Survivor 48 Pre-Game Day 11: Kyle Fraser & Mitch Guerra

[00:00:00] [SPEAKER_02] Hi everybody and welcome to RHAP's Survivor 48 Pre-Season Interviews Day 11, the final day of interviews outright. Of course, Rob and I are still going to get together one last time to talk through this final SEVA tribe. But first, we got to get to know them all in full and we still have two interviews left. Those are my interviews with Kyle and Mitch.

[00:00:28] [SPEAKER_02] Of course, we are just getting started when it comes to not only our preseason coverage, but Survivor 48 in general. There is so much to follow from this, including Issa Look, including of course the draft that typically occurs with the RHAP podcasters. That's not even speaking about the fact that we are actually going to see these people play in a little less than two weeks and we will have a bevy of podcasts to follow that. So do not miss out on a second of it. Go to WeKnowSurvivor.com.

[00:00:56] [SPEAKER_02] Subscribe to all of our Survivor podcasts in one handy dandy place. And if you want to see video versions of all these podcasts, including video versions of these very interviews we're about to listen to, go to RobHasAWebsite.com slash YouTube.

[00:01:11] [SPEAKER_02] So here we are. Let's get into my second to last interview here on the SEVA tribe approaching the bench. It is our attorney, Kyle Frazier, though. Spoiler alert. He will not say that he is an attorney. Of course, we know the very recent track record for that. But Kyle is 31 years old, originally from Roanoke, Virginia, currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

[00:01:39] [SPEAKER_02] Now, much like another cast member on this season in Stephanie, Kyle started his career in teaching before moving on to a different profession. So we shall see how much he is able to get to the head of the class over this 26 day period. Check out my interview with Kyle and hear what he has to say. Give me your name, age and occupation.

[00:02:02] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah, I'm Kyle Frazier. I'm 30 years old and I'm a lawyer. OK, what particular form of law are you working in? So I work for a judge right now. I'm a litigator. OK, so stereotypical sort of like courtroom arguer attorney. But right now I work for a judge. I did labor and employment law the first year out of law school. I worked for like a larger law firm. And then right before I went to clerk for a judge, I did white collar criminal defense. Wow. So I'm hoping to sort of segue at some point into like public defense or federal public defense.

[00:02:31] [SPEAKER_01] But we'll see. Interesting.

[00:02:33] [SPEAKER_02] So then, listen, we know that the label of lawyer on Survivor comes with a lot of things. Are you more on the Jake side of things or like the Julie side of things when it comes to revealing what your occupation is?

[00:02:45] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. So I'm 100 percent on the Julie side of things with the caveat that like I watching that season was so rough for me because like I can't say I'm a lawyer. I know strategically that's just a well, it worked for Jake somehow. But I know strategically for me, that's just not going to work. And stereotypically, it doesn't work. But like it's not that I think that lawyers are like this omnipotent, like incredibly strategic, like group of people. It's just I know that I can't say. So I'm going to I'm going to say I'm a teacher. OK, I used to teach for two years right before I went to law school.

[00:03:14] [SPEAKER_01] So I think it'll be good. I miss teaching and working with kids. So I think it'll be believable.

[00:03:17] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. So then did you tell your work, you know, how what was your your reason for coming out here? Right. Were you like, oh, I'm going on a camping trip for two weeks? What is the work? No. Before. Obviously, this all gets released about what you're doing right now.

[00:03:30] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. Yeah. Well, you know, clerking is like a one year stint that you do for a judge. It's very intimate and you work closely with like two to three other people. So it wasn't something that I could just like get up and and leave for without like giving some sort of explanation. So I had a sort of confidential talk with that. Obviously, I cleared it through other people. But my judge is aware that something is going on, not exactly what it is. And I actually had to end up doing like a lot of my work in advance to sort of be able to come out here.

[00:03:57] [SPEAKER_02] So, well, let's talk about why you're out here. So what made you decide to approach the jury bench in a very different way? Hopefully when it comes to the survivor jury, what what's the reason why you're on the island right now?

[00:04:08] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. So I started watching Survivor actually season 40. Oddly enough, I think it's similar to Charlie's story during COVID. I had I was in law school, like finishing up my second year and it hit. And my girlfriend was like now my fiance was like, maybe we should just leave and go live with my parents. It was the beginning of COVID. So we thought it was going to be for a week. Like so long story short, we drove to North Carolina thinking it was going to be a week. And we stayed at her parents' house for three months. And like I had just met them. But she her mother, her mom was watching Survivor one day.

[00:04:37] [SPEAKER_01] It was like literally the episode where Denise idled out Sandra. And I was like, holy shit, like what? What is this game? Like I thought Survivor was like fear factor, like just eating worms out on the island. But like something completely different, this like social strategic game. So like now you're eating each other, not the worms. Yeah, exactly. And so that drew me in. I thought I would just like it for the strategic stuff. But after like sort of plopping around, I just love the concept in general. Just like this idea of being dropped somewhere with a diverse group of people.

[00:05:05] [SPEAKER_01] Like you don't necessarily know each other's backgrounds, but you can sort of like use your strengths. I don't know. It's just such an interesting game.

[00:05:12] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. So then through because I imagine then once you fell in love, you're like, OK, I got to watch through everything. And obviously through the new era, if you could give me a winner and a non-winner who you identify with the most, who would it be and why?

[00:05:24] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. OK, so, you know, winner is really tough, but I would have to say I would probably say Wendell. Like I know that's so that's probably like two on the nose for me, but he's a lawyer. He's black man who kind of like sheds this box in a lot of ways that like by doing different things and sort of like making different life decisions that I just found were so interesting. I think where I identify him with him the most from a game perspective wise is just like his social game.

[00:05:50] [SPEAKER_01] Like I think that one of the reasons Wendell was able to beat out Dom was because like you could see like from the snippets that we had that he actually like really cared about the other contestants. Not saying that Dom didn't, but that just came across so starkly for Wendell in a non sort of greasy way. Yeah. And I'm hoping that like that's how I can play this game. Like I love people. I hope to make connections, you know, like I could see myself like picking up a seashell and giving it to a guy like Sebastian, like holding on to a like for him. Like, I don't know. I just I really resonated with his game. His game resonated with me rather.

[00:06:20] [SPEAKER_01] And then non-winner, that's also very tough, but I probably say Jay. OK. Jay from Adam's season. I loved his game. I thought he was like the full package. Like, listen, I'm an athletic presenting person. I think I don't know if that's going to like completely be my game. I hope that I can pull out a challenge or two. But what I loved about him was that like he was sort of good at challenges. People respected him and he respected other people. And because of that, he like strived socially.

[00:06:48] [SPEAKER_01] And like he just seemed like a free flowing, easygoing guy. But underneath it all, he really kind of had these like ambitions. He talked about like how he was different than Fig Tales or like Taylor. He's like he's like my buddies. But like I have these other ambitions. Like I feel as if my upbringing was very similar to that.

[00:07:05] [SPEAKER_02] So what's your favorite moment in Survivor history? Does it connect back to the one that got you into it all with Denise idling out Sandra? Can I give you two? Oh, please.

[00:07:13] [SPEAKER_01] There's like two for very different reasons that come to mind. Yeah. The first is Keith is one of my favorite. He was a recipe. Yeah, a recipe. One of my favorite players. Him driving the tuk-tuk on the island is like one of my favorite things. Like that was one of the first seasons that we watched season one, then bounced around after I watched season 40. And that was like one of the first scenes that I can visually remember. And I was like, here's this guy, like just with a complete group of people that he would have no business being around otherwise, excelling with them and connecting with them. And the tuk-tuk scene just like tied that all together.

[00:07:42] [SPEAKER_01] And then the other one is just on Ben's season when Dr. Mike says, like he has a ferocity that transcends this game. I think that is like one of the most underrated Survivor lines in the entire world. I mean, it's hilarious. Like, and like- That's like the very definition of a deep cut. I love it so much.

[00:08:00] [SPEAKER_02] No, don't apologize. Listen, you're not going to apologize to me for quoting a random quote from Survivor 35. No, I'm in, I'm, there's mutual awe going on right now. There we go. Your own preparation for this experience. Because you talked about, you know, having a little bit of that athleticism going on. But once you found out you were coming out here, what was sort of the prep experience to get you to the island in the first place?

[00:08:22] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. So, you know, from a physical perspective, it's actually really funny. I kind of, I fluctuated like 15 to 17 pounds in a matter of like two and a half months. Like I first like bulked up because I was like, oh, I need to be strong. But then I like sort of realized like I don't need to be that strong. So then I like started what I thought about the best scenario being like putting on a bunch of weight so I can get as strong as possible. And then I shed a ton and started conditioning to sort of like, because I think endurance matters the most for pregame.

[00:08:49] [SPEAKER_01] And then like two weeks prior to coming out here, I've just been freaking wrecking burgers. And like, and like just putting on a ton of fat. Like I read an interview with Malcolm from like years ago where he talked about his like McDonald's diet. Yeah. Yeah. I kind of see it. Like, I feel like I'm in great shape. Like I've definitely put on some pounds, but I know I have those fat reserves. So physically I've kind of just like, and I focused a lot on like flexibility and like just concentration. They say grip strength is the most important thing. Yeah. You know, I, you know, I got one of those little grippy things.

[00:09:17] [SPEAKER_01] I didn't, I fidget around with it at work every now and then. Um, mentally like, you know, listen, I'm not a puzzle guy. I'm not going to be good at puzzles. So I kind of just like decided, you know what, I'm going to put that to the wayside and focus on other things mentally. Like I really tried to just incorporate like survivor into my everyday life. Like if I have a, not a disagreement with a coworker, but like maybe we see something differently.

[00:09:39] [SPEAKER_01] Like I think about like, how would I approach this in the game and try to like implement that work on like controlling emotions or thinking through what emotion you're feeling in certain circumstances. Like little things like that to over time where I feel like I'm ready to play this game. Um, yeah.

[00:09:54] [SPEAKER_02] What's one life experience you feel has prepared you most for this?

[00:09:58] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. So, um, like I mentioned, I was a teacher. I actually taught at a boarding school for two years. Um, but during the summers I taught at a juvenile detention center. Um, it was a charter school attached to a juvenile detention center and they were able to like earn credits like in money. So when they get released, when the kids would get released, they would have like something to go out into the world. And, um, that was a really hard experience. Like learning when you're in a juvenile detention center, I couldn't imagine. Learning was hard enough for me as a kid in school. Yeah. These kids are dealing with, I mean, this is outside of Maryland.

[00:10:26] [SPEAKER_01] Um, so it houses kids from Baltimore and D.C. And, and, um, areas that were, were that, that were not easy environments to grow up in. And, um, trying to connect with them when they're trying to figure out like when the hell I'm going to get out of jail. Um, was really hard, but like I figured out a way to do it in different circumstances. And I feel like that's like, like some days it was really, really hard and like painful to see what they're going through. Painful to sort of try and connect with them, but you've got to keep on pushing.

[00:10:54] [SPEAKER_01] And I feel like I kind of have to have that same mentality in Survivor.

[00:10:57] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. I mean, it's all about making connections under arduous circumstances. And, you know, even when you don't necessarily feel like you're in the mood or in the state to do it, it's, it's sort of an inevitability that needs to happen to get an end goal. So I think it, it totally feels like a one-to-one comparison.

[00:11:12] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. Yeah. It definitely was like, I mean, just, and even going from teaching at a, at a different boarding school that was like very affluent, like a sort of community, like, you know, very expensive to go to. And like, it was, it was hard to connect with those kids too. I think like another thing that will be helpful is like going from that community that was so starkly different to my juvenile detention center community and figuring out ways to like navigate both of them in a way that like helps the kids. And I think that's what Survivor is too.

[00:11:40] [SPEAKER_01] Like there are going to be so many different players from different backgrounds that like will need you not to be a different person, but meet them in the way in which they want to play the game in a different way. Somebody wants to be super strategic, super calculated and somebody like may just want to have fun. And I think it's important not to just play your game, to meet other people where they're at game wise too.

[00:11:59] [SPEAKER_02] Give me your biggest superpower and your biggest piece of kryptonite when it comes to this game.

[00:12:06] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. My, my biggest superpower. You know, I, I, charm is like, I hate using the word charm, but like, I, I do love people. I've been like this way since I was like a kid. My mom talks about like me running onto the playground, like the first day of school is like a five-year-old. Like I, I can be pretty persuasive. Um, I can also just like be charming in a way that I like, I like to connect with people. And I think people see that, like I'm genuinely interested in them. Um, so I think that that will be very helpful to me.

[00:12:36] [SPEAKER_01] Um, that it could be a weakness in that, like, you know, I don't want to come across, I'm really going to focus on like one-on-one connections, not trying to be the guy that's like outwardly, like, you know, um, courageous or outwardly like running the room. Yeah. Um, but I, I think charm and like sort of that persuasion, if you want to call it that would be a superpower. Um, weakness. I'm, I'm an impulsive person.

[00:12:58] [SPEAKER_01] Uh, you know, like I'm a very, I guess that's not like, like stereotypical for a lawyer, but like, I am a very like impulsive sort of like- Listen, you're not the judge, so impulsivity is okay. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Like, I just want to sort of like, if an opportunity presents itself, like I want to go for it.

[00:13:15] [SPEAKER_03] Yeah.

[00:13:15] [SPEAKER_01] Like if I see a be aware advantage, like I'm opening it up. Um, I think more importantly though, it's, it's the people around me. Like this is not a game where like you can just say whatever's on your mind. Oftentimes that's like fun in real life. But if you say something like that could not rub even somebody the wrong way, but if I say something that just like has any bearing on the game, that could plant the seed in somebody's mind. Oh, he's got to go. How many times have we heard that? Oh, like I heard Aubrey's this. He likes, she likes Aubrey. She's, she's got to go. Like, you know, you got to watch your mouth. Yeah, absolutely.

[00:13:44] [SPEAKER_02] So then from that perspective, what do you think people are going to perceive you as? Whether it's taking in that charm, taking in that impulsivity. I mean, you talk about your athleticism. Are you trying to steer into that sort of like, not alpha male, but like I'm here to help, to talk to you and win challenges and that's it. Don't, don't expect anything else from me.

[00:14:04] [SPEAKER_01] No, no, no. That is, that is the exact opposite of what I want. Like, I do think that I can be a leader in real life sometimes, but I, you know, I wouldn't always cast myself in that role, nor would I want to be that out here. Like, I think kind of what I was touching on earlier is, is what I want people, is what I want people to perceive me as is like a friend. Like, I actually, my like motto throughout this game is going to be people first. Like, I want to connect with people to then build a foundation to play the game. I think we see too many strategic players who don't have like the social foundation to get far in this game.

[00:14:33] [SPEAKER_01] What I think people will perceive me as, I don't quite know. Like, I'm really hoping that they see me as somebody genuine, but I could totally see a situation where like, I'm off talking with a lot of different people genuinely and somebody thinks like, wow, that guy's trying to work the room a little too hard. So, I'm going to try and temper that down. I hope people see me as like a genuine, authentic person who can help them in any way they need, whether that's camp life or hopefully challenges. But I know at least if I'm not doing well in the challenges, I can work my ass off at camp and like help that way. So, yeah.

[00:15:02] [SPEAKER_02] Well, let's talk a bit more about your competition because listen, you've been hanging around for a bit. I'm sure you've been making eyes or observing some of these people that you're playing against. So, let's start on the positive side. Who are some people, describe them to me, that you feel best case scenario, you hit the beach on day one like this is a prospective ride or die. This is someone I feel great about.

[00:15:22] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah, yeah. So, there is a taller blonde woman who I think would, she just seems like very fun. Like she, you know, she's kind of like not afraid to like when we're in the dinner line, like Bob and we sort of dance a little bit or like not like outwardly. She just seems like she's very comfortable with herself and that she like would like to have fun. I really, I think it'd be fun to work with her. Like I want to, I want to work with somebody who like is smart,

[00:15:49] [SPEAKER_01] but also like wants to play this game in a fun way, not like dictate to one another. I've heard players talk about how it's nice to have somebody who views the game the same way you do. And I'm like a fun person. Yeah. So, I think it would be fun to work with her. I'm trying to think if there's, there's like, I literally like everybody. Like I, every, I. There's that charm coming through. There's Mr. I want to be everybody's friend. I don't know. I just, like I don't even know. I'm sure everybody's doing it, but I keep on making up stories for everybody in my head. There's, oh, there's another guy, Superman. I call him Superman.

[00:16:18] [SPEAKER_01] He's, he's, I mean, he literally looks like Cart Cunt. And I can say this because I'm sure that I'm not being creative here. I'm certain he's been called this throughout his entire life or at least the past two, three years. Cause he, he just looks very like physical and like that he would do well in this game in that manner. But he also kind of comes across to me as like a very like teddy bear sort of dude. Just seems like a genuine person from what I've seen so far.

[00:16:41] [SPEAKER_02] So yeah. Well, what about on the other side? We'll go from Superman to Lex Luthor here. Who are some people that you're, you're not necessarily vibing with at the moment?

[00:16:47] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. So I don't, I would not say that there's somebody that I'm not vibing with. I've really tried to keep it tampered to like during this pregame. I don't know. I hope, I hope I've done a good job of that. But there is one person I can't get a read on. It's this gentleman with a beard. And he kind of, he's kind of, he's got a large beard and he's got like sort of like a, like a very well-groomed, like sort of mullet, wavy sort of hair deal. And it's not that I don't vibe with him. I just can't put a read to him. Like I mentioned to you, like I've been able to sort of, like I've been making backstories up for everybody in my head.

[00:17:16] [SPEAKER_01] Obviously those will go by the wayside day one, but him, it's really hard to get a read on. Like there's nothing really consistent about him. And that's not scary to me, but it just like puts a little bell in my head that like, you know, I got to look into this a little bit further, you know, who knows if that's even worth doing, but yeah.

[00:17:34] [SPEAKER_02] Interesting. So you mentioned before people first is your motto, but when it comes to idols, advantages, journeys, you spoke about that, that impulsivity. Are you the type of person that's just going to grab every opportunity, Bo comes to your camp, you're like me, me, me, find that beware advantage. Is that how you're approaching things?

[00:17:50] [SPEAKER_01] No, absolutely not. So let me be clear. When I say people first, it's more so like you can't play this game without people. Like you can't just come out here and be like, I want to make this move, this move. You need people as a foundation. Like these aren't chess pieces or, or cards. Like you got to be able to sort of build a foundation before you can play. But that said, like, I, I, I, I'm, I'm good at keeping a secret. There are certain parts of my life that I just don't feel comfortable sharing with people. And I'm totally cool. Not like blurting out when I'm impulsive.

[00:18:16] [SPEAKER_01] It's more so with things that can like affect me, like in the moment, like I can't dive. If I get up on a challenge though. And like, and like, I see that there's like an opportunity to go for it. I might, and I might belly flop, but that's what I mean. Sort of impulsive metaphor for the game. Yeah. Yeah. Who knows? And the next time maybe I'll land a dive. Um, but no, I, I'm keeping that stuff to myself unless I have to like Tiffany last season. That's a situation you got to. Um, and, but you know, so who knows?

[00:18:43] [SPEAKER_02] Well, I was going to ask about that because it does feel to me like 45 and 46 felt like such a distinct step forward in the new era from the first four seasons. So I'm sure you have those top of mind coming into all this. What would you say is like your main takeaway from those two seasons that you're incorporating into your own game?

[00:18:59] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. You know, it's going to sound dumb, but again, it's people first. Like, I think like, you know, we're talking about different blocks of time and survivor. And like, if you look at like, you know, thirties, like we have this voting block idea that comes into play. And I think that like when season 45 and 46 were being playing, even, even 44, like they all acted like it was this bloating block, like sort of game. So, but it wasn't all right. Like you have Reba 4, you have Tika 3, and you have Charlie and Maria, or, or if you don't

[00:19:26] [SPEAKER_01] want to do Charlie and Maria, you have, uh, the goat 4, which they call themselves. I'm not calling them goats. Like, you know, those are like not voting blocks. Those are like people who actually trust each other. Even though you have all this extraneous talk about number ones being taken out, the people who run the game are the people who actually trust each other pretty much close up until the very end. Yeah. That's my takeaway. That's why this people first thing is sort of my, my strategy, you know, but the other takeaway is just like everything is just dangerous. Like you got to keep your head on a swivel.

[00:19:54] [SPEAKER_01] And like that, I mean, maybe that's just the new era as a whole, not just 45, 46 though.

[00:19:58] [SPEAKER_02] What would you say is your hottest survivor take? Your most controversial opinion about a season, a player, et cetera?

[00:20:05] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. Yeah. This is, um, this is difficult. You can tell some of the thirties are on my, my mind recently. I did some rewatching of those in the new era, obviously. Okay. I'm going to go back to, to Adam's season. Um, I, I think that Adam was a phenomenal player, but I think that what season was that? Millennials versus Gen X. What's the number? What's the number? 33. I think that there are five players on that season that were better survivor players than Adam. Um, Hannah, number one, justice for Hannah.

[00:20:35] [SPEAKER_01] And then in no particular order, David, Zeke, uh, and Jay, I think like pound for, so that's four. I think pound for pound. Those were like, I just think that season had so many great players and it's like not talked about because like every single one of them had a legitimate shot to win the game. And they were all great, including Adam. I just think that he, and maybe this is what makes him the winner of that season. His timing was impeccable. Yeah. I really enjoyed watching him too, but I just came away from that season thinking I loved all those players, even Ken, um, as well.

[00:21:05] [SPEAKER_01] Like his, his end game was kind of like a little rough shot, but like, I really, I really thought that was a great play. So I think that's my take. One of them were, were better than Adam. I'm making it hot. There we go.

[00:21:14] [SPEAKER_02] It's, it is spicy right now, but I love it. If you could pick a celebrity or a fictional character to bring out for a loved one's visit, who are you picking and why?

[00:21:23] [SPEAKER_01] Do they have to be, um, you said fictional character? Fictional character.

[00:21:27] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah.

[00:21:27] [SPEAKER_01] Yeah. You know, I'll bring out Stringer Bell from The Wire. Hells yeah, man. Has that been said before? No, I think you're the first man to bring him in. Uh, you know, I, I just, I feel like maybe out of those two, which this might be the hot take. I'm probably Avon. Like, you know, when I first watched The Wire, I was like, I am like Stringer for sure. Like, well, poised, put together. Exactly. Coming in with like a bush.

[00:21:49] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. He's going to a business school, bookish aspect to the entire ring and everything. Exactly.

[00:21:54] [SPEAKER_01] But like the second rewatch, I was like, I'm more of Avon. Like I, I wear my heart on my sleeve. Um, and that gets me far enough, but I need somebody to ground me. So I would bring Stringer Bell and like just walk through every scenario with them and then, and then execute after that.

[00:22:10] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. But then he'd be like, I don't want to get alone with you when I'm on one-on-one with people. Bad things happen. That's true.

[00:22:14] [SPEAKER_01] Where are the pigeons? Yeah, exactly. Brother Musan's coming.

[00:22:18] [SPEAKER_02] Last thing I want to ask, obviously Survivor 50 has been announced to be big returnee season. How are you going to make your mark right now on 48? That's going to get you back here a year later for Survivor 50.

[00:22:32] [SPEAKER_01] That is a really difficult one. I'm just, I think I'm going to show, listen, I'm not saying that I'm going to be the winner, but if I win, I think it has to be a dominant game. Like I run the sort of scenarios in my head. I don't know how I can hide in a lot of ways. I have to come out and I have to play hard. I think, I think my, my mark is going to be that you can play. I mean, we've seen it with D we've seen it with a lot of different players, but like, you know, I think that you can play a dominant game in the new era. I don't think you have to hide.

[00:23:00] [SPEAKER_01] I don't think you have to wait for the exact moment to strike. I think you can actually play hard the entire time. People might not see it. I mean, Charlie almost did it even, but I think you can get it done. So I think I can get it done in a dominant fashion. And I think that that would, that would leave my mark for sure.

[00:23:16] [SPEAKER_02] There you have it. My interview with Kyle Frazier, Kyle playing with a people first strategy, and he is the first person I got to speak to in this podcast. But of course there is another, we have one more interview for you to check out and it's a good one with Mitch, but first let's take a quick commercial break.

[00:23:39] [SPEAKER_00] This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hey everybody, Rob Sestradino here. You know, we talk about a lot of red flags in relationships, those warning signs that tell us that something might be off. We talk about them on Survivor too, but how often do we stop to look for green flags? What if we focus more on those positive traits that show a friend or partner has the potential to truly build us up? Whether you're dating, married, or simply aiming to be a better friend, it's all about forming relationships that give back the love and respect you deserve.

[00:24:07] [SPEAKER_00] And therapy can help identify those green flags to help you nurture them both in others and in yourself. I've found that talking to a professional counselor can help with boundaries, communication skills, and recognizing the type of qualities we want to encourage in our relationships. Therapy isn't reserved for major life issues. It can also empower you to handle everyday challenges and keep you growing as a person. BetterHelp is fully online, making it a more convenient way to fit therapy into your busy schedule.

[00:24:36] [SPEAKER_00] They've already served over 5 million people worldwide. Their network has more than 30,000 credentialed therapists, so it's easier to find someone with the right experience for your needs. And if you want to switch therapists for any reason, you can do that anytime at no extra cost. Discover your relationship green flags with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com slash RHAP today to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelp.com slash RHAP.

[00:25:04] [SPEAKER_02] Okay, last but certainly not least in my Survivor 48 preseason interviews, I'm speaking with Mitch Guerra. Mitch is 34 years old, born, raised, and currently lives in Waco, Texas. And he is a PE coach. Mitch, befitting to his job title, Mitch is incredibly in shape. There's a lot of these high endurance races, particularly in the last couple of years.

[00:25:33] [SPEAKER_02] But Mitch makes Survivor history. Mitch does have a stutter, and he is advertised as the first player with a speech impediment in Survivor history. Mitch talked a lot about how he grew up, how that gave him that sense of resilience and self-confidence that he hopes to bring into a game that has been a decade of application in the making for him to be on this beach.

[00:26:01] [SPEAKER_02] Without further ado, here's my interview with Mitch. Your name, your age, and your occupation.

[00:26:09] [SPEAKER_04] My name is Mitch. I'm 34 years old, and I'm an elementary school PE coach from Waco, Texas.

[00:26:17] [SPEAKER_02] So how long have you been working in schools for?

[00:26:19] [SPEAKER_04] This is my fourth year. At the current school that I'm at.

[00:26:25] [SPEAKER_02] Is this something you've always wanted to do, having kids climb ropes and pass sit-up tests?

[00:26:31] [SPEAKER_04] Honestly, it's been something I've always thought about doing, but I honestly didn't ever know if anyone would actually hire me. I'm a person who stutters, so just wasn't ever sure if anyone would take a chance on me.

[00:26:51] [SPEAKER_02] Interesting. And by the way, feel free to take your time without any of these answers. We got all day, so no need to worry about rushing through anything. Talk to me a bit about that. I mean, what has life been for you for the past 34 years?

[00:27:03] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah. Growing up with this peach impediment was definitely challenging. I remember as early as kindergarten and first grade, hating going to school. Every morning would get sick to my stomach like most days. Just because I was anxious.

[00:27:27] [SPEAKER_04] Like the idea of just walking down the school halls and someone asking me like, hey, like, how are you today? Like, what time is it? Just like simple everything, simple everyday things would make me anxious. So it taught me so much about just kind of like hanging in there.

[00:27:54] [SPEAKER_04] And obviously, as a person who stutters, I like got picked on a lot just because it was something that because I didn't speak like everyone else. It makes you stick out. Yeah, absolutely. So it forced me to be really resilient.

[00:28:19] [SPEAKER_04] And it also like taught me to be like super empathetic to other people. So definitely had some hard moments, but also like really taught me so many other like things as well.

[00:28:48] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah, I would imagine there's there's a lot contained in that. And also, like you said, the idea that you can live a life just like everybody else. You can work with kids and maybe help those as well that maybe you're not in the exact same position as you, but like you see yourself in them. And I think that's that's such a noble pursuit.

[00:29:05] [SPEAKER_04] Thank you. Yeah. At the end of the day, like each of us has a stutter, but they just look a little different. That's a really fun way to put it. Yeah.

[00:29:16] [SPEAKER_04] Like each of us like have something we might be insecure about or about something we're self-conscious of or something that we like bring to the table that is maybe played a big impact on us. So unfortunately, sometimes I can't hide it and it's in your place.

[00:29:44] [SPEAKER_04] But I have like really figured out like, hey, like this is a part of my story. It like doesn't define me. It doesn't limit me. It might make things more challenging or hard in some moments, but it doesn't mean it's not not like possible.

[00:30:13] [SPEAKER_02] So then you talk about your story. Let's talk about the next chapter. Talk to me about Survivor, because again, you're talking about how you realize you could do anything. I mean, this is part and parcel with that.

[00:30:26] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah, I remember falling in love with Survivor. Watching Survivor Africa of like Ethan and Tom. All right. Let's come through throwback. These like incredible personalities and growing up in a way. Go Texas.

[00:30:47] [SPEAKER_04] Like the idea of traveling and playing at some exotic place was like something I always dreamed about. And I remember watching Survivor for Amazon. And there was a contestant named Christy out there who was hard of hearing. And it was like, wow, this is someone who also struggles with something.

[00:31:15] [SPEAKER_04] And it's not like everyone else. And watching her like have to overcome that. And like she like wasn't able to like read people's lips. Like the evening and was like still able to do really well.

[00:31:41] [SPEAKER_04] And that season just like encouraged me of like, hey, like maybe one day to like I could go out there and play Survivor. So it's been a crazy journey just to get out here. I've been applying since 2014. Wow. So literal 10 year journey. 10 year journey. I feel like it was this toxic relationship that I just like couldn't get out of.

[00:32:10] [SPEAKER_04] It was like every year I would apply. One of the casting directors would call me, Mitch, we like you. And then I'd get absolutely ghosted. And like I applied for the year. And would get some call and stuff. And then the last few seasons, I was like, listen, mate, be this isn't just like meant to be. So I like took a break from applying.

[00:32:39] [SPEAKER_04] It was like, I'm going to go and do things I've always dreamt about doing. So the past year and a half, I like started running and I did my first half marathon and a full marathon and a half Ironman. And I was like, well, maybe I should try and become a teacher and a coach.

[00:33:08] [SPEAKER_04] So I like quit my job during the global pandemic and decided to take a part time teaching job and got hired on full time. And they offered to pay for my teacher certification. So just a lot of the things that last few years of like, man, like these are things I've always dreamt about doing.

[00:33:35] [SPEAKER_04] So started just going after some crazy opportunities. And look at me now. I'm here in Fiji about to play Survivor.

[00:33:51] [SPEAKER_02] So it's clear you are, you know, a dyed in the wool, decades long fan. Give me one winner and one non-winner who you identify with the most personally, strategically. Are those some of the people you had mentioned prior?

[00:34:02] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah, I haven't said this yet, but I think the winner that I like resonate with a lot is could be controversial. But season 15 China, I'm going to say Todd played a really good game. He played a super strategic game.

[00:34:27] [SPEAKER_04] He like built really good relationships with people and he used those relationships to his enemy. And then she was really good about stroking people's egos and had some really big, some big, big, big, big, big, big, big line sides.

[00:34:53] [SPEAKER_04] That season, he did a really good job at final triple count. So like stroking some egos, which helped him out. So, yeah, I would say Todd and a non-winner, a non-winner. I really loved Caleb from season 44. He's honestly the reason I'm kind of out here. Really?

[00:35:21] [SPEAKER_04] So the guy, the guy, the guy who called me a couple of scenes ago. And he like made an Instagram story post about, hey, like you played a great game about Caleb. So I just like commented on his story. I was like, oh, my gosh, he was awesome out there.

[00:35:51] [SPEAKER_04] And then the next thing, you know, he's like, hey, Mitch, like I'm still working for Survivor. If you want to have another follow up conversation. And then the next thing, you know, I'm out here in Fiji. So I appreciate Caleb a lot because without getting asked, who knows?

[00:36:17] [SPEAKER_02] What's your favorite moment in Survivor history?

[00:36:20] [SPEAKER_04] My favorite moment. Gosh, that's a hard question. Man, I'm going to give you two. Please. I think when Kelly Wentworth played her idol and she didn't go home and it ended up sitting Savage home.

[00:36:48] [SPEAKER_04] One hell of a move there was crazy. And then their move that was honestly just like really heartbreaking to watch was in Game Changers. When everyone played their idol's edge to read with.

[00:37:08] [SPEAKER_02] Oh, I don't give it the idol.

[00:37:09] [SPEAKER_04] I, I, um, from the first time she played, I loved her. But watching her handle go wing out that way, like to me. And I'm like, I would have probably like had an emotional breakdown in that moment because she was playing such a good game. Like nobody did for her.

[00:37:35] [SPEAKER_04] Like she like, oh my gosh, it was tough.

[00:37:40] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. I mean, that's the thing is of all the people who have watched that experience that Cersei's the one that's taken it the best out of anybody in the world, which is wild. I mean, it was her fourth time playing. So talk to me about your preparation for this, because obviously, again, this was something that you were dreaming about doing for a decade. And you're also somebody who is clearly in a good physical condition. But once you actually find out you're coming out here, what was the process to try to get yourself in survivor shape?

[00:38:05] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah. Um, I'm honestly in like the, the, the, uh, the, the, the best like physical shape. But for Ben, like the last October, just doing a half iron man, like was super big and just giving me a lot of confidence.

[00:38:35] [SPEAKER_04] So I like feel a lot more confidence with me.

[00:38:38] [SPEAKER_04] Um, but over the last few months have just been a lot more, um, a lot more disciplined and like eating and, um, doing like a lot of CrossFit and I'm still like doing as much running as possible.

[00:39:06] [SPEAKER_04] But I definitely was like not trying to do as much so I could put on as much weight as possible. So over the past few months, I put on like 15 to 16 pounds, um, which honestly, I feel so, so heavy. Um, but honestly, like I feel less good as I've ever felt before.

[00:39:34] [SPEAKER_04] Um, I, um, had a good, but you have mine whose sister was on season 36 Ghost Island. Oh, who's that? Um, um, um, um, um, um, Libby.

[00:39:55] [SPEAKER_02] Okay. Yeah. Fellow Texas girl.

[00:39:56] [SPEAKER_04] Yes. So over the last, it's like three or four years, have become like super good family friends with all of them. So over the year, so I've just had a lot of, uh, hyper that uncle questions with her. Like, Hey, like whatever experience you want to get to me in hopes of me one day playing.

[00:40:21] [SPEAKER_04] So like, got a lot of really good conversations with her in the previous like couple of years. So, um, I like stop drinking, uh, um, uh, um, caffeine for about a couple months now.

[00:40:48] [SPEAKER_04] And I've been drinking a lot of coconut water and yourself used to it.

[00:40:56] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. Yeah.

[00:40:57] [SPEAKER_04] Just any, um, thing I could do to help.

[00:41:03] [SPEAKER_02] Mm-hmm. So let's talk about when it comes to your gameplay, what is your biggest superpower and your biggest piece of kryptonite that you think is going to come from your personality, your life into what's going to happen over the next 26 days? Yeah.

[00:41:19] [SPEAKER_04] Um, I think like something I just naturally do really well is like, I love people. So I'm like a big people person. I like do good at building relationships with anyone and everyone. So I think for me that it's like the biggest thing I'm like hoping to you.

[00:41:42] [SPEAKER_04] So here, but on the, uh, the other side of that, like, I just don't want to be too trusting. Like they're already been more minutes where I'm like, Oh, I want to work with this person. Oh, I like really like these people already. And I'm like, okay. Like this is a game for a million dollars. There's a Mitch. Like we got a, yes, it's great to build relationships.

[00:42:10] [SPEAKER_04] But at the end of the day, like you're playing for yourself. Like these people, um, don't care about you. Like we're out here to play a game. I'm sure once we leave feet, you gee, we're all going to hang out. Then stuff. But right here, like these people are in between you and a mill. Yeah. Callers.

[00:42:38] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah, absolutely. I mean, let's talk about some of those people that I'm sure you've been eyeballing, uh, because I'm sure you've been making some assessments to your point while you've been sitting here not able to talk. Let's start on the positive side. I know you said like hold them at an arm's length, but describe to me some people that you are getting good vibes from that you're like best case scenario. We hit the beach day one. This is a ride or die.

[00:42:58] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah. Um, there is this girl. She has a sleep tattoo. Her hair slicked back. She's like pretty tall, athletic looking. Uh, you can just tell. She has a big personality, really, um, flirty, just like, yeah, it was off like really confident, uh, energy depth. Please someone I'd want to work with. Um, there is this guy that has like a full, um, um, um, um, um, um, um, um, um, um, um,

[00:43:27] [SPEAKER_04] beard, um, um, like looks just so excited to be out here too. Um, like definitely have like been making, um, um, some, some eye connections and stuff like that. At least somebody I want to work with.

[00:43:48] [SPEAKER_04] Um, but overall, like a lot of the guys out here are like pretty fit, sickly fit. Um, honestly, I would look forward to working with like all of them.

[00:44:06] [SPEAKER_02] Um, interesting. Yeah. Is that something you're sort of seeking out some meat shields to build your own survivor P class?

[00:44:11] [SPEAKER_04] Yes. 100%. Um, if there's one thing I know about me is, uh, I love talking up. I kind of love being the center of attention. Unfortunately. So trying to build old, um, a group of people around to me who also have big personalities who were all so tall.

[00:44:35] [SPEAKER_04] Kidav, if you look at the past 46, you look at the past 60, Zins like none of the winners have been a huge fit. Sickle threat. True. At all. A lot of them are like very, like unexpected and I want to do whatever I can to keep around some big, um, person personalities out here.

[00:45:02] [SPEAKER_02] Well, let's move to the other side of things. Is there anyone you're picking up some not so good vibes from or are you're having trouble reading?

[00:45:09] [SPEAKER_04] Uh, yeah. Wow. There are a few, um, a few of the ladies out here who won't give me anything like just very, um, calm, like reserved. Don't really give you a lot of smiles or just not making an effort to give you anything.

[00:45:34] [SPEAKER_04] Um, so for me, it's like if it's me and them and we're at the, the merge together. Well, I am probably going to go before all of them. Um, I think come a bit. Your fit. It's a cool thread and a social thread. So unfortunately, like those quiet players just make it through all 10 times.

[00:46:04] [SPEAKER_04] And nobody really wants to take them out because no one's really concerned with them. But in my opinion, in the end, everyone out here is a threat. And oftentimes the people you don't suspect to be a threat to win the game are the people who were going to, to, to, to end up there.

[00:46:31] [SPEAKER_02] Absolutely. Let's talk about idols advantages. It's like the DNA of the new era. Yeah. Right. How much are you incorporating those types of things into your own game? Considering how much you were talking about that, that merge thread already looming.

[00:46:43] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah. Um, I don't necessarily want to go looking. Um, I don't want to paint a bit. Get on myself. Then I probably already will have, but I want to know who has them. How can I get other people to do my dirty workout here?

[00:47:06] [SPEAKER_04] And just really hoping to use my relational skills to find out who has what and how can we use those to our advantage. Yeah.

[00:47:23] [SPEAKER_02] You were speaking about the, the new era winners and the way the game goes for maybe people of your archetype. I feel like the past couple of seasons in 45, 46 really took the new era in a new direction. I'm sure as you're watching and you know that you're coming out here, you probably have some takeaways from those couple of seasons that you want to incorporate into your own game. What would those takeaways be?

[00:47:43] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah. Yeah. I think the biggest takeaway from seasons 44 and 45 are like, man, like you can still play this game with a group of people. Like you can still build enough trust where even if you don't vote together on one vote, like you can still come back together and work with each other.

[00:48:07] [SPEAKER_04] Honestly, like for me, I'm going to have those conversations, man. I really loved watching season four. The 40 of five. Like I want to find people that I can work with through this whole game. That's the dream.

[00:48:30] [SPEAKER_04] It just seems like the best chances to make a deep run at this game. Honestly, watching season 46 scared the shit out of me because, because you never knew who was going home. And it's like everyone wanted to, um, to vote someone out and everybody was ready to pull the trigger on it. You wanted everyone.

[00:49:01] [SPEAKER_04] And unfortunately, when you do that, you're going to end up getting the trigger point. Now that you too. And, um, you look at all those big players, your soda and Tevin and Hunter, like, man, like at some point you got to be like, listen, like, how about we not take each other out? And let's get rid of some of these other people.

[00:49:26] [SPEAKER_04] So, I want to try and keep as many big threats around me as possible. So, I'm sure at some point after the first few, first few trials, there's going to be these conversations of like, hey, like, if I'm sitting at the end, I have this incredible story.

[00:49:53] [SPEAKER_04] Like, Mitch is the first person who stutters who gets to come out here and play Survivor. So, definitely trying to hype up everyone else around. To me, of like, each of us got the story. Like, it's not just me. Like, there were thousands of thousands of people who applied to be out here.

[00:50:14] [SPEAKER_04] Like, just because I stuttered doesn't mean my story is any more important or dramatic than anyone else is here. Right. So, just trying to bring everyone else along with me of like, hey, like, it's fine.

[00:50:33] [SPEAKER_02] Well, on that note, I'm really intrigued as to how you think they'll be perceived. Because you have so much to you. But also, you know, first impressions are made. And like you said, there's also this thing that I'm sure is hanging over your head as well as everyone else of like, oh, well, if he gets to the end, are people going to vote for him for specific reasons?

[00:50:52] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah, totally. Like, I have been like, dream me about this for years and years. Like, Mitch, like, how am I going to have these conversations with people? And honestly, like, the first day we get out there, I'm going to like, be open about it. I'm like, hey, like, my name is Mitch. And I stuttered. And this is what it means. And this is what it's going to look like. And this is what would be the most helpful thing for me. It's not a big deal.

[00:51:21] [SPEAKER_04] It's just the way I speak sometime. And if you have questions, we can talk about that later. But try and blow it over as smooth as possible. But I want people to feel a deep connection with me. And I think because I am so willing to, like, talk about my struggles, it creates an environment where there are people wanting to tell me stuff too.

[00:51:49] [SPEAKER_04] And I'm just hoping that, like, if I can build this relationship with someone and be like, hey, like, I want to play with you. And I'm going to do whatever I can for both of us to make it far.

[00:52:07] [SPEAKER_04] I'm really hoping that if I can get my feet under me and I can help us stay out of a few tribals that we'll be able to go from there.

[00:52:22] [SPEAKER_02] What is your hottest survivor take? What do you think is your most controversial opinion about a player, a season, the show in general?

[00:52:29] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah, I think Boston Raw is extremely overrated. He did.

[00:52:35] [SPEAKER_02] Is that on your Mount Rushmore?

[00:52:37] [SPEAKER_04] He played four times with a bunch of scrubs. Of course he was going to win. And it's like, listen, Jeff, we know that he's a great storyteller. Absolutely. We know that.

[00:52:51] [SPEAKER_04] But, like, whenever you put him head to head with Russell Hance, who everyone hated already, it just, like, made him look that much better. Yes, he did an awesome job out there.

[00:53:12] [SPEAKER_04] Like, I don't know how he was able to, like, stay that long in the game and nobody even tried to make a move. But I don't think he's one of the best to ever play because he's been given so many opportunities. It's like, yeah.

[00:53:34] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah. If you could bring a celebrity or a fictional character out as a loved one for a loved one's visit, who would you pick and why?

[00:53:44] [SPEAKER_04] That's a great question. Okay. Um. A fictional character or a celebrity?

[00:53:52] [SPEAKER_02] Yeah, as long as it's not your family. That's the only role. Not my family.

[00:53:54] [SPEAKER_04] Um. Honestly, because I'm a big competitor. I would probably have to bring out, like... Um. Ooh. Here we go. I'm going to say Serena Williams. Yeah, you're a tennis guy, right? Um.

[00:54:23] [SPEAKER_04] There is just something about her. Um. She knows how to get it done on the tennis court. She plays a very big, emotionally driven game. She knows how to dig deep. Um. So I think just having her out here to be like, hey, like, let's go like this. This is what you've been waiting for, um, would be incredible.

[00:54:51] [SPEAKER_02] Absolutely. Last thing I want to ask is obviously Survivor 50 right around the corner. How are you going to ace, for lack of a better term, this season to make it to the next one where we're going to be having a conversation one year later?

[00:55:04] [SPEAKER_04] Yeah. Um. The idea of coming back a year from now is definitely up here. Um. I think the way that happens is I just got to come out here. I got to be myself. I got to play hard. Harden. Um. I think if I'm who they get to come out here for 48, there is no reason that I won't be back out here for season 50.

[00:55:34] [SPEAKER_04] So we're going to play a bit game. We're going to be a little bit drum. Drum. Madica. Here. Okay. Probably not in front of anyone. But.

[00:55:48] [SPEAKER_02] The cameraman will hear it.

[00:55:50] [SPEAKER_04] For sure. I just know that I'm extremely competitive. I hate losing more than anything. So I promise you that I'm going to do anything and everything to stay here as long as I can. Yeah.

[00:56:10] [SPEAKER_02] And that's all he spoke. I guess he being me. And let's be honest. I will do much more talking from here on out. But at least that's the end of my Survivor 48 preseason interviews. I will give these profuse acknowledgments, I'm sure, in the many podcasts to come. But I just have so much appreciation for these people. You know, they have been sitting around in this environment of like heightened anxiety, not knowing when the game is going to start,

[00:56:39] [SPEAKER_02] trying to make these base judgments of people that will either be their best friends or their worst enemies, trying to run through a game plan in their head of what they're going to do to ensure that they get that million dollar prize. And then they come and sit down with me and it kind of opens up the bottle and allows them to, you know, actually speak with a person for the first time in a lengthy way. And so I had such a great time getting to know these people.

[00:57:07] [SPEAKER_02] I had a lot of laughs, a lot of incredibly emotional moments as well. And I can only imagine how those moments are going to manifest out on that island tenfold. So, again, I have so much gratitude to the cast of Survivor 48 and so much gratitude to you all for checking it out as well. I know these were some long interviews, but hopefully by the end of it, you will have learned a lot about the people that we are going to see out on the island for the next few months

[00:57:34] [SPEAKER_02] to get your drafts prepared, any preseason assessments that you might be making, or just to get you hyped for Survivor 48 coming in a little less than a fortnight. Speaking of assessments, we've got one more in the books here. The bell may have rung to dismiss these 48 preseason interviews, but I'll be talking with the bell ringer himself, Rob Cesarino, one last time tomorrow to close out the week,

[00:58:00] [SPEAKER_02] to close out the SIVA tribe as we give our thoughts on these six particular people, how they'll work together or against each other, and to close out this preseason interview series in general. Really excited about that, to get Rob's thoughts, to give our overall opinions as to who is eyeballing each other, both positively and negatively, and to both end one phase of the preseason and look ahead to another. Again, thank you all so, so much, dearly.

[00:58:30] [SPEAKER_02] This is one of my favorite things I get to do, not only in my career, but in my life in general, in the world, and to have such positive, kind, receptive words towards these interviews, and these people honestly make my day, my week, my month, even my year, friends. Well, we'll be back tomorrow with Rob, breaking down one last tribe with this group called SIVA.

[00:58:57] [SPEAKER_02] Until then, everybody, take care. Bye-bye.