These Past Survivor Healers Have Led The Way To Season 35

What does it mean to be a healer?

This upcoming season, Healers tribe members Cole Medders, Jessica Johnston, Roark Luskin, Joe Mena, Mike Zahalsky, and Desiree Williams (pictured above) will prove that doing good work and being kind-hearted receives gratitude. They'll stand firm next to their beliefs and go forth with a strong intuition as they compete in one of the toughest games out there.

Which former castaways do Survivor fans believe also belong in this "healers" category?

Check out the following list as you familiarize yourself with the characteristics of what it means to be a healer.

WATCH: First Look At Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers

Watch the season premiere of Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.



If you can't wait until then for your Survivor fix, catch up on the past 34 seasons on CBS All Access.

What makes Joe Anglim a healer?

The jewelry designer's carefree spirit, love for yoga, and passion for the great outdoors are just three traits that made him a standout healer during his time on Survivor.

With the unbreakable focus he gave the most difficult challenges, it's no wonder he walked away with many Immunity Necklaces wrapped around his neck. Joe—who in real life loves working with his hands through metalworking and welding—also mastered the mind over matter mentality that it took to survive in the wilderness like a true champ.

And, as healers do, Joe has always been well aware of energy and has seen the world through a lens that's let him look beyond the surface level of situations. A true healer, indeed.

STREAM: Get To Know Joe Anglim From Survivor: Worlds Apart On CBS All Access

Similar to Joe, Season 33 castaway Jay Starrett approached the game with a laid-back attitude and had an easy approach to making do around camp when it came to fishing and calling the beach his home away from home.

Before competing on the show, this healer even admitted that he liked to strip himself of his creature comforts, lose himself in the outdoors, and rediscover himself. Now, that's something nature can certainly help with.

STREAM: Get To Know Jay Starrett From Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X On CBS All Access

Four-time castaway Rupert may have sported his infamous tye-dye look and long beard, but what really made him stand out from the rest was his big heart and colorful personality. After all, this fan favorite's likability ended up winning him $1 million dollars after the Survivor: All Stars finale, thanks to a fan vote.

In real life, Rupert's résumé spotlights some pretty incredible healing work too. He's a mentor for troubled teens and stands by the fact that he's "spent his entire adult life serving his community."

If that doesn't scream "healer," we don't know what does.

STREAM: Get To Know Rupert Boneham From Survivor: Pearl Islands On CBS All Access

One strong trait of a healer is the desire to help others, and San Francisco gardener Tai Trang—who competed twice on Survivor—demonstrated just that with his sweet, gentle nature and humbling outlook on life.

His fellow castaways found him extremely easy to talk to, applauded his compassion for animals (remember Mark, the chicken?) and all living things, and appreciated his resourcefulness around camp.

This vegetarian was also an avid tree-climber and outdoorsman—proving as many healers do, that being outside is just... better. Plus, Tai wasn't afraid to show his much softer, sensitive side from time to time seen during many oceanside conversations.

STREAM: Get To Know Tai Trang From Survivor: Kaoh Rong On CBS All Access

Helping others has the word "healer" all over it and two-time castaway Zeke Smith maybe didn't realize it at the time, but he certainly healed others when his personal journey was brought to the forefront during one particularly emotional Tribal Council on Survivor: Game Changers.

His story brought deeper meaning to viewers everywhere when he reacted with such raw emotions and humility in front of millions after being outed on TV.

Zeke's positivity will forever be special to viewers, former castaways, and even host Jeff Probst.

STREAM: Get To Know Zeke Smith From Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X On CBS All Access

In her everyday life, four-time Survivor castaway Cirie is a nurse—an admirable occupation that heals others daily—but career aside, it's how Cirie made a name for herself on the show that drops her under the "healer" category.

Back in her first season, Survivor: Panama, Cirie was known as the "woman who got off the couch to play Survivor." Fast forward to her latest season, Survivor: Game Changers, and this mother-of-three and resilient competitor had become her own biggest cheerleader. In a way, Survivor helped Cirie heal herself and gave her a fresh outlook on life.

And for that, there's no doubt she's made the cut.

STREAM: Get To Know Cirie Fields From Survivor: Panama On CBS All Access

Watch the season premiere of Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.



If you can't wait until then for your Survivor fix, catch up on the past 34 seasons on CBS All Access.