I’m On the Cover of Sports Illustrated Swim!!!

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Hot Mess — “I’m On the Cover of Sports Illustrated Swim!!!”

Host: Alix Earle
Date: May 14, 2026

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Overview

In this vibrant and candid episode, Alix Earle shares her thrilling journey to Botswana for a dream-come-true Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photoshoot—culminating in the reveal that she’s landed the coveted 2026 cover. Listeners are immersed in her chaotic travel experience, packing woes, behind-the-scenes adventures, emotional highs, and awe as she shoots amid breathtaking African wildlife with a tight-knit all-female crew. Alix’s excitement, gratitude, and signature humor shine as she navigates mishaps and moments of realization, making this a standout episode for both SI Swim fans and Hot Mess listeners.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Travel Scramble and Packing Drama

• Alix sets the scene by nearly missing her flight to Africa, running on little sleep, and battling packing restrictions that challenge her over-packing habits.
  • “I tried to make it and I got on this flight with five minutes to spare.” (01:57)
  • “I have no idea what’s in here. Like I couldn’t tell you. I packed this like two weeks ago in LA.” (03:24)
  • “This is the hardest thing as a fashionista.” (06:07)
  • She humorously recounts bringing only a tank top, shorts, flip flops, and PJs. (04:24–06:44)

2. Arrival and First Impressions in Africa

• Alix describes the awe and adrenaline of landing in Johannesburg, meeting the SI Swim crew, and preparing for another flight into the heart of Botswana.
  • “I feel so cool. Okay, we landed and I think the other girls are at the baggage. I think I see everyone.” (02:52)
  • The group jokes about suitcase weights and shares snacks (“This beats out any, like, beef jerky I’ve ever had.”), already bonding over the chaos. (07:22)

3. Wildlife Encounters and Surreal Moments

• Listeners are brought face-to-face with Botswana’s wildlife—elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and more—through Alix’s animated narration.
  • “Oh my God. More elephants. More elephants. Oh my gosh. Wow.” (10:23)
  • “There’s hippos in there...I don’t have any words because I’ve never seen something like this in my life.” (13:00)
  • Alix’s enthusiasm builds: “Like, I can’t believe this is real life right now.” (13:06)

4. First Day on Location

• The crew contends with thunderstorms, a wild setting, and glamming up at 3 a.m., creating a classic “Hot Mess” shoot environment.
  • “It’s 3am...I got, like, three hours of sleep...I put on some self tanner last night, so I have to wash this off. And it’s thunderstorming here, like, brain not working.” (14:17–16:10)
  • “I want to look like a lion. The glam team killed it.” (18:07)

5. The Sports Illustrated Shoot

• Alix reflects on the significance of returning to SI Swim, her gratitude, and the magical surrealism of the whole experience.
  • “As a little girl, I dreamed of...but never thought I could possibly do so to be here and to be doing this. Cheers to myself... and to good vibes going into 2026, into a great shoot day.” (19:14)
  • Alix documents moments between shots: climbing trees for “the shot,” scraping her leg (“I love my cut, you know, it’s so cool”), and the feeling of unity with her team. (22:58–23:31)

6. The Big Reveal: Cover Model Moment

• Highlight Segment: During the last shoot of the day, Alix is surprised with the news—she’s the 2026 SI Swimsuit cover girl.
  • “You got yourself a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 cover with Ruben in Botswana in Africa.” (31:02)
  • “I’m like shaking right now.” (32:34)
  • Emotional reaction: “I kept saying it all day. I knew it...I don’t think I’ve fully processed it...It’s such an honor...This issue is there to inspire others. It’s inspired me in my life.” (33:00–33:47)

7. Safari Day and Final Reflections

• The next morning, the crew embarks on a safari search for lions and cheetahs.
  • “This is my first proper safari...We have to see a lion. Lion or we haven’t seen lion or cheetah. I feel like we’ve seen everything else.” (34:40)
  • They track lion footprints and learn wildlife facts from their guides, punctuated by Alix’s humor and curiosity.
  • “Hippos can’t swim. They run on the water...They run so fast on the bottom of the water. How?” (36:44)
  • “I’m, like, so scared to even get out of this car...” (35:46)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On travel chaos:

  • “I got on this flight with five minutes to spare.” – Alix (01:57)

• On packing anxiety:

  • “I have no idea what’s in this bag because I didn’t have time to look when I was leaving.” – Alix (03:24)
  • “This is the hardest thing as a fashionista.” – Alix (06:07)

• On wildlife wonders:

  • “Oh my God. More elephants. More elephants. Oh my gosh. Wow.” – Alix (10:23)

• On the surreal nature of the shoot:

  • “I can’t believe this is real life right now.” – Alix (13:06)
  • “It doesn’t feel real. And I can’t believe that I’m here and getting to shoot for SI Swim in Botswana right now.” – Alix (18:07)

• The cover news drop:

  • “You got yourself a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 cover with Ruben in Botswana in Africa.” – Crew member to Alix (31:02)
  • “I’m like shaking right now.” – Alix (32:34)
  • “It’s such an honor and I’m never gonna stop talking about it.” – Alix (33:47)

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Notable Segments (with Timestamps)

• Africa travel chaos and packing saga: (01:27–06:44)
• Initial wildlife sightseeing: (08:13–10:51)
• Hotel/lodge arrival, first reactions: (13:00–14:16)
• 3am call time and glam in a thunderstorm: (14:17–16:10)
• Morning gratitude, pre-shoot reflections: (18:07–19:14)
• First SI Swim shots and “jungle girl” moment: (22:13–24:57)
• Cover reveal and emotional response: (31:02–33:47)
• Safari wildlife tracking/lion search: (34:40–37:33)

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Tone & Style

• Language & Mood: Candid, high-energy, self-deprecating, grateful, eager, with playful banter among the crew.
• Takeaway: The episode is a authentic, exciting look inside Alix’s wildest career milestone—celebrated through chaos, friendship, and the wonders of the African landscape.

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For New Listeners

Whether you’re a fan of Alix Earle, a Sports Illustrated devotee, or simply love travel and adventure, this episode delivers immersive, laugh-out-loud, and heartfelt storytelling—culminating in a life-changing cover moment you won’t want to miss.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Alex]

girl.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Winter is so last season and now spring's got you looking at pictures of tank tops with hungry eyes. Your algorithm is feeding you cutoffs. You're thirsty for the sun on your shoulders that perfect hang on the patio sundress. Those sandals you can wear all day and all night. And you've had enough of shopping from your couch.

[Guide/Expert]

Done.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Hoping it looks anything like the picture when you tear open that envelope. It's time for a little in person spring treat. It's time for a trip to Ross. Work your magic.

[Alex]

Okay, now that I'm here and I'm settled, I can tell you guys how I almost just missed this flight to Africa. I think there's moments like this that it just kind of all hits you.

I don't want to hear it.

Is this not real? Off some hair and makeup in the jungle. My best BTS ever. Do I look like Curious George?

I knew it was the best day of my life.

I'm also traveling to Africa alone and for the first time. So I was coming back from my New Year's Eve trip and we were delayed like 3 hours leaving St. Barts. So I was supposed to fly from Miami to Atlanta and I missed that flight. But I also had another friend who was going to Atlanta, so we went together. That was also a risk for me though. Like I wasn't sure if I should stay in Miami, look for another flight, fly to New York and game time decision. I tried to make it and I got on this flight with five minutes to spare. Like I got to the airport and the flight was already boarding. But we're off to Africa because what a way to start the new year. We're landing in like 30 minutes and I just slept that whole time. No sleeping pill or nothing. That Was good guys. I burned my lip so trying to take care of that right now. I can't believe I'm like landing here alone. I feel so cool. Okay, we landed and I think the other girls are at the baggage. I think I see everyone.

Hi. We made it.

So I'm staying the night here and then we get on another flight in the morning to go to Botswana. I feel like all I've been doing is sitting so I kind of want to like get on a treadmill and walk. We'll see. We're going to have ourselves a little night and I'm a little panicked cuz everyone was talking about like cute outfits that they brought and whatever and I don't even know what's in this bag because I didn't have time to look when I was leaving. This is the only bag I brought. It's like a backpack slash just a little rolly bag. And I have no idea what's in here. Like I couldn't tell you. I packed this like two weeks ago in la. So if you were wondering, this is all I brought in my suitcase, plus like my toiletries, but this is it. So I have like one tank top, a workout set, pajamas that I'm wearing right now and like some flip flops. So hopefully that's enough to get me through this trip. I have no idea what's on, going, going on. I just showered and now it's time to stay the night here. And I think I'll be able to fall asleep because I feel like I'm always running a little tired. So when I get to sleep I'm fine. Like I don't think I get jet lag too much, but hopefully I'm not jinxing myself. I think it's a really small group on this trip, but I'm so excited. And then we go to our hotel which is like this lodge and there's animals on the property. We can see them outside. I don't know if we're shooting with animals. I don't know what we're doing, but I cannot wait. Okay, Good night. Good morning. I slept, which was great. But it's 6am here so I'm up a little bit early. I'm going to go to the gym while I'm up because I think we have to leave here at nine. I was having dinner last night at the buffet here and these girls came up to me and they were like, are you Alex? And they were like, what in the world are you doing in Johannesburg? Like how did we just run into you And I was like, I'm on a secret mission right now. Don't ask any questions. Okay, let's go to the gym. Who's ready to go to Bunny? We're ready. We're ready. Two more plates to go. And we're there. The crew is loading up. Everyone's in airport clothes, and Penny is in glam. Ready to go. Ready.

I woke up like this. Of course.

And look who else is here. Look who I found. Hi, darling. I'm so excited.

It's going to be the best trip ever.

Is it only the five of us?

It is the five of us. Honestly, Cheetah Girl,

I need to wake up to, like, an elephant. Oh, no.

[Guide/Expert]

I.

[Alex]

We're weighing our bags because they can't be more than £44. Are you struggling?

I'm struggling. This is the hardest thing as a fashionista.

I have one outfit. Hate it. How much is it?

I need to check my neck. How much is it? 26.

That's fine, right? It's supposed to be tiny. Wait, I thought it was 44 pounds. It's 44, but together.

Oh, together, it's 44.

How did you bring that? This?

That's a great question. Can you.

So much for bringing out to the table, Alex.

I have three things in here, so there's nothing.

I was so scared. I have this tiny ass backpack.

What did you fit in?

I don't have anything. Like, let me tell you. I brought a tank top and a pair of shorts, and that's it. So I hope someone can help me.

I'll help you, bro.

Here we come.

Wait, can I take.

I don't think anyone's stopping you. These are so cute. Now we're gonna try this beef. It's a little spicy. This beats out any, like, beef turkey I've ever had. Wow, this stop is so good.

[Crew Member]

This is.

[Alex]

What is it? It's like this chili beef jerky. Do you like that?

[Crew Member]

Yeah.

[Alex]

Try it.

[Crew Member]

I love that you're a meat eater.

[Alex]

It's like, better than any beef jerky I've ever had.

Oh, my God. It's like Tiranaki.

It's so good. This is delicious. We made it on our flight to Juan. I think it's like an hour, 45 mil. Here we come. Botswana.

We're here. We are here.

Just a little bit of luggage, and it, like, hits people from far away.

You know, I get, like, this a strong view, too. Is this a new life? How do you say beautiful woman? How do you say that?

[Guide/Expert]

An official name for a woman?

[Alex]

You see many mol m in here.

Hello. But it's definitely bumpy.

Yeah, but not like.

Okay, I'm excited. Oh, these are like bigger than I thought. Yeah. Okay. It's happening. It's happening for real. My butt is racing. We're going to hold hands.

[Crew Member]

Are you. You're that way too.

[Alex]

Yeah.

[Crew Member]

Oh, thank God.

[Alex]

It's not just. I don't love bumps. And when she was like, it's gonna be bumpy.

[Crew Member]

I'm hoping to see animals running. That was. That was in on YouTube. They showed this and they showed the

[Alex]

animals running in her bikini.

[Crew Member]

And I was like, oh my God.

[Alex]

Oh boy.

I love that you're videoing it so you can watch it later. Look, we're already up. You got this. We're already up. You're doing it. You're doing it. You're doing it. You did it. He did it, guys. He did it. He did it. You so did it, Chuck. Oh my God. Sorry. My hands are spreading, you guys. Oh God. I'm dead. You're doing so good. You're doing so good. You really are. It's really pretty.

Yeah, she just.

Just take a quick peek. A quick peek.

All right, you got me.

I do. Just a quick peek. Can see some animals.

Oh, really?

Yeah. If you look down, you're right. See them. Wait, where? See in the middle of that tree standing there by itself. There's like a whole little bird of snow.

Let's go. Botswana.

Where an elephant. Oh my God. More elephants. More elephants. Oh my gosh. Wow. Oh my God. The elephant.

Like guys, that's like a big. A big animal.

We're running. I know.

That's right.

The child of destiny. I love it.

I'm so sweaty. I cannot believe we're about to like this feels big. Boots on ground in Botswana. Anyone want some beef jerky? Some bilt Huang? I have a kit here that I have to show you guys after. But I have every like repellent you could think of. So these are mosquito bands. We have it on here. The head flashlight, which I hope I don't need.

Leisure, leisure. So leisure.

Wow.

Wow.

This is going to be so good.

Bye B. Get it. Bye, diva. I thought. That's right. Y. We're off to the launch. It's a 40 minute drive. You might see some animals. This is not real.

Like I can't believe this is a part of me.

I don't get it. Oh my God.

What eats all of these? Lions.

[Guide/Expert]

They are predators. Lions, leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, hyenas, wild goat.

[Alex]

Cuz they're Protecting their baby. Yeah.

Yeah, baby.

[Guide/Expert]

The babies where they standing there.

[Alex]

Oh, my God. He's the father of all of them. Wait.

Oh, that guy over there.

[Guide/Expert]

Yeah. You see, same mother are females. And there's one male there with their horn.

[Alex]

Oh, my God. So he hooks up with them all?

[Guide/Expert]

Yeah, he met with all the females.

[Alex]

But he's not a big buck.

Like, he's not as big.

[Guide/Expert]

No, but he's a.

[Alex]

But he knows what he's doing. Here's our hotel. We're here. Wow. This is crazy. This cannot be real. There's hippos in there. This is the room. And I honestly, I don't have any words because I've never seen something like this in my life. Like, this is just the wildlife out here. Like my bed. I'm hoping to wake up to an elephant. You know, I'm getting in the bathtub out here. Like, I can't believe this is real life right now. I have my fitting and dinner, so I'm gonna head over to the other place where everyone else is staying for that. But this is my outfit of the night for dinner. I don't have any clothes, so don't judge my outfits on this trip.

Good morning.

OMG. It's 3am okay. So I got, like, three hours of sleep. I tried my very best. I put on some self tanner last night, so I have to wash this off. And it's thunderstorm in here. Like, brain not working, but it's like proper thunderstorming. Like, it's been. We saw the craziest lightning last night. I'll insert some videos, but, like, the whole sky was lit up. Okay. I didn't realize until we were, like, coming back from dinner last night how off the grid we are. Like, there's nothing around us for, like, miles and miles and miles and miles and miles. Like, there's nothing, literally nothing. It's just this little place we're staying in, which isn't even like a building. It's not like a hotel building. It's like just these little rooms that we're in in the middle of nowhere. Like, it's crazy. So I'm nervous that's going to be pouring rain today and everyone else is staying for, like, six days. But I'm leaving because my mom's getting surgery. And so today's my only day here. And if it's raining and I came all the way here and it's raining, I'm going to be upset, but I think it's going to stop because I just know it's Going to stop. But anyhoo, it's time to get up. We have 3:40am Glam Coffee. I have to call someone to walk me to the other room because sometimes there's like baboons or monkeys or like lions or whatever outside and they can attack you. Okay, time to get up. Can you tell I self tanned my my hands and not my face. Hello, Hello. I'm so ready. We've got like an hour and a half to be sexy in a bikini here. Gotta pull it together. There's still crazy lightning outside. This is crazy. All right, we're ready for glam.

Here we go.

Yep. Nope, not my bikinis. This is crazy. Off some hair and makeup in the jungle. It was a bug. I mean you just can't make this out of that. I'm ready for my shoot. Hello, Coffee in hand. Ron, good morning.

I saw your text message.

I was like hey, you said glam is.

I said is this good to go?

Cuz I didn't think you guys would be able to drive over in this rain. Were you soaked?

[Crew Member]

I can't believe first day.

[Alex]

So we're having an issue with the adapters. Nothing's working. But all is good.

[Crew Member]

All is great.

[Alex]

All is good. We've got our plugs and we are rocking and rolling. Good morning.

How are you feeling?

Good. I'm so excited. I mean I got like three hours of sleep but I woke up at two because I didn't want to miss my alarm. So I was like staring at the ceiling until 3:30. But I'm just running on pure adrenaline right now. Like I can't believe we're here. I have no, no idea what day it is, what time, but the sun is up. We're up. Where did you fly in from?

How many hours of travel was it? Creole?

I don't even know. I flew from St. Barts to Miami, then Miami straight to Atlanta, then Atlanta to Johannesburg. We stayed the night there and then we flew to Juan and then here. So a lot of like five, six flights. Easy, easy work.

We were all so stressed about the packing restraints.

I didn't pack anything. I they checked my bag at customs and she was like this is all the clothes you have? And I was like, I didn't bring anything because I was like, I don't know. I was so stressed about it. Being overweight. I'm a really bad over packer. So I brought like one tank top, one pair of shorts, flip flops and then like my skincare and makeup and that was it. And then when we got Here everyone was talking about cute outfits, and I was like, well, I was just planning on wearing the bikinis the whole time, so I don't have anything. I'm gonna steal looks from Margot. Please style me for this trip because I didn't bring anything. I love the glam. It is so fun. And we did, like, a really bronzy look. And then for the hair, I was like, I just want, like, volume. I want to look like a lion. And I mean, the glam team killed it. And I'm just feeling good and ready to go. And this is just one of those moments in life where it's. It doesn't feel real. And I can't believe that I'm here and getting to shoot for Si Swim in Botswana right now. So I'm just trying to, like, take it all in, but I keep just getting the chills every time I look outside. Like, my arm hair grows back because I'm getting chills. So the sun just started to rise and we have, like a 30 minute break because it was downpouring, but it seems like it's slowing down a little, so they delayed our shoot a little bit.

So.

So I'm gonna go have another coffee in the room. All right, Back in the room. It looks like the rain is slowing down. Okay. I'm feeling good vibes for today. My hair looks like a lion, and I love it. And the glam is so good. I. This just couldn't be better. Let's get the coffee going because we're gonna need some caffeine to stay awake all day, make up my coffee, be looking at the safari. Wow. I don't know if you can see, but there's animals out there. So if like, a zebra or something walks by here, I'm going to cry. Cheers. We're going to have the best day ever. Manifesting a really good shoot. I think there's moments like this that it just kind of all hits you. I'm like, I. Like, this is my third time shooting for Sports Illustrated, second time shooting for the magazine. And that is just something that, like, as a little girl, I would have. I dreamed of, but, like, never thought that I could possibly do so to be here and to be doing this. Cheers to myself and cheers to starting off. I said I really wanted to be independent in 2026 and, like, being alone here in Botswana and just coming on this crazy travel trip and journey and it's just been so nice to even just sit in here alone. Like, I am so grateful and I. And just so giddy. And happy right now. So cheers to me and to the start of a new year and to good vibes going into 20, 26, into a great shoot day. And that the rain is going to go away and that I see a lion and that I see a giraffe and a zebra. Cheers. I don't know if I've ever really had pomegranate like this. Oh, wow. So delicious. I didn't know it's pomegranate like that. I mean, this view is just crazy. Where's all the hippos? Are they hiding?

[Guide/Expert]

No. Apparently they start, like down there in the morning.

[Alex]

Oh.

[Guide/Expert]

And then they, like, come back here at noon. But we literally just saw. I got 16 foot crocodile.

[Alex]

Crocodile.

[Guide/Expert]

It's like right in front of the dock.

[Alex]

I didn't know that was here.

Yeah, yeah.

[Guide/Expert]

It's like.

[Alex]

That's a little scary.

[Guide/Expert]

It's like right there.

[Alex]

Cool.

[Guide/Expert]

Yeah.

It's all around us.

[Alex]

Off to our first shot. I don't know where we're going right now, but I couldn't be more excited. We had a long day ahead of us. The vibes are good. The sun is up. The rain stopped. We're ready. Botswana. First bikini on and we are off to our first shoot of the day. Here we go.

[Crew Member]

Thank you for everything. We see you later.

[Alex]

Let's go. This is wild. Where are we going first? Let's do it. We just did our first shot and just felt really, really good. And now we're going to go into our changing tent over here. So don't mind me. Number two out here with the animals. It's so nice out now. I was worried it was going to be raining before, but it ended up being beautiful.

Oh, what happened?

I felt it. I like, scraped my leg on the car a little, but honestly, it kind of adds. It adds. It adds. Like, I've been out here in the safari. I love my cut, you know, it's so cool.

She's bleeding.

It's giving memories. Yeah, yeah.

It will give a scar.

You'll have forever. That shot, Alex, I want to, like, see everything.

Oh, there's no doubt. Like, it comes with life.

I'm so excited.

Okay, look too look too.

Oh, my gosh.

I know.

Wow. The light and look, this. The scrape is perfect. It's giving jungle girl like I was. I've been safari hard. Our best BTS ever. This just honestly feels so surreal. Like, I can't believe that I'm standing here with this background right now. I have chills. It's hard for me to even Put into words like how much this means to me to be here and to be on this trip and with the group of girls and just with the amazing team. Like, this is just a once in a lifetime experience. So just trying to take it all in while we're here. One thing I hope happens on set today is that we get a shot with some animal in the background or just anything passes by. I just want to see the animals, so I am fingers crossed for that. One thing I hope doesn't happen on set today is, oh, gosh. I mean, no scary encounters with the animals. Hopefully everyone is safe and we're good and we don't get stranded out here. So the cars are turning on and the gas is working. Okay, let's go.

Any words of wisdom for your own camera?

Do I look like Curious George? You do. There's a weed up my crotch. Second shot done. Feeling good. And I just love my safari outfit. This is exactly why I didn't need to pack anything for this trip because this is what I will be wearing for the remainder of it.

[Crew Member]

Know heaven.

[Guide/Expert]

February. Yeah.

[Alex]

Hello, I'm here. We are on our way to shoot

the eighth bikini of the day, and

I just took a 15 minute nap.

They drink from the otter.

I have rocks on my chest. A little delusional of my 3 hours of sleep starting to hit me. We're gonna keep that going. Giraffes. Wow. Are they nice. Can I get out and take a photo with them?

[Crew Member]

I know, that's what I feel.

[Guide/Expert]

They will run away.

[Alex]

I think they're kind of shy, right?

[Guide/Expert]

Yes.

[Alex]

Oh, my God. My God.

[Guide/Expert]

Look at the baby over there. Yeah. A few months old. I think there's another baby on the other side. These two here are females.

[Alex]

Yeah.

[Guide/Expert]

Also look at the color. It's more brown than the female. The females are more pale.

[Alex]

Me too. Post lunch, we went right back into it. I got on a ladder and then climbed a tree. And that was. I mean, it was a little scary getting up there, I'm not gonna lie. But I was like, I will do anything for a shot, Reuben. And I think that might be my favorite shot of the day. And that was in the, like, hard shell wooden top that I was wearing. Okay, next stop. We're ready. We're rolling. We're rolling. This, like, really feels like there's about to be a hippo. It's crazy being out here and just being able to shoot in such open land. Like, we just keep driving another 20 minutes this way, another 20 minutes that way, and there's Just another beautiful scene and more animals that we pass by. So it's really just been an amazing day. We're getting like a safari, a photo shoot, and just memories that are going to last a lifetime time all in one. Alex, what's your safari name? My safari name is Charisma Carpenter. I don't know. So Charisma Carpenter was actually my first alias that I ever had, but it was a little like too out there. Like it seems like a fake name, so I had to end up changing it. But Charisma Carpenter, I would like get all my packages and hotel rooms under Charisma Carpenter. It's my alter ego. Safari Alex. I actually think these are gonna be photos that like, we were just saying, like photos that you can like frame and just have up on a wall or like a coffee book type of photo. Like, they just are so magical and cool. Everything is so cool here. So I'm just so excited and grateful to be a part of this trip. I mean, the day is flying by. I have to say, this is by far like the most calming energy I felt on a shoot ever. Like, I just feel like it's flowing. Everything feels really good and just every outfit has felt good, every pose. And I feel like that doesn't always happen. So I'm having a really, really good day right now. We're taking a little break before we figure out what our next shot is going to be. So Reuven's kind of just planning it out and then we will get ready and change for that. But I'm excited for the second half of the day. It's been a 12 out of 10 so far. We're back at the other camp. It's 4:15pm and we're going to keep shooting until the sun goes down, I think. So a few hours left and I don't want this day to be over. Oh, thank you so much. You're welcome. More outfits. Let me see it.

Sam.

Last shot of the day. We're putting on a big skirt. What? What? You know what else amazing you did? You got yourself a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 cover with Ruben in Botswana in Africa.

So congratulations, you're going to be on

the COVID

You for the last two hours. Cuz I'm like, I'm going to choke. Woo. But you can't tell anyone. Can't tell anybody.

Really long time, Cindy.

You want me to pop it? Am I streaming right now? I'm trying the day to just got better. The day just got better. Yay. Cover model, print. Cover model, freaking Out. You can drink from the bottle. It drink from the bottle. Congratulations.

Yes. You are one of our favorite people. You mean so much to so many people. You absolutely slayed the day. We can all totally confirm that you're going to be on the COVID Congratulations. I like shaking right now.

I knew it was the best day of my life. I kept saying it all day. I was like, I knew it when

you just said that to me. Like, I felt my faith go like, flush. Like I felt like it like hot and red. And I was like, did I just like pass out after the last shot or I got bit by something and died. This is my awakening. How does it feel to be a sports world spirit into a car model? I don't think I've fully processed it, but I mean, I feel such an honor and, and it's such a privilege to be a Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model. Like this issue is there to inspire others. It's inspired me in my life. It's motivating. I mean, you look at all these amazing hard working women and I just can't believe that I get to be a part in representing that and all that this issue stands for. And it's just, it's so surreal. Like I truly can't like fathom it. I'm sorry. Still processing it right now. It is such an honor and I'm never gonna stop talking about it.

Bye.

Oh my gosh. That was the best day ever. And I need to go to bed now. I. I'm already out with three hours of sleep and we need to be up at 6am for a safari. So I'm gonna shower and go to bed. Good night. Good morning. It's 6:30 and we are going on a safari today. And then I'm leaving already, which I

can't believe I'm leaving.

Where is everyone?

Hey,

Safari time.

Great light.

This is my first proper safari. Besides our driving. Yes, Besides all the safari ing that we've been doing. We're gonna see all the animals. We have to see a lion. Lion or we haven't seen lion or cheetah. I feel like we've seen everything else. But you have to see because Alex is leaving us today.

So we have to see it today.

Lions. I need like a mating call to them. Come out, come get me. I'm leaving.

A meding call is crazy.

Penny sent a line yesterday and it was like sexy.

He was, he was a hot guy.

Zebra tracks.

[Guide/Expert]

So there are binoculars in the boxes if you want to use them.

[Alex]

Oh, I love some binoculars. Lion Tracks.

[Guide/Expert]

This is lion. Here, look. This one?

[Alex]

Yeah. That's huge.

[Guide/Expert]

Yeah.

[Alex]

And that's where they were lying down.

[Guide/Expert]

Yeah. No way.

[Alex]

Fake lumps. I'm, like, so scared to even get

out of this car. I don't know that. I don't.

[Guide/Expert]

I'm scared as soon as I step down, they're gonna come get me.

I was looking for their tracks here, so I managed to see the direction they went. So they went that direction. So from here, we will track them.

[Alex]

Let's go.

Let's go.

Lion tracking.

[Guide/Expert]

Okay. And that's our national animal here in Botswana.

[Alex]

Oh, zebra.

[Guide/Expert]

Yeah.

[Alex]

Oh, hippos. Oh. Why did they all disappear when they came?

[Guide/Expert]

They go knock the vehicle to crocodiles.

[Alex]

Are they a threat? Yes. I love a place. Oh, here they go. Come on. Do me one more time. Let's go get him. Oh, his big butt. That was crazy. He's got a dumb. Made in town of the hippo. Meredith, you on that one.

On what?

Made in town of the hippo. Is he in the water?

[Guide/Expert]

Is y. Oh, he's in the water, but in a shallow water.

[Alex]

But aren't those things, like, majorly fast? Like, hippos are so fast?

[Guide/Expert]

Yes. They can do 30 km per an hour in the water and about 40 km per an hour on the land.

[Alex]

So they're fast on land.

Hippos can't swim. Hippos can't swim. They run on the water. They go shallow. They go shallow. Or they, like, dive deep and run on the bottom. Yeah. And they run so fast on the bottom of the water. How? I. I think. What? On this side, I heard something.

[Guide/Expert]

Sounds like a lion.

[Alex]

Yeah, I did too. We're ready. I'm locked in.

[Guide/Expert]

Think maybe the lions went that direction?

[Alex]

Okay.

[Guide/Expert]

Yeah. So we're going to drive around and check on that side as well.

[Alex]

Sam, Sa.