Ok. So I usually don’t post transcripts from lame shows like Survivor. However I’ve been replaying this exchange over and over again on my Tivo. Rupert, one of the show’s contestants was one of the most brilliant personalities which really made the show. Here’s the interview at the reunion show.

“I portray a very strong and independent person. But in my head I’m that fat little terrified kid that was picked on in school all his life.”
“I never give up. I never surrender. I never admit defeat.”
–Rupert
Jeff Probst: Rupert, where does that enthusiasm for all aspects of life come from? Because on one hand you’re this little fat kid that gets picked on, yet you’re living so large?
Rupert: I could not tell you. I am so happy for everything that I got and everything that I can do and now all this?
Jeff Probst: But in life in general. When we met you for the show you had that approach to life that was full of gusto.
Rupert: With nothing, even having nothing and living the way we live. I’ve been appreciative with everything I’ve had, Everything I’ve ever gotten. You just gotta take it. You gotta appreciate everything you’ve got and be happy. And I love it.
Jeff Probst: What was the reaction back home? Week by week your popularity started to snowball.
Rupert: I couldn’t believe how people are taking me. I never thought that it would be such a wonderful experience.
Jeff Probst: I think one of the things about Rupert that appealed to alot of people was that you were sorta an every guy. It wasn’t like you were an hollywood leading man type of any of those things. But you went out there and did the daily grind and you had this attitude. And then we find out as the show goes on is that your self esteem isn’t all that it appears to be. And there were the times that Burton and Shawn were picking on you.
Does this reaction do anything for you?
Rupert: When I was done with my little stint at 27 days and I had 12 days on the jury, I realized that I didn’t have to be that scared little kid anymore. I realized that I didn’t need to go back to the people that didn’t appreciate me as much. My safety zone was opening up a little wider. I could accept people taking me as ok. This was a great journey.
Jeff Probst: By the way. Can we get a shot of your wife because life has blessed you in alot of ways my friend. I don’t know how you ended up with Laura.
Rupert: [Laughing] She saw through this surface. I’ve always been that scary guy to keep people away from me. She saw through it.
Jeff Probst: Are you that same scary guy now or are you more open in that way too?
Rupert: I am alot more open now. I can smile alot more and look people in the eye more instead of looking down. I’m alot better. I’m alot better inside and out.