Indiana natives Carmela Roeschlein and Jasmine McNew had the opportunity to conquer their fears while competing for a $50,000 cash prize on MTV’s “Fear Factor,” a reboot of the popular show known for pushing contestants beyond their comfort zones and into extreme situations. Roeschlein, who played D1 basketball in Indiana and is afraid of confined spaces, and McNew, who loves running track and is afraid of sharks, felt their athleticism and competitive natures would grant them an advantage on the show.
“We thought it would be really cool to be on it because we grew up watching the show. So we submitted (an application) for it and got a call back,” said Roeschlein, who found the listing on a talent agency’s website.
Before finding “Fear Factor” fame, the ladies met at Indiana University while celebrating homecoming, becoming instant friends and eventual roommates. They competed on an episode titled “Once Bitten, Twice Trapped,” where teams of roommates were submerged in a pit of snakes, scorpions and other critters; took part in a mental mousetrap game and were attached to a 300-pound anchor and dragged to the bottom of a large body of water.
“To me, the most challenging competition was the water one. It’s scary, because on the other ones you know that you can at least inhale, it’s the fear of drowning that made that aspect very scary,” said McNew.
Though they didn’t walk away with the cash prize, they both say they wouldn’t trade the experience for the world and have developed friendships with the other contestants. They have gone out to dinner and to the gym with contestants they met on the show. The ladies say they are looking for more opportunities to compete and would love the chance to be on another one of their favorite shows, “The Amazing Race.”
Watch new episodes of Fear Factor on Tuesdays at 10/9c on MTV.
