Rob Has a Podcast | The Traitors, Survivor & Reality TV - RHAP

Survivor 50 Vatu Tribe Preview

Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) and Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) are here to share their thoughts on the Survivor 50 Vatu Tribe consisting of Colby Donaldson, Genevieve Mushaluk, Rizo Velovic, Angelina Keeley, Q Burdette, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, Kyle Fraser, and Aubry Bracco!

Rob and Mike break down the big personalities, strategic tensions, and pregame perceptions fueling Vatu—which is already being hailed as a potential “disaster tribe.” From alliances to enemies and everything in between, Survivor’s milestone season is off to an unpredictable start.

Rob and Mike kick things off with a look at the Vatu tribe’s makeup, debating if their buff is red, purple, or fuchsia—and what that means for tribe identity. They dig into key players like Angelina, who returns with unfinished business and a new self-aware approach, and Aubry, whose chill attitude hints at a new Survivor chapter. The duo discuss Colby’s reinvigorated drive, Stephenie’s evolving gameplay, and all the rivalries and friendships that could shape Vatu’s future. Tribe talk features detailed breakdowns of “friend or foe” relationships, early alliances forming (or failing), and how returning winners like Kyle may be targeted by hungry competitors. With strong opinions and early readjustments, the group’s chemistry could spark fireworks at Tribal.

– Angelina’s “babies versus businesses” meme energy and her history with Mike White

– Aubry’s laid-back return versus her old performative self

– Colby’s complete Survivor 180 and his focus on old-school bonds

– Genevieve’s “spy vibes” and concern over social stamina

– Rizo’s quick return, the challenge of shaking his new-era rep, and Q’s wild, unpredictable reads (like judging people for drinking Coke and writing left-handed)

As allegiance lines begin to form—old school vs. new school, big threats vs. shield players—Rob and Mike ask if Vatu will implode or manage the chaos. Who will control the tribe: Angelina’s crafty plays, Q’s wildcards, or Colby and Stephenie’s steady hands?

Chapters:

0:00 Intros

6:00 Angelina’s Return and Strategy Evolution

14:00 Angelina’s Friends and Foes Revealed

22:58 Aubry’s Game Approach Discussed

31:28 Colby’s Renewed Survivor Passion

41:12 Genevieve’s Early Game Dilemma

46:59 Social Battery and Threat Perception

52:10 Rob Imagines His Pre-Game Fate

1:01:07 Kyle: Winners’ Chance and Shielding

1:10:04 Q’s Chaotic Potential and Alliances

1:18:25 Q’s Reception by Fellow Castaways

1:22:22 Rizo: Returning After Nine Days

1:31:19 Stephenie’s Updated Survivor Mindset

1:41:00 Dividing Vatu Into Factions

1:50:22 Who’s In Real Early Danger

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed

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Traitors US S4 Ep 8 Recap

Welcome to RHAP’s coverage of ALL the Traitors iterations from around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The Traitors US is a high-stakes reality competition set in a secluded castle, where contestants must work together to complete challenges and earn a prize pot—while rooting out the secret traitors hidden among them.

Today, Rob Cesternino and Pooya discuss The Traitors US S4 Episode 8.

Rob Cesternino and Pooya recap Episode 8 of The Traitors, analyzing the fallout from Colton’s murder and Candace’s banishment in a pivotal turning point for the season. They break down how Rob’s decision to allow Candace to target Colton ultimately became the key factor in her downfall, framing it as a calculated sacrifice that shifted suspicion entirely in his favor.

The Rob and Pooya focus on the tense confrontation between Rob and Candace in the library, calling it one of the season’s defining strategic moments. They explain how Candace realized she had fallen into a trap, but lacked the numbers and credibility to recover at the round table. Her “throwaway vote,” combined with Colton’s murder, made it difficult for her to build a convincing case against Rob.

Rob and Pooya examine why Candace failed to gain support from key allies and debate whether targeting Stephen instead of Rob could have altered her fate. They also analyze Natalie’s late vote against Tara, questioning whether it reflected personal frustration or genuine suspicion.

Attention then turns to Rob’s continued dominance in the game, including his strong social positioning, ability to maintain trust, and success in avoiding backlash for eliminating close allies. The hosts discuss how Colton’s death further protected Rob by reinforcing his image as a loyal player.

The episode closes with a breakdown of Rob’s decision to recruit Eric as a new traitor, evaluating the risks and benefits of bringing in a low-suspicion player. With shifting power dynamics and fewer shields left, Rob and Pooya assess how this move could shape the endgame.

Never miss all our Traitors US recaps plus recaps from other versions around the world!

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Beast Games S2 Book Club Week 5

Welcome to RHAP’s coverage of MrBeast’s “Beast Games.” Known for his over-the-top challenges and jaw-dropping production value, MrBeast has leveled up with this competitive extravaganza that brings massive stakes, outrageous games, and a cast of unforgettable contestants.

Join Rob Cesternino, Stephen Fishbach, and Taran Armstrong as they discuss week 5 of Beast Games Season 2.

To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com

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Rizo Velovic & Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick Survivor 50 Preseason Interviews

Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) is here to chat to the cast of Survivor 50! Join us to hear from your favorite returning Survivor players!

Today, Mike Bloom brings together a special Vatu tribe duo for an in-depth round of preseason interviews. In this milestone episode, Mike sits down with returning Survivor 49 standout Rizo Velovic and legendary veteran Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick to explore how new-school energy collides with old-school experience, all while strategists and super fans gear up for an epic season. Survivor 50’s anticipation becomes even more intense as Rizo grapples with the notoriety of being the infamous “Riz God” and Stephenie reflects on her return to the game after more than a decade away.

The discussion opens with Rizo sharing his whirlwind journey—playing Survivor 49, getting pulled aside by Jeff Probst just hours before leaving Fiji, and learning he’s in for back-to-back seasons. Rizo talks openly about carrying the “Riz God” persona into Survivor 50 and his calculated read on how cast perception shapes his target level. He breaks down the division between old-school and new-school players, explaining why he feels safer aligning with Survivor’s original legends over modern contestants who are deeply interconnected and more likely to view him as a threat. In the “Friend or Foe” game, Rizo offers rapid-fire takes on castaways, revealing his read on potential allies, rivals, and how he hopes to become “The Prodigy” under Coach’s mentorship.

On the flip side, Stephenie shares emotional stories from her years away—retiring from reality TV for family, overcoming personal loss, and what motivates her Survivor comeback. She considers her original reputation, lessons learned on Snake in the Grass and The Traitors, and her plan to build genuine bonds while dodging the threat radar. Both Rizo and Stephenie analyze the tribe’s dynamics, assess loyalty, spotlight connections, and weigh who could shield them from an early exit.

Rizo’s strategy as the youngest contestant and navigating his “Riz God” identity

The divide between old-schoolers and new-era players, and why Rizo prefers to work with Survivor legends

Stephenie’s return after years away and her plan to blend in, stay loyal, and play for her family

Hints about pregame connections, potential alliances, and which players stand out as immediate threats or trusted allies

Highlights from the “Friend or Foe” game—Rizo’s picks for key alliances, who could be targeted first, and who both guests would bring back for Survivor 50

As Survivor 50 gets closer, will Rizo’s superfan energy and calculated alliances help or hurt his chances? Can Stephenie prove she’s still a force or will her legendary status make her an early target? Tune in for Mike Bloom’s deep-dive interviews to hear all the alliance tea, pregame stories, and cast dynamics before the game even begins.

Chapters:

0:00 Intros

6:13 Embracing the “Riz God” Persona

13:17 Choosing Old School Versus New

19:32 Navigating New Era Alliances

27:51 Rizo Seeks Strategic Partnerships

34:53 Celebrity Loved Ones Fantasy Picks

39:47 Stephenie Returns After Long Hiatus

45:14 Balancing Motherhood and Gameplay

53:01 Survivor Friend or Foe Decisions

56:17 Emotional Tribute to Lost Brothers

1:00:00 Stephenie’s Survivor 50 Wish

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed

WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Kyle Fraser & Q Burdette Survivor 50 Preseason Interviews

Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) is here to chat to the cast of Survivor 50! Join us to hear from your favorite returning Survivor players!

Today, Mike Bloom sits down with standout players Kyle Fraser and Q Burdette to talk all things strategy, reputation, and gameplay in anticipation of the landmark season. Mike dives deep into these returning castaways’ headspaces, exploring how recent wins, big personalities, and past moves shape their approach to Survivor 50. With a supersized cast and shifting alliances, every move counts, and both Kyle and Q are ready to state their case.

In this interview-packed episode, Mike Bloom explores Kyle Fraser’s journey from newest Sole Survivor to defending champion. Kyle shares what it’s like to play while his winning season is still fresh in everyone’s mind and reflects on navigating public perceptions, especially around his “secret trio” alliance with Joe and Kamilla. Kyle weighs the risks of being an obvious threat and how he plans to use ego management to his advantage, pointing to classic Survivor winners for inspiration. Q Burdette bursts in with his unique brand of energy, discussing fatherhood, the lessons learned from his last chaotic season, and his intention to lay low before unleashing his trademark big moves. Both contenders break down who they see as friends, foes, and frenemies in the game, identifying which castaways pose the biggest risks or could make the strongest allies. They also speculate about the mysterious “49ers”—the two fresh faces whose game tape is still a mystery.

– Kyle’s take on being underestimated and managing the target on his back as a recent winner

– Q’s “wagon” theory for dragging key allies, and his new approach to playing calm before the chaos

– Both contenders’ detailed friend-or-foe breakdowns for the Survivor 50 cast, revealing surprising trusts and threats

– The pair’s thoughts on legacy players like Sandra, Tony, and Earl, plus which Survivor legends they wish were joining this season

– Surprising strategies for jury management, spinning narratives, and tackling unpredictable wild cards

As the Survivor 50 season draws near, pressing questions set the stage: Can Kyle avoid getting blindsided as the defending champion? Will Q’s new “quiet Q” approach keep him safe, or will past chaos resurface? Who will get the upper hand when legends and under-the-radar players collide?

Chapters:

0:00 Intros

6:00 Kyle Discusses Managing His Ego

12:00 Friend or Foe Cast Assessment

18:00 Navigating Returning Player Dynamics

23:06 Kyle’s Narrative Spinning Strategy

27:35 Q’s New Approach Revealed

33:02 Idol Regrets and Lessons Learned

36:03 Q Targets Finalist Players

42:03 Alliance Thoughts: Genevieve, Joe, Kamilla

45:04 Mysterious 49ers: Threats and Suspicions

47:31 Q Admits Past Game Mistakes

48:51 Celebrity Loved One Dream Pick

Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!

LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed

WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!