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.

Watch Chad's TED Talk here!

Key Points of Interest:

• Chad discovered his cancer between Survivor Seasons 8 and 9, had his amputation, and competed on Season 9 all within the same year
• He concealed his prosthetic leg initially to study how people's treatment of him changed before and after the reveal
• The opening ceremony in Vanuatu included drinking kava (a traditional ceremonial drink with muscle-relaxing effects) and a dramatic moment when it started pouring rain the instant Brady touched the idol at the top of a greased pole
• Chad's humor and personality weren't shown much on TV because he was portrayed as the "inspirational guy"
• He got angry at Julie for voting against their alliance, but it wasn't aired because it didn't fit his character arc
• He was expected to be cast for Heroes vs. Villains but wasn't selected for undisclosed reasons
• Chad now teaches PE to elementary students, serving as a living example that disabilities don't limit capability
• He remains close friends with Julie, Chris, and Ethan Zohn, and does work with Grassroots Soccer

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.

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. If you're a Survivor fan, this is a must-listen episode!

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Boston Rob shares his thoughts on the evolution of Survivor strategy.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Rob's multiple seasons.
• Discussion on the challenges and advantages of returning players.
• Courtney Yates adds her unique perspective and humor.
• Insights into the social dynamics and alliances that shaped the game.
• Reflections on the most memorable moments and twists in Survivor history.

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.

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!

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Brian Corridan shares his journey to being cast on Survivor, including multiple audition attempts and his unique “insult theory” that helped him stand out.
• Leslie, Courtney and Brian reflect on the differences between old-school and new-era Survivor, including casting, challenges, and the changing nature of fame.
• A fan voicemail from Delilah illustrates the deep impact Survivor has on its audience and the sense of community it fosters.
• Behind-the-scenes stories about the grueling 11-mile hike in Guatemala, crocodile-infested waters, and the hardships contestants faced.
• Discussion of the Survivor alumni community, the “wine and cheese” group, and the lasting friendships formed through the show.
• Honest talk about the emotional aftermath of being on Survivor, dealing with online criticism, and the importance of self-acceptance.
• Brian offers advice for listeners feeling stripped down by life, emphasizing the value of community and kindness.
• The episode closes with gratitude, laughter, and a reminder that Survivor is more than a game—it’s a lifelong connection for many.

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.