Past winner of Survivor : The Australian Outback, 42 year old Tina Wesson was the First All-Star to be voted out of the Tribe by a 4 - 2 vote.
Was it a wise decision to for Rupert and Rudy to trust Jerri and Jenna rather than the winners Ethan and Tina?
CBS.com Post Boot Chat Transcript with Tina Wesson
Survivor Host: There are tons of great questions for Tina so let's begin! If you're just joining us, we're chatting live with Survivor All-Star Tina Wesson. Hi Tina! Thanks for being here today. Are you ready to take some questions?
Tina: Absolutely!
colbyshot: Tina, how was is to be back on SURVIVOR?
Tina: Exciting, I couldn't wait to get there and I had another wonderful adventure.
seawater: Hi Tina, how different was the location for you this time?
Tina: Much tougher. We actually had noseeums, little bugs you can't see, and mosquitoes, and of course the dehydration was not fun at all.
hollysnowprincess: Were you surprised that the issue of previous winners came up so soon?
Tina: Yes and no. I had hoped that at least it wouldn't be an issue until midway through the game. I had no idea it was such a sensitive spot and that from the get go they wouldn't allow us to play. [laughs]
QueenAurora: Tina, do you have any guesses why your team voted you off first?
Tina: Because I was a previous winner and they needed Ethan and his strength for the challenge.
goatdude: Tina, were you surprised that Rupert and Rudy voted for you after they said that winning last time shouldn't matter?
Tina: I was surprised, more so because I pitched a great spiel to them about why it wasn't a smart strategy to vote with Jerri and Jenna. They needed the money most and they would not take Rupert to the finals because they could not win against Rupert, so I thought they would come to the light instead of stay on the dark side.
micaIa: Hi Tina, were you surprised to see anyone in particular when the other tribes were revealed?
Tina: Most surprised to see Amber and most surprised not to see Mike Skupin.
Cowboy: Hey Tina, were you surprised to see Colby there?
Tina: Not at all! [laughs] I would've been surprised if I *hadn't* seen him there. I only wish he was on my tribe; I could have used his help!
seawater: Hi Tina, when you finally saw Colby was also playing did you ever get to chat with him on the island?
Tina: No, unfortunately.
Bettye: Hey Tina! What was Rupert like in person? And is Richard really a jerk?
Tina: [laughs] Rupert is an extremely kind soul. Richard is arrogant but not necessarily a jerk.
Tommy: Did you ever buy Colby that Harley?
Tina: Absolutely!
YourNameHere: Tina, sorry about the first boot. Were you allowed to bring anything along, like luxury items?
Tina: We were not allowed to bring anything with us. Just the clothes we had on and our bathing suit. They even picked the clothes that we wore out there.
Mommarabbit: Tina, how surprised were you when you saw three tribes of six this time? How do you think that will affect the dynamics?
Tina: I wasn't surprised at all. I was kind of expecting it. To be honest, it did not change the game at all.
alana: Tina--what did you mean by "what can a mother do" ?
Tina: [laughs] Oh, that's cute. Funny, I don't remember saying that out there. I thought because I am a mother and that seems to be my role on SURVIVOR, it just seems like I am stuck. I need an alliance, I've only got Ethan and I needed someone else and didn't know what to do! So, it's like--what's a mother to do?
WindyCityJo: Tina, welcome back! Sorry about your early ouster. Did you try to form an alliance with anyone else?
Tina: Absolutely. I tried everything I could to get Rupert to come along with Ethan and I. I knew that Jenna and Jerri had their alliance and I suspected Jenna had Rudy since they were such good friends in their first SURVIVOR.
Johnnyfairplay: What is the most important skill needed to win SURVIVOR All- Stars?
Tina: Wow...that's a really tough question. You know I don't think it takes a single skill. For me personally, to win the first one it took luck, logistics and living relationally. On this SURVIVOR, I think it's going to take a tough skin mentality, meaning have no qualms about voting off your friends--[laughs]--a good strategy and luck as well.
rink: Were all the tribes on the same island or were you on three different islands? And did you want to barf when you saw Richard naked?
Tina: Oh...you know what, I think we were all three on different islands. I'm not sure but I think we were. I never saw where the other people were. And as far as barfing...[laughs]...when I saw Richard--I just tried not to look!
Dr_Hab: Tina--I thought in SURVIVOR: AUSTRALIA you indicated you would never do SURVIVOR again. Why the change?
Tina: I did say that! BUT, I am just one of these gluttons for punishment! I *love* adventure. For our first anniversary, my husband and I were on a rock in the center of a river in Zion National Park. On our second anniversary, we were two hours into the jungle of Belize. Our third anniversary, we were bicycling through Tahoe. We're just adventure junkies! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do SURVIVOR again.
linker: Why are all the teams having trouble starting a fire this season?
Tina: You have to have a hard wood and a soft wood to start a fire and we could not find the two opposing types of wood. We could find two soft woods but then couldn't find a hard wood. Or it might be vice versa, I don't know. It's a lot harder than you can imagine.
WindyCityJo: Tina, this has been bugging me. Why didn't Kathy use her glasses to start the fire (or anybody else for that matter)?
Tina: Good question. Actually, on our tribe, Rudy has the lowest prescription pair of glasses and we used his but they just aren't strong enough to start a fire. I'm not sure what Kathy's level of prescription was, but I was surprised that they didn't use them...at least it didn't show her using them.
alljoy: Tina, was the immunity challenge as hard as it looked?
Tina: What made that challenge so difficult was the fact that we had not had water for three days. Rupert was extremely dehydrated to the point that he had already been throwing up and we were just all so weak. It was just a difficult challenge.
Peracha: Tina, did you see the look on Colby's face when Jerri came out, and did you laugh like we all did?
Tina: No, I didn't see the look on his face at the time. To be honest, I was extremely focused on the challenge because I knew if we lost that challenge I would be going home. So, I didn't even look at all the other contestants.
kitkat: If you could have chosen the 5 other players on your team who would it have been?
Tina: Ethan, Colby, Lex, Big Tom and Mike Skupin, even though he wasn't out there.
QueenAurora: Tina, seeing as you were the first one voted off, was the time you invested worth it?
Tina: Oh, absolutely! I would do it again even if I were to be the first one voted off and no matter how hard it was and even if there was no money involved. I crave the adventure.
catgirl: Hi Tina...who would you LEAST like to see win this SURVIVOR?
Tina: I'm going to have to say Richard, only because the man doesn't need anymore confidence. [laughs]
alljoy: So Tina, were you surprised that not all of the previous SURVIVOR winners were there?
Tina: No, not really. I had heard Vecepia had a baby and I didn't think that she would come. I was surprised to see Jenna Morasca and a little surprised that Brian wasn't there.
SEH4MSU: How has your life changed since you won SURVIVOR the first time?
Tina: Wow...let's see, where do I even begin? First of all, I have a different career. I was doing home health care and now I do motivational speaking. The financial part of SURVIVOR has allowed me to pay off all my debts, to have two amazing homes (one in TN and one in NC) and of course, the notoriety part changes your life in that you can't just go to Kroger's looking as rough as I usually did going in to grocery shop! I have to put on makeup now, that part isn't much fun. [laughs]
WindyCityJo: Tina, you didn't look older at all. Did you do extra work to get in shape for All-Stars?
Tina: No, I exercise almost everyday, so I did try to put on about three extra pounds but that was all.
tinarocks: Tina, what was your favorite moment that we didn't get to see on TV?
Tina: The most surprising thing they did not put on the show happened at Tribal Council. When Jeff said, "It's time to vote" I said "Hold on, Jeff, I've got something to say". At that point, I knew that I could not win the game and I had decided from the very beginning that I was going to pay it forward, meaning the same kindness that Colby showed to me, I was going to show to Rupert...So, I told Rupert as far as strategy was concerned, it wasn't smart to go with the other girls. I tried to get Rupert to go with us, meaning me and Ethan, and kind of put him on the spot. So, on national television, he would have to make the decision to go with us, who were trying to help him, or go with Jerri and Jenna after what seemed to be someone only trying to help him. I was surprised that they cut all of that.
Stephanie: Did you bring back any mementos with you?
Tina: A lot of shells.
tas2424: If Richard were on your team and you found out he was holding out on building a fire, how would you react?
Tina: First of all, I don't believe that statement to be true. I would like to see him start a fire with the type of wood we had in Panama. To be honest, I think I'm as tough as Richard so it wouldn't bother me if he didn't start a fire. I don't think you're going to die because you're cold but we might die without water! [laughs]
modapabr: Was it easier that you knew some of the Survivors, or did it make it harder?
Tina: I think it makes it much more difficult because now you're voting off some of your very close friends.
altistitar: Tina, you are one of my favorite Survivors ever. Has Jerri changed at all?
Tina: Thank you so much, how sweet! She sure has! I was very surprised to find Jerri was quite a pleasant person to be with, and I even told her that if she'd been this nice in Australia we would not have voted her off.
aliasfan2003: Hi Tina. Were you surprised with any of the outcomes of any of the recent SURVIVOR seasons?
Tina: Actually, yes. I was very surprised that Vecepia won, disappointed that Brian won and outside of that, I guess I'm happy with the outcome of everything else.
tinafan1: Do you think on this SURVIVOR they've raised the standards in how hard the challenges are and how hard to find food it is out there?
Tina: Well, I can only speak for the first challenge, since that's all I saw and from what I understand, they were using challenges used in the past. So, I'm not sure that they're any more difficult. As far as the food's concerned, we had a lot of coconuts and bananas which is more than we had in Australia.
Survivorfreak101: What is Jenna like in person? Is she as annoying as the show portrays her to be?
Tina: [laughs] Actually, she is extremely funny and if I was seriously stranded somewhere I would probably take her along because of her positive attitude. Your hut could be blown away by a tornado and she'd be like "Oh, darn! There went our hut! Guess we'll have to build another one!" and do it with a smile on her face.
JubJub: Do you have to stay the entire duration of SURVIVOR at a different location once voted out?
Tina: We were actually sent to travel for the remaining time, and that in itself can be a great adventure.
ABBB: Rudy drank the water and (so far) he didn't get sick. Why didn't the others follow suit?
Tina: Because what you're seeing takes place over a three day time period, so if he drank the water on day two, he probably won't be getting sick until the night of day two or day three so we want to see how his body reacts before we go drink it.
mrsjacksparrow: Tina...How was Rudy doing physically while you were there?
Tina: Rudy is amazing! Here is this 76 year old man, he still runs three miles a day, does push ups and is willing to come out into this harsh environment like us, just for the fun of it! I want to be like him when I'm 76...but maybe not so grouchy.
Lnrhop: Tina, when is your book coming out?
Tina: I just finished it, so we will start shopping it this week and I'm not sure how long the turnaround time is but thank you for asking!
Tina_Fan: Tina, are you disappointed that Jonny Fairplay wasn't invited?
Tina: Heck no! *Thank* my lucky stars he wasn't there!
yeahbaby: Who did you think should have won in place of Brian?
Tina: Helen.
chcgomatt: Tina, you are the best! Did you have any problems with your arthritis while on the island?
Tina: Well, thank you very much for the compliment! And no, not a bit.
: Tina, that just wasn't fair! Would you have done anything differently? I thought you were great anyway! Tina: Well, thank you! To be honest, there is nothing I could have done to change the fact that they weren't interested in letting a previous winner advance.
songs: Tina, I admire your passion for adventure. What motivates you to experience a variety of unique adventures?
Tina: I think this is just the way God created me!
pepper: Did you ever put anything on eBay or buy anything on eBay from your time in the Outback?
Tina: No, on both questions. I gave my hat to Rosie to auction. In my house I actually have the SURVIVOR flag, the merger map and the original letter that was tacked to our box. Those are framed and hanging on my wall. I have a few items that I wouldn't mind putting up on eBay and am considering that.
di5c0diva: Tina, do you feel Rupert was given an advantage having only competed recently (less the time to prepare)?
Tina: Absolutely not. If anything, he's at a disadvantage because his body still carried the wounds from his last show. He had scars, welts on his body and you could tell he did not seem fully recovered.
Lilsurvivor41: Who do you think was physically not up to the challenge of coming back?
Tina: I'm going to say Jenna Morasca, she was kind of weak in her first SURVIVOR series. Sometimes I wonder why people who find this experience so miserable choose to come back and do it again.
BrkichBaby: If you could have made it further, who from any of the three tribes would you have liked to have gotten to know better?
Tina: Well, I know everybody already. The fact that we do events together makes us already comrades, so to speak.
urfavoritewiteguy: Tina, I'm still mad at you for voting off Mad Dog, haha, but have you and she remained friends?
Tina: Actually, editing made it look as if I was in some kind of an alliance with Mad Dog when in fact, I never was. So, sorry about that... No, Maralyn does not speak to any of us. [laughs]
quiltedhippo: Tina, I was surprised how may ex-Survivors are motivational speakers. Was that a natural path for you to take?
Tina: Not really. I never enjoyed being in front of people. I never tried out for cheerleading or do anything that put me in the spotlight. However, I began speaking for a pharmaceutical company and the Arthritis Foundation and found I really enjoyed it.
S_C_Murtz: Tina, do you think that the tribes were divided fairly?
Tina: Yes.
bubby: Tina, how would you compare Colby and Ethan?
Tina: Wow, good question! Both are the type of men that I would like to see my daughter marry. Both have great integrity, kindness and gentleness, and I love them both dearly.
survivor_chatter: Tina, which Survivor do you dislike more for their actions, Jerri or Jenna?
Tina: Neither. To be honest, they played a great game. How could I be mad about that? If I were in their shoes, I may have done the same thing. Remember, it's a game, it's not real life and life is too short to dislike someone over something like that.
nursedayday: How serious do you think they are when they tell you about parasites that are in the water and that you have to boil it before you can drink it?
Tina: *VERY SERIOUS*. Lex came back from Africa with multiple parasites that have taken him a couple years to try and get rid of. When they say don't drink the water, you bet your pants I'm not drinking the water!
GoRupertGo: Tina, congratulation on your previous win. How long did it take you to recover from the last show?
Tina: Two weeks, approximately.
Go_Amber: Did you agree with Rob Mariano when he said that no one can trust anyone else this season?
Tina: Absolutely. It's going to be the most cutthroat SURVIVOR yet.
Stephanie: Jeff Probst said you call him to play tennis. Do you meet up with any others regularly?
Tina: If I'm in their town. That's a great thing about SURVIVOR; you now have people all over the U.S. that you can stay with (or at least visit) when you're in town!
jsschrstrcks: who is your least favorite Survivor of all time?
Tina: Jonny Fairplay.
GetBent: Who do you think is the weak link in your old tribe?
Tina: There are none. That's why they call it All-Stars.
wldwon: Tina, where do you think the next SURVIVOR should be?
Tina: I would love to see it in Costa Rica.
prettylips: What is the #1 question you are always being asked?
Tina: "Was it fun?" [laughs]
lisa1: How do you think Richard's arrogant behavior will go over with his teammates?
Tina: From the looks of the show--not very well!
prettylips: Would you like to compete with Lill?
Tina: Sure! She seems like a very sweet lady.
S_C_Murtz: Tina, were you surprised at how many Australians were cast?
Tina: Not really, because I believe the second season was one of the most popular and people wanted to see some old familiar faces. Mine being the oldest...[laughs]
Tina_Fan: Did some of the contestants decline an invitation for All-Stars?
Tina: Yes, I believe Elisabeth and Colleen both declined to return.
Gorilla300: Tina, who was the better strategist.... Richard or Rob C?
Tina: I'm going to say Richard because he was the first to play and to not have someone to model his game after. He was the original master strategist.
SunAmulet: Was Jenna's rant at Tribal Council a surprise to you, or had you heard it before around camp?
Tina: She had actually told Ethan that it was going to be me to go first, and so I knew my clock was ticking and that she's got a vendetta against anyone who has won.
Rupertstheone: Tina, it's surprising that only one Survivor has been seriously injured so far. Have there been close calls that you know of?
Tina: I am shocked that there's only been one serious injury. The challenges are tough. Though tested, there's plenty of opportunity for things to go wrong. Thankfully, the safety testers have protected us from harm.
Katrina: What is your next big adventure?
Tina: Wow! I wish I could say! It has something to do with the great outdoors. However, I think it will have more to do with providing for the family. Such as getting this book published and promoting a new reality cable network called "Reality Central" which will entail 24 hours of reality television. If you all want to help, call your local cable and satellite operators and ask for "Reality Central"! Since I didn't win the million dollars, I guess I'll have to continue to work a few more years.
Survivor Host: I am sorry to say that our hour with Tina is up. Tina, thanks so much for being here to chat with us today. Do you have any final comments for the SURVIVOR fans?
Tina: Remember if you're posting on other sites to be kind. Lots of times, we're reading what you're writing and we do have feelings. It's just a game, not real life and if you want to keep updated on what I'm up to you can log on to my website
www.tinawesson.com.
Survivor Host: Thanks for joining us everyone. Tune in to an all-new SURVIVOR: All Stars Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM on 9.
Next Week on Survivor : All Stars
Living conditions worsen, but a hero emerges for one tribe, and one castaway continually fails in efforts to contribute to camp life. A second player is voted off the islands.
