Hello, readers! I’ll be doing a few feature Q&A’s this season with past players and I’m SO honoured to have my first guest who, if you look up Super Woman in the dictionary, is a badass fire-fighter, super-mum and the original #SmilingAssassin of Australian Survivor, Kylie Evans!
Who can look past that friendly face?! Going into the game as a strong, physical competitor, Kylie played a somewhat quieter game compared to her Saanapu alliance members, but nevertheless secured her spot in the tribe and made the jury in 10th place. Kylie was the first of the season to play a hidden idol at tribal, an asset in team challenges and won an individual immunity after hanging on to a pole for over 6 hours!
LyndzO: Hey Kylie, welcome to Reality Ramblings where you can ramble as little or as much as you like! I’m very excited to have you on my blog for the first time, being my favourite Survivor Super Mum last season. 😉 How have YOU been? How is life for Kylie and family? How are the firies?
KylieE: Hi Lynda! Thanks for touching base and getting me to contribute 🙂
Ha ha – #supermum is everything I have needed to be since Australian Survivor Season 1! It certainly hasn’t been the easiest year of my life but, at the same time, has been the most strengthening and rewarding!
From (1) Survivor, to (2) a fabulous array of fundraising involvements and experience opportunities, to (3) new friends and our growing #survivorfamily, to (4) nearly losing my littlest baby in January this year… just WOW! Intense, crazy, challenging, eye-opening and so very rewarding – something I will always be exceptionally grateful for!
(1) Dealing with the experience of Survivor, and your own story in it, is one thing. Dealing with the edit is another. And dealing with people’s interpretations and assumptions of who you are and how you played is a whole other ballgame!! And that’s on both the not-so-great and the fantastic sides of experiences. It’s an incredible roller-coaster and dramatic learning curve!! You certainly come out the other side knowing yourself and owning yourself so much more and, for me, also believing in yourself and learning how to truly be proud of yourself (even with the hindsight irks that niggle in the currents of your thoughts forever after!!). But the best part of it for me was having my girls get super excited about it all, and seeing them beam with pride! They even wanted to do their own “Survivor Challenge” for their birthdays – so we ‘buffed-up’ and did an obstacle course race as a family tribe 😉 (Stay posted for the Ninja Warrior/Survivor Challenge Birthday this year!)
(2) Having an opportunity to step up for charities on a larger scale has been something I have been truly honoured to be considered for. I’ve always loved putting my hand up to be involved in efforts for great causes (part of why I do the job I do!), and helping to generate some fabulous results for really worthy groups is so heart-warming. And when those efforts include some challenges/activities/adventures/etc, it’s not hard to get me excited! Keep your eyes open for four upcoming fundraisers (Links at the end of this Q&A).
(3) One of Survivor’s biggest rewards is the “forever-after” Survivor Family that you become a part of. And it is worldwide and it is fabulous! I have made some incredible and lifelong friends and am now open to a world of opportunity where people want to meet and share stories and experiences and life. This has snowballed through the last year and continues to grow more and more!
(4) In January this year my youngest girl (I have 3 – Nyah born 2009, Eden- 2011 and Ayla- 2014) was rushed to hospital, critically ill, stabilised as much as possible and flown/ambulanced to ICU, where she was intubated and operated on and in an induced coma for 13 days. She had 4 blood transfusions and a lot of fighting to do. She was 2 years old. She was tiny. And she was a very, very sick little girl. If I thought Survivor was a tough, challenging time, it was nothing on this! But we are the lucky ones. Ayla wanted to be a “Survivor” too. She is a tough, beautiful girl who fought through and bounced back. Every day after Survivor I stopped to say “Gratefuls” (thanks Sam) with my girls. And every day since Ayla came home, I add a lot more to those thoughts! No day is ever taken for granted. And every day is special. I had so many people through this time rally around us. Our Survivor AU family sent the most phenomenal video messages of love and support, right when it was exactly what I needed (thanks especially Evan [Jones]!). I also had my MFB family and extended circles of family and friends feeling helpless and wanting to reach out to help somehow. Recognising how vital blood donations are, and living an experience where it was the difference between life and death, rather than giving us anything – I encouraged/challenged them to give blood. We championed the “Arms out for Ayla” blood donation campaign and I am super excited to say there have been over 200 donations in her name so far!
LO: It’s been over a year now since you filmed in Samoa, how much has life changed for you personally? Are there things you learned about yourself/others during your time on Survivor and afterward watching the show?
KE: Hmm… Life is busy, but good! On top of “normal” (well, my normal) life, the changes in life are the new opportunities that have come from it. On top of involvement in charity fundraisers and events, being invited to talk to different groups/businesses/schools/organisations/etc and sharing impact points for leadership, motivation, perseverance, inspiration or select topic themes has been really rewarding. And moments of getting recognised (especially when I’m with my girls) are always fun. But I’m still me, and ‘life” continues, including the day to day necessities!!
The biggest thing I learnt was to be proud of me. And also to “Believe, breathe and never give up”. My girls each gave me a bracelet with a mantra on it before going to Samoa. One read “Believe”, one “Breathe” and one said “Never give up”. I took that with me into the game. It helped me through many times (like 6 hours on a pole!) and I truly live that mantra in my life now. (And my girls know it by heart and use it too!).
In Survivor you think you learn about people, but it’s actually the coming home that teaches you more! How we reflect, react and act moving forward is a conscious choice that defines us. We were all so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of this game. We will share that forever. And can be here for each other in whatever capacity we need. Every one of the 23 other castaways from my season stepped up for me at the hardest time in my life, despite what interactions we had or didn’t have in the game. That speaks volumes to me and meant more than I will ever have words to say! There are 23 people out there who chance made me lucky enough to meet, and I am and always will be appreciative of them and that!
LO: As a fellow Survivor fan, did you look up the Australian Survivor 2017 cast before the show started, and if so, who stood out for you? Who on these tribes would you get along with most/least? 😉
KE: Of course 😉 Pre-season, my interest was sparked by quite a few new castaways, but it was curiosities rather than assuming early favourites – I know how important it is not to jump to conclusions too early!! And this time round I had the added emotion of “who do I think I would have played well or not worked with?”
My early interests (mostly due to potential associations I connected with them) were:
Aimee – from VIC and in a physical, male dominated workforce.
Henry – reminded me of a good friend, and I liked how he justified his ‘story’ to himself – he struck me as a thinker who knew the game and I was interested in seeing how he would play it.
Jacqui – 2XU black cap was my initial draw in 😉
Jarrad – my photographer friends always carry a confidence and have an individual allure about them – I was drawn into wanting to watch Jarrad immediately.
Odette, Sam, Ziggy, Locky and Mark W all had backgrounds that sounded like they might be like-minded or sympathetic to my way of thinking/doing/acting/being. Totally based upon being physical in their background/experiences/occupations! So they were my early, pre-season blurb based “likes”. As far as characters I might have considered pre-season that I might not get along with, I prefer to give personalities a chance to emerge before passing judgement…
LO: We’ve seen an explosive three weeks of episodes now, what moments have been highlights for you so far?
KE: Aside from the epic challenges, my highlights have been the dramatic, yet intense, relationship make ups and breakups, and the time given to airing strategic conversations and scheming ideas that I feel was cut/lacked last year, but is integral to viewer-contestant relationship connection! I also love the different genres getting airtime; these could all be titles of movies from completely different categories – “Tarzan & Tessa”, “Henry/Jacqui vs Mark/Sam”, “AK & Tara”, “Cookie Monster Jericho”, “Locky vs Shark”, “Luke”… and so on! There is so much inviting such a broad viewer spectrum into this season – I can’t wait to see it continue to evolve! I also preferred this season’s “Moral Dilemma” being a hidden concept, not a full tribe awareness situation. It opened up some great opportunities for play and some options for thought/action consideration and great potential for viewer emotional reactions!
LO: What do you think about the players who may be perceived as ‘flying under the radar’? (e.g. Odette, Ben, Michelle, Jarrad) You could say you played an UTR game as well, do you think there will be an opportunity that these people could turn from ‘goats’ to ‘goat herders’ down the track?
KE: Playing an UTR game is different to playing a game that “didn’t make the edit cut”… It’s a hard one to judge people on, because I don’t think we’ve seen enough or know enough yet about some of these players, to decide that their game is specifically UTR. I think UTR can be a strategy for someone if they can own it and work it and be it to the end, but I don’t think it will work in this season. I think we are seeing a lot more of the strategic side of peoples conversations and we’ll see more characters emerging soon…
LO: Speaking of characters, we’ve lost some big ones so far in Tarzan, Aimee and Joan, and “power players” in Adam and Sam, is there anyone you feel their time was cut short before showing their full potential? Or are you happy with the boots so far?
KE: I think some AWESOME people who had the potential to be fantastic players were definitely cut early. But that’s why we watch (& play) this game – it’s unpredictable, it’s emotional, it’s reactive and can be infuriating! It’s challenging on all levels. And we love it! I think anyone that doesn’t make the end has had their game cut short before showing their full potential 😉 and I feel for everyone out already. But that’s the game – only one will “Survive”..!
LO: Jumping back, are you jealous of the challenges the castaways are competing in this year? They’ve been pretty epic so far!
KE: I am crazy jealous of these challenges – my heart-rate picks up and my heart just about thumps out of my chest as I empathise with those competing in each one and wishing I could have a go!! Cheers to the game-makers! They have done a sensational job and I can’t wait to see (and be insanely jealous of) what’s coming next!
LO: Speaking of differences to last year, strategy and game play have been two main focuses this season, which you touched on earlier. How would you approach the game knowing there are so many power players this season?
KE: I love that there is much more focus on the strategy and game play this year. I feel that a lot was lost in translation and on the cutting room floor last year, but this year is definitely showing massive focus on sharing those insights. I think we have a lot more to look forward to as some of the background players start to come into focus too.
LO: To some specifics… Your thoughts on Henry faking being a yoga instructor and throwing challenges? And do you think he would ever give Jacqui the hidden idol to save her?
KE: I like Henry. I wasn’t sure about his strategy, but really wanted to see it play out and hoped well for him especially once I heard his justification for his “role” or “character” to play in the game. I was intrigued. I am liking watching him play. I do NOT agree with throwing challenges! So Henry is a fabulous recruit in my eyes because he brings out all sides of emotions, creates great conversations and argue points and would infuriate the hell out of anyone having to play “against” him!! I think Jacqui is on the right side of Henry to help her game, but I don’t see him giving her the idol…
LO: Power couples… We saw how much of a threat El and Lee were last year. Would you have voted against Sam and Mark as well or do you think there are pros to keeping a tight two around for personal gain? Do you think there’s a way to use them to your advantage?
KE: A “Power Couple” can be good to connect to in a numbers game, to get you further down the track, as long as you have room to move to get them before they get you down the track. I feel they are more dangerous than advantageous, but that would depend on the nature of the individuals involved. Everyone needs to try find someone to believe in and vote with and build their game with somehow. Perhaps to say “Power Pair” would broaden that idea and bring many more controlling couples into the spotlight!
LO: Cookies or Firewood. Last year you faced your own Moral Dilemma with Fiegs (Peter) and ended up going for the hidden idol clue. What would you have done in this case and how hard is it to justify when you’re put on the spot like that?
KE: Last year’s moral dilemma was difficult because on one hand, you could take back the “big” bag of beans (which was actually quite small) and say you didn’t take the idol clue, or you can take the “tiny” bag of beans and get the clue. Either way the tribe assumed we either had an idol or a clue regardless… Damned if you do and damned if you don’t – I knew I at least needed to have a chance to find that idol!! I liked this year’s dilemma much more, as it truly gave the opportunity for choice. There was chance for secrecy and personal play or moral stance and group reward. And those cookies would have tasted SOOOO good 😉
LO: Who are your favourites moving forward and I know it’s early, but who do you think can win this game? :O
KE: I have some favourites (Tessa, Henry, Luke and Jacqui), but (as much as I hope they do) I don’t think any of them will win. Just because of the nature of the game vs the nature of their personalities and the people around them! I feel that Jarrad, Ziggy and Odette look like ‘players” who have games yet to unfold, and already big players like AK and Tara have built big targets on their backs they’ll need to work hard to shift!
LO: And finally, this is for my guest recapper Annabel, but who are your Australian Survivor crushes this season? 😛
KE: Ha ha! I admire anyone brave enough to step out on that platform!! But for mind, heart and effort, at this stage I’d have to say – Tessa, Mark and Henry 🙂
LO: Thank you so much for joining me Kylie. Do you have any final words for the contestants and fans out there?
KE: Every day has opportunity and magic in it – look for it like an idol, share it with your alliance and play it like today is your potential elimination! Regret nothing, learn from everything and if all else fails – watch Survivor 😉
(And donate blood – you know it’s in you!!)
Arms Out For Ayla
Don’t forget to call the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to book an appointment to donate blood on 131495, or book online at www.donateblood.com.au, and make sure you fill out a “Red25” Form at reception to link to our “Arms Out For Ayla” Campaign, and make sure your donation counts! #everydayheroes #savinglives
Upcoming charity events Kylie will be taking part in:
Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb
On Saturday 2nd September 2017, I will be one of 500 Firefighters to “Step up to fight Depression, PTSD and Suicide” by climbing up the 28 floors of Crown Metropol Hotel wearing 25kgs of Turnout Gear and Breathing Apparatus…
https://www.firefighterclimb.org.au/donations/donate/kylieevans/
Monash Children’s Hospital
Launch early October – details to come…
This one is very close to my heart.
The exceptional staff at Sale Hospital, Ambulance Victoria, including AirWing, the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash ICU/Monash Children’s Hospital helped to save our little 2 year old Ayla’s life in January – this one is “for the kids” 🙂
One Step At A Time
Commencing on Monday 9th October 2017, I’ll be one of a small team of walkers who will traverse 700km along Australia’s most difficult hiking track, to raise money for the Cathy Freeman Foundation. We aim to raise more than $10,000 in support of the Cathy Freeman Foundation whose vision is simple but ambitious: To create an Australia where Indigenous and non-Indigenous children have the same education standards and opportunities in life.
https://www.cathyfreemanfoundation.org.au/one-step
Eureka Tower Climb
On the 19th of November I’ll be heading up the 88 floors (1642 steps) of Eureka Tower TWICE (including full firefighter kit!) to raise funds for Interplast and Whitelion, so that they may continue their great work rebuilding young lives.
https://giving.pleezpay.com/au/EJFx/kylie-evans-YSQb
Editor: Lynda Olson.
ALL IMAGES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE COPYRIGHT CHANNEL TEN & ENDEMOL SHINE. THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG AND ALL GIFS AND VIEWS ARE MY OWN.
