From critic to star Benton resident to be featured in survival show
Matt Garland, a Benton resident, said he has been a fan of the show Naked and Afraid, and he has always enjoyed watching it. He got his own chance to test his survival skills on an episode of the show, which will air today at 7 p.m. CT on the Discovery Channel. The show is also available to watch on discovery+.
In this show, “survivalists must endure hostile climates, lurking predators, and a scarce food and water supply while undergoing the ultimate test of human endurance and willpower unlike anything they’ve experienced before. They come with nothing and give it everything -- and do it all while completely naked,” according to a news release.
Because of his own passion for the outdoors and survival skills,
Garland said his wife signed him up for the show after she and friends have had heard him criticize other contestants and say he could do better.
I was “called out on my couch criticism,” he said.
Once he was on the location, he realized it was harder than it looks.
“When you are hungry, tired, cold or hot, your decision-making skills are slim,” he said. “The show is as real as it get.”
Looking back, he realized that he did make some mistakes along the way.
For the show, he was allowed to bring one tool from home with him. He decided to bring a hatchet that he had modified. His wife nicknamed the tool the “matchet.” He felt that he was well-versed in using the tool and was confident that he could use it for various tasks.
One thing he was unprepared for was the strain on his feet since he was barefoot, he said.
When asked about how he felt about being naked on a TV show, he said it awkward at first, but he got over it quickly once he made enough jokes.
Garland said he was really excited to represent Benton on the show.
“Arkansas has had a couple contestants,” he said. “I thought I could do it better.”
To show a little Arkansas pride he even called the Hogs.
Today, even though they won’t be able to get together in a big group, several of Garland’s family and friends will be watching the show together.