I don't like being away from home: Jeff Probst

What is the best part about hosting Survivor?
Hearing from the audience. We are out here (filming on an island) with our own opinions. We get the episode together, edit it and put it out. The biggest pay-off is when viewers say they really liked it.
 
And what is the worst part?
Honestly, I don’t like being away from home. Compared to others (the contestants) I am away for the least amount of time — only three months, while they are there for five months. That’s the hardest part, but I guess, everybody has something they don’t like about their jobs!

Having hosted 25 seasons, do you recall any contestants who have impressed you?
Yes, there is this basketball player Jeff Kent, who is part of season 25 that you will see soon. He didn’t complain about anything, even losing. For him surviving on the island was like solving a puzzle. He did not steal.. he showed a lot of sportsmanship. Many people are either abrasive or too shy on the show. However, if you don’t know how people see or perceive you, it creates road blocks. Self-awareness is the key. 

What prompted you to write a book (Stranded)?
The idea was floated by my wife. She came into the marriage with two kids. She suggested that I write something about blended families. Also, several kids would come to me and ask when I would make a Survivor for them. When I asked them if they will really be able to do it —stay on an island, make fire etc, — they would with their big eyes say yes. That’s when I thought I should write an adventure book based on the series for kids.

The book is a triology — in the first part, the kids were shipwrecked on an island, the next book Trial By Fire, which has just released, is about how they face the situation and start living in the harsh conditions, the third one will trace a big dramatic rescue. I am also toying with the idea of making a movie based on Stranded.

Have you seen the Indian version of Survivor?
Yes and I liked it. I am aware that the show didn’t do well. But the big difference between your show and the American one is the budget. This kind of a show requires a lot of money to look epic. I wish you guys would try it again. Indian culture is different from the American culture. One doesn’t have to know the language to understand it, it’s evident from the way people behave – someone is a hero, another a comedian etc.

Any plans of visiting India?
Not in the near future. However, I have some friends in California who keep inviting me to India. I have been told that Indians are very friendly in the sense that they always make enough food for you and an uninvited guest. In America, it’s much harder for a stranger. 
 
Survivor Season 25 will air on BIG CBS PRIME from June 24.