Austin contestant on new season of "The Circle"

Catch up quick: Contestants on the reality show compete in a virtual popularity contest. Some contestants catfish as other people, but Staff heads to "The Circle" as himself.

• The most popular player wins $100,000.

The intrigue: For the first time, an AI bot will play the game as the ultimate catfish.

We reached out to Staff, a 25-year-old photographer who grew up in Victoria, to learn about his life in Austin.

• This interview has been condensed and edited lightly for clarity.

What's your favorite place to eat in Austin?

"God that's a hard one. I feel like I have a favorite for each genre so that makes it difficult. However, Sammie's on West Sixth has my heart. Something about the environment makes me feel like there's an old couple in the back making the food themselves."

What are your favorite things to do for fun here?

"I mean hiking/being in nature is such a go to for me. I love going to the Hill of Life on the greenbelt or paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake. Now, as for nightlife, Barbarella's has a special place in my soul."

Where are you from? When did you move to Austin?

"I am from little ole Victoria, Texas! Lived there practically my entire life. Right after I graduated high school in 2017, I moved out to Austin and haven't looked back! Honestly I don't think I would live anywhere else in Texas."

📺 How to watch: Episodes 1-4 land on Netflix starting Wednesday.

• Four new episodes drop every Wednesday before the May 8 season finale.