Survivor 48 Pre-Game Day 9: Charity Nelms & Chrissy Sarnowksy

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[00:01:20] So head to www.amazfit.com slash rob right now to grab the Amazfit Active 2 and get 10% off your purchase. That's www.amazfit.com slash rob for 10% off the Amazfit Active 2. Willkommen beim Froster Feierabend Tip. Schneller als der Lieferservice von... Oh, keine Lust zu kochen. ...zu... Hey, schon fertig.

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[00:02:08] We are not saying nine. We are saying yes to the third and final tribe here on our Preseason Interview Series as we are going to hear the first two interviews with members of the SIVA tribe. Of course, my name is Mike Bloom, and I had the fantastic pleasure of getting to go out to Fiji to talk to these players in person. You'll be hearing from two of them today.

[00:02:30] The first two members of the SIVA tribe were going to SIVA and Hira from Charity and Chrissy. Of course, if you missed it, my interviews with the other 12 castaways are currently out in podcast and video form. Also, my tribe breakdowns that I did with Rob for each one of those tribes. You can check them out at WeKnowSurvivor.com for the audio version, and RobHasAWebsite.com slash YouTube for the video version.

[00:03:00] And make sure you don't miss a second of it as we are rounding the bases here and heading home. But hopefully these players won't be heading home any time soon. Let's get into it, shall we? First up, Charity Nelms. Charity is 34 years old, originally from Monroe, Michigan, but made the trip down to Florida, where she currently resides in St. Petersburg. And Charity is a flight attendant, and she also actually is a fitness coach,

[00:03:30] which speaks to her own health journey. Charity talks to me all about the path she has gone on in the past 10 years, how Survivor has been a part of that to the point that she is sitting in front of me today on her way to becoming one of the castaways from the newest season. Charity, I will say, was incredibly charitable with her time and her story. I'm really excited for you to all hear it. Here is my interview with Charity.

[00:04:00] Knowing that this is going to be my view is unreal. I can only imagine. Plus, you get to play a game at the same time. I mean, it's a vacation, but it's also a business trip, right? Well, I've done a lot of vacations. I'm not treating this as a vacation. This is a job. I've come here to do a job. I'm Charity. I'm 33 years old, and I am a fitness coach and a flight attendant. I have so many questions about this. Which came first? Flight attendant came first.

[00:04:29] I've been doing that for almost nine years. I'm actually very close to retirement, believe it or not. That's why I'm hanging in there. Is this like a professional sports player? You're retiring. Well, just with how many years you put in plus your age and all that. I'm really just kind of going for the benefits there. I did that for five years and then became a fitness coach. So I started sharing my weight loss journey online of just what I was going through.

[00:04:55] And I was like absolutely inundated with questions and DMs and how did you do this and how did you do that? And so long story less long, started a business. And within six weeks, I made double what I made as a flight attendant. And I was like, this is incredible because there's like purpose on this for me. There's passion. I enjoy it. And so that was kind of born. And yeah, I still do both. Yeah.

[00:05:22] So then when it comes to how much you're going to reveal out here, because, you know, there is the whole Liz Wilcox self-made like this is how much. I saw through that in a moment. I was like, she is not a millionaire. I already know. So then what's your story? Are you going to leave into one over the other when it comes to talking to your castaways? Well, when I say like I made double as a flight attendant, if you know what a flight attendant makes, it's poverty. Okay. It's poverty? I wish you won a million bucks.

[00:05:52] It's poverty. So to make double, it was like, oh, we're going to squeak by. Like we're doing okay. And I didn't have to, you know, be gone from home all the time. So there really isn't much to reveal where I'm like, I'm not this like gigantic following. Like I have a little following, but like I'm very much do it out of purpose. Not so much. Like, I mean, I could make a lot of money doing it, but that's not why I do it. So I do it and keep it in a place where I can be passionate.

[00:06:22] It's there's purpose on it. I'm not like dreading it. And so I keep my clientele, you know, I always have a wait list. I keep the clientele low because I give my all in that. It's very, can be a very emotionally draining. And so I, um, yeah, there's nothing to reveal there. I'm not like some millionaire influencer, you know, that is not what's happening here. So you talk about having this client list. What's, what was the story of, oh, I'm going to be gone for a few weeks.

[00:06:48] What was the, the little fiction you told the people in your life about where you were going, what you were doing? Well, it was actually really easy. Um, two things. One, I can blame everything on flying. Oh, I'm going to be flying for a bit. But yeah, I'm not, I mean, you just take a flight here technically. So and working as a flight attendant, all my clients know that I do will do that part time. And so in order to keep my flight benefits, I have to work a certain amount of time throughout the year, which is usually like five days a month, but sometimes I'll do it all in six weeks.

[00:07:16] So I kind of gave that story to some that were kind of aware of that. And then to some, I just timed out where it was like, okay, we're going to take a break. And then, um, to be honest for the last five years, I have never taken a day off fitness coaching. I have been in Thailand making, um, you know, coaching videos. I have been in Maui waking up at 3am with a time difference so I can meet on a zoom call with clients. I'm my phone's always blowing up with messages. I'm always fixing plans. I'm always like, you know, just keeping the business operational.

[00:07:45] Cause it's a one man or one woman show. It's yeah. So I've also given that story where I'm like, you know what? I haven't taken any time off and I'm going to be off for the summer and we'll reconvene. And here's what I want you to do while I'm gone. And I have people that I can have check in on them. And well, that's the work ethic of a 26 day game, right? Jeff always says, you got to keep hustling. It feels like that's just something that's been in your blood for the past five years. My dad was a business owner and my whole family is made up of entrepreneurs.

[00:08:13] And after building this business of really, I mean, it's scary to kind of share things online, especially such an intimate part of struggling with an eating disorder and losing a hundred pounds and how I got healthy both inside and out. Cause it's not about weight. It's really about what's going on in here. Weight is just the reflection of what's happening on the inside. You know? And so sharing all of that and really building a business and like starting from the ground up, you know, like I didn't, I didn't know where to start.

[00:08:43] I'd never owned or ran a business. And having gone through that experience, the confidence it's given me to go, I can do whatever I want. I let anything I set my mind to, I'm going to do it. I've just always been that person. Once I make the decision, it's very rare that I make that decision. Cause I know if I make the decision to do something, I'm a hundred percent all in. And that is what I've done with survivor. I am a hundred percent all in. You'll see me at the finish line. Okay.

[00:09:10] Well, let's talk about what got you to the starting line in the first place. What's your history with watching the show and what made you feel like this was something that, that you could add to the resume in a manner of speaking? Yeah. So survivor is kind of making up for lost time for me. So a decade ago, literally 10 years ago, I was in ministry school in Alabama. I was struggling with an eating disorder. At that time I was like a hundred pounds overweight, the heaviest I'd ever been. And I was skipping morning prayer.

[00:09:39] Cause just to be honest, it was really boring. I was skipping class in morning prayer multiple times a week to lay in bed and watch survivor. And I know, right. My family loves that. Um, they don't know this, but they're going to find it out. Well, you just worshiped a different religion at the time. Not quite, but it was, it was an escape for me. And it was, I started watching it and I remember just being like, I have such an adventurous spirit. I love to travel, but I was like, this is so cool.

[00:10:09] I would love to do this. But just from deep rooted insecurity was like, I, I could never do that. I, I could never, you know, hold up in those, those physical competitions. I don't want people to see my body. I don't even want to be in a swimsuit, like so self-conscious that for years of my life, I held, held my, my own self back from really incredible experiences I could have had. And now making long story less long, I'm here.

[00:10:38] And it's because I put in the work. I've completely changed my life. I live in such a place of health and balance, truly inside and out. And so being on survivor is a deep well for me. It runs deep. This is not just like, Oh, cool game. And maybe a million bucks. I have something to prove to myself. I have worked really hard to be here. I pick up a shovel and I start digging until I hit water and stepping onto this island in Fiji. I've hit water. There we go.

[00:11:08] Luckily they have the well. So now I'm just thinking for water needed, but I know I totally get it. I mean, that being said, where and when did you pick up the shovel? Was this something you watched as a kid? Did you like find it during the pandemic? How did you start watching the show? I started watching it 10 years ago and I was just in ministry school, flat broke. I had like $5 in my account and like I watched whatever was free online. And the first, you know, and at that time, that's a decade ago. So what the first 20 something seasons were all free online at that time.

[00:11:35] And I watched every season and I was like, this is incredible. Like I want to do that, but I could never. So that being said, if, if I could ask you to give me one winner and one non-winner who you identify with the most personally, strategically, who would that be and why? Um, winners. I love Tony. Like he is my guy. Like I, he's sitting in his spy shack. Like I love him. I don't know. Okay. And I don't, I hate that I'm saying this.

[00:12:03] I can't remember if it, he got this nickname on the show or if it's just a nickname my husband and I gave him, but we called him Tony the rat. Like he was always like sneaking around. I don't think I recall anyone calling him Tony the rat. So that's the nickname we gave him. That sounds like the name of like a New Jersey mobster. Well, it's a little Tony though. Um, so I love Tony as a winner, as a non-winner, my favorite survivor, and this is going old school. Very niche is Jane. She Jane from Nicaragua. Okay.

[00:12:32] Jane is, um, again, I'm a, I'm a nickname person that like even out here on the show, I'm like, I'm going to have nicknames for people. That's just how I show my love. But Jane, we always called farm strong because this woman was out here, bony skeletor beating these big bodybuilder men in strictly strength competitions. And it's because she worked on a farm. She owned a farm. People who grow up like in the country on farm, they're built different. And so I just loved her.

[00:13:01] She always like, and she's just the kindest, the most lovely woman. I wish they would bring her back for 50. I think she's awesome. Manifested right now. I don't know if she'd want to. That's valid. What is your favorite moment in survivor history? Does it involve Jane or Tony the rat? Um, oh yeah. I mean, iconic number one, I am sitting in my spy shack. Like I say that to my husband all the time. Are you, are you building a spy insert noun here? Maybe. Okay. Wouldn't you like to know? We'll see.

[00:13:30] Yeah, we'll see out there. Or maybe we won't. Maybe you'll be disguised. I definitely, right. I definitely have some, some, some tricks up my sleeve. Um, but yeah, I mean, Tony iconic. That's an iconic moment. Another one that I think is just like legendary. Like how did this even happen? Is the season where Brandon and coach made the whole survivor tribe into like a cult. The level of power you have to have to get all these people on board to be like, okay, we're going to pray before dinner. Okay.

[00:14:00] We're all going to like do this, whatever, like that. And I mean, I come from, you know, I'm going to ask like I'm, I am spiritual. I have faith, but that isn't, I would never impose that. Like it's so wild to me that they built that and people went along with it. Yeah. It makes me realize like, okay, cults are real and people will follow you. It's all about the confidence. It's like, so what would you say is one life experience that has prepared you the most for this? Cause you talk about being so ready.

[00:14:29] Is it, and you've obviously gone through so many shifts in your life. Do you feel like there's one in particular that has made you the most adequately prepared for what you're about to go under? I think it's just the journey of that deep rooted insecurity, being a hundred pounds overweight, thinking I was going to deal with that for the rest of my life. I really had no hope and picking myself up, getting myself out of that and going, I will work until, and until there is no ending.

[00:14:56] It's I'm going to keep working and your health never ends, you know? And so even just to physically be in the place of like, no, I'm a competitor here. Yeah. But then to mentally be in such a place of confidence of, I know who I am. I know what I've been through. I know who I'm not. It's, it has such, I have such a settled feeling. And to be honest, like even, you know, we're all sizing each other up and looking at each other. I'm not intimidated by anyone. You know, Jersey muscles over there. Big deal. Yeah. Not intimidating.

[00:15:26] You got to channel that Jane energy, right? I am coming in farm strong, even though it wasn't raised on a farm, but I will channel it. So what would you say is your biggest superpower and your biggest piece of kryptonite when it comes to this game? Okay. Superpower, I think, and I don't want this to sound like, um, like, oh, I'm just so great. Cause really I'm not. I think I have a level of charisma that makes people comfortable.

[00:15:53] I, I, and that's genuine of like, I love to bring a group together. I'm a natural born leader. Let's all rally. I will make anybody laugh. I will, even to the point where I'm embarrassing myself, very self-deprecating. I don't know. That's just, that is my personality. And I think people feel comfortable with that. Um, on the flip side, my kryptonite, um, speaking my mind. Okay. Sometimes my tongue will get me into trouble. Cause I am like a no BS person, like just straight to the point.

[00:16:23] I'm like, you know, I'm from Michigan. I'm, I married someone from the South. And so like, I now realize like, oh, I'm very Frank. Like we're very to the point. Like, let's hurry it up. Who cares how your day's going? Let's go. I got places to be. Like, I don't need the whole like 20 minute backstory. Just, you know, so I think that could get me into trouble, but I'm very aware of it. So, well, you talked about sizing other people up and listen, you're not intimidated by them, but I'm sure you have thoughts about them. I'm going to start on the positive first.

[00:16:53] You guys love this. You guys want us to size everybody up. Of course. Listen, well, here's the thing. It's either these could be your best friends or these could be your worst enemies. So on the positive side, talk to me about, you know, best case scenario, you hit the beach day one. This is like a possible ride or die for you or a co-pilot. Okay. Um, I love my fellow tall girl with curly hair. We're both tall. We both have curly hair. I just love her vibe. She's got the big blonde. Like I have really curly brown hair.

[00:17:21] She just has this like cool kind of like hippie vibe. Love it. I feel like we could mesh together really well. Obviously I don't know her, but you definitely pick up on cues. Um, I also really like, he is probably one of the older gentlemen in the group. Um, like olive complexion has tattoos on his forearms. That man is a deep well. He's got a lot going on. Um, you can just, sometimes you can just see it in someone that he's carrying something in there.

[00:17:49] Um, but also I just feel like there's something solid about him that I really like, you know? Uh, other than that, I don't know. I mean, you get a first impression of everybody. There's some people that you can tell are a little bit more outgoing and want attention. And then there are people that are just like very quiet or maybe a little bit more meek and that sort of thing. So it's just going to depend. It's interesting that you bring up that, that man, that, that deep well, is that sort of what you're, you're seeking people you want to work with?

[00:18:16] Are these kind of like complex people that have had such a story journey like you have? I think everybody here has to have some type of story just to make it on the show. You have to be interesting. I mean, if there's no conflict, it's not that interesting. It's great for you, but not my reality. That's when your kryptonite comes in. Right. Exactly. Um, but there is just, I don't know. There's just something about him that I can tell is a little different that there he's holding onto something and I don't know.

[00:18:43] You can just tell when someone has some depth, it's not all just surface. It's not all just, Oh, well me, I've been through this and dah, dah, dah. Like there is some depth there and I can, I can sense that. And I, um, I want to work. I mean, obviously this is survivor. We're going to double cross each other. We're going to lie, blah, blah, blah. But I also in real life, I am loyal to a fault. And so that will be very hard to get rid of. So I definitely see myself finding someone that is not just like, Oh, you're the person on survivor.

[00:19:11] I could connect with, but no, you're a person I actually connect with. I want to find that person out here. So then on the other side, is there anybody that's not, not given that for you or anyone you can't read in general, I'm sure you also have nicknames for these people. Oh, my journal has a nickname for everyone. I'm like, I got Jersey muscles over there. I got like everybody. I've got Minnesota hockey player. Like, cause you know, I'm looking at t-shirts. I'm looking where they're from. I can, you know, so, um, it's not so much that it's like, Oh, I don't want to play

[00:19:40] with that person, but I'm already leery. I already can see, okay, there's stuff going on here. There's one person that around us is very kind of just like, won't make eye contact, won't smile back. Um, almost kind of like gives us a loose board feeling. But then I can hear like in interviews when they go in, it's like a total change of, it's a total change of energy. And I'm like, okay, so there's, there's some play going on here and, and you know, that might be my BFF when I get out there.

[00:20:09] I don't know, but yeah. So when it comes to obviously the new era advantages, idols journeys, they are rife with appearances throughout here. How much are you incorporating that into your game? Do you have, I mean, again, you talk about that Tony who made all those types of things, his peasants as he became king of the jungle. Are you approaching it a similar way? Absolutely. I'm swinging for the fences. I don't have a million dollars in my bank account, so I have nothing to lose. Um, I'm playing this game. Like it's the second time I'm out here, period.

[00:20:40] I will go for anything I can. I will volunteer for whatever I can. I am home run every time, swinging for the fences. Let's go all out. Because if I get voted out knowing I played that way, I will be at peace. Interesting. Yes. A little bit of a no regrets approach about it, about how you want to walk out no matter what place it's in. And hopefully it's first, but you want to walk out with very little. Oh, I should have done that. Yeah. I'm going in trusting my gut. No matter what anybody says to me, if it doesn't feel right in here, this is what I'm going with.

[00:21:09] And if I get voted out because of that, again, I will, I will be at peace with that. It's okay. I'm not going to, but. There you go. What is, what's your hottest survivor take? What's your most controversial opinion about a player, the show? Two. Number one, us as fans, we want villains back. I want, I want more villains. Like, I love the stories, but I love the gameplay too. And I love like, you know, a Tony or a Russell or a coach or a Brandon.

[00:21:39] Like when, you know, iconic moments, like when they, the, um, I forget her name, and she like dumped the rice everywhere. Like we want, we want a little bit of that back. I think, you know, that's my hot take on survivor, but like truly, um, I'm probably going to get totally like slayed for this, but I think Russell was one of the best players there was and he should have won. I would have voted for him personally. Either season, first one, any particular one? Every time he played. Every single time he played. Russell, I'm voting for you. He is the goat.

[00:22:08] I mean, he dominated it. So I'm intrigued when it comes to that first perspective, because there's been so much argument as well as to like, is so-and-so a villain from the new era? Do you think there is anyone from the new era, like the last couple of seasons in particular, that falls into that bucket for you? Soft. I think every, yeah. Even this last season, everyone's like, oh, Q is a villain. I'm like, no, he's not. Like Q's just like being himself. He beats himself up, makes people mad. And like, no, like even, even the whole thing of like not picking Liz for the, yeah.

[00:22:38] Liz was not like, she's not entitled to that. She didn't win. And Q shouldn't out of pressure have to pick her if that's not who he wants to spend the time with, especially if it's a strategic decision for him. So I'm just like, people call him like Q a villain. I'm like, no, everybody's gone soft. Like, who knows? Maybe I'll come out here as a villain. I was going to say, are you, how much is that going to be intentional in your head? I don't know if it'll be intentional, but I definitely feel like I have some rough edges that might show out here.

[00:23:05] And I'm not, I'm not afraid of that because that's just the reality of who I am. Absolutely. You got to have some grit out here. If you want to win, you cannot just be like everybody's BFF and I don't know. Like I miss a little bit of that where I'm like, everybody's so excited, like, like kind and like happy when they get voted off. And I'm like, are you kidding me? Of course I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I'm ticked. Yeah. I just got voted off like this, you know, but that's hopefully won't happen. Well, while we're staying on the note of 46, I do feel like from the past couple seasons,

[00:23:35] it does feel like the new era has kind of like taken a big step. It's ramping up. So then talk to me about what is some of your biggest takeaways from the past couple seasons in particular that you were going to bring into your own game? It moves quick. It's much quicker with these smaller tribes. It moves a lot quicker and just being flexible. It is not just the, all right, me and you to the end, let's do it and go all the way. That really is not the reality here, which I would love it to be, but it's not. So it's just having to really trust your gut, being able to read people.

[00:24:05] I feel like as a flight attendant, you know, we're trained even on nonverbal cues and just the way people make eye contact and all those things, because we're always looking for that. There's, you know, just a lot of safety and security. And so, yeah, being able to kind of pick up on those things and know, okay, I think this person is not telling me the whole story. If you could pick a celebrity or a fictional character to bring out as a loved one for a loved one's visit, who would you pick and why?

[00:24:32] That is also the adequate nonverbal response to that question. I was like, I thought you were going to say, like, let me build, like, Celebrity Survivor because I was like, I already built it. They need to do that. Wouldn't that be incredible? I mean, give me some highlights of some cast members here. Oh, Jack Black, Snoop, Shaq. Shaq. Like, um, those would be like my top three. Maybe like a Martha Stewart. Let's put her out here. Uh-huh. She could be interesting. Well, Snoop and Martha would have an automatic alliance, right? Well, that's true. They know each other. Yeah, that might be. Just put them on separate tribes.

[00:25:02] It's fine. Yeah, there we go. We'll start out that way. But yeah, Celebrity Survivor would be incredible. Oh, yeah. But yeah, if I had to pick like a, oh, Cesar Millan, I'd put him out there. Cesar Millan. He would be great. The dog whisperer. Yes. Oh, dude, if I'm telling you Brad Pitt and Cesar Millan are in the airport, I'm going to get my picture with Cesar Millan. Don't care, Brad. Goodbye. Interesting. It's because he is an expert on energy. What you put out, people are going to sense. You can control people with the energy you bring into the room. It really is, you know, it's true.

[00:25:32] It works with pets and it works with people. I do it on board every day with people. You see a flight attendant that's stressed and nervous and anxious and has this energy or calm. You know, I've been through, I've had emergency landings where I just go, okay, I've got my energy, they're watching me, I am going to control this situation with just the energy in the room. So, yeah, I'd put Cesar Millan out there for sure. Absolutely. But you're saying like for loved ones. I mean, and this could be Cesar. This is something that you've never met before.

[00:26:02] Nah, it's Shaq. I'm bringing Shaq out. You're bringing Shaq out. He's my boy. Dude, I freaking love Shaq. I don't watch basketball. Don't care. I love Shaq. What, are you a fan of like Kazam? I am a fan of Shaquille O'Neal. Shazam's wonderful. Uh-huh. Shaq had his own little reality show. I just think he is like so fun. He's like finally like an athlete with a personality. He's hilarious. He's very generous. I'm just all about Shaq. And I'm just, I'm literally obsessed with how tall he is. He's like seven foot two or something.

[00:26:30] Sometimes when I'm in a bad mood, I will literally just Google like Shaq with normal sized objects. Sorry. And it'll be like Shaq holding a water bottle and I promise it will improve your mood. I'm going to take you up on that. Yeah. Yeah. Do it. I'm telling you. Look at like Shaq holding a water bottle and you'll be like, this is insane. I feel better. Well, last thing I want to ask is, and this is speaking to a bit of what you mentioned before from where we started this thing. We know the 50s around the corner. We know it's returning players. How are you going to make your mark on Survivor 48?

[00:26:59] That's going to have you back out here a year later. Hmm. I don't know if I want to come out. Who knows? You want to be a one and done? No. If you win? No, I'm sure I want to do it again. Yeah, once you're bit by this bug, it's very hard to find a repellent. You know, that's something I wish I could answer, but I'm not willing to just like make up some crap that I don't know. Like, to be honest, it's the game moves so quick and it's such a day-to-day decision

[00:27:28] of what you're doing. I think it's just literally lasting in the most creative and lasting way. You know, I don't really know how to answer that. It just depends when I get out there. TBD. Absolutely. I'll let you know after. And there you have it. My interview with Charity. Very excited to see what she's going to bring to the game.

[00:27:55] If you have been paying attention to a bit of the visual descriptors onto my interviews, you notice that Charity is drawing a lot of eyes to her in various capacities. So we'll see. So we'll see how much those end up playing out on the beach and see if this flight attendant can push back that round trip ticket from Fiji and hopefully lasting the full 26 days. Well, you have to last a little bit longer on this podcast because I'm going to take a brief break here.

[00:28:24] But when I come back, I'll have my next interview raring to go with Chrissy. 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?

[00:28:52] 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. And therapy can help identify those green flags to help you nurture them both in others and in yourself. I 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.

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[00:29:47] Visit BetterHelp.com today to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp.com. All right. Next up from the Siva tribe is Chrissy Sarnowski. Chrissy is 55 years old, actually the oldest cast member here on Survivor 48, which is actually trending to be one of the older casts in general that we have had in quite some time.

[00:30:14] Chrissy is born and raised and currently resides on the south side of Chicago. And she is a fire lieutenant. Of course, firefighters have had a long history of great performances on Survivor. And we even have a fellow firefighter here on this season. So let's see what Chrissy tells me about how she's going to be able to keep her torch lit for the next 26 days. Here's my interview with Chrissy.

[00:30:43] Your name, your age, and your occupation. Last name too? Sure. Chrissy Sarnowski. I'm 54 years old. I'm from the south side of Chicago and I'm a lieutenant on the Chicago Fire Department. So have you always been a firefighter? How'd you find your way into that? That's a great story actually. Well, I was young. I was young. I dropped out of high school, got my GED. I was working in an office and a girlfriend started dating a paramedic. And she goes, we should go to paramedic school. And I was like, all right.

[00:31:12] You know, I was 19 at the time. And so I went to EMT school and paramedic school. And by the time I was 21, I was a paramedic. And at that point, everybody that I went to paramedic school wanted to be on the Chicago Fire Department. So I was like, well, then I want to be on the Chicago Fire Department. So I was a paramedic for six years on the fire department. Then I became a firefighter. I crossed over and I became a firefighter paramedic on the engine. And I just recently got promoted to lieutenant. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you.

[00:31:42] I have 26 years on this year. Wow. So, yeah. What is it about the job? I mean, obviously, it's something that we all greatly appreciate, but you're quite literally throwing yourself into the line of fire on a daily basis. When that girl called me and we started going to our clinicals, we had a motorcycle accident and the guy was degloved. His skin was falling off. Oh, my God. And she ran out puking. And I ran in and thought, wow, this is the coolest thing. Like, so I learned that I really love and I love helping people, you know, so and to this day.

[00:32:12] So I've been a paramedic for 33 years. And I always said from day one, if I lose the compassion for people, I don't want to do this anymore. And I still I still have the compassion. I still treat everybody like they're my family member. Yeah. Interesting. So then what made you decide to throw yourself into the raging inferno that is Survivor? You know, I've been watching it. So they came out when I was 30. So I was a little older than these these younger kids here that probably weren't even born when it started.

[00:32:41] And I used to watch it with my mom all the time. And now we call each other after each show and and I tape it. And so I came home one day and I was laying on the couch and and Jeff Probst was on this beautiful beach with his arms out saying, you should apply. And I'm like, I should apply. And so I applied. And there you go. Next thing you know, here I am talking to you. That's amazing. Is there a story you fed to like the people back at the firehouse as to what you were doing for the next month or so? No. Well, I had to tell my boss.

[00:33:10] So my boss knows. But no, nobody. I just said I'm taking vacation. I took my vacation time. Okay. Yes. Accrued it all. Yes. Exactly. Far from a vacation here, even though it's beautiful. I know it's not a vacation. So then if I were to ask you to give me a winner and a non-winner who you identify with the most personally, strategically, socially, who would that be? Well, I can go non-winner. I love Caroline and I'm sure a lot of people, I don't know, maybe I just relate to her.

[00:33:37] I relate to her storyline that she was, you know, an ex user and thinked herself up and she seemed street smart, like grew up, you know, harder, which I did too, you know, so unapologetic, unapologetic herself, you know, so I really liked her. Winner, you know, I'm terrible with names. That's okay. Describe. I can fill in the blank here. Well, I liked the same season. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:34:03] You know, I liked when he told everybody and I tried to, you know, I didn't go back and watch seasons because I don't want to be anybody else. I want to be me. Um, but he did relate to people where Caroline didn't and he said, he said, I looked at you and I knew when you talked about your family, how your eyes lit up and when you lied, how your eyes didn't lie up. And I thought, wow, what, what a great, you know, uh, perception of watching people, you know? So I really thought that that won him the million dollars. Yeah, absolutely.

[00:34:32] What is your favorite moment in survivor history? Is it around season 44 as you were mentioning? Well, yeah, only because I'm old and I have a terrible memory. Well, I like, I was saying, I liked the earlier seasons, even though I don't remember them, but because survivor was so new and now, and I hate to say this. I don't like super fans. I don't think super fans make the game better. I don't think people practicing in their basement makes this game better.

[00:34:57] I think, I think coming out and challenging yourself and, and not knowing what to expect then knowing that puzzle is going to be on here and I could do it with my eyes closed, you know, it's sort of cheating to me. I don't know. Interesting. Interesting. So would you have a favorite moment from like a modern season, from a recent season that you saw? Uh, not that I can think of, uh, I like all the moments. I think they're all really, really, I mean, to me, it's taking 18 strangers.

[00:35:23] It's like, it's like, uh, an experience, a weird scientific experiment that they take 18 people, strangers from all different places of the world and throw them on an island and starve them to death and make them do these challenges to earn food, to earn stuff and see what happens. And nobody can predict what can happen. It's like putting 18 mice in a, in a cage, you know, and seeing who's going to be the lead mice, you know? So I don't know. It just, it's, it's a great experiment. Yeah. I can't wait to see what happens.

[00:35:52] So then how have you put yourself in, you know, fighting shape for this experiment? What is your prep experience been like? Because obviously you keep yourself busy in your day to day. Did you do anything in particular to prep for survivor? I did not. Wow. I know. Well, I think it got the fire aspect covered pretty well. Yeah. Well, my job prepares me for this, you know, like I crawl in buildings with 65 pounds of, uh, uh, my tank and everything, everything's six, it's 65 pounds. So crawling under a net in mud without 65 pounds, you know, I think should be a piece of cake. I'm hoping, you know, I don't know.

[00:36:22] That's true. And it's also a pretty good track record for firefighters on survivor as well. Maybe to your point, it is that sort of like work ethic, physicality perspective. Yes, for sure. For sure. What would you say is your biggest superpower and your biggest piece of kryptonite that you think will play into this game? Well, I think my biggest superpower is my way to connect with people. I, I, I think, uh, I can go in a washroom and wash my hands and come out and be like, bye, chill. Nice talking to you.

[00:36:50] Those people that I could talk to anybody and, and just have this demeanor where I can, I can connect with people. So I think I can, I'm hoping I can connect with some of these people. Um, but yet stab them in the back in the end, you know, which is the best part of it. And they're going to stand me in the back, which that's what I like about this. Like we could be friends, but we've no one, only one person comes out this winter. So, you know, you can't go out, you know, like, you know, like last year they, uh, they were saying with, um, terrible with names, um, the girl and the guy, she didn't vote for her friend.

[00:37:20] Well, you know, Maria and Charlie. Yeah. You know, well, it's sorry. It's a game, you know, like it's just the way it is. And then the, my, your kryptonite, what's your, what do you think is your, your weakest part of yourself when it comes to maybe playing this game? Well, it might also be the same thing. I, I might talk too much, you know, I, I might, I might, uh, uh, like Caroline, um, unapologetically myself, you know, and, and, and they, somebody asked me, am I going to hide anything? No, I'm not going to hide anything.

[00:37:48] You know, I'm an open book and, and sometimes that's not a good thing to be an open book. So, but I got to remember I'm here playing a game and they don't need to know everything. So I don't know. It all depends on who I'm sitting around and who I'm talking to. You got to read the room. What do you think you're going to be perceived as from that perspective? Well, I already know I'm the older person, which when they, they're like, you know, you're the older, and I'm like, I never felt like the older person, but I guess I am the older person looking at these young kids. I've been delivering babies longer than they've been born.

[00:38:18] Literally 33 years. Uh, so, so dealing with, uh, the younger generation, but then being a lieutenant on the fire department, all my kids are there. All the kids I'm training are this age too. So, so I know how to look at weaknesses and strong, strong points of people and try to play on that. You know, Is that something you're going to try to steer into though, when it comes to like, Oh, you're going to be in the leadership role because you're a lieutenant. No, no, no, no, no. Yeah. Because that sometimes gets you in trouble trying to be a leader.

[00:38:45] So more, more or less, uh, maybe an auntie Chrissy. I wouldn't mind an auntie Chrissy, you know, somebody like the cool aunt maybe. Yeah. There we go. Everyone loves their aunt. Yes, exactly. What would you say is one life experience that has most prepared you for this? Is it as simple as your day to day? Or can you think of like one specific experience you had that you feel has prepared you for survivor as much as you can? I would definitely say my, I mean, it's a no brainer, my job, you know, I, I, we, sometimes

[00:39:12] we, we travel to different firehouses and I work with different firemen. And so I walk in not knowing these people and, and within 24 hours, five minutes into it, we might have a fire together. And now we're, we're saving lives together that I just met you five minutes ago. So you need to know, can this person have my back? And this person not going to have my back. It's the same thing here. Is this person going to have my back? Are they not going to have my back? You know? So it's not life or death though. Thank God. Well, let's talk about maybe some of those people that you might, you know, be running

[00:39:39] in or away from, because I'm sure you've been, you know, sussing out some people as you've been sitting around not being able to talk. So let's start. I have little nicknames for them all already in my head. I would love to hear some. So let's, let's go to the positive side of things. Okay. First, give me, give me some, describe to me some of these people and maybe their nicknames that like you're vibing with that best case scenario. You hit the beach day one. This is someone I could ride to the end of the game with. Right, right. Well, I like bearded guy. She's got a big old fluffy beard. And I can't wait to see like what his beard looks like, you know, two weeks from now, you know?

[00:40:09] So I like him. And then there's an African-American guy with glasses. He's got a friendly smile. There's something about him that just draws me to him. Are you seeking out any like particular qualities in a number one ally in general? Well, once I get my tribe and I, and I see who's there, I mean, this is all just by looking at people. Exactly. Once they open their mouth, I might be like, Oh, I was way off. So it all depends on what, once we, how they are in challenge, how I am in challenge. I've had the biggest fear.

[00:40:38] And I, I, I crawl through buildings with, like I said, 65 pounds on my back and, and I, I do it. And I'm like, Oh my God, that first, I just need to get that first challenge out. I'm off and done. And then I think I'll feel a lot better. So then on the other side of things, is there anybody that you're not picking up some great vibes from or anyone you can't read from this group? And I hate that this is going to be because they're going to see it and they're going to be like, but that's the fun of it. It could be your best friend. Well, there's a girl, a blonde girl here and she just seems a little snooty to me.

[00:41:08] That's all. Interesting. Yeah. Anything that she's like doing that comes across that way or is it just a general air about her? No, I, no, I, I think we were, I said, I said like, you're not supposed to talk. And I think, Oh, she jumped. And I go, Ooh, don't hurt yourself. And she goes, and she shushed me. And I was like, I'm like, you should just shush me, you know? So that's just right away. And that's the funny thing about survivor. It takes one shush. And now I'm going to vote your ass off. You know, it's that stupid and simple, you know, like.

[00:41:39] So obviously the new era is all about like idols, advantages, journeys. It's part of the DNA. How much do you want to incorporate that into your own game? Well, as I'm walking through here, this, I'm like, where would an idol be? I like, it's so exciting to just look at little nooks and crannies. I like, can't wait to look for idols. But then again, it's not just an idol anymore. It's beware. You have to do this, this, and this, and then you lose your vote. And it's like, so you've really got to be careful. It's really a mind, can I, mind half. You can say it. A mind fuck.

[00:42:09] It's a mind fuck. So then that being said, if you find one, like, is it an immediate pick up and unwrap it for you? For sure. For sure. Yes. Yes. You'd be an idiot to throw it away, I think. What about like a boat showing up for a journey? Are you someone to volunteer? No, I think I'll play the crowd on that one too. You know, like see who, you know, see who, what, I like the tribes that go rock, paper, scissors, you know, stuff like that. So make it even, you know.

[00:42:33] The past two seasons of Survivor, 45 and 46, in this sense, have felt like such a big step forward and so much stuff has happened. As you're watching through these seasons, is there anything in particular, like, taking away from those types of seasons that you're going to incorporate into your own game? Well, just from what I noticed, I think alliances. I think alliances are the way to go.

[00:42:53] You know, and they might not last when you make different alliances, but I think always trying to make that connection with somebody, even if it only lasts one vote, and then you make it a connection with somebody else. You know, I think that seems to be the way to go. But then as you watch, some of the outsiders, when they're outsiders, they get the deciding vote. So it really, it really, it's a crazy, crazy game. So that's the thing we saw in 46 was that there was this group that was kind of like discarded and they then became the ones that got to determine which way to go.

[00:43:23] So it really speaks to not disregarding anybody in the game. Yes, for sure. So when it comes to survivor opinions, hot takes, if you will, you're one who can handle heat, certainly. What would you say is your hottest survivor take? Your most controversial opinion about a season, a player, the show itself? Well, I think, I don't know if it was last season or the season before, the two people that quit. I was disgusted.

[00:43:48] I was like, knowing the process that we have to do to get here, you never watched the show. You didn't think you were going to be uncomfortable. You know, like to be like, I miss my bed. I want to go home. You know, it to me just was, you know, terrible. I'm going to throw a weird scenario by you. If you could bring a celebrity or a fictional character out as a loved one for a loved one's visit, who would it be and why? A celebrity or a fictional character? Yeah. Oh, shit. I never.

[00:44:17] That's a good question. Thank you. Yeah. Just cannot be a member of your family. I was going to say, I couldn't bring my son because that would be awesome. Let me think of a celebrity. Well, I would say like Chris Hemworth, Thor. Now, would it be him as Thor or just Chris Hemsworth? Either way, I would take either one. Oh, absolutely. I mean, he could be someone that fits in with all the other heartthrobs, right? All the other big guys. Any particular reason why? Just because he's big and strong and good to, nice to look at.

[00:44:48] I don't know. I couldn't think of anybody. That's so fun. Last thing I want to ask is that obviously Survivor 50 is right around the corner. We know it's returnees. How are you going to make your mark on this season so that we're going to be talking a year from now for Survivor 50? I don't know if I am. We'll see what happens. I don't know. I'm hoping that I stand out. I'm hoping that I play a great game. I would be highly disappointed in myself. I work with 5,000 firefighters at home. There's no way I can walk through that door at any firehouse coming back, you know,

[00:45:18] a loser. So I have a lot of pressure on my back to represent the city of Chicago. So that's true as well. You know, yeah, you don't just have the firefighters. Right. You have like the entire city of Chicago on your back as well. Well, they're going to tie the they're going to dye the river green right now just for St. Patrick's Day, but for all the money you're going to win from the show. Yeah, there you go. There you go. And there you have it. My interview with Chrissy. And I personally hope that checking out all these interviews is not the equivalent of lugging around 65 pounds of equipment.

[00:45:46] Hopefully this has been nice and light and breezy, but also full of substance as well that these great castaways are able to bring. And of course, these great castaways continue to be introduced to us tomorrow as we continue on with our interviews with the SIVA tribe. As tomorrow, we talk about two very different castaways in David and Camilla. Make sure you don't miss a second of everything we have going on.

[00:46:15] Again, we know survivor dot com for the audio versions of these interviews. And Rob has a website dot com slash YouTube for the video versions. Let us know your thoughts, of course, in the comments on social media about these players, especially as we're getting towards the pointy end of this. And, you know, some suppositions, some predictions, perhaps some winner picks might be made. What do you think about these castaways, including the two I talked to today in Charity and Chrissy?

[00:46:41] And I'll have plenty more to talk about tomorrow with David and Camilla. Until then, everybody, take care. Bye bye.