More Whatnot

“Survivor: Ghost Island” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: The good folks at XFINITY sent me deep into the Fijian wilderness to bring you an exclusive look at “Survivor: Ghost Island.” While I was there I conducted interviews with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and the entire cast. I also captured exclusive photos and other behind-the-scenes tidbits. So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Name: Jacob Derwin
Age: 22
Hometown: Merrick, New York
Current residence: Brooklyn, New York
Occupation: Music Teacher

Gordon Holmes: Robin Williams is one of your inspirations in life. He always struck me as a comedian who didn’t know how to pull back. He was always going a mile a minute. That could be a problem out here.
Jacob Derwin: The example I always say is I watched “Aladdin” so many times as a kid. When I was little. I’m only 22…so…
Holmes: When I was little…like last year.
Derwin: (Laughs)
Holmes: For the record, those are the same jokes I make to (“Hollywood Reporter” writer) Josh Wigler.
Derwin: I’m excited to talk to him too! Literally the Genie is my sense of humor. I’m going to reel it back because I don’t want to annoy people. But if I had my way I’d be constantly referencing everything, making as many voices as possible. The ability to be family friendly, and then turn around and do a stand-up special where he pretends to (expletive deleted) things with his water bottle. That stuff is unbelievable to me.

Holmes: You also say that you’re charming to some and punchable to others. I think the ability to know when you’re punchable is key out here.
Derwin: Absolutely. The ability to reel it in is really important. I know I can never stop talking sometimes. So, knowing when to shut up is a big deal. And luckily, we’ve been together for a few days and I feel like for the most part when you smile at people they smile back. When you laugh at something, they look and laugh back. When you make a funny noise, they seem like they want to have a communal experience. So, as long as there is a general environment and feel of “I want to have fun with this” I’ll be fine. If things start getting like, “I just want to lay on the beach with these hot chicks…” we’re not going to get along. I know I’m going to be the dorky kid that they’re going to want to punch in the face.
Holmes: Good thing there aren’t any lockers around here.
Derwin: (Laughs) I haven’t fit in a locker in many years.
Holmes: (Laughs) I am sitting here picturing you at Ponderosa making funny noises.
Derwin: (Laughs) Honestly! I literally made a fart noise at one point and three different people got the giggles. Good! Beautiful!
Holmes: If I ever reach an age where I can’t laugh at a fart, just take me out. Snuff my torch.
Derwin: Yup, doesn’t matter anymore. I agree so much.

Holmes: You are a “Survivor” blogger?
Derwin: Yes.
Holmes: I don’t understand why anyone would choose to write about this horrific show.
Derwin: (Laughs)
Holmes: So, obviously you’re a super fan?
Derwin: Yes.
Holmes: It seems like the super fans have been having some success lately.
Derwin: I honestly think that’s how I got on the show. I introduced myself to Probst as the next in the evolution of the nerdy “Survivor” player. We’ve had a lot of great ones. Adam’s a great example. Maybe another young, 20-something Jewish kid can pull this off.
Holmes: And he just smoked me in the Power Rankings.
Derwin: He knows this game. I can’t even say I’m that good. Some people know how the edits work, I don’t. I went to Broadcast Journalism school, so I know to a point. I understand pacing and storytelling. But I pay more attention to the people than the screen time that they get. That stuff I’m not great at, even though I write a prediction blog. I’ve been watching this since I was four.
Holmes: Are you going to keep the blogging a secret?
Derwin: I’m afraid at least one or two people can figure it out. I’m assuming they were looking up every blog to prepare. To find me in particular is very hard because you have to go to a very specific blog on a niche site. You have to go to my bio and look for my picture. If you can find that, then good on them. We can talk about it. I don’t think it’ll be an issue. I’m not going to bring it up.
Holmes: Is there anything else about your backstory that you’re going to change or keep a secret?
Derwin: It depends on everybody else. This looks like a really young cast to me. Is anyone under 35? Maybe some people just look good for their ages. I was going to lie about my age because I feel like a lot of times I’m a kid compared to some of these people. They probably don’t want to lose to a kid.

Note: A CBS representative swings by to deliver Gordon’s lunch.

Holmes: Important question; who is your favorite CBS representative? And why is it Chrissy?
Derwin: (Laughs) Well, she brings chicken sandwiches.
Holmes: She does.
Derwin: And chips that I can’t quite make out the flavor.
Holmes: Sour cream and onion.
Derwin: Nice! I’ve seen some pretty weird flavors in the snack box. There was a straight-up chicken flavor and I think a balsamic vinegar flavor. I don’t know if I’d be into that.
Holmes: You have 39 days to think about it. Back to your age.
Derwin: Yeah, I’m lying about my age. I’m going to check. If people say they’re 21, then I have no problem with my age. And I just turned 22 two days ago.
Holmes: Happy birthday!
Derwin: Thank you. But if I am a younger person here, I’ll say I’m 26.
Holmes: The beard helps.
Derwin: Yeah, and when I lose the beard I look 15. But all the producers thought I was older.
Holmes: I’m picturing one of those rewards where you get a night on a boat and you shower and shave. And you get back to the beach and you’re like…
Derwin and Holmes: “Oh (expletive deleted).”
Derwin: Other than that, I don’t think anyone’s going to care about my job. Teaching religious music to kids? That’s not a threat.

Holmes: You’re a hardcore fan. I’m assuming you have no problems lying, cheating, or stealing.
Derwin: I’m going to start slow. I know me and I’m scared that I’m going to hit the beach and I’m going to go too far too fast. I’m already not athletic. I already have enough things going against me. The last thing I need to be is annoying…or over strategizing and sneaky. I’m not going to lie for the sake of lying. I’ll use it to propel myself forward or to get myself out of trouble.
Holmes: There’s usually a good reason why someone’s first. They’re an (expletive deleted), they don’t help, they’re abrasive, they go too fast. Just don’t be that person.
Derwin: Watching “Game Changers” where Ciera went out first because she said a name first. That scares me a little bit. We haven’t seen 35 yet and people tend to play like the last season they saw. So, there’s going to be people here who try to emulate Sarah. I’m being very cautious of who people are trying to emulate.
Holmes: Are you open to flirting to get ahead?
Derwin: (Laughs)
Holmes: I’m trying to set a behavioral baseline. Everyone gets these questions.
Derwin: I haven’t had a girlfriend in a while. So, I’m not an expert in that. People have called me “Flirty.” I’m a loving person. People like to be complimented, not in a creepy way. There’s a girl here whose eyebrows cut you when you look at them. And I’m sure she worked her ass off make them look that way. So, when I talk to her, I’ll probably say, “Your eyebrows look ridiculously amazing. My sister plucked mine before I came out here.” Some people might call that flirting, but I’m just trying to make people feel like they can talk to me. I am openly nice to people.

Holmes: You’re in the dark as far as twists and themes. What do you think you’re up against?
Derwin: Coming in I thought it was “Millennials vs. Gen-X 2.” But I think the cast is too young. I don’t know. Maybe “Survivor: Insert Island Chain”

Holmes: Are you having any “Survivor” stress dreams?
Derwin: Ever since I was four. Honestly, not really. I’ve practiced everything I can practice. I’ve tied and untied knots. I’ve thought about strategy and gameplay. I’ve worked on myself. I’ve lost 30 pounds. I’ve probably never been in a better spot in my life to come out here and do well.

Holmes: Has this been everything you thought it would be?
Derwin: Just being out here is so…
Holmes: No no no…is this (motions to himself) everything you dreamed it would be.
Derwin: (Laughs) It’s a grand old time. I’ll admit I was excited to meet you.
Holmes: Flattery, my friend, will get you everywhere. Well, you know I like my games.
Derwin: Yes.
Holmes: It’s pretty sweet. I sit back and you do all the work. I’ll give you two “Survivor” situations. You tell me which one you would prefer.
Derwin: Oh no.
Holmes: Yeah, too bad. Would you rather align with a Hillary supporter or a Trump supporter?
Derwin: I voted for Clinton, so that’s an easy question. And Trump supporters are not always the most together.
Holmes: Steal a vote or eliminate a juror?
Derwin: Wow…I hope neither are in play. Steal a vote has not worked. I’d rather eliminate a juror.
Holmes: Endurance challenge or word puzzle?
Derwin: Word puzzles are my thing.
Holmes: Align with a racist or a sexist?
Derwin: No answer is going to be good.
Holmes: I’m not saying you like these people.
Derwin: I feel like I could maybe get the racist to work on himself where the sexist I don’t know if I can do a lot about it.
Holmes: Voted out first or right before final Tribal?
Derwin: Before final Tribal. My nightmare scenario is getting voted out first. I’m here for the experience and it’d be a real bummer to only get to do it for three days.
Holmes: Align with a tax cheat or an adulterer?
Derwin: (Laughs) Does anyone pick the adulterer?
Holmes: I can’t say. I’m not Martin (Jacob’s blogging partner) out here spoiling stuff. I’m focused on the integrity of this game.
Derwin: (Laughs) I’ll go with the tax cheat.
Holmes: Lose the family challenge or win and have to decide who to take?
Derwin: Lose and my Dad’s going to hate me for saying that. I didn’t tell him that, because he’s my guy. I didn’t tell him that I’m going to throw that challenge. Well, I probably don’t need to throw it. Best case is to get picked by the winner so you’re not to blame.
Holmes: Watch the challenge is like, play some Jewish religious music.
Derwin: Or it’s a Tower of Hanoi. I can do that in about ten seconds. To be fair, if they present me with a challenge that’s that easy. I’ll just win it. But in general I don’t want to win the family visit.
Holmes: Caught stealing food or caught idol hunting?
Derwin: People have stolen food and gotten away with it. I’ll say stealing food.
Holmes: Align with a super fan or someone who doesn’t watch the show?
Derwin: I was wondering if it’s “Survivor: Super Fans” because why else would I be here?
Holmes: You’ve got 20 Max Dawsons running around.
Derwin: (Laughs) Well, when you play with people who know the game, you can kind of predict what they’re going to do. They’re going to make the best decision. Whereas if you’re with new players, they could be like, “He’s the only one who knows how the game works. Get him!” I think I’d rather play with a bunch of super fans.
Holmes: Dance challenge or karaoke?
Derwin: Karaoke! You kidding me? I can belt out something fun.
Holmes: What’s your go-to jam?
Derwin: “I Only Want to Be With You” by Hootie and the Blowfish.

Holmes: What do you think people think of you when they first see you.
Derwin: I hope the first impression of me is he’s a funny, goofy guy that I can have a good time with. I’m concerned that there are a few people here who are thinking, “Look at that pudgy guy. He looks kind of klutzy. We should get rid of him early.” And people assume if you’re not in great shape that you’re a schemer and that’s how you got on the show. I’ve been looking around, I’ve been taking notes in my notebook…
Holmes: I’ve been twisting my mustache.
Derwin: No, I trimmed it before I got here.
Holmes: What the hell kind of villain are you?
Derwin: I don’t think I’m a villain. But, I’m worried they’ll think I’m an evil genius and try to get rid of me before I get into their brains.

NOTE: The cast members do not know each other’s names at this point. I showed Jacob a picture of each of the competitors and asked him to share his first impressions.

	LIBBY Derwin: She’s like the most typical looking “Survivor” bikini babe I’ve ever seen in my life. And she seems sweet and she’s been reading a Malcolm Gladwell book at Ponderosa. So, she’s clearly not an idiot or trying to not look like an idiot. Holmes: And she’s holding it right-side up? Derwin: Yes! She is reading it. Holmes: OK, that’s good. Derwin: So, she clearly has a brain in her head. She’s making eyebrow looks at too many people. She does it to everyone. I’m a little afraid there are going to be a couple of boneheads who are going to get wrapped around her finger.
	ANGELA Derwin: I haven’t got a great read on her. She’s not expressive. She’s been in her coloring book or walking around. Maybe she’s a little paranoid.
	CHELSEA Derwin: Eyebrows! I saw her in casting and I didn’t think much of her. Look at your fake red hair. And then we got here and she’s reading “Game of Thrones” and I’m thinking, “Wait! I’m reading a Patrick Rothfuss book! Wait!” Every time I see her reading, I take my book and try to get her attention. Holmes: Be my best friend! Derwin: I think she might be a really cool person and I feel bad for judging her during finals.
	JENNA Derwin: When we got to the airport, she was wearing a black shirt with a dragon on the back. I was thinking, Daughter of Coach. And she’s very stoic. She doesn’t smile a lot. She scares me a little bit. She seems strong. I don’t think I want to work with her immediately. She might be too controlling.
	GONZALEZ Derwin: She seems sweet. She seems pouty. She seems like the kind of person who will happily laugh with you at your misfortunes. But, the moment something happens to her it ain’t funny. She knocked something into me in the airport and we laughed over it. But, she’s always under the fan at Ponderosa. I don’t know if she totally knows what she’s getting into.
	STEPHANIE Derwin: I love her. Great energy. Super bubbly and I don’t think she’s faking it.
	MORGAN Derwin: I like her too. She’s reading a lot. Seems like she’s educated and smart. She smiles at me when I smile at her.
	LAUREL Derwin: She’s cool. She seems strong, she has muscles, she’s tall. I don’t have a great read on who she is.
	KELLYN Derwin: She reminds me of my more bookish friends. We had a moment over tea at Ponderosa. I think we have a lot in common.
	DESIREE Derwin: She’s cool. She reminds me of some of the people I worked with when I worked at a college radio station.
	BRADLEY Derwin: Definitely a fellow super fan. I think he’s worried about his ability to communicate because he’s reading a book called “The Sympathizer.” I don’t know what’s in that book, it could be a fiction thing.
	BRENDAN Derwin: He was wearing a Sub Pop shirt and a Third Man Records shirt and I’m a huge music guy. I know all about those labels. So, if he’s involved or if he’s a fan of that stuff we’ll be able to connect. He’s very stoic. He walks slowly. He takes his time.
	CHRIS Derwin: Yup…yup…wait this isn’t the guy with the “Honor” tattoo. There are two guys here with the same bodies and different heads. Holmes: There was a sale on those bodies. Derwin: Scared that he’ll lead a charge against the not pretty people.
	SEBASTIAN Derwin: (Laughs) This is the most typical “Survivor”-looking person. Holmes: I can’t believe you come out here and are shocked that people that look like they belong on “Survivor” end up on “Survivor.” Derwin: (Laughs) I know! You always expect one and he’s the one. He sells surfboards in California somewhere. You have an eight-pack and he and the girl that is reading the Gladwell book are always sitting at the same table.
	WENDELL Derwin: Don’t have a great read on him. He seems cool, he seems nice. He’s in great shape. We have similar hair. (Laughs)
	JAMES Derwin: I might’ve found this guy online before the show. I did a lot of searching between finals and coming out here, I spent hours online. Holmes: How would you even get their names? Derwin: Avatars. I see who’s following who. Who’s following people on the show. I scroll and scroll until I see someone familiar. He was a little different. At finals I had a thought that he was a runner because he has a runner’s body. My cousin’s a tri-athlete. I started looking up runners and I think he’s a track and field guy from Harvard. If that’s the case, great. He seems like a graceful dude. I’d love to work with him. But he’d kick my ass in the end.
	MICHAEL Derwin: He’s probably my age. Another strong guy, who I don’t know if he has a personality or not.
	DONATHAN Derwin: This is a big super fan. We’re the people out here who aren’t in the best shape. He seems really pumped. He’s looking at everything with a little awe in his eyes.
	DOMENICK Derwin: When I saw him at finals and they asked me who’s going to win if it’s not you. I said him. He has these moments where he’s super reserved. But the moment he starts communicating, you want to be around him. When we were casting, he gave this big swipe of the brow and we all chuckled. He has a way to get a crowd on his side.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

“Survivor: Ghost Island” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: The good folks at XFINITY sent me deep into the Fijian wilderness to bring you an exclusive look at “Survivor: Ghost Island.” While I was there I conducted interviews with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and the entire cast. I also captured exclusive photos and other behind-the-scenes tidbits. So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Name: Libby Vincek
Age: 24
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current residence: Houston, Texas
Occupation: Social Media Strategist

Gordon Holmes: There is a rumor that you’ve worked at Disney World.
Libby Vincek: Let’s just say I work in a very magical place and get to help put lots of smiles on guests faces.
Holmes: You must have some amazing stories.
Vincek: It really allows you to see people in a light that a lot of people don’t get to see. They’re very vulnerable. It’s their dream to meet their favorite characters and see why these parks are so magical. So, getting to see their faces when they do get to meet someone and experience the magic like that is very wonderful.
Holmes: That’s really interesting. I always thought I’d want to be a mall Santa for a day. Just to see that magic.
Vincek: Awww…kids have the coolest personalities. They have these great ideas. They have such creative minds.
Holmes: What’s the funniest thing a kid has said to you?
Vincek: I asked a kid to tell me a joke and she said, “Spaghetti doctor.” (Laughs) And one little boy, I told him he seemed like a very brave guard. And he told me, “I’ll protect you from all the dragons! I’m a dragon slayer back home.” I think the best part is when you get to meet people and their last wish ever is to visit these magical destinations, and you get to see them fulfill that childhood dream of theirs.
Holmes: So, we’re going to be a Santa and Mrs. Claus at a mall someday. And then start a band called “Spaghetti Doctor.”
Vincek: Yes! The elves can be our backup.

Holmes: Your politics are that of a true Southern girl. What does that mean?
Vincek: I’d like to say that I’m a conservative Christian girl. It’s pretty stereotypical. But, growing up and traveling all around, working in sales, you’re exposed to a lot of different people and you gain respect for people with different beliefs and faiths. Going to school, one of my friends, she doesn’t believe in God. I’m very firm in my beliefs, and some things I do disagree on, but I am open to people and have respect for people who have strong beliefs that are the opposite. I don’t firmly believe that all of my beliefs are how everybody should live. This world is built around people with different beliefs.
Holmes: We’re in a weird political climate now where it seems like there’s little debate, it’s just anger.
Vincek: The people that believe that you’re wrong, it’s like you’re wrong!
Holmes: You’re wrong and you’re evil.
Vincek: You’re not the person I thought you were.
Holmes: “Survivor” is a reflection of society. Are you going to keep your beliefs close to your vest?
Vincek: I would like to say, if I’m with people who disagree with me, I’m going to show them the respect that they deserve. If they don’t show me the respect that I deserve…the way that you’re treating me is the way you think I deserve to be treated. I’m not going to be around someone who’s going to bully me for what I believe. But, timing is everything and if she’s telling me that I’m stupid and God is wrong and she’s part of alliance that I need to be a part of? That’s the bad part of the game.

Holmes: Are there any parts of your background that you’re going to keep a secret?
Vincek: I’m not going to bring up my work at Disney. When you sign on with Disney, you promise not to ruin the magic of the parks. I feel like there is more to me than just being a Disney cast member, but I have definitely developed a lot of social skills from my time there that will help me in the game.

Holmes: Are you a big fan of the show?
Vincek: Yeah! I mean, we have a super fan, fro man. I can tell he’s a fan. But I wouldn’t say I’m a super fan. In preparing for this, you have to know the show. And I’ve gained this love for it. And I’m thinking, “Wow, God…you’ve been preparing me this whole time for something like this.” My entire life has been building to something extreme like this.

Holmes: Have you set any boundaries as far as lying, cheating, stealing?
Vincek: I’m not going to be a bully. I’m not going to be hurtful. We have to lie in this game. You can’t lie the entire time to everybody or you won’t win. But, there’s a way in this game to know when to lie. You have to learn when you can let your guard down a little bit. I feel like that’s what makes a good winner; someone who knows their limits. And you don’t have to be cruel and bully people to be on top. Those are my limits.
Holmes: What about flirting?
Vincek: If you have to flirt, you’ve got to flirt.
Holmes: Are you single and ready to mingle?
Vincek: Single girl! And ready to mingle.

Holmes: You guys are in the dark as far as twists and themes. What do you think is going on here?
Vincek: It’s hard. Every time I’m like, “How did you think of that?” All I can think of is physical challenges. Make us jump out of a plane.

Holmes: Are the nerves getting to you? Any “Survivor” stress dreams?
Vincek: Yes! I had to eat a pig intestine and Jeff was like staring at me like, “Can you eat it, Libby?” And I was like, “Yes I can!” He said, “I don’t think you can.” And he was just staring at me. And I woke up and was thinking, “Does Jeff think I can’t do this?!” Was he second guessing me? But, he definitely believes in me.
Holmes: We did that once with a scorpion. And you just psych yourself out, but once you’re doing it…you kinda just do it.
Vincek: What was it like eating a scorpion?
Holmes: It actually wasn’t that bad. But I know they’ll do stuff worse than that.
Vincek: They wouldn’t make us eat anything that would hurt us.
Holmes: Right, they don’t want that. They want you running around on the beach, not hunched over in the shelter.
Vincek: Exactly.

Holmes: Alright, I’m going to give you two “Survivor” scenarios. You tell me which one you would rather do.
Vincek: OK.
Holmes: Align with a Hillary supporter or a Trump supporter?
Vincek: I’d rather align with a Hillary supporter because opposites attract.
Holmes: Would you rather steal a vote or eliminate a juror?
Vincek: Steal a vote.
Holmes: Endurance challenge or word puzzle?
Vincek: Endurance challenge.
Holmes: Align with a racist or a sexist?
Vincek: Um…a racist.
Holmes: Voted out first or before final Tribal?
Vincek: Before final Tribal.
Holmes: Align with an adulterer or a tax cheat.
Vincek: Tax cheat.
Holmes: Lose the family challenge or win and have to decide who to take?
Vincek: Lose the family challenge. That’s that big moment that all alliances explode. My sister, I’d fall to the ground. She’s my best friend. But I told her, “I’m not going to try to win this thing.
Holmes: Caught stealing food or caught idol hunting?
Vincek: Hunting for an idol. Food is precious.
Holmes: Align with a super fan or someone who doesn’t watch the show.
Vincek: Super fan.
Holmes: Dance challenge or karaoke challenge?
Vincek: Dance challenge.

Holmes: What kind of first impression do you think you make?
Vincek: I feel like the group thinks I’m nice. I smile a lot. I feel like they’ve put that, pretty girl, she’s nice, that whole persona.
Holmes: So you think you’re really pretty.
Vincek: (Laughs) Alright.
Holmes: If you give me a chance to quote Regina George from “Mean Girls,” I’m going to take it.
Vincek: (Laughs) OK, Regina. No, I think that that has definitely come across to some people. I don’t like to pay attention to that. If you like me, like me for my heart. I really do believe in that. But peoples’ first impression is that she’s pretty full of herself. She thinks she’s pretty. She’s nice, but she might be fake. But, I want people to know that they can trust me. It’s going to be hard because I’m not going to trust them. But, I’m a small-town girl, I get my hands dirty, I hunt and I fish. I can make fire. And I’m excited to prove that. I’m not going to throw it in anybody’s face.

NOTE: The cast members do not know each other’s names at this point. I showed Libby a picture of each of her competitors and asked her to share her first impressions.

	ANGELA Vincek: With her…I would say a little odd. She stays to herself. She really concentrates when she cuts her food and when she eats.
	CHELSEA Vincek: Athletic.
	JENNA Vincek: Carefree.
	GONZALEZ Vincek: Exotic.
	STEPHANIE Vincek: Sporty Spice.
	MORGAN Vincek: She reminds me of Kim Spradlin. She’s like a runner. She’s pretty genuine, all American.
	LAUREL Vincek: She’s nice. You walk in and she doesn’t hide anything. She’s just nice.
	KELLYN Vincek: Intelligent.
	DESIREE Vincek: She keeps to herself. She doesn’t look around and smile at anybody. She’s focused.
	BRADLEY Vincek: He’s like an average joe.
	BRENDAN Vincek: That dude has abs of steel. He’s the good ol’ American man that can handle anything.
	CHRIS Vincek: He’s very self-absorbed. He’s very focused on the game. I’m pretty sure that he’s not very socially aware of the vibe he puts off. He’s good looking. Really hot.
	SEBASTIAN Vincek: I want to go to the end with him. I like him. He’s cool. Like mermaid man.
	WENDELL Vincek: I’ve been wanting to sit with him at dinner but I haven’t gotten to. He’s cool. He gives off a cool vibe.
	JACOB Vincek: He’s happy to be here. He’s super fan, fro man. I don’t want to go to the end with him because he’s going to be a very well-liked guy.
	JAMES Vincek: You know Yul? Holmes: From Cook Islands? Vincek: Yeah, that’s him in years past.
	MICHAEL Vincek: Hot. He is so cute. I feel like he is going to be good socially. He doesn’t show off too much, but he’s a competitor. He’s going to be the guy that wants to be with me because he’s going to appreciate my big moves.
	DONATHAN Vincek: Sweet.
	DOMENICK Vincek: Bronx man. I feel like he’s pretty strategic. He reminds me of a good combo of Boston Rob and Russell.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

“Survivor: Ghost Island” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: The good folks at XFINITY sent me deep into the Fijian wilderness to bring you an exclusive look at “Survivor: Ghost Island.” While I was there I conducted interviews with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and the entire cast. I also captured exclusive photos and other behind-the-scenes tidbits. So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Name: Wendell Holland
Age: 33
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current residence: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Furniture Company Owner

Gordon Holmes: How does one make the jump from lawyer to furniture designer?
Wendell Holland: I went to Penn Law, right in Philly. And then I was clerking for some judges in Philly, in civil court, then in family court. And my last judge retired at the right time when I had started this side hustle of furniture making. I made my own bed because beds are super expensive. And whenever people would come over, they’d always compliment the bed. So, I thought maybe I could sell this thing. I put it on Craigslist and it sold very quickly for $500. That was good for a law clerk. So, I made a few more beds and sold them. I was making more money with this side business than I was clerking for a judge. So, I started really making and selling them, then expanding to other things like tables, bars, and whatever you could think of.
Holmes: Jeez, Wendell…how many people are seeing your bed?
Holland: (Laughs)
Holmes: If my career involved getting people to come in and look at my bed, I’d be broke.
Holland: No, it was Craigslist at first. But now it’s Instagram, the company’s name is Beve. That’s a childhood nickname of mine. And the company’s page is BeveUnlimited.
Holmes: Do you deliver to West Chester, PA?
Holland: Yes, I do! A good friend of mine ordered something for there recently, but I had to go to some island for something.

Holmes: Why do you think you were cast?
Holland: I think I wanted it and I got after it for a while. I’ve been a superfan for about ten years. Since season 18 I’ve been a superfan. I’ve watched all the seasons since 18 numerous times. I haven’t watched the first half of the seasons. I’ve watched 16. I’ve applied many times, I’ve gone to castings.
Holmes: Why do you hate seasons one through seventeen?
Holland: It’s not that I hate them. I just started at eighteen and when the producers gave me the green light a month of two ago, I started at season eighteen because the game has evolved so much and strategy has changed so much. People aren’t sticking to the Boston Rob alliance, it’s voting blocs now.

Holmes: Is there anything we should know about you that’s not in your bio?
Holland: I graduated pretty high in my class in undergrad. Then got into an awesome law school. So, I’m probably a lot smarter than these people expect. They might think I’m just the creative black dude, an artist or a musician. And yes, I am an artist, but I’m smarter than they might think.
Holmes: Are you going to keep all of the law school stuff to yourself?
Holland: I’ll say I’m a freelance furniture designer. That way I don’t have a business, I’m not an established person. If someone contracts me to build a piece, then I build it for them. Which is kind of what I do.

Holmes: What are you going to build around camp? I’d imagine you could put together a sweet set-up.
Holland: Obviously the shelter, I think I can evolve it a little bit from the sideways V that you normally see. I’m thinking of a chair, a table, maybe a cornhole board to keep people happy.
Holmes: I would not vote out a man who brings cornhole to my beach.
Holland: Exactly! I just have to figure out how to build some beers and everyone will be happy.

Holmes: Have you set any boundaries as far as lying, cheating, stealing, etc?
Holland: I’m willing to lie, cheat, and steal. I have morals and I’m very secure with them. But if you look at anyone who comes back, they always say they should’ve played tougher, their friends tell them they shouldn’t have been the church person. I do have certain boundaries though. I’m not the devil, I’m not Russell Hantz.
Holmes: You’re a handsome fella, what about flirting?
Holland: I’d prefer not to flirt.
Holmes: Is there someone back home who’d get mad?
Holland: Yeah, I have a wonderful girlfriend.
Holmes: She turns on CBS a year from now, she would not be happy.
Holland: Oh yeah, and her mom and sister, my parents will hate me. Nah.
Holmes: Some people are like, “My wife and I have a deal.” My wife would kill me dead.
Holland: (Laughs) Yeah.

Holmes: You’re in lockdown now, but people smile and wink and whatnot. Are you doing any of that?
Holland: I’m smiling at everybody. If anyone asks me to be in an alliance, I’ll say, “Yes.” I’ll make promises everywhere. That blonde girl and the Incredible Hulk dude, it seems like she follows him around. So, if that’s a showmance, I’ll get one of them out of here early.

Holmes: You’re in the dark as far as twists and whatnot. Any guesses?
Holland: I was thinking CBS wouldn’t do Dems vs. Republicans. That’d be too much for CBS right now. When we were in our individual boats coming out here, if those are the tribes, it looked like I was in the nerdy people boat. And the beautiful gladiator people were on the other boat. So, if it’s strategists vs. people who’ve never watched the show…that could be it. That big guy that I…don’t love him…he came out here with no flip flops! He came to Fiji with no flip flops! He was sitting next to me at breakfast and he said to the producer, “Uh…I don’t have flip flops.” And I was like, “Is this fool crazy?!” It might be people who are intelligent vs. boneheads who don’t bring flip flops to Fiji.
Holmes: That’s kind of a long subhead.
Holland: We’d need an acronym or something.

Holmes: Alright, I’ll give you two “Survivor” situations. You tell me which one would you rather.
Holland: OK.
Holmes: Align with a Hillary supporter or a Trump supporter?
Holland: Hillary, because I’m a democrat and the stuff Trump has been saying and doing? I’m not a fan.
Holmes: Steal a vote or eliminate or juror?
Holland: One is during the game…the other is after. I’ll eliminate a juror.
Holmes: Endurance challenge or word puzzle?
Holland: Puzzle…I got a good score on my LSAT. Part of that is games and puzzles.
Holmes: Align with a racist or align with a sexist?
Holland: As a black guy, I’d have to unfortunately say sexist.
Holmes: Voted out first or voted out before last Tribal?
Holland: Last Tribal.
Holmes: Align with an adulterer or a tax cheat?
Holland: Hmm…I think the tax cheat might be more strategic in the game. I think anyone can cheat on their wife. I think that’s some scumbag stuff to do. But, I think I’d align with the tax cheat.
Holmes: Lose the family challenge or win and have to decide who to take with you?
Holland: Win and have to decide.
Holmes: Is your girlfriend coming out?
Holland: My dad.
Holmes: Is he a fan?
Holland: He’s a fan of his son. I’m a fan of him, too.
Holmes: What does he do?
Holland: He’s an attorney. I’m kind of doing something he doesn’t want me to as far as furniture building and going on “Survivor.” But I appreciate all of the sacrifices he made for me. So, thank you dad, come out here.
Holmes: Caught stealing food or caught idol hunting?
Holland: Idol hunting.
Holmes: Align with a super fan or someone who doesn’t watch the show?
Holland: Someone who doesn’t watch the show, they can be a goat.
Holmes: Dance challenge or karaoke challenge?
Holland: Karaoke.
Holmes: Same here…well…if they had my songs.
Holland: (Laughs) True.

Holmes: What kind of first impression do you think you make?
Holland: I think people think I’m a likable guy. I think that playing that middle-ground guy will be good. I’m not that big gladiator guy. I’m more like Tyson. I’m not huge, but I can get out here and win some challenges.
Holmes: I think there’s something to be said for not being an alpha.
Holland: Here’s the thing, I was captain of many sports growing up. Homecoming king…
Holmes: But, you don’t need to be. That’s the difference.
Holland: Exactly. You don’t want to be, especially at the beginning. Don’t be that guy. Lead from within the trenches.

NOTE: The cast members do not know each other’s names at this point. I showed Wendell a picture of each of his competitors and asked him to share his first impressions.

	LIBBY Holland: She’s probably a beauty queen or something. I think she likes the big strong blonde dude that I don’t particularly like too much.
	ANGELA Holland: She seems older like me, probably in her thirties. She’s very fit. Probably someone I can work with.
	CHELSEA Holland: That’s Miss “Game of Thrones.” She looks like a character. She reads the book. But, she doesn’t smile much at me. I don’t know if I can work with her.
	JENNA Holland: She doesn’t seem like a super strategist. She could be a goat. You bring her along. I think she’s doing coloring books and stuff.
	GONZALEZ Holland: She has a bunch of tattoos…pretty girl.  I don’t see her as a super strategist or a physical threat. So, she could be a goat or she could go home early.
	STEPHANIE Holland: This girl is a human highlighter. She wears a lot of colors. She has a lot of expensive workout gear.  She’s a happy person. She has a good aura. She could be strong in challenges.
	MORGAN Holland: This one reminds me of Kim Spradlin. This lady is probably older like me, not one of these twenty year olds. Very composed. Walks around with a Louis bag and some Tory Burch socks. She seems very secure in herself. She seems like a serious threat. I’d like to work with her early, then get her out before the top five.
	LAUREL Holland: She seems like a Michaela type. She’s taller and stronger and she has some trunks for legs. I think she’ll be very good at challenges. There’s a nerdy dude out here, and she laughs at his jokes.  So, I think she could be nerdy too. We could get along.
	KELLYN Holland: She is warm, friendly, she smiles. I’d like to work with her.
	DESIREE Holland: She seems cool. She’s got style. I could work with her or not work with her. I call her Amber Rose because she’s got the short blonde cut.
	BRADLEY Holland: This guy…I don’t know if he’s a gay guy or not. It doesn’t matter to me. I was on a boat with him earlier today and I thought I could certainly work with him.
	BRENDAN Holland: This guy has all the muscles in the world that you haven’t seen before. He’s got muscles in his back. I don’t know what’s going on in his head. I’d like to get him out early.
	CHRIS Holland: I don’t like him. I’ll sit with him, he won’t look at me or smile. I smile at everyone I see. He seems like a douchebag.
	SEBASTIAN Holland: I call him Captain Jack Sparrow. He looks like a creature out of the ocean. I just want to know him and know his story. He has a fish tattoo on his ankle. He wears flip flops that have fish on them. He’s probably a surfer, but he’s probably a super strong swimmer.
	WENDELL Holmes: How about this guy? Holland: Is that Childish Gambino? Holmes: (Laughs) I almost wore a “Community” shirt today. Holland: That’s the winner of season 36 of “Survivor.”
	JACOB Holland: That is my fro bro. Fros R’ Us. We’ll have the fro alliance on lock.
	JAMES Holland: He is a robot. He walks super erect. He’s always sitting straight up. He has a stone cold look on his face. He’s probably a super smart guy, an athlete. But he scares me because he’s so robotic.
	MICHAEL Holland: Probably in his twenties. He’s strong. He’s one of those gladiators out there. But, he’s not the hugest guy. Might be a military guy. I can work with him.
	DONATHAN Holland: This guy seems kind of nerdy. He might be a super strategist. Kind of a Zeke. I could work with him.
	DOMENICK Holland: I’m going to work with him. He reminds me of Russell Hantz with his stature. He’s shorter. Looks like an Italian dude. The whole process I’ve been getting vibes from him that we’d work together and be an odd couple. Russell Hantz and Childish Gambino. I don’t think people would see that coming.

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Ghost Island” – Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 8 pm ET.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

“Survivor: Ghost Island” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: The good folks at XFINITY sent me deep into the Fijian wilderness to bring you an exclusive look at “Survivor: Ghost Island.” While I was there I conducted interviews with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and the entire cast. I also captured exclusive photos and other behind-the-scenes tidbits. So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Name: Stephanie Johnson
Age: 34
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Current residence: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Yoga Instructor

Gordon Holmes: My wife is from Chicago. She made me go there once and wait two hours for a hot dog.
Stephanie Johnson: It’s worth it!
Holmes: Mmm…I don’t know about that.
Johnson: Where did you go?
Holmes: Hot Dougs?
Johnson: Yes! See, she knows. Did you get the cheese fries?
Holmes: I just remember questioning my life choices.
Johnson: Was it the best hot dog you ever had in your life?
Holmes: I’d never admit it to her.
Johnson: (Laughs) It was.

Holmes: You’re a tri-athlete. Is that something you’re going to keep a secret?
Johnson: Absolutely. I’m not giving that away. I already look fit. They don’t need to know how fit. They don’t need to know my endurance training and how mentally strong that makes you.
Holmes: Is it hard to get the training in while being a single mother?
Johnson: No, it’s just my lifestyle. I wake up at four in the morning…
Holmes: That sounds terrible.
Johnson: (Laughs) You know, I’ve grown to love those early morning hours. I’m either working out or I’m writing. It’s part of my lifestyle and I incorporate my kids as much as possible. I want them to see their mom getting outside and doing awesome (expletive deleted). They’re my biggest fans. If I have a long run, I’ll throw them on their scooters and shout, “Keep up!” Well, usually it’s them telling me to keep up.
Holmes: And where do you find the time to read the blogs of your favorite “Survivor” online personalities?
Johnson: Before bed. That’s what I do instead of date. “Survivor” is my longest standing committed relationship. I’m kind of in a romance with it. I’m here to seal the deal.
Holmes: Adorable.

Holmes: Why do you think you were cast?
Johnson: I was cast because I’m the whole package. I’m socially strong, I’m extroverted, I’m fun. I’m strategic. I know this game inside and out. I’ve been watching for seventeen years. Day one, episode one. Never missed. And I’m strong, I have all the characteristics it takes to win this game.
Holmes: Twisted steel and sex appeal.
Johnson: That is good.
Holmes: I stole that from professional wrestling. But, feel free to borrow it.

Holmes: Anything else you’re going to keep secret?
Johnson: I’m going to twist my job a little. It sounds like a lot when I say it. I’m not going to talk about my clothing line. I’m not going to talk about the writing. I’m just going to own a wellness center.

Holmes: Have you set any boundaries for what you will and will not do? Lying, cheating, stealing, etc?
Johnson: I’ll do anything. I don’t care.
Holmes: You will stab somebody in the face.
Johnson: I will. (Laughs)
Holmes: You will be disqualified immediately.
Johnson: (Laughs)
Holmes: I thought you watched this show.
Johnson: But if I do it nicely. Just a little…
Holmes: There’s no nice stabbing.
Johnson: Fine, I won’t stab someone in the face to win this game.
Holmes: OK, so there’s one boundary. What about flirting?
Johnson: Absolutely. Sex appeal is everything.
Holmes: Also, twisted steel.
Johnson: (Laughs) I will definitely flirt, I will definitely use sex appeal. But, I’ll also tame it down a little. As a mom I kind of have a nurturing sex appeal.
Holmes: I’m not comfortable with this conversation.
Johnson: (Laughs)
Holmes: Is there anyone back home who will get upset if they see you flirting on national TV?
Johnson: No, God no. I told you, “Survivor” is my boyfriend.

Holmes: You guys are totally in the dark as far as twists and themes…so let me tell you what it is…
Johnson: OK!
Holmes: No. No way.
Johnson: (Laughs)
Holmes: What do you think is going on?
Johnson: I have no guesses. I can’t figure out what it is. Maybe casual fans vs. super fans?
Holmes: It’s fluorescent colors vs earth tones.
Johnson: Yes, I’d be on a tribe all by myself. I basically dress like Rainbow Brite.

Holmes: You know my gimmick; I play games.
Johnson: That’s right.
Holmes: I’m going to give you a “Survivor” situation. You tell me which you would rather.
Johnson: OK.
Holmes: Align with a Hillary supporter and Trump supporter?
Johnson: Oh God, you’re pulling out the big cards!
Holmes: It’s a long flight to Fiji. I had plenty of time to figure out how to torture you guys.
Johnson: Hillary…because I want an all-girls alliance. I’d love to get a solid group of girls and (expletive deleted) rule this game.
Holmes: It’s happened before. The guys never seem to be able to make that work.
Johnson: It’s because they’re all idiots. No offense.
Holmes: Uh huh.
Johnson: (Laughs)
Holmes: Steal a vote or eliminate a juror?
Johnson: Eliminate a juror.
Holmes: Endurance challenge or word puzzle?
Johnson: Endurance challenge.
Holmes: Of course, cause you’re a tri-athlete.
Johnson: Yes.
Holmes: If you had to run a distance, swim a distance, or…bike a distance?
Johnson: (Laughs)
Holmes: I had to guess on that last one. I’m not a tri-athlete.
Johnson: (Laughs)
Holmes: Obviously. Here’s the worst one: if you had to align with a racist or a sexist?
Johnson: God…I would align with a sexist because I would (expletive deleted) slap him.
Holmes: That’s how most alliances start.
Johnson: Just a good smack. I can’t do either of them, but if I had to choose. I’d put him in his place.
Holmes: Voted out first or before final Tribal?
Johnson: Final Tribal.
Holmes: Align with a tax cheat or an adulterer?
Johnson: Tax cheat…I just don’t do cheating on your spouse. That does not fly with me. I’m the most loyal person back home. Here, I don’t care about these people.
Holmes: Lose the family challenge or win and have to decide who to take?
Johnson: I would want to win and decide who to take.
Holmes: Caught stealing food or idol hunting?
Johnson: Idol hunting. We’re all going to do it.
Holmes: Align with a superfan or who someone who doesn’t watch the show?
Johnson: Someone who doesn’t watch the show.
Holmes: Dance challenge or karaoke challenge?
Johnson: Karaoke! Can I have a margarita before?
Holmes: Like at an auction? Maybe.
Johnson: Good, cause I don’t sing…I perform. I perform karaoke.
Holmes: What’s your go-to karaoke jam?
Johnson: Um…anything Britney Spears…
Holmes: There’s no shame in that.

Holmes: What kind of first impression do you think you make?
Johnson: Flirty, loud, bright…maybe I laugh a lot. (Laughs)

NOTE: The cast members do not know each other’s names at this point. I showed Stephanie a picture of each of her competitors and asked her to share her first impressions. (Thanks for the picture idea, Jodi!)

	LIBBY Johnson: She’s like my little sister. She’s adorable. She’s got the cutest little butt. I’d love to work with her in an all-girl alliance.
	ANGELA Johnson: I think she’s the other mom of the group. On a scale of I-don’t-trust-you to I-really-don’t-(expletive deleted)-trust-you, she’s a I don’t trust you.
	CHELSEA Johnson: She’s the hot nerd. I think I can get down with “Walking Dead” and “Game of Thrones” with her.
	JENNA Johnson: She’s my girl. I think she’s a girl’s girl like I am. Someone I can go to the end with.
	GONZALEZ Johnson: She’s a babe. I think she’s a runner. She’s another girl I’d like to pull into an all-girl alliance.
	MORGAN Johnson: She’s like the girl next door. I’d love to get wine with her…after I win and stab her in the back instead of the face.
	LAUREL Johnson: She seems like a strong chick, I’d like to pull her into an alliance.
	KELLYN Johnson: I think the elements are going to get to her and I’m going to prey on that.
	DESIREE Johnson: She doesn’t give me any vibes. She’s just there. If she’s gone on day one I probably won’t remember who she is.
	BRADLEY Johnson: I think I can manipulate the hell out of him.
	BRENDAN Johnson: I like him. He’s a dad…maybe. He has a wedding ring. He seems like a nice home dad.
	CHRIS Johnson: He’s too cocky for his own good. I’m going to have to stroke his ego which makes me want to vomit.
	SEBASTIAN Johnson: Aww…his hair and my hair are soulmates. They’re in an alliance until the final two. Holmes: Trying to imagine what kind of speech your hair would use to win over the hair on the jury. Johnson: (Laughs)
	WENDELL Johnson: I like him, but I don’t trust him.
	JACOB Johnson: I love him, I think he’s the other superfan. And he reminds me of my brother. A total geek, so I can relate to him.
	JAMES Johnson: He doesn’t give me a vibe either way. He’s flexible, I’ve seen him stretch.
	MICHAEL Johnson: Egh…I think he’s too hot for his own good. Holmes: I know, there are so many of us here this season. Johnson: (Laughs) I know! I’ll have him build me a shelter, then I’ll vote him out after.
	DONATHAN Johnson: He’s so adorable. He’d be like the little brother I never had.
	DOMENICK Johnson: No way. He’s first out for me. He’s going to create too much trouble. He’s a Russell Hantz and Tony mix.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

“Survivor: Ghost Island” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: The good folks at XFINITY sent me deep into the Fijian wilderness to bring you an exclusive look at “Survivor: Ghost Island.” While I was there I conducted interviews with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and the entire cast. I also captured exclusive photos and other behind-the-scenes tidbits. So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Name: Michael Yerger
Age: 18
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Current residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Gordon Holmes: I’m an old, bitter man.
Michael Yerger: (Laughs)
Holmes: And I’m trying to remember what I was like when I was eighteen. I feel like someone with more world experience could really pick me apart. Is this something you’re prepared for?
Yerger: Yeah, I definitely don’t have the world experience that others have. But, I do have an adequate amount for someone my age. I think my interpersonal skills and things like that, living on my own for a year, all of my friends are adults, I only deal with professionals. I’ve been out of that college/high school scene for a while.

Holmes: You deal with a wide variety of people in real estate. That should help.
Yerger: Totally. In LA you deal with all sorts of people, especially in leasing. Moving there and getting into sales is pretty damn hard, especially at my age. I’ve gotten into leasing and have done really well for myself. I have to deal with all sorts of nationalities, all sorts of attitudes, and egos, and whatnot. Half of it is smiling and nodding. Never disappointing anybody. That’s what my gameplay is going to be like. As much as I may want to call somebody out, that patience and self control will help me out.

Holmes: I’d imagine it’s pretty important to know yourself heading into this.
Yerger: Sure.
Holmes: Are you an alpha guy? Can you take orders? Where do you fall on the spectrum?
Yerger: I feel like I have good leadership qualities, but I’m not going to be the guy that’s going to be running out of the gate telling people what to do. That’s not me. And it’s not a good idea to be a leader on “Survivor.” You’ll get heat no matter what. Whether you’re a good one or a bad one. But I do feel like I take direction well.

Holmes: Why do you think you were cast?
Yerger: Maybe I’m a typical character to have on the show? I’m here to play a good game, I’m a huge fan. I’ve watched the show for over ten years.

Holmes: It says in your bio that you admire your father (a wise man) and your uncle (a rich man). What does that mean?
Yerger: Well…
Holmes: I mean, I know what “rich” and “wise” mean.
Yerger: (Laughs) Sure. My father is rich and wise. He’s really taught me things my entire life. I give a lot of credit to both of my parents for how I am because most of my friends aren’t like that. I really do think it’s a credit to parenting. I think part of wisdom has to do with what you value more. I’m not saying that my uncle isn’t wise, because he’s a brilliant man. To be wealthy you’ve got to be wise. But, I think my father values things more than wealth. He’s always taught me that money is the root of all evil. But, it can be a great thing if you use it wisely. My uncle leads a more extravagant lifestyle and that’s what I’m geared toward.

Holmes: So, money is the root of all evil, and you’re about to play a cutthroat game for a million dollars. Have you set any moral boundaries for yourself?
Yerger: I’ve set very realistic boundaries. I’m here to play the game. Everybody should know this by now. If you’re not here to lie, cheat, and steal, then get out of here. I think there are ways to do it tastefully. We’ve all seen people who’ve ventured too far. So, I think I have a realistic mindset going in.
Holmes: You seem very even tempered for an eighteen-year-old.
Yerger: Thank you.
Holmes: That will probably serve you well.
Yerger: I hope so.

Holmes: Any issues flirting to get ahead?
Yerger: Nope. They made it easy for me. There are a bunch of beautiful women here, the blonde especially. We’ve been making some eyes.
Holmes: Do you have a partner back home who’s going to be upset if they see you flirting?
Yerger: I’m not tied down, per se. I work a lot, so I haven’t had time to pursue anybody.

Holmes: Are you going to lie about any parts of your background?
Yerger: I’m going to be 23.
Holmes: You’re 23, huh? What year were you born? (NOTE: This interview took place in 2017.)
Yerger: 1993.
Holmes: Who was president?
Yerger: (Laughs) I don’t know.
Holmes: Clinton.
Yerger: Thanks.
Holmes: Most babies are up on their politics when they’re born.

Holmes: What’s the tattoo?
Yerger: It says “On my Honor.” I’m an Eagle scout. I did Boy Scouts for eight years.
Holmes: You didn’t go for the whole, “Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind…”
Yerger: (Laughs) No.
Holmes: Just a full sleeve of positive adjectives.
Yerger: I’m not the tattoo kind of guy, I just like having the important things. This is my only one.

Holmes: What do you think people’s first impression of you is. Yikes, that was a mouthful.
Yerger: (Laughs) No, you got it. Maybe dumb jock? Pretty boy? I get that, but I don’t think I’m either of those things.
Holmes: Mmm…I think you’re a pretty boy.
Yerger: (Laughs) Yeah, but it has that whole…rico suave thing.
Holmes: More of a pretty gentleman.
Yerger: Yeah, I’ll take that. But watching people here, I can tell who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Who’s letting women eat first. Who are the sassy, bratty women.

Holmes: You guys are totally in the dark as far as twists and themes. What do you think is going on here?
Yerger: That’s all I’ve been thinking about. I think I’ve been able to weave some out. I thought it’d be “Millennials vs. Gen-X” round two. And bring back some returning players like Jay and Jessica, because they were on separate tribes and were booted in not-so-wonderful ways. They were great players. But, we’ve got 20 people here, so I don’t think they’re going to bring back anybody. And, it’s a young cast. There’s only three noticeably older people. So maybe white collar/blue collar/no collar part two.

Holmes: Alright, I’m going to give you two scenarios, you tell me which one you would rather do. Saying neither or both is not an option.
Yerger: Got it.
Holmes: Would you rather align with a Hillary supporter or a Trump supporter?
Yerger: I’m not a political guy, but in my small-minded opinions, I’d have to go with Trump unfortunately.
Holmes: Steal a vote or eliminate a juror?
Yerger: Steal a vote. Who knows if I’ll make it to the end.
Holmes: Endurance challenge or word puzzle?
Yerger: Endurance challenge.
Holmes: Align with a racist or a sexist?
Yerger: Neither, obviously. I don’t respect either person. Probably a sexist.
Holmes: Voted out first or before final Tribal?
Yerger: Before final Tribal.
Holmes: Align with an adulterer or a tax cheat?
Yerger: Tax cheat.
Holmes: Lose the family challenge or win and have to decide who comes with?
Yerger: Lose the challenge. That always seems to hurt somebody more than it helps them. I love my mom, but I’ll get to see her soon after.
Holmes: Get caught stealing food or idol hunting?
Yerger: Stealing food. When you steal food, everybody hates you, and it’d be a reason to keep me around. Idol searching is a bigger target in my opinion. If they think you have an idol, they’ll try to flush it.
Holmes: Align with a superfan or someone who doesn’t watch the show?
Yerger: Someone who doesn’t watch the show. Ignorance is not bliss in that case. Knowing the ins and outs is really valuable in this game.
Holmes: A dance challenge or a karaoke challenge?
Yerger: Dance challenge. I’m not good at either, but I’d take dancing over singing.

Holmes: Do you watch wrestling?
Yerger: I watch MMA.
Holmes: WWE?
Yerger: Some of it.
Holmes: There a guy named Randy Orton, you look like him when he was young.
Yerger: My roommate will know who he is. All he watches is boxing/wrestling.
Holmes: You’re going to go 39 days, you’re going to win, then you’re going to say, “Oh wait, who is that wrestler Gordon thinks I look like?”
Yerger: (Laughs) It’ll be the first thing I think of.

NOTE: The cast members do not know each other’s names at this point. I showed Michael a picture of each of his competitors and asked him to give me his first impressions.

LIBBY
Yerger: That’s blondie. She’s gorgeous. Great chemistry so far. Sharing a lot of smiles and whatnot. But then again, she’s kind of smiling at every guy. I think that’s fine. She’s doing a great job.

ANGELA
Yerger: She’s the oldest woman in the group. And she might have the vibe that she’ll be the tribe mom. She seems like a sweet lady.

CHELSEA
Yerger: She’s kind of kept to herself. She seems kind of…like she’s got a little spice to her. She seems very calm. She’s not looking around a whole lot. We’ll see how the bomb explodes.

JENNA
Yerger: She seems dumb, to be honest. Maybe a little clumsy. But a nice girl.

GONZALEZ
Yerger: I really don’t like her. She gorgeous, I thought she’d be someone I’m interested in, but I’ve just seen her be a little bit bitchy and standoffish. Maybe she’s not like that at all.

STEPHANIE
Yerger: She’s very likable. I’ve seen her share smile with just about everybody out here. Bubbly personality.

MORGAN
Yerger: I think she’s very transparent. You can see what she’s thinking on her face. I don’t know if that’s someone I want to work with. She’s probably one of the smartest girls out here.

LAUREL
Yerger: I want to work with her! I haven’t interacted with her a lot, but it’s been very good. She’s very intelligent, very observant.

KELLYN
Yerger: She seems friendly, very innocent.

DESIREE
Yerger: Not a huge fan so far. She seems like she wants nothing to do with me. She’s got attitude.

BRADLEY
Yerger: Seems like a nice guy. Maybe it’s the glasses, but he seems intelligent.

BRENDAN
Yerger: A fit guy. Looks like a personal trainer. I’ve noticed he’s married. He’s been courteous and respectful to everybody.

CHRIS
Yerger: Another athletic guy. He might be a strong competitor in challenges. But, he does come off like he’s a little dumb and ignorant.

SEBASTIAN
Yerger: Surfer, crazy island dude! He looks like he’s been playing this game for six months already.
Holmes: That’s the twist. He’s been here for years.
Yerger: Exactly!

WENDELL
Yerger: Seems like a nice guy. He’s also from LA. I’ve noticed he wears an LA Kings hat. He’s kept to himself.

JACOB
Yerger: He’s funny. He’s a little bit weird. He’s had his headphones on. He seems a bit dorky by likable.

JAMES
Yerger: He seems very arrogant. He wears it on his face and on his body. His chest is always out, kind of rico suave style.

DONATHAN
Yerger: Nice guy. Very sweet and likable.

DOMENICK
Yerger: He was always very plain on his face, but yesterday he showed some personality. He seems like a nice guy.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

“Survivor: Ghost Island” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: The good folks at XFINITY sent me deep into the Fijian wilderness to bring you an exclusive look at “Survivor: Ghost Island.” While I was there I conducted interviews with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and the entire cast. I also captured exclusive photos and other behind-the-scenes tidbits. So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Name: Jenna Bowman
Age: 23
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Current Residence: Venice Beach, California
Occupation: Advertising Account Executive

Gordon Holmes: I’ve been doing this for a long time. This is the first time I’m going to start out an interview like this. Are you ready?
Jenna Bowman: I hope so…
Holmes: Poop.
Bowman: My least favorite word.
Holmes: Why?
Bowman: I don’t know. It makes me cringe. You know how some people can’t stand the worst “moist”?
Holmes: Yes, that’s a big one.
Bowman: The p-word…that’s my word. Isn’t that weird?
Holmes: We all have our things, but it’s not even like a curse word.
Bowman: I’m fine with curse words.
Holmes: All of them?
Bowman: Yeah. Every single one.
Holmes: Every one?
Bowman: Yeah. The c-word? I say it all the time. My mom is very offended. But someone said it and I thought it was kinda cute once. But the p-word? Nope.
Holmes: Really?
Bowman: And the emoji? I don’t get why people use that emoji.
Holmes: You’re out there and before a challenge someone’s like, “Let’s kick the poop out of this tribe.” Are you done?
Bowman: I’ll say, “Let’s kick the (expletive deleted) out of them.”

Holmes: Why do you think you were cast?
Bowman: I have this outer shell personality. And then I have this inner personality that not a ton of people know about. The shell I’m very cold, unapproachable, I get resting bitch face a lot. People tell me, “She’s not happy.” Homeless people will come up to me on the streets and say, “Girl, you need to smile.” In my brain I’m happy, it’s just my muscles don’t move that way.
Holmes: Lemme see.
Bowman: (Sits casually)
Holmes: It doesn’t seem negative.
Bowman: If I’m looking at something it shows. So, I think my real side has shown through and that’s what casting saw.

Holmes: The game starts in casting.
Bowman: Oh yeah.
Holmes: Is this resting bitch face thing a concern?
Bowman: Absolutely. It’s hard because when you can’t talk, that’s the first impression they get of you. I’m not good at first impressions. I can tell with where people sit at lunch…I don’t get a ton of people sitting by me. I could be the first person to go.

Holmes: Is there anything about your backstory that you’re going to lie about?
Bowman: I don’t think so. Maybe that I’m not diehard fan. It hasn’t been my whole life. I grew up without a TV. I hadn’t watched it in ten years, but I’ve binge watched it ever since then.
Holmes: So if anyone asks, you’re the biggest fan.
Bowman: Right, and I am a big fan. But I haven’t seen every season. And I don’t have that quick recall if someone says, “Oh, in season twelve…”
Holmes: I don’t have that kind of recall and it says “Survivor Guy” on my business card.

Holmes: Any ethical boundaries as far as lying, cheating, stealing?
Bowman: No. Absolutely not. It’s a game. I hate how in “Game Changers” everyone was so emotional and gave Sarah (expletive deleted). It’s like Michaela said, “It’s a game, you’re here to win.” If you don’t have enemies on the jury, then you didn’t play right.
Holmes: Any issues with flirting?
Bowman: Nope.
Holmes: Anyone back home who’s going to get mad if they see you putting the moves on someone?
Bowman: No, I’m single. I’m not ready to settle down. I’m on Bumble and Tinder and I like to have fun.
Holmes: I’m an old married man, I’m going to need you to explain what Bumble is.
Bowman: You just swipe left or right based on what they look like. Whether they’re hot or not.
Holmes: So, it’s just like Tinder?
Bowman: Bumble’s a little classier because the woman gets to start the conversation. You don’t have these guys like, saying disgusting things.

Holmes: You’re in the dark as far as twists and whatnot. What do you think is going on here?
Bowman: I have no idea. Everyone seems to be pretty fit and have the same build and age-range. But then you have random old people. I really don’t know.

Holmes: How are you handling the stress?
Bowman: If I’m not the first person voted out, that’s a win. I already cried in front of Jeff Probst. He had to hug me because I was bawling my eyes out.
Holmes: What upset you?
Bowman: I wasn’t upset, I think it was an overwhelming happy feeling. I haven’t even been on the show yet and it’s already changed my life in a way. When I was in casting, that’s when they laid it on me. They said, “You’re really cold, nobody here likes you. I’m the only one rooting for you.” And when Jeff Probst tells you that, you’re like holy (expletive deleted). Yesterday was the first day I saw him since that happened. All of the sudden, and I never cry, well, I watch engagement videos on YouTube, and I just started crying my eyes out. He had to hug me. It was weird.
Holmes: Engagement videos get me. Or like when a soldier comes home….
Bowman: Oh! Me too!
Holmes: Like when a returning soldier’s pet freaks out.
Bowman: Or like if they’re in a box at a baseball game. Those ones, me and my friend watch those all the time.

Holmes: Alright, I’ll give you two scenarios, you let me know which one you would prefer.
Bowman: OK.
Holmes: Align with a Hillary supporter or a Trump supporter?
Bowman: Trump supporter because I voted for him.
Holmes: Would you rather steal a vote or eliminate a juror?
Bowman: Eliminate a juror. I’m planning on having some angry ones.
Holmes: Endurance challenge or word puzzle?
Bowman: I don’t know. I’ve never done a puzzle under pressure. Endurance…your adrenaline is racing. I’ll go puzzle.
Holmes: Align with a racist or a sexist?
Bowman: I hate racists, so I’ll go with the sexist.
Holmes: Voted out first or before the final Tribal?
Bowman: Final Tribal.
Holmes: Align with an adulterer or a tax cheat?
Bowman: I hate adulterers. If you can’t stay true to your spouse…
Holmes: Lose the family challenge or win and have to decide who to take?
Bowman: I want to win because it’d make my dad proud. And then I’d take surfer boy.
Holmes: Is your dad a fan?
Bowman: He watched it a while ago. But he’s proud I’m here.
Holmes: Caught stealing food or idol hunting?
Bowman: Idol hunting. You can talk your way out of it. Everyone wants to do it. But if you’re stealing food you’re kind of a bad person.
Holmes: Align with a superfan or someone who doesn’t watch the show?
Bowman: A superfan.
Holmes: Dance challenge or karaoke challenge?
Bowman: Karaoke…Celine Dion…”My Heart Will Go On.” No question about it. I’ll throw out a Whitney Houston every now and then.

NOTE: The cast members do not know each other’s names at this point. I showed Jenna a picture of each of her competitors and asked her to share her first impressions.

LIBBY
Bowman: Can I be mean?
Holmes: Please.
Bowman: And no one will see this till the end.
Holmes: This recorder vanishes into a corner of my office until next February.
Bowman: I think she’s wearing a little too much makeup to be playing “Survivor.” That was my first thing. She’s hot.

ANGELA
Bowman: Irrelevant.

CHELSEA
Bowman: She was reading a “Game of Thrones” book. She looks like she’d be on “Game of Thrones.” Maybe she’s cool. She looks like she could be a gymnast.
Holmes: Have you ever watched “Game of Thrones.”
Bowman: I tried, but then I saw a midget watching his brother and sister have sex.
Holmes: It was a child.
Bowman: Oh was it?
Holmes: Yeah, that doesn’t make it better.
Bowman: Oh, then maybe he was getting a (expletive deleted).
Holmes: We can move on.
Bowman: (Laughs)

GONZALEZ
Bowman: A little Latina. She kind of reminds me of an Eva Mendes. I haven’t gotten a good read on her.

STEPHANIE
Bowman: Super nice, really genuine. I think I want to align with her because she smiles a lot.

MORGAN
Bowman: I want her body. She has a really good body. She looks like a personal trainer or like an Olympic swimmer.

LAUREL
Bowman: Nice.

KELLYN
Bowman: Kind of like a bookworm. Not someone I would gravitate towards, but probably someone who would be a really good friend.

DESIREE
Bowman: She has an amazing wardrobe. I want to tell her every five seconds. But, she kind of scares me.

BRADLEY
Bowman: He lurks a lot. He’s always kind of staring. Got to watch out for him. If I’m trying to make eye contact with someone, he’s on to me. I think he’d vote me out first.

BRENDAN
Bowman: He’s the only guy I went through casting with. So, I feel like we’ve got that initial…same casting group connection. And he waves to me. I don’t know if he’s an actual dad, but he’s a DILF.

CHRIS
Bowman: Real-life Ken. He probably has the same issue as me; first impressions. Upfront he looks like a dumb jock douchebag, but he’s probably like a southern Christian boy. Maybe he’s a virgin.

SEBASTIAN
Bowman: I love him, he’s my little crush. Surfer boy.
Holmes: Your spirit animal.
Bowman: With his man bun. Future husband. Move to Fiji, raise our kids like little Fijians.
Holmes: I always say that. We’re out here and I’m thinking “Why go back?”
Bowman: (Laughs)
Holmes: “Honey, pack up our things and meet me here.”
Bowman: You can leave Pennsylvania and move to the islands.

WENDELL
Bowman: He looks like Donald Glover. Right when I saw him I thought we had a celebrity on the season. I’d kick it with him, he seems cool.

JACOB
Bowman: Interesting guy. I want to talk to him to figure out how his brain works. He’s always taking notes. His notes look like they’re in another language. I think he makes up his own little language. He put a bandana on today like he was going to war.

JAMES
Bowman: He looks like he’ll be strategic in everything he does. Even the way he eats breakfast in the morning. He puts Nutella in between two pieces of bread and eats like a sandwich. And he does it every morning.
Holmes: So, like a chocolate sandwich?
Bowman: I don’t know what it is. It’s weird. I think he’s OCD or something.

MICHAEL
Bowman: He was the first person I was attracted to because we were both wearing Vans. We’d be like a cute couple.
Holmes: That’s all it takes? Matching footwear?
Bowman: (Laughs) Yeah. Everyone else was in flip flops or athletic wear.
Holmes: Guys all over the world are thinking…
Bowman: I need to get me some Vans.

DONATHAN
Bowman: This kid always sits on the pier by himself. He’s always in deep thought. I feel like he sits there and is trying to be perceptive. He’s going to know a lot. He’s like a little rat.

DOMENICK
Bowman: This guy is going to be evil.
Holmes: Fun evil or bad evil?
Bowman: He looks menacing. I feel like he’s going to do some damage.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

“Survivor: Ghost Island” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: The good folks at XFINITY sent me deep into the Fijian wilderness to bring you an exclusive look at “Survivor: Ghost Island.” While I was there I conducted interviews with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and the entire cast. I also captured exclusive photos and other behind-the-scenes tidbits. So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Gordon Holmes: “Host Island?” Really? Seems a little arrogant.
Jeff Probst: No, actually it’s “Ghost Island.” The “G” keeps getting rubbed off by the rain…which is not a bad idea…
Holmes: What would “Host Island” be?
Probst: It would be me, and I’d be lording over guys like Phil Keoghan and Ryan Seacrest, and Tom Bergeron and Cameron Mathison and those guys.
Holmes: Is this like a circle of hell where you’re punishing them?
Probst: Yes!
Holmes: You’re making them compete for your affection?
Probst: No…I don’t want their affection. That offers nothing to me.
Holmes: Sure.
Probst: But lording over them as if they’re in host hell brings an enormous sense of joy. And I will share the credit with you. Because it was your idea.
Holmes: That’s very generous of you to share the credit for my idea.
Probst: (Laughs)

Holmes: Alright, what’s the deal with this “Ghost Island?”
Probst: If you think of Ghost Island as a theme, it’s the graveyard for every bad decision that’s ever been made on the show. Somebody misplays an idol or an advantage or gets voted out with an idol? That bad decision has been haunted and lives on Ghost Island.
Holmes: With all the callbacks to “Survivor” history, this feels like a love letter to hardcore fans.
Probst: I think that’s a really good way to put it. But, I don’t know if there’s a difference between fans, super fans, or hardcore fans.
Holmes: Yeah, but I’ve seen every episode of this jawn and I can’t go to Ghost Island and tell you which snuffer went with which season.
Probst: Definitely, but we make the show for the fans. All of them. I’d love to have millions of new fans, but if you’re not into “Survivor,” you either don’t like it or have never given it a chance, and you’re probably not going to start today.
Holmes: And if you’re not into “Survivor,” you’re probably a horrible person.
Probst: And you should be on “Host Island” with all the other hosts.
Holmes: This is really coming together.
Probst: It is!
Holmes: Do the themes usually come together in three minutes?
Probst: No. But, I’ll tell you the origin of Ghost Island, we had the name for six or seven years…and that was it. It just sounded cool. Every year we’d try to crack the creative and it never happened. One day I took out all the creative we had on Ghost Island, six years worth. And I thought none of it was any good. I took a couple of sheets of blank paper and I went to my local Coffee Bean and I told my wife I wasn’t coming home until this was cracked. And then I stumbled onto this idea of relics. Misplayed idols. And then this visual of giant totems looming over you both taunting and haunting you with a sense of humor…and that was it. Then we brought in our creative team and everyone starts contributing.

Holmes: So what are the rules surrounding this thing. How does one get sent there? What happens once they’re there?
Probst: Every idol or advantage will be a relic from a previous season. You will be holding an idol that someone last season or ten years ago held and misplayed. The question is; is it hexed? Are you destined to be doomed or can you reverse the curse? Every week, someone will be sent to Ghost Island in various ways. You will live in a shelter, and hanging from the shelter are all of the snuffers from previous seasons. A reminder that your doom is one bad decision away. There are also all of these sacred sites that have other pieces of memorabilia. And every so often, you might be enticed to play a game of chance. Ghost Island has a personality. It’s kind of lippy. It’s going to mess with you and taunt you. But, if you’re up to the task, you could walk away with an advantage. But, it’ll make you wager something.

Holmes: I understand you’re not talking about what cursed items will be on the island. (NOTE: Our friends at EW.com have a full list of all of the items that were released after this interview.)
Probst: Correct.
Holmes: Can I guess?
Probst: You can, but I won’t comment either way.
Holmes: The opponent’s target that Stephen Fishbach hit?
Probst: (Laughs) That’s awesome.
Holmes: Eric’s immunity necklace?
Probst: One of the greatest of all time! Wouldn’t that be great if it was here?!
Holmes: Quite a poker face you’ve got there. A full season DVD set of “Survivor: Nicaragua?”
Probst: (Laughs) Some people liked it! I used to say that about “Survivor: Africa” People thought I was crazy. Then I realized I didn’t like it because I visually didn’t like it. To me…it should be like this. There’s water and all these elements. And the other thing I realized was that what I like, other people might not like. I loved White Collar/Blue Collar/No Collar. And I remember waking up the morning after the finale and reading a review that called it a “so-so season.” I was like, “Oh God, why do I read this (expletive deleted)?”
Holmes: That’s some good advice for you. Never ever, ever read comments. Ever. On anything.
Probst: Ever.

Holmes: We’re giving them less food. Why?
Probst: Our philosophy on the show is that we have to stay ahead of it. We might leave some money on the table by jumping to the next idea. But we never want to get caught shortchanged. It’s been bothering me for the last few years that it’s been easy to get rid of a provider like an Ozzy or a Malcolm or a Culpepper because they have enough. It seems like a flaw. If you’re that comfortable, let’s make it tougher. So, we’re cutting the rice in half. It may not sound like much, but the amount of rice they have is based on our medical team saying this is the minimum amount of calories a human being needs to survive. So, they don’t get much. They get half a cup of rice, now they get half that. We gave them a big fishing kit out of the gate. They used to have to earn it in a reward. Nope, you’ve got it cause you need it. And the note attached to the rice says, “If you have to ask me for more, it will cost you.”

Holmes: What’s the balance between “this is your game, go play it” vs. “we’re giving you less rice to make providers more valuable?”
Probst: That’s a great question. I don’t think there’s a black or white answer. It’s completely arbitrary. It comes down to making a decision. We have a final four twist that we’re doing that we did last season, changing the game up. It’s no different from when we switched tribes for the first time in the third season or in the eleventh season where we had the first immunity idol. That goes back to what I was saying about you have to stay ahead of it. I say to CBS all the time, “’Survivor’ is not going to limp into oblivion. We’re going to go down in a ball a fire.” We’re going to continue to take big swings. It’s super risky to give them less food and for them to know if I have to come, I’m coming for the shelter.
Holmes: Will this effect food rewards?
Probst: What do you mean?
Holmes: It’ll be things like a barbecue…a giant feast?
Probst: Yeah. But the thing about the food reward is they’re deceiving. Sure, you’re full that night and I’ve talked to the doctor a lot about this, it doesn’t carry you far. Once that protein source is gone, your body goes back to eating fat or muscle.

Gordon Holmes: One of the things that I saw at camp was kind of an accountability chart. What was the reasoning behind that?
Jeff Probst: One of the ideas this season is that I wanted to see if we could get a little more society into the game. By that, meaning responsibility and accountability. That’s one of the reasons we cut the rice in half was the force them to go fishing. Then, the idea was, “What would happen if we put a responsibility chart up?” Would they play checkers on it or would they actually think, “That’s a good idea. Who has gotten coconuts lately? Because I’ve been getting fire.” In a perfect world, day 39 rolls around and that chart comes up and somebody says, “Did you check it? Because I tended the fire every day. I built the shelter.” It becomes an element of gameplay.
Holmes: Did you include gold star stickers?
Probst: Unfortunately, no.

Holmes: Cirie was voted out of “Game Changers” due to the advantage-ageddon. Malcolm was voted out by another community. Both of these seem to go counter to the idea that your tribe is coming together to make a choice for the betterment of the society.
Probst: Well, the game has surpassed the idea of a society getting rid of its weakest member. The game is now paramount. The idea that you’re safe because of an alliance or an idol is foolhardy. What was great about the Cirie moment, unfortunately for Cirie, the poster for “Game Changers” was that moment. My wish was, “Please let them make big moves.” We’re charting as the game’s going; how many idols, who has an advantage…and nobody is playing them. And then the night of the Tribal we think, “What’s the worst-case scenario?” And we thought it was Tai playing both idols. But, we never thought he’d do it. He’ll save one for the next day. So when he did we all lost it. That was the gift of that season. It was the game-changing moment.

Holmes: I played a game with your contestants…
Probst: Yes! How hard do you work on coming up with these?
Holmes: Not hard at all.
Probst: (Laughs)
Holmes: This is a dumb party game.
Probst: We do dumb party games every day and believe me; it is not easy.
Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play the “Survivor” version of “Would You Rather.” I give you the situation, you tell me what and why.
Probst: (Laughs) OK.
Holmes: Align with a Hillary supporter or a Trump supporter?
Probst: Dang…this is tricky. I’m looking at the end…I’m going to align with a Hillary supporter. I’m tempted to go Trump because I might be able to predict what’s going to happen. But I’m worried that my predictions would end up costing me.
Holmes: Steal a vote or eliminate a juror?
Probst: Eliminate a juror. I think if we did that more often it would come into play. In “Game Changers” it could have had an impact. And with our new Tribal format, the jury evaluation is really different now and you have a shot to win the game even if someone didn’t understand how you played because you can explain it. So, if I was sure you were with someone else, I’d take you out. That’s a two-vote swing.
Holmes: Endurance challenge or word puzzle?
Probst: Oh, endurance.
Holmes: Would you rather align with a racist or a sexist?
Probst: Sexist…boy…one’s barely worse than the other.
Holmes: There’s something to be said for getting to the end with someone and being able to say “Hey jury, this (expletive deleted) is really racist.”
Probst: That’s a really good question. I’d rather be with a sexist because I think I could make a super good argument about why they were a massive (expletive deleted.)
Holmes: Voted out first or before final Tribal?
Probst: Before final Tribal.
Holmes: Align with an adulterer or a tax cheat?
Probst: You asked these to all the players?
Holmes: Yup.
Probst: That’s great. I’ll align with the tax cheat because I feel like I know that guy. An adulterer is a personal thing. A tax cheat is a country thing. If you’re going to cheat on your taxes, then you’re cheating on your country and that affects me. I need people in my alliance that I’ll have no trouble cutting loose.
Holmes: Would you rather lose the family challenge or win and have to decide which players get to go with?
Probst: I’m going to win, then give up my spot. I’ll someway come out a hero and tell my wife, “I know you just want to go home anyway.”
Holmes: She’s been to Fiji. Would you rather be caught stealing food or hunting for an idol?
Probst: Hunting for an idol, that you can recover from at final Tribal. Stealing food is rough to get over.
Holmes: Would you rather align with a “Survivor” superfan or someone who doesn’t watch the show?
Probst: I don’t want to even talk to someone who doesn’t watch the show.
Holmes: Agreed. Dance challenge or karaoke challenge?
Probst: Karaoke! Preferably the Stones or maybe…Dave Matthews.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes