Feras Basal spent nearly 50 days on a remote island for Australian Survivor - facing the ‘wheel of torture’ for hours, dislocating his shoulder in week one and enduring intense psychological strain that pushed him to his absolute limits.

But alongside the physical and mental toll came a historic win, becoming the first Arab Muslim to take out the title, and the $500,000 prize. His time on the show became something bigger: a chance to challenge stereotypes, represent his community, and show a different side of his culture and faith to a national audience.

In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Feras opens up about what really happens behind the scenes, how the experience changed him long after the cameras stopped rolling, and why representation in Australian media still has a long way to go.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Lindsey TO READ: Remarkably Bright Creatures
TO WATCH: Season 4 Love on the Spectrum on Netflix
TO EAT: Nagi Maehashi My very best Vanilla Cake
TO DO: Tell everyone it's your Birthday!

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Feras Basal on becoming the first Arab Muslim to win Australian Survivor