Survivor 48 Pre-Game Day 2: Joe Hunter & Shauhin Davari
Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) and Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) are here to share with the listeners their reactions to the cast reveal of Survivor 48! Join us to learn a bit about the 18 new castaways to be tested on the islands of Fiji

Today’s Survivor 48 preseason interviews bring us insights from Joe Hunter, a 45-year-old fire captain from West Sacramento, California. Hosted by Mike Bloom, this episode dives into Joe’s motivations and strategies as he prepares to compete on Survivor. Joe’s journey to the game is deeply personal, driven by the memory of his sister, Joanne, a passionate fan of the show. Her tragic passing inspired Joe to honor her by stepping into the Survivor arena, a dream they once shared.
Joe’s background as a firefighter has equipped him with leadership skills and mental toughness, qualities he believes will serve him well in the game. He emphasizes the importance of loyalty and trust within alliances, drawing parallels between his responsibilities at the fire department and the dynamics of Survivor. Joe plans to use his physical prowess in challenges while maintaining a low profile in social gameplay, aiming to avoid the “dad” role that could make him a target.
Joe’s admiration for past players like Gabler and Cody reflects his strategic mindset. He respects Gabler’s ability to navigate the game as an older player and Cody’s genuine approach to building alliances. Joe’s favorite Survivor moments include the intense Heroes vs. Villains season and the generational clash in Gen X vs. Millennials, which resonate with his own experiences.
As Joe prepares for the challenges ahead, he remains focused on staying calm and making calculated decisions, especially when it comes to handling idols and advantages. His goal is to leave a mark as a loyal and straightforward player, embodying the values that have guided him in life and honoring his sister’s legacy in the process.
Shauhin Davari, a 38-year-old debate professor from Costa Mesa, California, is ready to make his mark on Survivor 47. Known for his role as an alternate in Survivor 46, Shauhin brings a unique perspective to the game. His passion for Survivor was ignited by a family vacation turned Survivor-themed event, where his mother emerged victorious. This experience, coupled with his love for the show, drives Shauhin to fulfill a promise to his mom to win the title of Sole Survivor.
Shauhin’s background in speech and debate has honed his critical thinking and empathy, skills he plans to leverage in the game. He identifies with past players like Adam Klein and Jam Jam, appreciating their emotional connections and strategic gameplay. Shauhin aims to be a “Penner with a new era twist,” balancing honesty with strategic finesse.
In his approach to Survivor, Shauhin is cautious about idols and advantages, preferring to know their whereabouts rather than possess them. He plans to use his observational skills to identify who holds these game-changing items, allowing him to navigate alliances with insight. Shauhin’s strategy involves forming symbiotic partnerships, where his social skills complement a partner’s strategic acumen.
Shauhin’s experience as an alternate has taught him the importance of presence and adaptability. He values the lessons learned from watching past seasons, particularly the significance of ride-or-die alliances. Shauhin’s goal is to demonstrate that being present and adaptable can lead to success in Survivor.
As Shauhin embarks on his Survivor journey, he is determined to enjoy every moment and play for those who don’t have...