Pre-game interviews

• Mike Bloom at Parade.com (2/7/25): "Fire Captain Joe Hunter Is Playing for His Late Sister"

Post-game interviews

• Dalton Ross at EW.com (5/22/25): "Survivor 48 star Joe Hunter reveals the finale votes he thought he'd get"
• Mike Bloom at EW.com (5/22/25): "Survivor 48 Finalist Joe Hunter Reacts to His Surprising Loss: 'It All Falls on Me'"
• Rob Cesternino at RHAP (5/22/25): "Exit Interviews: Final 5 of Survivor 48"

Official CBS Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans cast bio excerpts, as published by Mike Bloom at Parade.com (January 28, 2026):

"Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season? I came back to play Survivor 50 to finish the promise I made to my sister. I left some things on the table and want to finish what I started and honor her. I also want to show my kids that you should always go after your dreams. I am so honored and thankful to be chosen. This is one of the most proud moments of my life.

What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50? The turnaround from my season on S48 and S50 has been very close together. However, one thing that has happened to prepare me for S50 is my recent reconciliation with my ex-wife. We went through a painful divorce and have been legally divorced for 3 years. The road back together has been painful, hard, and also the most wonderful thing. I’m proud of us. If I can do that, I can do S50.

Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?And what are you eager to have another shot at? I am most proud of playing a game that I am proud of, and most of all, playing a game my kids and family are proud of. I was able to be vulnerable and show the world what kindness and leading with your heart feels like. I am proud of my 4 immunity wins but only because I was able to see my family so proud of “old man dad.”

What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game? I feel my Survivor reputation is a loyal, good guy. At least, I have been told that’s what it is LOL. That is who I am, it was real. My plan is to be that same person, lean into that, and play the same way. Because that’s who I am and that’s all I know.

What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played? My strategy going into 50 is simple. Just be me, and be a person that hopes real relationships, loyalty, and being authentic will get me to the end. You have to see what the people you play with are doing, and what the vibe is for the season you are on. But at the end of the day, all I can be is the real me!

Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why? Honestly, all of the options I would be okay with, but truly I don’t want anything to change. I only know S48 and I think Survivor does a great job. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it! But if I had to choose, I would say… no more beware advantage, just straight Idol!

At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why? This is difficult because I have been through a divorce, lost my sister, I lost my dad, and this has made my true inspiration expand a bit. My true inspiration is truly this: the loss of my sister and dad, and the love for my wife and kids. Basically my loss and family motivates and inspires me to never quit and keep pushing in life.

Why will you be the Sole Survivor? This is a group of some of the best to ever play the game. You have more than one player that this will be their fifth time playing, several have played four times. More than one has won 5 immunity challenges and a few that changed the game of Survivor! I just know that my own pain in life, suffering, and my “why” will push me to be the #1. "