“I definitely had an adventurous spirit that’s been passed down by my parents,” said Baggenstos, who has traveled to such far-flung places as Turkey, Bolivia, Cuba, Tokyo and Thailand.

Baggenstos can now add Cambodia to his list of exotic destinations. He said that when he landed on Kaôh Rōng, he felt an initial rush of excitement.

“It was surreal, exciting,” Baggenstos said. “My heart was pumping out of my chest.”

Baggenstos said among the challenges he faced on the show was hiding his excitement, maintaining a calm, doctor-like exterior — and also enduring periods of hunger.

But his greatest challenge was “the constant social gameplay.”

“You have to play the game at all times,” said Baggenstos, who added that even while he was sleeping he was thinking of his next move and the intentions of his fellow castaways.

“Every word and action has meaning,” he said.

He said he was excited for his Butte friends to see him on the show.

“People who know me will certainly be entertained,” said Baggenstos.