Beyond the Torch is a podcast hosted by Survivor: China castaways Leslie Nease and Todd Herzog—two lives forever changed by the greatest reality show of all time. As we approach the 50th season of Survivor, this podcast takes you behind the scenes, diving into the personal journeys of your favorite former castaways and how the game shaped (and sometimes unraveled) the trajectory of their lives. We’ll explore if their time on the show revealed any truths about the universe—or simply led to more questions. Whether you're a super-fan, a former player, or just curious what really happens after Tribal, join us as we explore the legacy advantage Survivor leaves behind.
Survivor Vanuatu's Chad Crittenden Beyond the Torch
Today on Beyond the Torch, Chad Crittenden joins Todd & Leslie and shares his incredible story of being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and deadly form of cancer, during his ninth year of teaching. After discovering a tumor on his foot that grew from peanut-sized to golf ball-sized, he faced a life-changing decision: undergo a wide excision that would leave him with a permanent limp, or choose amputation below the knee. He chose amputation and, remarkably, auditioned for Survivor during his recovery after watching Season 8 (All-Stars). His unique perspective and Mark Burnett's vision led to him concealing his prosthetic leg with pants, revealing it strategically on the show to explore how preconceived notions affect people's perceptions. Chad discusses the physical and mental challenges of competing, his alliance dynamics, his friendship with Julie and Chris, and his post-Survivor life doing motivational speaking (including a TED Talk and speaking to the royal family in Abu Dhabi). He's now a PE teacher, continuing to inspire children by demonstrating what people with disabilities can achieve.
20 Jan 2026
Rob Mariano (Boston Rob) Beyond the Torch
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. Rob also gives great insight on how to play the game of Survivor strategically! If you're a Survivor fan, this is a must-listen episode!
13 Jan 2026
Brian Corridan from Survivor Guatemala Beyond the Torch
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!
6 Jan 2026
Tina Wesson, Survivor Winner Beyond the Torch
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 🎧✨
25 Nov 2025
Survivor Fiji's Anthony Robinson Beyond the Torch
In this final episode of 2025 of "Beyond the Torch," we welcome Anthony Robinson, a memorable castaway from Survivor: Fiji, for a deep dive into his experiences both on and off the show. The conversation weaves through Anthony’s journey as a self-described "blurred" (Black nerd), his unique path to being cast, the challenges of representation and stereotypes on reality TV, and the emotional impact of Survivor on his life. The episode also touches on the power of fandom, the realities of online interactions, and Anthony’s post-Survivor adventures in immersive theater and gaming. Listeners are treated to candid reflections, humorous anecdotes, and thoughtful discussions about identity, vulnerability, and personal growth. This is our final episode for this year, but we will be back in January with some brand new episodes Beyond the Torch!
18 Nov 2025
Survivor Nicaragua's Dr. Jill Behm: Beyond the Torch
This episode features a lively and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Jill Behm from Survivor: Nicaragua, delving into her unique journey to the show, her experiences as an introvert in a high-stakes social game, and the enduring friendships formed through Survivor. The hosts and Jill reminisce about the early days of Survivor fandom, the evolution of casting, and the challenges of playing in tough locations like Nicaragua. The episode also explores the impact of Survivor on personal growth, the importance of community among contestants, and the quirks of Survivor memorabilia. Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on game strategy, and the camaraderie that defines the Survivor family.
11 Nov 2025
Survivor Gabon's Gillian Larson Beyond the Torch
Imagine finally being selected as a Castaway on Survivor after 18 auditions and realizing your experience was nothing like you'd hoped it would be. Gillian Larsenwas 61 years old when she was cast on the show and she had a rough time fitting in on her season of Survivor Gabon, but she didn't let that stop her from using the experience to create a fundraising event (Reality Rally) that raised tons of money for Michele's Place, a cancer resource center. Gillian has had such a beautiful and exciting life (and she shares it in great detail - you'll love it!) and she has learned to take the tough experiences in life and make good from them. We know you'll be inspired today as you hear her journey to, through and beyond the torch!
4 Nov 2025
Survivor Fiji & Fans Vs. Favorites: Yau Man Chan Beyond the Torch
This week on Beyond the Torch, we welcome Survivor legend Yau-Man Chan for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation. Yau-Man shares stories from his time on Survivor Fiji and Micronesia, revealing his analytical approach to the game, the cultural impact of Survivor, and his personal journey from Borneo to the United States. The discussion covers his unique strategies in challenges, the origins of the fake idol, reflections on social dynamics, and the life lessons he’s drawn from both Survivor and his scientific career. The episode is filled with humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, as Yau-Man, Todd & Leslie connect over their shared experiences and the enduring legacy of Survivor.
28 Oct 2025
Millennials vs. GenX's Jay Starrett Beyond the Torch
In this episode, Todd & Leslie welcome Jay Starrett, known for his appearance on Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X and MTV’s The Challenge. The conversation dives into Jay’s Survivor journey, his casting experience, memorable moments from the show, and the strong bonds formed with his castmates. Jay shares behind-the-scenes stories, reflects on how reality TV changed his outlook on life, and discusses his entrepreneurial ventures and personal growth. The episode is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and candid insights into the realities of competing on Survivor and The Challenge.
21 Oct 2025
Survivor Africa, All-Stars & Winners at War's Ethan Zohn Beyond the Torch
Today, Todd and Leslie go Beyond the Torch with Survivor Africa Winner, All-Star and Winners at War player, Ethan Zohn! Prepare to laugh a lot, cry a little and find out all sorts of behind the scenes fun facts with Ethan today! He is so transparent and open about his life journey, which includes some pretty harrowing battles with cancer. He's a Survivor in more ways than one, friends! Don't miss our conversation with Ethan, and if you love it, share it with a friend who also loves Survivor!
14 Oct 2025
Survivor China & Heroes vs. Villains Courtney Yates Beyond the Torch
Todd and Leslie are absolutely thrilled to welcome their tribe-mate and friend, Courtney Yates to the podcast today! This one is PACKED with tons of Survivor Tea, behind the scenes stories and a lot of fun updates on Courtney's life today! If you were a fan of her on Survivor China or Heroes Vs. Villains, you'll love her even more after you hear this podcast!
7 Oct 2025
Survivor China's Frosti Zernow Beyond the Torch
In this episode of "Beyond the Torch," hosts Leslie Nease and Todd Herzog reunite with their fellow Survivor: China castmate, Frosti Zernow, for a heartfelt and lively conversation. The trio reminisces about their time on Survivor, the impact of the show on their lives, and share behind-the-scenes stories, including Frosti's unique journey from parkour athlete to reality TV contestant. The episode also features a touching fan voicemail, reflections on personal growth, and updates on Frosti's adventurous post-Survivor life, including his career, family, and travels.
30 Sept 2025
Two-Time Survivor Champ Sandra Diaz-Twine Beyond the Torch
Get ready for a wild ride on "Beyond the Torch" as Leslie and Todd welcome the legendary Sandra Diaz-Twine, two-time winner of the Survivor and truly a Queen both on the show and off! This episode is packed with laughter, heartfelt stories, and behind-the-scenes secrets. From Sandra’s humble beginnings and her journey to Survivor stardom, to hilarious tales of corn mazes shaped like her face and bargain-hunting adventures, you’ll see why Sandra is beloved by fans and castaways alike. The conversation dives deep into friendship, family, and the life-changing power of reality TV, all sprinkled with Sandra’s signature humor and warmth.
23 Sept 2025
Survivor One World & Game Changers Troyzan Beyond the Torch
Let's go Beyond the Torch with the memorable and iconic Castaway, Troyzan! Troyzan shares his long and determined journey to finally being cast on Survivor, including years of audition tapes and near-misses. The discussion covers his experiences on the show, the evolution of Survivor over the years, the impact of editing, and the sense of family within the Survivor community. The episode also delves into Troyzan’s personal life, his "new relationship" with another iconic castaway, and the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, authenticity, and embracing change both on and off the island.
16 Sept 2025
Survivor Tocantins Debbie (Beebe) Flowers Beyond the Torch
In this episode of "Beyond the Torch," Todd Herzog and Leslie Nease welcome Debbie Flowers (known as Debbie Beebe when she was a castaway), from Survivor Tocantins, for an open and emotional conversation. Debbie shares how Survivor profoundly changed her life, helping her find the strength to leave an abusive relationship and discover her self-worth. The discussion covers behind-the-scenes stories, the impact of vulnerability on the show, the enduring bonds between cast members, and the powerful ways Survivor connects and transforms both players and fans.
9 Sept 2025
Lynne Spillman, Former Survivor Casting Director
Today on Beyond the Torch, Leslie and Todd sit down with Lynne Spillman, the legendary former head of casting for Survivor and other reality shows. Lynne shares her unconventional journey from a career in sales to becoming a pivotal figure in reality TV, recounting behind-the-scenes stories about casting, the evolution of Survivor, and the impact of authentic storytelling. The conversation delves into the casting process, memorable contestants, the importance of being genuine, and the unique bonds formed through the Survivor experience. Lynne also reflects on her current projects, her entrepreneurial venture with Mahjong, and offers candid advice for aspiring reality TV participants.
2 Sept 2025
Survivor China's Peih Gee Law Beyond the Torch
We open our castaway interviews on Beyond the Torch with Survivor China legend Peih Gee.! The conversation dives deep into Peih Gee’s journey on Survivor: China, exploring the physical and emotional challenges she faced, the strategies and alliances that shaped her game, and the personal growth she experienced both during and after the show. We had the most fun reminiscing about the grueling conditions, memorable cast dynamics, and behind-the-scenes stories, while also reflecting on the impact Survivor had on all of our lives. Peih Gee shares how the experience helped her find confidence, community, and a new sense of purpose, leading to her creative ventures in jewelry design, podcasting, and building connections through games.
26 Aug 2025
Todd Herzog & Leslie Nease: Beyond the Torch
In the premier episode of "Beyond the Torch with Todd and Leslie," Todd Herzog and Leslie Nease introduce their new podcast, welcoming Survivor fans and sharing their excitement about upcoming episodes featuring stories of Survivor contestants and fans. They discuss how the show has impacted their lives and recount the beginning of their friendship and experiences from their time on Survivor: China, including the struggles and triumphs they faced. The episode features a fan call from Matt, a longtime Survivor enthusiast, whose personal story illustrates how the show inspired him to apply for the competition. Todd and Leslie also reflect on their personal journeys, elaborating on Todd's struggle with alcoholism, his journey to sobriety, and Leslie's deconstruction of her religious beliefs. They emphasize the transformative power of their Survivor experiences and extend an invitation to fans to share their own stories on the podcast.
23 Jul 2025
Beyond the Torch Announcement! Coming August 26, 2025!
Announcement of Beyond the Torch--a new podcast that features interviews from former Survivors and asks the questions: Where are you now? How did the show change you? Do you have regrets? Did the show change the trajectory of your life? And more! Hosted by Survivor China Castaways Todd Herzog & Leslie Nease, Beyond the Torch will not only feature a new castaway with every episode, but also a segment called "The Fans Have Spoken" where they will share a story of how Survivor has touched or changed the lives of the fans of the show, too! Subscribe now and don't miss an episode when it starts August 26, 2025!
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