This week Leslie & guest-co-host Courtney sit down with the legendary "Boston"Rob Mariano. They dive into Rob's long and memorable Survivor career, his strategies, memorable moments, and behind-the-scenes insights. They talk about what he would say to himself back on that Marquesas beach so many years ago if he got a chance to "mentor" himself back then, and find out what he really thought about those gigantic statues of him and Sandra, and why he won't ever play Survivor again. If you're a Survivor fan, this is a must-listen episode!

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Boston Rob shares his thoughts on the evolution of Survivor strategy.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Rob's multiple seasons.
• Discussion on the challenges and advantages of returning players.
• Courtney Yates adds her unique perspective and humor.
• Insights into the social dynamics and alliances that shaped the game.
• Reflections on the most memorable moments and twists in Survivor history.

Beyond the Torch is hosted by Todd Herzog & Leslie Nease from Survivor China. Produced and edited by Leslie Nease. Artwork by Leslie Nease. To contact them, email BeyondtheTorch@gmail.com!

This podcast is a love letter to Survivor and the people who played it — but just to be clear, we're not connected to CBS or the official Survivor franchise. Just superfans and former castaways telling our stories beyond the torch.

Leave a voicemail for us if you're a Super Fan who wants to share how Survivor changed your life or if you have a question or idea for our show! We love to include the fans!!

Special THANK YOU to our sponsor, Quoircast! They make this podcast possible, along with lots of other interesting podcasts they help bring to life! Check out their platform HERE!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Leslie and guest co-host Courtney Yates welcome Brian Corridan, Survivor: Guatemala alum! We reminisce about our Survivor experiences, the evolution of the show, and the enduring community that has formed around it. We also discuss the challenges of casting, the intensity of the game, and the personal growth (or lack thereof) that comes from playing. How many times did Brian audition? What finally got him cast after making finals 3 times? What is he up to now? Find out this and more on this episode of Beyond the Torch!

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Brian Corridan shares his journey to being cast on Survivor, including multiple audition attempts and his unique “insult theory” that helped him stand out.
• Leslie, Courtney and Brian reflect on the differences between old-school and new-era Survivor, including casting, challenges, and the changing nature of fame.
• A fan voicemail from Delilah illustrates the deep impact Survivor has on its audience and the sense of community it fosters.
• Behind-the-scenes stories about the grueling 11-mile hike in Guatemala, crocodile-infested waters, and the hardships contestants faced.
• Discussion of the Survivor alumni community, the “wine and cheese” group, and the lasting friendships formed through the show.
• Honest talk about the emotional aftermath of being on Survivor, dealing with online criticism, and the importance of self-acceptance.
• Brian offers advice for listeners feeling stripped down by life, emphasizing the value of community and kindness.
• The episode closes with gratitude, laughter, and a reminder that Survivor is more than a game—it’s a lifelong connection for many.

Beyond the Torch is hosted by Todd Herzog & Leslie Nease from Survivor China. Produced and edited by Leslie Nease. Artwork by Leslie Nease. To contact them, email BeyondtheTorch@gmail.com!

This podcast is a love letter to Survivor and the people who played it — but just to be clear, we're not connected to CBS or the official Survivor franchise. Just superfans and former castaways telling our stories beyond the torch.

Leave a voicemail for us if you're a Super Fan who wants to share how Survivor changed your life or if you have a question or idea for our show! We love to include the fans!!

Special THANK YOU to our sponsor, Quoircast! They make this podcast possible, along with lots of other interesting podcasts they help bring to life! Check out their platform HERE!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re back!!! Welcome to Beyond the Torch 2026! We’re kicking things off in the best way possible. Guest host Courtney Yates joins Leslie for a real, raw, and honestly iconic conversation with Tina Wesson, Survivor winner & returnee!

From being cast as an alternate (wild) to becoming a Survivor legend, to returning with her daughter on Survivor: Blood vs. Water, Tina opens up about it all. The wins, the losses, the growth—and yes, she spills some tea.

They dive into how Survivor has changed over the years, what it’s really like playing as a “normal” person (aka not a superfan strategist), and how the show shaped Tina’s life and family in ways she never expected.

Big themes: authenticity, evolving game dynamics, and the kind of lifelong bonds only Survivor can create. It’s heartfelt, fun, and full of moments you’ll be thinking about long after the episode ends.

Trust us—you’re gonna want to listen 🎧✨

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Tina reveals she was initially an alternate and almost didn’t make the cast.
• Insights into the casting process and the types of questions asked.
• Tina’s perspective on being a relatable, “ordinary” winner and the show’s early focus on regular people.
• Reflections on the evolution of Survivor, including changes in gameplay, alliances, and production.
• Stories from playing with her daughter Katie on "Blood vs. Water" and the unique challenges and joys of that experience.
• Discussion of the physical hardships of early Survivor seasons, including extreme starvation and longer durations.
• Tina’s approach to playing with integrity and letting people be themselves.
• The emotional and psychological impact of Survivor, including recurring dreams and the “trauma bond” among castaways.
• Fun behind-the-scenes stories from post-vote-out trips and Ponderosa.
• The hosts and Tina share who they’re rooting for in the upcoming Survivor season and reflect on the legacy of the show.

Beyond the Torch is hosted by Todd Herzog & Leslie Nease from Survivor China. Produced and edited by Leslie Nease. Artwork by Leslie Nease. To contact them, email BeyondtheTorch@gmail.com!

This podcast is a love letter to Survivor and the people who played it — but just to be clear, we're not connected to CBS or the official Survivor franchise. Just superfans and former castaways telling our stories beyond the torch.

Leave a voicemail for us if you're a Super Fan who wants to share how Survivor changed your life or if you have a question or idea for our show! We love to include the fans!!

Special THANK YOU to our sponsor, Quoircast! They make this podcast possible, along with lots of other interesting podcasts they help bring to life! Check out their platform HERE!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.