At 12 years old, I stumbled upon Survivor while flipping channels with my mom. We stopped when we saw a group of people disagreeing over how to build a shelter and start a fire. Richard Hatch, the corporate trainer who would eventually win, attempted to lead the group, much to the annoyance of Sue Hawk, who quipped, “Corporate world ain’t gonna work out here in the bush.”
My mom told me it was a new competition show where participants lived on an island for a chance to win $1 million. By the end of the episode, I was hooked.
Now at 36, my fascination with the show hasn’t waned. Years have gone by spent discussing strategies on forums, tuning into podcasts that dissect each season, and participating in Survivor fantasy leagues. The thought of applying to be on the show has crossed my mind, but the idea of enduring 26 days with limited food and sleep doesn’t appeal to me.
On January 31, 2023, fate intervened. While at a coffee shop, my husband spotted a casting flyer for Surviving Bloomington, a four-day live game inspired by Survivor. Applications were due that day, so I quickly put together an audition video.
Months later, I found myself in a wooded backyard in Bloomington, Indiana, meeting my fellow contestants while a production crew filmed us with their phones.
The quest to outwit, outplay, and outlast began, though I was unaware that live reality games (LRGs) existed so close to home. Within just over a year, I would participate in three.
I discovered LRGs happen all over the U.S., not limited to Survivor but featuring formats inspired by shows like The Mole, Big Brother, and The Challenge, as well as original games. These events vary in length and can be live streamed or edited into YouTube episodes. Some Survivor LRGs even feature players from the original show.
These DIY games stay true to their televised counterparts, featuring challenges, immunity twists, and various themes. The Survivor Weekender LRG I participated in was themed “Olive Garden of Eden,” with tribes named Soup, Salad, and Sticks, and I was a Stick. In Surviving Bloomington, our theme was Order versus Chaos, with my tribe representing Order.
My stint on Surviving Bloomington was short-lived. After losing a challenge that involved assembling a wooden puzzle, I was voted out first — a dreaded title in the Survivor world. Alliances shifted unexpectedly, and the final edit didn’t capture the whole tale of my last-minute betrayal.
I also failed to secure a return through a Redemption Island challenge that required me to hold a water bottle above my head as long as I could. I made it to the final three, but after nearly 25 minutes, I had to surrender. It wasn’t quite eating bug larvae, but it was tough.
Despite the brief experience — and regarding the ever-present line, “I’m not here to make friends” — I did forge connections. My tribe shared personal stories right from the start, and one night on Redemption Island, we stayed up late sharing ghost stories.
Post-Surviving Bloomington and Survivor Weekender, I joined The Mole Ohio. Similar to the TV version, the players work together to add to a money pot that only one can eventually win, while a saboteur disrupts their efforts.
Unlike Survivor, which relies on teamwork and alliances, The Mole was more about individual strategy. Here, I had the freedom to be selfish and cunning without concern for votes. I embraced the chaos that came with the game.
While LRGs are low-stakes fun, they foster a sense of camaraderie and respect often lacking in reality television. Personal disputes and game strategies usually don’t spill over into real life, and I’ve maintained friendships with many of the contestants through individual chats and group messages.
Although I’m unsure if I could withstand 26 days on an island, these experiences have heightened my confidence. I, a typically awkward individual, found common ground and strength among others who share my passion for the show.
Now, with Survivor 47 set to premiere tonight, I’m ready to cheer for Teeny as my pick for the win.