In this episode of Beyond the Torch, hosts Leslie and Todd welcome Mitchell Olson, the singer-songwriter and tallest person who ever played the game who competed on Survivor: Australia (Season 2). Mitchell shares the wild backstory of how he was nearly cast for Season 1 but disqualified for having appeared on Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right, only to be tracked down and recruited for Season 2. He reveals behind-the-scenes stories from Australia — including the scrapped plan to parachute contestants into the Outback, the Kel beef jerky scandal, discovering his own vote at tribal council (which prompted production to change how votes are stored), and the cast's creative workarounds to have private conversations on camera. The conversation also touches on the massive cultural moment that Season 2 was, beating Friends in the ratings, Mitchell's appearance on The Late Show performing with Paul Shaffer's band, and a notably unkind encounter with Julia Roberts. On a more personal note, Mitchell opens up about navigating his sexuality during a time when being gay was tabloid fodder, and how coming out later in life — now openly hosting a CBS lifestyle show in Sioux Falls — has brought him to a genuinely happy place. The episode closes with all three reflecting on how Survivor changed them, and their shared love for the people this extraordinary game produces.

Our new Website is live! Check it out at: www.realityaftershow.com

Join our Patreon at RealityPatron.com

If you would like a cameo from Jonny Fairplay order one now! cameo.com/jonnyfairplay

Check us out on Tiktok @fairplaytok

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reality-after-show--5448874/support.