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Gretchen and Justin Eisner
Newlyweds Winners

Who were you expecting to be your toughest competitor? Did that hold true?
Gretchen: Right off the bat, I knew that Paul and Melody as well as Josh and Crystal would be our competition. They all seemed pumped to be there, and very competitive. After the first stunt, that definitely held true, because Justin and I completely flailed, and opened the door for them to come on in and pull ahead. The first stunt was totally embarassing for us.
For the second stunt, I knew Paul and Melody wouldn't be a challenge, because Melody seemed like she wouldn't be able to handle anything gross. I knew I had this one for sure. Crystal had her game face on... But I knew I could do it faster.
For the last stunt, I thought it was a pretty even race. Melody said she was a swimmer, and that worried me a little, but since we won the coin toss and choose to go last, I knew we had the advantage. From the beginning, Paul and Melody were last to go for each stunt, and I could tell it worried them to go first. Melody was definitely scared on that last stunt.

Justin: I thought our toughest competitors would be Paul and Melody. I mean Paul just has that look like he's been bench pressing Grizzly Bears in the back country of Idaho. Yes it held true.

What stunt was the most challenging for you and why?
Gretchen: The first stunt was definitely the most challenging for Justin and I. We had the disadvantage of going first, and I think that's what killed it for us. The first part of the stunt where we had to cut the rope was crazy. We just could not get the thing to cut. It took forever. I knew this would hurt us in the end. We finally cut it, and by this time, my arms were killing me. But we swam to the body boards, and the next thing I knew, we were at the rope, trying to climb. Both Justin and I missed the first flag, which was under water. I looked down and noticed it. At that point, I knew that we would have to get as many flags as possible to make up for the time we lost. So I hung on for dear life to that rope... Just trying desperately to get the last flag. I finally gave up, realizing that I was not getting anywhere. In the meantime, I looked like a Koala bear hanging on a tree. So embarrassing.

Justin: The first stunt was the most challenging. Actually it was the 1st part of the first stunt that was the hardest. I don't even know how to explain it. We went first, which had it's disadvantage right there. We used the wrong technique and had no one else to compare to. I felt like a sissy. It took us 9 grueling minutes to complete and then had two more parts to the stunt to accomplish. That 1st part took the life out of me.

Did you have any phobias going into the competition?
Gretchen: I think I can speak for us both when saying that our one phobia was to be the first to go home. We are both very competitive, and by no means wanted to lose. We were there to win, and second place was not an option.

Justin: NOPE. No phobias...I just didn't want to lose because I know how vicious our friends are.

Other than winning, what was the best part about your Fear Factor experience?
Gretchen: The crew that put the whole thing on was unreal. Everyone we met was so fricken cool...Everyone was super rad. The other contestants were way cool too. We enjoyed our time with them. But I would have to say the best thing about the whole experience was doing these incredible stunts that we will probably never even come close to doing again. I mean, who gets to jump a car off a ramp head-first into a lagoon, and then swim out alive??!!

Justin: Oh, I guess the way the entertainment business works. The whole behind the scene operations was fun to watch. I thought the head honchos, David and Matt, were normal, down to earth people. I had a good time messing with the sound guys. The rest of the crew was cool like John Stewart, Perry, Norb, Rich, Goat & Tom. Meeting Joe Rogan was fun. With the little interaction we had with him I thought he was cool.

Are you excited about your Destination Queenstown Honeymoon vacation?
Gretchen: Are you kidding me? Who on earth wouldn't be!!! Justin and I have been talking about going to New Zealand forever, and now we have the chance. I've heard so many great things about New Zealand, and Destination Queenstown. I am so excited!! What an amazing trip this will be. New Zealand is one of the most amazing and beautiful places on Earth. Plus, we get to do all kinds of extreme sports while we're there! I can't wait! New Zealand, here we come!

Justin: HELL YEAH. NZ is the ultimate outdoor activity destination spot. They have everything from surfing, snowboarding, white water rafting, hiking....you name it. Plus, I hear the culture is awesome there and the people are all mellow. We are really looking forward to traveling to a new place especially NZ and plan on taking full advantage of all of the activities that are included.

What will you do with the $50,000?
Gretchen: Well, we've already spent part of it... We bought some property in Boise, Idaho. And I'm buying a new car!!!

Justin: It is already spent. We bought an investment property in Boise Idaho...had some assistance from Paul and Melody's Brothers. We have a little left over so I'll probably treat myself to some new toys like a surfboard & snowboard.

Did having a partner encourage you or make you nervous because you had to depend on them ?
Gretchen: I honestly don't think I could have done this without Justin. I'm pretty independent, don't get me wrong, but competing on Fear Factor is a whole other ball game. I didn't want to let myself down, but especially, I didn't want to blow it for Justin. We have known each other for so long, and we know exactly what each other thrives off of. I wanted to be there to support Justin, and I wanted him to encourage me. We worked together really well, and accomplished our ultimate goal. I always knew we worked well together, but this was the ultimate proof. We WON!!!!

Justin: It was encouraging. We work well together. I think it showed too. I depend on her all the time so I know what she is capable of accomplishing. I feel like I let my intensity take me over sometimes and I get over excited. Gretchen did a great job of calming me down and making sure I stayed focused. I love that woman.