Season 46: Survivor’s Miami Contestant Ben Katzman Shares His Experience

Ben Katzman, a talented musician from Miami, is gearing up to dominate the shredding scene and confront his apprehensions in the 46th season of Survivor, which launches on CBS Wednesday, February 28. Katzman, the dynamic frontman of the much-loved band DeGreaser, made an unforgettable impression last March at a Miami Film Festival event. Nicolas Cage was headlining the event and despite having limited visibility, Katzman’s distinctive voice was easily picked out. He was the first to pose a question to Cage during the Q&A segment, an interaction that resulted in a signed sequined pillow and a David Lee Roth imitation by Cage.

In a recent Zoom conversation in preparation of the reality show’s grand opening, Katzman revealed that the invitation to participate on Survivor came on the same day that he got to meet Cage, his idol. According to Katzman, Cage advised him that “if things scare you, you should probably do it.” Hence, Katzman felt inspired to take on the challenge.

Going into 2023 at 31 years old, Katzman already had an adventurous year. He had the opportunity to meet the legendary Nicolas Cage, signed a distribution contract with the prestigious record label AWAL (run by Sony Music), embarked on a tour in Europe, and unveiled his latest album, Transcendental Shreditation. Adding to this list, in June, he sneakily went to the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji to film and compete in Survivor’s 46th season.

For a duration of 26 days, provided they are not voted out, contestants inhabit a beach without food or shelter and partake in physically and mentally demanding contests under the merciless tropical climate. The competitive setting inevitably stirs up moving dramatic moments and also incites tension, all captured on camera.

Katzman credits his experiences with managing band dynamics and enduring long tours with equipping him for Survivor’s strategic gameplay and relationships management. He deems Survivor to be akin to being in a band initially – everyone collaborates towards a shared goal.

Katzman continually pushes his own boundaries – on stage performing live or in the studio, as well as off stage as a music instructor at Wynwood School of Music. As a competitor, Katzman remained committed to his vivacious character and easy-going approach, optimistic it would help him connect with the right fellow contestants.

He acknowledges that he has a larger-than-life personality and can come across as a cartoon character at times. But he stressed the importance of remaining authentic to oneself. For his physical prep for the Survivor’s brutal tasks and tough climate, Katzman took to swimming and spending time at the beach on balmy days.

Katzman follows in the footsteps of Dee Valladares, the show’s most recent champion, in representing Miami in consecutive seasons. In jest, Katzman compared his own embodiment of Miami Beach to Valladares’ reflection of Miami Lakes.

To commemorate the show’s launch, Katzman plans to host a private gathering at Gramps for his close ones and proteges. “It will be incredible to have Survivor projected on the stage where I have played some of my favourite rock concerts in my twenties,” he said.

Survivor season 46 is all set to make its debut on Wednesday, February 28, at 8 p.m. on Paramount+ and CBS.