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.
212: Survivor 50: Benjamin 'Coach' Wade Is Back to Win — and Rewrite His Legacy (Preseason Interview)
Jan 30, 2026
Show notes
After more than a decade away, Benjamin "Coach" Wade is returning for Survivor 50 with a clear goal: to win. In this preseason interview, the Survivor legend sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how time, family, and personal growth have reshaped his approach since his previous seasons. Coach opens up about legacy, redemption, and why returning now feels like the right moment to rewrite how he’s remembered in the game. He also discusses adapting to the modern era, navigating familiar faces, and what it would mean to finally leave Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans as a champion.
211: Survivor 50: Cirie Fields Is Back for Her 'Diploma' and Unfinished Business (Preseason Interview)
Jan 30, 2026
Show notes
After 20 years and four previous runs, Cirie Fields is returning for Survivor 50 with unfinished business. In this preseason interview, the Survivor legend sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how experience, perspective, and longevity have reshaped her approach since her first season. Cirie opens up about loyalty, reading people before the game begins, and navigating pre-existing relationships. She also discusses managing her threat level and why recent winners could face bigger targets in Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.
209: Survivor 50: Q Burdette Plans to Start Slow — Then 'All Bets Are Off' (Preseason Interview)
Jan 29, 2026
Show notes
Q Burdette is back for Survivor 50 — and he knows exactly what went wrong last time. In this preseason interview, the Survivor 46 breakout sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how moving too fast and embracing chaos cost him his shot at the end — and why he plans to start Survivor 50 by slowing down. Q opens up about the reputation he brings into the game, the fine line between unpredictability and control, and why boredom could be the moment everything flips. With more experience, a new mindset, and no shortage of confidence, Q explains how he plans to adapt his game for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans — and what might happen if patience runs out.
210: Survivor 50: Angelina Keeley Is Playing Smarter — But Still Won't Be Boring (Preseason Interview)
Jan 29, 2026
Show notes
Angelina Keeley is back for Survivor 50 — and she’s playing a smarter game this time. In this preseason interview, the Survivor: David vs. Goliath finalist sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how life, motherhood, and experience have reshaped her approach since her first season. Angelina opens up about learning from a zero-vote finish, dialing back theatrics, and balancing her big personality with a more controlled, intentional strategy. She also discusses navigating pre-existing relationships, the potential impact of her connection to Mike White, and how ambition and perception could shape the game in Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.
208: Survivor 50: Mike White Plans to Be the Vibe Police (Preseason Interview)
Jan 28, 2026
Show notes
Mike White is back for Survivor 50 — and he’s ready to police the vibe. In this preseason interview from Fiji, the Survivor: David vs. Goliath finalist and The White Lotus creator sits down with host Sharon Tharp to discuss why the timing felt right to return, how stepping away from his day job helped reset his mindset, and why he’s drawn to playing a looser, more mischievous game this time around. More than two decades into Survivor’s legacy, Mike reflects on competing alongside old school and new school players, navigating a cast full of big personalities and past winners, and why creating the right energy on the island matters just as much as strategy as the milestone season approaches.
207: Survivor 50: Jenna Lewis-Dougherty Wants You to Underestimate Her (Preseason Interview)
Jan 28, 2026
Show notes
Jenna Lewis-Dougherty is back for Survivor 50 — and she’s counting on being underestimated. In this preseason interview, the Survivor Season 1 alum sits down with Sharon Tharp to discuss returning for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, why being overlooked is exactly where she wants to be, and how the game’s modern era of advantages and résumé-building has changed the way she plans to play. More than two decades after first appearing on Survivor, Jenna reflects on competing alongside players who weren’t even born when the show premiered, staying outside the modern Survivor social scene, and what she’s watching for as the milestone season approaches.
206: The Traitors Season 4: Jeremy Collins Breaks Down the WILDEST Episode Yet
Jan 23, 2026
Show notes
Survivor winner and The Traitors Season 3 alum Jeremy Collins joins Sharon Tharp to break down The Traitors Season 4, Episode 6 — the most intense episode of the season so far. They dive into Ron Funches' poignant Roundtable speech, Colton Underwood's’s aggressive (and controversial) strategy and Lisa Rinna’s growing target. Plus, Jeremy shares insider perspective from his own time on The Traitors, weighs in on the faithfuls’ mistakes, the gamers’ lack of unity, and what the murder in plain sight twist could mean heading into the next episode.
205: Southern Charm's Venita Aspen Sets the Record Straight on the Craig & Salley Drama
Jan 22, 2026
Show notes
Host Sharon Tharp talks to Venita Aspen about the fallout between Craig Conover and Salley Carson on Southern Charm, pushing back on claims that she gave her friend an ultimatum and explaining why she felt compelled to speak up. Venita opens up about the criticism she’s faced, her perspective on Craig and Salley’s dynamic, and why she stands by how she handled the situation — plus where she currently stands with Craig after their friendship fracture.
204: The Traitors Season 4 Check-In With Bran Flakezz
Jan 22, 2026
Show notes
In this bonus episode of The Exclusive, host Sharon Tharp is joined by social media influencer and reality TV superfan Bran Flakezz for a big-picture check-in on The Traitors Season 4 so far, breaking down the early stretch of the game, standout players, strategy, and how the season is shaping up compared to past installments. They also branch out into Bran’s thoughts on the Survivor 50 cast, his favorite seasons of Big Brother, and whether he’d ever say yes to doing reality TV himself.
203: The Traitors Season 4: Morgan Pope Recaps the Chaos of Episodes 4 & 5
Jan 17, 2026
Show notes
Big Brother 27 finalist Morgan Pope joins Sharon Tharp to recap the drama of Episodes 4 & 5 of The Traitors Season 4, reacting to Tiffany’s shocking banishment, the latest murders, and the growing chaos among the Faithfuls. From Rob’s strong Traitor position to the controversy surrounding Colton’s gameplay and the castle’s shifting alliances, Morgan delivers her unfiltered thoughts and sharp strategic analysis on how the game is unfolding.
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