Squid Game Interviews: Friends of RHAP

Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 takes center stage as Rob Cesternino and Chappell sit down with cast members Mark Levy, August Schroeder, and Eric Eldredge for a series of candid exit interviews. This episode dives into the unique personalities, strategic approaches, and emotional journeys of three contestants with RHAP connections, tracing their experiences from the iconic dorm room to the tense games that shaped their paths.

Mark Levy, known affectionately as “player 100,” recounts how his social strategy and memorable Star Wars-themed wedding plans made him a standout in the first week. He shares how his approach—focusing on kindness and becoming a friend to many rather than a competitor—both saved and threatened his position, especially when faced with tough team dynamics during the Catch game. August Schroeder, “player 111,” opens up about his choice to sacrifice his spot in the Mingle game so that friends facing personal challenges, like new parenthood or caring for family, could continue in the competition. Eric Eldredge, “player 415,” offers insight into his bold decision to fabricate stories about his birthday and an impending baby in order to gain allies, explaining his gaming mindset and unexpected family history that surfaced in his narrative.

The hosts and guests unpack these gameplay decisions, alliances, and the personal impact of sharing their stories on a global stage, weaving in reflections on fandom, representation, and the emotional toll of high-stakes reality TV.

Highlights include:

• Mark’s strategy to build alliances through openness, humor, and his memorable Star Wars wedding storyline


• August’s calculated self-elimination in Mingle, prioritizing others’ needs over his own pursuit of the grand prize


• The Catch game’s tense team assembly and how perceptions of physical strength affected group strategy and individual fate


• Eric’s creative use of “fake” personal details to boost social capital, plus his reflections on real-life family revelations and crowd management among 150+ half-siblings


• The evolving dynamic between on-screen personas, fan reception, and contestants’ off-camera relationships

Do players benefit more from honesty or strategy in Squid Game: The Challenge, and how do personal narratives shape alliances? Listen for in-depth contestant perspectives on the fine line between gameplay and genuine connection as new episodes bring more surprising turns.

Chapters:

0:00 Exit Interviews Kick Off

2:01 Mark’s Social Game Strategy

4:10 Star Wars Wedding Spotlight

6:27 Inviting Cast to the Wedding

8:22 Friendship Over Strategy Approach

11:17 Catch Game: Mark’s Challenge

13:20 Warm Reception From Fans

16:14 Reality Star Support Surprises

18:21 August’s Heroic Self-Sacrifice

23:24 Choosing Others Over Money

27:12 Trusting the Right Ally

31:06 Family and Vulnerability Onscreen

33:02 Survivor Aspirations Discussed

35:40 Eric’s Strategic Lies Unveiled

38:04 Sifting Truth from Fiction

41:31 Confession Time in Marbles

44:09 Setting Trends for Future Players

47:30 Eric Reflects on His Experience

Want to chat about this episode? Do you have any recommendations? Head on over to Twitter to let us know by tagging @RobHasAPodcast and using the hashtag #RHAP.

LISTEN: Never miss an episode of RHAP coverage by subscribing to RHAP’s Feed. 

WATCH: Watch and subscribe to all RHAP podcasts on YouTube

SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!