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‘Survivor’ White Collar Tyler – “I’m Not Going to Wear My Wedding Ring”

February 5, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Worlds Apart” scoop! I delved deep into the Nicaraguan wilderness on a mission to bring you all kinds of stuff including behind-the-scenes tidbits, pre-game interviews with the cast, insights from “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, a look at the first Tribal Council, and much more. I’ll be cranking out this goodness daily in the weeks leading up to the premiere, so be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates on all of this season’s “Survivor” fun.

Name: Tyler Fredrickson
Age: 33
Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Ex-Talent Agent Assistant

Gordon Holmes: You dress up as a hobo and jump out at children in downtown Pasadena. What the hell is the matter with you?
Tyler Fredrickson: (Laughs) That’s where I live, that’s one of the fun things I enjoy doing. I take on different personalities, whether it’s around Halloween or I just feel like being goofy. I like being unpredictable. I love imagination, I love storytelling. The movies I grew up on; “Star Wars,” Spielberg…that type of space. So, to get to replicate that with kids or do events or act out stuff…
Holmes: Are these kids expecting this or are they random tykes walking down the street?
Fredrickson: It could be that. (Laughs) I do a lot of stuff at my church. Stuff with the youth group. It’s a very small part of my life.

Holmes: You worked as a talent agent assistant. How will that background help you in “Survivor”?
Fredrickson: In Hollywood, basically everybody starts off fetching somebody’s coffee. I decided to invest in my future by going to what is deemed as the best talent agency in the business. I worked with one of the heads of motion picture lit for over two years. And what you’re doing there is talking people off of the ledge every day. You’re working with some of the highest-paid, most respected clientele in the business. Big, A-list stars and they have their own fears and frustrations. And your job is to be the liaison between them and the agency. When you come out here to “Survivor” there are absolutely things that cross over. But, instead of trying to talk people off of the ledge, you’re trying to push them off.

Holmes: You kicked the game winning field goal against USC on national television, so you’re used to pressure-packed athletic situations. That’ll help you.
Fredrickson: Yeah, my first NFL game was Monday Night at Lambeau. Talk about an exciting place to start your career. And I’ve played in some high pressure college games as well. I tend to thrive on that kind of pressure. I talked to Probst about it. I said, “I want you to try to get into my head because that’s where I thrive.”

Holmes: “Survivor” is a game that is jam-packed with deceit. Are you comfortable looking someone in the eye and lying?
Fredrickson: Absolutely. I’m comfortable winning. Lying is a part of it. We all check into this hotel knowing what it takes to win. I don’t think there’s been someone who has won without lying since Ethan or maybe Yul. And those were years ago. The game has changed. People are too savvy, it’s too complex. I’m comfortable lying, but there are missed opportunities. Probst said, “You could be the first guy voted off, then you could play again and win.” So, for me I’m hoping to go with my gut and make the right calls.
Holmes: When you think of “Survivor” as a concept you think, “I’m going to go out there and cut throats.” You’re thinking of seventeen nameless, faceless individuals. You’re going to get very close to these people. Are you worried it’ll be hard to make the right move for your game once you know these people and possibly care for them?
Fredrickson: I don’t think so. We are going to be, from here on out, the season thirty fraternity. Bitterness will fade, and enemies will become friends. But right now we’re supposed to look at each other with contempt. I want to get to know these people. I want to have relationships outside of the game. But as far as true relationships, there’s a barrier there. The goal is not to form lifelong relationships. The ultimate goal is to win this game.

Holmes: Is flirting on the table?
Fredrickson: Yeah, I told my wife, I said, “I’m not going to wear my wedding ring, I don’t want to lose it.” That was my excuse.
Holmes: (Laughs) And she bought that? You are a good liar.
Fredrickson: (Laughs) We had talked about it. And analyzing the guys that have won in the past, they typically do it with a woman in second place. That’s not to say that women can’t be strong competitors, they win quite often. But usually there’s a guy working with a strong woman or a weak woman at his side. And for me, bro-ing up could be dangerous. At times guys get territorial, it’s really only good when you have nothing to lose like the Three Amigos a couple of seasons ago or when you’ve got a “Yes man” like a Phillip or Grant were for “Boston” Rob. Smart guys, but they were doing his bidding. I don’t expect to find either of those situations. I want to be smart about balanced alliances, and that includes women.

Holmes: Do you have any experience roughing it?
Fredrickson: You mean outside of playing five years in the NFL?
Holmes: Yeah, but after practice you’d get a sandwich. No sandwich is waiting for you here.
Fredrickson: Sure. I feel good about pushing myself even though you can’t replicate what it’s like out here. So, while I’m unprepared for that, I feel good about the mental stress.
Holmes: Speaking of mental stress, past Survivors have told me that this game is a non-stop date with paranoia. Everyone’s gunning for you eventually.
Fredrickson: I don’t know how I’m going to act yet. There’s a swagger and a confidence that the best players have. If you really trust the people around you, you don’t get caught up in that. If “Boston” Rob got caught up in paranoia, his group would start to doubt him. There is something to be said about having to trust to win the game. If you can do it confidently, maybe you can get past the insecurities. I don’t know if it’s going to work. I could be gone first, second, third, fourth with that kind of attitude.

Holmes: If you could align with any past Survivor, who would it be?
Fredrickson: I really liked the way Ciera played, granted she cut off her mom. But there’s something to be said for someone who’s willing to make big, extreme moves. Again, we’re aligning with them in the hopes that they don’t make big moves against me.

Holmes: What’re your thoughts on this cast?
Fredrickson: There are a few that I haven’t even said a word to yet, and I feel like they have that cutthroat ability. I prefer to be on their side. I’m looking around trying to figure out who’s the meathead, who’s the guy who’s looking up in the clouds like Phillip or Coach. There are a few of those guys. It seems like most of the guys are on top of their game. They seem competent. The girls seem like they’re observant. Nobody is lost in la-la land. It seems like everyone has a good sense of humor.

Holmes: If there is a twist, what do you think it’ll be?
Fredrickson: No idea. I’ve thought about this for days. We’ve got eighteen people here, I don’t foresee them throwing in a Russell and a “Boston” Rob. I’ve been wondering because the seasons go a location and then a twist. But, 29 was “San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water II.” So, now I’m going, what are we? They used the twist and the location.
Holmes: “Survivor: Central America.”
Fredrickson: “Survivor: It’s Back Again!”
Holmes: “Survivor: Nicaragua…Part Deux.”
Fredrickson: “Survivor: Even More Of It.”

Don’t miss the 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Worlds Apart” on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 8 pm ET on CBS.

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‘Survivor’ Blue Collar Sierra – “The Ladies…All Seem a Little Soft”

February 4, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Worlds Apart” scoop! I delved deep into the Nicaraguan wilderness on a mission to bring you all kinds of stuff including behind-the-scenes tidbits, pre-game interviews with the cast, insights from “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, a look at the first Tribal Council, and much more. I’ll be cranking out this goodness daily in the weeks leading up to the premiere, so be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates on all of this season’s “Survivor” fun.

Name: Sierra Dawn Thomas
Age: 27
Current Residence: Roy, Utah
Occupation: Barrel Racer

Gordon Holmes: OK, a quick ground rule; anything you say here stays here. None of the other contestants will hear this until just before the season airs.
Sierra Dawn Thomas: So, you’re not going to throw me under the bus?
Holmes: Well, we’ll see how it goes.
Thomas: (Laughs) This chick is the worst!
Holmes: She said she was going to vote for you first!

Holmes: OK, please explain barrel racing to people who haven’t watched “Heartland” as often as I have.
Thomas: (Laughs) I’ve never seen “Heartland,” but barrel racing is a sport. It’s a timed event. You’re on fast horses. You’re timed with an electric eye and you have to do a certain pattern and the fastest time wins. Thousandths of a second separate first from like fifth place. So, you’ve got to be fast and turn tight.
Holmes: And it helps to be 6’1” to be a barrel racer?
Thomas: (Laughs) No, I’m actually really tall for being a barrel racer. A lot of people think it’s a disadvantage because there’s more of me on the horse. I weigh more than the smaller, petite girls. But, I have big horses.
Holmes: Are any of these barrel racing events televised?
Thomas: Yes.
Holmes: You’re about to compete in front of a sea of cameras. Do you think you’ll have an advantage because you’ve performed on TV before?
Thomas: Absolutely. I perform in front of 50,000 people. That stuff doesn’t faze me at all. I keep my eye on the prize and stay focused.

Holmes: What’re your first thoughts on this place?
Thomas: It’s not too hot, not too humid. I’m excited to get out there and live in it.
Holmes: Do you have experience roughing it?
Thomas: I live in a horse trailer nine months out of the year, so absolutely. I don’t always have running water, power, all of those things are extra to me. I pretty much am like a gypsy. I travel all the time.
Holmes: So there’s a barrel racing circuit and you do different events in different areas?
Thomas: There are rodeos in different cities across the US and Canada.

Holmes: You’re heading into a game that has traditionally featured a lie or two. Are you comfortable lying?
Thomas: In my everyday life? Absolutely not. I’m a very loyal person. Not just with people, but with my animals.
Holmes: You don’t lie to your animals?
Thomas: (Laughs) Well, I’m there to feed them. I’m there to take care of them. They rely on me. I’m a loyal person. I know I’m going to have to lie out here. It’s not normal for me.
Holmes: Are you good at it?
Thomas: We’ll see. I don’t practice it. But I’ll lie for a million dollars.

Holmes: Are you willing to use your model good looks to get ahead?
Thomas: Absolutely. I do that in my everyday life. You need help when you’re on the road. I live on the road by myself. I need assistance, I need help changing tires. I can do it all myself, but I’m not afraid to act like I’m struggling to get help from the male gender.
Holmes:  Is there a boyfriend at home who will be annoyed if you’re flirting on national TV?
Thomas: Absolutely not.
Holmes: No boyfriend, or he won’t be annoyed?
Thomas: (Laughs) There’s no boyfriend.

Holmes: Are you a “Survivor” fan?
Thomas: Yes, but I’m not a die-hard fan. I remember when it first came out. I watched it a lot. The last couple of seasons I’ve watched. But like I said, I live in a horse trailer. I don’t have a TV. I haven’t been to a movie theater in probably ten years.
Holmes: Mind blown.
Thomas: I just saw it explode. But, it’s true. I don’t live a normal life.
Holmes: No wonder you haven’t seen “Heartland.”
Thomas: Exactly!
Holmes: I’m going to send you some DVDs.
Thomas: (Laughs)

Holmes: If there is a twist, what do you think it’ll be?
Thomas: I don’t have any guesses, but I do know it’s the 30th season. There’s got to be something up their sleeves. I’m ready for anything. Life throws me crazy things all the time.

Holmes: What do you think of the cast members?
Thomas: There’s a couple of younger, fit guys that I’d like to get into an alliance with. There are a couple of old guys that I think might fall off pretty quick. They’re already rubbing their knees and stretching their backs. As far as the ladies, they all seem a little soft. I think I’m stronger than most of them. I’m confident that I can compete with any one of these girls.

Holmes: If you could align with any past “Survivor” player, who would it be?
Thomas: You know…as much as he bothered me, I’d have to go with Tony. He was smart, conniving, athletic.

Holmes: You signed up for 39 days of people trying to deceive you. How well do you deal with paranoia?
Thomas: To be honest, I’ll be really paranoid. But, I think that’s a part of the game. I’ll be watching people’s expressions between one another. They’re going to be scheming, they’re going to be plotting. I’m not naïve. People will walk off and talk about me, but you have to stay one step ahead.

Holmes: Why do you think you were cast?
Thomas: I’m a woman that lives in a man’s world every day. I don’t do a 9-to-5, I do a 5-to-9. I’m up fifteen hours riding ten head of horses or riding half way across the nation. I think I truly have what it takes to win. I can keep up with the boys.

Holmes: Are you worried about the lack of food?
Thomas: I go days without food. I live on gas station food. Sometimes I go three days without sleep. I adjust.
Holmes: Are you chugging coffee?
Thomas: Yeah, a lot of caffeine. A lot of Monsters. A lot of unhealthy gas-station burritos. It’s my favorite thing in life.
Holmes: I’m not judging.
Thomas: (Laughs) They are delicious.

Don’t miss the 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Worlds Apart” on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 8 pm ET on CBS.

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Take a Look at the First ‘Survivor: Worlds Apart’ Immunity Challenge

February 3, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (XFINITY)

NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Worlds Apart” scoop! I delved deep into the Nicaraguan wilderness on a mission to bring you all kinds of stuff including behind-the-scenes tidbits, pre-game interviews with the cast, insights from “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, a look at the first Tribal Council, and much more. I’ll be cranking out this goodness daily in the weeks leading up to the premiere, so be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates on all of this season’s “Survivor” fun.

One of the most exciting parts of any “Survivor” press junket is the day the press gets to participate in an immunity challenge against Jeff Probst’s beloved “Dream Team.” (Quick Note: The Dream Team is a collection of athletic young men and women who test out the challenges to make sure they’re safe, fair, and exciting.) This exhibition lets us know how grueling the challenges are, it lets us experience the stress of competing in front of a ton of people, and it gives Jeff Probst a chance to yell at us.

Win/win.

I’ve had a blast competing in these events over the years. Mainly because the dynamic has shifted from the press being humiliated by the younger, stronger, better-looking, better-smelling Dream Team to the press actually being able to hold their own.

In fact, ever since my first loss in Gabon I’ve managed to rack up an Ozzy-esque five consecutive victories. Now, you may think winning exhibition challenges in a reality show isn’t a big deal, but I fully intend to have “Five Straight Immunity Challenge Victories” inscribed on my tombstone, Royal Tenenbaum-style.

The Immunity Challenge:

All three of the tribes will sprint down a tilted runway into a pile of hay. Once they manage to free themselves from the hay, they’ll have to maneuver over a high-step obstacle.

Then it gets tricky. One member from each tribe will have to release a ladder from a box. To do this, they’ll either have to untie about a jillion knots.

Or, unlock three padlocks using a ring full of keys.

From there, they’ll use the ladder to climb up a platform, cross to a second platform, and then climb down.

Next up, they’ll have to pass the ladder through two table puzzles.

Finally, our poor, overworked ladder will be used to retrieve one of three bags of puzzle pieces. The puzzles come in different varieties…

  • A 50-Piece Puzzle – Basically a picture puzzle made of squares.
  • A 10-Piece Puzzle – A tree-shaped puzzle similar to the one used in “Survivor: One World.”
  • A 5-Piece Puzzle – The player must use five flat shapes to create a perfect, 2-D square.

The 50-piece puzzle is the easiest, but takes the longest to complete, the five piece can be done in ten seconds if you can figure out how it works, and the ten piece is somewhere in the middle.

One person from each tribe will tackle the puzzle. The first tribe to complete their puzzle wins bragging rights and first dibs on sandwiches from craft services.

The Twist

There would only be two actual journalists competing in this little exhibition; myself and “Survivor” Hall of Famer Parvati Shallow. So, we would had to fill out the rest of our tribe ranks with Dream Teamers.

Ew.

But, if He-Man could partner with Skeletor to take out Hordak, I guess I could team up with my mortal enemies to take down a former “Survivor” champ.

The third team would be led by Samantha, the daughter (and for this trip, the assistant) of CBS’s lovable photographer Monty Brinton.

As the guy who lives behind a computer, it made sense that I’d be White Collar leader. Yoga superstar Parvati headed up the No Collar tribe. And, Samantha was Blue Collar pretty much by default.

The 2nd Twist:

This challenge is all about choices. How do you free the ladder? Which puzzle do you choose? So, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer insisted that Parvati, Samantha, and I do all of the tasks for our tribe. He claimed that he wanted to pick our brains afterward to see why we made our choices, but I bet he really wanted one of us to be solely responsible for our tribe’s loss. Oh good, no pressure.

The False Start:

The three of us climbed to the top of the ramp and started to talk strategy with our teammates. To add to the degree of difficulty, Kirhoffer made them promise to not give us any tips. While I was deciding which Dream Teamer would be the one we’d send up after the puzzle pieces, I heard a familiar, Emmy-winning voice yell out, “Survivors, ready?!”

In unison, Parvati and I both rushed to the front of the platform and screamed back, “NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!”

Everybody had a good laugh at that.

Probst laughed himself, then gave me grief for not giving him a warmer welcome. I told him I was in the middle of something, but would be sure to give him a sweaty post-victory hug when I was done.

The Real Deal:

Once the strategy session was over, we took our marks. Probst started the festivities with his trademark line and we were off.

Now, most people simply ran down the ramp and into the hay, then stomped around to free themselves. I had a different, probably dumber strategy; I ran down the ramp, then tucked into a forward roll. Yeah, I might’ve gotten hay in every orifice in my head, but I cannonballed right through that mess and was the first one into the next obstacle.

With my tribe right behind me, I was the first one through the high-step course. I went to work on the knots with a slight lead.

Why did I choose the knots? Honestly, the locks scared me. I’d done really well with the knots in the Philippines and I  knew no matter what I’d be able to finish. I worried that a rusty lock or a faulty key could cause some serious problems.

(Note: A few days later when Probst walked the actual players through the challenge, he showed them that the locks are perfectly fine. They may look old and rusty, but they’re totally functional.)

Parvati decided to try the locks, while Stephanie took on the knots.

All the knots…

So many knots…

Actually, twenty ropes of ten knots apiece for a grand total of 200 knots.

When I was done with a rope, I’d pull it completely out of the hole so we’d have no problem freeing the ladder. This strategy led to a pretty nasty rope burn on my hand. As I looked down at my bleeding finger, Probst gleefully shouted out, “Holmes is worried about his manicure!”

No sympathy from that guy.

Meanwhile, Parvati was killing the locks. In fact, she had opened all three of them and removed her ladder while I still had about ten ropes to go.

To make matters worse, I looked back and Samantha had about seven ropes to go.

Samantha would later tell me that she was hooking her thumbs in the ropes and pulling them apart while I had been griping the individual ropes.

Samantha destroyed me. I went in a with a lead and she passed me by a significant margin.

Probst was loving it.

Eventually, I learned that there’s one thing worse than Jeff Probst standing over you and saying things like, “Your 401K can’t save you now, Holmes!” in front of the entire “Survivor” crew. And that’s when he has to stop making fun of you so he can rush to the end of the challenge to call Parvati and Samantha working on their puzzles.

Yes, it was that bad.

With numb fingers and a bruised ego I finally got through that 200th knot. My compassionate teammates hopped into action as we tried to salvage the challenge. We were quick to get up, across, and over the platforms.

Then, as we were plowing through the two table puzzles, I noticed that the other tribes weren’t celebrating just yet. Apparently Parvati had chosen the five-piece puzzle, Samantha had chosen the ten-piece, and neither had made any significant progress. Now, I had a decision to make.

Going into the challenge, I thought I’d go for the 50-piece puzzle if I had a lead. And, if I was behind I’d go for the 10-piece. Thinking of how difficult that five-piece puzzle must be completely psyched me out. I wasn’t going near that one.

We quickly retrieved the ten-piece bag and I went to work. I emptied all of the pieces onto one side and one by one, rotated them around the tree-shaped frame looking for a combo that fit…and I didn’t find one. Uh oh.

It was at this point that both Parvati and Samantha made the call to switch to the 50-piece puzzle. Now we’d all pretty much be starting from scratch.

I kept with my strategy. Eventually it dawned on me that there was some empty space in the puzzle. Once I figured that out, it was off to the races. With each piece that I put into place, the puzzle got easier and easier. Even Probst had to admit that I was in the midst of a miracle comeback.

And once that tenth and final piece was secure, I was finally able to give Probst that sweaty embrace I had promised him.

After I shared hugs and high-fives with my Dream Teamer besties, Probst took me aside and made a simple request…

“You know, you can go talk trash to Parvati if you want.”

And talk trash I did.

As I strolled over to my press team sibling, I noticed that Samantha was getting the best of the situation. Parvati tried to ignore me, but I managed to get in her ear and convince her to switch to the ten-piece. However, by the time that bag was opened, the challenge was over and the No Collars were on the losing end.

The Aftermath:

When it was all said and done, we went over our strategies and hypothesized as to which ones we thought the future players would undertake. The Dream Teamers admitted that the locks were always the way to go and that the five-piece puzzle is a nightmare if you don’t know the trick.

Personally, I came to the conclusion that my hay approach was foolproof, my knot skills could use some work, the Dream Teamers aren’t so bad, and my Tenenbaum tombstone will now have to read “Six Straight Immunity Challenge Victories.”

Don’t miss the 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Worlds Apart” on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 8 pm ET on CBS.

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‘Survivor’ Blue Collar Dan – “I’m Going to Be at the Bottom of the Cuddle Puddle”

February 3, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Worlds Apart” scoop! I delved deep into the Nicaraguan wilderness on a mission to bring you all kinds of stuff including behind-the-scenes tidbits, pre-game interviews with the cast, insights from “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, a look at the first Tribal Council, and much more. I’ll be cranking out this goodness daily in the weeks leading up to the premiere, so be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates on all of this season’s “Survivor” fun.

Name: Dan Foley
Age: 47
Current Residence: Gorham, Maine
Occupation: Postal Worker

Gordon Holmes: Your bio says that you can hunt with golf discs. So, a wild boar wanders into camp and you can go all “Tron” on it?
Dan Foley: (Laughs)
Holmes: You’re going to need to explain that one.
Foley: It’s called disc golf…not frisbee golf, that’s different.
Holmes: We’re not talking about Frolf?
Foley: (Laughs) No, it’s disc golf. They’re similar to frisbees, but it’s different. Like regular golf there are different kinds of discs for different kinds of shots. And instead of trying to put a ball in hole, you’re trying to put a disc in a basket. Essentially, some of them have very tapered edges. If I launched one at you and you tried to catch it? You’re breaking every bone in your hand.
Holmes: What is the benefit of a tapered edge?
Foley: My home course, the opening pin is 801 feet. You’re trying to throw this disc eight hundred feet. Professionals are getting four or five hundred feet. I’m throwing it about three hundred feet. And I’m getting pretty accurate with my discs.

Holmes: What are your first impressions of Nicaragua?
Foley: From what I’ve seen, it’s gorgeous. I haven’t seen much because I’ve been riding around in a blacked-out van.
Holmes: I did that once. It was awful.
Foley: Yeah, I don’t get claustrophobic or car sick. But I could tell that some of my cohorts were a little greenish. But, you wake up and you go to sleep to the sound of the ocean, so it’s kind of like home to me. I was born and raised in Maine.

Holmes: Are you a “Survivor” fan?
Foley: Huge.
Holmes: Since when?
Foley: Season one, buddy. I’ve been applying non-stop since season two. I’ve sent in over 100 applications and I have physically driven over 20,000 miles to go to open casting calls. There is a very fine line between super fan and fanatic.
Holmes: And you drove by it a long time ago.
Foley: No, no I haven’t. There’s a difference between passion and obsession and I can explain it.
Holmes: Please do.
Foley: I make time for “Survivor” from my family. I don’t make time for my family from “Survivor.” Whenever I have the time and the money, then I’ll go to casting calls.
Holmes: What’s it like to get that call?
Foley: This is actually my second call. I got a phone call in February and I thought I was being punked. The girl on the phone actually threatened me. She said, “Either you believe me or I’m hanging up on you.” To get the second phone call, my heart leapt. I didn’t think I’d get a second phone call. The girl dismissed me a little bit. But, the second phone call I was a little bit more prepared. When I answered the phone I said, “Hello, ‘Survivor.’” And she said, “How could you possibly know that?” I said, “The last time I got a call from a restricted number it was you. And obviously you’ve seen the error of your ways.”
Holmes: So, you’ve met Probst at this point.
Foley: I met him on a Skype interview about a month and a half ago and then met him face to face yesterday.
Holmes: And did you get lost in his dimples?
Foley: I’m too pragmatic to be star-struck by pretty much anybody.
Holmes: That’s a good way to be.
Foley: But it was still pretty (expletive deleted) cool.
Holmes: (Laughs)
Foley: (Laughs) I’m not going to lie! It was still pretty cool.
Holmes: Is it an advantage to be a “Survivor” fan?
Foley: It depends on who you’re matched up with. People can see the fact that you’re a super fan and think that you’re a student of the game and see you as a threat and get rid of you pretty quick. Other times, people might try to delve into what you have.
Holmes: I wonder if knowing these precedents could lead you in one direction while you’re instincts are telling you something else.
Foley: The head and the heart argue with each other. The heart is primal, but logic is learned. People tend to follow their heart when they should follow their head. I think logic needs to dictate this game. And I like to say that common sense is no longer common. Once you stop following your gut, you’re screwed.

Holmes: You said you weren’t going to lie about meeting Jeff Probst, are you comfortable lying in this game?
Foley: (Long pause) Yeah. Oh yeah. Pretty much the only thing I won’t do is sleep with somebody else, and that’s pretty much it. That’s my line in the sand. This is a game. In a game of poker, my dad taught me at the age of ten, “If a person puts those chips on the table, that means he’s willing to let you take those chips.” Why wouldn’t you? And everybody here knows that this is a game. And I don’t behave at a poker table the way I normally would in life. I may try to deceive you, trick you, lure you in, or make you believe things that are ridiculous. This is just a game of high-stakes poker. And the trick to this game is you have to be full of blarney. And blarney is an Irish word that means you have to be able to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they’ll look forward to the trip. And I’m full of blarney.

Holmes: So, you won’t sleep with someone. But flirting is in play?
Foley: Oh yeah. My wife has given me full carte blanche to say anything I have to say or do anything I have to do. My wife Erin has put up with a lot of shenanigans for me to get here. And that woman is the best thing that’s ever happened to a bum like me.
Holmes: Make sure she reads this.
Foley: (Laughs) I will, but I’m not done yet. So, when I’m holding that million dollar check, it’s hers. But, the title is mine. The money can be spent, but pride never goes away.

Holmes: Do you have any experience outdoors?
Foley: Born and raised in Maine, I like going camping, hiking. My very first mountain climbing experience was Mount Washington in the middle of winter. It was negative twenty one degrees with 76 mile-per-hour gusts above the treeline. So, we had negative 80-degree windchill factors. I had a blast. Not a big fan of the heat.
Holmes: Oh no? Well, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news.
Foley: (Laughs) Yeah. There are only two things that frighten me about this game. That’s the heat and I can’t stand coconut. Oh God, I hate coconut. Nothing else intimidates me.
Holmes: What happens if coconut is your best bet to keep you going?
Foley: I am not exactly the classic beauty that “Survivor” looks for. I’m a fat, bald guy with a stupid beard. But, I have style. I have panache. And I could stand to skip a few meals. I’m looking forward to the weight loss. I have no problems with the lack of food, I have no problems with the lack of sleep, I have no problems with the cold, the rain. And if it starts raining, the girls are going to love me because I am a walking furnace. I’m going to be at the bottom of the cuddle puddle every night.

Holmes: How good are your lie detecting skills?
Foley: There is a huge amount that you can learn from people just by watching them. There a little nuances. And I can read things like that. If someone walks off, the first thing I’m going to do is look at their eyes when they come back. If they start darting their eyes around, that’s a pretty big signal. You can’t overthink this game. If you play the game nonstop, people will get rid of you because they think you’re an instant threat. So, there has to be a balance between playing the game and not overthinking.

Holmes: If this season has a twist, what do you think it’ll be?
Foley: I was worried that there were eighteen people. Eighteen is divisible by three, so there might be a three-tribe split right from the get-go. But, the clothes that we were asked to send in made it sound like there’d only be two tribes.

Holmes: If you could align with any Survivor, who would it be and why?
Foley: Wow…Russell Hantz, because he can’t win the game. He’s a freaking moron. Coach, he’s an idiot too. I’d align with people who can’t win the game because that just makes my odds better.

Holmes: What are your thoughts on this cast?
Foley: It seems like an all-star cast. We have a Parvati, we have a Colby, we have a Dawn, we have Kim, we have Malcolm, Denise, Brenda, Benjamin…oh, I’m sorry, “Coach.” And you have me, Rupert.
Holmes: (Laughs)
Foley: That doesn’t mean that’s who they are, but that’s my first impression of how these people strike me.

Don’t miss the 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Worlds Apart” on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 8 pm ET on CBS.

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‘Survivor’ No Collar Joe – “I’ve Got Some Tricks Up My Sleeve”

February 2, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Worlds Apart” scoop! I delved deep into the Nicaraguan wilderness on a mission to bring you all kinds of stuff including behind-the-scenes tidbits, pre-game interviews with the cast, insights from “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, a look at the first Tribal Council, and much more. I’ll be cranking out this goodness daily in the weeks leading up to the premiere, so be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates on all of this season’s “Survivor” fun.

Name: Joe Anglim
Age: 25
Current Residence: Scottsdale, Arizona
Occupation: Jewelry Designer

Gordon Holmes: Your bio says you’re a jeweler. I don’t recall ever seeing that before on “Survivor.”
Joe Anglim: It’s a very unique major. I was the last to graduate from NAU with that degree. I’m a little disappointed about it because it was a great program. And with cuts to the budget, NAU decided to cut the program. I was a painting major, but after I took a jewelry course I kinda loved it. It was everything that encompassed what I wanted to do. I want to be creative, I want to work with metals, welding, soldering. It was like shop class on a minimal scale.
Holmes: It seems like there would be some security there. People might not want iPhones twenty years from now, but they’re always going to want jewelry.
Anglim: You’d think, but it’s tougher than that. It’s very competitive. What I did was more of a fine arts sense than diamonds and gold where it can become lucrative. That’s what big jewelers want. They want people who know how to set diamonds and know how to work with gold. So, yes and no. I’m more of an artist. I have a lot of growing and experience to attain before I become a fine jeweler.

Holmes: You said your father is your inspiration. How does he feel about his son’s crazy adventure?
Anglim: He loves it just as much as I do. I come from a “Survivor” family. He’s been my rock and the person I look up to. He’s taught me how to work hard and has helped me to become the man I am today. He’s so excited for me. Hopefully, either he or my mom will get to see me on day thirty five or whatever it is.
Holmes: For a “Survivor” family to get that call, it’s not just, “Hey, you get a trip to Nicaragua,” but “Hey, Joe’s still in there and swinging on day thirty five.”
Anglim: They’re already proud, just to make it this far. This is so amazing, I’m honored to be here. And season 30 of all the seasons?

Holmes: They asked you which “Survivor” player you’re like, and you gave the worst possible answer.
Anglim: Did I?
Holmes: Everybody always says they’re a mix of the best possible players. I have the challenge skills of Ozzy, and the idol-crafting abilities of Bob Crowley.
Anglim: (Laughs)
Holmes: You said, Rupert, Malcolm, Ethan, and Ozzy. (NOTE: This is from the original bio.) I wrote in my notes, “How did he forget ‘Boston’ Rob?”
Anglim: Well, there are different qualities about those people that I pick up on. People are going to think I’m like Malcolm because of the hair and the stature, the physical properties.
Holmes: Malcolm is the greatest human being I know, so be careful where you go with this.
Anglim: (Laughs) No, no…we’re just different. He’s really thinking, but he externally shows how he’s thinking. I’m more intrinsic. I compartmentalize what I’m thinking more that he does. Malcolm is one of my favorite players, but I’m a little more goofy and free-spirited.
Holmes: And Rupert?
Anglim: He’s a family guy. I’m very family oriented. I connect with Rupert on a different level than say “Boston” Rob who has got this swag. I don’t have that.
Holmes: The question I prefer is; if you could align with anyone, who would it be and why?
Anglim: Oh…
Holmes: It tells me about your strategy, do you want to use someone, do you want someone to use you, do you need to lead, can you hang back?
Anglim: The key in this game is you have to trust someone at some point. And it’s usually the first two that you align with. Your core three. Malcolm did it with Denise and it worked. It could be anyone as long as I can trust them and they can trust me. Someone I have a gut feeling about.

Holmes: What’re your thoughts on lying, deception, misdirection?
Anglim: You’re lying to yourself if you don’t think that’s coming.
Holmes: Are you going to lie?
Anglim: Yes.
Holmes: Are you comfortable lying?
Anglim: Maybe internally, no. But, I’m going to be as cool as a cucumber. It is part of the game and I’ve come to accept that. I’m a big believer in karma. I’m going to put out a good vibe, but I understand that this is a game. You have to tell lies. You have to shake someone’s hand and say I’m not voting you out tonight.
Holmes: It’s one thing to sit here on a beach with me and say, “I’m gonna go out there and lie to people’s faces and be super cool about it.” It’s another thing to…
Anglim: Live it.
Holmes: Exactly. You’re in an extreme environment out here. You could get very close to these people.
Anglim: Relationships in this game are a big part of it. But, when you vote them off, you have to say this relationship with you was real. It’s an absolute truth, but that’s the game. If it’s not you, it’s me. And if it’s not me, it’s someone else. Everyone dies, it’s just a matter of when and how.
Holmes: I like that.
Anglim: (Laughs) Thanks.
Holmes: I’m a big believer in owning your lies at Final Tribal.
Anglim: Yes, deny deny deny up until the Final Tribal.
Holmes: Even if you didn’t technically lie, just say you did.
Anglim: You have to own your game at the end, and if you’re wishy-washy it’ll come back to get you. Like I said, I love the game and I appreciate how the game breaks you down. I think I have a good grasp of it, but you don’t know until you’re in the thick of it.

Holmes: You’re a handsome gentleman, if you don’t mind me saying.
Anglim: Thank you. It’s the genes.
Holmes: There might be some lovely ladies out there. Is flirting a tool that you have brought in your toolbox?
Anglim: I’ll use any and every tool available. I don’t like to use my looks. In this game, they don’t matter as much as you’d think. It matters if you end up being a power couple and it gets you in trouble socially. So, I’m trying to stay away from that. I might be attracted to a girl, but I’m not going to be cuddling with her at the end of the night and give everybody else the wrong idea.

Holmes: Any predictions on if there are any twists?
Anglim: Oh, I know there’s always something fun. It’s been a while since they’ve done a men vs. women. But, I don’t get that vibe. I don’t foresee that happening. In “Survivor” 28 they had that special idol.
Holmes: The Tyler Perry idol.
Anglim: Yes. That might come into play. Maybe they’ll add more idols, a couple more switches, two tribes, three tribes…one big tribe? You know, it’s season thirty. You know they’re going to have something that’s just off-the-table new and crazy. But, I’ve been sitting here wracking my brain around ideas. But there’s no point. I’ve got to let it go. I’m going to take every day as it’s given to me.

Holmes: What’re your first impressions of the cast?
Anglim: It’s kind of a hodge-podge. It seems like there are some intellectuals in the group, not including myself. There seems to be some brains. A lot of people, just from body language, they seem…intellectually sound. They’re very observant. They’re watching people. And then you have some people that are more laid back. They’re taking their time and not caring. Maybe they’re struggling a little emotionally. Then you have people who are more animated like myself. Their body language has a little more energy. They’re antsy, ready to play. The men look very physical. There are some tattoos that I’ve been looking at. They have little stories in their tattoos. It’s hard to get a read. It’s hard to judge a book by its cover.
Holmes: Anyone you’re thinking of working with? Anyone you’re thinking of cutting loose?
Anglim: Until I have those first conversations I really won’t know. It’s all about personality and seeing who’s on the outs. Who’s causing distractions. You have to take all of that into consideration. I could say I want to align with the guy with feathers in his hair, but if he’s a little too extreme and too hippie for the tribe, then why would I align with someone who’s not in the majority?

Holmes: Are you concerned about paranoia?
Anglim: You have to take everything into consideration. Who’s going into the woods? Are they in your alliance? I’ve thought about it. Psychologically it’s going to weigh on you. But, that’s part of the game. I’ve invested most of my life in this game. I’ve thought of it in real-time, not just the forty five minutes you see on TV, but days and days with these people. I’m going to play my game and I’m going to watch people play their game. I think I’m good at reading people. I’ve done some reading, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to see if people are being honest with me.

Holmes: How do you do without food?
Anglim: Oh boy…
Holmes: Cause I’m the worst.
Anglim: I call it “Hangry.” Angry and hungry. I love cooking and I love food. I eat like a horse, man. I probably weigh 300 pounds on the inside. But, I have a very fast metabolism.
Holmes: Jerk.
Anglim: (Laughs)
Holmes: Enjoy it now, buddy. It’ll be gone soon.
Anglim: People say at 30.
Holmes: You get to have hair or metabolism. You don’t get to have them both.
Anglim: (Laughs) Hopefully it’s hair.

Don’t miss the 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Worlds Apart” on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 8 pm ET on CBS.

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Posted in RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor’ No Collar Joe – “I’ve Got Some Tricks Up My Sleeve”

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