Bad AI Teddy Bears are News AF – November 25, 2025
Rob Cesternino, Tyson Apostol, and Danny Bryson are back with another entertaining episode of News AF, where they dive into the week’s most peculiar and amusing stories.
This week Rob, Tyson and Danny talk through the week’s most newsworthy stories.
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel!
Need to catch up on more Actual Factual news?
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RAANAP 307: Rob & Akiva Watch S3 E7 of Rugrats
Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Akiva Wienerkur (@keev26) need a podcast and every week, Rob and Akiva spin a wheel of listener-submitted podcast ideas, and whatever the wheel lands on is what they podcast about next. This week, Rob and Akiva watch and discuss Season 3 Episode 7 of Rugrats.
For the link to the spreadsheet that Rob and Akiva use to compile ideas, check it all out here: Rob and Akiva Need a Spreadsheet (compiled by the great Will from America).
To submit an idea for a future episode of “Rob and Akiva Need a Podcast” to be discussed on the mailbag, submit it on this form: Rob and Akiva’s Mailbag Form.
Past Episodes of Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast

Why ___ Lost: Survivor 49 Ep 9 with Sam Phalen
Alex said as he was leaving: “It’s what I get for playing both sides.” But he reversed course on that in his interviews by saying he wasn’t messy. Which was it? Who deserves credit and who deserves blame for this outcome? And why is David Bloomberg so frustrated and annoyed at some of the other players for the way this turned out? Glue guy Sam Phalen joins David and Jessica Lewis to help figure out why Alex couldn’t make things stick. At RHAP, we know Survivor, and we know Why Alex Lost.
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

The Amazing Race 38 Ep 9 Recap
Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.
Today, Rob Cesternino, Mike Bloom, and Jess Liese discuss episode 9 of The Amazing Race 38.
Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com
Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!
Rob Cesternino @robcesternino
Jessica Liese @HaymakerHattie
Mike Bloom @AMikeBloomType
Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 
LISTEN: Never miss an episode of Amazing Race coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Amazing Race Feed. 
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Evvie Jagoda Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 9
Survivor 49 takes center stage on the RHAP Survivor Post-Game Show as Rob Cesternino and Evvie Jagoda break down the biggest moves and toughest decisions from this week’s episode. Rob and Evvie highlight how the so-called “new era” is put to the test, as unpredictable votes and shifting alliances define the chaos in Fiji. The hosts discuss how Juwan and Sage’s swing vote strategy comes to a head, and whether their pendulum gameplay can hold up under pressure.
This episode tackles the blindside of Alex and the ripple effect that leaves Kristina and Steven on shaky ground. Rob and Evvie analyze why Jawan and Sage’s control isn’t as clear-cut as it seems, especially with yellow Sophie emerging as a serious threat in challenges and social bonds. The tension around Rizzo’s idol continues to stir paranoia, as the castaways debate whether flushing it or targeting “bigger threats” is the best path forward. Evvie offers insight into how Survivor contestants balance strategic gameplay with emotional reactions, and how trust breaks down after major blindsides. The show also examines the perception of Savannah as a “mean girl” and how gendered biases can affect both in-game strategy and viewer opinions.
– Jawan and Sage’s risky alliance-flipping strategy blindsides allies and changes the game’s balance
– Rizzo’s idol remains a wild card, fueling strategic debates at each Tribal Council
– Yellow Sophie emerges as an under-the-radar physical and social contender
– Evvie explores how emotions and personal connections impact strategy, alliances, and trust
– Hosts question the “mean girl” label on Savannah, sparking a discussion about perception and Survivor stereotypes
With every vote split and idol play, Rob and Evvie wonder: will Jawan and Sage’s swinging strategy swing too far? Can Savannah’s outsider run become her winning story, or will shifting numbers take her out?
Chapters:
0:00 End of Survivor’s “New Era”
5:34 Wicked Musical and Survivor Parallels
10:28 Survivor Cafe and Boston Connections
13:23 Power Shift: Jawan and Sage
19:30 Blindspots and Hidden Alliances
27:06 Idol Threat Versus Player Threat
32:03 Yellow Sol’s Underappreciated Strategy
36:52 Jawan and Sage’s Game Dilemma
43:51 Sol’s Subtle Strategic Mastery
50:10 Steven’s Early Space Fact Overload
56:10 Survivor Challenges: Need for Variety
1:01:21 High Stakes Early Game Decisions
1:14:12 Jury Management and Bitter Votes
1:23:53 Savannah’s Game Style Examined
1:27:37 Hopes for Survivor’s Next Chapter
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you’re blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up.
To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49
Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube...

Amazing Race 38 Eighth Team Eliminated Exit Interview
Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.
Today, Rob and Jess interview the eighth team eliminated from The Amazing Race 38.
Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com
Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!
Rob Cesternino @robcesternino
Jessica Liese @HaymakerHattie
Mike Bloom @AMikeBloomType
Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 
LISTEN: Never miss an episode of Amazing Race coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Amazing Race Feed. 
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Exit Interview: Third Juror on Survivor 49
Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino) interviews the latest castaway voted off the Survivor 49 island, followed by This Week In Survivor History with Jordan Kalish (@JordanKalish) where Rob plays against an RHAP patron.
Survivor 49’s exit interview is back, with Rob Cesternino at the helm as he sits down with the latest castaway sent packing—Alex Moore. Rob and Alex dig into the dramatic turns, alliance shake-ups, and blindsides that shaped this week’s episode. Survivor history and gameplay collide as Alex opens up about the strategy and emotion fueling his run on Survivor 49.
Rob jumps right in, asking Alex about his expectations after the split tribal council and how the night’s blindside threw his game into chaos. Alex candidly recounts the shock of Sophie returning to camp, the disintegration of his seven-person alliance, and his efforts to navigate “playing the middle” while juggling relationships with Rizzo, Savannah, Jawan, and Sage. The conversation exposes why Rizzo marked Alex as a threat, how idol knowledge was leaked by Steven, and what led to Kristina gifting Jawan the reward spot. Alex shares the difficulty of reading trust and loyalty within the merged tribe, especially as old alliances faltered and newer bonds failed to materialize.
– Alex’s surprise and reaction to Sophie returning after split tribal council
– The unraveling of the seven-person alliance and the risks of playing the middle
– Drama over idol information leaks and reward choices
– Relationship breakdowns with Jawan and Sage, and how these influenced the final vote
– Rizzo’s pivotal strategy in identifying Alex as a strategic threat and rallying the numbers
As Rob and Alex reflect, the game’s biggest question looms: will Rizzo’s power move redefine the tribe dynamics, or will new rivalries and revenge upend his control? Can trust and loyalty survive the merge, or is everyone destined to play their own game?
Chapters:
0:00 Intros
2:03 Alliance Shock After Sophie Returns
4:28 Playing the Middle Backfires
6:53 Idol Leak Upsets Alex
8:04 Reward Choice and Missed Opportunity
10:06 Soph as Split Vote Target
12:32 Jake’s Snake Bite Impact
13:21 Losing Jawan’s Trust
14:16 Jawan or Sage: Who Flipped?
15:04 Alex Reflects on Game Control
17:12 TWISH
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Know-It-Alls: Survivor 49 Ep 9 Recap
Survivor Know-It-Alls is back as Rob Cesternino and Stephen Fishbach break down all the strategic action and surprises from Survivor 49, Episode 9. Rob and Stephen dive into a game-changing Tribal Council, where shifting alliances and clever gameplay leave everyone guessing and one player’s bold move could reshape the endgame.
This week’s episode opens with the hosts reacting to a shocking blindside and the chaos stirred up by a vote split that pushed players like Sage and Juwan to pick sides. The castaways navigate a minefield of hidden advantages—Rizzo holds onto his idol for the third straight vote, while Savannah wins immunity and wields an extra vote. Stephen and Rob debate if keeping track of advantages is actually helping the majority, or if they’re missing the threats brewing on the bottom. The hosts also unpack how personal secrets and emotional bonds—like Savannah revealing her real job—were deployed as trust-building maneuvers and why Sophie’s flip could be a pivotal turning point. The rise of smaller strike force alliances and careful vote maneuvering show that even in a fluid game, little moves matter.
– Rizzo’s fearless decision not to play his idol and why it may change how future players handle advantages
– The complex impact of immunity wins and how Savannah’s safety shapes the vote split
– Savannah’s “reporter reveal” as a trust-building tactic and lessons for Survivor strategists
– The consequences of Sage and Jawan choosing to target Alex, leaving the door open for the underdogs
– How Sophie’s alliance switch sends shockwaves through both sides
As the merge tribe faces more advantages and shifting loyalties, Rob and Stephen question whether the majority really sees the threats forming—or if the bottom alliance is quietly taking control. Is holding the idol until the last moment the new winning strategy? Will a risky flip secure a spot in the final? Survivor 49’s power dynamic is changing fast.
Chapters:
0:00 Intros
1:09 Episode’s Ending Sparks Frustration
2:22 Predicting the Alex Vote Outcome
4:50 Rizzo’s Idol Survives Again
6:09 Is It Smart To Flush Idols?
8:53 Survivor 46 Idol Lessons Discussed
11:21 Sage and Alex Alliance Examined
14:32 Majority Group’s Misstep Explained
18:14 Split Tribal Council’s Lasting Impact
21:29 Awkward Reaction Reveals Alliance Shift
24:45 Small Groups Build Survivor Trust
27:37 Savannah’s Personal Reveal Strategy
31:09 Analyzing Alex’s Downfall
38:05 Sophie’s Game-Changing Switch
42:14 Survivor-Style Reward Gesture Debated
51:53 Next Moves: Power Shifts Loom
56:29 This Week’s Fishy Award Winner
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
To pre-order Stephen’s novel Escape!, visit stephenfishbach.com
Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 Finale Recap
Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 draws to a dramatic close as Rob Cesternino and Chappell break down the finale and reflect on the biggest moves, surprise exits, and the journey to victory. The episode highlights an emotional ending, strategic shifts in editing, and how one injury changes the whole course of the finale competition.
As the finalists line up for a shot at $4.56 million, Rob and Chappell dig into how narrative choices and player dynamics impact the stakes. They unpack the editing improvements from season one, including how this season builds more complete stories for final contestants like Perla, Deja, and Trinity. The discussion explores Deja’s near victory and heartbreaking injury, Perla’s resourceful gameplay and key alliances, and Trinity’s powerful moment of self-sacrifice at final five. With red light, green light returning for the final challenge, the hosts debate how fate and preparation play a role in reality game outcomes, especially when a devastating Achilles injury derails a frontrunner. They also consider the strategies behind vote distributions for next season’s returning player and whether sacrificing for others is a winning or losing move.
Highlights from Rob and Chappell’s discussion:
-Deja’s underdog run to the finals and how her Achilles tear reshapes the ending
-Trinity’s decision to sacrifice his spot and the group’s reaction to his emotional exit
-Perla’s alliance-driven path to victory and her family’s influence throughout the season
-Editing shifts that allow finalists’ stories to resonate compared to a more hidden winner in Season 1
-The upcoming fan vote for returning players and how Netflix structures its “all-stars” choices
Chapters:
0:00 Nothing Good on TV Blues
2:40 Improved Storytelling and Editing
7:54 Deja’s Heartbreaking Backstory Revealed
9:13 Fate Deals Deja a Blow
10:03 Emotional Editing Peaks with Deja
12:47 Trinity’s Selfless Sacrifice Unfolds
18:17 Perla’s Relationships Pay Off
20:04 Steven: Antagonist Turned Relatable
24:08 Black Coin Twist and Decision
35:04 Red Light, Green Light Returns
39:44 Vanessa’s Bold, Costly Mistake
45:24 Perla’s Triumphant Win
47:34 Generational Change for Perla
50:09 Who Should Get the Money?
51:09 Fan Vote: Who Returns Next?
58:53 Season Review and Final Thoughts
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
Want to chat about this episode? Do you have any recommendations? Head on over to Twitter to let us know by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP.
LISTEN: Never miss an episode of RHAP coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Feed. 
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

GameStop Trade Anything is News AF – November 18, 2025
Rob Cesternino, Tyson Apostol, and Danny Bryson are back with another entertaining episode of News AF, where they dive into the week’s most peculiar and amusing stories.
This week Rob, Tyson and Danny talk through the week’s most newsworthy stories.
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel!
Need to catch up on more Actual Factual news?
Archive of News AF
Subscribe to News AF on iTunes
View the News AF Archive
News AF on Youtube
Group AF Facebook Page
Be sure to check our some great offers from our sponsors!

Kathy O’Brien Talks Survivor
It’s time to take a trip back to the Old School! All season long, Rob Cesternino is bringing legendary Survivor alumni onto the podcast to break down Survivor 49 through the eyes of those who played in the game’s early days.
Rob Cesternino catches up with Survivor legend Kathy O’Brien, known for her memorable performances on Survivor: Marquesas and Survivor: All Stars. Kathy shares updates on her life in Vermont, emphasizing her active lifestyle with hiking, skiing, and sailing. She reflects on her unconventional path to Survivor, her unique game approach, and her experiences as a woman over 40 competing on the show. The conversation spans Kathy’s thoughts on recent seasons—including her views on Survivor 49 and 50—game strategy, casting choices, and the show’s evolution, especially the shift toward emphasizing personal growth over ruthless gameplay. The pair reminisce about Survivor All Stars, production secrets, and challenges, and discuss Kathy’s ongoing career in real estate and her passion for community activism. Personal anecdotes dominate, from signature Survivor moments (including the infamous sea urchin rescue) to behind-the-scenes stories and travel memories. Kathy also shares insights on her family, her social media presence, and her time spent protesting for causes she believes in. The episode offers a mix of nostalgia, game analysis, and life updates from one of Survivor’s most authentic voices.
To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com
Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Christian Hubicki Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 8
Welcome to the RHAP Survivor Post-Game Show! Coming to you the day after Survivor 49 episode, Rob Cesternino (@RobCesternino), two-time Survivor player, is joined each week by a special guest to recap everything that happened in the episode.
Today, Rob Cesternino teams up with Christian Hubicki to break down all the moves, twists, and drama from Survivor 49. This week, Rob and Christian dig into a wild post-merge Tribal Council, where alliances crumble and unexpected gameplay takes center stage. The spotlight is on risky decisions, shifting trust, and how a powerful trio—Sol, Rizzo, and Savannah—shakes up the game.
Rob and Christian recap everything from idol paranoia at camp to the tangled vote that sends MC to the jury. They go deep on the fallout from MC’s idol play, showing how distrust fractures the main alliance and fuels new strategic chaos. With knowledge is power, banked votes, and social bonds all swirling around camp, the podcast explores the ways risky conversations, shifting targets, and surprise advantages are rewriting the rules of Survivor 49.
Rob and Christian discuss:
– Rizzo and Savannah’s alliance, plus Sol’s critical positioning in the trust cluster
– MC’s choice to play an idol: a turning point for trust and alliance stability
– Jawan’s role as possible swing vote, with both sides fighting for his loyalty
– Sage’s anti-Savannah strategy and her impact on the evolving alliances
– The importance of connecting the votes: Who’s the true “glue” holding the tribes together?
At each step, Rob and Christian question how the complex social and strategic game will play out. Can Rizzo and Savannah hold their numbers, or will shifting bonds overthrow their advantage next week?
Chapters:
0:00 Intros
11:16 MC’s Motivation For Telling Jawan
17:01 Merge Twist Creates Strategic Chaos
23:21 Nate’s Exit Sparks Unpredictability
29:38 Divisions Deepen After Tribal Council
33:40 Decoy Plans Backfire On Sophie
44:03 Should Rizzo Play Shot In Dark?
50:12 MC Senses Betrayal Approaching
57:13 Savannah’s Immunity Amplifies Rizzo’s Power
1:02:41 Vote Math Secrets Revealed
1:13:02 Who’s Most Vulnerable At Nine?
1:16:57 Double Agent Jawan’s Dilemma
1:20:35 Idol, Advantages Change Vote Outlook
1:25:08 Three-Way Vote Split Possibilities
1:31:23 MC, Savannah Keys Scene Discussed
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you’re blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up.
To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49
Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Survivor coverage!
LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed
WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube
SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

The Amazing Race 38 Ep 8 Recap
Rob Cesternino, Jessica Liese, and Mike Bloom are back for another incredible journey around the world watching The Amazing Race! Our TAR experts will be back with a recap each and every week! Make sure to also tune into our weekly exit interview with the eliminated team.
Today, Rob Cesternino, Mike Bloom, and Jess Liese discuss episode 8 of The Amazing Race 38.
Pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, at www.robhasabook.com
Race on over to Twitter to follow these hosts and share all of your thoughts with us on Twitter by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP!
Rob Cesternino @robcesternino
Jessica Liese @HaymakerHattie
Mike Bloom @AMikeBloomType
Join our Facebook group at robhasawebsite.com/targroup 
LISTEN: Never miss an episode of Amazing Race coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Amazing Race Feed. 
WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube
SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!