Survivor contestant Mike Skupin

Mike Skupin - Survivor: The Australian Outback, Survivor: Philippines

Mike Skupin on social media: twitter | Instagram

Seasons: 2 | Days: 56 | Wins: 0 | Final Three: 1

Survivor: The Australian Outback (2001) - 11th place, 6th out.

Medically removed after falling into a fire in Episode 6, "Trial By Fire" (Day 17).

Survivor: Philippines (2012) - 2nd place (tie), one jury vote.

Received 1 jury vote, to tie for second (6-1-1), in Episode 14, "Million Dollar Question" (Day 39).

Mike Skupin - Career statistics
	Challenge stats	Tribal council stats	Jury stats
Season	ChW	ChA	ChW%	VFB	VAP	TCA	TC%	wTCR	JVF	TotJ	JV%	SurvSc	SurvAv
S2: The Australian Outback	0.97	1.53	0.64	2	0*	2*	0.57*	1.87*	-	-	-	1.21	1.84
S25: Philippines	4.05	13.36	0.30	6	0	8	0.75	5.25	1	8	0.13	1.18	10.05
Career	5.02	14.88	0.34	8	0	10	0.73	5.09	1	8	0.13	1.19	8.25
*To adjust Mike's score to account for his medevac, 6 VAP, 6 TotV, and 1 TCA were added to his stats (not shown).

The Australian Outback challenges (click to expand/collapse)
Tribal/team challenge record (6-for-10):
- Australian Outback, Ep. 1 RC/IC: "Bridge the Gap" - Kucha manages to capsize its raft, and loses.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 2 RC: "Butch Cassidy" - Kucha loses again, thanks to slow, slow Rodger.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 2 IC: "Tucker'd Out" - Kucha wins on the tie-breaker, thanks to Kimmi.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 3 RC: "Water Torture" - Mike's stick breaks, then Kucha loses on the tie-breaker.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 3 IC: "Lock Step"- Kucha wins, narrowly.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 4 RC: "Master Mind" - Kucha wins chickens, in about thirty seconds on a slide puzzle.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 4 IC: "True or Falls" - Scores the first point as Kucha wins again.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 5 RC: "Triage" - Carries from the start, Kucha wins.
- Australian Outback, Ep. 5 IC: "The Maze" - Kucha, with two extra people in tow, loses big (5-2).
- Australian Outback, Ep. 6 RC: "Blind Leading the Blind" - Paired with Elisabeth, and belatedly, Kucha wins.
Individual challenge record (0-for-0):
- Australian Outback: None.
Redemption Island duel record: (0-for-0)
- None.
Philippines challenges (click to expand/collapse)
Tribal/team challenge record (5.0*-for-11; 1 sit-out):
- Philippines Ep. 1 RC/IC: "Share the Wealth" - Does rowing stage, Tandang then blows the lead, ends up second (2nd*/3).
- Philippines Ep. 2 RC/IC: "Manila Folders" - Hauler. Tandang 1st (1st/3).
- Philippines Ep. 3 RC/IC: "Deep In Thought" - Dives, gets bloody. Tandang second (2nd*/3).
- Philippines Ep. 4 RC/IC: "Swing Break" - Competes, Tandang wins (1st/3).
- Philippines Ep. 5 RC: "Idol Hands" - Beats Penner with a creative statue toss, Tandang wins.
- Philippines Ep. 5 IC: "Thrash, Splash & Bash" - Competes again. Tandang wins.
- Philippines Ep. 6 RC: "Bog Roll" - Lead negotiator as Tandang surrenders.
- Philippines Ep. 6 IC: "Philiping Out" - Finally sits out, Tandang still wins.
- Philippines Ep. 8 RC: "Catch of the Day" - Part of losing team (with Carter, Pete, Artis, Abi-Maria).
- Philippines Ep. 9 RC: "Muddy Waters" - Part of losing team gain (with Pete, Artis, Lisa).
- Philippines Ep. 10 RC: "Snare the Drum" - New partners, another team loss (with Denise, Penner, Lisa).
*Note: Second-place finishes in the three-tribe phase of Philippines count as half a win.

Individual challenge record (3-for-11): (Mean % finish: 65%)
- Philippines Ep. 7 IC, "Wrist Assured" - Out first for the men (7th/7).
- Philippines Ep. 8 IC, "Snake in the Grass" - Eliminated (by inches) in first stage (4th/10).
- Philippines Ep. 9 IC: "Paddle Out" - Wins immunity, miles ahead of everyone else (1st/9).
- Philippines Ep. 10 IC: "Push Your Luck" - Narrowly loses to Carter at the final knot (2nd/ 8).
- Philippines Ep. 11 IC: "Brains and Brawn" - Missed one trivia question, eliminated in 2nd stage (tie-4th/7).
- Philippines Ep. 12 RC: "Mud Slinging" - Does not win reward, but gets to spend the day with his son (tie-2nd/6).
- Philippines Ep. 12 IC: "Fish and Game" - Does well on the fishing part, but not well enough to win (tie-3rd/6).
- Philippines Ep. 13 RC: "Sliders" - Narrowly wins, 5 rings hooked to Malcolm's 4 (1st/5).
- Philippines Ep. 13 IC: "One Track Mind" - Early lead, but stuck on the maze puzzle at the end (tie-2nd/5).
- Philippines Ep. 14 RC: "Dragon Slayer" - Loses, not close on the puzzle (4th/4).
- Philippines Ep. 14 IC: "The Ball Drop" - Wins, despite Malcolm's "advantage" (1st/4).
Redemption/Exile Island duel record (0-for-0):
- None.

Career challenge totals

Team/tribal challenges
Wins:	11.0*
Played:	21
Win%:	0.52
Sat out:	1

Individual challenges
Wins:	3
Played:	11
Win%:	0.27
Mean% Finish:	65%

Duels
Wins:	0
Played:	0
Win%:	--
Mean% Finish:	--

The Australian Outback Tribal (click to expand/collapse)
Idols held/played: (0/0)
- None.
VFB - Votes for the person booted (2/2):
- Australian Outback, Ep. 1: Debb Eaton (voted out, 7-1).
- Australian Outback, Ep. 5: Kimmi Kappenberg (voted out, 6-1).
VAP - Votes against (0):
- Australian Outback: None.
Jury votes made (0):
- None.
Philippines Tribal (click to expand/collapse)
Idols held/played: (0/0)
- None.
VFB - Votes for the person booted (6/8):
- Philippines, Ep. 8: Jeff Kent (voted out, 5-4-1).
- Philippines, Ep. 9: Artis Silvester (voted out, 5-4).
- Philippines, Ep. 11: Jonathan Penner (voted out, 4-3).
- Philippines, Ep. 12: Carter Williams (voted out, 5-1).
- Philippines, Ep. 13: Abi-Maria Gomes (voted out, 4-1).
- Philippines, Ep. 14: Malcolm Freberg (voted out, 3-1).
VAP - Votes against (0):
- Philippines: None.
Jury votes received (1/8):
- Philippines, Ep. 14: Received one jury vote, from Carter Williams (but lost, 6-1-1).

Career Tribal Council totals

Hidden idols
Found:	0
Played:	0
Votes voided:	--

Voting record
VFB:	8
Tribals:	10
VAP:	0

Jury votes
Made:	0
For winners:	--
Received:	1
Total jurors:	8

The Australian Outback image gallery (click to expand/collapse)

The Australian Outback intro shot

The Australian Outback intro shot

The Australian Outback intro shot (Louder Than Bombs edition

The Australian Outback intro shot (en fuego edition

On the plane, S2 opening sequence

Deboarding the plane

Hometown intro shot

The tribes begin the hike to their camps

Kucha, hiking to camp

Kucha made it to camp!

Hugs all around

Splashing hands in the water: Foreshadowing?

Complimenting his own leadership in setting up the shelter

Building the shelter

Listening to Rodger's advice

Enjoying some late-night yelling by Kimmi

Sigh. Kimmi.

Listening to the Ep1 RC/IC treemail

Heading out to the first challenge

Kucha arrival, Ep1 RC/IC

Pre-challenge lineup

Listening to Probst

Starting line

Crossing the river

Kucha trailing

Whoops

Trying to right the raft

Kucha reaches the beach, far too late

Kucha heads to the Ep1 Tribal Council

Kucha, Ep1 Tribal

Listening to Probst

Talking to Probst

So long, Debb

Explaining his unasked-for early-morning rice bonanza as helping the tribe, early Ep2

Kucha eats the rice Mike cooked

Pre-challenge lineup, Ep2 RC

Starting line

Ready to jump

Kucha eventually hauls its crate onto the beach

Plotting to make himself indispensible by catching food

Kucha thanks God for making Mike the leader

Kucha arrives at the Ep2 IC

Pre-challenge lineup, Ep2 IC

Listening to Probst

Facing off vs Maralyn in the first gross food item

Pre-challenge lineup, Ep3 RC

Pre-challenge explanation from Probst

Holding the water

Standoff still going...

Right before the stick breaks, sending the Ep3 RC to a tiebreaker

Starting line, Ep3 IC

Kucha hits the water

Kucha wins immunity! Ep3 IC

Collapsing on the victory table

Kucha hoists the idol

Overseeing Kucha's pointless chicken coop construction project, Ep4

Pre-challenge lineup, Ep4 RC

Kucha works the slide puzzle

Kucha wins chickens. Yay, etc.

Planning an early-morning chicken kill, to keep the tribe fed

Staring threateningly at the chickens

Discussing the chickens with Nick and Rodger

Finally getting around to killing a chicken, with Rodger

Mmm, tastes like chicken

Kimmi is having none of it

There's a pig. In the camp.

Just killed a pig on national TV

Discussing butchering options with Rodger

Doing his best to leave the game full

A man and his butchering

Pre-challenge lineup, Ep4 IC

Listening to Probst

Ready to go, first question vs. Mitchell

Alicia gets it right, and Kucha wins, Ep4 IC

I *warned* Kimmi, for her own self-preservation, not to get too attached to the chickens. Early Ep5

Pre-challenge lineup, Ep5 RC

Listening to Probst

Starting line, Ep5 RC

Hauling Varner

Carrying Elisabeth

Kucha wins reward!

Kucha bathes. Even Kimmi.

Pre-challenge lineup, Ep5 IC

Listening to Probst

Kucha... trailing

Talking with Kimmi about the vote

Foreshadowing? Ep5 Tribal Council

Claiming everyone else is also a leader

Getting too close to the candles in a rainstorm, early Ep6

The longer I'm out here, the more I want to be out here

Another unnecessary shot of Skupin leaning over the fire

Let's kill the chickens, so they don't eat all our chicken feed

Listening to the Ep6 RC treemail

Kucha practices following Nick's instructions

Getting a peek at the reward, pre-Ep6 RC

Listening to Probst

Starting line, Ep6 RC

Carrying water

Kucha races to the finish line

Kucha wins reward!

Enjoying some Doritos

Back at camp, just caught fish. Trouble looms.

He's hurt

Medical is on its way

Kucha tries to comfort Mike

Medical help arrives

Bandaged up, getting checked out

You know what to do, guys. You know what to do.
Philippines image gallery (click to expand/collapse)

Philippines intro shot

Philippines intro shot

Philippines pre-game interview

Pre-game interview

Returnee introductions

Day 1, with the raft

Early camp shot

Waiting for the first IC

Diving in, Ep1 IC

Directing the Tandang puzzle

Group hug after second-place finish, Ep1 IC

Hauling sleds, Ep2 RC/IC

More hauling

Puzzle retrieval, Ep3 RC/IC

Bleeding

Post-wounding, in camp

Malcolm joins the tribe, also: cookies

Partially visible in the mud, Ep6 RC

In the process of losing, Ep8 RC

Losing again, Ep9 RC

Checking in with Lisa

About to get passed by Carter, Ep10 IC

Auction, Ep11

Correctly answering questions, Ep11 IC

Getting to the next round

Hoping Malcolm picks him, Ep12 RC

Enjoying Malcolm's largesse after the Ep12 RC

Family time, Ep12

Ready to go, Ep12 IC

About to vote against Carter, Ep12 tribal council

Clearing barriers with ease, Ep13 RC

Yay! Slides!

First to the tossing

The tossing of the rings

Picking someone to accompany him on the whale head-butting reward

Playing for a spot in the final four, Ep13 IC

Oh dear

Well, this is confusing

Final four RC, playing for advantage

*Another* puzzle? F4 RC

Something has got to fit somewhere

Final four IC, delightfully puzzle-free

Guaranteed a spot in the final three

The Philippines final three

The Australian Outback interviews (click to expand/collapse)
Pre-game interviews
- None? Some?
Post-game interviews
- Jessica Shaw at the EW.com (3/12/01): "Survivor's Mike isn't the pig you might think"
- SurvivorOz podcast interview (12/16/11): "Mike Skupin Interview"
Philippines interviews (click to expand/collapse)
Pre-game interviews
- Gordon Holmes at XfinityTV.com (9/17/12): "Pre-Game Interview: Michael Skupin"
- CBS pre-game interview (YouTube)
Post-game interviews
- Rob Cesternino at RHAP (12/17/12): "Interviews with the Survivor Philippines Final Four"
- Dalton Ross at EW.com (12/17/12): "Mike Skupin blames Ponderosa for his loss; says he was blackmailed by one juror"
- Gordon Holmes at XfinityTV.com (12/19/12): "Michael Skupin: Jury Member Tried to ‘Blackmail’ Him"

The Australian Outback bio (click to expand/collapse)

From his official CBS Survivor: The Australian Outback cast bio page:

"Michael Skupin co-founded a software publishing and distribution company in 1992 where he currently serves as president. He also founded the CCA, which is a motivational speaking company. He attended Western Michigan University where he earned a bachelor of business management in 1984. His previous employment includes office equipment sales, surgical and operating room equipment sales, and a water-ski instructor. He is most proud of his wife Peni and his three children, Michael (12), Kalyn (9) and Emily (3).

Skupin describes himself as adventurous, a thrill-seeker, and a risk taker. His favorite television shows are ESPN's SportsCenter / Primetime (to compare notes with his son) and Seinfeld while his favorite motion picture is Meet Joe Black. Although he's a big fan of Faith Hill, he listens to a variety of music including Top 40, Country, Christian and has a soft spot for Oldies. His favorite sports teams are any team from Michigan, especially the University of Michigan Wolverines. Amid his hectic schedule, Skupin finds time to hunt, barefoot water-ski and play ice hockey. He'll also play a good game of Scattegories if time permits.

Originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Skupin currently lives in White Lake, Michigan with his wife and three children. They have 2 Black Labradors, Thor and Simeon and lots of wild fish and wild birds. His birth date is January 29, 1962."
Philippines bio (click to expand/collapse)

Excerpts from his CBS.com Survivor: Philippines bio page:

"Personal Claim to Fame: I have seven of them that I feed everyday – my children. And, ranking 23rd on TV Guide and TV Land's List of the 100 Most Unexpected TV Moments. It’s an honor to have been there when it all started!
Inspiration in Life: My dad, a true warrior who lost a battle to cancer when he was 28 and my mom who battled emphysema for 17 years and never complained. She taught me what tough was.
Hobbies: Sports and fitness, coaching my kids and anything to do with water… in it, on it, over it, looking at it or listening to it.
Pet Peeves: Negativity and pessimism. The glass is always full.
3 Words to Describe You: Adventurous, spontaneous and competitive.
If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why?
1)    Animals to hunt for food.
2)    An impenetrable shelter.
3)    An unbreakable alliance.
Reason for Being on Survivor: To avenge a long-standing internal battle, wondering if I can win this game in spite of the changes and my 12 year absence. No matter what any returning player may say, you never stop thinking about going back. And: 7 cars when they turn 16, 7 college educations, 7 weddings… I want to be there for my kids at all times when they need me.
Why You Think You’ll 'Survive' Survivor: The physical part I’m ultra prepared for. I never stop moving. The survival part won’t be an issue. I grew up in the woods. My crazy family life has prepared me exceptionally for the mental part. I’m surviving seven kids!
Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: There is no other returning player in the history of this game with more to prove than me. I’ll find a way to win, whatever it takes! I won’t give up… ever, ever , ever, ever!"

From his EW.com pre-game interview, by Dalton Ross:

"'For 22 seasons, I’ve thought about playing this game again,' the 50-year-old Skupin told EW.com while on location in the Caramoan Islands the day be'ore filming commenced, but he is not looking at this outing as a shot at redemption. 'I’m not here because I fell in the fire or to prove to the world anything,' he says. 'I’m here to play the game again, from start to finish. This will be a whole new adventure for me.'"