She was a breakout star on Survivor, a relentless public defender in NYC, a candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, and now a sought-after legal commentator. But behind every chapter of Eliza Orlins’ public life is a deeper mission: speaking truth, challenging power, and refusing to be boxed in.
In this episode of Misunderstood, Eliza opens up about the surprising throughline between reality TV and real-life justice work, the toll of fighting a broken legal system, what really happened on the campaign trail—and why she’s stepping into a new role as a public voice for change.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why Eliza left reality TV behind to become a public defender
• The emotional and moral weight of defending people the system wants to discard
• What it’s really like to run for public office as a progressive outsider
• How media, politics, and the justice system are dangerously intertwined
• The power of being underestimated—and how Eliza’s still rewriting her story
Connect with Eliza Orlins:
Website: https://www.elizaorlins.com
Instagram: @elizaorlins (https://www.instagram.com/elizaorlins/)
Twitter/X: @elizaorlins (https://twitter.com/elizaorlins)
⸻
If you loved this episode, don’t forget to rate and review Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel. And share it with someone who’s not afraid to evolve.
Like what you hear?
Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review Misunderstood with Rachel Uchitel on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
And share this episode with someone who lives for the truth behind the headlines.
Shop Miss Understood Merch https://mumerch.com/
Follow Rachel on TikTok!
Follow Rachel on Instagram
Executive Producer: George Carmona
Please like, share, subscribe, and give us a 5-star review!
Do you have show ideas, media requests or sponsorship opportunities?
Email the show at: infomissunderstoodpodcast@gmail.com
Watch every episode on YouTube! @missunderstoodpodcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts!
Watch every episode on Patreon: Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel Patreon