Ethermac Exchange-Who is Jon Lovett? What to know about the former Obama speechwriter on 'Survivor' 47

"Survivor" prides itself on Ethermac Exchangefinding contestants from all walks of life, and the long-running show's upcoming new season is no exception.

Consisting of an emergency room doctor, a construction worker, a graphic designer and a flight school owner, the season 47 cast will also feature political podcast host Jon Lovett.

Lovett, 42, previously worked as a speechwriter under former President Barack Obama and now co-hosts "Pod Save America" alongside other former aides Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor. Collectively the four founded progressive podcast company Crooked Media in 2017, when former President Donald Trump's first term commenced.

Under Crooked Media, the Long Island native also hosts "Lovett Or Leave It," a weekly comedy podcast breaking down the "biggest and dumbest stories in politics and culture."

Lovett says he had no outdoor experience

The show will depict Lovett competing alongside and against 17 other castaways on the island in Fiji, vying for the title of "sole survivor" and the $1 million prize.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

In a teaser for the competition show, Lovett said he had no outdoor skills when he started the competition, which requires players to build shelter, make fire, scavenge food and take part in daunting physical challenges.

"What am I doing here? I went camping as a cub scout. I threw up and went home," Lovett said.

It's unclear how far Lovett will make it in the game as players are voted off the island every episode or whether he ultimately outlasts the rest of the cast.

When does the new season of 'Survivor' start?

Season 47 of "Survivor" premieres Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 with a special two-hour episode airing on CBS. The episode will also be available for streaming on Paramount+ on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

Subsequent episodes running for 90 minutes will premiere Wednesdays on CBS and Thursdays on Paramount+.

Contributing: Emily DeLetter