Grayson Mask: Given your appearance on “Deal or No Deal Island,” which is known for its beach setting, do you usually prefer urban exploration or the tranquility of nature during your travels?

Jamil Sipes: I’d say a bit of both, Grayson. I enjoy spending a day or two at the resort or the beach, soaking in the sun and the sea. But what really excites me is diving into the heart of the places I visit. I’m eager to experience the real culture, meet the locals, and try authentic dishes. While I appreciate the tourist spots, my passion lies in discovering the off-the-beaten-path destinations, mingling with people from all walks of life. Those are the moments that truly enrich my travels. And, of course, the beach has its perks, like showing off my dad bod!

Grayson Mask: I noticed you’re quite into running and have participated in marathons. Was this a passion that contributed to your preparation for the show?

Jamil Sipes: Absolutely, Grayson. My journey with running started way back in junior high, continuing through elementary, high school, and college. I was primarily a sprinter, which I loved. But as time went on, to keep in shape, I transitioned to distance running. I’ve run a couple of marathons, plenty of 5Ks, 10Ks, and even Spartan races, which are a blast, especially the mud races. All these activities have been instrumental in keeping me fit.

When I was getting ready for the show, I upped my running game significantly. I knew I had to be in top shape, not just physically but also in terms of endurance for whatever challenges lay ahead. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was certain endurance would play a crucial role. So, I focused on my running, watched my diet, and tried to slim down to best prepare for the unknown challenges of the show.

Grayson Mask: Beyond the physical preparation, how has your professional experience in recruiting and sales influenced your strategy for the show?

Jamil Sipes: That’s a great question, Grayson. My career in sales and recruiting taught me the importance of adaptability and connection. In sales, you’re constantly meeting people from all walks of life. Success hinges on your ability to find common ground with anyone, to be relatable and personable. As a healthcare recruiter, differentiation is key. There are countless companies out there, but what makes clients choose me and my company is the personal connection I’m able to establish. This skill of connecting uniquely with each individual, understanding them, and being genuinely likable is something I’ve honed over 15 years.

Bringing this into the reality show arena, I believed that being able to connect with everyone, regardless of their background, age, or lifestyle, would be a powerful strategy. It’s about being versatile in your approach to communication and ensuring you’re someone people feel comfortable with and want to support. Likability is a tremendous asset, not just in sales but in life and certainly in the competitive environment of a reality show. I aimed to be the person everyone found approachable and trustworthy, applying the same principles that have served me well in my professional life.

Grayson Mask: It’s fascinating to hear about your experiences with game shows. Can you share a bit about the process of getting involved with this particular show? It seems like you’ve had a varied history with contestant shows.

Jamil Sipes: Yeah, I’ve definitely had my fair share of game show experiences. This time around, it all started with an ad I spotted through an email chain. The show initially sought pairs, so naturally, my sister and I teamed up and submitted our application video. There was initial interest, leading to a few Zoom calls. However, after a silent month, the show’s format shifted to individual contestants rather than pairs, and fortunately, they selected me to continue.

The audition process was pretty straightforward from there. I applied, sent in our video, and after several conversations with different team members via Zoom, they liked what they saw in me. The final confirmation call was a thrilling moment, especially since I was with my sister in California at the time. It’s interesting to note that about half of the cast was directly approached to apply, while the rest of us found our way through ads or personal initiative. In a way, making it onto the show felt like winning a lottery of sorts, a testament to being selected based on merit and potential compatibility with the show’s dynamics.

Grayson Mask: Once you received the acceptance call and were flown out to the show, what was the length of the entire shooting process?

Jamil Sipes: The duration really hinges on how far you advance in the show, but generally, you’re asked to clear your schedule for about 35 days. It’s a significant commitment, requiring you to put aside work, family, and any other obligations. So, the entire filming process spans roughly a month and a bit more, depending on various factors.

The experience on set is quite surreal. The crew, possibly numbering anywhere from 300 to 400 people, works tirelessly around you, making you feel like a true celebrity. They create this entire bustling environment, especially in a setting like a jungle, where everything is orchestrated for the show. It’s an intense but exhilarating experience.

Grayson Mask: That sounds like an extensive and immersive process. Would you say this was your longest stint on a reality show compared to your other television experiences?

Jamil Sipes: Yes, this was definitely the longest. Prior to this, my experience was mainly with game shows, which are fast-paced and typically wrap up in a day or so. For instance, on a previous game show, we were on set for almost 24 hours, but even then, it was nothing compared to this reality show experience. Being away for over a month, dedicated solely to the filming process, was a first for me. It’s a whole different ballgame compared to the quick in-and-out nature of game shows.

Grayson Mask: For our listeners who may only be familiar with the original “Deal or No Deal,” can you explain how this show was different? Was there a more physical component to it?

Jamil Sipes: Certainly, Grayson. Imagine if “Deal or No Deal” and “Survivor” had a child; that’s essentially what this show was. We called it “Deal or No Deal Island.” It’s a hybrid of both worlds where we did play “Deal or No Deal,” but not in a traditional studio setting. Instead, it was more intimate, with only the players and no studio audience, set against the backdrop of a survival scenario.

The premise involved us, 13 competitors, landing on the banker’s island, facing various challenges with money at stake. The twist was, after each challenge, the two lowest performers faced the possibility of playing “Deal or No Deal” to save themselves from elimination. The rest of us acted as the audience, and the winners of the challenge decided who among the bottom two would get that chance.

It introduced a layer of social strategy, where alliances and perceptions could sway decisions. If chosen, you’d play a traditional game of “Deal or No Deal” with the banker making offers. Success meant securing your place on the island, while failure could result in elimination. So, it wasn’t just about luck and decision-making with the briefcases; physical and strategic gameplay was crucial, leveraging my endurance and fitness was an advantage in the physical challenges we faced.

Grayson Mask: That’s quite a mix of personalities. Reflecting on your experience, post-show, are there any lessons or particular aspects of the journey you’re proud of, or that stood out to you?

Jamil Sipes: Reflecting on the whole experience, it’s more about what was reinforced rather than new lessons learned. The reality TV stereotypes about people being phony, backstabbing, and playing up for the camera? All true. It wasn’t so much a lesson learned as it was a confirmation of what you might expect going into a reality TV setting. People can indeed put on a facade, portraying characters far removed from their real selves for the sake of the show. While I can’t say I learned new lessons, this experience certainly underscored the notion that people will be people, especially in the heightened environment of a reality show.

Grayson Mask: Looking forward, after this whirlwind of an experience, are there any reality shows you’re eyeing for the future? Any specific goals or aspirations in that realm?

Jamil Sipes: Absolutely, Grayson. The whole experience, being surrounded by a dedicated crew and the adrenaline rush of the competition, it’s addictive. It’s like a high you want to chase again. I’m already looking into ways to dive back in, maybe getting an agent or just finding the right opportunity. The entire process was just incredible.

I’ve even applied for a few other shows, like the reality show version of “Squid Games” with my daughter and sister. It sounds like a blast. And considering the unique format of “Deal or No Deal Island,” if there’s a chance to return in a future season, I’d jump at it. Shows like “Survivor,” “Big Brother,” and “The Amazing Race” often bring back former contestants, so why not aim for that? I’d love to be a part of “Money Island” or another iteration of “Deal or No Deal” in the future. Always on the lookout for the next adventure.

Grayson Mask: It’s clear you’re passionate about continuing your journey in the world of reality TV. Your enthusiasm and openness to new experiences are truly inspiring.

Jamil Sipes: Thanks, Grayson. Before we wrap up, there’s something else I wanted to share. Throughout this journey, I discovered I’m more emotional than I thought. I’ve always seen myself as someone who moves on quickly or finds humor in situations rather than dwelling on emotions. But this experience showed me just how human and vulnerable I can be. It was surprising and enlightening to find myself close to tears during certain moments on the show. It’s a side of me I didn’t expect to confront, and it’s been a profound learning experience.

Grayson Mask: It’s quite the revelation to hear about the intensity and unpredictability of participating in a reality show. Can you shed light on the daily schedule during shooting? Were there set hours, or was it more spontaneous?

Jamil Sipes: It varied day by day, Grayson. Some days were laid-back, with nothing planned, allowing us to relax and enjoy our surroundings. Other days were dedicated to competitions, which could take all day. And then there were days we had both challenges and the “temple” sessions for “Deal or No Deal.” The schedule was never fixed; we had to be ready for anything. Adapting to constant camera presence was another layer of the experience. Initially, it felt strange, but it quickly became part of the routine, learning to repeat conversations or actions due to technical issues or for better angles was a unique aspect I hadn’t anticipated.

Grayson Mask: That sounds like a full immersion into the world of reality TV, complete with its own set of challenges and adjustments. It’s fascinating how the experience can transform from being under the constant gaze of the camera to it becoming second nature.

Jamil Sipes: Exactly. At first, the constant filming felt intrusive, but you quickly adapt and learn to navigate the cameras and production demands. It becomes a game within the game, figuring out what the producers are looking for and adapting your behavior to suit the show’s narrative. Reflecting on it, the whole process is a learning curve, not just about the game or the competition, but about how you present yourself and interact with others under unique circumstances.