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41
Emily FlippenSeason: Survivor 45
Age: 30
Hometown: McKinney, Tex.
Current Residence: Laurel, Md.
Current Occupation: Investment Analyst
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I never thought I would play again, and it is surreal to be chosen and in Fiji. While I felt content with my journey on Survivor 45, the longer I had to reflect on it, the more unhappy I was with the note I left on. I’m back for season 50 to prove that yes, I did learn something the first time, but also you don’t have to change who you are to learn to be “soft” or “complacent” to do well.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
I got married! The fact that someone agreed to spend the rest of their life with me has given me a bit of social confidence that I’ll probably need out there.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? There wasn't a lot I was proud of on season 45, but if I had to choose I’d say the amount of self-reflection and course correcting I did. As for what I want another shot at, well, first impressions of course!
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
Depending on who you ask, I think one could view me as either loud-mouthed and aggressive or loyal and direct. Smart ones will know I am both! I won’t “manage” that perception. If I could change who I am I would’ve done it a long time ago.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
One of my biggest mistakes in season 45 was being too close-minded and failing to be flexible. This time around, I want to seize opportunities to align with people on the outs while still trusting my gut.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
No rice. No supplies. If we had to suffer they ALL should suffer.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
As with season 45, I’ll continue to say my Dad. He has always taught me that you have to be willing to put yourself out there, take risks, and seize life by the horns.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I probably won’t be. If I am, something crazy has happened. Which means...if I’m gonna win I’ll need to cause some chaos!
42
Jonathan YoungSeason: Survivor 42
Age: 32
Hometown: Godsden, Ala.
Current Residence: Gulf Shores, Ala.
Current Occupation: Beach service owner
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
Survivor is the greatest game ever played! Survivor 42 opened my eyes to different things that helped me grow as a person. When I came home from 42, I was very thankful for everything I had waiting for me at home. Being on an island starving is very humbling. It is such an honor to be chosen for this huge season.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Mr. Rob (Boston Rob) is one of my good friends now. He has been such a huge help. Every chance I get, I go listen and learn from the legend himself.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? I am proud of how I left the game, with nothing left in the tank. I felt like I fought the good fight. My social game is going to be a little different this time.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
My reputation is that I will be good at challenges, fishing, and helping a lot around the camp. That’s all I want them to think of me. I want them to think I don’t have a strategic bone in my body.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
1. Try to see the game through my opponents’ eyes, not just my own.
2. Smile!
3. No one is here to help me win. Never trust anyone too much.
4. Keep it simple, worry about what I can control.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I hope everyone voted for no rice so the contestants will need me to catch them some food.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Mr. Lex Luger because he shows me how to live for God through the way he lives. My dad, because of his courage and strength. Mr. Rob (Boston Rob); he is so successful in the entertainment world but comes home to his beautiful family with arms wide open. He is a great dad and a great friend. I want to be like that someday.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Most of the players have played with at least one other person out here. Not me – I am a free agent and don’t have that target on my back. I don’t think my strategy was shown in season 42, which is great now that I am back for season 50.
43
Rick DevensSeason: Edge of Extinction
Age: 41
Hometown: Blacksburg, Va.
Current Residence: Macon, Ga.
Current Occupation: Director of Communications at Middle Georgia State University. Go Knights?
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
It was such a gift to play Survivor once and I’m beyond grateful to play again. Being chosen to participate in such a landmark season is a dream and knowing all the castaways that did not make it here is humbling. Survivor has given me so much. I'm back for more.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
I lost my father-in-law, my grandmother, and my uncle. Life is precious and nothing is guaranteed. It’s so important to find joy in everything. For a long time, I felt immense pressure to play again and do well. Now, I feel I have a much healthier perspective. I’m going to play HARD and play to win, but joyfully and with a joyful spirit.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
I won four individual immunities, and the Edge of Extinction challenge. I also hold the Survivor record for Hidden Immunity Idols played in a season. I played two for myself and two for friends. I’d love to win more immunities and find more idols, but I also look forward to showing I have a strong social/strategic game and look forward to working with some of these Legends to control the vote here and there.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
I believe I’m seen as a scrappy player who relies on advantages and immunities to make it through the game. The healthy egos on this cast probably won’t see me as a challenge threat despite my record. Good. I’ll need to be careful searching for advantages. I played a very loyal game the first time around and hope I can use that to my advantage.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
My dad assures me that I’m better at suffering than others. So, I don’t care about food and shelter. I want to build strong relationships with everyone and never close doors or burn bridges the way I almost did my first time playing. I’d like to be someone other castaways have fun playing the game with. That being said, I also want to be clever, chaotic, and bold with advantages whether they’re real or fake.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Let’s not do fire making this time, okay?
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why? My wife, Becca, is the most generous and thoughtful person I’ve ever known (her and my mom). She gives so much without asking for anything in return. People are drawn to her because of her kindness and because she’s very funny. My kids are also incredibly funny and teach me something new every day.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Why not? With the big players (many are literally huge) and a cloud of Old School vs New School hanging over this season, I feel I’m in a terrific spot to plot my way to the end. I’ll need to hustle, be clever, use my guile, and find some luck but that’s exactly what I came to Fiji to do.
44
Mike WhiteSeason: David vs. Goliath
Age: 54
Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.
Current Residence: Hanalei, Hawaii
Current Occupation: Writer/director
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I feel like I got an invite to a very exclusive party and it would be rude to decline. This is a milestone for the show and for the culture and for everyone whose lives (like mine) have been changed by the show.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
I have been working nonstop the last five years in a highly scrutinized and high-pressure job, dealing with lots of high-maintenance people with big personalities (and egos!). I think this will feel like a cake walk.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? I am most proud of making it to the final three of my season and winning the fire making challenge. This time, I hope to find my own idol.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
I think my reputation is that I am a likable player who is a stealth strategist. I think I have a target on my back and will have to appear harmless if I don’t want to end up a trophy on someone else’s wall.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
I want this to be a great, iconic season. I am going to use my skills as a storyteller to influence my fellow players and the outcome of the game. Boring players beware.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I hope the votes influence the producers to minimize random advantages and twists. Character is plot; great characters create great stories.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspirations are my parents. Positive, resilient, adventurous, empathetic dreamers both! I try my best to approach life like they do.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I don’t think I will but I hope I survive the bloodbath long enough to help make this season worthy of the milestone of 50!
45
Angelina KeeleySeason: David vs. Goliath
Age: 35
Hometown: Sparks, Nev.
Current Residence: San Diego, Calif.
Current Occupation: Entrepreneur/Small business owner
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I’m coming for that crown! I feel insanely grateful. Getting to play Survivor once is a dream, getting to play twice and on a monumental anniversary season is unreal. I don’t take the opportunity lightly; I’m going to play my heart out.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Hands down, becoming a mother! Becoming a mom is transformative, expansive, and powerful. It’s taught me patience, made my heart grow, and challenged me. Now, I’m ready for a motherquake on season 50.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? I’m proud to have made it all 39 days and for being the last woman standing on David vs Goliath. I want another shot at the final Tribal Council – this time I’ll bring the heat. Also, I didn’t mention it much on DvG, but I got rice for the whole tribe!!
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
Negotiator of Rice. Climber of ladders. Connoisseur of Jackets. I’ve got big character energy and people who have never met me will underestimate me. My plan is to take all those pieces of me that made for entertaining TV and marry that with my love of people, ability to forge deep connections and play a more humble and vulnerable game. I’ll still be as fierce and confident as ever though.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Have fun, play hard, and win.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
With Survivor, less is more. Less advantages and strategic power. Back to the basics of what makes this show pure magic - people being people. Live Finale! And my hot take: I want fire-making. I love making fire and would love the chance to compete in the final 4 showdown.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My two incredible daughters – Sophia and Gabrielle. They are my life’s greatest gift and biggest inspiration. They make me want to be the best version of myself. This time I‘m playing for them.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Because I’m coming in hot – literally – with a jacket this time! Now I’ll be truly unstoppable.
46
Christian HubickiSeason: David vs. Goliath
Age: 39
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
Current Residence: Tallahassee, Fla.
Current Occupation: Robotics Professor
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
Too many reasons to count, the prestige, the unfinished business, the break from writing research grants… but mainly it’s the most intellectually inspiring experience I’ve ever had. But to be selected from a vast pool of 700 contestants is more than flattering – it provokes introspection. It’s important for me to internalize the reasons that got me here to best use them on the island.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Becoming a professor and starting a robotics lab. I learned to be a leader. My students and research assistants count on me for guidance, their graduation, and even their paychecks. It’s all on me to lead them to do great work and discover great ideas. There’s no room for self-doubt.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
Aside from holding Jeff Probst hostage to a five-and-a-half hour ramble? Finding an idol with a breadth-first search algorithm. I still show that sequence in graduate-level robotics lectures. Another shot at? I actually have a few more questions for Jeff.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
On David vs. Goliath, I was seen as smart, kind, funny, and a capable underdog, and thus labeled the “David” who was narratively destined to win in the minds of my opponents. That reputation got me 18 votes. Joy. This time I won’t let others drive the narrative. I’ll shape it myself to my benefit.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Last time I viewed Survivor as a game of politicking votes. That was true but incomplete. From watching Mike White play, I realized that Survivor is narrative warfare. The battle for the best story. The story that dominates the thinking of your opponents. If you create the most persuasive story, then you control the game.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Obviously, the live finale. It’s a killer experience and these new era kiddos should have that treat. But game-wise, what’s more important than what wins is the uncertainty of the outcome. This allows us to invent advantages that don’t exist and create room for creative maneuvers.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My newborn son, Michael. He’s six weeks old as of this writing. I can see his face when I close my eyes. It’s a reminder of the joy of his life, but also the cost of being away. The recordings of me reading baby books and his robotic bassinet may soothe him, but they cannot replace our time apart. This has to be for him. To teach him to never accept limitations.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
On Survivor: David vs Goliath, I was only just realizing I had track for the game. Now I’ve refined it into weapons grade Hubickium. My core game philosophy is innovative and solid. Most of all, I’ve got someone to fight for.
47
Chrissy HofbeckSeason: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers
Age: 54
Hometown: Lebanon Township, N.J.
Current Residence: The Villages, Fla.
Current Occupation: Actuary
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I love this game! I am beyond grateful to have been chosen for 50. Having watched since season 1 episode 1 (in real time!) and now getting to play with some of the most iconic players in 49 seasons feels surreal.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Two years ago I learned that I carried the BRCA gene mutation which puts me at a very high risk for certain cancers. Eight weeks later I was on the operating table having my breasts, ovaries, and fallopian tubes removed. I was reminded that I can do big things bravely. So shortly after, my daughter Elise and I packed a couple backpacks and hiked the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile pilgrimage across Spain. I am still strong and tough.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
In season 35, I tied the record for the most individual immunity challenges won by a woman in a season (four). This season, I want to win.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
Who would’ve thought I’d be a “challenge beast” lol. This season I’ll mitigate that by purposefully not winning any individual reward challenges (I don’t want to burn bridges with those I choose to join me anyway) or the first immunity challenge. But at some point I’m going to have to turn on the gas.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Win.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I hope we minimize advantages especially games of chance. I love the strategy aspect of this game and “picking a box” or “flipping a coin” is definitely not a strategic element. And I hope we get a live reunion!
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
There isn’t one person. I am inspired daily by my husband, my kids, my sisters, my parents, my friends and my colleagues. I’ve been blessed with having built a life full of people who I love, admire and look up to.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I legitimately think I can win this season. I think old school and new era will target each other, leaving new school to glide through. As long as I can manage my threat level while facilitating the boot order that’s best for my game, I think I can play all sides... to the end.
48
Aubry BraccoSeasons: Kaoh Rong, Game Changers, Edge of Extinction
Age: 39
Hometown: Hampton Falls, N.H.
Current Residence: Hampton Falls, N.H.
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I have loved Survivor for 25 years. As a fan, I loved the adventure and the social experiment. As a player, I have loved both those things but I could never have imagined that the experiences on island would change my life in such significant ways. The lessons, though not always easy, have shaped my adulthood. The feeling of being chosen? I’m profoundly honored, grateful, and ready to go!
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
I’ve had two major life events equally as transformative since the last time I played. 1: I lived at Massachusetts General Hospital with my mom, sister, and aunt for over 100 days in 2022 while my dad went through the arduous process of receiving a new heart and undergoing a heart transplant. Through seven surgeries and countless complications, the experience showed me what true resilience is and reminded me that the impossible is possible (shoutout to the MGH cardiac ICU and entire cardiac team). 2: I met my incredible partner, Tyler, and we had a son, Odin (Odie) in 2022. Seeing his joy, curiosity and fearlessness reminds me to live in the moment. Plus, he keeps us on our toes.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
I’m most proud of diffusing the super idol in Kaoh Rong with Tai and going to the final 5 in Game Changers despite having a big target. I'm eager to get a shot at working on my social game intuition and proving to myself that I have what it takes to go to the end.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
I think there is some mystery about my game after my success in 34 and poor performance in 38 but I have always managed to get the “threat” label. I’m managing this by focusing on players as individuals, making 1:1 connections, and positioning myself as a level-headed friend and co-conspirator in a lineup of threats. I’m going to play up that I’m now a mom who has been out of the Survivor community for a little while to lessen my target.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
I want to return to my roots: sussing out a few 1:1 relationships that will get me through the game to form a web of different kinds of allies I can get info from and cobble together the numbers when Jeff’s new era trickery strikes. That said, I want to be more graceful and have more fun than I did in Kaoh Rong – I won’t be crossing out any names this time. Plus, I’m better about making decisive decisions and living with the results and adapting. I can thank starting my own marketing business for that shift from academic to entrepreneurial thinking.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I am here to expect the unexpected so I’m not getting hung up hoping for anything in particular, though I’m hoping for a live finale in LA. There’s nothing like a dysfunctional family reunion after you’ve had time to replay how you’ve backstabbed one another 10,000 times over.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My parents are my biggest inspiration in life. My dad for enduring his heart transplant ordeal and surviving against all odds and my mom for her undying loyalty and being the best teammate of all time!
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I will be the Sole Survivor because I am genuinely interested in other people and understanding their fears, dreams, and desires. I know that how you make people feel is more important than what you say. I’m fearless and refuse to quit. No matter what I face I know I have the fire to overcome and have nothing to lose because I already have it all at home.
49
Benjamin "Coach" WadeSeasons: Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, South Pacific
Age: 53
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Current Residence: Susanville, Calif.
Current Occupation: Music teacher and Coach and Super Dad!
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
The world has become a dark place, and I would like to share the light and joy that is in my life. Quite an honor to be here.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Having a family of 5 and waking up each morning on the bottom, ready to serve… not just to lead.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
Getting to FTC… this time not botching my speech.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
A character who tries to play with honor and integrity. Minimize the character, maximize the game.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Options open. Don’t pigeonhole myself into deals I might not keep. Be fluid in strategy, align with the unexpected, own my game.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Less twists.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My wife, Jessica, and three kids. Life is no longer about my accomplishments and ego, but the generational legacy I watch unfolding through my family.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Coach 4.0 will blow everyone away. But my goal is to not only win, but to make season 50 one of the most EPIC seasons!!
50
Oscar "Ozzy" LusthSeasons: Cook Islands, Micronesia, South Pacific, Game Changers
Age: 43
Hometown: Guanajuato City, Mexico
Current Residence: Guanajuato
Current Occupation: Owner of Xolazul; Music Venue, Vinyl Bar, Restaurant
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
Because I live for adventure and experiences. Survivor is the greatest adventure game to ever exist and I am here to win it. When Jeff personally asked me back, my soul erupted like an emotional volcano. Once that lava of passion for the game started flowing, nothing could stop it.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
After living in Venice Beach for twenty years, I packed everything up, I said goodbye to my friends and community and moved back to the town I was born in. I had an ambitious plan, a dream, to build a music venue, vinyl bar and restaurant in the historic Guanajuato City. By far, the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
I am more proud of sticking with the Aitu Four and decimating our competition to prevail against all odds. I am eager to have another shot at building a strong alliance to go to the end with!
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
My rep is that of a washed up challenge beast. I am going to play up my rep as a loyalist in my alliance…almost all my alliance members have gone on to win.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
I plan to make deep connections with everyone I come across, and I won’t be afraid to stab them in the back if need be.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I hope they don’t give us rice so my skills are more valued. I hope fire making remains, I hope there are idols. These all play to my strengths.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Ana and Ian from Finca Tierra Farm in Costa Rica. They teach a permaculture design course that has changed my life. I have a dream to create a similar farm near the beach in Mexico to teach regenerative agriculture.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Because I am one of the best to ever play the game.
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