For nearly 20 years, Sharon Tharp has been breaking news, landing exclusive interviews, and covering reality television’s biggest stories. On The Exclusive, she takes fans behind the headlines with insider analysis, exclusive conversations, and behind-the-scenes access they won’t find anywhere else.
282: Survivor 50: Derrick Levasseur Breaks Down the Double Elimination Twist
Apr 16, 2026
Show notes
Big Brother 16 winner and Traitors alum Derrick Levasseur joins The Exclusive to break down Episode 8 of Survivor 50, including the double elimination twist and the Tribal Council that sent both Chrissy and Coach home. Derrick shares why, as a player, he would “hate” a twist like this but as a fan finds it “interesting,” weighs in on whether the right targets went home, and reacts to Devens’ flashy idol play and its impact on the vote. He also dives into the evolving power structure of the game, explains why players like Cirie and Rizo are in the strongest positions, and discusses how the “middle” players could ultimately control the outcome—plus who he sees as the biggest threat heading into next week.
281: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Chrissy Hofbeck on the Twist That Sent Her Home
Apr 16, 2026
Show notes
The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Chrissy Hofbeck joins The Exclusive to break down the “brilliant” twist that led to her elimination and why she and Coach ultimately “both are responsible for our own demise.” Chrissy reflects on going into Tribal Council “feeling safe,” the shocking vote flip that blindsided her, and how Devens’ fake idol chaos played into the outcome. She also opens up about her complicated dynamic with Rizo, addresses the “Zoom Alliance” rumors, and explains why, despite the result, she leaves the game with “a grateful heart” and no regrets about her Survivor journey.
280: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Benjamin 'Coach' Wade Admits Where It All Went Wrong
Apr 16, 2026
Show notes
Benjamin “Coach” Wade joins The Exclusive after his Survivor 50 exit to break down the chaotic Tribal Council that sent him home, including the “huge mistake” that left his alliance “cooked” and the moment he admits his game “all just went to shit.” The Survivor legend reflects on building what he calls an “amazing, brilliant game” before it unraveled, why the refusal to split votes shocked him, and where things went wrong with allies like Chrissy, Rizo, and Ozzy. He also addresses pregame alliance rumors, Devens’ idol impact, and why he ultimately feels at peace with his elimination, saying, “I messed up, and it is what it is.”
279: Top Chef 23 Exit Interview: Brittany Cochran Says Equipment Issues Cost Her the Competition
Apr 14, 2026
Show notes
The latest chef eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Brittany Cochran, joins The Exclusive to break down what really went wrong in the elimination challenge, including the equipment issues—a delayed meat grinder and oven mishap—that derailed her dish at a critical moment. She opens up about the intense mental pressure of the competition, why she felt confident going in before everything unraveled, and how being in her hometown added a unique layer of stress. Brittany also reacts to Tom Colicchio’s rare praise, shares why she believes the outcome could have been different, and reveals whether she’d ever return to the Top Chef kitchen again.
270: House of Villains Season 3 Exit Interview: Tom Sandoval and Tyson Apostol
Apr 10, 2026
Show notes
The latest players eliminated from House of Villains Season 3, Tyson Apostol and Tom Sandoval, join The Exclusive to break down the chaotic chain of events that led to their exits — and why they believe the game was stacked against them from the start. The duo sounds off on the controversial challenge they say gave the underdogs “no chance,” the lack of real endgame strategy in the house, and the moves they’re calling “terrible gameplay,” while also opening up about failed attempts to flip the numbers, broken trust with allies, and behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make it to air.
278: Survivor 50: Sophi Balerdi Reacts to Rizo's Game & Dee Pregaming Rumors
Apr 09, 2026
Show notes
Season 49 runner-up Sophi Balerdi joins The Exclusive to break down Episode 7 of Survivor 50, including the pregaming rumors involving her friends Dee and Rizo—and how those connections actually played out before the game began. She also weighs in on Rizo’s game, why his ability to build trust (even with players he doesn’t plan to stick with) is setting him up well, and how alliances like “Cirie’s Rizard of Oz” are quietly gaining power. Sophi reacts to the growing tension back at camp, including Coach and Jonathan’s approach, and the “honor and integrity” divide, and explains the key mistake that shifted momentum this episode—plus where players like Tiffany stand moving forward.
277: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Dee Valladares Admits Telling Emily About Rizo's Idol Hurt Her Game
Apr 09, 2026
Show notes
Former Survivor winner Dee Valladares joins The Exclusive after her exit from Season 50 to break down where things really went wrong—from the “mix of everything” that unraveled her game to the one move she calls her biggest regret: revealing Rizo’s idol. Dee opens up about her emotional fallout with Rizo (including a moment that didn’t make air), why her feud with Jonathan felt “personal” after brewing since day one, and how camp paranoia—even over something as simple as a fashion show—turned players against her. She also explains why she knew she had an “expiration date,” why she had to win immunity to survive, and how pregaming may have impacted other players’ games. Plus, Dee reacts to Emily’s vote, shares what was missing from the edit, and makes it clear she’s not done with Survivor just yet.
276: The Valley Season 3: Luke & Danny on Filming Without Jax—and Why It Feels Different
Apr 08, 2026
Show notes
Danny Booko and Luke Broderick join The Exclusive to break down The Valley Season 3, from the fallout of last season’s drama to navigating new challenges as dads. Danny reflects on having a “target” on his back and whether he expected apologies after the reunion, while Luke admits he had “false hope” that fractured relationships could be repaired. The two also open up about vulnerable conversations around intimacy and parenthood, why those moments matter for viewers, and how Jesse’s relationship with Lacy is changing the group dynamic. Plus, they share their unfiltered thoughts on Lala stirring the pot, filming without Jax, and why this season feels lighter—but still full of tension behind the scenes.
275: The Valley Season 3: Michelle & Tom Schwartz Bond Over Divorcing on TV
Apr 08, 2026
Show notes
Tom Schwartz and Michelle Saniei join The Exclusive to break down The Valley Season 3, from fresh starts to lingering drama. Michelle opens up about her “painful” divorce from Jesse Lally, weighs in on his new relationship with Lacy and what it was like filming together, while Schwartz reflects on entering a new chapter he calls a “rebirth” after a difficult few years. He also shares where things stand with ex-wife Katie Maloney and how joining The Valley compares to Vanderpump Rules, as both discuss the lighter tone this season, the absence of Jax Taylor and how the group dynamics are shifting moving forward.
274: The Valley Season 3: Jesse & Lacey Tease a ‘Different’ Side of Him
Apr 08, 2026
Show notes
Jesse Lally and Lacey Nicole join The Exclusive to preview The Valley Season 3 and tease a “different” side of Jesse as their relationship takes center stage. The couple opens up about why Lacey initially hesitated to join the show, how their dynamic has evolved over time, and what it’s been like navigating filming with kids in the picture. Jesse also addresses where things stand with his divorce from Michelle, the tension that still lingers, and how their on-camera interactions play out this season. Plus, they react to the shifting group dynamics, new cast additions like Lala and Schwartz, and hint at “petty, not dark” drama — while also teasing surprising moments fans won’t see coming.
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