On Fire with Jeff Probst: The Official Survivor Podcast CBS

Survivor 46 is off to a rockin’ start and the tribes are already “survibing!” Jeff shares behind-the-scenes insights about production of the show open and why they chose Tevin's monologue to set the tone for the season. Dee explains her initial impressions of the castaways and how she can already pinpoint potential allies and who to avoid — Jelinsky is at the top of that list based on his disheartening decision to quit the Sweat vs Savvy Challenge.
Jeff also shares a piece of advice for the new castaways: blind optimism and your unique POV are your best tools in the game. Plus, Jeff, Jay, and Dee discuss producer interactions with the castaways, from trailing them on Idol hunts to acting as their confidants. The 26-day road to crown our next sole Survivor has only just begun!
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New era, same emotions. The players are already feeling the emotional impact of no food, sleepless nights, and physical exhaustion. From small tribes to minimal supplies, Jeff shares how the game design is all about earning your keep and digging into your reserves to prove just how badly you want it. Jeff and Dee talk about the importance of being vulnerable and finding ways to bond with tribemates, whether it’s through a Metallica-Taylor Swift song-off at camp or poking fun at Jeff.
Jeff also breaks down how they created the new and bigger version of the archway puzzle featured in this week's challenge. Dee talks about how you must push your limits during every challenge, even when there's nothing left in the tank because your tribemates are depending on you. Then, Jeff answers some fan questions about why they phased out schoolyard picks, how castaways handle their jobs if they're selected for Survivor, and more. 
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“Send me home” are three words you never expect a player to utter, but the New Era is intentionally designed to push the castaways further than ever before. If players can endure this new reality, their truth will be revealed, bringing them one step closer to the million-dollar prize.
Jeff, Jay, and Dee talk about the editorial decisions made behind the scenes to help the audience experience what the players are feeling, like the whimsical music that simulates Bhanu’s paranoia and the sound effects that transport you to Q’s devastating football fumble. There’s a unique story behind each player and another critical part of Survivor storytelling that Jeff reveals is telling the audience only what they need to know when they need to know. He talks about how and when they decide to weave the castaway’s backstories into episodes, like revealing Hunter’s impressive puzzle-building background right before the challenge.
Jeff, Jay, and Dee also discuss Randen’s unexpected exit and what happens if a player is pulled from the game and has an idol or advantage they want to hand off. Plus, Jeff and Dee answer a popular listener question about the origin of the iconic Survivor Buff®. 
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How do you go from being complete strangers to sitting on a beach singing to each other? Hunger! While food deprivation inspired Soda (“Queen Morale”) and Tevin to create an original song, Dee warns that it can also dangerously cloud your judgment and ruin your perception of another player if you let it get the best of you. She advises future players to practice their emotions before they go on Survivor to know how and when to show them. Jeff, Jay, and Dee continue the conversation about managing emotions as Tevin unlocks a memory, Maria deals with defeat, and Bhanu accepts his fate in the game.
Jeff also shares how he may test the castaways and present obstacles, but he will never lie. The castaways must trust the game and know it is fair, but that doesn’t mean they can’t introduce a few twists…Assume nothing! Then, Jeff breaks down the logistical struggles of building and filming challenges in the water. Plus, he answers listener questions about how long players get to strategize before a challenge starts. 
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Everything in Survivor is strategic, even salsa dancing! Jeff explains why it is important to show camp life and Dee shares why it is important to play along with something, like dancing or tai chi, even if it's the last thing you want to do!
After 11 days without flint, Yanu broke the record for the longest stretch without fire. Jeff addresses the importance of these penalties in the New Era and whether or not he'd ever reconsider the flint rule. 
As Yanu dwindles, Jeff reveals how and when they decide to do a tribe swap, and Dee shares how you plan for the moment as a player. Jeff, Jay, and Dee also break down the decision to include Survivor trivia in Hunter’s Journey and Jem’s machete strategy. Plus, Jeff answers listener questions including one about exit interviews, which inspires Dee to share her exit interview - something she never had to do! 
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Everybody, drop your Buffs®! Jeff explains how they used Tree Mail to capitalize on the moment of limbo between learning about the Merge and the Earn the Merge Challenge. Jeff, Dee, and Jay break down the Merge Challenge from the rock draw that determines your fate to the strategically placed safety sawdust.
The winners get to feast on the Merge meal, but proceed with caution — Dee spills about what happened off-camera the time she overindulged in a reward… Meanwhile, the losers head to the largest Tribal Council of the season. Jeff breaks down how they approach production and Dee shares how nerve-wracking it is from the player's POV. Then, during listener questions, Dee talks about how players can’t forget they’re in the game, even when they’re sleeping!

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