Staying Fit
Ryan Lowry/The New York Times/Redux
Believe it or not, it’s been 23 years since the reality competition show Survivor first began stranding contestants in remote locations with a $1 million grand prize on the line. Emmy-winning producer Jeff Probst, 61, will host his 44th season of the show, premiering March 1 on CBS — the same day he debuts his new podcast, On Fire With Jeff Probst.
What’s the most important thing a contestant should bring to the island?
An open mind. You have no idea what is coming. So planning your strategy in advance is pointless. You can have ideas, but you have to assess the situation, and then you must be willing to take risks in order to win. The risk is what makes it scary. But if you sit in the corner of camp and try not to lose, you will never get the vote from the jury. They won’t respect your game.
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What do you never leave home without as you head to the next Survivor season?
Coffee. I drink more coffee on location than I probably do the rest of the year. Shooting Survivor is a blast, but it’s very taxing. Caffeine is my best friend.
How would you fare as a contestant?
Ah, I hate this question, because I always have to admit to myself that I don’t think I would do as well as I hope I would. I think I would be OK socially, and I can contribute at camp and in challenges, but I tend to see the good in people first and I overlook obvious tells that they are conning me. I have envisioned being blindsided, and I’m sure it would happen, probably by the person I trusted the most.
What’s the biggest mistake you think contestants make?
The biggest mistake — and they make it over and over — is playing from fear. Contestants approach the game from the standpoint of How long can I last? versus How do I win? Sadly for them, it never ends well. The Survivor hall of fame is full of great players who will never win.
Jeff Probst has been hosting the reality competition show "Survivor" for 23 years.
Robert Voets/CBS
You spend a lot of time filming in beach locations. Where do you like to vacation?
We love Hawaii. It’s our favorite place to visit as a family and with our group of friends. It’s heaven on earth.
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