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Peacock's The Traitors US S2 E6 "Backstab and Betrayal" Recap with Rachel Reilly, Stephenie LaGrossa

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.

Milwaukee Brewers Top Prospect Oliver Dunn Talks Being Traded, Utah Baseball, Arizona Fall League

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.

Peacock's The Traitors US S2 E5 "A Killer Move" Recap with Survivor legend Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick

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.

Peacock's 'The Traitors' US S2 E4 "The Funeral" Recap with Survivor legend Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick

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.

The Traitors Episodes 1-3 Recap with Survivor's Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: Murder in Plain Sight

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.

The Anthony Rendon Interview: Los Angeles Angels Third Baseman Talks Baseball, Life and Faith

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!

Is Yoshinobu Yamamoto Worth $325 Million? Dodgers Get Richer, Juan Soto Trade, Hall of Fame Ballot (Feat. Barry Bloom)

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!

Why Shohei Ohtani Signed with the Dodgers: Full Contract, Free Agency Breakdown; Tyler Glasnow Trade

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.