Talking With T-Bird - Survivor Old School Interviews with Teresa "T-Bird" Cooper and Rob Cesternino

About Talking With T-Bird - Survivor Old School Interviews with Teresa "T-Bird" Cooper and Rob Cesternino

Survivor Africa’s Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper and Rob Cesternino catch up with iconic Survivor players in the popular series from Rob Has a Podcast

Publisher

Rob Has a Podcast

Category

tv & film · tv & film · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 May 2019

Latest episode

15 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

2 of 71 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   15 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Talking with T-Bird: Wanda Shirk

   Teresa "T-Bird" Cooper and Rob Cesternino interview Wanda Shirk about her unique Survivor: Palau experience and lasting legacy.

2. 

   22 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Talking with T-Bird: Sue Hawk

   Talking with T-Bird: Sue Hawk Watch this podcast on YouTube (https://youtu.be/a-rbqb43YZo)! The time has come for the return of “Talking with T-Bird.” Each episode, Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino (https://twitter.com/robcesternino)) and Survivor: Africa‘s Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper (@tbirdcooper (https://twitter.com/tbirdcooper)) will catch up with a former Survivor player and talk about anything and take listener questions. Just when you think you know Survivor 50, the legends themselves return to shake things up. Host Rob Cesternino teams up with T-Bird Cooper for a memorable “Talking with T-Bird” deep dive, retracing the roots of Survivor history and connecting it with the unpredictable energy of the current season. This episode stands out as T-Bird finally tracks down the elusive Sue Hawk, whose raw, unfiltered perspective on Survivor Borneo still sets the standard for honest gameplay and legendary jury speeches. Survivor 50 is back in the spotlight as Rob and T-Bird relive Sue’s iconic story, all while comparing early Survivor’s “wild west” style to the fast-paced idol hunts, immunity twists, and softer conditions of the modern game. Sue doesn’t hold back, critiquing how much easier conditions seem now—from 26-day seasons to the abundance of clothes and comforts—and reflecting on the real threats and alliances that shaped Borneo. She breaks down the truth behind those first alliances, the sting of betrayal, and why every move on Survivor comes with lasting consequences, both in the game and back in the real world. Key discussion points include: – Sue’s behind-the-scenes journey from “off the grid” legend to Survivor All-Star, and how she finally agreed to talk after years of letters and texts with T-Bird – Insights into Survivor Borneo’s original alliances and Sue’s “snake and rat” speech that rocked reality TV – Raw comparisons between old-school survival—sand fleas, rain, boredom, and bush medicine—versus Survivor 50’s so-called “softball” era – How modern twists (idols, shortened seasons) impact the intensity and credibility of winning – Reflections on loyalty, trust, and what it really means to survive—on the island and beyond As Rob and T-Bird revisit Sue’s legacy, they question whether today’s players could endure old-school hardships or if strategic complexity now outweighs environmental grit. Can emotional honesty still change the game, or has the new era made it all about flash and fleeting power? Dive into this episode for Survivor storytelling that bridges generations, reveals hard truths, and keeps your torch burning for what’s coming next. Listen now to see Survivor 50 through the eyes of legends—and decide for yourself if the game will ever be the same. Chapters: 0:00 T-Bird’s Epic Sue Hawk Journey 2:47 Landing the Elusive Sue Hawk Interview 6:07 Borneo Origins: Sue’s Survivor Backstory 14:25 Survivor Softballs: New Era Critique 19:17 Creating the Gilligan’s Island Audition 24:56 The Wild Survivor Casting Process 32:59 Crafting the Legendary Final Speech 39:03 Growing Up Tough in Wisconsin 45:56 Adventures Hunting Bears in Russia 1:14:21 Losing Out on Survivor Endorsements 1:26:20 The Missed All-Girls Alliance Opportunity 1:35:38 From Horses to Trucking Life 1:45:09 Playing With Sue: Rob Reflects 1:55:04 Hero or Villain: Sue’s Survivor Legacy 2:21:40 T-Bird’s Toast to Sue Hawk Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed (https://shor.by/survivorfeed) WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhUCekA62vQ-rH2CWPz6WgCEMqoFVNBWM) SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron (https://www.patreon.com/RHAP) for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

3. 

   9 Aug 2026

   Talking with T-Bird: Amy O’Hara

   Talking with T-Bird: Amy O’Hara The time has come for the return of “Talking with T-Bird.” Each episode, Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino (https://twitter.com/robcesternino)) and Survivor: Africa‘s Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper (@tbirdcooper (https://twitter.com/tbirdcooper)) will catch up with a former Survivor player and talk about anything and take listener questions. Survivor: Guatemala takes center stage as Rob Cesternino is joined by Survivor legend T-Bird and special guest Amy O’Hara for a spirited edition of Talking with T-Bird. Together, they look back at the grit, chaos, and unforgettable moments that shaped Survivor’s 11th season, highlighting the brutal physical challenges, dramatic tribe dynamics, and behind-the-scenes stories that never made it to air. The episode begins with Amy sharing what it was like to join Survivor: Guatemala at the last minute, having only a week’s notice before heading into the Mayan jungle. She reflects on the infamous 12-mile hike that turned into a 20-mile ordeal, and how her background as a Boston police officer helped her survive both the elements and her fellow competitors. Rob and T-Bird dive into the impact of early idol twists, the struggles of competing on an injured ankle, and the surprising relationships forged in the wild — plus, Amy gets heartwarming video messages from fellow castaways like Stephenie and Danni. – Amy describes the mental and physical toll of the record-breaking opening hike and the challenge of adapting as a self-described non-camper – The team unpacks how Amy’s detective skills in reading body language did (and didn’t) give her an edge in camp strategy – Behind-the-scenes chaos: from being attacked by a swarm of bees to the real stories of Golden Boy and baiting Blake at camp – The cost of honesty and holding back in confessionals, as Amy and Danni both reflect on why they kept secrets from producers – Amy’s transition from Survivor contestant to stand-up comedian, and her viral moments off the island Will old-school toughness and loyalty ever make a comeback in the new Survivor? Can Amy’s storytelling skills from Survivor bring her stand-up to new heights? Dive in as the crew relives the wildest moments of Survivor: Guatemala and looks ahead to what makes the game truly unforgettable. Join us for untold stories, strategic breakdowns, and laughs from Survivor: Guatemala, only on Talking with T-Bird! Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed (https://shor.by/survivorfeed) WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhUCekA62vQ-rH2CWPz6WgCEMqoFVNBWM) SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron (https://www.patreon.com/RHAP) for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Inside a recent episode

Talking with T-Bird: Wanda Shirk

Published 15 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] That was an amazing introduction. I can't believe you knew that much about me. Yes, Rhonda. Hey, Rhonda. Happy to see you. Well, Rob, I am happy to see you, too. It's been a long time. Yes. We shared one night together in Olean, and I was so happy to meet you then. And I look forward to talking with you again today. Good. Well, I'm very excited to have you here. And Wanda, you seem like you're doing great. I am. So for my 77th birthday, I climbed the highest mountain in the Catskills, Slide Mountain, 4,184 feet. And it is the eastern terminus of the 584 mile Finger Lakes Trail, which I've been hiking over a period of years. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

30 ratings

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