Each weekday, EW will post the answers from a different player.
Contestant (and veteran news anchor) Rick Devens was on the scene.
“I think a crew member had a heart attack.
Rick Devens on ‘Survivor: Edge of Extinction’.CBS
Suddenly, crew members were running back and forth.
The three of us and Chris were herded into camp.
No one was there to film us.
CBS
Every member of the crew was focused 100 percent on the emergency.
The four of us just held hands and sent good vibes toward the sick crew member.
We did our best to stay out of the way and not add to a bad situation.”
Julie Rosenberg, Victoria Baamonde, Gavin Whitson, Lauren O’Connell and Rick Devens on ‘Survivor: Edge of Extinction’.CBS
Some people on the island had lifesaving training, and the helicopter arrived fast.
I was told after the game that the crew member was okay.
It was scary."
It makesSurvivorlook like a walk in the park.
Unfortunately, nothing has come of that yet.
One of us needed to be at home, so I’ve been dad/ZOOM teacher’s aide ever since.
It has been a blessing.
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
I think anyone who goes out there and plays has a lot to be proud of.
But don’t let that stop you from believing and trying again."
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperience?
I don’t have any true regrets.
So I regret that decision in a sense.
But I also know why I made the decision in the moment.
Sia really helped take the sting out of not winning.
On the day of the fire-making challenge, there was a medical emergency among the crew.
I think a crew member had a heart attack.
Suddenly, crew members were running back and forth.
The three of us and Chris were herded into camp.
No one was there to film us.
Every member of the crew was focused 100 percent on the emergency.
The four of us just held hands and sent good vibes towards the sick crew member.
We did our best to stay out of the way and not add to a bad situation.
Some people on the island had lifesaving training, and the helicopter arrived fast.
I was told after the game that the crew member was okay.
The emergency did not affect the actual fire-making challenge in any way.
I had plenty of practice before it happened.
But it did give me a healthy dose of perspective.
And on a lighter note.
Day 1, on the ship before the marooning.
We meet Jeff for the first time.
Jeff: “What’s your name?”
The Wardog: “The Wardog.”
Me: “This is awkward, but my name is also The Wardog.”
Those were the first words out of my mouth onSurvivor.
How do you feel about the edit you got on the show?
I was very pleased with the edit I got onSurvivor.
It showed my highs and lows, my good moves and my… not so good moves.
I definitely think it reflected what I experienced on the islands.
They included MOST of my best one-liners.
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
I went straight back to work as a news anchor and as a dad.
I think having to get right back in the mix is a good distraction.
That being said, I did have my moments.
These are my dear friends.
We finish talking and they walk out of the studio.
My mind immediately jumps to, “They’re working together.”
My news director also mentioned later that I seemed zoned out for my first couple weeks back.
I think my mind was still in Fiji.
These are things I wasn’t doing beforeSurvivor.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your season?
The people from my season that I speak to the most are Julie andGavin.
My wife, Becca, got close to all the loved ones during family visit.
It was a great bunch.
Gavin and I also play Fortnite every Thursday withStephen Fishbachand our great friend, Adam.
Adam’s not a Survivor, so we boot him ifCochranshows up.
I talk with my good buddy, Chris Underwood, all the time.
Also, pre-pandemic, I got to room with my pal, Aurora, at Hearts of Reality.
She and Becca were fast friends.
It’s always great to touch base, but they’re busy folks leading productive lives!
Wendy’s boyfriend, Janni, is such a cool, chill guy.
I think he’d do great onSurvivor.
I’ve also gotten to make a lot of other great friends throughSurvivor.
Now I’m constantly hounding my great buddy, Wendell, for advice and love to watch his success.
Rob Cesternino has been terrific.
He also gets hounded for advice.
Sunday was such a special and positive person.
I’m so sad that she recentlylost her fight to cancer.
you’re able to still support her family by sending love anddonating to Sunday’s gofundme.
I’m still a hugeSurvivorfan.
My parents and I have started rewatching seasons together.
My favorite season isHeroes vs. Villains.
I’m admittedly a major “casual” when it comes to how I enjoy the show.
Who’s one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
There are so many players I would be thrilled to play with.
I geek out when I meet castaways, which reminds me of a story.
I was at casting week with mostlyDavid vs. Goliathpeople.
One of those people was Mike White.
I recognized him right away.
I’m a big fan.
I wanted to play with him so badly.
I went on and on.
And sadly, I’ve had no contact with Mr. White since finals week.
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor,what would it be and why?
I’m the worst at this sort of thing.
I’m excited about the initiatives for more diverse casting.
I like thatSurvivortries new things.
That’s why it’s been on for 40 seasons.
Speaking selfishly, let’s have returnees on every season.
It works forThe Challenge, right?
Finally, would you play again if asked?
Becca has given her permission, so I’m ready to roll.
