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!

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