Where You At, Sis?

By Marya Sherron | Documentary Director & Lead Storyteller

There’s a fire that many women know all-to-well — a fire forged in multitasking, mending, showing up, staying up, building what’s needed when it doesn’t yet exist. I’ve seen it. I’ve carried it. And lately, I’ve found myself wondering:

Where are the female fire creators?  

Where are the women carrying the fire in Live Reality Games — not just to play, but to create?

I’ve been holding onto this question for a while now. I planned to write this post in time for Women’s History Month — and maybe I still will. But the message? It doesn’t need to wait for a commemorative month. This isn’t seasonal. It’s structural. It’s real. It’s timely.

If you’ve been in the LRG world long enough, you’ve seen the pattern. The cast gets announced. The prep begins. And just a few weeks before filming, a few players drop — often women. Suddenly, the scramble begins:

“Looking for a female player to round out the cast.”

“Need one more woman to balance the tribe.”

“Can anyone fill in last-minute?”

I’ve been on the receiving end of those messages. I’ve answered them myself.

And I get it. I truly do. I know what it takes to step away from your family, your job, your responsibilities — just to go play in the woods. I know the planning, the sacrifice, the juggling act behind what looks like “just a game.” I know the layers a woman has to sort through to say yes.

I also know the expressions I get when I tell people (especially women) how much I love competing outdoors — never mind the bugs, the challenges, the camping, the late nights, the people. It catches them off guard (I guess I don't look like the outdoorsy type). It doesn’t fit their image. That’s fine ... I love to surprise people.

What I haven’t made peace with is this:

Why are there still so few women building the games we love to play?

In the fall of 2024 when I began conducting interviews for the LRG Nation book, I was blown when I couldn’t find a female creator to interview. I started paying closer attention to our community make-up and I couldn’t ignore the facts. The number of female creators in this space is shockingly low. I’m not talking about support staff or co-hosts. I’m talking about creators — the visionaries. I'm talking about the originators.

There are only a few. And the ones who exist? They are exceptional.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to play in Survive, the 8-day endurance game held in McHenry, Illinois. It was designed and hosted by Nikki — and it was nothing short of phenomenal. Every moment was intentional. Every challenge, conversation, twist, and camp dynamic carried her mark. Nikki doesn’t just host a game. She constructs an experience. She’s methodical, imaginative, compassionate, and strategic. And her “why” is undeniable. You can feel it in the way she leads.

And then there’s Frances Wiley, who launched her/their own game in the fall of 2024 — The Frances Franchise. Let me say this: Frances is that woman. Resourceful, fearless, and fiercely fun. She/they didn’t wait for a seat at the table — she/they built their own. Applications for The Frances Franchise in May are already open, and if you’re sleeping on this game, you shouldn’t be.

I’m also watching women host like Alisha (CYS) and Alyson (Outlast) - they show up and lead in ways that shape the very culture of their games. Their presence matters. Their leadership speaks.

So no — this isn’t a complaint. It’s a call.

It’s a reminder that there are women out there who love this community, who have vision, who’ve played enough games to know exactly what they’d do differently — but haven’t yet stepped forward to build. And I want to ask you: why not you?

Why not design the game you’ve always wanted to play?

Why not shift from being chosen to being the one who chooses?

Why not stop waiting for someone to invite you to play — and instead create the world where others show up to experience your vision?

What if your win wasn’t about Final Tribal — but about impact? Legacy? Ownership?

A crown is cool.

But what about building a castle on your own estate. 

This space needs more of you.

Your leadership.

Your creativity.

Your heart.

Your fire.

So again, Sis…Where you at?

We’re ready for you.

It’s Time. 

Post-Script: First, I am certain that there are more female creators than I am aware of. If you know of any, leave a comment. Second. there are many groups that are underrepresented in all aspects of the LRG community. Our hope is that this Blog can serve as a bridge to help fill those gaps. But this post ... it's unapologetically for my sisters.