled by his grandmother's encouragement to audition. During his memorable appearance, Jerry triumphed by winning the prize puzzle, earning a luxurious trip to Antigua, and securing over $17,000 in winnings. Tune in as Jerry shares his remarkable Wheel of Fortune experience filled with love, nostalgia, and unexpected twists.

In this episode, we're spotlighting Shelby Oktavec, a spirited senior at UCLA majoring in Communications and a proud member of an acapella group with a lifelong passion for singing and show choir. Originally from Burbank, California, Shelby's fervor for Wheel of Fortune began in her formative years, shared intimately with her devoted mother. Her journey to the Wheel commenced in middle school when her puzzle-solving talent caught her mother's eye, leading to a firm proclamation: "When the time comes, you're applying to Wheel of Fortune." Despite initially serving as an alternate for "California Living" week, Shelby's persistence paid off, landing her a coveted spot as a contestant, where she triumphantly won over $60k in cash. Amid the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelby reflects on the singular experience of competing without any guests present. Encouraging prospective contestants, she invites listeners to immerse themselves in the show, prompting them to envision themselves on the show, contemplating the strategies and mindset pivotal to success on the Wheel.

In this heartfelt episode of 'Spin and Win,' we warmly welcome Tom Krisa, a devoted train conductor from Port Jefferson, NY. Tom's journey on Wheel of Fortune becomes an incredibly touching tribute to his beloved mother, shining a light on the deep affection he holds for her. In a turn of events, the day of the show's taping marked both his sister Valerie's and late mother's shared birthday. During the whirlwind of the bonus round, Valerie spun the wheel and landed on the first initial of their mother's name, not realizing the card held a staggering $100,000. This moment transcended mere winnings; it was an honor to his mother's memory.

Through Tom's tender narrative, we witness his unwavering strength in navigating grief. His quest to honor his mother's legacy led him to apply for Wheel of Fortune, where unforeseen connections flourished. With a total win surpassing $120,000, Tom's story transcends monetary value; it's a testament to the extraordinary power of love and the beautiful ways we pay homage to those we've lost. Join us for this touching episode as we delve into Tom's heartfelt journey of love, remembrance, and the beautiful moments that emerge from honoring our cherished loved ones.

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.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Spin and Win: The Podcast, where we uncover the captivating life journey of Matthew Jalazo. Join us as we revisit his nostalgic love for 'Wheel of Fortune' on his grandmother's black and white TV at age 6, leading to his incredible trajectory as a military veteran and forensic psychologist. Explore his remarkable audition tape, featuring the legendary Hulk Hogan, and relive the thrilling moments of his 'Wheel of Fortune' appearance on April 14, 2023, where he masterfully navigated the game, spinning all the way to the heart-pounding bonus round.