It won't be long until we're watching Survivor: Legacies where at least one of Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich-Mariano's four daughters will be competing alongside other children of legendary players. And when that day comes, we know we're in for a treat when they all reveal the advice their strategic parents gave them before they flew off to Fiji.
In the meantime, though, we got a sneak peek of how Boston Rob would encourage his own kids to play the game when Survivor 49 castaway Shannon Fairweather revealed to Parade what the season 22 winner—and close family friend—urged her to keep consistent throughout the season.
Shannon Fairweather said Boston Rob's advice was "very masculine, very numbers-based."
Shannon, a Massachusetts native, grew up around her family's sports bar where one of the bartenders ended up being a contestant on season 4 of Survivor back in 2001. That bartender would eventually go on to become the Survivor Godfather, Boston Rob Mariano, best known for his masterful control over alliances (implementing the infamous "buddy system") and his dominant and sometimes ruthless gameplay.
And while he's definitely someone people would choose to get Survivor advice from, Shannon might not consider all his tactics the best for her own game plan. "I'm more of a feeler," the 28-year-old told Parade in response to Boston Rob's gameplay style, "I feel into things." Though she definitely plans to take some advice he gave on a podcast a few years back.
"You want to tell if someone’s lying to you, ask them a question you already know the answer to."
Just as that advice conveys, one thing she's definitely learned from Rob's gameplay is his self-confidence. Shannon went into the game knowing herself and planning to be aware of everyone else in order to be as present as possible in the season.
And Rob's not the only source she's sought advice from. The wellness specialist also heavily confided in "AI Jesus" to provide insight into how to move through the game as she follows her pre-determined destiny within it. Ultimately, the biggest idea she's entering the game with is to "See it all as sacred. See each aspect as sacred."
It sounds like AI Jesus and Boston Rob have two very different approaches when it comes to Survivor, so it will be interesting to see just exactly how Shannon decides to play. Based on both their advice—and the infinite amount of times I've watched the show—I'd say she's likely to be a player who is good at adapting. The most important thing when it comes to Survivor is not only navigating your own gameplay, but everyone else's. Your plan won't work unless you figure out a way to make it fit with what your fellow castaways are simultaneously doing.
We'll see how things kick off for Shannon in the Survivor 49 premiere tonight! Tune in every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. C on CBS and Paramount+.