The comeback kid says she was “completely shell-shocked” to make it to the merge episode.
What does she make of her 180-degree turn in the game?
What were her highest and lowest points during the first 11 days?
Emily Flippen of “Survivor 45'.Robert Voets/CBS
And why did she ultimately side with Drew and Austin over Brando and Kendra?
We asked Emily all that and more.
How much worse could it possibly get?
Sabiyah Broderick and Emily Flippen on ‘Survivor 45’.Robert Voets/CBS
What’s something interesting that happened in the pre-merge portion of the game that never made it to TV?
Initially, I wasn’t worried at all.
Kaleb had gone out of his way to bring me into the fold, both strategically and personally.
The Lulu tribe on ‘Survivor 45’.Robert Voets/CBS
I had little to lose on Lulu anything decent I did was just gravy.
On Belo, I had to be much more conscious of what I said and how I acted.
Both of them, but especially Drew, were very direct and honest, which made me feel comfortable.
The Belo tribe on ‘Survivor 45’.Robert Voets/CBS
Moreover, they both included me in their conversations.
Brando and Kendra were a bit more complicated.
She never told me about her vote that night.
Brando Meyer and Jeff Probst on ‘Survivor 45’.Robert Voets/CBS
What was your favorite moment you experienced this season leading up to the merge?
For some reason, the first memory that comes to mind is our very first night on Lulu beach.
We had no shelter, and everyone was lying on the ground, trying to sleep.
I went first, sharing with the tribe that I could swallow my tongue.
I thought it was a fun fact!
However, the rest of my tribemates opened up about very personal and meaningful stories from their lives.
I remember laying there thinking to myself, “Emily, you are so stupid!”
What was your lowest moment leading up to the merge?
I mean, I shouldn’t have been surprised!
After all, since when does conflict and bluntness win you any friends?
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
