But it wasn’t all host dimples and fancy rewards.
SHIRIN OSKOOI:After I went onSurvivor, I went onSurvivoragain (briefly).
I ended up playing and studying it full-time, ultimately leading to what I’m doing now.
Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images
I also recently filmed a YouTube reality show calledSequester, created byBig Brotheralum Audrey Middleton.
It premieres in a couple weeks on Sunday, Nov. 29.
Here’s the trailer.
Well, there was more to it than what made the air.
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperiences?
My biggest regret is sharing food with those people.
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
I used to sing the theme song as a battle cry.
I would discuss the show to death with my friends, whether or not they watched it.
I made secret alliances to excel at arbitrary activities in everyday life.
My obsession with the show, and getting on it, became an intrinsic part of my identity.
I sent in a new video tool every year I was eligible for over a decade.
I didn’t win, but I achieved nearly all of my goals.
I won many reward challenges, enabling me to sightsee San Juan del Sur.
I went cliff rappelling, ziplining, and speed boating along the coast.
I saw a full mating ritual between howler monkeys in the jungle.
Much though I loved the entire experience, I endured a lot of discrimination and bullying from my castmates.
Then, I was voted out second, squandering my second shot.
I’ve ended more friendships from this show than I’ve maintained.
The handful I’ve held onto, though, are precious and inimitable.
Thinking back on it all, there’s a lot of joy tinged with a lot of pain.
I’m proudest that I came out of it all whole, stronger, and happier.
How do you feel about the edit you got on the show?
I’m really glad that came through.
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
It took about a year to become an exuberant weirdo again.
I have never regretted going on the show.
I do, however, wish I had said “no” to returning so soon.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your seasons?
I do still watchSurvivor, and season 7,Pearl Islands, is still my favorite season.
It has the best premiere of all time, iconic characters, and fluid, strategic gameplay.
Plus, quintessential Sandra; she can get loud, too.
The entireAustralian Survivorseries is also epic (shout-out Nick and Haz!).
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention college Survivors here.
Who’s one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor, what would it be and why?
Casting.Survivorneeds more risk-takers and unpredictability.
Branch out from the same old archetypes and cast some fresh takes.
Get daring with it: make them multi-dimensional.
Finally, would you play again if asked?
Yes, very likely.
