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.
292: Survivor 50: Jesse Lopez Reacts to Ozzy’s Blindside and Emily’s 'Legend Status' Move
May 08, 2026
Show notes
Survivor 43's Jesse Lopez joins The Exclusive to recap a wild episode of Survivor 50, including Ozzy's emotional blindside and Emily's nearly game-changing move against Cirie. Jesse breaks down why Ozzy’s attempt at jury management completely backfired, explains why Emily’s risky strategy would have earned her “immediate legend status” if it had worked, and reacts to Cirie once again proving why she’s one of the greatest to ever play. Jesse also weighs in on Joe's “honor and integrity” approach to the game, Rick Devens’ chaotic energy this season, Rizo’s position moving forward, and whether anyone can actually beat Cirie at the end.
291: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Ozzy Lusth Calls Idol Misplay 'One of the Worst Decisions' of His Life
May 07, 2026
Show notes
The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Ozzy Lusth, joins The Exclusive for an emotional conversation about the “worst decision” of his Survivor career and the regret he feels after choosing not to play his idol. The Survivor legend breaks down the jury management strategy that backfired, explains why he believes Rizo made a game-ending mistake by turning on him, and reflects on the heartbreaking blindside that left him feeling “numb.” Ozzy also opens up about his complicated family story and the emotional scene involving his father, reveals how closely he worked with Cirie throughout the game, and shares why he was trying to align with Rick and Christian. Plus, Ozzy discusses why winning challenges mattered less to him this season and whether he would ever return to play Survivor again.
290: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Emily Flippen on Her ‘Hot Mess’ Game & Hail Mary Plan
May 07, 2026
Show notes
The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Emily Flippen, joins The Exclusive to unpack her “hot mess express” game, the emotional fallout from Ozzy’s shocking blindside, and why she believes getting voted out on Day 21 may have been a “blessing in disguise.” Emily breaks down her failed “Hail Mary” plan with Rick Devens, reveals how worried she was about becoming a no-vote finalist, and reflects on the chaotic relationships that defined her season — including her rocky dynamic with Ozzy, her close alliance with Christian, and her struggles with Jonathan. She also reacts to the infamous rice situation, shares behind-the-scenes insight into Survivor jury management, and explains why she believes Survivor 50 will be her final time playing the game.
289: Survivor 50: Domenick Abbate Breaks Down Rick Devens' WILDEST Episode Yet
May 03, 2026
Show notes
Rick Devens may have just delivered the biggest moment of Survivor 50 so far — and Domenick Abbate is here to break it all down. The Ghost Island runner-up joins The Exclusive to unpack Devens’ “MVP” fake idol play, the chaotic Tribal Council that flipped the game, and why this might be one of the best episodes in recent memory. Dom explains how creativity separates great players from good ones, and whether Devens’ bold move actually helps or hurts his chances to win. Plus, Dom weighs in on Cirie’s dominant social game, Stephenie’s critical misstep, the controversial coin flip twist, and how the shocking $2 million prize could impact strategy moving forward. He also shares his honest reaction to missing out on Survivor 50 — and whether he would’ve played just as aggressively if given the chance.
288: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick Says Trusting Cirie Cost Her
Apr 30, 2026
Show notes
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, the latest player voted out of Survivor 50, joins The Exclusive to break down the wild Tribal Council that ended her game. The four-time player opens up about trusting Cirie Fields despite years of history, why she now calls that her biggest mistake, and how she believes her entire alliance was quietly taken out “one by one” without her realizing what was happening. She also reacts to Joe and Jonathan writing her name down, the coin toss twist she ultimately passed on, and why she says communication breakdowns led to her downfall. Plus, Stephenie reflects on the social game she wishes viewers saw more of and reveals whether she’d ever return to Survivor again—including the one other reality show she’d say yes to without hesitation.
287: Top Chef 23 Exit Interview: Jennifer Hospitalized Mid-Season, Justin Breaks Down His Decision
Apr 29, 2026
Show notes
The latest chefs eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Jennifer Lee Jackson and Justin Tootla, join The Exclusive for a candid exit interview breaking down the shocking turn that led to both of their departures. Jennifer opens up about the scary medical emergency that forced her to step away mid-competition—and what it was like realizing something was seriously wrong in real time. Justin reveals what went into his emotional decision to turn down the chance to return and replace her, explaining why leaving to support Jennifer was the only option.
The duo also reflect on competing together as partners, the pressure of watching each other struggle, and the heartbreak of missing out on Restaurant Wars just as they were getting close. Plus, Jennifer reacts to being invited back to the competition in the future—and whether Justin would ever consider stepping into the kitchen again.
286: Top Chef Showrunner Doneen Arquines Reveals What REALLY Happens on Restaurant Wars
Apr 28, 2026
Show notes
Top Chef showrunner Doneen Arquines joins The Exclusive to break down the high-stakes Restaurant Wars episode and reveal what really happens behind the scenes. The longtime producer explains why the fan-favorite challenge is “like Survivor’s merge,” what goes into building the restaurants from scratch, and how close calls at Judges’ Table are actually decided. Doneen also shares insight into common strategy mistakes chefs make—from vague “global” concepts to risky role choices—and weighs in on whether contestants should speak up when they disagree with a dish.
Plus, she opens up about the evolution of Top Chef over 20+ seasons, the decision to change immunity rules, how casting and challenges come together, and why even the most talented chefs can struggle under pressure. Doneen also discusses Kristen Kish stepping in as host, the possibility of another All-Stars season, and answers fan questions about everything from dessert strategy to behind-the-scenes judging logistics.
285: Survivor 50: Jeremy Collins on the Jimmy Fallon Twist & Cirie’s ‘Magical’ Gameplay
Apr 23, 2026
Show notes
Survivor winner Jeremy Collins joins The Exclusive to break down the Jimmy Fallon twist that shook up the game and Cirie Fields’ “magical” social strategy this season. He reacts to the latest Tribal Council, explains the key decision that shifted the vote, and shares why some players are thriving while others are unraveling. Jeremy also weighs in on Devens’ chaotic gameplay, the risks of playing too hard too fast, and what it really takes to build a winning resume in today’s Survivor.
284: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Christian Hubicki on Voting for Himself, Jimmy Fallon & What Went Wrong
Apr 23, 2026
Show notes
The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Christian Hubicki, joins The Exclusive to break down the chaotic Tribal Council that led to his blindside and the series of moves he says “really messed things up.” The fan-favorite strategist reacts to the controversial Jimmy Fallon twist that forced him to vote for himself, explains how throwing out Ozzy's name to Cirie shifted the target onto him, and shares why he ignored key warning signs that his name would be written down at Tribal. Christian also dives into Rick Devens’ flashy fake idol play, gives credit to Cirie’s subtle social game, and reveals what viewers didn’t see from his final days on the island.
283: House of Villains Season 3 Exit Interview: Paul Abrahamian
Apr 17, 2026
Show notes
Big Brother runner-up and House of Villains finalist Paul Abrahamian joins The Exclusive to break down the Season 3 finale, including where things went wrong in the final challenge and the strategy that could have secured him the win. Paul reflects on being underestimated as the “dumb stoner rocker,” why he believes he could’ve won sitting next to the right players, and how a “bitter jury” may have impacted his chances. He also reacts to the final three, shares his unfiltered thoughts on key moves that weren’t owned, and explains why intimidation—not strategy—ultimately defined the winner. Plus, Paul opens up about coming out of reality TV “retirement,” why he had “the time of my life” on the show, and whether he’d return for The Traitors, Survivor, or another competition series.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
