Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) is here to chat to the cast of Survivor 50! Join us to hear from your favorite returning Survivor players!

Today, Mike Bloom sits down with standout players Kyle Fraser and Q Burdette to talk all things strategy, reputation, and gameplay in anticipation of the landmark season. Mike dives deep into these returning castaways’ headspaces, exploring how recent wins, big personalities, and past moves shape their approach to Survivor 50. With a supersized cast and shifting alliances, every move counts, and both Kyle and Q are ready to state their case.

In this interview-packed episode, Mike Bloom explores Kyle Fraser’s journey from newest Sole Survivor to defending champion. Kyle shares what it’s like to play while his winning season is still fresh in everyone’s mind and reflects on navigating public perceptions, especially around his “secret trio” alliance with Joe and Kamilla. Kyle weighs the risks of being an obvious threat and how he plans to use ego management to his advantage, pointing to classic Survivor winners for inspiration. Q Burdette bursts in with his unique brand of energy, discussing fatherhood, the lessons learned from his last chaotic season, and his intention to lay low before unleashing his trademark big moves. Both contenders break down who they see as friends, foes, and frenemies in the game, identifying which castaways pose the biggest risks or could make the strongest allies. They also speculate about the mysterious “49ers”—the two fresh faces whose game tape is still a mystery.

– Kyle’s take on being underestimated and managing the target on his back as a recent winner

– Q’s “wagon” theory for dragging key allies, and his new approach to playing calm before the chaos

– Both contenders’ detailed friend-or-foe breakdowns for the Survivor 50 cast, revealing surprising trusts and threats

– The pair’s thoughts on legacy players like Sandra, Tony, and Earl, plus which Survivor legends they wish were joining this season

– Surprising strategies for jury management, spinning narratives, and tackling unpredictable wild cards

As the Survivor 50 season draws near, pressing questions set the stage: Can Kyle avoid getting blindsided as the defending champion? Will Q’s new “quiet Q” approach keep him safe, or will past chaos resurface? Who will get the upper hand when legends and under-the-radar players collide?

Chapters:
0:00 Intros
6:00 Kyle Discusses Managing His Ego
12:00 Friend or Foe Cast Assessment
18:00 Navigating Returning Player Dynamics
23:06 Kyle’s Narrative Spinning Strategy
27:35 Q’s New Approach Revealed
33:02 Idol Regrets and Lessons Learned
36:03 Q Targets Finalist Players
42:03 Alliance Thoughts: Genevieve, Joe, Kamilla
45:04 Mysterious 49ers: Threats and Suspicions
47:31 Q Admits Past Game Mistakes
48:51 Celebrity Loved One Dream Pick

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Welcome to RHAP’s coverage of ALL the Traitors iterations from around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The Traitors US is a high-stakes reality competition set in a secluded castle, where contestants must work together to complete challenges and earn a prize pot—while rooting out the secret traitors hidden among them.

Rob Cesternino and Pooya dig into The Traitors US Season 4, Episode 7, as the aftermath of the Black Banquet pushes the conflict between Rob and Candiace into the spotlight. With Rob and Candiace now sharing the turret and facing a major decision, the discussion zeroes in on crumbling alliances, split strategies, and the uncertain futures of both traders and faithfuls.

This episode breaks down the lingering tension from the Black Banquet and traces the main debates emerging among players and fans: Was Rob’s aggressive case against Lisa justified, or did Candiace’s offbeat vote reveal more about her own agenda? Rob and Pooya question whether these traders can repair their fractured alliance or are better off cutting ties and bringing someone new into the fold. International adaptations of the show come up as they weigh the effectiveness of recruitment strategy and the dangers of using new traitors as scapegoats.

Highlights from Rob and Pooya’s analysis include:

• Weighing the merits and pitfalls of recruiting a traitor for short-term gain versus building loyalty for the late game
• Dissecting Candiace’s explanation for her Rob vote, as shared in her recent TV appearance, and what it signals for her approach
• Assessing the shifting allegiances among the remaining Faithfuls, including how players like Mark, Johnny, and Tara stand out amidst the chaos
• Debating the best path forward for Rob and Candiace: fix the partnership for mutual benefit, or let the looming civil war play out
• Rethinking the banquet’s twists and how a drawn-out poisoning reveal could have reshaped the trajectory of suspicion

With alliances changing and trust unraveling, Rob and Pooya spotlight the critical decisions waiting in Episode 8. Can Rob or Candiace regain the upper hand, or is a new recruit poised to emerge?

Chapters:
00:00 Intros
01:08 Civil War: Traitors’ Rift Begins
03:43 Recruiting or Murdering? Strategic Dilemma
06:43 Traitors Debate Fixing or Fracturing
09:47 Candiace and Rob: No Going Back
12:04 Candiace Explains Her Vote
16:02 Allies Divide: Social Dynamics Shift
20:31 Banquet Twist and Game Impact
27:46 Who’s Playing the Best Faithful?
41:49 Was Candiace’s Warning Shot Wise?

Never miss all our Traitors US recaps plus recaps from other versions around the world!
LISTEN: Subscribe to The Traitors Around the World podcast feed
WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Welcome to RHAP’s coverage of ALL the Traitors iterations from around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The Traitors US is a high-stakes reality competition set in a secluded castle, where contestants must work together to complete challenges and earn a prize pot—while rooting out the secret traitors hidden among them.

Step inside the castle as Rob Cesternino and Pooya sit down with actress and “Traitors” icon Lisa Rinna to explore her dramatic exit from the castle. With Lisa fresh from the round table, this episode delivers behind-the-scenes perspectives on her strategic choices, shifting alliances, and the challenge of blending celebrity reputation with high-stakes gameplay. Lisa opens up about the balance between remaining under the radar and the risks of being a known face in the reality TV arena.

Rob and Pooya dig into pivotal moments from Lisa’s journey:
-Lisa’s solo mission to the black banquet and the critical decision behind targeting Yam Yam, weighing ease versus risk with Colton circling closely.
-The evolving traitor alliance, including Rob’s surprising move to write Lisa’s name down and how that shifted her approach to the next rounds.
-Reflections on alliance-building: Lisa’s unexpected connections with Tara, Dorinda, and Candiace, and how changing perceptions shaped votes.
-Colton’s intense gameplay: Lisa’s suspicion of outside influence in his strategic choices and her reluctance to trust him in turret deals.
-The double-edged sword of celebrity status, as Lisa navigates expectations around her “housewife” persona while trying to survive as a traitor.

Through Lisa’s candid insights, listeners get a clear picture of the psychological pressure and quick thinking required in the game. Will keeping “the traitor family” together pay off, or does splitting from trusted allies become inevitable as suspicion grows? Dive into these decisions and discover what Lisa plans for the reunion.

Hear firsthand from Lisa Rinna and unpack the strategies, betrayals, and surprises that define the season—listen now for a reality TV breakdown you won’t want to miss.

Chapters:
00:00 Intros
00:26 Lisa’s Solo “Dastardly Deed”
02:03 Yam Yam Chosen Over Colton
03:14 Odds of Surviving Drop
04:13 Missed Opportunity for Betrayal
05:08 Colton’s Strategy Questioned
06:20 Housewife Reputation Double-Edged
07:06 Surprise Allies Revealed
08:38 Farewell and Reunion Tease

Never miss all our Traitors US recaps plus recaps from other versions around the world!
LISTEN: Subscribe to The Traitors Around the World podcast feed
WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!