The stakes on Survivor are high, but at the end of the day, humanity outlasts the competition. From Kenzie comforting Ben during his panic attack to Venus struggling to form bonds, we’re reminded that the castaways are people, not just players.

Jeff, Jay, and Dee discuss how the game balances pushing players to their mental and physical limits while prioritizing their safety. The castaways are reeling from their first individual Tribal Council and Dee reminisces on the thick tension in the air on the way back to camp after a torch is snuffed. With so many moving parts all season, a listener question sheds light on how the show is pieced together so viewers can “play” along.

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