Melanie Rauscher - Curse of the Swamp

FEATURE

Interview with Melanie Rauscher - Curse of the Swamp

By CONNIE CUELLAR

Fans of Naked and Afraid and XL

Photos via Discovery Channel

The thrilling episodes of Naked and Afraid Curse of the Swamp 1 and 2  on Discovery featured Melanie Rauscher and her partner Jeremy McCaa rocking the 21/25-day challenge in the Louisiana swampland. The duo braved the elements, hunger, and mysterious creatures, all while in the buff, but Melanie was definitely up for the challenge. 

Melanie, 30, of Avondale, Arizona, works as a recreation specialist. She decided to apply for the show in April, 2016. An avid hiker and camper, she aimed to test her skill-set in the event she ever found herself in a true survival situational. “I wanted to know nature on a raw, real level and the show seemed like the only true way to experience that,” she said.

As an athlete and Navy veteran, her experience paid off. “Both...are male dominated fields, so I believe both contributed to my work ethic and determination, as well as my deep devotion to ‘teammates’ and succeeding,” she said. “Teamwork makes the dream work!! I work in Parks & Recreation and hike/camp every week, so my love and appreciation for the outdoors was a huge motivation in taking on the challenge.”

Melanie was initially upset when she found out Jeremy was abandoned by his first partner a few days into the challenge, and a little bit surprised. “The production crew told me he was also resting in his hotel room, so when I found out he was alone out there, I was a little pissed,” she said. “I honestly don't think 21-days out there, alone, is possible. I am just glad that he was able to stick it out until I got there! My hat’s off to him because I can't understand how he even did a single night alone!”

Her bravery shined through as she pushed through the challenge despite her fears, as the dark swamp and its many dangers loomed around her. “Oh, I was absolutely afraid! We couldn't explain noises we heard and things we saw because it was so dark. We were constantly on edge. Sometimes, we would hear or see things and I would think to myself ‘that's not real, you're just very sleep deprived,’ or I would try to scientifically rationalize what it was, but some things I couldn't. That was what made it so creepy, not being able to explain or understand things. The swamp plays with your mind."

When asked if the adventure was what she expected, she said, “Hell no! It was everything I hoped it would be, but between the mosquitos, creepiness, and sleep deprivation, I never would have expected it to be to the extremes that it was. There’s no way to prepare fully for everything.”

The most unexpected thing the duo faced was when they saw what she called the hooded face. “Up until that point, everything was just creepy noises or steps moving through the darkness. When we finally had a face to go to the noise, it was almost too much... It's a jerk and I wish I had an answer for what it was.”

They ate horrible tasting things, such as boiled arrowhead leaves, but she said the animals were delicious. “I can't do justice in explaining how much better food tastes when you work your ass off to get it. I will never be grateful for food, the way I was out there!” 

One memorable moment in the first episode was when Melanie told Jeremy about a strange sexual experience she had with "a demon." It was a shocker to those watching, and it sent the Internet buzzing with comments.
“The reactions honestly make me laugh,” she said. “I believe it was sleep paralysis because that's what psychology explains it as but the experience itself, was quite terrifying. I don't think that I had sex with an actual demon but if I did, this is the longest gestational period ever.”

The experiences in any challenge can affect cast members physically, mentally, and emotionally. Melanie was no exception. She explained, “Physically, there were injuries, some cuts, bug bites, my foot was numb for several days, so I didn't know that I had burned the bottom of my foot by stepping on hot coal. Mud would get into the holes from thorns we stepped on and that hurt a lot. Weight loss, amenorrhea, dehydration, etc. I was very sensitive to artificial light for about a week so I wore sunglasses a lot, indoors and out.  Mentally, it was very humbling. I always knew that living in America is a privilege on so many levels but the experience made me realize how difficult just being alive and getting food and water and staying warm is for majority of the world. I am not a hunter, so taking a life so that mine can continue was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I don't think people understand that when we are out there, we are nothing without nature. We were a part of our environment and nothing parallels that feeling. Nothing that I can think of. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to know that feeling and to have a brief taste of what life truly is. Emotionally, it tore my ass up! I'm an emotional person and I wear my heart on my sleeve, so every experience in life goes straight to my heart. The realness and deepness of this particular experience was like an emotional wrecking ball. However, I love to cry, so it was very cathartic for me.”

Melanie said she took away from the challenge a deep appreciation for being an American. “We are so privileged here in America and we absolutely take that for granted. I'm not saying we have it easy because truth is, for 98% of the US population, life is a constant struggle. However, even people who are homeless have clothes and we are wealthy enough to give money away. Think about that. We have spare change. We throw food scraps in the garbage. We have bottled water and sink filters and refrigerators that pump out water. We have bug spray and drawers full of clothes and grocery stores with overpriced food because we don't truly value it. The things that we have at our disposal are what many people go without every single day. Experiencing that feeling broke my heart to know that I had been so ignorant of it my whole life. Life is very hard, but it is so much harder for billions around the world.”

If given the chance to experience the Naked and Afraid XL challenge, Melanie said she would do it in a heartbeat. “That connection to the Earth is incredible and I honestly miss it!” she said.

Jeremy is now like a brother to her. “He is without a doubt, one of the greatest men that I have ever met. His work ethic is incredible, he is an excellent teammate, and I would not want any other partner!”

It’s no surprise Melanie thinks the fans are amazing, too. 

“The love and support is so heartwarming! Once in a while someone will have a rude or immature comment and it's difficult for me not to respond because I like being smart ass," she laughed. "I am really glad that the fans enjoy our partnership because our friendship is important to me, so it's important that no one has anything negative to say. How could you not like us? I deeply, sincerely appreciate all of the love and positivity! You (the fans) are the best and I will try and respond to anyone who sends me messages. I hope people continue to watch the show and also XL! The people that take on these challenges are amazing, whether they make it to the end or not.”

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