Survivor 48 Pre-Game Day 5: Cedrek McFadden & Justin Pioppi
Join Mike Bloom (@AMikeBloomType) to learn a bit about the 18 new castaways of Survivor 48 to be tested on the islands of Fiji. Today, Mike talks with Cedrek McFadden & Justin Pioppi.
Survivor 48 premieres Wednesday, February 26th at 8pmET/5pmPT with a jam-packed two hour episode. Join us at 10:15pmET/7:15pmPT following the episode for the first Survivor post-game podcast LIVE!
Cedrek McFadden, a 46-year-old colorectal surgeon from South Carolina, is stepping onto the Survivor 48 stage with a unique blend of medical expertise and a long-standing passion for the game. Cedrek’s journey to Survivor began back in 2000 when he was a medical student. The show became a weekly ritual, offering a much-needed break from the rigors of his studies. This early connection to Survivor has now come full circle as he prepares to compete on the beaches of Fiji.
Cedrek’s admiration for past players like Earl Cole and Ceri Fields shapes his strategic approach. He respects Earl’s quiet confidence and Ceri’s social acumen, aiming to emulate their strengths in his gameplay. Cedrek plans to lead from behind, using his ability to connect with others as his superpower. He believes his medical background, which involves making critical decisions and building trust with patients, will be an asset in forming alliances and navigating the social dynamics of the game.
Despite his leadership skills, Cedrek is aware of the potential pitfalls of appearing too authoritative. He intends to be understated and unassuming, allowing others to take the spotlight while he maneuvers strategically in the background. Cedrek’s preparation for Survivor includes maintaining his physical fitness and honing his puzzle-solving skills, though he acknowledges the challenges of balancing his busy professional life with game-specific training.
Cedrek’s approach to idols and advantages is cautious yet open-minded. He plans to use them strategically, focusing on staying in the game day by day rather than hoarding them for future use. His ultimate goal is to be authentic and bring his unique perspective to the game, hoping that his genuine connections and strategic insights will carry him far in the competition.

Justin Pioppi, a 29-year-old manager of his family’s pizzeria in Winthrop, Massachusetts, brings a different flavor to Survivor 48. With a background in politics and restaurant management, Justin’s journey to the game is as layered as a deep-dish pizza. His family’s pizzeria, Luigi’s, has been a staple in his life, providing him with a strong foundation in people skills and business acumen.
Justin’s path to Survivor was inspired by his mother, with whom he watched the show from its inception. Her battle with leukemia and subsequent recovery motivated Justin to seize the opportunity to compete, hoping to make her proud. His admiration for past winners like Tyson and Fabio reflects his desire to blend humor, athleticism, and strategic thinking in his gameplay.
In preparation for Survivor, Justin has focused on honing his physical and mental skills. His work at the pizzeria has kept him physically active, and he’s embraced the challenge of learning new survival skills, such as making fire and solving puzzles. Justin’s approach to the game is to be adaptable and open to forming alliances, valuing trust and communication as key components of a successful partnership.
Justin’s strategy involves leveraging his ability to connect with people, a skill honed through years of interacting with diverse customers at Luigi’s. He plans to use his social charm to build strong relationships while keeping his strategic cards close to his chest. Justin is also keenly aware of the importance of playing idols and advantages wisely,