In our latest podcast episode, we feature Mansour Chaya, a dedicated personal injury and workers' comp lawyer. As a first-generation American with parents from Lebanon, Mansour has a strong sense of community, which he demonstrates through his volunteer work feeding the homeless in Boston. Growing up, Mansour and his family were avid Wheel of Fortune fans, often solving puzzles together before the contestants.

Mansour's father auditioned for the show seven years before him and appeared in 2011, taking home $1,000 after taping in Boston. Inspired by his father's experience, Mansour applied to the show at 18. He received an email for a final audition and, a week after turning 21, secured his tape date. Mansour initially appeared during College Week, where he advanced to the bonus round and won over $40,000.

In addition to his Wheel of Fortune success, Mansour and his family also competed on Family Feud with Steve Harvey. This week, Mansour returns to Wheel of Fortune as a fan favorite, teaming up with his father for a special episode airing on May 21st. Tune in to hear Mansour's journey from watching the show with his family to becoming a game show star himself.

Jesse Rebhan, from sunny Miami, Florida. Formerly a math teacher turned Activities Director, Jesse's love for Wheel of Fortune runs deep. Growing up in a family of game show enthusiasts, she fondly recalls bonding moments spent watching game shows with her loved ones. It was a memorable day in 2019 when she watched Wheel of Fortune with her grandmother, igniting her passion for the show. Inspired by an ad for the Wheelmobile near her hometown, Jesse embarked on a journey to audition, initially missing her chance but eventually receiving a callback that changed everything.

Fast forward to 2020, amidst a faculty meeting, Jesse received the news of her selection for the show, eliciting a joyous outburst that couldn't be contained. Her Wheel of Fortune journey began, leading to an unforgettable appearance in May 2023 as a fan favorite. Jesse's infectious enthusiasm caught the attention of the internet, propelling her to viral fame with appearances on Good Morning America and Comcast. Her initial triumph on the show resulted in a substantial cash prize of over $50,000, followed by another impressive win totaling over $8,000.

But Jesse's game show adventures don't end there. She also showcased her skills on Family Feud and The $100,000 Pyramid, adding to her impressive repertoire of game show accomplishments. Join us as we delve into Jesse's remarkable journey from math teacher to game show sensation, filled with excitement, triumphs, and unforgettable moments on and off the screen.

Ilene Knebel, a devoted wife and mother hailing from Upstate New York. Ilene's journey is one of resilience and determination, rooted in her passion for acting and entertainment. After college, she embarked on a cross-country adventure to California to pursue her acting dreams, appearing in several movies along the way. However, it was her fascination with game shows that truly ignited her spirit.

Nearly 30 years ago, Ilene made the bold decision to transition from acting to a career in city government, where she has dedicated herself to serving the community of Beverly Hills. Yet, her dream of appearing on Wheel of Fortune never waned. Inspired by her cousin's successful appearance on the show in 1988 and a coworker's encouragement, Ilene remained steadfast in her pursuit.

After numerous attempts, including auditions for other game shows, Ilene's determination finally paid off when she received a call from Wheel of Fortune in December 2021. Despite initially being an alternate, she seized her opportunity and appeared on the show in January 2022, emerging victorious with over $112,000 in winnings.

Ilene's story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. Her advice to aspiring contestants is simple yet profound: never give up on your dreams and always aim for the stars. Tune in to hear more about Ilene's inspiring journey and her remarkable experience on Wheel of Fortune.