Advertise on podcast: The Exclusive With Sharon Tharp

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Emily Flippen reveals the internal struggle behind returning for the milestone 50th season. She breaks down her fascinating psychological reads on legends like Cirie Fields and Coach at Ponderosa, explaining why she’s already picking up on a massive divide in energy between the icons of the game. From calling the back-to-back players from season 49 "psychos" to her ruthless decision to vote against the cast receiving rice, Emily discusses leaning into her reputation as a "physical liability" and how she plans to navigate a fast-paced game where she feels like a permanent underdog.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Jonathan Young reveals the unique preparation he undertook for his return in Survivor 50, including a personal letter of advice and three specific rules for success from legend Boston Rob. Known as the ultimate "challenge beast" of the New Era, Young explains why he is actually grateful his strategic game was downplayed in Season 42 and how he plans to use his status as a "free agent" to navigate a cast full of pre-existing alliances. From weaning himself off food to handle the island’s starvation to identifying which old-school icons he wants to work with, Jonathan breaks down his evolving strategy for this milestone season.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Rick Devens reflects on his dramatic path to Survivor 50, revealing that he was nearly left off the cast as a late alternate before finally getting the call. Devens explains how that setback gave him a chip on his shoulder—and why it’s pushed him to approach the game differently this time. From being one fire-making challenge away from winning his original season to intentionally playing down his threat level now, Devens breaks down his evolving strategy, his willingness to cause some trouble, and how he plans to navigate the massive old-school vs. new-era cast.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Christian Hubicki opens up about his long-awaited return for Survivor 50 and the major life shifts—including earning tenure and becoming a father just six weeks before the game—that have reshaped his approach to the season. Christian explains his new "narrative warfare" strategy, a lesson he’s stealing from Mike White to control the stories told on the island, while breaking down his fascinating "four role" hypothesis on how this legendary cast was built. From his pre-game observations of Coach and Cirie to his plan to become an "ace in the hole" that his competitors won't see coming, the robotics professor reveals why he is finally ready to crack the code of the final three.

The fifth player banished on The Traitors Season 4, Ron Funches joins The Exclusive to unpack his emotional exit after being targeted by a house of reality veterans. The comedian and actor compares the castle dynamics to a toxic high school, reveals why he’s expecting "fake apologies" from certain costars at the upcoming reunion, and breaks down the "popular kid" strategy that led to his downfall. Ron also opens up about his unexpected bond with Rob Rausch, the real reason he believes Candiace Dillard Bassett and Rob were such effective Traitors, and the deeply personal way his experience on the show led to a life-changing autism diagnosis.

After nearly a decade away from the game, Chrissy Hofbeck is back for Survivor 50—and she believes the timing couldn’t be better. In this preseason interview, the Survivor 35 finalist sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to break down her strategy heading into Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. Chrissy opens up about why being a “lone wolf” from her season could work to her advantage, how jury dynamics may shape the endgame, and why she thinks New Era players could become early targets. She also reflects on the “robbed” narrative from her original season, discusses managing her challenge reputation, and explains why she genuinely believes she has a path to win this time around.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Aubry Bracco opens up about returning for Survivor 50 after stepping away from the Survivor community and how that time off — along with becoming a parent — has reshaped her perspective and strategy. Aubry explains why she plans to play as a free agent in the early game, focusing on one-on-one relationships, keeping her options open, and avoiding early commitments in a cast full of returning players with pre-existing alliances. She also reflects on adapting to the modern game and what she’s watching for in the critical opening phase of Survivor 50.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, three-time Survivor alum Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick opens up about returning for Survivor 50 more than two decades after her original seasons. Stephenie reflects on balancing motherhood with coming back to the game, her concerns about physical endurance, and why she believes the game begins the moment players arrive. She also shares her thoughts on old school versus new school Survivor, navigating pre-existing relationships, modern twists and advantages, and which players she’s hoping to align with as the season begins.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Survivor legend Ozzy Lusth sits down with host Sharon Tharp ahead of Survivor 50 to size up the cast and reflect on how the game has evolved over the years. Ozzy shares his thoughts on old school versus new school Survivor, returning to the island after more than two decades with the franchise, and how existing relationships and reputations could shape the early game. He also opens up about who he’s excited to play with, which unknowns intrigue him most, and what he hopes to do differently in this landmark season.

In this preseason interview, Survivor 48 winner Kyle Fraser sits down with host Sharon Tharp on location in Fiji ahead of Survivor 50 to break down his mindset returning to the game so soon after winning. Kyle opens up about why being a winner isn’t his biggest concern, which players and unknowns worry him most, and how pre-existing relationships and groups could shape the early game. He also reflects on adjusting his strategy for a returning-player season, balancing loyalty with cutthroat gameplay, and what he wants to experience differently this time around on Survivor 50.

Survivor 45 winner Dee Valladares returns for Survivor 50 with confidence, clarity, and nothing to prove. In this preseason interview, Dee sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to break down how she’s approaching the game as a returning winner — from managing her threat level to why she sees her perceived disadvantages as advantages. Dee reacts to the Survivor 50 cast, opens up about who she’s vibing with (and who she isn’t), and explains why personal connections matter more to her than early-game strategy. She also reflects on playing with old-era competitors for the first time, navigating pregame dynamics, and what she truly wants out of her Survivor 50 experience.

Survivor alum and The Traitors Canada star Omar Zaheer joins Sharon Tharp on The Exclusive to break down the most hyped episode of The Traitors Season 4, diving deep into the dramatic Banquet murder, Yam Yam’s shocking exit, Lisa Rinna’s gameplay and defense, Natalie’s desperate fight for the antidote, and Rob’s increasingly powerful position in the game. Omar analyzes the strategy behind the murder in plain sight, whether Yam Yam’s final words should matter, the fallout at the roundtable, and what the looming turret showdown between Rob and Candiace means for the rest of the season — plus bold predictions on who’s set up to win and who’s in serious danger next.

The fifth player murdered on The Traitors Season 4, Yam Yam Arocho joins The Exclusive to unpack his shocking banquet exit, after being murdered in plain sight by Lisa Rinna. The Survivor winner breaks down the controversial moment that sparked online debate, why he believes murdered players should be allowed to speak, and how his growing suspicion of Lisa ultimately played into his fate. Yam Yam also reflects on navigating early heat in the game, the misunderstood “gamers vs. non-gamers” narrative, and what future Traitors players should learn from his experience.

After more than a decade away, Benjamin "Coach" Wade is returning for Survivor 50 with a clear goal: to win. In this preseason interview, the Survivor legend sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how time, family, and personal growth have reshaped his approach since his previous seasons. Coach opens up about legacy, redemption, and why returning now feels like the right moment to rewrite how he’s remembered in the game. He also discusses adapting to the modern era, navigating familiar faces, and what it would mean to finally leave Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans as a champion.

After 20 years and four previous runs, Cirie Fields is returning for Survivor 50 with unfinished business. In this preseason interview, the Survivor legend sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how experience, perspective, and longevity have reshaped her approach since her first season. Cirie opens up about loyalty, reading people before the game begins, and navigating pre-existing relationships. She also discusses managing her threat level and why recent winners could face bigger targets in Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.