Outlast season 2 premiered on Netflix on September 4, 2024, featuring Joey DiDesidero, a 34-year-old contestant from Benton City, Washington. Joey works in radioactive and hazardous waste construction management. His Instagram handle is @joey_didesidero, where he shares aspects of his professional and personal life.
Outlast is a reality competition series that tests contestants' survival skills in challenging outdoor conditions. The show features participants competing in survival challenges in rugged wilderness environments, and Joey's background aligns with the demands of the competition.
Joey DiDesidero from Outlast season 2
Early life and education
Joey DiDesidero grew up in Benton City, Washington, where he developed a connection to the outdoors. His Chickasaw Indian heritage adds to his ties to nature and adventure. Joey pursued higher education at Columbia Basin College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Business between 2006 and 2008, graduating with a 3.6 GPA.
He later attended Washington State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in management organization with a minor in construction management from 2009 to 2012. He graduated with a 3.3 GPA and was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), aligning his studies with his future career in construction management.
His experience in the construction industry has allowed him to develop the practical problem-solving abilities necessary for both his career and his participation in survival challenges.
Career in construction management
Joey DiDesidero has worked in construction management for several years. Since March 2021, he has been employed as a construction estimator at Synergistics, Inc. in Kennewick, Washington. His previous roles include working as a cost estimator at Project Time & Cost, LLC, from 2018 to 2021, and serving as a project engineer and assistant project manager at Fowler General Construction, Inc. from 2017 to 2018.
Additionally, Joey has worked with Hoffman Construction Company for nearly six years in various roles, including as a project engineer and project engineer intern. During his time at Hoffman Construction, Joey worked on several projects, including the Mason General Hospital Surgery Addition and renovation in Shelton, Washington.
His time there gave him hands-on experience in construction management, helping him develop the skills needed to coordinate large-scale projects. His job roles have involved planning, cost estimation, and ensuring safety protocols are followed on construction sites.
Personal life and connection to the outdoors
Joey DiDesidero’s personal life includes living on a hobby farm with his family, where they are working towards self-sufficiency for a year. He and his wife also embarked on an eight-month backpacking trip through Europe during their honeymoon. His experiences on the farm and in outdoor settings contribute to his approach to survival and problem-solving in the wilderness.
These experiences align with the demands of Outlast season 2, where adaptability and resilience are essential. Joey’s background in managing his farm and handling various outdoor tasks supports his participation in Outlast’s survival challenges.
According to Netflix Tudum, Joey DiDesidero has shared his perspective on persistence and effort, stating:
"You only fail when you quit...With a strong back and a weak mind, you can accomplish anything."
To catch all the latest episodes and see how Joey fares in the challenges, stream Outlast season 2 on Netflix, starting September 4, 2024.