Rob Has a Podcast | Big Brother, Survivor & Reality TV - RHAP

RAANAP: Rob and Akiva Take Pitches for the Live Show Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Akiva Wienerkur (@keev26) need a podcast and every week, Rob and Akiva spin a wheel of listener-submitted podcast ideas, and whatever the wheel lands on is what they podcast about next. This week, Rob and Akiva brainstorm ideas for the upcoming RHAPCon. For the link to the spreadsheet that Rob and Akiva use to compile ideas, check it all out here: Rob and Akiva Need a Spreadsheet (compiled by the great Will from America). To submit an idea for a future episode of “Rob and Akiva Need a Podcast” to be discussed on the mailbag, submit it on this form: Rob and Akiva’s Mailbag Form. Past Episodes of Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast

BB28 Week 2 Exit Interview Watch this podcast on YouTube! Big Brother 28 sees alliances shift as trust is tested and houseguests scramble for control. This episode features an exit interview hosted by Rob Cesternino and Taran, who sit down with Rome Seymour after his eviction. Rome looks back at his game, revealing how key relationships and warnings shaped his path and what surprised him about the other players’ perceptions. The conversation centers on the fallout from Ashley’s last-minute campaigning, which exposed the Toolshed alliance and forced houseguests to change their plans. Rome discusses ignoring Lyric and Jason’s advice about not trusting Devens, believing he could sway him instead. He opens up about the fake breakup with Lyric, explaining how their close bond seemed obvious to him, even as others fell for the act. Rome also outlines his strategy of offering protection to the “betas” in the house while putting himself on the front lines against the more dominant players, hoping his allies would quietly steer the game. Rome shares that trusting Devens, despite warnings from Lyric and Jason, was his biggest misstep. Ashley’s reveal of the Toolshed alliance led to strategic shifts, but her warning wasn’t widely believed at the time. Rome and Lyric’s staged breakup fooled more people than expected, even though they remained obviously close. Rome outlines why he wanted to work with less dominant houseguests, imagining himself as their visible shield. Rome predicts Kamu is in the strongest position, citing his alliances and competition abilities. With dominant players still in control, will anyone in the house make a move against them? Listen to the full interview for more insight on Big Brother 28’s latest power shifts. Chapters: 00:00 Rome Seymour’s Big Brother Goodbye 01:15 Trusting Rick Devens in Big Brother 02:08 Ashley Trail Outs Big Brother Alliance 03:29 Big Brother Alliance Ignored by House 04:47 President, Not Emperor, of Big Brother 05:20 Fake Breakup Bluff in Big Brother 06:04 Betas vs Alphas in Big Brother 07:16 How to Challenge Big Brother Icons 08:13 Big Brother Winner Prediction 09:12 Wrapping Up Rome’s Big Brother Journey Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Morgan Pope Recaps Big Brother 28 Week 2 Eviction Also available on YouTube. Big Brother 28 faces a crossroads as alliances shift and trust breaks under the surface. Rob Cesternino and Taran Armstrong, joined by Mari Forth and BB27’s Morgan Pope, cover the second eviction night in a live recap, digging into the strategies and social game shaking up the house. This episode kicks off with the fallout from Rome’s eviction, spotlighting his short-lived but bold gameplay, including his ill-fated campaigning and a showmance with Lyric that leaves lingering questions for her game now that he’s gone. The Toolshed alliance’s stability is in question, with discussions on whether its members might scatter if power changes hands. Meanwhile, alliances like the Crossovers and the Red Corner are under strain as Angela and Dee debate nominating Drew, not realizing he sees their group as his true loyalty. Competition beast Jason wins the Blockbuster, causing others to consider whether letting him stay puts their own games at risk, while Melody and Mallory become possible swing players after the vote. The hosts and guests also compare Lyric’s trajectory now that she is playing solo and discuss the tricky aftermath of a single rogue vote for Rome. Morgan points out Rome’s mistake in telling HOH Devens who to save, rather than working with him. Mari analyzes how Rome’s exit might actually help his relationship with Lyric, referencing showmances that thrive outside the house. Taran explains why the Crossovers still hold Drew’s loyalty, but misreadings by Angela and Dee could set off a storm if they act on their suspicions. Recap of Jason’s comp prowess and messy gameplay, with Mari highlighting his unique energy and entertainment value. The group discusses the one pro-Rome vote from Taylor and its potential consequences, including blame possibly shifting to Drew or Lyric. With the big alliances unstable and Lyric flying under the radar, the next HOH could shake everything up. Will the Toolshed hold, or is a major power shift coming? Tune in for the complete episode recap and all the drama of eviction night. 00:00 Big Brother 28 Eviction Night Recap Begins 03:04 Rome’s Big Brother Exit Examined 08:09 Jason’s Competition Win Shakes House 14:12 Dee and Angela Target Drew 19:04 Barrett’s Position in Big Brother 23:12 Drew and Barrett’s Final Two 27:32 Lyric’s Game After Rome’s Exit 33:29 Taylor’s Lone Vote for Rome 38:07 Celebrity Shoutouts in Big Brother 45:00 Rome’s Goodbye to Lyric and House 52:00 Julie’s Wedding Song Mix-Up 57:20 Ross Mathews’ History With Jason 01:02:10 Morgan On Playing Big Brother 01:08:05 Angela’s Powerless Future Discussed Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Summer of Stein Big Brother 28 Week 2 Watch this podcast on YouTube! Big Brother 28 goes full mayhem inside and outside the house as Summer of Stein returns, hosted by Rob with guest Eric Stein for an all-access recap. The house sits on edge after a unanimous 14-0 vote sends Ashley home, only for Rick Devens to win HoH and deliver what might be the wildest nomination ceremony yet. While the house blows up on the live feeds, the alumni start their own battles online, creating non-stop drama for fans and former houseguests alike. This episode dives into the chaotic nomination fallout, with Angela donning the egg costume punishment and getting into a heated showdown with Jason. Eric and Rob hash out whether Angela rehearsed her performance and why the rarely seen live feed moment during nominations amped up the tension. Meanwhile, the vets and newbies scramble as Rome’s unpredictable gameplay and his partnership with Lyric shake up the pecking order, blurring alliance lines and sparking hilarious and tense diary room moments. Eric points out Angela’s factual takedown of Jason and wonders if nomination speeches are now play-acted for the camera. Rob notes the live feeds returning mid-ceremony as a shocking boost for fans and a rare production slip. Eric reflects on alumni fights, saying the show’s environment and social media draw out lingering rivalries every season. Both discuss if Rome’s exit would help or hurt the reset against the vets, and debate the future for Rome, Lyric, and their influencer ambitions. With returnees wielding early power but newbies stirring the pot, Summer of Stein asks: can the underdogs disrupt the veteran alliance or is a steamroll inevitable? Get the full breakdown of every punchline and power move in this week’s Summer of Stein! Chapters: 00:00 Summer of Stein kicks off 04:00 Chaos erupts in Big Brother house 07:45 Craziest nomination ceremony debate 12:26 Live feeds reveal BB28 drama 15:42 Haley’s missing Big Brother moment 21:07 Angela’s egg costume spotlight 25:38 Rome’s meltdown shakes the house 34:46 Showmances and danger in BB28 38:11 Lyric’s potential as BB28 legend 44:39 Alumni drama rocks Big Brother 56:17 BB28 fandom and fallout moments 59:04 Rick Devens faces Adam Sandler dig 01:01:05 Ashley’s lettuce story in BB28 01:08:21 Don’t Forget the Lyric game 01:18:11 BB28 time capsule and wrap-up Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

BB28 Wednesday Veto Ep Recap, Week 2 Also available on YouTube. Big Brother 28 is full of fireworks as the fallout from a wild nomination ceremony spills into every corner of the house. Rob Cesternino leads this episode recap with Kirsten MacInnis and Jason Reed, breaking down Angela’s strategic moves and the chaos surrounding the latest nominations, Veto, and shifting alliances. The episode dives into the volatile aftermath of Angela’s HoH reign, centering on her confrontation with Jason and a heated exchange between Haley and Rome. The panel discusses Angela’s new egg costume punishment, the faux breakup between Lyric and Rome, and the complexities of the Veto competition where Devens comes out on top. Social strategies take center stage as Lyric uses her social game and “baby voice” to sway the house, while Melody pushes hard to stay off the block but faces resistance from Dee, Angela, and Devens. The looming America’s Vote and potential twists for Rome and Lyric keep everyone guessing about who is truly at risk. Kirsten calls out Rome for his “snarky” behavior and questions why Lyric is criticized for her voice when it’s working strategically. Jason Reed highlights the “faux apologies” between Angela and houseguest Jason, as well as the comedic gold of Angela’s egg costume moments. The panel dissects Melody’s efforts to save herself and how Drew’s campaigning for her may have backfired due to Dee and Angela’s distrust. Jason and Kirsten debate if Rome’s showmance with Lyric is helping or hurting his and her individual games, especially with the looming possibility of Rome’s eviction. The panel questions if Devens’ Veto win marks the start of a big power shift, and what will happen if Rome returns from the BB Blockbuster twist. With alliances uncertain and social games in flux, the path forward is murky, Will Lyric thrive if Rome goes home, and did Devens’ latest move set him up as the next big target? Tune in to hear every angle as the podcast team breaks it all down. 00:00 Introductions and Big Brother 28 Hype 03:00 Nomination Fight Shakes the House 08:00 Angela and Jason’s Heated Showdown 13:00 America’s Vote and Time Capsule Stakes 18:30 Lyric and Rome’s Showmance Breakup Twist 23:00 Melody’s Campaign and House Paranoia 28:00 Have-Not Room and French Fry Scandal 34:00 Voting Scenarios and Blockbuster Pressure 40:00 Angela’s Egg Punishment Spotlight 46:00 Veto Puzzle and Devens’ Win 53:00 Blockbuster Stakes for Rome 59:00 Melody vs. Jason Eviction Possibility 01:03:00 Episode Wrap-Up and House Pranks 01:08:00 Final Thoughts and Thursday Preview Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Becca Devens Talks Big Brother 28 Watch this podcast on YouTube! Big Brother 28 is deep into strategy as family and game collide inside the house. Hosts Rob Cesternino and Taran Armstrong sit down with Becca Devens, wife of current Head of Household Devens, for a candid interview about what’s happening in and out of the game this week. This episode dives into Devens’ unexpected HoH win, his nominations, and the social fallout from his Veto choice. Becca shares how she and the kids react to watching Devens live on Big Brother, and gives behind-the-scenes stories about his gameplay and personality. The conversation includes how Devens connects with housemates like Dee, Drew, Jason, and Rome, and the struggles he faces balancing being a “showman” and navigating group dynamics. Becca also opens up about the tough spot Devens found himself in after having to exclude Rome from the HoH room and his decision to veto Lyric instead of Melody, sparking reactions from fans and family alike. There’s even a fun look at Devens’ life before the show, his love for filmmaking, and connections with past reality TV experiences. Becca confirms Devens really tried not to win HoH but couldn’t resist the opportunity to make a big move (brought up by Becca) The kids’ reactions to Devens leaving for the game and how seeing him on TV helps them cope (Becca) Taran notes Devens isn’t used to being in the majority, making his choices and loyalties in the house harder to navigate Becca discusses that Devens worries about hurting Rome’s feelings after his nomination decision Rob and Taran tease out the differences in strategy and emotional dynamics between Big Brother and Survivor for Devens With shifting targets and strong bonds forming, BB28 alliances are always in flux. Will Devens’ strategy and loyalty pay off, or could his connections become liabilities as the weeks go on? Listen in for a unique family perspective and a full breakdown of the latest drama in the Big Brother house. Chapters: 00:00 Big Brother: Family Spotlight Begins 01:13 Rick and Becca’s Big Brother Bond 03:01 Survivor vs. Big Brother Loved Ones 04:53 Rick Devens’ Kids Adjust 06:20 Watching Rick Compete in Real Time 08:53 Becca on Rick’s Need for Space 10:14 How Much Big Brother Rick Knew 12:55 Loved Ones Connect Beyond the House 14:16 The Rome and Lyric Veto Decision 18:06 Rick Devens: The Big Brother Showman 21:41 Can Rick Devens Win Competitions? 23:11 Becca and Rick’s Meet-Cute 25:43 Rick Devens: Family Organizer Dad 28:22 Survivor Hardships vs. Big Brother’s 30:29 Rick Devens’ Intentions in the House 32:31 Would Rick Take Dee to End? Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Empty Middle Seat Perk is News AF – July 21, 2026 Rob Cesternino, Tyson Apostol, and Danny Bryson are back with another entertaining episode of News AF, where they dive into the week’s most peculiar and amusing stories. Today, Rob, Tyson, and Danny talk through the week’s most newsworthy stories. To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel! Need to catch up on more Actual Factual news? Archive of News AF Subscribe to News AF on iTunes View the News AF Archive News AF on Youtube Group AF Facebook Page Be sure to check our some great offers from our sponsors

Aubry Bracco Talks Big Brother 28 Big Brother 28 is deep into chaos as alliances shift and eviction targets wobble, with the house fixated on the fallout from the HoH’s big move and the relentless push-pull over who stays and who goes. Hosts Rob Cesternino and Taran Armstrong are joined by special guest Aubry Bracco for a recap and strategy deep dive, unpacking the current shakeups and social maneuvering as the game’s pace tests even the most seasoned reality veterans. This episode covers Devens’ reign as HoH and his struggle adapting to a position of power after mostly playing from the bottom, with discussions on his plan to target Rome and the resulting complications when the veto threatens to throw everything into question. Aubry delves into the differences between Survivor and Big Brother gameplay, especially around pacing and how alliances are built and tested over a week instead of a day. The trio breaks down the influence Dee and Angela wield in the group, Lyric’s social savvy resulting in safety, and the chaotic ripple that comes from changing targets and messy coalition-building. The influence of outside friendships, especially the Survivor/Big Brother crossover, is front and center as Dee, Devens, and Angela navigate loyalty and self-interest. Aubry points out how Devens relies on feedback from his allies and finds working with others more comfortable than solo gameplay. Taran notes Dee’s ability to connect with every type of player in the house, keeping her well-positioned even after making nominations. The hosts observe Lyric’s impressive social maneuvering, getting almost everyone to support taking her off the block. Aubry and Taran agree that Barrett risks being left behind if he lets Dee’s influence outpace his own relationships. The struggle between acting boldly and maintaining trust comes up as Devens questions if the house will really back his Rome plan at eviction. With shifting alliances and the week’s eviction plan up in the air, the balance of power could tip at any moment. Will Devens and his allies keep control, or is another blindside on the way? Tune in for the full breakdown of the latest moves and what might come next in Big Brother 28. Chapters: 00:00 Big Brother 28 Intros 02:02 Watching Survivor Friends on BB28 04:43 Rick Devens’ Big Brother Approach 07:31 Survivor Mindset Meets Big Brother 10:09 Dee and Devens: Social Strengths 13:20 Big Brother Power Versus Survivor Bottom 16:20 Dee’s Gameplay and Player Connections 18:48 Lyric’s Block Move and House Dynamics 20:29 Melody Versus Rome TV Week 23:22 Angela’s Survivor Knowledge Advantage 26:30 Returning Players and Newbie Dynamics 29:07 Barrett and Dee’s Showmance Impact 32:38 Houseguests Remind of Survivor Players 35:14 Would Aubry Play Big Brother? 38:34 Survivor Versus Big Brother Pacing 41:42 Survivor Stakes in Big Brother House 44:21 Live Feeds Show True Gameplay 46:02 Would Aubry Join Big Brother 29? 49:22 Message to Dee and Devens Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

BB28 Sunday Nominations Ep Recap, Week 2 Also available on YouTube. Big Brother 28’s alliances get pushed to the edge as chaos strikes after the latest HoH shakes up the game. Rob Cesternino, Taran Armstrong, David Bloomberg, and AJ Norris team up for a Sunday recap packed with strategy talk and messy house moments. Rick Devens wins HoH and, true to his Survivor roots, isn’t content to play it safe. With back-channeling and fiery DRs, the panel goes deep on Devens’ flashy nominations: Melody, Lyric, and Jason end up on the block, sending house loyalties scrambling. Angela’s influence comes into focus—AJ thinks her manipulation steers Devens’ HoH move, making messy, fun TV but also suiting his game. The group debates whether Melody’s “betrayal” in the HoH pairs comp really put her on the block, calling out a key production reshoot missing from the episode edit. Rome’s misstep in naming too many allies to Devens becomes a lesson in bad negotiation. Meanwhile, Angela relishes her “showman” reputation, as her alliance gobbles up power and DR camera time, all while sporting the classic egg costume after winning the BB Time Capsule twist. AJ spotlights Angela’s clever handling of Rick Devens, speculating her persuasion shapes the “big move” nominations. Taran explains how Melody’s switch in the HoH partner comp, due to a production reshoot, directly affects Devens’ nominations—though the TV edit skips this. David breaks down Rome’s negotiation blunder, noting you should never name your full alliance to an HoH. The group debates if Haley or Devens threw the final comp round, dissecting how throws and optics can reshape house perception. Jason’s reaction to not winning the BB Time Capsule sparks laughs, with Taran suggesting his self-pity is extra performative. With the house lines drawn and finger-pointing on the rise, power seems fragile, Angela, Rick Devens, and Dee hold sway, but are lines about to shift again? Will Rick’s chaotic HoH pay off, or did Angela’s push for drama set up more trouble ahead? Catch the full episode for every alliance shake-up, messy DR moment, and insight into what could happen next in the Big Brother 28 house! 00:00 Episode Kickoff and Nominations 06:57 Rick Devens’ HOH and Big Brother Power 14:38 Angela Murray’s Bold Big Brother Moves 20:49 Melody’s Competition Switch and Fallout 33:29 Devens, Rome, and Alliance Cracks 39:13 Angela and the Egg Costume Reveal 45:15 BB Time Capsule Power and Popularity 53:44 Nomination Ceremony Ignites House Drama 01:01:25 Jason, Angela, and Big Brother Showdown 01:10:09 Rick Devens Wins Veto Showdown 01:21:12 Power Shifts and Alliance Fractures Never miss a minute of RHAP’s extensive Big Brother coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Big Brother podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

RAANAP 325: Rob and Akiva Are Marriage Refs Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Akiva Wienerkur (@keev26) need a podcast and every week, Rob and Akiva spin a wheel of listener-submitted podcast ideas, and whatever the wheel lands on is what they podcast about next. This week, Rob and Akiva play marriage ref to the listeners. For the link to the spreadsheet that Rob and Akiva use to compile ideas, check it all out here: Rob and Akiva Need a Spreadsheet (compiled by the great Will from America). To submit an idea for a future episode of “Rob and Akiva Need a Podcast” to be discussed on the mailbag, submit it on this form: Rob and Akiva’s Mailbag Form. Past Episodes of Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast