Midland Texas Local Drake Vliem Wins $500,000 on Netflix's Outlast Season 2

In this week’s episode of Best of Midland Texas , hosts Ryan Shewchuk ??? and Terra Avery welcomed Drake Vliem, a proud Midland native, who recently split the grand prize of $1,000,000 on Season 2 of Netflix 's hit survival show, Outlast. The episode was full of inspiring stories, jaw-dropping survival tactics, and a deep dive into the emotional and physical toll of the competition.

From the Couch to the Wilderness

Drake’s journey to Outlast began after watching the first season of the show. Feeling confident in his survival skills, honed through years of backpacking and outdoor adventures, he decided to apply for Season 2.

"I watched Season 1 and thought, ‘I feel like I have more skills than a lot of people in the world. I’ve always enjoyed the survival aspect and the outdoors.’ So, I sent in an application."

After an intensive application process that included interviews and sending videos of his survival techniques, Drake landed a spot on the show. The real challenge was just beginning.

The 'Everything Diet' and Packing on the Pounds

To gear up for the Alaskan wilderness, Drake adopted what he called the "everything diet," a strategy to bulk up in anticipation of rapid weight loss.

"I went on what I like to call an ‘everything diet,’ I ate everything I could until my stomach hurt every day. When I hit the woods, I weighed 298 pounds. By the time I was done, I had lost 52 pounds in just 32 days."

This preparation proved critical as the grueling conditions took their toll on Drake and his team. Subsisting on a diet of seaweed, crabs, squirrels, and even slugs, the team had to survive on minimal resources while navigating the harsh Alaskan wilderness.

Teamwork and Integrity Above All

One of the key moments of the podcast came when Drake and the hosts discussed the notorious sabotage attempt by another contestant, Bayo. In the first episode, Bayo stole water cans from Drake's camp, setting a tense tone for the season.

"I didn’t see it happen, but when my teammate called me back to camp, I knew we had to protect ourselves. After that, we made sure to hide our supplies—our pot, our hatchet, even our bow. We didn’t want to play the dirty game."

Despite the challenges, Drake’s team maintained their integrity throughout the competition. His teammates were focused on fairness and survival, not sabotage, which stood out to viewers as a refreshing contrast to some of the more dramatic elements of other survival shows.

An Emotional Finish

One of the most emotional moments came when Drake recounted the final days of the competition. After spending over a month in isolation, a helicopter dropped a message that their journey would end in 48 hours.

"I just cried. I knew in two days, I’d be able to call my wife, and I’d get to see my children. It was a huge relief, and I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders."

Drake’s Permian Basin oil field background played a key role in his resilience. He credited his long workdays in the oil fields with giving him the mental and physical stamina to push through exhaustion and continue to work even when others were resting.

What’s Next for Drake Vliem?

As the podcast came to a close, Drake revealed his aspirations for the future. He’s interested in continuing his television career, whether in survival shows or other projects.

"I’d definitely go back if they did an all-star cast. I had the time of my life out there. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I think I could do it again. Plus, I wouldn’t mind another shot at the prize."

Drake also gave a special shout-out to his Outlast teammate, Drew Haas, who he credits as a crucial part of his success on the show.

"We still talk every day. He’s not just a teammate; he’s a friend for life."

A Proud Moment for Midland

Drake’s win on Outlast is a testament to his perseverance, work ethic, and love for the outdoors. His success not only brought pride to his family but also to the entire Midland Texas community.

Best of Midland Texas podcast is produced by Forty Wolves in Midland Texas.

This episode was recorded at Second Story Coworking .