Tribal/team challenge record (2-for-9):

• Island of the Idols Ep. 1 RC/IC: "Tower of Equality" - Part of the human ladder, helps work the puzzle, but Lairo loses.
• Island of the Idols Ep. 2 RC/IC: "Rung-O Star" - Helps carry and steady the ladder, and Lairo wins.
• Island of the Idols Ep. 3 RC/IC: "Beam Me Up" - Works the puzzle with Karishma, but Lairo loses.
• Island of the Idols Ep. 4 RC/IC: "Ow Pairs" - Tethered to Chelsea, eventually gets a key, and Lairo loses.
• Island of the Idols Ep. 5 RC: "Headlong Flight" - Tethered to Jack, slithers well, but Lairo loses.
• Island of the Idols Ep. 5 IC: "Discography" - Makes two shots to catch up, but can't hit the third; Lairo loses.
• Island of the Idols Ep. 6 RC: "Heroes End" - Helps carry the sled, move sandbags, but Lairo loses again.
• Island of the Idols Ep. 6 IC: "Cage Against the Machine" - Hits the fifth and final basket for Lairo, and Lairo wins!
• Island of the Idols Ep. 7 IC: "Faulty Towers" - Shoots coconuts, but Lairo barely loses on the puzzle.

Individual challenge record (0-for-0):

• Island of the Idols: None yet.

Redemption/Exile Island duel record (0-for-0):

• Island of the Idols: None yet.

Idols found/played (0/1; 5 votes voided):

• Island of the Idols, Ep. 7: Kellee gives her idol to Dean, tells him to play it for himself. He does, voiding five votes and saving himself (Day 19).

VFB - Votes for the person booted (2/5):

• Island of the Idols, Ep. 1: Ronnie Bardah (voted out, 7-2).
• Island of the Idols, Ep. 7: Jack Nichting (idoled out, [0]-2).

VAP - Votes against (0):

• [Island of the Idols, Ep. 7: Five votes, from Jack, Jamal, Janet, Karishma, and Kellee, all voided by the idol play.]

Jury votes made (0/0):

• Island of the Idols: None yet.

Pre-game interviews

• Josh Wigler at RHAP (9/11/19): "Survivor 39 Preseason Interviews: Lairo Tribe - Part 1"
• Mike Bloom at Parade.com (9/19/19): "Survivor Island of the Idols: Meet Dean Kowalski"

Post-game interviews

• None yet.

Official CBS Island of the Idols bio excerpts (September 9, 2019):

"Pet peeves: People honking in dead-stop traffic, people from the back pushing up a couple rows upon airplane landing, and roommates leaving dirty dishes in the sink for a prolonged period of time.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Achieving the highest success rate of all Miami Algebra 1 teachers for students passing the end of year exam.

Who or what is your inspiration in life?Shirley Manzanares. Shirley was one of my 9th grade Algebra 1 students in my first year teaching. Shirley was an A+ student and the most respectful and loving soul. What you didn't see was her two jobs to help pay for prom, her caring for her two younger siblings while her mom worked at night, and her dedication to community service. Shirley will be the first in her family to attend college.

What's one thing we wouldn't know from seeing a photo of you? I have recently grown to appreciate astronomy, physics, and our place in the universe.

Which Survivor contestant are you most like? Wendell for his quiet leadership.

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor? Self-awareness is one of the most important leadership characteristics. My social intelligence will allow me to read when to go big and when to fall back. I strongly believe in my ability to get along with and be liked by a variety of different people. This will allow me to build strong, diverse alliances. Additionally, my athletic and puzzle abilities will make me a threat within challenges. My experience working in sales will fuel my persuasion within my alliances."