Survivor 46: Everything We Know About Contestant Ben Katzman

Summary

Ben evolved from running a record label in his dorm to teaching guitar and mentoring bands.

Ben's lifelong passion is music, from being a self-trained guitarist to collaborating on albums.

Survivor 46 castaway Ben Katzman is a 31-year-old who "shreds" at life - but who is this guitarist and music enthusiast when he's not struggling to survive on an island? Ben sent NBC a 30-second audition video to see whether he had what it took to become the "Sole Survivor" after watching School of Rock writer Mike White compete on Survivor 37. After a quarter-life crisis, although Ben never wanted to be a music teacher, a friend suggested he teach at his music school, which forever changed Ben's trajectory. Ben took a break from the classroom to "shred" Survivor.

Since its debut in 2000, Survivor has redefined reality TV, blending competition, strategy, and social dynamics. Survivor 46 marks a milestone, showcasing the show's enduring relevance as 18 castaways compete for $1 million. During a pre-game interview, Ben shared that his early immersion in music helped him conquer speech impediments and feelings of exclusion. Music evolved into a lifelong passion, shaping his career in commercials, TV, and as a guitar teacher. Ben encourages students to trust their instincts, a principle integral to his teaching philosophy. Who is this original Siga Tribe member when he's not foraging for food in Fiji?

Ben Ran a Record Label Out of His Dorm Room

He Jumpstarted His Friends' Careers

In a February 2024 interview with Parade, Ben likened himself to the iconic Dewey Finn from School of Rock.

"I had a moment in time where I ran a label out of my dorm room. And I helped start a few of my friends' careers, and [that] went further than I expected."

Ben has the enthusiasm and charisma of Jack Black's character and now teaches guitar while mentoring student rock bands. Ben's excursion from entrepreneur to educator illustrates the determination defining his Survivor gameplay. Ben added, "I think my approach to teaching is more emotional than it is technical."

Ben Is a Self-Trained Guitarist In a Metal Band

Music Is a Big Part of Ben's Life

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Ben described to Parade insights into his lifelong infatuation for music, recalling a memorable moment at the tender age of three when the Power Rangers theme moved through his veins. When Ben's not fighting for survival in Fiji, Decider reported, he's "shredding" his guitar in a metal band called "DeGreaser," teaching at a music school in Miami, and healing his "inner child" to become the music teacher he "never had." Ben and his band published albums Quarter Life Crisis (2018) and Astrology 101 (2021). Ben is collaborating on another album, Transcendal Shreditation, with Rick & Morty's production firm, Starburns Industries.

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Ben Lives and Works In Miami

He Calls Miami Beach "Home"

Ben returned to his parents' abode in Miami, FL, amid the pandemic upheaval. While speaking with Parade, Ben reflected on the surreal contrast between his past and current domestic confines. He faced physical hurdles head-on and swam two miles across South Beach when preparing for Survivor 46. Ben also said he motivates himself with mantras like, "You are who you are. You won't know until you're there." Ben recites affirmations because he's always been "goal-driven," and they help him focus on the "present." He's also promoting his latest album, which "plays with the idea that music can improve mental health."

Source: Parade, Decider, Ben Katzman/Instagram, Rob Has a Podcast/YouTube

Survivor airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount Plus.