Rodger's Final Chat
April 23, 2001 11:00 AM PST
CBS Moderator: There are tons of great questions, so let's get started!! If you're just joining us, we're chatting live with Rodger Bingham. To ask Rodger a question, please type it in the space below and click "Ask the Survivor." We'll get to as many of your questions as we can. Let's get started!!!
Hi Rodger. Thanks for being here to chat with us today.
Rodger Bingham: Hello everybody! I would like to thank everyone for their support; it's been very overwhelming. For me, the Survivor experience--and this may sound corny--it truly was an experience of a lifetime!
kentuckygirl: When you first arrived in the Outback, how far did you think you would go?
Rodger Bingham: Well, I always felt that if I could make it to the merge, that I would have a good chance to make it down to the last few people. I went there with the intention of giving it my very best shot.
georgetownKYlovesu: Rodger, first off, as a fellow Kentuckian, you did an excellent job of representing KY while in the Outback, and we are proud of you regardless. What was the one thing that you missed most while in the Outback?
Rodger Bingham: Without a doubt, the thing I missed the most was my family! There was never a day that I didn't think about them. Nick, of course he was the Harvard man, he would always keep a calendar. So when I would ask him, "What day of the week is it?" and if I knew it was a Sunday, my family would be in church. Or if it was a Monday, my wife was doing the wash and my kids were in school.
AlbertoPena: Rodger, what new character trait did you develop during your stay in the Outback?
Rodger Bingham: As far as a character trait that I learned--I learned really that I was not as good at playing the game (the actual Survivor game), in which sometimes you have to lie to make it to the final Survivor. I felt I was not very good at that.
Sheila: Rodger--Way to go! You did an amazing thing out there. What is the most valuable lesson you learned from this whole thing?
Rodger Bingham: The most valuable lesson would probably have been that my survival skills were better than I thought. I thought myself and Mike were the two best of the actual survival part of it. And, it made me feel that if a situation did occur like that, then I would do pretty good!
pogo: Rodger, have you lived in Kentucky all your life? You must have gotten a lot of your survival skills from growing up in the mountains and hunting?
Rodger Bingham: Yes, I lived in Crittenden all my life, as have my parents, my grandparents and my great-grandparents! Where I learned most of my survival skills was growing up on the farm (I lived on the farm all my life) and really, I'm sort of amazed at the things I took for granted, and the things that I knew that the folks that grew up in the city didn't know.
RodgerBstrong: Dear Rodger, What was your strategy--to stick to Elisabeth all the way? What if you two were in the final two, what would you do then? Share the money, perhaps?
Rodger Bingham: My strategy was just to try to make it as far as I could. As far as Elisabeth goes, Elisabeth always reminded me of my daughter in the Outback. We were fishing together, probably anywhere from 3-4 hours together every day, so we had a lot of time to talk, and I know a lot about her family, and she knows a lot about mine. If it came down to me and her, one of the rules was that you can't share the money, so the jury would have to decide between the two.
Biff_Jerky: Rodger, what you did for Elisabeth was the most amazing act of self-sacrifice I have ever seen. Would you say your faith and thoughts of family kept you strong in the Outback?
TGW0501: Rodger--We know your Bible was your luxury item. Why did you choose this? Did you have a certain scripture that motivated you and would keep you inspired throughout the game?
Rodger Bingham: Yes, I definitely would! Of course my Bible was my luxury item, and the first day I read it in the Outback, I turned to 1 Corinthians, chapter 13--and that chapter dealt with Love and love for your fellow man. And I found myself reading that every time I got the Bible out. I was always reading that chapter. And that was either chapter 11 or chapter 13; I don't quite remember.
Razorback: Rodger, you inspired me with your prayers and the fact that you took your bible. How did everyone react to this in the beginning?
Rodger Bingham: I think everyone out there treated me with respect. They really didn't show this on the air, but early on, almost every member of the Kucha tribe would ask me, at one time or another, to borrow the Bible. And they would take it out to the Outback and sit down and read it. And also--they really didn't show this--almost everyone took turns to say a prayer before we ate. And I made it a point not to bring it up, 'cuz I didn't want them to feel that I was pushing religion on them.
Nick: Rodger, I don't have a question, but I want to tell you how much I appreciated watching you in the Outback. You kept your morals high and didn't let the game change you. You are tops in my book. You're a real class act. Go Elisabeth!!!!
sss: Rodger--Aside from the one luxury item, what were you allowed to take with you?
Rodger Bingham: The clothing, we were allowed to take any 2 pairs of shoes we wanted to, 3 pairs of socks, one pair of long pants, one pair of short pants, a pair of swimming trunks, 3 pair of underwear, one long sleeve shirt, one short sleeve shirt, a pair of gloves and any two caps we wanted to take, plus our luxury item.
AlbertoPena: Cornell University loves you Rodger!
wallabee: Your Kucha tribemates nicknamed you Kentucky Joe. It was clearly a term of endearment, but it also held hillbilly overtones. Were you bothered by this stereotyping? Or did it serve to disguise your professional credentials and make your tribe underestimate you?
Rodger Bingham:
I_Love_Rodger: Rodger, I think you did a wonderful job and kept your integrity and faith in the forefront. You set a beautiful example.
tinamarie: Hey Rodger, has your everyday life been changed, now that you have returned home? I must say that you and Elisabeth were my favorite contestants. Hope you are doing well. You were a great inspiration to the show. May God continue to bless you in your many endeavors.
Rodger Bingham: Thank you! My life is definitely different! Every place I go--when I say everyplace, I even mean the streets of NY--everyone recognizes me. I find that very strange, but at the same time very nice, and kind of overwhelming!
Jess_and_Roger: Rodger: What was your biggest fear going into the Outback, if any?
Rodger Bingham: The only thing that I was fearful of (and I wouldn't know if you would say fearful), I just really didn't want to be the first one voted off! And after I found out I was the oldest one out there, it did sort of enter my mind that I could possibly be the first one voted off.
lizbuff: Rodger, you were a great witness, not only to the Survivors, but worldwide. Great job!
lilcutie: Rodger, What was the worst and best part of the Outback?
Rodger Bingham: Without a doubt, the worst part of the Outback was the day Mike fell in the fire. That was a very emotional time for all of us, and it was also very hard for me and for the others to watch on TV when it actually came on the show. As far as the best time, I would say generally the whole experience. There were good times, and some bad times, but the whole experience for me, personally!
KYRodgerfan: KY LOVES YOU RODGER!!
lilcutie: Rodger, first I want to say you were the best Survivor out there, and you really won my heart! My question is this: what do you think was the best luxury item that anyone brought, and what was your favorite thing to do in the Outback for fun?
Rodger Bingham: Well, I would say that was probably the item I brought: the Bible. A lot of people borrowed it; not only the Kucha tribe, but members of the other tribe, when we merged, borrowed it. And the reason I say that is the emotional strain on you out there is what several people out there had a hard time dealing with, especially the young ones. And I think at the end, going off to read by themselves sort of kept them on the right path.
The favorite thing for me to do in the Outback was when I was out fishing, and was by myself out there, looking around at the beauty of the place. I found it hard to believe I was in the middle of all that, 9500 miles away from home.
Tara: EVERYONE LOVES RODGER!
Outlaw: Do you think the Survivor show is a reflection of our society? I.e, people get ahead by backstabbing, cheating and lying.
Rodger Bingham: Well... no, I really don't think so. I guess I'm an optimist. The people that are left there now, the people left in the final 5, no doubt some of them got to the final 5 by playing the game, but at the same time, it is a game, and I really don't think those people act like that in real life.
kangaroo2: I saw your wife on the Early Show, and I have to say the two of you are a great couple! Was your decision to be on Survivor II a mutual one? How did the two of you decide that this would be something for you to do?
Rodger Bingham: My wife always supported me in my decision. She always said if it's something you want to do, then go for it. She really didn't think I had a chance getting on, and I was really surprised too that I actually made the show. But she was always very supportive!
Supa_Fly: Rodger, you so kicked butt on Survivor!
cj: Was there ever a time (mentally or physically) that you felt that you just couldn't continue, especially in the challenges?
Rodger Bingham: As far as the mental aspect of it, there was never really a day that the thought crossed my mind to give up and want to quit. I did find it hard to compete on some of the physical challenges, especially that obstacle course where we were hooked together on ropes. That was a very, VERY long race. And the whole Survival show was very, very physically demanding.
Kipper: I was so inspired by that first challenge where you had to jump into that water. Way to go, Kentucky Joe!!!
vic82: Rodger, you are an inspiration to all--I truly mean it--if people were more like you, the world would be such a nicer place!
Alisen: Do you now regret going after Colby when the tribes merged? What was your strategy at the time? Did you guys get misinformation on how many votes he had received before the merge?
Rodger Bingham: We had a group discussion on that before we went to Tribal Council and right before the tribes merged, Colby had thrown a bucket of water on Jerri at the one challenge. And he looked like he was very mad, and we felt like there was some bad blood between them, and that possibly Colby had some votes cast against him. Of course, looking back now, that was the wrong decision.
scobuff: Rodger, you are the man!!!
butthead: Rodger, I have to tell you that I have so much respect for the way that you played this game and treated your fellow tribemates. Was there ever a moment when you said or did something you regretted?
Rodger Bingham: Yes, there was really. Early on, the first Tribal Council we went to, while we were actually making the walk into the Tribal Council, Debb had asked me to not to vote for her because she felt like she was leaving, and she didn't want to be voted out unanimously by her tribe. And I had told her, when we were walking in, that I wouldn't vote for her. But then changed my mind last minute and did vote for her. I always felt bad about that.
sheaski: Rodger: How difficult was it to go through a day with Jerri? I'm sorry--she definitely played her part very well, but I cheered when she was voted off.
Rodger Bingham: One day Jerri would get up in a real good mood, and other days she would wake up in a completely different mood. And I remember one day when she got up in a bad mood, she commented to the rest of us, "I don't know what's wrong with me, I'm just in a real, real bad mood." And sure enough she was!!
Bring_back_Rodger: Rodger, you have a lot of fans in Canada!!!
GeetzRodgerfan: You go, Rodger! You are simply the best!
mscatsmommy: Rodger: Thank you for proving that chivalry is not dead, and that there is no dollar value for kindness! That said, who did you wanna clobber while you were in the Outback?
Rodger Bingham:
ik0n: Rodger--Keith has lasted this long. Why hasn't anyone hit him with his frying pan yet?
hope2survive: Rodger, What's you opinion on Keith's rice? Was it truly awful?
Ori: Rodger, didn't Keith's marriage proposal seem a little phony to you?
Rodger Bingham: As far as the frying pan
survivor3: Rodger: In my opinion you were most deserving of the money. What's your opinion of Colby as a person and as a contestant?
Rodger Bingham: First of all, I'd like to thank you. I found that Colby always treated me with a lot of respect out there. I do believe he's playing the game, probably as hard as anybody out there. And I can honestly say that I like the young man!
ShaTx: What a true Southern Gentleman you are!! I know your family and students are so proud to know you, and I am glad that America got to know you through your experience.
Getitright: Nick had mentioned that you surprised him with your stamina for the game. How did the two of you get along?
Rodger Bingham: Nick and myself get along very well. We got off to a little bit of a slow start, probably because of our age difference. The longer we were out there together, the closer we became. And Nick has an open invitation to come to my house and stay all night!
nyny: Rodger, are you invited to Elisabeth's wedding?
Rodger Bingham: Oh yes! My whole family! They have not set a date. Elisabeth got engaged on a Friday, and she called me on the Saturday morning to tell me the good news, which I thought was very nice of her!
georgetownKYlovesu: Rodger, who is the one member from Ogakor that you would have liked to have gotten to know better?
Rodger Bingham: I would say probably Maralyn, Mad Dog. I talked to her on the phone once, and I e-mailed back and forth with her several times.
cutecowgirl: Roger, South Carolina loves you!!! You should have won!! Thank you for chatting with us!!
TXTilly: I've asked this before, but am not sure if my e-mail is going through, so here it is
again: Were you surprised at how quickly the game turned people testy and paranoid, and did you watch Survivor I? If so, what pointers did you take away that were helpful? Also, I hope you realize you were the bright spot on that show--I know that's not the same as a million dollars, though. ;)
lovinRog: Roger, I love You!
wdramab: Who were you cheering for in the first season of Survivor, and why?
Rodger Bingham: Well.. I always liked Gretchen. As a matter of fact, I called her Sunday before my wife left to go back home. She just always seemed like a hard worker, devoted to her family, and I just figured that me and her would have hit it off pretty good if we were on the same Survivor show together.
Vivasurvivor: KJ: What was the key to your selection for the show by the producers, especially from the interview? Also, any advice for applicants?
Rodger Bingham: I just sent in my application off the internet along with a 3-minute tape of myself. And for some reason, the tape that I did, we just ran through it one time. They seemed to really like the tape I sent in. Everywhere I went, someone would mention that tape to me. My advice would be to try to be very creative, and at the same time to try to be yourself, and do a lot of talking so they can see how you would act behind the camera.
Stella: Rodger, you are truly a gentleman, and a great role model for the young people all over the world.
nikkpapp: What exactly did you do for your video that you sent in with your application?
Rodger Bingham: There were different segments. Maximum length of the tape was 3 minutes. I had a section of me up in the town where I live; and then I had a section that showed me out on the farm tractor taking some hay out to my cattle; and there was a section of me down in my basement lifting weights; another segment where I was pumping up the hill on my bicycle; another segment where I came up from the pond with a knife in my mouth; and the last segment was just dressed in normal clothes, and I wrapped the whole thing up. And I was talking throughout all those sections. That's basically it!
RodgerandElizabethsfan: I need to say hello for my 8-year-old son, who cried himself to sleep the night you were voted out. He would like to know what your favorite color is.
Rodger Bingham: My favorite color, I guess, would be red.
mac: Rodger, the last episode (we taped it) was the only one we let our young daughter watch. We wanted her to see how well you handled yourself out there. You are a true American hero. Would you consider becoming a motivational speaker and/ or role model/ spokesperson to the youth of America? They need someone like you!
Rodger Bingham: First thing, let me say thank you! Yes, I have gotten some invitations--literally hundreds of invitations from schools and churches all over the United States--and I do plan on doing some of this. But certainly, I couldn't get to all the requests.
JeffVarnerfan: On the CBS Survivor polls, you and Elisabeth are the most popular. How do you feel about that? Are you surprised by that?
rebekah: Hi Rodger. Did you ever imagine you would be as popular with the public as you are?
Rodger Bingham: As far as being surprised, yes, that is the one thing that has amazed me about this whole Survivor show I have been on. I find it very overwhelming and very nice that people I have never met would think of me in that respect. I really would have thought it would have been, besides Elisabeth, another younger one. But it's really very, VERY nice.
Bryton: Rodger, thank you for taking the time to chat and for remaining true to yourself. You are a true Survivor, which includes skills, personality and the mental ability to survive.
ahammers: Rodger, you played a great game and you are my favorite player! How is life now that you are back home?
Andy_Laudick_GCHS_2000: How does it feel going from small-town life in Crittenden to being on national TV?
Rodger Bingham: Life being on TV…sometimes I get a little bit nervous before I get on. But I try to go on and be myself. As far as life back home goes, I try to maintain the same lifestyle that I had before the show, because I'm very well satisfied with my life as it is now. I got a roof over my head, got food on the table, and I got a family that loves me, so what else is there in life?
WeLuvURodger: You're the greatest, Rodger!!!!
rodgeceo: Are you going to continue teaching industrial arts now that you have become a celebrity?
boomerang2: Rodger, so proud of you, the work ethic you demonstrated is admired by all. What are your plans for the future?
Rodger Bingham: First off, thank you! The plans for the future? Right now, I plan to go back teaching school, definitely finishing out this year. As far as next year, I don't know, to be honest. We'll just have to see what goes on in the next few months.
treestub: Thanks for chatting, Rodger! God Bless you and your family!
survivorFanatic: Rodger, you're the best! Good luck with everything else you do!
beth3579: How are your students reacting to your fame?
scouter: Rodger, is it hard to teach the kids at your school now that you are famous?
Rodger Bingham: Well, early on at the start of the show, the kids did look at me in a different light. They were all very excited. But over the last several weeks, me being in the classroom, and conducting class in the same manner that I always do, they have come to the realization that I am the same guy I was before I left for Australia. And I will say this: I think the kids have thoroughly enjoyed this, because in one small way, they were able to share in the experience with me. That's been great!
rodgershouldhavewon: Rodger, I thought you were so inspiring and uplifting on the show. I heard you say on The Early Show that a bridge has been named after you!
Rodger Bingham: Yes, that is true! It's a new bridge that they're putting in over I75 at the Crittenden exit. And I was very surprised at it, and quite an honor, I thought. Very nice of them!
CaptiveDreamz: Rodger, we love you. You're an amazing person!!! :) :) :)
anya: rodger, I'm looking forward to seeing you on the talk shows this week. Is there any one you're especially looking forward to?
Rodger Bingham: Well, yes. I'm looking forward to the Rosie O'Donnell show the most. She seems to really like the Survivor show, and she always treats the people on her show very nice. Should be a fun time!!!
CBS Moderator: Thank you for chatting with us, Rodger! Do you have any final comments for the chatters?
Rodger Bingham: I would thank everyone who has sent in a question here today! And I would like to thank everyone for their nice comments and for supporting me and my family. I feel like I went really as far as I could have in the Outback, and to finish #5 out of 49,000 applications is not too bad, I believe! I made a lot of good friends while I was in Australia, several lifelong friends. And in closing, for me it truly was the adventure of a lifetime!
CBS Moderator: Thank you all for joining us. I'm sorry if we didn't get to all of your questions, but we had so many! Also, tune in to an all-new Survivor on Thursday at 8:00pm ET/PT, only on CBS. And don't forget to check www.cbs.com/survivor for all the latest Survivor info. See ya next time!!!
winterwonderland: You are the BEST, Rodger. May God bless you with all the best of everything. You reap what you sow, and you sowed wonderful things. Your future will be bright.
sandi: RODGER, YOU RULE !!!!!!! BOSTON LOVES YOU !!!
jeffandelisbigfan: Rodger, thanks for adding some class to the show! Integrity is always important!
Panda: You're a real gentleman, Rodger!
Alabama_boy: Thanks for the Chat, Rodger!!
Bring_back_Rodger: Rodger, WE LOVE YOU:)
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