The MeatEater Podcast: Episode 653 – "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CXLVIII"

Release Date: January 22, 2025

Overview

In Episode 653 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Spencer Newharth takes center stage as the charismatic host of MeatEater Trivia, the podcast's unique game show where conservation always triumphs. Joining Spencer are enthusiastic participants Giannis Randall, Brody, Seth, Tressa, Corey, and Hansi. Over the course of ten riveting trivia rounds, the contestants navigate questions spanning four verticals: hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. The stakes are high, with MeatEater pledging a $500 donation to the winner's chosen conservation organization.

Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to lively banter, strategic thinking, and insightful discussions that not only entertain but also educate on various outdoor and conservation topics. Notable moments include humorous exchanges, strategic gameplay, and enriching explanations of correct answers, making the trivia both fun and informative.

Detailed Summary

Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

[01:41] Spencer Newharth introduces the trivia segment:

"Welcome to MeatEater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins. I'm your host, Spencer Newharth..."

He outlines the structure:

• 10 rounds of trivia
• Four verticals: Hunting, Fishing, Conservation, Cooking
• Prize: $500 donated to a conservation organization chosen by the winner.

Notable Insight: Spencer shares intriguing statistics about perfect games:

"In 2024, we saw a big uptick in winners getting 10 questions correct. Prior to last year, we had five perfect games ever, but in 2024 we had seven."

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Question 1: Conservation

[06:31] Spencer Newharth poses the first question:

"Which of these is not a fee-free day in national parks for 2025? Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Veterans Day, or Christmas?"

Participants' Responses:

• Corey and Randall suspected Christmas.

Correct Answer:

• Christmas is not a fee-free day.

Spencer's Explanation:

"There are seven fee-free days for national parks this year, including MLK Day, Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and others, but not Christmas."

Question 2: Trapping

[09:32] Spencer Newharth presents a listener's question:

"This five-letter word is another name for a short-tailed weasel or ermine."

Participants' Guesses:

• Brody: Suggested cottontail (incorrect)
• Randall and Brody: Correctly identified stoat

Correct Answer:

• Stoat is another name for a short-tailed weasel or ermine.

Spencer's Insight:

"Stoat buck that trend... they have a gestation period of 280 days, which is similar to bison, moose, and humans."

Question 3: Hunting

[13:17] Spencer Newharth asks:

"This brand started making jewelry in 1895 and binoculars in 1935."

Participants' Guesses:

• Majority answered Swarovski

Correct Answer:

• Swarovski, an Austrian company renowned for high-quality crystals and gemstones.

Spencer's Commentary:

"Swarovski followed up their success by making rifle scopes in 1959 and telescopes in 1991."

Question 4: Public Lands

[15:06] Spencer Newharth inquires:

"The Ruby Ridge standoff, which Randy Weaver claims was incorrectly named, happened in this state."

Participants' Guesses:

• Brody, Randall, Tressa: Correctly answered Idaho

Correct Answer:

• Idaho

Clarification:

"It should have been called the Caribou Ridge standoff, not Ruby Ridge."

Question 5: Wildlife

[18:26] Spencer Newharth poses:

"Western timber, pygmy, Mojave tiger, blacktail, and Great Basin are all types of this animal."

Participants' Guesses:

• Majority identified Rattlesnake

Correct Answer:

• Rattlesnake

Educational Tidbit:

"There are more than 30 types of rattlesnakes in North America, with the eastern diamondback being the continent's largest venomous snake."

Question 6: Mountain Men

[22:40] Spencer Newharth asks:

"This person, whose biography declared him California's greatest mountain man, was related to Samuel Adams and John Quincy Adams."

Participants' Guesses:

• Randall and Hansi: Correctly answered Grizzly Adams

Correct Answer:

• Grizzly Adams, known for capturing wild animals like grizzlies during the California Gold Rush.

Spencer's Insight:

"Grizzly Adams was born in Massachusetts in 1812 and became famous for raising wild animals as pets after moving to California."

Question 7: Woodsmanship

[26:38] Spencer Newharth queries:

"The National Weather Service describes this type of snowstorm as when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes."

Participants' Guesses:

• Majority answered Lake Effect

Correct Answer:

• Lake Effect

Spencer's Explanation:

"States most impacted include parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont, home to America's four snowiest cities."

Question 8: Cooking

[29:22] Spencer Newharth presents:

"McCormick says this ingredient has a subtle licorice flavor and is what brings Italian sausage and marinara sauce to life."

Participants' Guesses:

• Majority answered Fennel or Fennel Seed

Correct Answer:

• Fennel

Culinary Insight:

"Fennel seed flavor is described as bold and sweet with warm notes of licorice, commonly used in Spanish, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines."

Question 9: Conservation

[33:35] Spencer Newharth inquires:

"Name two of the five states with the most acres of military-owned land."

Participants' Guesses:

• Brody: Correctly answered New Mexico and Alaska

Correct Answer:

• New Mexico, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Alaska

Spencer's Commentary:

"New Mexico has nearly 4 million acres of military land, the most in the U.S."

Question 10: Fishing

[39:02] Spencer Newharth asks:

"The U.S. Forest Service defines this six-letter word as the shallower, faster-moving sections of a stream where rocks break the water surface."

Participants' Guesses:

• Majority answered Riffle

Correct Answer:

• Riffle

Spencer's Explanation:

"Riffles create pools by carving out the stream's bottom and sides, forming the foundation for aquatic ecosystems."

Final Results

After a series of competitive rounds, Brody Henderson emerges victorious with nine correct answers, securing the $500 donation to the TRCP (The Roberts Trust Conservation Program). His strategic knowledge and keen responses highlight the depth of expertise among MeatEater's community.

Brody's Winning Moment:

"Congratulations, Brody."
"Brody sending $500 to TRCP today."

Conclusion

Episode 653 of The MeatEater Podcast masterfully blends entertainment with education through its engaging trivia format. Host Spencer Newharth fosters a spirited environment where participants not only compete but also share valuable insights and anecdotes related to the outdoors and conservation. From discussions on rattlesnakes to the intricacies of military land conservation, the episode serves as a testament to the rich knowledge and passion within the MeatEater community.

Listeners are encouraged to participate in future trivia games by submitting their questions, ensuring that conservation remains at the heart of every challenge. As always, the episode underscores MeatEater's commitment to deepening the understanding of the natural world and promoting its preservation.

Notable Quotes:

• Spencer Newharth [01:41]:
  "This is a 10 round quiz show with questions from MeatEater’s four verticals which are hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking."

• Spencer Newharth [26:16]:
  "Grizzly Adams was born in Massachusetts in 1812... famous for capturing wild animals like grizzlies that he'd raise as pets."

• Spencer Newharth [20:36]:
  "There are more than 30 types of rattlesnakes in North America."

• Brody Henderson [10:28]:
  "One of the greatest wildlife encounters we've ever had... That ermine stayed on him and eventually killed it."

• Spencer Newharth [39:52]:
  "Most streams have a basic pattern that's explained by the riffle pool run sequence."

This episode not only provides a platform for community engagement but also reinforces MeatEater's dedication to conservation through informed discussions and strategic philanthropy.