More Whatnot

Taylor Stocker (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Taylor Lee Stocker (24)
Current Residence: Postfalls, ID
Occupation: Ski Instructor
Hobbies: Playing music, brewing beer, and snowboarding.
Pet Peeves: Wobbly tables, people not cleaning up their dog’s poop, loud chewing, slow walkers, selfies, forms without enough space for answers.
Three Words to Describe You: Spontaneous, inventive, and thinker.

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Gordon Holmes: You’re a man who’s going to make “Survivor” history; good or bad. You’ve got to elaborate on that.
Taylor Stocker: Good, crazy, doing some awesome stuff, climbing trees, having a good time.
Holmes: I’ve seen some “Survivor” in my day and climbing trees is not making history.
Stocker: Dude, falling out of trees!
Holmes: I’ve seen some of that too. Maybe if you set some kind of height record.
Stocker: (Laughs) I’ll find the biggest tree and climb it.
Holmes: Promise me you will stay in one piece. I can’t have this on my conscience.
Stocker: Just for you.

Holmes: You’re going to be hard to vote out because you’re likable. Likable people get voted out all the time. Sometimes because they are too likable.
Stocker: I need to get in with a good crowd, and after the merge is when the good, likable people get voted out. I’ll be able to last until the merge, like Joe (Anglim), then I’ll have a hard time because I’m extremely fit and good at challenges. That’s going to be my biggest struggle right there.

Holmes: Do you have any issues lying?
Stocker: No, I have no problems lying.
Holmes: How do you react to being lied to?
Stocker: Typically, I’m pretty good. There are always people who can put on that actor face and lie right to you. They’re hard to read. But, if those people don’t have a bad side to them that you know about, what can you do? You have to play as hard as you can, and if you get voted out, you have to say, “Hey, I (expletive deleted) up.”

Holmes: How well do you deal with hunger?
Stocker: I can get pretty hangry. If I’m sleep deprived, I can be an (expletive deleted) sometimes. My temper is pretty short. If someone crosses me, I’ll rage out on them.
Holmes: How about extreme temperatures?
Stocker: I’m fine in cold, heat is my enemy. I deal with the cold all the time. The good news is; we’re probably going to be in a rainy season.
Holmes: How do you deal with paranoia?
Stocker: I don’t read into things too much. I’m going to make as many friends as I can. Try to get in as much as I can. And I’m not going to think about it too much because that can mess with your game.

Holmes: Is flirting something you’d be willing to do to get ahead?
Stocker: Oh yeah!
Holmes: Is there anyone at home that’ll be upset if they see you flirting?
Stocker: I really don’t think so. I’m not going to make an idiot out of myself by doing anything too extreme. And I’m pretty likable, so I don’t think I’ll have to work at it too much.

Holmes: Any early thoughts on the cast?
Stocker: There’s some good-looking people. Some strong guys I would get along with.

Holmes: If there is a twist, what do you think it could be?
Stocker: Early merges, something new they haven’t done before. Crazy stuff, hidden idols at challenges. Something new with idols maybe.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
Stocker: I’d say Joe or Woo (Hwang). We have a similar way of thinking. So, I would know how they are going to think.

Holmes: Lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
Stocker: Dogs.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
Stocker: Beer.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
Stocker: Superman.
Holmes: Meat or vegetable?
Stocker: Meat.
Holmes: Republican or Democrat?
Stocker: Republican.
Holmes: Books or TV?
Stocker: TV.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
Stocker: Swimming.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
Stocker: One good friend.
Holmes: Nice car or nice home?
Stocker: Nice home.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
Stocker: Smart.
Holmes: Parvati or Boston Rob?
Stocker: Boston Rob.
Holmes: Big TV or big vacation?
Stocker: Big vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
Stocker: Team.
Holmes: Dragons or unicorns?
Stocker: Dragons.
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
Stocker: Flying by the seat of my pants.
Holmes: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
Stocker: Jeff!

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm ET.

Hannah Shapiro (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Hannah Shapiro (24)
Current Residence: West Hollywood, CA via Brookline, MA
Occupation: Barista
Hobbies: Skiing, scuba diving, eating. I can hula-hoop and walk at the same time.
Pet Peeves: A pet peeve of mine is someone who likes to kill people. Not sure why, that’s just such a pet peeve of mine! Also people who stick their gum on public benches or fart in small elevators.
Three Words to Describe You: Nerdy, competitive, and weird.

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Hannah Shapiro: I can’t believe I’m talking to you! I keep doing these interviews, and everyone I talk to I say, “I know who you are!” I love your interviews!
Gordon Holmes: Hannah, you’re only supposed to know me.
Shapiro: I was just kidding. I knew nobody else. I only read Gordon Holmes Power Rankings.
Holmes: There ya go.
Shapiro: I don’t even watch the show. I just read your articles.
Holmes: Like my mom.
Shapiro: Is that what she does?
Holmes: No, she actually watches. She gets furious whenever people can’t make fire.
Shapiro: (Laughs) I had to get my mom into “Survivor” so she would not just watch my season.

Holmes: We’re on a bit of a tight schedule, so if you can keep your answers short, I’d appreciate it.
Shapiro: Feel free to cut me off, I’m such a millennial that I don’t even know how to have a phone conversation.
Holmes: You can talk into this thing? I thought it was for texting.
Shapiro: I’m good in person. I can talk to people. But on the phone I never know if I’m interrupting or not.

Holmes: You cry when an authority figure yells at you. Do you consider Jeff Probst to be an authority figure?
Shapiro: (Laughs) I mean, in a way. It’s possible. I’m not afraid of authority figures. I worry that it gives the impression that I can’t lie. I can lie to an authority figure, it’s just my reaction. I remember I went to try to get out of a gym class in high school and the women yelled at me and I just burst into tears. But, I’m aware of it, so maybe I can use it to my advantage.

Holmes: You mentioned that you’ve seen men like you win the game. What did you mean by that? Because there’s always that societal thing where strong men are seen as heroes and strong women can be perceived as the b-word.
Shapiro: Yeah! And here’s the thing; I’ve been talking to friends about how “Survivor” is a sexist game. And it’s not that I think “Survivor” is a sexist game, it’s that society is sexist and “Survivor” reflects it. I think that men in society…in work environments are able to speak up and interrupt and get away with it. And when women do that, they’re bitchy and bossy. And I think all the rules that apply in the real world are reflected in “Survivor.” Men can be called strategic, where women can be called manipulative. Parvati (Shallow) is one of the greatest winners ever and she’s this manipulative black widow. So, I think “Survivor” is sexist in a lot of ways. I think men get away with a lot more when it comes to making moves. I did an improv show and I had a guy come up to me after the show and say, “Hey, maybe you should let the guy get his idea out first.”
Holmes: Oh…yikes.
Shapiro: And he singled me out in an improv troupe with like nine people and there were only two women. And tons of the guys were doing it. I’m used to being told “Shh…” I was a little kid and I was called a “Bossy little kid.” I don’t think dudes are called bossy.

Holmes: Are you comfortable lying in the game?
Shapiro: I am. I’m a writer, and while I feel like I might not have the best poker face, lying is sort of creative storytelling.
Holmes: What about flirting? Is that a tool in your tool belt?
Shapiro: Here’s the funny thing, no (expletive deleted)…that’ll be too long. I feel like a girl like Parvati or Anna (Khait) can talk to a guy and they’ll be like, “Was she flirting with me?” I actually think because I’m quirky and nerdy I get away with flirting a lot more. And I do flirt in my life. (Laughs).
Holmes: Is there someone back home who will be upset if they see you flirting?
Shapiro: No, I don’t have a boyfriend.

Holmes: How do you deal with being lied to?
Shapiro: I’m enough of a fan of the show, since I was fourteen, to know that people are going to lie to me.
Holmes: How well do you deal with hunger?
Shapiro: I’ve never really been hungry in my life. So, I guess we’ll see.
Holmes: How about sleep deprivation?
Shapiro: I’ve never been a good sleeper. I’ve been dealing with that my whole life. When my mom brought my brother home when he was a baby and he slept through the night, she thought he was dead because he was so quiet compared to me.
Holmes: Extreme temperatures.
Shapiro: I lived in Chicago when it was negative 40 and now I’m in L.A. So, I should be fine.
Holmes: Paranoia?
Shapiro: I’m definitely going to have to keep my neurotic side in check constantly. I think that’s going to be hard for me. I’m an over-thinker.

Holmes: Any thoughts on the other players?
Shapiro: I’ve only seen a few glimpses of them. But, I’m very aware of how I appear to them when I pass them. I’m aware that I seem nerdy and goofy. I’m going to play that up.

Holmes: If there is a twist, what do you think it could be?
Shapiro: Based on my casting, I think it’s some kind of liberals vs. conservative thing. Every time I mention how much of a liberal I am, eyes would light up in the room. I feel like with the election coming up that it makes sense.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
Shapiro: The people I’d want to work with, I wouldn’t want to sit with at the end. I’m a big fan of (John) Cochran and Stephen (Fishbach). I think it’d be fun to play with superfans. Like (Jonathan) Penner just to hear him talk. Those are some of my favorites. But if I have to align with someone to take to the end, I’d want them to be pretty and stupid.

Holmes: Lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
Shapiro: Dogs. I’m allergic to cats.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
Shapiro: I like hard cider, so neither.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
Shapiro: Spider-Man.
Holmes: You’re bad at this. Meat or vegetable?
Shapiro: Tuna…so meat.
Holmes: Here’s an easy one. Republican or Democrat?
Shapiro: I’m like even farther left than a Democrat.
Holmes: Books or TV?
Shapiro: I wanna write for TV, so TV.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
Shapiro: Swimming.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
Shapiro: One good friend.
Holmes: Nice car or nice home?
Shapiro: Nice home.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
Shapiro: It’s the combo that gets me. I’m going to go with funny.
Holmes: Parvati or Boston Rob?
Shapiro: Parvati.
Holmes: Big TV or big vacation?
Shapiro: Big vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
Shapiro: A team.
Holmes: Dragons or unicorns?
Shapiro: Dragons.
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
Shapiro: Fly by the seat of my pants.
Holmes: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
Shapiro: Jeff Probst, I’m not going to get in trouble.
Holmes: That last one was a test, and you passed.
Shapiro: Phew!

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm

Rachel Ako (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Rachel Ako (37)
Current Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Recruiting Director
Hobbies: Dancing, traveling and high ropes/high adventure activities.
Pet Peeves: I guess I would say bad manners.
Three Words to Describe You: Energetic, authentic, and fun!

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Gordon Holmes: You’re hoping to meet your “twin flame” on “Survivor”?
Rachel Ako: I hope so! (Laughs) I’m so embarrassed.
Holmes: (Laughs) That’s why I’m here.
Ako: You know, my favorite season is when Rob (Mariano) and Amber (Brkich) met. I’d just love for it to happen to me. I have no idea who’s going to be on the island.
Holmes: When he said, (in a horrible “Boston” Rob impression) “Take care of her.” I melted.
Ako: (Laughs) I’m glad you watch, you’re awesome.

Holmes: You mentioned inspiring Asian-Americans to be confident and self-expressive. Is that a problem in the Asian-American community?
Ako: I’m not sure. I think sometimes we’re brought up to be conservative and maybe not speak out unless it’s really important. I would like to be myself, but in being myself maybe be bold and not passive. I should be assertive and it should be OK to speak my mind. And that’s against how some conservative Asian-American cultures are.
Holmes: Winning “Survivor” would be an excellent way to do that.
Ako: I’m in it to win it. I don’t expect to talk to you again for a long time.
Holmes: Let’s talk the day after the finale.
Ako: (Laughs) That’s right!

Holmes: Are you comfortable lying in the game?
Ako: Yes, I am comfortable lying if need be. I would love to see how far in the game I could get with integrity. You know, being selective with the words I say so that I’m not committing 100% to something that I know I’m not going to follow through with. However, I’m willing to take the integrity route, even if it’s the much harder route.
Holmes: What about flirting?
Ako: Gordon, I will be using all of my tools. And that is definitely one of them. That comes pretty natural to me.
Holmes: Is there anyone who will get upset if they see you flirting?
Ako: No, I’m single and ready to meet people. Even my dad has given me his blessing to do what I need to do.
Holmes: So you are totally twin flameless at this point.
Ako: (Laughs) There are none. And thanks for pointing out my loneliness. But yes, I’m hoping there are other people who are twin flameless out there.

Holmes: How well do you deal with being lied to?
Ako: In an ideal world, people should be authentic with each other. However, being lied to for a strategic reason, I understand. Lying for the sake of lying, that would lose my respect.
Holmes: How well do you deal with hunger?
Ako: The longest I went without food is a day and a half. Just water. It was hard. I had a breakdown. I didn’t think I was going to be able to get through it. But, once I got over that hump I had a spiritual experience after crying and breaking down.
Holmes: How about sleep deprivation?
Ako: Sleep is one of the most important things to me. So, that’s going to be tough. I’ll meditate if I can’t sleep because rain is on me. I’ll do what I have to do to get my zen…my own rest.
Holmes: Extreme temperatures?
Ako: Hot is fine. I lived in Las Vegas, it’s like an oven there. However, cold is a weakness for me.
Holmes: What about paranoia?
Ako: I don’t smoke weed because I don’t like the paranoia. I think it’s the worst. I rock myself like a baby and want myself to get down from the high. I don’t like paranoia.

Holmes: Any early thoughts on the other players?
Ako: I’ve only walked by a few of them in the hallway, and they look young. Like early twenties. I’m like, I hope they’re going to be OK. I don’t even have kids and I’m feeling motherly. But, I think they do a really good job of selecting personalities that are quite different from each other.

Holmes: If there is a twist, what do you think it could be?
Ako: A super idol. I’ve done some research and an idol that two different players could put together and possess and can be played after the votes are read. That could be powerful.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
Ako: I really liked Parvati (Shallow). She seems like she tells it straight up. And she’s into women power. If there are some women who could survive with each other and take care of each other, she would be a good co-ringleader in that.

Holmes: Lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
Ako: Cats.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
Ako: Wine.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
Ako: Superman.
Holmes: Meat or vegetable?
Ako: Vegetable.
Holmes: Republican or Democrat?
Ako: (Laughs) Neither!
Holmes: I’ll accept that. Books or TV?
Ako: Books.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
Ako: Swimming.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
Ako: Many casual.
Holmes: Nice car or nice home?
Ako: Nice home.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
Ako: Funny all the way.
Holmes: Parvati or Boston Rob?
Ako: Boston Rob.
Holmes: Big TV or big vacation?
Ako: Big vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
Ako: Working alone.
Holmes: Dragons or unicorns?
Ako: Unicorns.
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
Ako: Careful planning.
Holmes: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
Ako: (Laughs) I think they’re both heroes, but I’m going to go with Probst.

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm

Ken McNickle (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Ken McNickle (33)
Current Residence: Denver, CO via Hana, Maui
Occupation: Model
Hobbies: Anything outdoors (hiking, camping and fishing), music (playing and watching) and dancing.
Pet Peeves: Superficial connections and communication.
Three Words to Describe You: Driven, mindful, and perceptive.

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Gordon Holmes: You’re a community activist, that seems like it would have a lot of applications in a game like this.
Ken McNickle: I spend six to eight hours every Saturday working with homeless people. A lot of them addicts, a lot of them people you have to be on your toes with. I don’t have any judgment toward them and I love working for them. It works toward my social strengths. I can read people and I’ll be able to confidently have eyes in the back of my head so I’ll always know what’s going on.

Holmes: Do you have any issues lying in the game?
McNickle: I was really competitive growing up. I was the youngest and the smallest in my family. So, you learn to tweak and bend the rules to make things work in your favor. You do what you have to do to get an edge over people who are above you.
Holmes: What about flirting?
McNickle: There are two kinds of flirts. There’s the type that consciously does it to manipulate or to get what they want. And, there are those who it’s their nature. And for me, it’s just my nature. So, I guess it’s inevitable that it’s going to happen.
Holmes: Is there anyone back home who’s going to be upset if they see you flirting?
McNickle: (Laughs) Everyone in my life knows that I’m a flirt by nature. Nobody is going to be surprised by it.

Holmes: How well do you deal with being lied to?
McNickle: It’s context. Nothing is black and white, there’s always a grey area. You have to understand where someone is coming from. I think that’s more important than the action itself.
Holmes: How well do you do with hunger?
McNickle: I’ve done five-day water fasts. I’ve done juice fasts. Hunger is a thought just like pain or frustration. If you learn to control your thoughts, then just about anything is possible.
Holmes: So you’d say the same thing for lack of sleep or extreme temperatures?
McNickle: Exactly.
Holmes: Nice, that’ll save us some time. How about paranoia?
McNickle: The best way to deal with paranoia, anger, frustration, any of these things you come across is to breathe. Breathe and remember this is why I’m here. This is what the game is about. This is not out of the ordinary. Keep your center calm.

Holmes: What are your thoughts on the other players?
McNickle: You watch people’s body language. You watch how they engage. You watch how they smile to the support and the producers. Are their smiles genuine and warm? Are they forced and contrived?
Holmes: Is there anyone you’re wary of?
McNickle: Not yet. (Laughs)

Holmes: If there is a twist, any guesses as to what it could be?
McNickle: The last few seasons I’ve been watching, the Beauty/Brains/Brawn seems very consistant. A lot of the questions they’ve asked me are about my modeling career. So, I’m wondering if that is going to be part of it.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
McNickle: I’d probably say Ozzy (Lusth) or Yul (Kwon). They’re both strong, respectable men. They didn’t have to lie a lot to get to the end of the game. They got there by being physically strong and by manipulating the game and the situation around them. But not in the way that other more quick-to-lie people did. Tony Vlachos swore on his wife and his child to get ahead. You can do that, but in Yul and Ozzy’s case they didn’t have to do that. I think I’d work well with either one of those guys.

Holmes: Alright, lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
McNickle: Dogs.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
McNickle: Wine.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
McNickle: Superman.
Holmes: Meat or vegetable?
McNickle: Vegetable.
Holmes: Republican or Democrat?
McNickle: Democrat.
Holmes: Books or TV?
McNickle: Books.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
McNickle: Swimming.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
McNickle: One good.
Holmes: A nice car or a nice home?
McNickle: Neither.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
McNickle: Smart.
Holmes: Parvati or Boston Rob?
McNickle: Boston Rob.
Holmes: A big vacation or a big TV?
McNickle: Big vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
McNickle: Alone.
Holmes: Dragons or unicorns?
McNickle: (Laughs) Dragons.
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
McNickle: Seat of pants.
Holmes: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
McNickle: Jeff!

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm ET.

Michelle Schubert (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Michelle Schubert (28)
Current Residence: Yakima, WA
Occupation: Missionary Recruiter
Hobbies: I love learning and reading and dancing. I seek beauty, adventure and adrenaline. I like nature, exploring, rock climbing, slacklining, and CATAN expansions. I also study dragons and the stars.
Pet Peeves: Windshield wipers on a dry window!
Three Words to Describe You: Hungry, hungry, hippo.

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Gordon Holmes: First thing is first; how do you study dragons? They don’t exist.
Michelle Schubert: Oh my gosh, draw a quick picture of a dinosaur.
Holmes: Hold on. OK…done.
Schubert: Now draw wings.
Holmes: (Laughs) I see what you’re getting at.
Schubert: (Laughs) The word “dinosaur” was actually coined in 1852. What do you think people called them before that?
Holmes: This feels like a technicality.
Schubert: They called them dragons!
Holmes: Mind blown.
Schubert: Right? (Laughs) Marco Polo, who we learned about in school wrote about dragons. Take out that fantastical, mythical idea of them flying around like “Game of Thrones.” But really we have hundreds of accounts of dragons. Sometimes fire breathing, or at least they shoot sparks out of their nose or something. All of them said they were birthed with eggs. Normally a myth is, like, the gods threw a magical baby onto a rock and it shattered into a thousand dragons. But no, dragons always say that they’re born from eggs, and they live in swamps, and they eat large livestock.
Holmes: You take that kind of persuasive reasoning into this game and you’re a millionaire.
Schubert: (Laughs)

Holmes: Have you kept up with your cross country?
Schubert: A little bit. I run now for fitness and for fun, but not for competition.

Holmes: You want to bring eye-liner with you so you can stay hot on TV. 
Schubert: (Laughs) Yeah. But the thing is, a girl is not usually as strong as a guy. And we have other disadvantages. But, we have one major advantage; being a woman. You think through Biblical mythology, if you want to call it mythology, or Biblical history says that Samson, the strongest man who ever lived…Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived…David, the King of Isreal…they all had one downfall…women.
Holmes: Well put. I also like how you said, “Stay hot.” I admire that confidence.
Schubert: (Laughs) Yeah.

Holmes: Any issues lying in the game?
Schubert: I don’t lie in real life. I do think that’s wrong. But in a game for a million dollars where you’re supposed to outwit? I don’t think it’s wrong.
Holmes: How well do you deal with being lied to?
Schubert: I’m one of the most forgiving people I know.
Holmes: I think I know the answer to the flirting question based on our eyeliner discussion.
Schubert: Absolutely, but I think you have to be careful because you don’t want to put a target on your back if a guy thinks your faking or other people think there’s too much of a bond. Maybe it’s less flirting, but somehow showing interest. I think giving glimmers of hope is what a girl needs to do.
Holmes: Is there anyone back home that’ll be upset if they see you giving glimmers of hope on CBS?
Schubert: (Laughs) Um…no. There’s someone that I’ve been seeing recently, but he understands that it’s a game for a million dollars.

Holmes: How well do you deal with hunger?
Schubert: I fast semi-regularly in real life and I don’t think I’ll go longer in this game without food than I have in my fasting. So, I think I’ll deal with it fine.
Holmes: How well do you deal with lack of sleep?
Schubert: That’s going to be tough for me.
Holmes: How about extreme temperatures?
Schubert: I’m OK. I don’t like being cold, I don’t like being too hot. But, at the end of the day you can’t do anything about it. So, stay hydrated and cuddle up.
Holmes: How about paranoia?
Schubert: I do meditate, I do pray…so hopefully I deal with it better than others. I think you can tap into truth in the spiritual realm and the truth inside you with those techniques.

Holmes: If there is a twist this season, any guesses as to what it could be?
Schubert: Oh gosh…I don’t know. I hope there are twists. I love adventure and I love not knowing what’s next.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
Schubert: I would think maybe…Coach…the Dragon Slayer…or…Parvati? Because even though they had drastically different games, they were actually very loyal to their alliance and even sacrificed for them.
Holmes: How could you possibly align with a dragon slayer?
Schubert: I know! I hate that he wants to kill dragons!

Holmes: Alright, lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
Schubert: Dogs.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
Schubert: Beer.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
Schubert: Superman.
Holmes: Meat or vegetable?
Schubert: Vegetable.
Holmes: Republican or Democrat?
Schubert: Communist.
Holmes: Books or TV?
Schubert: Books, hand down.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
Schubert: Swimming.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
Schubert: One good friend.
Holmes: A nice car or a nice home?
Schubert: A nice home.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
Schubert: Smart.
Holmes: Parvati or Boston Rob?
Schubert: Parvati.
Holmes: A big vacation or a big TV?
Schubert: Vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
Schubert: Alone.
Holmes: Here’s an easy one; dragons or unicorns?
Schubert: Oh my gosh, dragons!
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
Schubert: Seat of my pants.
Holmes: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
Schubert: Oh, Jeff Probst!

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm ET.

Sunday Burquest (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Sunday Burquest (45)
Current Residence: Otsego, MN
Occupation: Youth Pastor
Hobbies: Repurposing and painting furniture. Interior design and thrift shopping (love the thrill of the hunt for a good deal).
Pet Peeves: Arrogant people: those who think they are God’s gift to the human race. Catty women: the ones that make the snide comments, back-handed compliments and make other girls in the room feel like they don’t measure up. People that are late drive me nuts.
Three Words to Describe You: Bossy, compassionate, and tenacious.

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Gordon Holmes: You’ve had the title of “Survivor” for quite some time, having overcome breast cancer.
Sunday Burquest: It is the best thing ever. I did the first thing, I survived it. And now I’m going to do this one. It’ll be a bigger title than the other one.

Holmes: You’re a young adult pastor and your name is Sunday?
Burquest: Isn’t that funny?
Holmes: Am I the millionth person to make that joke?
Burquest: No you’re not. Most people ask if that was when I was born.

Holmes: You said you’d like to play like Lisa Whelchel who got to the end, but wasn’t awarded by the jury. What would you do differently than her to change the outcome?
Burquest: I felt like she played a little too much on her emotions, and I wouldn’t be as forthcoming as she was.

Holmes: Do you have any problems lying in the game?
Burquest: No. I don’t want to be cutthroat and I don’t want to backstab. But, I’m going to have to be deceptive.
Holmes: What about flirting?
Burquest: No. (Laughs) I’m going to try not to do that. I don’t want my boys seeing that on TV.

Holmes: How well do you deal with being lied to.
Burquest: I don’t like it. It makes me upset. However, I know it’s going to happen in this game.
Holmes: How about hunger?
Burquest: I can handle hunger. I’ve fasted before. I haven’t done anything to this extent, but I’ll get over it.
Holmes: Lack of sleep?
Burquest: That’s going to be a tough one. When I don’t get enough sleep I get emotional and that’s one thing I don’t want to be in this game.
Holmes: How do you deal with extreme temperatures.
Burquest: I can handle it. If I know it’s going to be hot and I know there isn’t going to be an air conditioner or fans, I can deal with it because I know there’s going to be an end to it.
Holmes: How about paranoia?
Burquest: I’m not a super paranoid person. So, I’m going to have to make myself think about what everyone is doing and what they’re saying about me behind my back.

Holmes: What’re your thoughts on the cast members you’ve seen?
Burquest: I see a few alpha males that are going to take charge. A few girls who are sweet and younger. I work with young girls so I can try to connect with them. Then there are a few that I have zero read on.

Holmes: If there is a twist, what do you think it could be?
Burquest: Maybe being back an Exile or Redemption Island. I feel like they haven’t done that for a while. They’ve been changing up the idols, so maybe something with that.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
Burquest: I’d align with Kim (Spradlin) because she had a really good social game. She didn’t come off as backstabbing people even though she had a ton of alliances. And I felt like she was pretty trustworthy within her solid alliance.

Holmes: Lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
Burquest: Dogs.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
Burquest: Neither.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
Burquest: Batman.
Holmes: Meat or vegetable?
Burquest: Meat.
Holmes: Republican or Democrat?
Burquest: Republican.
Holmes: Books or TV?
Burquest: TV.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
Burquest: Sunbathing.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
Burquest: One good one.
Holmes: Nice car or nice home?
Burquest: Nice home.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
Burquest: Funny.
Holmes: Parvati or Boston Rob?
Burquest: Parvati.
Holmes: Big TV or big vacation?
Burquest: Big vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
Burquest: With a team.
Holmes: Dragons or unicorns?
Burquest: (Laughs) Unicorns.
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
Burquest: Careful planning.
Holmes: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
Burquest: Oh…gotta go with Jeff Probst.

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm ET.

Ciandre “CeCe” Taylor (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Ciandre “CeCe” Taylor (39)
Current Residence: Granada Hills, CA via Buffalo, NY
Occupation: Insurance Adjuster
Hobbies: Writing, hiking/working out, and watching reality shows.
Pet Peeves: People who can’t drive in traffic and people who cough and sneeze without covering their mouths.
Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, strong minded, and goal setter.

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Gordon Holmes: It says in your bio that you watch a lot of reality shows. Any titles in particular?
Ciandre “CeCe” Taylor: “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race,” those are the two biggest ones I watch…”Dancing with the Stars.”
Holmes: You got the important one in there.
Taylor: (Laughs) Yup.

Holmes: What do your kids think about Mom’s million-dollar opportunity?
Taylor: They’re super excited, but they’re teenagers, so they have to have that laid-back attitude as well.
Holmes: If my Mom went on “Survivor” I would freak right out.
Taylor: That’s what I’m saying! Every time I ask them how they feel about it, they’re like, “Eh…yeah…we’re happy.”
Holmes: Any advice from them?
Taylor: Just to be careful with my words. Don’t go in there all crazy in the beginning.
Holmes: Are you known to go all crazy?
Taylor: No, I’m talkative, I say things before I think. I read people and I like to speak about it and talk and give an opinion. And they’re like, “Mom, just relax.”

Holmes: “Survivor” is often a game that features deception. Do you have any issues with lying?
Taylor: Not at all. I do it for a living. I’m a claims adjuster and I talk to attorneys all day. Sometimes I have to bend the truth a little bit.
Holmes: Well, it’s not like attorneys are always truthful.
Taylor: Exactly. (Laughs)
Holmes: Are you comfortable flirting to get ahead?
Taylor: If it happens, it happens, but I’m not going to say it’s a tool of mine. I’m not normally a flirtatious, sexy person. That’s not really me.
Holmes: If the CBS cameras catch you flirting, is there anyone back home that’s going to be upset?
Taylor: Not at all. There’s no one special in my life right now.
Holmes: Aww… (Laughs)
Taylor: I know!

Holmes: Let’s discuss some things you might experience out there. How well do you deal with people lying to you?
Taylor: I can deal with it. People lie, it’s life. You can try to be honest, but it happens. I lie to my kids sometimes to protect them from something.
Holmes: How about hunger?
Taylor: I…I’m OK with it. I do a spiritual fast from time to time with my church. My biggest issue is probably dealing with the cold.
Holmes: How about sleep deprivation?
Taylor: I’m sleep deprived right now. (Laughs) I’ve been running on little energy for a while now.
Holmes: This is going to be like a vacation for you.
Taylor: (Laughs) I know.
Holmes: How about paranoia?
Taylor: I’m not a paranoid person. I think I’m a little over dramatic. But not paranoid.

Holmes: An early thoughts on the other players?
Taylor: Not at this time. I can’t even read anything until we’re all in a room together.

Holmes: If there is a twist this season, any guesses as to what it could be?
Taylor: If they bring that twist where you have to go to the island by yourself, I’m just going to die. (Laughs) I hate that one!
Holmes: So Day One, Jeff says, “We’re sending someone to Exile.” You’re going to say, “No thanks. See you guys later.”
Taylor: I would deal with it, but I hate Exile Island. That’s the only one that they brought to the game where I was like “NO!”
Holmes: You could finally get some sleep.
Taylor: Yeah, you can get some sleep but you’re going to be hungry and cold if you don’t have someone who can start a fire with you.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
Taylor: “Boston” Rob (Mariano) he is the greatest. He’s such a people person. He knows how to read them and bring them in. It’s kind of scary. He has a little cult. I don’t want to be cult-like, but he’s a master manipulator. I love him, I think he’s the best player of all time.

Holmes: Alright, lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
Taylor: Dogs.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
Taylor: Wine.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
Taylor: Superman.
Holmes: Meat or vegetable?
Taylor: Meat.
Holmes: Republican or Democrat?
Taylor: Democrat.
Holmes: Books or TV?
Taylor: TV.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
Taylor: Sunbathing.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
Taylor: One good friend.
Holmes: A nice car or a nice home?
Taylor: A nice home.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
Taylor: Funny.
Holmes: I know the answer to this one; Parvati or Boston Rob?
Taylor: (Laughs) Boston Rob.
Holmes: Big vacation or big TV?
Taylor: Big vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
Taylor: Working with…no…working alone.
Holmes: Dragons or unicorns.
Taylor: Unicorns.
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
Taylor: Careful planning.
Holmes: And finally: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
Taylor: Jeff Probst.

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm ET.

Jessica Figueroa (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” needs. We’ll have interviews with all twenty of the new players to hold you over until the season starts. Then we’ll have full episode recaps, interviews with the players after they’ve been eliminated, and the return of the ever-popular “Survivor” Power Rankings. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Name (Age): Jessica “Figgy” Figueroa (23)
Current Residence: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Bartender
Hobbies: Kayaking, videography, and watching football.
Pet Peeves: When people are lazy and expect things to just happen. That’s not what life is about. Get up and fight.
Three Words to Describe You: Adventurous, free spirit, and crowd pleaser.

NOTE: Usually I get a good thirty minutes with each contestant before the game starts. However, this season I had to get through all 20 players in only two-and-a-half hours. So, these pieces will be short and hopefully sweet.

Gordon Holmes: Why’d you make the big move to Tennessee?
Jessica Figueroa: Honestly, I got out of a huge breakup a couple of years ago and I wanted to live in a new city…my sister lived there.
Holmes: How’s it working out for you?
Figueroa: I love it. There’s always places to go and people to meet. It’s always fun and always happening.
Holmes: Bartending seems like a good skill to have when you go on “Survivor.” You meet a ton of different people, you have to know how to make them happy.
Figueroa: Oh for sure, bartending you’re making connections non-stop, whether you’re making a regular base or you’re trying to get them in and out of there quickly.

Holmes: You mentioned leading your tribe which isn’t always the best strategy.
Figueroa: (Laughs) Well, I have a couple of different strategies in my mind. I’ve always been a leader in life. But, I want to sit back and see all the roles of the people on the tribe. I’m looking forward to seeing where I fit in.

Holmes: You were bullied non-stop as a child?
Figueroa: Yes.
Holmes: That’s something we’ve seen a lot recently on “Survivor.” Obviously you don’t want to bully or be bullied, but what if you witness bullying?
Figueroa: If you’re in my alliance I’m going to for sure say something. I think it’s because I’m a people person and having been through it. I don’t allow bullying to happen.
Holmes: What did being bullied teach you?
Figueroa: I have really thick skin now. At this point in my life, it can’t affect me. I’m there to get the job done and win a million dollars. But, I won’t put up with being attacked.
Holmes: So, I should not attack you.
Figueroa: (Laughs) No.
Holmes: It wasn’t on my to-do list, but it’s good to know.
Figueroa: Take your best shot!

Holmes: Do you have any problems lying in the game?
Figueroa: I can tell a couple of white lies. I don’t lie a lot in my real life. I have a huge heart. I’ll snake my way around lying. I’ll do some backstabbing.
Holmes: Some honest backstabbing.
Figueroa: (Laughs) Yes.
Holmes: How about flirting?
Figueroa: For sure. In my life I’ve been handed a lot based on my looks.
Holmes: Me too, Jessica.
Figueroa: (Laughs) But, I’m more than a pretty face and I’m looking forward to showing that.
Holmes: Is there anyone at home who will be annoyed if they see you flirting?
Figueroa: Not at all. 100% single.
Holmes: And ready to mingle.
Figueroa: (Laughs)

Holmes: How well do you deal with being lied to?
Figueroa: I’ll turn that situation around real quick and make them regret lying to me.
Holmes: How about hunger?
Figueroa: I can deal with it, for sure. I went to Haiti and had to deal with not eating all the time. I’m good with it.
Holmes: Lack of sleep?
Figueroa: I can deal with it. I have long nights at work where I’ve gotten home at five and had to work a double the next day.
Holmes: Extreme temperatures?
Figueroa: I think my body will handle it just fine. (Laughs) It was hot in Haiti…I’m trying to correlate it.
Holmes: How well do you deal with paranoia?
Figueroa: I don’t get that paranoid, honestly. In “Survivor” you’re looking out for number one.

Holmes: Any early thoughts on the other players?
Figueroa: Not really, I saw some of them at casting. I’ve been flirting, batting my eyes. We’ll see how it goes.

Holmes: If there is a twist, what do you think it could be?
Figueroa: We’re at Season 33. It’s been a long time since there’s been an all-girl tribe. Maybe Redemption Island or Exile Island. The season that’s going on right now is Brawns/Brains/Beauty, so I don’t think they’d do that.

Holmes: If you could align with any past player, who would it be?
Figueroa: This is super hard because I admire Parvati’s (Shallow) game so much. But, I would never align with her unless I was in Amanda’s (Kimmel) shoes. But even then I would’ve taken her out. I would’ve taken Cirie (Fields). I kind of like Ozzy (Lusth), for sure. He’s good at what he does. He supplies the tribe. And I could manipulate him. He fell for Amanda.

Holmes: Lightning round time. Cats or dogs?
Figueroa: Dogs.
Holmes: Beer or wine?
Figueroa: Wine.
Holmes: Superman or Batman?
Figueroa: Batman.
Holmes: Meat or vegetables?
Figueroa: Meat.
Holmes: Republican or Democrat?
Figueroa: Democrat.
Holmes: Books or TV?
Figueroa: TV.
Holmes: Swimming or sunbathing?
Figueroa: Sunbathing.
Holmes: Many casual friends or one good friend?
Figueroa: One good friend.
Holmes: A nice car or a nice home?
Figueroa: A nice home.
Holmes: Smart or funny?
Figueroa: Funny.
Holmes: Parvati or Boston Rob?
Figueroa: Ooooo…that’s so hard! I’ll go with Parvati.
Holmes: Big vacation or a big TV?
Figueroa: Big vacation.
Holmes: Working alone or with a team?
Figueroa: Working alone.
Holmes: Dragons or unicorns?
Figueroa: Dragons.
Holmes: Careful planning or fly by the seat of your pants?
Figueroa: Fly by the seat of my pants.
Holmes: Jeff Probst or Ryan Seacrest?
Figueroa: (Laughs) Jeff Probst!
Holmes: Alright, dude. Break a leg out there.
Figueroa: I’m going to break some other people’s legs.
Holmes: That’s sick.
Figueroa: (Laughs)
Holmes: Figuratively!
Figueroa: Yes!

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X,” Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8pm ET.