The Challenge Historian

It took us 38 seasons of the Challenge to introduce the third best partner concept in Challenge History, Ride or Dies, but what if we would have done it sooner? What if the OGs got a chance to compete with their besties to win that life changing sum of money?That is what we are here to debate. On the final of our three part series of OG fantasy casting the best partner themes in Challenge history, we take a look at the hypothetical of what if they did Ride or Dies as the theme of season 14. Who would be partnered, and how would things shake out? Along the way we realize that they maybe did Ride or Dies a really long time ago but just called it something different, before breaking down two versions of how the show could have gone (male/female partners, then same sex partners). Thanks as always for being here!Cold Open (00:00)Intro & Programming Notes (01:00)The Set Up (05:32)Ride or Dies OG Edition: Male/Female Teams (13:50)Ride or Dies OG Edition: Same Sex Teams (28:10)Closing Thoughts (42:27)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RideorDies #WeWantOGs #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

We are one week away from the premiere of Challenge USA 2 which means we've got some previewing and some predicting to do! This brand new seasons sees MTV legends finally get to crossover to those sweet airwaves of CBS to bring some of the "Varsity" players into the "Junior Varsity" world (as someone like Bananas might say). Join the Challenge Historian as he breaks down the cast, the trailer, the potential format, the possible love interests, who will align with who, who will make the final, and of course, who will win?!?Don't forget to mark your calendars, as USA 2 airs BOTH Thursdays AND Sundays the first three weeks. You'll have episode recaps coming on this podcast feed the morning after every episode, all season long!Cold Open (00:00)Intro & Programming Reminders (01:00)Cast Breakdown (04:30)Alliance Predictions (19:40)Tori vs Amanda (24:25)Paulie is the Key (27:29)Who Could Grab Control or Build an Alliance (30:35)Format Possibilities and Thoughts (34:10)Trailer Breakdown (38:22)Predictions Including Winner Picks (41:25)Closing Thoughts (51:40)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeUSA #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #Survivor #BigBrother #AmazingRace #WeWantOGs #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Rivals is the greatest theme in Challenge history (or in any reality competition shows history for that matter). It's a perfect blend of everything that makes The Challenge and Reality TV great, and it gave us five exceptional seasons (Vendettas and Final Reckoning count y'all). But what if they would have pulled this epic theme out a little bit earlier in the timeline? What if some of the messiest OGs got a chance to partner up with their worst enemy? Would it have worked to do this theme earlier in the run of the show? Let's find out!On this episode I am fantasy casting an OG edition of a Rivals season, eight female teams and eight male teams, then thinking through what the likely outcome of said season would be. Listen to the whole thing or end up my personal rival on a future fantasy cast.Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Reminders (02:20)The Setup (07:45)The Women's Teams (13:45)The Men's Teams (27:24)The Hypothetical Results (40:35)#TheChallenge #WeWantOGs #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeRivals #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Battle of the Exes is one of the all time best themes for a Challenge season. But what if we didn't have to wait until season 22 for them to debut it?This Challenge Historian decided to put on his time traveling producer hat and put together a fantasy cast for what a Battle of the Exes OGs Edition would have looked like.This will be the first in a three part series looking at OG editions of the best Challenge season themes that those OGs never got to do. Shout out to listener Scott for this brilliant idea! If you've got reactions to this pod or an idea of your own for a great "what if" or "debate" style podcast I could do, send those things my way by DMing me on Instagram, @ChallengeHistorian.If you'd prefer to watch this episode to get the full experience, head on over to my YouTube channel. Episode Intro (00:12)What If... (03:25)Battle of the Exes OG Edition (04:03)The Twelve Teams of Exes (05:44)What Definitely Would Have Happened (14:50)How Good Would It Have Been and What About Rivals (17:15)#TheChallenge #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #WeWantOGs #BattleoftheExes #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

The Flagship show lives! Filming is under way for The Challenge Season 39 and the cast has been made official which means WE'VE GOT REACTIONS! It's a polarizing group to say the least, as the casting department has gone young, inexperienced, and international. What's this Historian think about this potential new direction? Who do I love seeing back? I cover those thoughts and so much more in this instant (ok, two weeks later) reactions podcast!Topics include:Intro and Programming Reminders (00:00)The Full Cast List and Where We've Seen Them (05:25)The Cast By Numbers: Seasons Done, International/US, Former Finalists / Non Finalists (09:48)Youth Movement and I Love It (14:00)Is it Invasion 2 Though? (18:52)Female Cast Member by Cast Member Thoughts (23:30)Male Cast Member by Cast Member Thoughts (30:18)Who Isn't There I Would Have Liked To See (40:32)Final Thoughts (45:27)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge39 #TheChallengeCasting #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast #CastingReactions

Have you ever debated your Challenge "Mount Rushmore?" Or any pop culture "Mount Rushmore" for that matter? Well I'm guessing that A) you have, and B) you did it wrong. Why? Because we as a society get the "Mount Rushmore" analogy all wrong. Tune into this episode to hear how we get it wrong, a history lesson on what the actual Mount Rushmore is, the criteria for a true Challenge Mount Rushmore, and what cast members make my official Challenge Historian Challenge Mount Rushmore!Intro and 25th Anniversary Celebration (00:00)We Get the Mount Rushmore Analogy Wrong (06:15)History Lesson on the Real Mount Rushmore (09:33)Criteria for The Challenge Mount Rushmore (13:54)Spot 1: Mark Long (16:45)Spot 2: Veronica (20:42)Spot 3: Mike The Miz (23:57)Spot 4: Coral (28:10)Next Four Members and Honorable Mention (33:27)Outro and Plans for Offseason (47:22)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeMountRushmore #MountRushmore #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

The first ever (and last ever?) World Champions were crowned last week and this Challenge Historian is back one more time to talk the entire season as a whole and hand out some awards! Full season recap and awards, topics include:Intro, Programming Notes, Rewatch Series Updates (00:00)Did It Work and Ranking the Six Seasons (07:38)What I liked, Disliked, and Wish I Could Have Changed (17:37)Is Jordan the GOAT Now? And Where Does Kaz 2 for 2 Stand? (33:35)Awards for Best Quote, Dan Renzi Award, and Moment (43:03)Awards for Best Daily and Best Elimination (51:13)Season MVP Winner (55:23)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengeWorldChamps #TheChallnegePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

A Final where we don’t see large portions of it? No, never! Plus: Theo continues the unfortunate rolled ankles in a final streak, Troy puts a Champion on his back - literally, Tori and Danny seem to get exactly the position Tori wanted all along, Kaz and Jordan dominate, and the wardrobe department finally does TJ dirty with that oversized but still awesome conductor outfit! It’s The Challenge World Championships, Episode 12 aka The Final, recap! Topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:45)High Level Things I Liked / Disliked About the Final (04:50)Section by Section Breakdown of the Final (18:53)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (39:04)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengeWorldChamps #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Of course TJ wasn’t going to let a World Championship happen without a Hall Brawl, we should have known! Plus: Jordan’s deal gets exposed, Emily gets to swim one more time, Troy and Kaycee can’t catch a break, Sarah has to pick between her besties, TJ saves his tricks for the end, and Aussie on Aussie crime comes to its logical conclusion! It’s the Challenge World Championships Episode 11 Recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Reminders (00:38)Kaz Confronts Jordan, Sarah Missing Her Family (03:42)I Hated the Daily Challenge, Jordan Keeps His Word (11:38)Tori Stands by Jordan, Sarah Torn Between Besties (16:51)TJ's Tricks, Hall Brawl Elimination (24:07)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, Episode MVP (34:31)Previewing and Predicting the Final (38:19)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChamps #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Instant reactions (almost a month later) to the official cast for Challenge USA 2. They set off awhile back to film, we got the official list of who made it into the house and who is there as alternates, and I of course have a lot of opinions! This cast list has some things I loved (Paulie is back), some things I didn't love (no Jonathan, Tori or Noelle from Survivor), and some things I was confused by (is this a flagship season or USA 2). Listen in to hear me break it all down!Introduction and PSA (00:00)Cast and Alternates List Plus My True Initial High Level Reactions (06:26)No Danny or Sarah, Cassidy is Going to Be Awesome, Where Are My Survivor Favs (17:03)No Love Island, Not Airing on CBS, Need the Male Alternates to Enter the Game (28:03)This is Cory/Fessy/Josh/Paulie's Best Shot to Win, Who is Amanda Going to Be Friends With, Please let Desi win (40:39)Bananas, Tori, and Wes are Here? Plus Random Predictions (50:23)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeUSA #TheChallengeUSA2 #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast #Survivor #BigBrother

Kiki you are not just a legend you are an icon and we will never forget it! Plus: Emily drags Yes to victory, Tori feels guilty to the point of volunteering for elimination, Sarah and Theo stay chilling, Kaycee and Troy stay the front runners, and Jordan makes a massive blunder follows that up by being a horrible teammate then saves it all by making a secret deal behind everyone's backs! It’s the Challenge World Championships, Episode 10 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and 2 Year Anniversary (00:42)Emily Drags Yes to Victory and Jordan Makes a Big Mistake (07:02)Tori and Jordan Play Martyr But Not Really (13:55)Troy and Kaycee Are Incredible and Kiki and Darrell are the Icons (27:32)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (32:22)Power Rankings and Predictions for Penultimate Episode (35:06)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengeWorldChamps #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Queen KellyAnne bows out and the season has lost its probable MVP! Plus: Danny and Tori actually agree on something, Emily brushes off a horrific crash at the sickest challenge of the season, Jordan completely shuts out his partner Kaz, and Kiki teaches Darrell Aussie lingo before he teaches her Tangerine puzzles! It’s the Challenge World Championships Episode 9 Recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro, Programming Notes, and Iceland Challenge Fun (00:35)The Sickest Daily Challenge and Emily's Crash (06:25)Contract Signed and Did Tori and Danny Fool Everyone (16:05)Elimination and Queen KellyAnne's Exit (23:40)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (28:52)Power Rankings and Predictions (32:50)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Everyone is sick but for very different reasons! Plus: the sun sets on team Argentina, the worst version of trivia I’ve maybe ever seen, we’ve got a new super team and everyone should be nervous, Emily vs Kiki finally hits maximum velocity, Sarah says what most of us are thinking, and Danny and Tori just can not get on the same page, and my goodness is it hilarious! It’s the Challenge World Championships Episode 8 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and I Did a Daily Challenge in Iceland... Kinda (00:44)Everyone Gets Sick and a New Super Team is Formed (10:07)Worst Trivia Ever? (21:20)An Easy Vote Made Difficult and Elimination Dominance (25:35)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (33:52)Power Rankings and Predictions (39:09)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChamps #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Jordan finally gets his Bananas redemption! Plus: my sneaky dark horses Emily and Yes step right on into the spotlight, Tori is doing everything she can to regain control of the house, USA gets the band back together for the briefest of moments, the MVPs must go it alone, everyones starting to get sick, Kaz and Theo are two mature adults, and KellyAnne puts on a masterclass in political planning that works to perfection! It’s the Challenge World Championships Episode 7 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:44)Show More House and the Daily Challenge (03:12)KellyAnne Puts Together a Political Masterpiece (11:42)Jordan & Kaz Knock Out Bananas & Justine (19:08)Everyone is Getting Sick (28:16)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (33:41)Power Rankings and Predictions (36:08)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengeWorldChamp #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Grant jumps and misses, Bananas and Sarah butt heads, Tori and Danny would like to pass their vote, Amber finally has friends which leads to the Aussies being in shambles, KellyAnne gets to be her authentic self, both All Stars 3 winners are eliminated in the same episode, and did everyone in the cast not realize what an olympic gold medal in swimming meant? Of course she’s way freaking faster than all of you! It’s the Challenge World Championship Episode 6 Recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:40)Kaycee and Ben take out Wes and Zara (03:05)Grant Misses the Blob and Exits the Game (09:30)Who is Aligned with Who and Why (14:20)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, Episode MVP (27:25)Power Rankings and Predictions (29:30)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChamp #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Move over Bananas, the real captain save a show is here and his name is Danny “Kiki’s Husband” McCray! Plus: Wes miscalculates, Kaycee speaks up, KellyAnne and Jodi are maybe out of the firing line, Grant doesn’t give a flying you know what about Jordan and Tori’s past, same as Sarah and Emily really don’t give a flying you know what about Jordan and Tori’s past, a stalemate is reached, and Kiki and Darrell earn a win that forces them out of the shadows and right into the decision making spotlight! It’s The Challenge World Championship Episode 5 Recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:48)The Daily Challenge and a Correction (03:08)Alliance Break Down: Who Teamed Up, Who Made Choices, Why Danny Saved the Show (10:20)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (27:55)Power Rankings and Predictions for Next Week (35:10)#TheChallengeWorldChamp #TheChallenge #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Not sure if you know this, but Wes is kind of a big deal... Plus: The Kangaroo court may be in session but it is certainly not in power, Danny is not about to spend a season feeling like the third most powerful person in a two person team, Bananas claims he never stabs in the back, Brihony fills in as TJ gets inducted, Argentina continues to be the easy target, Zara and Wes prove their position in the game, and Darrell just needs to cut his toenails and take a nap, then he’ll be ready to scheme - priorities people! It’s The Challenge World Championship Episode 4 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Reminders (00:50)Daily Challenge and Which Teams Are Good (03:15)Alliances Form and Danny Will Not Third Wheel (09:53)Nia's Vulnerability and some Quick Hits (21:27)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (28:00)Power Rankings and Predictions (32:15)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChamp #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

A blatant and pointless backstab has the Challenge house on edge! Plus: Danny and Sarah are skeptical of all the legends (partners included), Tori seems to think she’ll eventually get to be partnered with Jordan, Ben films a cleaning only edition of MTV Cribs, Benja reminds Jodi that she is amazing, then does so again, and again, and again, and again... Nelson and Jujuy can’t get momentum, and did we mention that Jonna just lied through her teeth and now KellyAnne is in full blown spite mode? It’s the Challenge World Championship Episode 3 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Reminders (00:47)Jonna betrays KellyAnne (03:00)Other storyline seeds that were planted (20:04)Awards for Best Quote, Moment and MVP (30:46)Predictions for next week (34:37)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Poor performance mixed with isolation leads KellyAnne into a potential death spiral of paranoia! Plus: Jonna is the top draft pick, Bananas is the third draft pick, did I mention we had a Challenge draft? Hell yes we had a Challenge draft! Wes’ school of strategy is in session, Sarah remains a certified mob boss, Yes makes a rare political appearance, and Nelson and Jujuy are the most fun loving positively wonderful team that stands no shot in this game. It’s The Challenge World Championships, Episode 2 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:47)Production Listened to Fans (02:53)The Draft and Team Assessments (07:45)Daily Challenge, Alliances, KellyAnne with/vs Jonna (16:10)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, MVP (28:08)Predictions for Next Episode (32:45)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

You don’t fuck with the icon that is Kiki, you just don’t, certainly not on day 1! Plus: the legends get to sit back and watch, Sarah the villain is already delivering, UK and Australia get caught off guard, Wes somehow hits a new level of bravado, scouting reports are compiled, I was maybe wrong about Grant, and the show loses a potential MVP to a medical pull on day one why the fuck does this have to happen! It’s The Challenge World Championships, episode 1 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:50)Nathan Being Removed (05:20)Episode Open and Qualifier Daily (10:40)First Impressions and Vibes at the House (17:30)Format Revealed and Alliances Forming (24:30)Elimination and Draft Reveal (34:55)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, and Episode MVP (41:18)Updating Season Predictions Based on Teams (46:48)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

The Challenge World Championship begins next week! The culmination of this year long saga has come and we've got to preview every last bit of it! First we take a quick look back to discuss how we got to this point, which seasons worked or didn't, what factors and formats worked or didn't. Then we spend some time looking ahead and preview the format of the show, every cast member, possible alliances, possible romances, possible winners - the whole damn thing! Intro and Programming Reminders (00:00)Did it work? Reviewing the six seasons that led to here, what was good, what wasn't good, and of course unveiling my plan for exactly how to do it next time (05:55)Format Breakdown: what we know, what we can assume, and what we hope for / guess will happen (22:19)Cast Breakdown Part 1: Challenge USA and Challenge Australia folks (33:00)Cast Breakdown Part 2: Challenge UK and Flagship Legends (46:12)Predictions: first out, romances, alliances, finalists, runners up and winners (01:11:00)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionship #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

A one minute difference across six hours of competition, what an absolute nail biter! Plus: Mark Wright maybe wants TJ's job, AJ and Arabella bow out first, puzzles prove yet again to be the great equalizer, Nathan continues being pure entertainment, and always, ALWAYS put the car in neutral before pushing it, everyone knows that! It’s the Challenge UK episode 5 recap aka the final recap, plus a full season recap and awards! Topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Reminders (00:45)Recapping Episode 5 and the final (04:15)Awards for Episode 5 (18:36)Full Season Recap (21:07)Full Season Awards including MVP (32:08)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeUK #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Warning to all future Olympians to enter the Challenge house: avoid Balls In at all costs! Plus: we finally get some Kaz in our lives, AJ turns the tables on those who’ve thrown him in prior, Callum and Ella put a label on it… maybe, Tristan has come out of his shell, and in a virtuoso performance Nathan maybe freezes his penis off, holds a friendship hostage but not really, has his bromance come to full bloom, causes me to laugh out loud numerous times, and knocks out an olympic athlete all in the span of 24 hours!?! Insanity! It’s the Challenge UK Episode 4 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:54)Five Things Worth Talking About (Mainly Nathan) (03:15)Awards and Predictions (14:39)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeUK #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

The arena has officially been dubbed the Pritchard House of Dominance! Plus: Nathan is friends with everyone, Tristan remains under the radar, Ella remains the best, no one seems to care that Kaz is dominating, Ashley gets himself a win and his mate a loss, and everyone get on the old scary truck, it's time for the spooky town challenge! It’s the Challenge UK Episode 3 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:37)Five Things Worth Talking About (02:30)Awards and Predictions (12:13)#TheChallengeUK #TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Pato Brawl, brother vs brother, holy shit YES PLEASE! Plus: Callum may have won Ella (and me) over but make no mistake who wears the trousers in that relationship, an alliance is formed but it’s shaky at best, some prove good at memorizing while others prove good at cheating, and Nathan gets some power and boy does he love how it feels! It’s the Challenge UK Episode 2 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:40)Five Things Worth Talking About (03:04)Awards and Predictions (14:15)#TheChallengeUK #TheChallenge #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

The combat sports veterans dominate at wrestling, who would have seen that coming?!? Plus: the host seems like he should be competing, the cast is small but horny, Knot So Fast is played very fast, and holy shit Batman it happened again already! Locky’s face post fall into the water can only be described as Olivia-esque and that is not a place you want to be! It’s the Challenge UK Episode 1 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Reminders (00:35)Five things worth talking about, including Locky's face, good daily and elim choices, and why I like the small cast format (02:39)Episode Awards and Season Predictions (09:54)#TheChallengeUK #TheChallenge #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengeHistorian

The Challenge UK is here! (Maybe?) At least it has aired in the UK and is supposed to be here any hour now to binge on Paramount Plus. While there isn't a lot of info out there on this season there is still enough to scrape together a mini preview and get you set up to dive into this quick five episode run. Topics covered include: cast member bios, host bio, expectations of what it will look like, is it going to suck, and some picks to win it all. Enjoy!#TheChallenge #TheChallengeUK #TheChallengeWorldChampionships #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Ride or Dies came to a conclusion last week and two brand new champions were crowned! This Historian is back to talk all things season 38 one final time (unless the reunions are fire). Things that worked, missed opportunities, favorite storylines and cast members, and all the awards that could possibly be handed out - it's all covered here on this full season recap. Plus, stick around to the end to find out the answer to Challenge internets favorite recent question: is Devin a top 25 male challenger of all time? Intro, Programming Updates, and Agenda (00:00)Did It Work? Featuring: Ride or Dies as a theme, the format, filming five shows at once, things I liked about the season (09:00)Awards for Best Daily Challenge and Best Elimination of the Season (32:38)Awards for Best Quote, Dan Renzi Confessional King or Queen, and Best Moment of the Season (42:16)Awards for Rookie of the Year and Full Season MVP (55:51)Is Devin Walker a Top 25 Male Challenger of All Time (01:13:34)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast #RideorDies

Hey Challenge lovers, full disclosure here, the audio quality is not up to standard on this one. Not sure what went down with the microphone while recording but it sounded like some trash afterwards and there is no time to re-record it. So, cleaned it up the best possible in post, and still want to put it out to you all since it's the season finale after all! Thanks for you (and your ears) understanding!Team Dave are Champions at last! Plus: No one can throw a chalk bomb, massive corn maze at night equals scary, production gets a standing ovation, Aneesa goes out a badass, Bananas gets a big resume boosting elimination win, 200 bricks decide the winner, and could this 100 hour thing really have been 50, or maybe like 30? It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies Season Finale Recap!Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:45)Helicopter game, timing of the 100 hours, reveal of the final elimination zone (03:55)Balls In, the bricks deciding it, and Devin and Tori being Champions (13:18)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, Needle Drop and Episode MVP (31:05)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeRideorDies #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

You want to just spit that in my mouth and I’ll finish it? Plus: toxic swims for everyone, the cows get more screen time than some cast members ever did, Aneesa’s ankle is almost as swollen as her partner’s ego is bruised, puzzles puzzles everywhere, the always forgetful TJ forgot to buy engines for his cars, and Bananas and Nany put on an eating show for the ages culminating in both a lead and a pocket full of puke! It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies episode 18 aka the finale part 2 of 3 (my goodness) recap! Topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:54)Is Three Episodes Worth It? (03:46)Jordan's Being An Ass But Deserves To Be, Aneesa Is Doing Bad But Hats Off For Not Quitting (07:35)Devin and Tori are a Well Oiled Machine (15:49)Nany and Bananas Carry the Episode and Eat Like Champions (21:05)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, Needle Drop, and Episode MVP (28:49)Power Rankings and Predictions (33:13)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge38 #RideorDies #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

The MVP of The Challenge Australia is here! Conor Curran sits down with this Historian to talk all things Challenge Australia: how he ended up on the show, expectations going in vs the reality of a Challenge house, what the food was like, how he came to not just join but take over the majority alliance and decimate the competition, what that final was like, his drive to represent his community in the best way possible, witnessing Challenge history, and so much more! It was a true pleasure to get to speak with Conor. He's an absolute gem of a human being, and is just as fun and entertaining in talking about his Challenge experience as he was in living it out on the tv screen for all us fans. Be sure to follow him across all platforms (links below) and be prepared to drool a lot once you do as he is dishing up new delicious looking drinks and dishes daily! Subscribe to Conor's newsletter here.Follow Conor on: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Episode Topics:Intro and Programming Reminders (00:00)Conor's background and how he wound up on reality tv (03:15)First being approached about The Challenge and why he chose to go on (09:27)Expectations of the experience vs the reality of the experience (14:00)Food in the Challenge house and would he really have spent $200k on feta (16:23)Prior knowledge of his cast members, his early friendship with Jessica, and being targeted early in the game (20:45)Why Conor is able to stay calm and collected within chaotic scenarios and where that skill comes from (25:00)How Conor not only became a member of the Bachy Alliance, but it's defacto leader (29:00)Weighing risk vs reward when executing the plan to finish off the Bedroom alliance during the nighttime challenge (33:18)Being witness to Troy vs Konrad in Pato Ball and to Kiki being the icon that she is (38:05)The difficulty of the final and what pushed Conor to finish (45:30)The true star of the season aka the orange sunflower sweatshirt (53:00)Conor's perfect partner (55:16)Conor's most proud achievement of the season (57:05)If he had to do it again, one thing he'd do the exact same and one thing he'd do totally different (59:24)Would he do another season, and places you can follow him (01:00:12)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeAustralia #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeAU #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast #RealityTVInterview

The final is here annnd it’s 100 hours long, ouch. Plus: Jordan’s off roading leads to Aneesa’s probably sprained ankle, Bananas puts making "good tv" above helping his partner Nany win her first final, Devin stays a wizard at the slingshot, Tori dares to mention her notebook but no one is around to hear it and get mad, and HOLY SHIT BATMAN THATS A LOT OF BLOOD! Olivia, I love you. Horacio, I love you. You two are simply the best! It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies Episode 17 aka the Final Part 1 recap! Topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Reminders (00:54)Should this be a 3 hour final episode or two 90 minute episodes (05:10)House Portion: Bananas makes a good joke for once and TJ is badass as always (11:58)Bananas fucks around, Horacio out cycles Jordan, and Devin outsmarts everyone (15:00)Jordan's short cuts get his partner injured, Olivia rips a finger off, and Devin chugs like a champ (20:47)They move some tires, Devin might be a real life wizard, and Olivia and Horacio are saints and I feel so horrible (30:36)Awards for Best Quote, Moment, Needle Drop and Episode MVP. Plus Power Rankings and predictions (39:14)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideorDies #RideorDies #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Fantasy Casting is all the rage and too much fun not to keep on doing, so today I present the best case scenario I see for The Challenge's 39th Flagship season. Yes, we've got the World Championships, All Stars 4, and an eventual Challenge USA to get through first, but the fact that it's at least a year away means it is prime time to get the ideas out into the world and help make them a reality!What's the best case format? Who should definitely be in the cast? I lay it all out in detail. Production, feel free to steal any and all of it : )#TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #WeWantOGs #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast

Are you aware that Bananas has won 7 times? That’s 7, one number more than 6 and less than 8. You know that right? Plus: Devin and Tori have a spa day to get them prepared for a blowout victory when it matters most, Horacio doesn’t get his chance at history, Aneesa mentally prepares for drill sergeant Jordan, Nany makes an all time great catch, and Faysal and Moriah are just too damn big for this ride TJ. It’s The Challenge Ride or Dies episode 16 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:45)More People Need to Make it to the End (05:45)Bananas is the Target and Tori and Devin have a Spa Day (11:05)Daily Challenge Result as Predicted (14:55)Bananas Calls Wes but Doesn't Talk to Wes, Lackluster Interrogation and Bar Night (18:32)Elimination Blowout and Nany's Dope Catch (22:46)Awards for Best Moment, Best Needle Drop, and Episode MVP (27:30)A 100 Mile Final, Power Rankings and Predictions (31:36)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideorDies #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Stars 4 officially has a cast as they've touched down in South Africa to begin filming what we can only hope will be a banger of a season! With that casting news comes plenty of reactions all over the interwebs and I thought I should get my own thoughts out into the mix. Some great work was done, some shabby work was done, a few people look set up to run the game, a few others should be happy to be there at all. Time to let those instant reaction opinions fly!Intro and Programming Notes (00:00)Full Cast List (03:08)Four Thoughts (08:40)Four Opinions (18:48)Four Predictions (31:55)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeAllStars #AllStars4 #WeWantOGs #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FINE, Devin, I’ll freaking watch Are You The One if you agree to leave me alone about it! Plus: MTV is crushing the music game once again, Faysal of all people doesn’t understand polidicking, Nany loses one partner but wins with another, Tori throws up on herself, everyone continues to hate Amber and continues to not have a reason why, and Jordan and Aneesa get themselves some redemption - twice! It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies episode 15 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:40)Knot So Fast elimination, Kaycee's first loss, Aneesa shuts me up (03:24)Daily Challenge Chat including Tori throwing up, no one getting hurt, wanting to know the scores/times, and Banany winning (10:13)Amber and Chauncey make a dumb move but also why does everyone hate them? (17:05)Aneesa dominates, Jordan is crafty, and Olivia and Horacio made a poor choice (21:36)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, Best Needle Drop, and Episode MVP (28:44)Power rankings updated and predictions for next weeks episode (36:03)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideorDies #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the legends of the game loses back to back eliminations and maybe a third one coming? Plus: We are all Aneesa asking to get off this Tori Jordan ride, Devin stays the best at pulling daggers and dropping bars, TJ puts Bananas in his place, MTVs music choices are so on point I thought it might be 2004 all over again, Chauncey won’t jump, Horacio makes (or ties) history, the eliminated return, and my guy Faysal gets himself some Ws! It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies Episode 14 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:45)Tori and Jordan and why this kind of storyline maybe no longer works on this show (02:57)The Daily Challenge not being spooky town, TJ adapting his treatment of quitters, and Faysal/Kaycee should have been partners all season (10:57)Horacio vs Jordan in Balls In, history that was made, setting too high of expectations, and why the twist ultimately ruined this elim (18:00)The big twist, partners return, and the second elimination round (24:55)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, Best Needle Drop, and Episode MVP (31:42)Power Rankings updated to reflect pairs again, and predictions for next week's episode (35:53)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideorDies #RideorDies #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the first of four games why would you ever help the other team? Plus: someone finally puts some respect on Amber’s name, Nany celebrates her late mother’s bday, a daily challenge takes way too long but does at least feature an old school awesome elimination, Chauncey is torn up, even Aneesa has had enough of Jordan and Tori, and Moriah vs Nany goes down as an all time close and potential all time what if elimination round - with Roxanne Lavin in the house to see it! It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies Episode 13 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:46)Talking all things Daily Challenge: Faysal drinking, Devin spotting, Jordan maybe not trying, Chauncey not throwing it (03:41)Nany's emotional day and that wild elimination match (14:24)Award for Best Quote, Best Moment, Episode MVP (28:06)Power Rankings updated and Predictions for Next Week (34:13)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengeRideorDies #RideorDies #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Stars 4 casting calls have gone out and some of the choices have the fandom up in arms! With everyone offering up their own casting preferences I though I'd get in on the action and offer up to any Challenge producers listening out there not one, not two, but THREE different fantasy casts for the next (or any) season of All Stars that I think would absolutely blow fans away. Take a listen and let me know your thoughts and who you are desperate to see!Intro and Fantasy Cast Explainer (00:00)Fantasy Cast #1: Real World vs Road Rules OGs Only (07:39)Fantasy Cast #2: Best of the Best (16:33)Fantasy Cast #3: Made Just for Jacob (25:44)Thanks for listening and supporting Challenge Historian all year long! You all mean the world, and I love and appreciate each and every one of you! Have a great New Year and see you in 2023!#TheChallenge #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #WeWantOGs #TheChallengeAllStars #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Terrorists? Terrorists? TERRORISTS? My guy, Jordan, SLOW DOWN! Plus: Bananas puts on a masterclass in polidicking, Amber and Chauncey for 2022 couple of the year, Devin for 2022 coach of the year, Jordan gets freaking wild with the word choice, Cory makes an appearance, Nelly T’s run ends (and yes I cried at this for the third time in four seasons) and my boy Faysal has himself an episode! That’s right, it’s the Challenge Ride or Dies episode 12 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:50)Faysal Fanclub Weekly Meeting (04:02)Bananas half CT-ing and half polidicking his way to a perfect game (13:42)Jordan calls Tori a terrorist (18:41)Amber and Chauncey for couple of the year and Devin for coach of the year (26:54)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP plus Nelson love (32:58)Power Rankings Updated and Predictions for Next Week (39:13)Get in touch with Jacob via Instagram DM @ChallengeHistorian#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideorDies #RideorDies #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Challenge Australia was good (even if it got cancelled in Australia, whoops). It was so good that after recapping every episode we had to hop on the mic one more time to give the full season it's proper due and hand out all the usual awards. If somehow you haven't watched yet then do yourself a favor this holiday season and binge this season asap then come back and listen to this podcast. Topics include:Intro, Programming Notes, and Agenda (00:00)Did it work? Both an Australian version and the Global Tournament so far? (05:55)Was it good? (18:39)Awards for Best Quote and Dan Renzi Confessional King or Queen (22:34)Award for Best Moment (28:47)Awards for Best Daily Challenge, Best Elimination, and Best Episode (34:51)Season MVP Award and Breakdown (44:09)Do I want to see you again... full cast rundown (52:45)#TheChallengeAustralia #TheChallengeAU #TheChallenge #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pato Ball delivers in a BIG way for the second straight time! Plus: Faysal actually defends Nelson for once, the spite is starting to set in for Tori, Nany is out here double dealing, and TJ is laughing his ass off because it’s that time of the season ladies and gentlemen, TRIVIA TIME! It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies Episode 11 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:36)Trivia Time: breaking down the winners and losers from TJ's favorite daily challenge (03:56)Nurys gets thrown in, Tori/Jordan storyline taking over, and the the missed opportunity for the show (15:34)Pato Ball delivers again, Amber's resume looking good, and is Nurys hurt (26:47)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP (34:49)Power Rankings updated and predictions for next week's episode (41:30)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengeRideorDies #RideorDies #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bachy Boys are doing group chef’s kisses, the remaining eight are getting spun around in the newest version of Challenge trivia, Troy survives an all-time elimination beat down and borderline attempted murder by Konrad, and Kiki cuts that g-string right off because it’s final time baby. It’s The Challenge Australia episode 9 and 10 aka the finale recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:38)Episode 9 breakdown including the trivia daily challenge, a nice final dinner, and that epic elimination (04:03)Episode 10 aka The Final breakdown, stage by stage where things were won and lost (23:51)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP (45:26)Plan for Full Season Recap Pod on Monday and Outro (50:08)#TheChallenge #TheChallengeAustralia #TheChallengeAU #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the Kenny Clark show!! Plus: Nany takes a hard fall, Devin shuns his reputation, Chauncey gets a little too comfortable being on opposite teams from his girl, Faysal is riding high, Nelson is feeling left out, Tori continues to go through it, and I know the show is desperate for some extra revenue streams but holy hell was that sponcon over the top! It’s the Challenge Ride or Dies Episode 10 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:39)The saga of Tori and Jordan (04:18)Antonio Banderas is here and everyone is playing along (09:00)Team Faysal shows signs of cracking even while in power, Jordan and Devin prove their veteran savvy (19:56)A fun elimination and a twist that will hopefully pay off (27:49)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP (37:08)Power Rankings and predictions for next week (47:06)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideorDies #RideorDies #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bachy crew have done it! Utter domination of the bedroom alliance is now complete! Plus: just how good at this game is Conor, my guy Troy is super sad to have lost his mate Marley, Ciarran’s got some apologizing to do, Brittany hasn’t done a puzzle since she was ten, empty bars are creepy, and members of the Bachy crew visit the Challenge version of a honeymoon suite aka the bunk bed hook up! It’s The Challenge Australia episodes 7 and 8 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:40)The Bachy crew finishes the job with non-Bachy Conor leading the way (02:58)Daily Challenge breakdowns (11:21)No strategy needed, Megan/Konrad hook up, Ciarran apologizes (18:41)Elimination breakdowns and saying goodbye to two more teams (28:43)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP (37:14)Power Rankings and predictions for the finale (43:14)#TheChallengeAustralia #TheChallengeAU #TheChallenge #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast #TheChallengeHistorian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wait, what just happened? Production just chose to do what? This can’t be freaking real, right? Plus: we’ve got bar-b-q, we’ve got fights, we’ve got people holding knives that shouldn’t be, we’ve got one alliance growing and one alliance repeatedly losing, we’ve got Troy being a real nice fellow and Ryan and Grant not being such nice fellows, Konrad doesn’t like to fight, Brihony out here doing house calls, the night time spooky challenge, and two eliminations lost by the same freaking team!?! That’s right, it’s The Challenge Australia Episodes 5 AND 6 recaps, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:52)Everybody hates Ryan and some good old-fashioned Challenge house arguments (03:55)Ryan and Sugar lose... but don't go home? (15:15)Brittany and Conor choose teams, the nighttime daily, and an epic collapse by the "good" players (21:33)Balls In elimination and the right team winning (30:20)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episodes MVP (35:50)Power Rankings (42:18)Predictions for next two episodes (44:57)#TheChallengeAustralia #TheChallengeAU #TheChallenge #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kaycee is shocked to know that her brother, Kenny, has actually been in the house the whole time and Challenge fans collectively scream, us too! Plus: Tori enters a new dimension of mental hell, Horacio not saying something is worse than what he wanted to say, Amber tells Chauncey he can vote for her if needed, Bananas and Nany don’t seem to care much about winning, and Faysal and Moriah absolutely smoke a mini final setting up one of the best possible things to happen in a Challenge house - a draft! That’s right it’s The Challenge Ride or Dies episode 9 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:46)Checking in on the romance: Nelson/Olivia, Moriah/Bananas, and the Tori/Jordan/Nurys triangle that makes me feel sadness (04:44)The Daily Challenge deserves to be called a mini-final and Faysal and Moriah deserve to be top threats coming out of it (14:25)Draft day: the format change, the picks, the new teams, and everything else related to this shake up (20:37)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP (35:19)Power Rankings updated and predictions for next week (42:10)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideorDies #RideorDies #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Challenge Australia may have gotten cancelled but I still love it and we are still going to see a lot of these folks in the global tournament and those two reasons are more than enough for me to keep on recapping it. Going to get caught up by doing two episodes at a time, this episode covering both episodes 3 and 4 of the season. Lots went down, lots to discuss, I do so via the following topics:Intro and Programming Reminders (00:09)Where did all the fun go? (04:31)Two very average daily challenges (08:40)Alliance catch up and gameplay moves by Conor/Cyrell in episode 3 and Emily/Troy in episode 4 (13:20)Two eliminations that were cooler the first time (24:05)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Duel Episode MVP (30:20)Power Rankings and Predictions for the Next Two Episodes (36:35)#TheChallengeAU #TheChallengeAustralia #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nelson is either the best friend ever, worst boyfriend ever, or mayyybe just needs to stop being so close with everyone?!? Plus: it’s another male daily challenge day, Aneesa likes her partner again this week, Bananas turns 40, Devin continues to sneaky be awesome now, Jay and Michele reap what they’ve sowed, and does Amber give the worst hugs or something? Like seriously what the hell did this girl do to deserve this shit? It’s The Challenge Ride or Dies Episode 8 recap, topics include:Cold Open (00:00)Intro and Programming Notes (00:46)Bananas Birthday party and who actually planned it (05:39)The Daily Challenge being awesome... if both partners got to take a turn (09:32)Amber and Michele's hug gone wrong, and Nelson's choice between Faysal and Olivia (13:56)The elimination round, crowd noise being a bummer, and farewell to two favorites of mine (21:26)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP (24:40)Power rankings updated and predictions for next week's episode (29:07)#TheChallenge #TheChallenge38 #TheChallengeRideOrDies #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallengePodcast #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David is an absolute gift to Challenge fans everywhere, Emily is going to be dominant, Conor has some impressive composure in multiple situations, Johnny acts like all Johnny's before him on The Challenge have acted, and we get interesting twists on games we've seen recently. It's the Challenge Australia episode 2 recap, topics include:Intro and Programming Reminders (00:10)Main storyline breakdown including: Johnny/Jessica and her ability to bounce back quick, David being a star and trying to rumor mill Conor right out of the game, the daily challenge and it's start performers, and the elimination round and it's winners/losers (03:08)Awards for Best Quote, Best Moment, and Episode MVP (24:09)Power Rankings Updated and Predictions for Next Episode (27:51)#TheChallengeAU #TheChallengeAustralia #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.