“Survivor” Contestant Jonathan Young Reveals ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano Trained Him for 4 Years Ahead of Season 50 (Exclusive)

**Jonathan Young Prepares for Survivor 50 with Boston Rob’s Guidance**

As he gears up for his return to the iconic reality show, Jonathan Young is taking significant steps to refine his gameplay. Young, who previously finished fourth in Survivor season 42, has sought the mentorship of one of the series’ most renowned contestants, “Boston Rob” Mariano, as he aims to enhance his strategy and social skills ahead of Survivor 50.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Young, aged 31, shared insights about his journey with Mariano, a five-time contestant on the show. Over the past four years, Young has visited Mariano’s home, soaking in valuable lessons from the master player. “I sat at his feet and learned everything I could,” he said, acknowledging the critical impact of Mariano’s guidance on his approach to the game.

Young’s training with Mariano involved intensive psychological preparation that has completely transformed his strategic outlook. Mariano provided Young with detailed advice, encapsulated in a letter that outlined three fundamental rules for success in Survivor. The first rule encourages contestants to maintain a positive demeanour, as “everybody wants to play with somebody who smiles.” The second emphasizes the competitive nature of the game: “You want to win; nobody else wants you to win.” Lastly, he advises to “control what you can control,” reminding players that unexpected twists, like a tribe swap, are out of their hands.

Reflecting on his adaptation, Young noted that in his debut season, his physical skills as a provider for his tribe overshadowed his strategic acumen. “They didn’t show a lot of my strategy,” he explained. Mariano helped him understand the importance of visibility and perception in the game, particularly since Young did not receive significant airtime to showcase his intelligence during season 42.

Now, Young is confident that viewers will witness a noticeably different strategy when Survivor 50 airs. “Fans can expect to see me making different types of moves,” he promised. He is eager to demonstrate the lessons learned from both his successes and mistakes of the previous season, asserting that these changes will be evident throughout the upcoming episodes.

Currently training in Las Vegas, Young is also involved in a unique collaboration with UFC athletes. Alongside UFC champion Sean O’Malley, he participated in a private workout session that merges the physical demands of both Survivor and mixed martial arts. During the season 50 premiere event, Young showcased his athletic abilities by wrestling his fellow contestant, Quintavius Burdette, in front of a live audience, including host Jeff Probst. Their match proved competitive, with Young overcoming Burdette in a closely-fought rematch.

During his time in Las Vegas, Young reflected on the parallels between mixed martial arts and Survivor. He articulated that both arenas require a level of humility and self-awareness. “The best fighters are humble, and they know where they stand,” he affirmed, adding that arrogance can lead to downfall in both competitions. A producer from Survivor offered him essential advice: “Don’t get comfortable,” emphasising that complacency can be detrimental in both the octagon and on the island.

As anticipation builds for the new season, loyal fans of Survivor can catch Young’s journey starting Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. With enhanced skills, a fresh strategy, and the insights from a legend like Boston Rob, Young is preparing himself to navigate the complexities of gameplay as he aims for success in Survivor 50.