Suvechha Sarkar
Hulu’s game show ‘Got to Get Out’ provides the audience with adrenaline-fueled escapes and mental warfare, leaving everyone on the edge. Each of the 20 diverse contestants of season 1 brought their own spark to the game, and Stein Retzlaff undoubtedly stood out. He emerged as one of the players who quietly planned his strategy in the background, remaining unnoticed by most of the formidable contestants. Although initially nervous, Stein quickly built easygoing relationships with the others and ultimately won the challenge.
Stein Retzlaff Outsmarted the Other Contestants With His Observant Nature
From the very beginning, Stein chose observation over action. With a calm and quiet demeanor, he studied everyone else’s escape plans to understand what he could do to win the prize. His low profile and genuine approach made him one of the trusted players in the group. When the reality star paired up with Kim and Spencer for a complex puzzle challenge, nerves got the best of him. However, when Kim complimented his clever thinking, it gave him a much-needed confidence boost. He managed to form a strong alliance with them, being a part of their exit strategy. However, their plan eventually crumbled, leaving him to navigate other options.
Despite the failure, Stein refused to give up, and the trust he gained along the way turned into an unexpected advantage for him. Cynthia AKA “the button lady” decided to share her clue with him, believing in his integrity. They executed their plan flawlessly, with Stein as the runner and her deciding to hold off pressing the button long enough for him to escape. When he finally reached the gate and won $312,000, there was a moment of doubt for his partner, who wondered if he would truly split the winnings. However, Stein stayed true to his character and kept his word that he would share the prize.
Stein is an Adventure Filmmaker Who Revels in His Creativity
Years before Stein’s entry into the world of reality TV, he was just a Truckee High School student with big dreams for himself. After graduating high school in 2012, his academic path led him to Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he pursued a degree in Economics and passed out in 2016. His career kicked off early in May 2011, when he took up a job as a lifeguard at the Tahoe Donner Association and held the role until August 2013. From there, he dabbled in several career streams, ranging from being a Golf Cart Runner to a Marketing Associate. Gradually, he carved his way through industries until he discovered his rhythm. By January 2016, Stein had assumed a major position as the President and Creative Director at Wyld Boys Adventure Media until October 2017.
Simultaneously, in March of the same year, Stein became the Co-founder and President at Intrepid Resource Management (IRM), where he promoted global awareness regarding waste dumping in remote parts of the world. Here, he began pouring his passion into storytelling as a filmmaker, photographer, and expedition leader until January 2024. In May 2017, Stein also delved deeper into a new chapter as a Social Media Marketing Consultant and Expedition Producer, blending his adventure advocacy and content creation into one wild ride until January 2019. He became the Founding Partner of Stay Wild in June of the same year, a move that helped him shape a global movement through purpose-driven media campaigns.
Stein has been serving as the Co-founder of Do Good Shit since January 2019 and is also the Co-CEO of Mosaic Studios which is an adventure media house that provides world-class adventure storytelling to luxury experiences. What makes his career more impressive is the list of incredible certifications that he currently holds, which includes a Red Cross first aid/CPR certificate, Wilderness First Responder, Avalanche Rescue, and Avalanche Pro 1 Certification. Stein has also garnered a decent fanbase on Instagram and currently has over 25K followers. He also has a namesake YouTube account, and on both these platforms, he shares glimpses into his personal and professional lives.
Stein’s Adventurous Spirit Takes Him to Different Corners of the World
Adventure is not just a thrill but a calling for Stein, which he has experienced since childhood. However, it took shape when he had an encounter with the renowned polar explorer Douglas Stoup, which cracked open the world of possibility before him. Their conversation ignited a lifelong fire in him, which led him to embark on expeditions to the coldest parts of Greenland and Antarctica. Whether it be trying to break records of skiing to the South Pole or volunteering across the globe, his zeal for adventure never ceases. Fuelled by causes bigger than himself, he has ventured to some of the most remote places in the world and blended his storytelling with environmental consciousness.
Stein has witnessed nature in its most breathtaking forms, among which his expeditions to Greenland and Antarctica stood out the most. Whether it is skiing alongside reindeer or being chased by the dancing aurora under the Arctic skies, the Truckee native never forgets to soak in its serenity right to the core. One of his most unforgettable adventures came in June 2024 during his first trip to Africa, where he experienced the rich wildlife of the continent amid their natural habitat. In October, Stein spent his time surrounded by curious penguins and watchful seals in the heart of Antarctica. In March 2025, the reality star reveled in the thrill of skiing in the Arctic, surrounded by the towering mountains.
Stein’s Roots Are Grounded in His Love For His Family and Friends
Stein was raised in a humble household in the quiet mountain town of Truckee, California. From childhood, he developed a deep love for his family, and the urge to achieve something for them has always been his motivation. Stein’s parents are the foundation that shaped his life and he maintains a close bond with them. His love for skiing stemmed from his mother’s profession as a ski instructor and his father being a skier. Apart from this, one of the most defining relationships in his life is with his younger brother, Thor. Their bond runs quite deep since he had been alongside him when he began his major expedition in early 2019.
From venturing together in the northernmost mountain range in the world to the raw wilderness of Patagonia, Stein and Thor constantly showcased what brotherhood meant to them. Stein also has a close bond with his second younger brother, Wulfe. Besides family, the reality star’s life is filled with his friends. Stein has continued to focus on his adventurous lifestyle and has been documenting every step of his journey. No matter what, he captures every fleeting moment and proudly shares them with the world.
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