Fraser Olender Spills On What He's Most Excited For, This Season On "Below Deck"
Last season, Fraser Olender was a newbie to the Below Deck crew -- but with one more season (and a new title!) under his belt, he's officially a seasoned member of the cast.
We sat down with the new chief stew to hear more about his experience filming his second season, as opposed to his first.
Plus, he shares what he's most excited for viewers to see, this time around.
Fraser Opens Up About How Life Has Changed Since Joining The Show
Before getting into the details of his second season, we had to know more about how his life has changed, since joining the show in the first place.
However, for anyone hoping for a major 180, think again - because this reality star muses that in truth, not much has changed.
"I've continued to work at the level I've always worked, if not higher, and I've grown a lot - but I have not changed, myself."
Well, we do stan a chief stew who stays true to themselves!
Fraser Earmarks The Biggest Difference Between His First And Second Season
Fraser may have had some difficulty getting yachting jobs outside of the Below Deck universe, but when it came to the show, this season, we've only seen him move onwards and upwards.
In fact, asked what the biggest difference between his two seasons has been, he points to his promotion, first and foremost.
And, while he certainly had some butterflies, going into the experience - "It was terrifying," he admits - he couldn't have been happier about the opportunity.
"I was so excited and honored to be the first male chief working under my favorite captain in the world, and I still feel great about it. Totally great!"
Having said that, Fraser continues that, particularly going in to the new season, he's had a resurgence of the nerves.
"I was very nervous about the new season, because I was very nervous on the boat."
As for what prompted the anxieties, he chalks that up to first-time jitters.
"I didn't feel I was experienced enough, which I think was just a bit of self-doubt."
But, as is the case with first-time fears in general, once he got the hang of his new position, the butterflies melted away pretty quickly.
"I was terrified, but everything went really well. I kept my head down, I stayed focused, I listened to my gut, and I worked as hard as I possibly could."
Hinting at what to expect later on, he smiles, "Thankfully, there is a great outcome at the end of the season, so I'm very pleased."
Fraser Reveals What He's Most Excited About, This Time Around
Another major difference this season?
The audience will get to know Fraser a little better - and he's thrilled about it.
"I'm really excited for fans to see a bit more of me. I don't feel like that much of me was shown last season, so I think some of the stuff that was shown was misunderstood."
"I'm really hoping," he goes on, "that I can come out a little bit more to everyone - and that people can appreciate my hard work ethic, but more so my absolute love and passion for the industry, and for luxury hospitality."
Fraser Ranks The Best And Worst Parts Of Being On The Show
It's safe to say that Fraser wouldn't change his experience on Below Deck for the world.
However, we couldn't help but wonder if there were any pitfalls.
"The worst is that you're never going to be everyone's favorite," he shrugs.
"You'll never have everyone liking you, and sometimes, you get a lot of unwelcome judgment. You can't really do anything about that, but I guess that's what we sign up for."
At the end of the day, he shares that he chooses to focus on the pros, rather than the cons - and luckily, the former far outweigh the latter.
"The best part of being on the show is that I get to do what I love and have the rest of the word watch and appreciate what I do, as well. I don't feel like many have that opportunity, so it's just such a bonus."
"I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful job that brings me so many opportunities," he nods.
There's Just One Thing He Wishes He Knew, Before The Show ...
For Fraser Olender, starring on Below Deck is a dream come true - though asked if he wishes he knew anything before signing on, he flashes a knowing smile.
"We have no idea who we are filming with, where we're filming, where we're working, or any information as far as we can see. And I think, 'Wouldn't it be nicer to go in with preparation?'"
However, he laughs that it's precisely that unpreparedness that makes for a show fans tune in to, season after season.
"Of course, it would be easier with preparation, but it's a total crazy house - and that's part of the fun!"
We couldn't agree more!
Fans can catch all-new episodes of Below Deck every Tuesday on Hayu.
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