Podcast Summary: Steven Rinella | The Man Behind MeatEater

Podcast: The Bobby Bones Show
Host: Granger Smith
Guest: Steven Rinella
Release Date: February 24, 2025

1. Introduction and Defining Steven Rinella’s Core Identity

• 00:07 - 01:22

Granger Smith welcomes Steven Rinella, initiating a conversation around defining Steve's multifaceted career. Granger challenges the simplistic labels often attributed to Steve, such as "hunter" or "outdoorsman," suggesting these titles don't fully encapsulate his essence.

Notable Quote:

Granger Smith [00:35]: "I think at your core is a storyteller."

Steve acknowledges this perspective, affirming his identity as a writer and storyteller alongside being an outdoorsman.

2. Storytelling in MeatEater: Engaging Narratives

• 01:22 - 05:05

The discussion delves into how MeatEater transcends typical hunting shows through compelling storytelling. Granger recounts watching an episode titled "Walking the Clouds," highlighting how the narrative kept him engaged even without the successful hunt.

Notable Quotes:

Granger Smith [02:00]: "I felt drawn into a story of a storyteller."

Steve Rinella [04:08]: "That's doll sheep hunting right there."

Steve explains the challenges they faced in the early days of MeatEater, emphasizing the shift from fearing unsuccessful hunts to embracing them as part of the narrative.

3. The Writer’s Journey: From Magazines to Television

• 05:05 - 10:25

Steve shares his background as a trained writer, detailing his progression from magazine articles to books, and eventually to television and podcasts. He emphasizes that his primary identity lies in writing, which shapes all his projects.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Rinella [07:35]: "I was born a writer. I'll die a writer."

Granger Smith [09:03]: "You're writing the story, and whether you're just telling to your kids or telling to your friends, this is just who you are."

Steve discusses the deliberate process behind crafting narratives for audiences unfamiliar with the hunting experience, highlighting the importance of voice-over (VO) in their storytelling approach.

4. Expanding into Hunting History: New Ventures

• 10:25 - 17:39

The conversation shifts to Steve’s new show on the History Channel, "Hunting History." Steve explains how his deep-rooted interest in American history and hunting naturally led to this project. He outlines the show's structure, which breaks down American history through the lens of different hunting eras and their economic and cultural impacts.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Rinella [16:07]: "We break up American history where we look at the deer skin trade from 1763 to 1775."

Granger Smith [14:07]: "It's like Morgan Freeman's narration in Shawshank Redemption. It moves quickly and is an extension of your brand."

5. Affinity for North American Culture: Louisiana and Beyond

• 17:39 - 28:43

Steve expresses his profound admiration for North American culture, particularly Cajun traditions in Louisiana. He recounts his first visits to Louisiana, impressed by the cultural continuity and the preservation of French language in local cuisine and fishing practices.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Rinella [24:22]: "What blew me away is the cultural continuity and cultural identity that the Cajuns held on to."

Granger Smith [26:54]: "All Louisiana listeners, Steve Rinella appreciates you and loves Cajuns!"

Steve reflects on his northern upbringing but shares how discovering Louisiana enriched his cultural appreciation.

6. Personal Reflections: Family, Upbringing, and Parenting

• 28:43 - 44:49

The dialogue becomes more personal as Steve discusses his upbringing, particularly the influence of his father—a World War II veteran and outdoorsman—on his passion for hunting and writing. He contrasts his supportive parenting style with the directional pressures often experienced by others, emphasizing encouragement over specific career paths for his children.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Rinella [30:43]: "We have to work hard; you're going to be in trouble if you don't."

Granger Smith [32:11]: "When did you lose him?"

Steve Rinella [35:37]: "I don't look at academic performance as the sole opportunity that sets their destiny."

Steve shares heartfelt memories of his father and the values that shaped his approach to life and parenting.

7. Hunting Preferences: Equipment and Favorite Game

• 44:49 - 49:28

In a lighter segment, Granger poses hunting-related questions to Steve. They discuss the hypothetical scenario of having one gun and one rifle for life hunts, with both opting for a 12 gauge shotgun and a .300 Winchester Magnum rifle. Steve elaborates on their preferences, emphasizing versatility and effectiveness across various game.

Notable Quotes:

Granger Smith [46:30]: "One gun, one rifle, and that's all. What are you taking?"

Steve Rinella [46:36]: "We both decided it would be a 12 gauge and we would just become slug hunters for big game."

8. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Concerns and Insights

• 49:28 - 61:45

A significant portion of the conversation addresses Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a prion disease affecting deer populations. Steve articulates his concerns about its spread, potential impact on deer herds, and the unproven risk of transmission to humans. He criticizes current eradication efforts, such as mass culling, and advocates for unbiased research to better understand and manage the disease.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Rinella [51:24]: "I believe it is a somewhat new disease, and I think that it's spreading from deer to deer."

Steve Rinella [56:12]: "I would like to continue us hunters, anglers, livestock producers, continue to explore research and fund research."

Granger Smith [59:14]: "There's no place where you can go look and see that any human efforts have done anything to get rid of it."

Steve emphasizes the importance of informed opinions and comprehensive research to address CWD effectively without undermining hunting communities.

9. Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

• 61:37 - End

Granger commends Steve for his insightful contributions and highlights the importance of discussing issues like CWD openly. Steve reciprocates the appreciation, urging listeners to stay informed and form educated opinions on wildlife diseases.

Notable Quotes:

Granger Smith [61:37]: "Thank you, brother. I appreciate your time."

Steve Rinella [61:44]: "Try to draw information from a variety of sources and weigh it out in your head."

Key Takeaways

• Steven Rinella’s Multifaceted Identity: Beyond being a hunter and outdoorsman, Steve identifies primarily as a storyteller and writer, influencing all his projects.

• Storytelling in Hunting Media: MeatEater distinguishes itself through engaging narratives that captivate audiences, even when hunts are unsuccessful.

• Historical Perspective: Steve's new show, Hunting History, integrates his love for American history with hunting, offering deep dives into different hunting eras and their societal impacts.

• Cultural Appreciation: Steve’s admiration for Cajun culture in Louisiana underscores his broader appreciation for North American traditions and their preservation.

• Personal Values: Influenced by his father's supportive and non-directional approach, Steve emphasizes encouragement and broad opportunities for his children rather than specific career pressures.

• Hunting Preferences: Shared insights into preferred hunting equipment and game reflect Steve’s practical and versatile approach to the sport.

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Steve raises important concerns about CWD's spread and management, advocating for informed research and criticizing current eradication methods that may harm hunting communities without proving effective.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Granger Smith [00:35]: "I think at your core is a storyteller."

• Steve Rinella [07:35]: "I was born a writer. I'll die a writer."

• Granger Smith [14:07]: "It's like Morgan Freeman's narration in Shawshank Redemption. It moves quickly and is an extension of your brand."

• Steve Rinella [24:22]: "What blew me away is the cultural continuity and cultural identity that the Cajuns held on to."

• Steve Rinella [35:37]: "I don't look at academic performance as the sole opportunity that sets their destiny."

• Steve Rinella [51:24]: "I believe it is a somewhat new disease, and I think that it's spreading from deer to deer."

• Steve Rinella [56:12]: "I would like to continue us hunters, anglers, livestock producers, continue to explore research and fund research."

• Steve Rinella [61:44]: "Try to draw information from a variety of sources and weigh it out in your head."

This episode offers a deep dive into Steven Rinella’s philosophy, career, and personal life, highlighting his commitment to storytelling, historical exploration, and addressing critical issues affecting the hunting community. Listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of balancing tradition with modern challenges in the outdoors.