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!

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Courtney Yates recounts being scouted for Survivor at her restaurant job and initially refusing the offer.
• Behind-the-scenes casting stories, including the role of casting director Lynn Spillman.
• Reflections on Survivor: China, including alliances, first impressions, and memorable challenges.
• Emotional moments about friendship, loyalty, and the hardships faced during the game.
• Discussion of the "villain" label and how gender influenced perceptions on the show.
• Courtney’s transition from reluctant contestant to finalist and her evolving relationship with the game.
• Insights into life after Survivor, including the lasting impact of public recognition and digital legacy.
• Courtney’s current work as an astrology teacher and her offer to connect with fans through her school.
• The importance of fan engagement and the Survivor community’s ongoing influence.
• Teasers for future episodes and special astrology readings for Survivor alumni.
• Find out more about Courtney's Astrology School at www.astrocollege.com!

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.

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.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Frosti shares how he was cast on Survivor: China as the youngest contestant at the time, and his background in parkour, including performing on a Madonna tour.
• Todd, Leslie & Frosti discuss the deep bonds and "family" feeling formed during Survivor, and how the experience changed their perspectives on life.
• A fan voicemail highlights the positive influence of Survivor cast members, particularly Courtney, on viewers' self-image and confidence.
• Frosti recounts behind-the-scenes stories, such as carrying Leslie’s suitcase up a thousand stairs and his failed attempt at hunting on the island.
• The group reflects on the challenges of Survivor, including hunger, boredom, and the emotional toll of voting out close friends.
• Frosti talks about his post-Survivor adventures: acting in commercials and movies, competing on Ninja Warrior, and working on Emmy-nominated projects.
• Updates on Frosti’s current life: living abroad as a digital nomad, raising a family, and continuing to seek new challenges and creative opportunities.
• The episode ends with a call to action for fans to petition for Frosti’s return to Survivor, and warm expressions of friendship and gratitude among the castmates.

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.

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.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Sandra reveals how she went from military life to Survivor legend—winning twice!
• Heartfelt fan stories about how Survivor helped them through tough times.
• Hilarious recounting of a corn maze in Missouri shaped like Sandra’s face (and getting lost in it!).
• Sandra’s tips for bargain shopping—even after winning $2 million!
• Behind-the-scenes casting secrets and what it’s really like to be labeled a “villain.”
• The importance of Survivor’s fan community and how it’s changed the castaways’ lives.
• Fun facts: Sandra’s love for animals, puzzles, and her “animal sanctuary” at home.
• Honest talk about reality TV fame, family, and why Sandra is still so down-to-earth.

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.