Episode 86- Jeopardy Champion Sarah Jett Rayburn

This week we’re talking all things “Jeopardy” with four-time champion Sarah Jett Rayburn. Not only did Sarah wow fans and take home some pretty hefty winnings, she also made Jeopardy history with some iconic answers. Her legendary half-right response of Chaka Khan instead of Shaka Zulu sent Twitter into a frenzy and that time she became the first contestant to explain the rationale of her incorrect answer of Grant in detail to Alex made her one of the most famous contestants of all time. In speaking to Sarah, she is effervescent, fun and thinks back on her time on the show with great memories.

We, of course, wanted to get all the dirt, such as, whether or not you can find Ken Jennings and Jeopardy James relaxing in a hot tub backstage.

Sarah told us every detail from how many times she took the test to audition to what it’s like that first time you walk out on stage. We found out her method of prepping and cramming for the competition and the fact that her approach turned out to be quite helpful when it came time to take the stage.

We learned about those pesky buzzers and what her strategy was like for ringing in. We even got her to share what Alex was really like when the cameras go off.

In talking to Sarah, it’s no wonder she became such an iconic contestant. She’s down to earth, self-deprecating and a proud mom who, as she puts it, spends her days playing in the creek with her kids.

Her tales of her experiences on the show paint a picture that will transport listeners to that iconic stage. She shared everything from what the climate was like in the studio to what the waiting game was like to how she chose her wardrobes including her signature scarves.

Sarah also shared what it’s like post championship. We wondered if she gets fought over for teams for trivia night or if her family and friends refuse to play with her now.

When not winning big on the smartest game show in history or playing in the creek, Sarah is also an accomplished author. Her books include The Limitless Night series and can be found here for purchase. Fans of her work are drawn to her stories that feature everything a fabulous Young Adult story should include. A love that supersedes all else, unknown supernatural happenings, and a riveting story that you just can’t seem to put down. Check out her latest works and dive in for yourself.

If Sarah’s experience has you brushing up your knowledge of 18^th Century Poets and yearning to try your hand on “Jeopardy,” you can sign up to take the qualifying test here. If you don’t hear back from them right away, never fear. As Sarah shared, it took well over a year before her “Jeopardy” dreams were realized. We wish you luck and look forward to our listeners making “Jeopardy” history just like Sarah in the near future!