Summary of "Ep. 636: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CXLII"

Podcast: The MeatEater Podcast
Host: Steven Rinella
Episode Title: Ep. 636: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CXLII
Release Date: December 11, 2024

In Episode 636 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CXLII," host Steven Rinella teams up with co-host Giannis Patelis to present an engaging and competitive trivia game focused on outdoor topics such as hunting, fishing, conservation, cooking, and gear. The episode features contestants Giannis Brody, Randall, Cal, Marge, Corey, and Logan, each vying for the chance to have MeatEater donate $500 to their chosen conservation organization.

Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

The episode begins with Giannis Patelis welcoming listeners to MeatEater Trivia, emphasizing the show's commitment to conservation. Patelis proudly announces, "MeatEater Trivia has now donated $150,000 to more than 20 different conservation organizations" (02:46). He thanks partners like Yeti and Athletic Brewing for their support, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the show's conservation initiatives.

Contestant Introductions and Game Mechanics

Contestants Giannis Brody, Randall, Cal, Marge, Corey, and Logan are introduced, each eager to compete in the ten-round quiz show. The trivia questions span four main verticals: hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. Participants accumulate points with each correct answer, and the highest scorer wins the opportunity to direct the $500 donation to a conservation group of their choice.

Round Highlights and Notable Discussions

Round 1: Conservation

Question 1: Which of these national parks is not located in multiple states?

• Yellowstone
• Great Smoky Mountains
• Death Valley
• Shenandoah

Contestants initially grapple with the question, unsure of the correct answer. Ultimately, Shenandoah National Park emerges as the sole park confined to a single state (Shenandoah is in Virginia). Giannis Patelis explains, "Yellowstone is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Great Smoky Mountains spans North Carolina and Tennessee. Death Valley is in California and Nevada" (07:40).

Notable Quote: Randall humorously maintains his uncertain stance:

"I don't know." (02:54)

Round 2: Hunting

Question 2: Identify the artist of a song about hound hunting based on an audio clip.

After playful banter and attempts to guess the song's origin, the correct answer is revealed as Tyler Childers' "Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven." The hosts delve into how the song pays homage to traditional country music and encapsulates the spirit of the "earthly good old boy."

Notable Quote: Corey quips about his challenge with the question:

"It was a good one line I can." (09:17)

Round 3: Cooking

Question 3: What is the eight-letter French word for broth, often stored as a powder?

Contestants unanimously answer "bouillon," with discussions differentiating between bouillon cubes and powder. Giannis Patelis recommends a bone broth recipe from themeat.com for listeners interested in making their own.

Notable Quote: Brody expresses skepticism about the powdered form:

"With the question, I can't say that in all my years I've ever encountered powdered bullion." (15:24)

Round 4: Gear

Question 4: Which brand won the grand prize at the 1909 World's Fair for its vacuum-insulated bottles?

Contestants grapple with the options before discerning that Thermos is the correct answer. Giannis clarifies the brand's historical significance and its impact during World War II.

Notable Quote: Randall confidently answers, later contradicted by Giannis:

"Stanley." (17:41)

Round 5: Fishing

Question 5: John Steinbeck wrote that fishing is "the last remaining way for a man to be alone without being suspected of some secret sin."

Participants correctly identify John Steinbeck as the author, leading to discussions about Steinbeck's personal views on fishing and its role in his life and conservation efforts.

Notable Quote: Corey laments missing the answer despite familiarity with Steinbeck:

"It's killing me that I couldn't." (22:32)

Round 6: Conservation

Question 6: What does FEMA stand for?

Despite lighthearted interactions, contestants correctly answer "Federal Emergency Management Agency." The discussion expands on FEMA's role in conservation beyond disaster management, including environmental reviews and wetland restoration.

Notable Quote: Corey highlights FEMA's broader impact:

"Agencies like this, there's a bunch of cash available in the conservation world." (27:59)

Round 7: Trapping

Question 7: What is the name of the trap with two rectangular frames that slam shut when triggered, named after its inventor?

The answer "Conabear" surfaces, named after Frank Connabert who designed the trap in 1929. Conversations delve into the trap's humane design inspired by everyday objects.

Notable Quote: Cal jokes about the Roadrunner:

"The Roadrunner would go through it and then Wiley would inspect it..." (31:07)

Round 8: Fishing

Question 8: What term does the Monterey Bay Aquarium use to describe the highest high tides and lowest low tides of the year?

Contestants identify "king tide" as the correct answer, with Giannis elaborating on the phenomenon's impact, including extreme flooding in certain areas.

Notable Quote: Cal reflects on astronomical influences:

"It's hemisphere specific, too." (33:35)

Round 9: Cooking

Question 9: According to Eater magazine, which two New England states are best known for cream-based clam chowder?

The correct states are Maine and Massachusetts. Discussions highlight regional variations like Manhattan and Rhode Island clam chowders.

Notable Quote: Corey shares his appreciation despite household complaints:

"Every time you make them, somebody complains about the smell in the house." (38:50)

Round 10: Hunting

Question 10: When Federal introduced the .224 caliber in 2017, they named the cartridge after female warriors in Norse mythology. What is its name?

Contestants accurately answer "Valkyrie," referencing the mythological maidens. Giannis provides background on the cartridge's development and its popularity during ammunition shortages.

Notable Quote: Corey expresses excitement about acquiring related firearms:

"I'm ordering a flintlock... super excited about." (42:05)

Scoreboard and Winner Announcement

Throughout the rounds, the scoreboard remains tight, with contestants gaining and losing points based on their answers. By the final question, Yanni emerges as the winner with eight correct answers, securing the $500 donation to the Alaska BHA, a conservation organization dedicated to preserving wildlife.

Notable Quote: Yanni eagerly accepts the victory:

"Sending $500 to the Alaska BHA." (45:08)

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to all participants and sponsors. Giannis Patelis encourages listeners to engage with future trivia games and continue supporting conservation efforts. The hosts emphasize the importance of community involvement in preserving the natural world, aligning with the podcast's mission to enrich lives through a deeper understanding of nature.

Notable Quote: Patelis wraps up with enthusiasm:

"Join us next week for more MeatEater Trivia. The only game show where conservation always wins." (46:22)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the trivia episode, highlighting key moments, discussions, and the competitive spirit that underscores MeatEater's commitment to conservation. Notable quotes are interspersed with timestamps to provide context and enhance engagement for readers unfamiliar with the episode.