Show notes
Amazing Race 39 Ep 5 Exit Interviews
Watch the podcast on YouTube!
The Amazing Race Season 39, Episode 5 takes center stage as Jessica Lise welcomes recently eliminated team Dafina and Saran, known as "the Besters," for a candid exit interview. After their journey in Albania was cut short by navigational missteps, the duo opens up about the highs, lows, and key choices from their race experience. Jessica dives right into their perspective on setbacks, the realities of competing abroad, and how teamwork shaped both their gameplay and their relationship.
The conversation focused on the real reasons behind the Besters' elimination, with the duo firmly rejecting the idea of “bad luck” as their undoing. Instead, navigation—and a missed exit paired with unfamiliar roundabouts—comes to the forefront as the crucial turning point. Injury is another topic, but both explain how their athletic backgrounds and positive outlook kept them moving, even when not at top speed. The discussion explored the thrill of a new team twist, collaborative roadblocks, and decisions made in the heat of the moment. The Besters also reflect on how their preparation, including escape room training, both helped and hindered them, and what it was like to see their actions play out on TV.
Key moments and insights include:
The missed exit and tricky Albanian roadways become their biggest challenge, not a string of bad luck or physical setbacks.
Both value the teamwork twist and choose to double their chances by searching separately during the collaborative shoe challenge.
Preparation included escape rooms and navigation drills, but “escape room brain” sometimes led to overthinking simple tasks.
Appreciation for local help and cultural immersion during challenges, with a nod to new friendships made in Spain.
A focus on sisterhood and positivity as the heart of their racing philosophy, always finding ways to pivot forward even after setbacks.
Did navigation choices make all the difference, or was there another path to the Pit Stop? Hear how Dafina and Saran break down their Amazing Race journey and what they learned along the road.
Listen now to catch every behind-the-scenes strategy, challenge, and heartfelt reflection from this episode of The Amazing Race.
Chapters:
0:00 Besters’ Elimination and Exit Begins
1:18 Navigation Errors Set Back Besters
2:08 Injury Impact Downplayed by Besters
3:06 Audition Stories and Team Bonding
4:28 Proud Moments and Race Highlights
5:30 Roadblock Twist: New Collaboration
6:37 Shoe Challenge: Strategic Decisions
7:31 Favorite Destinations: Albania vs Vancouver
8:39 Missed Exits: How Far Behind?
9:59 Watching Back: Lessons and Regrets
11:12 Race Prep: Escape Room Effect
13:12 Racing Pressure and Orientation Mistakes
14:49 Pivoting to Positivity, Moving Forward
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!
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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
