Dash Katz & YOU: Listeners Join the Show | Pod Friends
This week’s Pod Friends guest is Dash Katz (@dashkatz)—actor, model, host, and reality TV superfan. Best known from Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge, Dash steps beyond the game to share their journey of resilience, identity, and community. In this heartfelt and fiery conversation with Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Dash opens up about navigating grief, the reality TV experience beyond the edit, and the power of queer representation. They share their passion for uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and what it means to rise like a phoenix from life’s toughest moments.
But this season finale is also about YOU! Featuring listener voicemails, this episode is a celebration of connection, appreciation, and the incredible Pod Friends community.
4:20 – Rob Cesternino
6:25 – James
8:20 – Stefan
10:35 – Tommy
11:10 – Interview with Dash Katz begins
38:10 – Laura
40:15 – Stacie
43:00 – Joy
1:07:25 – Greg
1:08:55 – Nathan
1:10:55 – Hartley
1:13:30 – Kurt Whether you’re here for the laughs, deep conversations, or unfiltered tea, this episode is all about resilience, joy, and embracing your truth—unapologetically.
 Watch on YouTube: robhasawebsite.com/youtube
 Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
 Become an RHAP patron: robhasawebsite.com/patreon 
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Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
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Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
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Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social
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Josh Wigler: A Wiggle Through Time | Pod Friends
This week’s Pod Friends guest is the legendary Josh Wigler (@roundhoward)—journalist, podcaster, and RHAP’s executive editor. In this heartfelt and hilarious conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Josh gets real about his journey through the highs and lows of life, podcasting, and personal growth.
Listen as Josh opens up about vulnerability, boundaries, and where he is in life now. He reflects on his Survivor coverage, his sobriety journey, and what it means to face the hard things—twice. With musical theater memories, stories of mistaken fame, and a surprise song from Wanda Shirk, this episode is a rollercoaster of laughter, heart, and authenticity.
Whether you know Josh from Post Show Recaps, the Evolution of Strategy, or his iconic Survivor coverage, this conversation is a masterclass in self-reflection, grace, and embracing every part of your story—even the cringey moments.
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Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
Instagram: @MattScottGW
Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social
Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends 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!

James Jones: Survivor, Life, & Playing To Win | Pod Friends
This week’s Pod Friends guest is the one and only James Jones (@J2daJones), the ‘Godfather’ of Survivor 43, but there’s so much more to his story than the game. In this conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), James reveals sides of himself you might not expect—his work in maternal health, his journey through ADHD and anxiety, and how personal loss shaped his passion for building community and creating impact.
Listen as James shares how working in maternity care opened his eyes to racial disparities in healthcare, how hosting events became his way of bringing people together after his mother’s cancer diagnosis, and what really happened the day he pretended he had never heard of Survivor in a group of Survivor superfans… despite just filming the show a few weeks prior. James doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re a Survivor fan, a strategist at heart, or just love hearing inspiring and unexpected life stories, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
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Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
Instagram: @MattScottGW
Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social
Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends 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!

Sharon Tharp: The Reality of Entertainment Journalism | Pod Friends
This week’s Pod Friends guest is the talented Sharon Tharp (@SharonTharp), a leading entertainment journalist and host of The Exclusive podcast. In this insightful conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Sharon shares her journey covering reality TV for nearly 20 years, from writing for top magazines to navigating the ever-changing digital media landscape.
Listen as Sharon dives into the behind-the-scenes world of entertainment reporting, including the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity, handling exit interviews, and balancing personal connections with objective storytelling. She opens up about the evolution of media, the impact of social media on celebrity coverage, and how she brings empathy into her interviews. Whether you’re a media enthusiast or a reality TV superfan, this episode offers a fascinating look at the art of entertainment journalism and the power of adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
Instagram: @MattScottGW
Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social
Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends 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!

Pooya: Securing Insecurity | Pod Friends
This week’s Pod Friends guest is the incomparable Pooya (@Pooyaism), a cornerstone of the RHAP community and a beloved podcaster known for his insightful takes on shows like 90 Day Fiancé, The Masked Singer, The Traitors, and more. In this candid conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Pooya opens up about his journey to becoming one of RHAP’s most recognizable voices, sharing how he’s transformed his insecurities into strengths and built a thriving career in content creation.
Hear Pooya’s reflections on his growth as a podcaster and streamer, his path to “securing insecurity,” and how he channels his experiences into creating communities that resonate. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights, advice for aspiring creators, and a celebration of community. Don’t miss it!
Check out Pooya’s previous Taran Show interview here: https://robhasawebsite.com/taran-show-33-pooya/
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
Instagram: @MattScottGW
Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social
Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends 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!

Sam More: Behind the Scenes of RHAP | Pod Friends
This week’s Pod Friends guest is part of the glue that holds RHAP together! You may not often hear his voice on podcasts, but you’ve undoubtedly seen his impact across RHAP’s live events, community initiatives, and behind-the-scenes operations. In this interview with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW), Sam More (@SamMoreRHAP) gives a rare glimpse into his journey to RHAP, his love of live TV production, and the work it takes to make RHAP a vibrant and growing community.
Hear Sam reflect on his time working in talent management, how joining the RHAP community changed his path, and what it’s like collaborating with Rob Cesternino to shape the RHAP experience. From anecdotes about the early days of RHAP live shows to managing a global community during the pandemic to RHAP’s Class of 2020, Sam shares how he balances creativity, logistics, and fun to make it all work. Plus, don’t miss a surprise call to Rob himself!
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @HeyPodFriends & @MattScottGW
Instagram: @MattScottGW
Bluesky: MattScottGW.bsky.social
Never miss an episode of Pod Friends:
LISTEN:  Subscribe to the Pod Friends 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!

Pod Friends | Dwight Moore Jr: Taking A Chance
This week’s Pod Friends season finale guest has interviewed President Jimmy Carter, Cory Booker, Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, Usher, Soledad O’Brien and so many others – and most of that was before the age of 13! You know Dwight Moore Jr. (@DwightMoore_Jr) from the mark he left on Survivor 43, but in this interview with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) you’ll get to know Dwight as an interviewer and as a person. Hear how Dwight has become so “fearless” in his life and career. Hear him reflect on starting his interviewing career at 5 years old with someone many would dream of meeting. Hear about his family history and all of the thing Matt and Dwight unexpectedly have in common. Enjoy this week’s episode of Pod Friends!
Watch on YouTube at robhasawebsite.com/youtube
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Frannie Marin: Untangling (Queerness, Careers, & Soup)
Frannie Marin (@HailTheVail) and Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) sat down for a conversation to, in Frannie’s words, untangle the threads of her life. You probably know Frannie from Survivor 44 and her role as a challenge beast and fan favorite, but did you know Frannie is also a queer person in STEM and in a hetero-presenting relationship, a mindfulness researcher, a former nail salon employee, a cook, a lover of travel and the outdoors, and a person on a journey to find her path. Leave a voicemail reacting to this podcast episode, to a past Pod Friends episode, or to Pod Friends overall at speakpipe.com/podfriends.
Watch on YouTube at robhasawebsite.com/youtube
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Jacob Jones (aka Heir): Caught Up In U
You might know RHAP podcaster Jacob Jones, but do you know Heir (@heir_sounds)? Watch as Jacob joins Matt Scott on Pod Friends to discuss his new career in music (including the song Caught Up In U), how he decided to “go for it”, the lessons that others can learn about just getting started, and a very wacky, empowered, zany, motivational, ASMR-heavy, nasty, nonstop conversation. If you don’t stream Heir’s music after this, what are you doing? Go to https://linktr.ee/heir_music for links to Heir on Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Tidal, and Apple Music.
Watch on YouTube at robhasawebsite.com/youtube
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Owen Knight: Excited To Be Here
Owen Knight (@TheYoungKnight) is a Survivor 43 favorite, a lover of the outdoors, a champion of New Orleans, a trans-racial adoptee, a former Orange Theory coach, and someone who has described his existence as “Charlie Brown” having the football pulled away. Watch this real-life conversation with Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) about all of that and more on this week’s episode of Pod Friends.
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/podfriends
Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Dr. Amanda Rabinowitz: Brains, Baking & Becoming
Dr. Amanda Rabinowitz (@DrAmandaR) has been part of the Rob Has A Podcast and Post Show Recaps communities as they’ve evolved, as a listener, as a podcaster, and as a cheerleader for all this community is. Amanda studies brains and brain injuries but is also a mom, a cook, and someone who WILL beat you in an eating contest. Hear her lively conversation on Pod Friends with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) to get to know Amanda and learn from her experience about how to navigate the game on the show Survivor, how growing up Jewish in Catholic school left an impression on her, and what this community and adjacent communities – Brice and Wen Present, Survivor Philadelphia, etc. – mean to her.
Watch on YouTube at robhasawebsite.com/youtube.
Introduction: 2:30
Interview begins: 7:00
How brain studies relate to reality TV and Survivor: 20:55
Survivor quits from a brain perspective: 25:15
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Mary Kwiatkowski: Tripping & Falling
Frail Mary is everything. She’s a podcaster (on RHAP and on Kowskicast), a marathon runner, a live reality game player, a software developer, a Craig Benzine fan, a writer of fan fiction, a rec sports league athlete, the subject of a song called Spelling with Mary, and so much more. Mary Kwiatskowski is a long-time RHAP mainstay with an incredible history and even brighter future ahead, and this conversation with Pod Friends host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) is the perfect encapsulation of the humor, wit, brilliance, passion, tenacity, and relatability that you get anytime you hear from Mary. Enjoy the conversation – including the world premiere of Spelling with Mary – and get to know yet another pod friends.
Watch on YouTube at robhasawebsite.com/youtube.
Introduction: 1:30
Interview begins: 6:37
Special segment: Listening to “Spelling with Mary”: 1:10:08
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Brice Izyah: I Am Worthy
For the season premiere of Pod Friends (@HeyPodFriends), Brice Izyah (@BriceIzyah) joins host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) for a powerful conversation between two people you’re bound to see at Survivor watch parties, and two young Black queer podcasters on the RHAP network. Brice is the cofounder of Brice and Wen Present (with past Pod Friends guest Wendell Holland), the creator of the Purple Pants Podcast, a Survivor fan favorite, a Survivor Philly LRG finalist, and an RHAP legend. Brice is also a proud Black, gay man, someone who has had countless careers in his life, a son, a brother, and a phenomenal friend, a musician, and so much more.
Watch on YouTube at robhasawebsite.com/youtube.
Introduction: 1:40
Cameo from Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType): 12:12
Interview begins: 17:55
Special segment: Purpify! 1:32:00
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Nick Iadanza: Go Find Out For Yourself
Nick Iadanza (@NickIadanza) is a Survivor legend, known for his performances on Survivor Australia and Talking Tribal, but did you know he’s a dad to 3 (including 1 on the way), a high school teacher, a book lover, an adventurer, a griever, and a filmmaker, celebrating his family’s legacy in The Life They Made documentary? Sit down with Pod Friends host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) and Nick for a heartfelt, vulnerable conversation about all of these things and more, including masculinity, vulnerability, grief, and creating things that help you celebrate where you’ve been and where you’re going.
Interview starts around 7:30 in.
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Akiva Wienerkur: Plenty of Kids, Podcasts, & Money
This week’s Pod Friends guest is a renaissance man, a storyteller, a sportsman, an educator, a music connoisseur, a husband, a father, a friend to you and me. You know Akiva Wienerkur (@Keev26) from Rob And Akiva Need A Podcast (RAANAP); New Girl, Old Guy (NGOG); 32 Fans, etc. Get to know him more as he takes you, the listeners of Pod Friends, and host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) on a ride through his journey – from growing up in New York and finding a career and community he loves, to moving to Israel and navigating life wearing many hats. In this conversation, Akiva talks about “plenty of money” and covers plenty of ground, including: growing up, being a sports fan, Modern Orthodox Judaism and representation in media, his career in teaching, music, and not taking yourself too seriously.
Interview starts around 6:30 in.
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | AJ Mass: Yes, It’s Hot in Here
Do you know AJ Mass (@AJMass)? He’s an ESPN fantasy writer, a New Yorker, the former New York Mets mascot, a two-time author, the son of a mother who battled with manic depressive bipolar schitzophrenia, a father of a son going off to college, and the self-described elder statesman of RHAP. Hear his conversation with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) on this week’s episode of Pod Friends.
Interview starts around 6:45 in.
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
Suggest a future guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnom
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Kevin Jacobs (Big Brother Canada): Reading Between the Lines
From RHAP listener to the latest champ of Big Brother Canada. From sales engineer to now helping make virtual therapy better for kids. From someone who faked a marriage to now being engaged to the love of his life. From a self-described “villain” to someone who’s more than meets the eye. Listen to this week’s Pod Friends with host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) to learn about Kevin Jacobs (@KevinTedJacobs) beyond the screen, and how and why it’s so important to “read between the lines”.
Interview starts around 9:00 in.
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Jessica Liese: Reclaiming “Scatterbrain”
A prolific podcaster, a former boxer, a mom, an epic traveler (but admittedly not fit for the Amazing Race; talking to you, Phil Keoghan!), a person with ADHD, a writer, a former game show contestant who gained valuable perspective through the experience, and someone who has learned to embrace the label of “scatterbrain”. Get to know Jessica Liese (@HaymakerHattie) on this week’s Pod Friends with Matt Scott (@MattScottGW).
Interview starts around the 7 minute mark
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
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Pod Friends | Evvie Jagoda: YAY to Being Queer & Being Me
This week on Pod Friends, host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) is joined by Evvie Jagoda (they/them) of Survivor 41 to talk about science – specifically DNA and genes, being queer in science and in general, Evvie’s experience on Survivor, and Evvie’s love and appreciation for this community. Get to know what Evvie’s been up to more than a year since their Survivor season, and months and months after hosting The Pride Has Spoken on RHAP.
Interview starts around the 8 minute mark.
Subscribe to the podcast: robhasawebsite.com/podfriendsfeed
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Become an RHAP patron and be in community with our phenomenal guests: robhasawebsite.com/patreon
Email: podfriends [at] robhasawebsite [dot] com
Follow on social: @HeyPodFriends

Pod Friends | Mike Bloom: An Open Door & Open Mind
This week on Pod Friends, lets go “full bloom” together, for a raw conversation with RHAP’s own Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType). Mike and host Matt Scott (@MattScottGW) have a casual, unhinged, heart-warming, vulnerable chat about parenting, interviewing reality TV stars, Mike’s proudest moments as an interviewer, his relationship with feedback, mental health and the real struggle, self-care, new hobbies, and just a few of the people who have supported him along the way.
Interview starts around the 10 minute mark.
Trigger warning as this episode does include frank conversation about mental health and suicide. Take time to pause and take care of yourself along the way, and reach out to a crisis line near you. One option — offering both text chat and live call support to folks — is 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Hotline) which you can find at https://988lifeline.org or by calling 988 in the US.
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Suggest a guest: bit.ly/podfriendsnomBecome an RHAP network patron and join the community… and tell Rob we sent you: robhasawebsite.com/patreon