Survivor 47 Champion Rachel LaMont Lands Coveted Podcast Gig – The Ultimate Power Move?

In the cutthroat world of Survivor, winning the title of Sole Survivor and taking home the $1 million prize is the pinnacle of success. But for Rachel LaMont, the reigning champion of Survivor 47, the victory lap isn’t over yet. In a move that solidifies her status as one of the franchise’s most dominant figures, LaMont has been tapped to cohost the fifth season of the On Fire With Jeff Probst podcast—the official Survivor companion show that takes fans behind the scenes of each episode.

It’s a huge honor and, for some, an even bigger heartbreak—especially for Survivor 47 runner-up Rome Cooney, who actively campaigned for the gig but was ultimately left in the dust for the second time.

While some may have expected a long, intense selection process to determine Probst’s next cohost, it turns out there wasn’t much deliberation at all. According to Survivor’s legendary host Jeff Probst, the choice was practically a no-brainer.

“Although there were a lot of people from 47 that would’ve been fun—including Rome, who desperately wanted to do it—for us, it was a pretty easy decision,” Probst revealed. “Rachel was such a dominant player in so many different ways, and such a good talker. When we called her and told her the news, we could have recorded the first podcast right then. She’s ready.”

That news might sting a little for Cooney, who had campaigned openly for the podcast gig during the season. His loss at Final Tribal Council was a tough pill to swallow, and now, he’s been bested by Rachel once again.

It’s no surprise that Rachel LaMont landed the coveted On Fire cohost role. Throughout her Survivor 47 journey, she proved herself to be an exceptional strategist, a compelling storyteller, and an unshakable competitor. Her mix of social finesse and cutthroat gameplay made her a standout winner, earning the respect (and sometimes the resentment) of her fellow contestants.

Podcasting, much like Survivor, requires a sharp mind, quick thinking, and the ability to engage an audience—qualities that Rachel demonstrated in spades throughout the season.

In fact, she didn’t just play the game—she controlled it, navigating blindsides, alliances, and tribal politics with a level of mastery rarely seen in modern Survivor. It’s no wonder Jeff Probst and his team had their minds made up from the start.

For Rachel, the opportunity to cohost On Fire is an unexpected but thrilling extension of her Survivor journey.

“I’ve listened to On Fire since the first season, so it’s just insane that I’ve been asked to co-host season 5!” she shared excitedly. “Coming out of your season airing, you feel a little lost because the last six months or so have been a whirlwind, and it’s all-encompassing in many ways. I’m so grateful that I get to pass the torch, but also still be on a bit of that ride in 2025 by sharing my thoughts about season 48. I can’t wait!”

That feeling of post-Survivor limbo is something that many former castaways experience. After spending months consumed by the game, adjusting to normal life can be disorienting. For Rachel, the podcast offers a chance to stay connected to the show, keeping one foot in the Survivor world while stepping into a new chapter.

Rachel now joins an exclusive On Fire cohost alumni group that includes:

Rick Devens (Survivor: Edge of Extinction) – The fan-favorite news anchor who helped launch the podcast with Probst during Survivor 45.
Dee Valladares (Survivor 45 Winner) – A fierce competitor who brought her unique insights to the podcast’s second season.
Charlie Davis (Survivor 46 Runner-Up) – A strategic and well-spoken finalist who added his analytical perspective to the mix.

Each cohost has helped shape the show, elevating it from a simple recap podcast to a must-listen for hardcore Survivor fans.

Probst himself acknowledges that the bar has been set high but has full confidence in Rachel’s ability to deliver.

“We’ve been really lucky. Rick, Dee, and Charlie have all helped shape the show and make it a little easier for the next person,” Probst explained. “You’re looking for insight that only somebody who played Survivor can give, and I think Rachel’s going to be great. We’re very excited to get into this season, and there’s going to be a lot to talk about, so I’m curious what she’ll bring to it.”

Rachel’s Survivor journey may be over, but her connection to the franchise is far from finished.

With her new role, she’ll be analyzing the Survivor 48 season alongside Probst and producer Jay Wolff, offering behind-the-scenes insight and expert commentary on every major move, blindside, and strategic shift.

And while she may no longer be competing for a million-dollar prize, Rachel’s voice is about to become one of the most prominent in the Survivor universe.

As for Rome Cooney? Well, he may have lost out on another title to Rachel, but if Survivor has taught us anything, it’s that there’s always another shot at redemption.

For now, though, Rachel LaMont is the one holding the mic—and she’s not letting go anytime soon.