Brooke Jowett Exit Interview | Australian Survivor: Redemption | Ep 20 | Beyond Tribal

In this episode of Beyond Reality: Beyond Tribal, long-time Australian Survivor producer Hayley Ferguson sits down with the latest player to be eliminated from Australian Survivor: Redemption and the sixth member of the jury - Brooke Jowett.

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:15

Hi, I'm Hayley Ferguson and this is Beyond Reality. I've spent the past decade working as a producer on Australian Survivor. And now I'm taking you Beyond Tribal. I'll be chatting with the players from Australian Survivor Redemption as they leave the game unpacking their strategy, their downfall, and their story beyond the vote. Thank you so much for joining me, Brooke. And I have been looking forward to chatting to you because we were on the beaches of All Stars for many, many interviews. And a lot has changed for you since then. Oh my god, hasn't it? We've um come a long way. I was gonna say congratulations on a great Survivor game, but I really think it's congratulations on an incredible Survivor career. How are you feeling watching it all back? Oh, it's been it's been full on.

SPEAKER_02 1:05

Like I I forgot how much it just like consumes your everything and watching it back. I'm always tense, being like, what have I said or what have I done? But it it's so awesome. And I loved my episode last night, and it's just it's a beautiful end of an era for me. So I feel very proud and very thankful that I've had the last 10 years and I've been lucky enough to play this game three times.

SPEAKER_03 1:27

Yeah, I mean, last night it it wasn't exactly a blind side, but you had such a graceful exit. And, you know, I'm pretty hardened when it comes to reality TV and Survivor, but even I found myself tearing up seeing you go out like that. Can you walk me through the emotions you were feeling in that moment?

SPEAKER_02 1:48

Yeah, it was it was really hard not to cry. I think they did cry, but I'm I'm very thankful that that part wasn't shown because I've cried enough this season. But it was like it was such a strange moment because I was so excited to go and see my family, and they had been on my mind the entire time. I was obsessing over it. I just it was all it was consuming my whole mind. But then in that moment, yes, I was so excited about that, but I was so like proud and upset and so many mixed emotions of the 10 years, like that. I have literally like I've dedicated 10 years of my life to this game, but the game's given me so much as well.

SPEAKER_03 2:25

So yeah, it was it was very emotional. I think it was really beautiful to see you get emotional in interview out there. I was thinking back to All Stars, and I remember having this conversation with you. It was around final five or final six, and you know, by that point, basically every challenge was do or die for you. Seems to be a bit of a pattern with you. It does, doesn't it? But it was do or die, and you were telling me an interview all the right things, and I had to sort of tell you that you know, you need to let your guard down because you were saying all the right things, but you had a huge smile on your face and you're laughing the whole time. And I'm like, Brooke, why are you smiling? Yeah, I'm like, I know you care, but the way you are talking to me, it makes me feel like you don't care. So I need you to let your guard down. Yes, and now look at me, I'm like crying every bloody second in this show. Do you think that becoming a mom has enabled you to be more comfortable with your emotions?

SPEAKER_02 3:31

Yeah, I think so. I like, I mean, I definitely think I was just more emotional out there as well because I was away from my daughter. But even before the show, like I watched, I was bawling my eyes out of finding Nemo the other day. I'm like, what's wrong with this? So I think I just have this new emotional side. I've let my walls down. Because I was like, even with relationships, my walls were up. I've always been like that, like very cold, cold, cut it, cut them when you're done, like you know. Um, but now it's just it's just different. I think I'm just content and I don't know, much more maybe it's just a maturity thing. But I even when I was growing up, it was, I think my like my dad taught me, you know, cry if it really hurts, but otherwise we're strong and this. And I've I lived by that. And season one in All-Stars, like I didn't shed a tear. I was Ice Queen. It was like my nickname. And each season it's gotten a little bit, you know, my emotions have slowly started to come in. And this season was gangbusters on emotion.

SPEAKER_03 4:27

Yeah, that's interesting that you mentioned um, you know, growing up like that and it being sort of that influence from your dad because it's something you wouldn't know this, but I was in the casting team for season one, and I distinctly remember your casting tape, and I remember you talking about that.

SPEAKER_02 4:44

Yeah, oh my god, yeah, I remember that as well. But it's it's always been a thing. I remember when I was playing basketball, I smacked my head really hard on the ground and I looked at dad and I was like, Does this warrant like can I cry kind of thing? And he's like, You can cry. Like that that really hurt. And I just I've always found crying as like a sign of weakness until I'm probably the last few years where I'm like, no, like this is just how I'm feeling, and it's coming out, and it just kept on coming.

SPEAKER_03 5:13

Is there something freeing about that in the game to be able to let it all out? Um, yes and no. Like I did.

SPEAKER_02 5:19

There were times where I would walk down the beach just to cry away from everyone from being away from my daughter. Like the smallest thing would happen. I'd find a seashell that I'd be like, she would love this. Like I would just, it was just taking up my whole mind. And um, Mark caught me a few times crying down the beach, and I just sobbed on him, which was really nice to have someone there who was just like, What do you need from me? How do I help you right now? And I was just like, I don't know, just stand there. So the poor thing got snot and tears all over him.

SPEAKER_03 5:50

I want to talk a little bit about your game. Obviously, last night we saw Keely write down your name. Did you know that that was coming? I did. Um, it wasn't a blind side from Keely.

SPEAKER_02 6:02

She she had let me know, and I was like, could you vote someone else? She's like, No. Um, but there was no hard feelings. Keely and I had such a understanding at this point, and we were, God, we're on the bottom for so long. And I knew I was in a lot of trouble or kaput, as we would say. But I at that point, it was just like, all right, I'm gone, Keely. How can we get you there? Because I want her to win more than more than anything.

SPEAKER_03 6:27

And in your mind, what was Keely's motivation in voting you out at that point and not forcing a potential rock draw?

SPEAKER_02 6:34

I mean, at this point of the game, Keely and I love each other to bits, but I didn't want to sit with Keely at the end, and Keely didn't want to sit with me at the end. We were left with a group that we did think we could be, like strategically in a final pitch with our resumes. We've done the fake idol bluffs, like we've we've done a lot. And at the same time, if I was sitting with Keely at the end, I couldn't claim the counterfeit idol bluff because I did it with Keely and a lot of the other things that we managed to do were together. So we needed to separate that, and I think we both knew that.

SPEAKER_03 7:06

And Jackson gave you quite a tribute and called you the real underdog out there. Do you think that had any impact on what happened at Tribal Council?

SPEAKER_02 7:17

No, I I've seen a lot of comments about that, but I I don't think that's where he was trying to take it. I think he was genuinely that's how he felt. And I felt like that as well. I was like, stop calling yourself underdogs because I've literally been fighting my butt off this whole time. Um, and yeah, I'm just glad that he said it. And it was also a nice kind of tribute before I was given the boot.

SPEAKER_03 7:41

Yeah, it was a really great tribal, even though it didn't have the outcome that a lot of people wanted. You've had a lot of people behind you this season. I also want to talk about the other potential rock draw with the Simon vote. I want to understand, I guess at this point, looking back, do you regret your decision to take out Simon at that point? Uh, and do you wish you had perhaps put it to chance that you could have come out with a majority that night?

SPEAKER_02 8:12

I don't regret it because I think, well, Jackson had told me Simon was coming for me at seven from a conversation that they had had on the beach together. So in my head, that was the next vote. And I knew that there was already a lot of people happy to jump on on board for that. So I was willing to sacrifice Simon because it meant saving Keely and Jackson, who I did trust, and it also meant giving me a much better chance at winning challenges in my head. Little did I know about Keely, but um yeah, it was about protecting Keely and Jackson and also reducing the likelihood of someone beating me in challenges. Because to me, there was no way of me getting to the end unless I went on a winning spree.

SPEAKER_03 8:53

Yeah, and Keely's come out as this surprise package. I know. What a little bit. She must have learned a thing or two from you.

SPEAKER_02 9:01

Maybe it wrapped rubbed off on it, but um, if she could have given that back to me, it would have been nice.

SPEAKER_03 9:06

Let's talk about casting for this season. Talk me through your decision process uh when you got that call to play Survivor again.

SPEAKER_02 9:14

Oh, it was I felt instantly sick in the stomach because it was something in my head that I wanted to do so bad, but I couldn't do. And I came home and I just went into my partner's office and just bawled my eyes out, being like, I can't go. Like, and he's like, Well, do you want to go? I was like, Of course, I want this more than anything, but I just couldn't see a way that it would be possible. But he was like, nah, we're gonna we'll make it work. And he did, he held up the fort, he managed our business while I was gone, he looked after Parker full time, he yeah, he just smashed it. So very lucky that he gave me that the opportunity to play one last time. Um, but it was not an easy decision. And it was also the fact that I was gonna be one of a few returning players, and the chances of me going home early were really high. So I was like, Will I do I sacrifice the last two seasons where I've done really well to then go home first? Like, do I want to do that? Um, but I'm really glad that I did.

SPEAKER_03 10:13

Yeah, it's incredible. I mean, to finish sixth after you know, having a fourth place finish, a seventh place finish. And you've played in all the different formats. You've played an all-returney season, a part returney, and a whole fresh batch of contestants.

SPEAKER_02 10:28

I know. I wish this one was a full returnee as it would have helped uh shield me a little bit better this time.

SPEAKER_03 10:33

That's really interesting though, that you know you had this pull back to the game. Had you thought about it before, or did that sort of urge to play again, that pull happen after you got the phone call and it could actually be a reality?

SPEAKER_02 10:48

I definitely have felt like I had unfinished business. And I think maybe it's because I got so close last time, or maybe it's because I I didn't feel like the world had seen the strategic side of me. Like I was known for my social abilities and my challenges, but no one saw me being, you know, sneaky or doing anything clever at Tribal Council. And I definitely feel like I got that part of my redemption in this season, um, which was really exciting to watch back.

SPEAKER_03 11:13

Yeah, and I mean over the years, obviously no one's had the gap that you have in playing. Like no one can compare to that. You played the first season, you played the all-stars season, and now you came back for redemption. That's 10 years of survivor. That's crazy. It's it is crazy, and I mean, from those three times playing, I guess how different are you from the the 23-year-old Brooke that started this game before a lot of Australians even knew what it was? And what did each time playing teach you about yourself?

SPEAKER_02 11:50

I think the the first season is really important to me because like I I went in there working a corporate job that I quit just in the hope that I was gonna get on Survivor, like before I even found out. I was like, I've just got a good feeling about this, hated my job, didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, and then started the season and absolutely fell in love with the challenges and pushing myself and being able to, you know, show my mental strength, the mental strength. And that from that led into a career in fitness, which was completely, you know, something so random and that I'd never thought of. So that kind of brought me my career. And then All Stars kind of brought me the platform and it also brought me my my partner because he had seen me on TV, asked me to come into his restaurant to promote it, and we met through that. So I've had like my career, my fiance, my daughter, all kind of stem from the show. Um, and this time, this one's brought me kind of closure and the ability to show everyone the full version of me and the real me and the mum version of me, which I was really kind of excited to show.

SPEAKER_03 12:56

Yeah, that's amazing to have all those different experiences and for each experience to be able to build on the last one. Yeah. Um, I love that you met your partner through this experience. When he asked you to come into his restaurant to promote it, um, did he have ulterior motives there? I don't know. He's just sneaking off here, did you? Uh no, you're one of many.

SPEAKER_01 13:21

Oh I was apparently one of many, but um I don't buy it.

SPEAKER_02 13:26

I think, I think ulterior motives for sure. Very conveniently wanting me to come into his cafe every second day. A lot of promotion was required.

SPEAKER_03 13:37

Look, you are a survivor icon, but you've played with a lot of survivor icons in your time as well. Who has inspired you most with their game and what have you taken from them and been able to apply into your game?

SPEAKER_02 13:50

I think, I mean, I'm not just saying Dave because he's our host now, but Dave has shown that you can play a strong game and win, which I don't think we see that much. We don't often see the big bold players get to the end. And I love that because I was like, oh, like I'm playing really bold, but does that mean I'm gonna go home early? Because that's that tend that tends to be what happens. So I think Dave has has shown that it is possible to be sneaky, to be, you know, working both sides to manipulate the game and to still win everything. So definitely Dave. I think he's shaped the game and he's now an incredible host. Um, but also my girl Shawnee, I think Shawnee has just Shawnee and I have similar games socially. Um, and she's someone that I kind of draw inspiration from for sure when it comes to people just wanting you to be around them because there's still that personal side of the game where you want to have a good time, you want to feel happy out there, and I make sure that I have time for everyone because I don't want to be the first one that comes up and they're like, let's get a returnee out, it's got to be Brooke. I wanted it to be Mark or someone else. So I made sure I kind of had my webs of allies.

SPEAKER_03 15:02

It does take a special player to be able to do that. I think, you know, you mentioned Dave, and he's definitely someone that can make cutthroat moves, can play really hard, and still have people turn around and pat him on the on the back at the end of the day and say, good game, and vote for him to win. And I think you and Shawnee, you're both players that have that same thing where you can burn people and you could say some really ruthless things to people's faces, but then you've got such a big smile and a laugh, and people still love you for it.

SPEAKER_02 15:35

I know it is um, it's definitely helpful, but it's also like every season when I've gone out, I've had the jury waiting for me saying you were getting all of our votes, and it's so nice, but cut so hard at the same time because you're like, damn it! Like I was like, I could have actually won this if I got there. So um I think for someone who's playing or a new player, it's very important to remember jury management, be kind when you can and make big moves, but yeah, you've still got to be human about it if you want to get votes at the end.

SPEAKER_03 16:08

And how did it feel having you know the person that cut your game short in all stars and cost you the win? Snuff your torch.

SPEAKER_02 16:16

Oh, it was so special, especially being my last time playing this game, most likely Chris is gone. Um but being my last time um playing the game and having Dave do it was really special. And it was, yeah, it was really nice because I could feel him being proud of me as well. And yeah, it it made it extra special.

SPEAKER_03 16:37

And this is probably a hard one, but I'd love you to sum up what Survivor means to you.

SPEAKER_01 16:44

Oh, probably cry. See, see, you mean um, yeah, a lot. It's just um bloody hell, Hayley. Still making me cry, you're not even producing me anymore.

SPEAKER_02 17:00

No, I just think it's it's been such a big part of my life, and it's been a really good platform for me to be able to show strength, but also weakness and strength and emotion, and um it's been really nice to see how I've changed over the 10 years about stayed the same in terms of strength and mental strength and resilience, and it's been a beautiful platform to be able to show um young women, young girls what they can achieve. So it's been, yeah, a big part of my life.

SPEAKER_03 17:34

Yeah, I can see that. And I um as someone who is also a mum, I've become a mum over the time I've worked on Survivor. So, oh God, now I've scryed. Oh mess. Um, yeah, I think, you know, oh God, you've made me cry. Oh, I just think you have um, you know, you have really inspired people, and it's really incredible to see, you know, you be such a powerhouse from a 23-year-old to going back 10 years later as a mum with a young daughter and to still be able to prove that you are stronger than ever. Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 18:20

Oh gosh, okay, let's let's it means a lot to be here to ask your question.

SPEAKER_03 18:26

Let's get to the quick fire questions. Oh, yay, okay, I'm ready. Who was your favorite person in the game? Ooh, Mark slash Keeley. I don't know. Mark. Who had the most annoying habit and what was it? Talking. What was your proudest moment of the game?

SPEAKER_02 18:46

My first challenge win, holding up that big pole with the rope. What's your proudest moment of your survivor career? Probably my exit this time around. Just the standing ovation, having Dave stuff my torch, and just, I don't know, the whole feeling of the 10, like it's just like all the 10 years brought into one moment. Most embarrassing moment of your game. Season one saying I was 99% confident that everything was going planned, that going to plan, and then my best friend voting me out.

SPEAKER_03 19:15

I think that leads to the next question. What was worse? Getting blindsided by Flick at Final Seven, losing the final four immunity to Dave, or going out at the final six in redemption?

SPEAKER_02 19:28

Losing to Dave, final four, because I had the head start, and I just it's something to do with those really small challenges where I've got to be really careful and gentle. I suck at them, and it's because I get so in my head, and I know that's exactly why I lost half a million dollars. So that one.

SPEAKER_03 19:44

Favorite starting tribe? Sunapu, Vakama, or Baron? Vakama. Vakama was your favorite starting tribe.

SPEAKER_02 19:52

Yeah, I think it was fun. Although season one was so fun, but it just didn't feel like Survivor to me. It just felt like I was just hanging out with a couple of mates around the camp. What song sums up your time on Survivor? Ooh, I'm still standing. It's always been in my head since All Stars. I think that was one of our theme songs for the the season. But I just always sang that on repeat when I was in the final, like final few weeks of this season was just I'm still standing, I'm still standing somehow. Um, plus feels like home for some reason. I was just singing that. And Sally, Sally sent me this song the other day because she was like, This song reminds me of you. Because I was just singing Feels Like Home all the time, thinking about Parker.

SPEAKER_03 20:35

Would you ever play Survivor again?

SPEAKER_02 20:38

Um it would have to be a long time down the track. But yes, I think I can never say never. There's hope. If you could be on any other reality show, what would you be on? I think the amazing race. I'd have so much fun there, but I would also love to do I'm a celebrity. But I just feel like we've already done, like we've already proven. I've had done it for 132 days. So I don't know about that one. But um, and Master Chef, I I'm trying to push my fiance to go on Master Chef because he's a cook. I he was on my kitchen rolls.

SPEAKER_03 21:13

Oh reality TV power couple.

SPEAKER_02 21:16

I know back in 2013 or something, but um, yeah, he should do Master Chef, I think. Describe your survivor legacy in three words growth, endurance, and resilience.

SPEAKER_03 21:29

Amazing. I think that sums it up perfectly.

SPEAKER_02 21:34

Thanks, Haley.

SPEAKER_03 21:35

It's been so great chatting. Thank you so much, Brooke. You've once again proven how much of a strong survivor player you are. And um, you know, congratulations on your beautiful life as well. Thank you so much. Bye, Hayley.

SPEAKER_00 21:48

This is beyond reality.