Episodes

  • This week, former Deal or No Deal model Claudia Jordan became the third contestant eliminated from NBC's new hit reality competition show, Deal or No Deal Island.

    In the midst of an explosive confrontation at episode's challenge, Claudia offered to sacrifice her safety in the game for her alliance. She encouraged Stephanie to steal her case instead of taking Boston Rob's. Stephanie reluctantly accepted Claudia's offer, placing Claudia in the bottom two with Aron. Rob won immunity for the second straight week, and he selected Claudia to play Deal or No Deal, with her life in the game on the line. Unfortunately for Claudia, her briefcase contained a higher dollar value than the deal she accepted, making her the third contestant eliminated from Deal or No Deal Island.

    Claudia visits the Jack Vita Show for this week's Deal or No Deal Island exit interview. Claudia explains why she offered herself up as a sacrifice, what name Kim called her and Rob that set them off, what it was like being on the other side of production this time around, what wasn't shown from the episode, and much more! Claudia spills the tea in an exclusive interview on the Jack Vita Show!

    Claudia is no stranger to reality television. She has competed on two seasons of The Celebrity Apprentice and was a main member of the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She has appeared in dozens of other films and shows. You can follow her on Instagram @claudiajordan.

  • Days after Peacock's The Traitors wrapped up in a historic finale, Jack is back to recap another show on the Jack Vita Show!

    Jack will be recapping Deal or No Deal Island each week with his cohost, Brooke Struck! They will also be providing exit interviews with the eliminated contestants each week, all season long.

    Brooke competed on Survivor: Guatemala in the fall of 2005. Brooke started the game in the majority alliance on the Nakum tribe and was set up to be a prominent figure on the season. In the fourth episode, she fell victim to a tribe swap, and was outnumbered on her newly remade Nakum tribe. Our Traitors recap cohost Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick voted Brooke out, making her the fourth boot on Day 11 of Survivor: Guatemala! Brooke now works as an attorney, specializing in family law.

    Brooke and Jack record their first recap, dissecting the third episode of Deal or No Deal Island, "Are You Fearless?". The episode opens with the cast sitting around after Kim has won the most recent Deal or No Deal game and eliminated Jamil. Kim made a comment during the game directed at Boston Rob and his alliance, saying that she was going to "kick [their] ass". Rob calls Kim out in front of the group, saying that it wasn't necessary for her to make things personal like that. The rest of the cast reacts, piling onto Kim. Rob reveals in a confessional that he did not actually take Kim's comment personally, but he was using it against her to paint a greater target on her.

    Kim confides in Alissa, who she believes in an ally of hers. Kim calls Rob and Claudia a bad word (or words), and Alissa uses this against Kim to further throw her under the bus, informing Rob. Word spreads, and it appears that the group has collectively agreed to take out Kim the next chance that they get. Stephanie catches wind of the plan, and she isn't on-board with it.

    At the challenge, Stephanie gains the ability to steal a case from anybody. Initially she indicates that she plans to take Rob's million-dollar, first-place case. This would take immunity from Rob and drop the Survivor icon into the bottom two, leaving him up for elimination. Soon, a gigantic argument breaks out. Rob reveals to the group that he is unhappy about the remarks that Kim made earlier to Alissa. Claudia is upset. In the middle of this argument, Claudia volunteers for Stephanie to take her case instead of Rob's, risking her own future in the game. Stephanie reluctantly accepts Claudia's offer, leaving Rob immune and putting Stephanie in-danger of going home. Claudia and Aron finish in the bottom two, and Rob selects Claudia to face the banker.

    Claudia gets down to three cases. One case contains $0.01, another contains $175,000 and the final case contains $500,000. She is offered $180,000 by the banker, giving her a 2/3 shot of beating the banker and living to see another day. Claudia accepts the deal, and unfortunately for her, her case contains $500,000. She is eliminated from the game, becoming the season's first player to lose to the banker.

    Brooke and Jack break it all down, sharing their thoughts on the latest episode of Deal or No Deal Island, as well as the show's concept as a whole!

    Claudia will visit the Jack Vita Show later this week for her exit interview, as we will be providing exit interviews with the cast all season long. Make sure you are subscribed to our YouTube channel, so that you don't miss it.

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  • The Traitors Season 2 has met its end! With Stephenie on vacation this week, season 1 contestant Michael Davidson fills in for her on the Jack Vita Show and breaks down a historic finale and dramatic reunion show, in the eleventh episode of The Traitors, "One Final Hurdle".

    The episode picks up where episode 10 left off. In the aftermath of Phaedra Parks' banishment, Kate is the final traitor remaining. Kate chooses to murder Sheree, hoping to pin the murder on a non-Bravo cast member. Kate takes aim at Sandra, making the two-time Survivor champion her next target. Meanwhile, Sandra is on to Kate. Sandra believes Kate slipped up at the latest roundtable, when she cast her vote towards Phaedra.

    The group completes the final mission, raising the prize pot to $208,100. In the moments before the roundtable, the cast scrambles as Sandra and Kate fight for their lives in the game. Trishelle and CT had planned to banish Kate, but CT changes his tune at the last second, something that shocks Trishelle. An emotional Trishelle casts a vote for Sandra, wanting to vote with the group, even though she appears to have no desire to vote out Sandra. Sandra is banished, and reveals that she is indeed a faithful.

    Moments later, the final four enters the fire of truth. The contestants have the choice between ending the game or banishing again. Kate chooses to end the game, while MJ, Trishelle and CT all opt to banish again. Considering that there was a murder at the start of the episode and Sandra was not a traitor, the group knows that there has to be at least one more traitor remaining in the game. Kate is banished, leaving MJ, Trishelle and CT.

    CT gives a wink to Trishelle, and both former Challengers vote to banish again, leaving MJ in shock. What comes as an even greater shock to the audience however, is when Trishelle votes for CT. CT votes for MJ and MJ votes for Trishelle, making the vote a deadlock tie. CT's sudden pivot from voting Kate to banishing Sandra at the previous roundtable causes suspicion from Trishelle. Before revoting, CT assures Trishelle that he is not a traitor, and MJ is banished from the game, leaving the two Real World alumni as the champions of The Traitors Season 2, splitting the prize pot equally.

    The reunion show does not lack drama, either. Dan receives blowback for his decision to target Phaedra before his banishment. MJ is disgusted with CT and Trishelle. Meanwhile, Peter breaks out a spot-on Alan Cumming impression and the cast relives the biggest moments and discusses the greatest talking points from the second season of The Traitors.

    Michael and Jack are here to break it all down, providing thoughtful commentary and analysis. It's a Traitors finale recap that you will NOT want to miss!

    You can follow Michael on Instagram, @michaeldavidson_.

  • Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick returns to the Jack Vita Show to break down the tenth episode of The Traitors Season 2, "The Weight of Deceit".

    The season's penultimate episode picks up where Episode 9 left off, as MJ reveals who she voted for in the most recent roundtable. By a vote of 5-4, Peter has been banished from the castle. In the turret, Phaedra and Kate detect that Phaedra's days may be numbered. They choose to murder John, eliminating another one of the Peter pals' numbers. Now, only Trishelle remains.

    At breakfast, suspicions around Phaedra continue to rise. Kate tries to protect Phaedra, by taking aim at Sandra. CT and Trishelle try to scramble and find a way to keep themselves from being picked off one-by-one.

    The majority of the group struggles at the mission, with CT and Trishelle carrying the group to the mission's completion, adding more money to the prize pot. Later, Kate continues to target Sandra, which Sandra picks up on. Kate's attempts to save Phaedra fall flat, and Phaedra appears to lose her desire to fight. Phaedra is banished in a clean sweep, with Phaedra casting a stray vote for CT. At the roundtable, Kate makes what may have been a critical error, calling Phaedra "more selfish than skillful" when casting her vote for the traitor. Sandra suspects that Kate let it slip to the group that she too is a traitor. The episode ends with Sandra correctly suspecting Kate, and Kate wanting to use Sandra as a target for banishment.

    You can follow Stephenie (@steph_lagrossa_kendrick) on Instagram, and join her and Sandra on the Cruise of Deception!

  • Two-time Survivor winner Sandra Diaz-Twine has been playing an exceptional game on the second season of Peacock's Emmy-Award winning competition show, The Traitors. This week, she joins Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick and Jack on the Jack Vita Show, as they recap The Traitors S2 E9 "A Game of Death".

    Jack is traveling and recorded this episode from an Airbnb in Nashville. Unfortunately, his audio quality was not up to par in this episode. Our sincere apologies; we will do better next time.

    Episode 9 opens with Kate entering the dungeon and being presented an ultimatum: join the traitors, or be murdered. Kate accepts, and is floored when Phaedra asks her, "What's our strategy going forward?" Moments later, Kevin becomes the sixth faithful murdered, eliminating the Bling Empire alum from contention.

    The next morning at breakfast, MJ thinks Kate is acting shady, and calls her out in front of a group of people. Suspicion begins to surround Peter, after he proactively fought to keep Parvati in the game the night before. As Peter is targeted by the Bravo clique, he, Trishelle and John see the writing on the wall and believe that they will be the next three contestants eliminated, unless they are able to flip the script. The Peter pals try to form a plan. Peter pulls CT into a room, and CT tells Peter that he he's convinced that the former Bachelor star is a traitor.

    At the mission, Phaedra makes a major blunder. Sandra suggests to Phaedra that they change the order in which they are shooting at the targets, taking aim at Trishelle. Trishelle and CT make immediate notice of this, and CT realizes that Phaedra is a traitor. Later, CT approaches Trishelle and informs her that his opinion has shifted and that he will vote for Phaedra at the night's roundtable.

    Peter pulls Phaedra into a room, in an attempt to freeze Phaedra out from other conversations. Trishelle appeals to the Bravos, laying out a compelling case that Phaedra is a traitor.

    The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with four votes being cast for Peter and four for Phaedra, with MJ's vote to be revealed at the start of Episode 10.

    Jack and Stephenie recap the episode and share their initial thoughts (0:00 - 23:45). Then, Sandra joins the conversation (23:45 - 1:21:05). Sandra answers questions about Episode 9 and everything that has happened up to this point! Is Sandra committed to the Bravos, or is she playing both sides? Why did she vote for Peter instead of Phaedra in this week's roundtable? Where did she and Parvati stand entering the season, and how are things between the two of them now? Stephenie and Sandra discuss and compare their experiences from their respective time in the castle. Sandra gives us a peak behind the curtain and shares some of the juiciest info that wasn't shown on The Traitors. All this, and so much more!

    Later, Steph and Jack share their predictions for Episode 10 (1:21:05 - END).

    You can follow Sandra on Twitter (@SandraDTwine) and Instagram (@sassysdt).

    You can follow Stephenie (@steph_lagrossa_kendrick) on Instagram, and join her and Sandra on the Cruise of Deception!

  • This past week on Peacock's The Traitors, Love Island USA 5 alum Carsten "Bergie" Bergersen became the fifth contestant murdered and the latest competitor eliminated from contention. He visits the Jack Vita Show for a longform conversation, as he and Jack take a deep dive into his game, discussing his time in the castle in great detail.

    Bergie made his reality television debut last summer, appearing on the fifth season of the American version of Love Island. Bergie finished in third place and instantaneously became a fan favorite. Shortly after his run on Love Island met its end, he was approached by Peacock about appearing on The Traitors. Just weeks after he left the beaches of Fiji, the 24 year-old found himself amongst a group of some of reality television's greatest figures, in a castle in Scotland.

    Bergie quickly formed a close bond with Peter Weber (The Bachelor), Janelle Pierzina (Big Brother) and Trishelle Cannatella (The Real World: Las Vegas). After Janelle was eliminated, their group was able to pick up enough numbers to banish traitor Dan Gheesling (Big Brother) from the castle. Dan had attempted to murder Bergie that same morning, but Bergie was protected by a shield that he collected during the previous mission. Bergie's group was close to banishing another traitor in episode 7, but a twist cancelled the night's banishment and offered protection to a majority of the cast, leaving Bergie as one of only four contestants up for murder. This time around, Bergie was in fact murdered, ending his time on The Traitors.

    Bergie chats with Jack about his strategy going into the show. For the first time ever, Bergie reveals notes from the journal that he kept in Scotland, as he attempted to pinpoint the identities of the traitors. Bergie tells all, taking us through his thought process and revealing which contestants were on his radar, and when he started becoming suspicious of certain individuals.

    Bergie gives us a peak behind the curtain and shares what plot points he was most surprised have not been shown on The Traitors thus far. Find out how he figured out that Parvati and Dan were traitors, and why Phaedra was on his radar early on. He discusses what led to his murder and what he might have done differently, if he were to receive a do-over, and shares favorite memories of his from his time in the castle. Later on, he shares some thoughts on his Minnesota Vikings and the induction of Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It's a jam-packed episode you will NOT want to miss!

    You can follow Bergie on Instagram (@bergielicious35), Twitter (@CarstenBergie) and TikTok (@carstenb), and be on the lookout for his new YouTube channel, coming soon!

  • Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick returns to the Jack Vita Show to recap the eighth episode of the second season of Peacock's Emmy Award-winning reality competition show, The Traitors.

    This week on The Traitors, Bergie (Love Island USA 5) was the victim of the traitors' fifth murder. The loss of Bergie is a huge hit to the Peter pals alliance, which is now a group of four: Trishelle, John, Kevin and Peter. Sensing that a pivotal roundtable is on the horizon, the group turns its attention to Phaedra. They sense that both Phaedra and Parvati are traitors. The group views Parvati as a dead woman walking, and fears that if they don't take out Phaedra as soon as possible, the Bravo clique will pick them off one-by-one. Trishelle crafts a plan for the group to try to pull Parvati into the fold, protect her, and attempt to use her vote in the upcoming banishment. Peter meets with Parvati and it appears the two have squashed their beef and agreed to team up.

    Meanwhile, the Bravo clique also knows that a big time vote is coming. Its core of Phaedra, Sheree, Kate and MJ has its sights set on banishing Parvati. CT and Sandra have positioned themselves in the middle, as the swing votes.

    The contestants visit a cabin in the woods that functions as an escape room. They are met with gross bugs and a number of other obstacles. The contestants from Bravo drop out of the challenge, while the reality competitors add $11,000 to the prize pot. Trishelle wins a shield, protecting her from the night's murder. Big Brother winner Dr. Will makes a cameo at the challenge.

    After the mission, the contestants strategize as the bravo clique goes for Parvati and the Peter pals try for Phaedra. In the end, Parvati is banished at the roundtable by a vote of 7-4. Even John votes with the Bravos, leaving Peter, Trishelle and Kevin hung out to dry.

    With Phaedra as the last remaining faithful in the turret, she is instructed by Alan that she must pick a faithful to recruit as a traitor. If that faithful rejects the offer, they will be murdered. Phaedra chooses Kate, and the episode ends as Kate enters the dungeon.

    Stephenie and Jack break it all down!

    You can follow Stephenie (@steph_lagrossa_kendrick) on Instagram, and join her on the Cruise of Deception!

  • With only one professional season under his belt, Gabriel Rincones Jr. is quickly emerging as one of the Philadelphia Phillies' best prospects. This week, he visits the Jack Vita Show to talk baseball, growing up in Scotland, pickleball, life, his Christian faith, and more!

    The Phillies selected Rincones out of Florida Atlantic University in the third round of the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft. Rincones was unable to play in a professional game that season, upon being drafted, as he rehabbed a preexisting shoulder injury.

    Rincones made his pro debut in 2023, appearing in 120 games between High-A Jersey Shore and Single-A Clearwater, slashing a cumulative .248/.351/.778 with 15 home runs and 61 RBI on the year. Rincones also played in the Arizona Fall League, where he broke out, slashing .293/.426/.889 with two home runs and 14 RBI across 22 games for the Scottsdale Scorpions. Rincones was named a Fall Star, earning a start in the 2023 Fall Stars Game. He also participated in the Home Run Derby.

    Rincones has lived a very unique life. His father, Gabriel Rincones Sr., was a minor league pitcher who played in the Seattle Mariners' farm system. Rincones Jr. spent parts of childhood in Venezuela, Scotland and Florida. Rincones lived in Scotland for six years.

    Rincones currently ranks as the no. 9 prospect in the Phillies' farm system, according to MLB Pipeline.

    Rincones visits the Jack Vita Show to discuss his time playing in the Fall League. What was he working on, and what did he learn? How did he enjoy the experience? Rincones also opens up and discusses his Christian faith. At what point in Gabriel's life did he become a Christian and put Christ at the center of his life? How has Jesus changed his life, since Gabe made a commitment to follow him? Gabe shares about what it was like growing up in Scotland. He also discusses personal hobbies such as FIFA, pickleball and Spikeball. All this, and much more!

    You can follow Gabriel on Instagram, @gabriel_rinconesjr.

  • Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick and Jack Vita are back for another recap of the latest episode of The Traitors. This week, they welcome season 1 contestant Robert "Bam" Nieves to the Jack Vita Show, as they break down episode 7, "Blood on Their Hands".

    Bam and Stephenie were cast members on the first season of The Traitors. Both Bam and Stephenie were faithfuls that were onto the traitors. Because of their suspicions, both Bam and Stephenie were murdered. Unfortunately for Bam, he was perceived as a threat by the traitors, and was whacked at the start of the third episode. Stephenie was able to survive five murders and seven banishments, until she was murdered in the penultimate episode of season 1.

    This week on The Traitors, the dominoes continued to fall. After Dan was banished in episode 6, Peter is offered an invitation to join the traitors. For the second straight season, The Bachelor is recruited to join the traitors. However, this time around, The Bachelor declines. Peter remains committed to the faithfuls, and wants to continue on his path to eliminate the remaining traitors. Peter is fully convinced that Parvati is a traitor, and it appears that at least most of the rest of the cast is as well.

    Trishelle thinks that Dan outed Phaedra as a traitor to the rest of the group at the previous roundtable. Trishelle argues that due to the numbers that Phaedra has and the protection that the Bravo clique offers her, she is far a greater threat to win than Parvati is, whereas Parvati appears to be a dead woman walking. If Parvati is banished, Phaedra would have an opportunity to recruit one or two of her fellow Bravo girls to join the traitors. Trishelle argues that even if Phaedra is not a traitor, the show is a numbers game, and maintaining a numbers advantage over the other alliance is critical to the success of their group, moving forward. Thus, Trishelle pushes for the group to target Phaedra at the roundtable.

    As Peter and Trishelle debate over who their next target should be, the rival alliance talks about targeting Peter, hoping to secure their own numbers and a path to the end of the game. It appears that Peter's alliance is putting itself in danger by excluding others from conversations and alienating the rest of the castle.

    Sandra and Kevin successfully complete the mission and win shields, protecting them from murder. The contestants continue to strategize and prepare for the roundtable, until Alan drops a bomb on the cast and reveals that there will be no banishment that night. Instead, the cast would give out shields to each other, protecting a majority of the faithfuls from murder that night.

    Sheree, Phaedra, CT, Kevin, John and Peter join Sandra and Kevin, gaining shields. This leaves Trishelle, Bergie, MJ and Kate up for murder. Trishelle is hurt that CT chooses to protect John from murder instead of her, when they have known each other for 20 years.

    Phaedra and Parvati plot their next murder in the turret. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as the audience will find out who is murdered next week.

    Stephenie, Bam and Jack break the episode down. Did they like the format of this episode? Was the cancelled banishment a fun twist, or a bit of a letdown? Did it kill some of the show's momentum? What are Bam's thoughts on the new season of The Traitors? What would he have done differently from S1, if he was playing on S2? Later, Stephenie answers questions from the listeners, who have left questions for her in the YouTube comment section. If you would like to have Steph and Jack take your questions next week, comment away!

    Jack and Stephenie share their initial thoughts from E7 (0:00 - 34:25)

    Bam joins the conversation (34:25 - 1:12:10)

    Stephenie answers your listener questions (1:12:10 - END)

    You can follow Bam (@robert_bam_nieves) and Stephenie (@steph_lagrossa_kendrick) on Instagram.

  • Elissa Reilly Slater visits the Jack Vita Show to discuss her time on Big Brother, The Amazing Race, her Christian faith, and much more!

    Elissa's sister Rachel Reilly competed on Big Brother 12, where she met her husband, Brendon Villegas. The following summer, Rachel played again, and won Big Brother 13. Two years after Rachel won Big Brother, the show recruited Elissa to play on the franchise's 15th season.

    Within the first week, Elissa was recognized by her fellow houseguests as Rachel's sister. Despite having a large target on her back from the very beginning, Elissa reached the Final 6 and was voted America's Favorite Houseguest.

    Six years after she competed on Big Brother, Elissa appeared on The Amazing Race 31, running the race with Rachel. The Reilly sisters finished in seventh place, as they traveled the world, visiting Japan, Laos, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Uganda and Switzerland.

    But perhaps Elissa is best known for her viral spit take gif!

    A clip of Elissa doing a spit take, during her time in the Big Brother house has since become one of the most-used gifs on the internet. Elissa has unintentionally become a staple of meme culture.

    Just two days after Rachel guested on the Jack Vita Show, recapping episode 6 of The Traitors, Jack welcomes Elissa to the program for the first time!

    Elissa discusses her time in the Big Brother house. What was it like being trapped in a fake house with 15 strangers for 77 days? Elissa participated in one of the show's wildest seasons; does she ever have nightmares from the Big Brother house? What was it like exiting the house and returning to the real world, having been disconnected from friends, family and the news for nearly three months? How did Elissa's season, Big Brother 15, forever change the franchise?

    Later, Elissa talks about her Christian faith. How did she rely on God in the Big Brother house? How much time did she spend reading her Bible and praying to pass the time? Were there others in the house that joined her in prayer or that she had spiritual conversations with? Elissa shares her testimony and discusses what role Jesus Christ plays in her life today. She also catches us up on her family and life after the show, shares about her time on The Amazing Race, discusses her career, and talks about what it has been like working with athletes! And would Elissa compete on The Traitors, given the opportunity? It's an episode you will not want to miss!

    You can follow Elissa (@elissercise) on Instagram.

  • Big Brother winner and The Traitors Season 1 contestant Rachel Reilly Villegas visits the Jack Vita Show, joining Jack and Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick to recap the sixth episode of Season 2 of Peacock's Emmy-Award winning show, The Traitors!

    Rachel and Stephenie were cast members on the first season of The Traitors. The two CBS reality television icons first met when they were pitted against each other on USA Network's Snake in the Grass, which aired in August 2022. Less than six months after butting heads with each other in the jungles of Costa Rica, the two met again in a castle in the Highlands of Scotland.

    As trailblazers on the first season of The Traitors, Stephenie and Rachel formed a bond early in the game that would not be broken. The two ladies squashed their beef from Snake in the Grass, and joined forces to create an impenetrable alliance on day one. Within the game's first few hours, Stephenie and Rachel correctly identified Big Brother 22 winner Cody Calafiore as a traitor, and eventually the two were able to gather the votes to banish him from the castle. Stephenie and Rachel led a powerful alliance of faithfuls. As the traitors caught on to their suspicion, Rachel was banished and Stephenie was murdered in the final episodes of Season 1. The eliminations of Rachel and Stephenie effectively clinched a win for the traitors, and Cirie Fields was able to capitalize, becoming the sole winner of the first season of The Traitors.

    This week, Rachel helps Stephenie and Jack recap The Traitors S2 E6 "Backstab and Betrayal". It's the perfect time to check in with Rachel, as this season's two Big Brother alumni have been banished in back-to-back weeks.

    Last week, four-time Big Brother player and fan favorite Janelle Pierzina led the charge to banish Dan Gheesling from the castle. Janelle's bid came up short, as she herself became the fourth contestant banished and the ninth contestant eliminated. Janelle's push to eliminate Dan did however further expose him to the faithfuls, which carries over into Episode 6.

    In Episode 5, Bachelor star Peter Weber concocted a brilliant scheme, in an attempt to trap and expose the traitors. Six contestants — Trishelle Cannatella (The Real World: Las Vegas, The Challenge), Carsten "Bergie" Bergersen (Love Island USA), Sheree Whitfield (The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Kevin Kreider (Bling Empire), Janelle and Peter —went for a shield during the mission. Bergie and Trishelle claimed the shields. Peter came up with a plan to use a tactic that the cast of Season 1 implemented, and his fellow faithfuls agreed: the six of them would not tell the rest of the cast who had acquired the shields. Suspecting that CT, Dan and Parvati are the traitors, Peter chooses to lie to each of them, fibbing that he and Janelle won the shields. He hoped to provide cover for himself, while seeing if the traitors would take the bait and attempt to murder Bergie, Kevin, Sheree or Trishelle.

    In the closing moments of Episode 5, Bergie makes a comment to a group which includes Dan, that he will continue to write Dan's name down at the banishments, as he is convinced that Dan is a traitor. Dan takes control in the turret, and pushes for the murder of Bergie. Dan seems to trust Peter and believes that the information Peter had leaked to him is true. Peter previously appeared on The Bachelor and has no experience competing in strategic competition shows. Dan doesn't think Peter has it in him to pull a fast one on him, and decides to roll the dice and go for a murder of Bergie.

    In the opening minutes of Episode 6, host Alan Cumming informs the viewers that unbeknownst to the traitors, their attempt to murder Bergie has been blocked, and not one faithful will be murdered this round.

    A braggadocios Peter is elated to see that his plan has worked, while the traitors are left speechless. Peter reveals to the group that he set a trap for CT, Parvati and Dan at breakfast, calling out the three of them. Based upon their reactions to Peter's accusations and Bergie's safety, suspicions continue to escalate surrounding Dan and Parvati. It appears that the two CBS reality TV alumni will be the next contestants banished.

    The contestants successfully complete the mission and add money to the prize pot, while Sheree wins a shield, protecting her from murder. Peter fears that he may be next on the chopping block, given that he is on to the traitors and has been so vocal.

    Dan pleads with the faithfuls, requesting that they hear him out at the roundtable. With one last desperation ploy, Dan calls out Phaedra at the roundtable, accusing her of being a traitor, but to no alas, as he is voted out in a 11-1-1 vote, with his fellow traitors Parvati and Phaedra each voting for him. Peter cast a vote for Parvati, indicating that she is next in the pecking order. Dan reveals to the group that he is in fact a traitor, and the faithfuls celebrate.

    Phaedra is furious that Dan has taken a shot at him, and Trishelle makes a comment in a confessional that she believes Dan was outing a fellow traitor. With the traitors losing a number, Parvati and Phaedra are presented with the choice between murdering a faithful or recruiting a faithful to join the traitors. Parvati sets her sights on Peter, as she is fearful of Peter booting her from the game at the next banishment, given the numbers and power he has. She decides to offer him even more power. The episode closes with Peter receiving a letter and an offer to join the traitors, leaving the audience on a cliffhanger: will Peter accept the offer?

    Rachel, Stephenie and Jack break it all down on the Jack Vita Show! They discuss what led to Dan's banishment, where Dan went wrong and what he might have been able to do differently to better preserve himself. Rachel weighs in on Dan and Janelle's games, and shares some valuable insight, given that she has known both of them for nearly 15 years. Stephenie and Rachel reflect on their time on The Traitors and provide an inside look at how the game is played and how the show is made, while comparing and contrasting S1 to S2.

    Will Peter accept the offer and become a traitor? Should he or shouldn't he? How would Peter becoming a traitor change the game? Was Peter the right person for Parvati and Phaedra to attempt to recruit? Who will be banished next from the castle? And who was the MVP of Episode 6? Comment below and let us hear your thoughts, while Rachel, Stephenie and Jack tackle all of these questions!

    Prior to competing on The Traitors, Rachel appeared on Big Brother 12 and won Big Brother 13. Stephenie previously competed on Survivor: Palau, Survivor: Guatemala, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains and USA Network's Snake in the Grass.

    Rachel joins the show at the 49:20 mark.

    You can follow Rachel (@RachelReillyVillegas) and Stephenie (@steph_lagrossa_kendrick) on Instagram.

  • Three months ago, Milwaukee Brewers infield and outfield prospect Oliver Dunn was named the 2023 Arizona Fall League Breakout Player of the Year. This week, he visits the Jack Vita Show!

    Dunn entered the AFL as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Dunn was a late addition to the Scottsdale Scorpions roster, not expecting to receive a great deal of playing time. Dunn slashed .343/.455/1.071 over 19 games, racking up six doubles, four triples, two home runs, 11 RBI and 12 stolen bases. Dunn quickly became a regular fixture in the Scorpions' lineup, and was named a Fall Star, starting for the National League team in the Fall Stars Game.

    Days after the conclusion of the of the Fall League, Dunn was informed that the Phillies had traded him to the Brewers in exchange for Hendry Mendez and Robert Moore. Dunn tells the story of when he found out he was traded, while he was on his honeymoon, and shares his excitement to join the Brewers organization. He was added to the 40-man roster and will be heading out to Arizona for spring training in a matter of days.

    Dunn, 26, was selected by the New York Yankees in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of the University of Utah. Dunn spent four years in the Yankees farm system, however, the club chose not to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft upon the conclusion of the 2022 season. Dunn was selected by the Phillies with the final pick of the Rule 5 Draft.

    In 2023, Dunn played 119 games at Double-A Reading, where he slashed .271/.396/.902 with 21 home runs and 78 RBI. Now, as a member of the Brewers active roster entering spring training, Dunn has a chance to crack the club's big league roster.

    Dunn had a relatively low profile prior to last season and his showing at the AFL, but he recently MLB Pipeline's top 30 prospects rankings (no. 24) within the Brewers' system.

    Dunn speaks with Jack about his time in the Fall League, the Fall League pitchers and hitters that impressed him the most, what it was like being traded, what the baseball scene is like in Utah (could Salt Lake City ever get an MLB franchise?), his love for UFC, the NFL playoffs, NCAA conference realignment and the death of the Pac-12, college baseball, his excitement to play in Milwaukee, and much, much more!

    You can follow Oliver on Instagram, @oliver_dunnn3.

  • Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick returns to the Jack Vita Show to recap the fifth episode of Season 2 of Peacock's Emmy-Award winning show, The Traitors!

    Episode 5 picked up right where Episode 4 left off. Parvati and Phaedra are in the heat of a confrontation in the turret, after Parvati suggests at the round table that a housewife is a traitor. The traitors debate murdering Sandra and Tamra, ultimately deciding to whack Tamra, a move that appears to make Phaedra even less-suspecting of being a traitor.

    At breakfast the next morning, CT presses Dan in front of the group, asking Dan to give him the name of who Dan thinks a traitor might be. Up to this point, Dan has been strangely quiet, which seems to be making the faithfuls suspicious of him. Dan has not been throwing out any names or targeting anybody. By this point, Janelle is convinced that Dan is a traitor. The two competed with each other on Big Brother 14, back in the summer of 2012. They entered The Traitors as allies, but now Janelle is going to take her shot at the two-time Big Brother finalist. Dan is on the defensive.

    Peter is suspecting that Dan, Parvati and CT are the traitors. It is in the fifth episode that the former Bachelor lead starts to really shine. Peter not only correctly targets Dan, but he also concocts a scheme to provide cover for the six faithfuls that went for a shield, and tries to trap his suspects into attempting to murder a player that has a shield. It remains unclear whether the traitors will fall for it or not, with the episode ending on a suspenseful cliffhanger with the traitors plotting their next murder in the turret.

    Dan puts forward a compelling argument at the roundtable, and is able to turn the vote in the direction of Janelle, banishing her from the castle. Dan appears to be backed into a corner, and it seems his "Dan Gheesling funeral" moment on The Traitors may be coming soon. Dan has a history of playing very aggressively with his back up against the wall. He will certainly have some tricks up his sleeve in Episode 6.

    Oh, and Kate Chastain is back. The S1 contestant made her grand appearance at the Episode 5 roundtable.

    What will Dan's next move be, and who will he target? Will he target Phaedra or Parvati? What will happen in Episode 6? Stephenie and Jack break it all down on the Jack Vita Show, providing thoughtful analysis and color commentary on Episode 5, and looking ahead and predicting what will happen in Episode 6. Stephenie also shares stories and insights from her time on The Traitors Season 1. Stephenie previously competed on Survivor: Palau, Survivor: Guatemala, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains and USA Network's Snake in the Grass.

    You can follow Stephenie on Instagram @steph_lagrossa_kendrick.

  • Hot off an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League, Washington Nationals pitching prospect Dj Herz visits the Jack Vita Show for a lively conversation about life in the minor leagues, his time in the Arizona Fall League, how he felt when he got traded by the Chicago Cubs, his love for fishing, his Christian faith, and much more!

    The Cubs selected Herz out of Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Herz wasted no time, finding immediate success while pitching in the Cubs' farm system. In his first full professional season, Herz posted a 3.31 ERA across 20 starts between High-A South Bend and Low-A Myrtle Beach. He was named the Cubs' Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

    Herz spent the 2023 season pitching at Double-A Tennessee. In the late summer, he was anticipating a promotion to Triple-A Iowa. When his phone rang on the day of the trade deadline, he had just awoken from a nap, and he thought his time had come. He was blindsided when he was informed that he had been traded along with shortstop prospect Kevin Made to the Washington Nationals, in exchange for third baseman Jeimer Candelario.

    Herz pitched the remainder of the season for the Nationals' Double-A affiliate, Harrisburg, where he logged a 2.55 ERA over eight starts. Upon the conclusion of the minor league season, Herz received the opportunity to pitch in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions. Herz made five starts in the AFL, posting a 3.71 ERA while competing amongst some of baseball's best prospects. He was named a Fall Star, appearing in the Arizona Fall Stars Game.

    Herz just turned 23 and is set to report to spring training in a matter of weeks. He hopes that 2024 is the year that he makes his big league debut. He is the no. 16 prospect in the Nationals' farm system, per MLB Pipeline.

    Herz chats with Jack about his time pitching in the Fall League and living in Arizona. How did he enjoy the AFL and playing with and against prospects from other teams? Who did he become close with?

    Herz reflects on his time in the Cubs organization. He discusses which prospects in the Cubs' farm system he was most impressed by, and which ones he has the highest hopes for, when they enter the big leagues.

    Herz is a close friend of Jackson Ferris. Ferris was also a top pitching prospect in the Cubs' farm system, who recently was surprisingly traded. Herz discusses what wisdom and advice he shared with Ferris, after Ferris was dealt two weeks ago along with Zyhir Hope to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Michael Busch and Yency Almonte. Herz tells the story of when he got traded and how he reacted. Does he have a chip on his shoulder?

    Herz talks about the minor league life, and what it's like competing with teammates for promotions, as each player tries to reach the next level.

    Herz discusses life off-the-field, his love for fishing, his puppies, CBS' Survivor and MTV's The Challenge. He also talks about his Christian faith and what role God plays in his life. Herz talks some NFL playoff football, and looks ahead to the coming year, which he hopes is the first of a long Major League career.

    You can follow Dj on Twitter (@DavidjohnHerz) and Instagram (@dj_herz).

  • The fourth episode of season two of Peacock's Emmy Award-winning show, The Traitors, is in the books, and Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick is back to break it all down on the Jack Vita Show!

    This week, The traitors were presented with a daunting task. Dan, Parvati and Phaedra were ordered to 'murder in plain sight.' The traitors were tasked with the mission of retrieving a chalice from the castle's library and giving it to an unsuspecting faithful. If the faithful were to touch the chalice before midnight, that faithful would be murdered and eliminated from contention.

    Parvati took on the challenge, pouring wine into the chalice and going undercover as the castle's unofficial bartender. With time ticking away, she finally was able to get Ekin-Su to drink from the chalice, sealing the Love Island (UK) star's fate in the game. The next day, the cast was shocked when every contestant arrived at breakfast and nobody had been murdered. Host Alan Cumming arrived and informed the cast that someone had been poisoned, and the victim of the murder in plain sight would be revealed at the day's mission.

    At the challenge, Ekin-Su was revealed as the victim of the murder and the cast was shocked. It appeared that Ekin-Su did not relay any information to the rest of the cast about drinking out of a glass that Parvati had given to her, the night before.

    With paranoia running high, the castle appears to have split into two factions: the Housewives and the "Gamers", consisting of contestants that have competed on reality competition shows. Sandra was playing both sides, and after hearing of the Housewives' plan to target either Dan or CT, she flipped the vote and Larsa Pippen was banished from the castle. Larsa was a faithful. Through four episodes, the faithfuls have yet to oust a traitor. However, there seems to be trouble in paradise, as the episode closes with Phaedra confronting Parvati, after Parvati said that she believes that one of the Traitors is a Housewife.

    Will Parvati and Dan throw Phaedra under the bus, in an attempt to cover their own rear ends? Are the faithfuls starting to catch on to any of the traitors? What will happen in episode 5? Stephenie and Jack break it all down on the Jack Vita Show, providing thoughtful analysis and color commentary on episode 4, and looking ahead and predicting what will happen in episode 5. Stephenie also shares stories and insights from her time on The Traitors Season 1. Stephenie previously competed on Survivor: Palau, Survivor: Guatemala, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains and USA Network's Snake in the Grass.

    The Traitors also announced via social media that Season 1 star Kate Chastain will soon be entering. Stephenie and Jack react! Subscribe to the Jack Vita Show, and don't miss our E5 recap, dropping Friday, January 26!

    You can follow Stephenie on Instagram @steph_lagrossa_kendrick.

  • Peacock's Emmy Award-winning reality competition show, The Traitors, is back for its second season!

    Last Friday, the series dropped the first three episodes of season two, streaming exclusively on Peacock.

    For the entirety of Season 2, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick will join us weekly on the Jack Vita Show, providing coverage and analysis as she and Jack recap every episode! Stephenie placed seventh on season one of The Traitors, reaching the penultimate episode, when she became the final faithful murdered. Prior to The Traitors, Stephenie competed three times on Survivor.

    Stephenie first appeared on reality television in the year 2005, when she competed on Survivor's tenth season, Survivor: Palau. After outlasting her entire Ulong tribe, she quickly became a fan favorite, and was immediately invited back to play again on the show's eleventh season, Survivor: Guatemala. Five years later, she returned for Survivor's 20th season, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains. Stephenie's husband Kyle Kendrick enjoyed a ten-year Major League Baseball career and pitched for the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.

    In our first recap, Stephenie and Jack break down the first three episodes of The Traitors. There have been some changes made to the show's format. The contestants have the option to abandon missions and earn shields, protecting themselves from banishment. Janelle Pierzina made a bold decision to go for a shield in the first episode, earning safety, much to the dismay of some of her fellow faithfuls. Would Stephenie have made the same decision?

    In the first episode, two of the show's three traitors are named. The two traitors selected by host Alan Cumming must select a third traitor to round out their team. Why did Dan and Phaedra choose Parvati to be the third traitor? Stephenie and Jack provide analysis.

    Stephenie compares differences between season two and her own season of The Traitors. Jack shares why he thinks season two is already significantly better than season one. Stephenie also discusses her cameo appearance in Episode 3. Stephenie provides an insider look, as well as expert analysis, and never-before-heard stories from season one! All this, and much more, in our recap of Episodes 1-3! Our Episode 4 recap will be out in a few days.

    You can follow Stephenie on Instagram @steph_lagrossa_kendrick.

  • In recent years, Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon has developed a reputation as one of Major League Baseball's most private and elusive players. This week, he opens up in an exclusive, 70-minute conversation on the Jack Vita Show!

    Rendon sits down with Jack for a rich discussion about baseball, life off the field, and his Christian faith.

    After leading the National League in RBI, finishing third in NL MVP voting and helping the Washington Nationals win their first World Series in franchise history in 2019, Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. We check in with Rendon after rounding out his fourth season with the team.

    Marred by injuries, Rendon has played just 148 total games over the last three seasons, combined. Rendon provides an update on his health and medical status, one month out from the start of spring training.

    Rendon talks offseason and life off the field. What is a day in the life like for Anthony Rendon in the offseason? How is he enjoying fatherhood, and how difficult is it for him to be away from his family when he's traveling during the season? Rendon discusses his love for hunting and playing golf.

    Rendon reflects on his time with the Nationals. Prior to 2019, the Nats had never won a playoff series. That fall, the club won the World Series, despite getting off to a dismal 19-31 start to open the regular season. Rendon shares the secrets to the 2019 Nationals' success, detailing what made that team different from previous Nationals teams that may have had more talent, but ultimately came up short in October.

    The Angels have had an eventful offseason. The club bid farewell to two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani, who signed a ten-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last month. In November, the Angels hired Ron Washington to be their next manager, replacing Phil Nevin. Did Rendon think Ohtani was coming back, and has he spoken with Wash yet? Rendon also discusses what it has been like to play with Ohtani and Mike Trout.

    Later, Rendon opens up about his Christian faith and shares how Jesus Christ has changed his life. Rendon shares his incredible testimony. When he was a young player on the Nationals, a group of Nats veterans helped disciple him and encouraged him to grow in his relationship with Christ. Now, he has taken on a similar role as a veteran in the Angels clubhouse. Rendon talks about what role faith plays in the Angels' locker room. All this, and much more!

  • Hours after Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto agreed to terms on a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, longtime national baseball writer Barry Bloom visits the Jack Vita Show to break it all down!

    Yamamoto, age-25, posted a sub-1.70 ERA in Japan in each of the last three seasons. He is a three-time MVP and three-time pitching Triple Crown winner.

    The Dodgers are pairing Yamamoto with newly-acquired, two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani. Nine months ago, the duo won the World Baseball Classic as members of the Japanese National Team. Now, they will try to make a run at a World Series title, as teammates once again. In less than two weeks, the Dodgers committed over $1 billion to just two players. Barry and Jack discuss the Dodgers' aggressive offseason and assess the potential risks and rewards attached to both free agent signings, in addition to the acquisition and corresponding extension of Tyler Glasnow.

    Will the Dodgers run away with the National League in 2024, and win their first championship in a full, 162-game season since 1989? Will the Dodgers win a handful of titles in the coming years? How much pressure will the club be under in the upcoming season, coming off their big offseason moves?

    The San Francisco Giants continue to struggle to land big-time free agents, striking out on Ohtani and Yamamoto. The club did however agree to a six-year, $118 million deal with Korean star Jung Hoo Lee. Elsewhere in the National League West, the San Diego Padres are slashing payroll, dealing Juan Soto, and bidding farewell to free agents Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Blake Snell and Josh Hader. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks are building on to their young core which reached the World Series in 2023, re-signing Lourdes Gurriel Jr., trading for Eugenio Suarez and agreeing to a four-year, $80 million deal with Eduardo Rodriguez. The club has also been linked to free agents JD Martinez and Justin Turner. Barry and Jack cover all things NL West (except for the Colorado Rockies)!

    Barry analyzes the Soto trade from both the Padres' and the New York Yankees' perspectives. He discusses where Soto, Trent Grisham and Alex Verdugo will fit into the Yankees' lineup in 2024. Barry and Jack comment on other free agent signings from around the league, including the moves that the Kansas City Royals have made.

    Later, Barry shares about his career and his Hall of Fame ballot. Barry used all ten of his votes this year, voting for Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton, Joe Mauer, Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Andy Pettitte, Gary Sheffield, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Billy Wagner. Barry makes a compelling argument for both Wagner and Pettitte. Wagner is in his ninth year on the ballot and is gaining momentum. Last year, he received 68.1% of the vote. Pettitte, in his sixth year, has been entirely overlooked. He received just 17.0% last year.

    Now 72 years-old, Barry is entering his 49th season as a Major League Baseball writer. He was the San Diego Padres beat writer for the San Diego Tribune from 1982 to 1998, and has since written for Bloomberg News, MLB.com, Forbes and SportBusiness. He currently is a senior writer at Sportico.

    You can follow Barry on Twitter (@Boomskie) and check out his work at Sportico!

  • Last week, two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani left the baseball world stunned, when he took to Instagram to announce that he was departing from the Los Angeles Angels in free agency and signing a record-setting, ten-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

    Rhett Bollinger has covered the Los Angeles Angels for MLB.com for the past five seasons. He had a front row seat for the ascension of Shohei Ohtani. Rhett returns to the Jack Vita Show to break down Ohtani's free agency, his decision to join the Dodgers, and how his contract will play out.

    Ohtani's ten-year, $700 million deal is unprecedented both in its monetary value, and also in its structure. Ohtani will receive $2 million annually from 2024 through 2033. Between 2034 and 2043, Ohtani will collect $68 million annually from the Dodgers. This structure will allow the Dodgers to spend more money on surrounding Ohtani with talent over the next decade, while staying under the luxury tax threshold. Ohtani will make around $40 or $50 million per year in endorsement deals alone. If Ohtani is no longer living in California when he begins receiving his $68 million annual salary, he could potentially save a lot of money, by not having to pay California's 12.3% state income tax rate.

    Rhett and Jack explain how Ohtani's contract works and how it benefits the Dodgers. They also discuss the impact of Ohtani's move. Was Rhett surprised that Ohtani broke the news himself? Will the $700 million be money well-spent for Los Angeles? What happens next for the Angels? How big of a loss is this for the Halos, and how do they replace him? Will the Angels be active this offseason?

    Later, Rhett and Jack discuss the Dodgers' latest move: acquiring Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfield prospect Jonny Deluca. Glasnow was entering the final year of his contract. Upon being traded, he signed a five-year, $135 million contract extension to stay put in LA for the foreseeable future. Rhett and Jack break down the trade, and the latest happenings from the MLB offseason. Find out why Jack likes what the Kansas City Royals are doing.

    You can follow Rhett on Twitter (@RhettBollinger) and follow his work at MLB.com and Angels.com.

  • Longtime USA Today national baseball writer and top news-breaker Bob Nightengale returns to the Jack Vita Show to discuss the freshest MLB free agent and trade rumors, to go with the latest offseason news, leading up to next week's MLB winter meetings in Nashville. Bob provides an inside look at Shohei Ohtani's free agent market. Bob lists the five teams that are making a serious push for Ohtani. Will Ohtani sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers or San Francisco Giants? Or will Ohtani re-sign with the Angels? Ohtani's camp has kept a tight lid on all of his contract negotiations. Bob discusses what is important to Ohtani as the two-time MVP enters free agency. Bob also notes why Ohtani may take a pass on the opportunity to pitch at Wrigley Field. If the Cubs are unable to add Ohtani, how will they improve their roster this winter, in hopes of returning to the postseason for the first time in a 162-game season since 2018? What are the chances of the Cubs re-signing Cody Bellinger, and how is Bellinger's free agent market shaping up? Might Bellinger be joining the New York Yankees or San Francisco Giants? Will the Yankees instead trade for Juan Soto? Bob explains how this winter's trade market appears to be more robust than the trade markets of winters past, as Tyler Glasnow, Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, Juan Soto, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso's names have all appeared recently in trade rumors. Which of these players will be dealt, and which ones will remain with their respective teams? Bob and Jack break it all down. Bob and Jack also discuss potential undervalued free agents that could be nice adds on short-term contracts. Bob provides a look at the free agent markets for Blake Snell, Marcus Stroman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Matt Chapman and many others. All this, and much more along the way! You can follow Bob on Twitter (@BNightengale) and check out his work at USA Today.