Armchair survivors need not apply. Teenage mother Star Maci Bookout thought she had what it takes to survive 14 days in the jungles of Nicaragua, on Discovery Channels Naked and afraid. But after just a few hours in the wild, she realized how difficult it really is to survive on the show.
Maci Bookout performed on “Naked and Afraid” in 2018
Bookout had her much-noticed appearance on Naked and afraid in 2018. Although she had no survival experience, she was confident she could overcome the challenge.
“As a mother, you are prepared for such a situation because the maternal instinct kicks in and gives me an advantage,” she said.
The reality star also had many Naked and afraid Follow, and she had strong opinions about people who gave up early. She vowed she wouldn’t be one of them.
“When I watch this show, one thing drives me crazy: people give up way too soon. They don’t give themselves a chance,” Bookout said. “At the first sign of distress, they give up, and then they’re finished. It’s going to be bad, but I’m not going to give up.”
The “Teen Mom” star gave up after just 24 hours
While Bookout felt good as he penetrated her Naked and afraid Challenge, she was soon confronted with the reality of having to survive in a hostile environment without clothing, food or supplies.
Although Bookout was able to start a fire, she had trouble walking barefoot over thorns. At one point, her partner had to carry her piggyback because she could no longer walk. “My feet feel like they’re dying,” she said.
After spending a night in the jungle, Bookout realized she couldn’t go on.
“Last night was hell… Sitting on the couch and watching the show is not the same. It’s fucking hard,” she said.
Bookout decided to abandon the challenge for the sake of both her mental health and the well-being of her partner.
“I’m retiring from this challenge,” she said. “It’s the best decision for me. I feel like if I stay here any longer, I’m really going to lose my mind. My mental state hasn’t been good for him, so the best thing for me is to get out of his way.”
Maci Bookout said her experience on “Naked and Afraid” was “incredible.”
Although Bookout had one of the shortest stays in Naked and afraid Story, she didn’t regret signing up for the show.
(Naked and afraid) was the most amazing (and painful) experience…even though I didn’t complete the challenge,” she tweeted after the episode aired. “I’m proud of myself for trying something completely terrifying and out of my comfort zone. I look forward to seeing my partner Justin at his best.”
“The whole process of N&A (training/attempting) has changed my life,” she added in a follow-up tweet. “My perspective and mindset is so much healthier than I could have imagined. Thank you to everyone who watched tonight. I hope you’re not too disappointed, but if you are disappointed, I hope you’re thankful for your couch and TV.”
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