Episode Summary: "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CXLIX" – The MeatEater Podcast (Ep. 656)

Release Date: January 29, 2025

In Episode 656 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CXLIX," host Spencer Newarth transforms the usually rugged discussions of hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking into a lively and competitive trivia game. Joined by a diverse group of guests—Alyssa, Chili, Christine, Corey, Logan, Nate, Roman, and Tressa—Spencer orchestrates a spirited contest where knowledge battles with quick wit, all in the spirit of conservation.

Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

From the outset (01:38), Spencer Newarth introduces the trivia format as a "jabroni episode," playfully setting the stage for friendly competition. He outlines the rules: a 10-round quiz spanning four verticals—hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking—with a charitable twist. The prize? MeatEater pledges to donate $500 to a conservation organization of the winner’s choice, matched by sponsor Athletic Brewing, potentially totaling a $1,500 donation.

Spencer Newarth (02:04):
"...the only game show where conservation always wins."

The contestants bring their unique strengths to the table, each identifying their best category:

• Alyssa: Cooking
• Chili: Cooking
• Christine: Fishing
• Corey: (Initially uncertain, later identified as Hunting)
• Logan: Hunting
• Nate: Fishing
• Roman: Cooking
• Tressa: Cooking

Round-by-Round Highlights

Question 1: Woodsmanship (06:03)

Topic: Biology
Question: According to Cornell University, what is the rarest flower color among 280,000 known plants?
Options: White, Blue, Yellow, Red

Most contestants leaned toward "blue," uncovering a botanical rarity:

Spencer Newarth (07:17):
"Less than 1 in 10 flowers is blue, making it one of nature's rarest colors."

Result: All but Nate answered correctly with "blue."

Question 2: Fishing (07:43)

Topic: State Regulations
Question: Which state banned all recreational fishing for over a month at the start of the COVID pandemic?

Christine correctly identified Washington, highlighting the state's stringent measures during the pandemic:

Spencer Newarth (09:05):
"Washington announced on March 25, 2020, that all recreational fishing would become illegal starting at midnight."

Question 3: Biology (10:04)

Topic: Vocabulary
Question: What six-letter word defines a large cage or covered area for birds?

The correct answer, "aviary," was swiftly chosen by Alyssa and Nate:

Spencer Newarth (11:11):
"An aviary can be as small as a cage or as big as an entire building."

Question 4: Gear (14:00)

Topic: Regional Symbols
Question: In 2021, which knife did Texas declare its official state knife, named after its inventor?

Corey and Nate seized the moment with "Bowie," referencing the iconic Bowie knife:

Spencer Newarth (14:55):
"The Bowie knife headquarters are in Texas, where you'll also find the world's biggest bowie knife, which is 20ft long and 3,000 pounds."

Question 5: Hunting (16:05)

Topic: Retail History
Question: Which big-box store, famous for its Blue Light Special, ceased selling handguns in the 1970s and ammunition in 2001?

Despite multiple attempts, none guessed correctly. The answer was "Kmart," a nod to retail's shifting landscapes:

Spencer Newarth (19:18):
"Kmart has become an endangered species in the last decade, with only five locations remaining."

Question 6: Cooking (23:10)

Topic: Agriculture
Question: Which state produces 60% of America's cranberry crop?

Participants struggled, with no correct answers. The correct response was "Wisconsin," a powerhouse in cranberry production:

Spencer Newarth (25:41):
"Wisconsin is the leading cranberry producer, followed by Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Oregon."

Question 7: Fishing – Moneyball Question (26:17)

Topic: Geography
Question: Which Greek letter names a wetland where a river meets an ocean?

Christine, Nate, and Logan correctly answered "Delta," emphasizing the environmental significance of deltas:

Spencer Newarth (27:58):
"A delta is nutrient-rich and known for high densities of vegetation, waterfowl, and fish."

This correctly answered Moneyball question resulted in a $300 donation to the National Wild Turkey Federation, compounded by Athletic Brewing’s matching contribution.

Question 8: Conservation (30:29)

Topic: Environmental Practices
Question: What 11-letter USDA term defines a linear planting of trees or shrubs for environmental purposes?

The answer, "shelter belt," was elusive, leaving contestants to grapple with their knowledge:

Spencer Newarth (31:10):
"Shelter belts are planted to protect farmsteads, save energy, and enhance wildlife habitat."

Question 9: Natural History (33:10)

Topic: Pop Culture Inspiration
Question: Who was Dina Sanichar, and which Disney character was inspired by him?

Corey triumphed with "Mowgli," drawing parallels between Sanichar's life and the beloved Jungle Book character:

Spencer Newarth (35:57):
"Mowgli from the Jungle Book was raised by wolves, much like Dina Sanichar."

Question 10: Woodsmanship (38:06)

Topic: Meteorology
Question: Name two of the six states with the lowest highest temperatures ever recorded.

Nate clinched victory by correctly identifying "Alaska and Maine," securing the final donation:

Spencer Newarth (40:07):
"Alaska and Hawaii have the lowest, highest temperatures of all 50 states, at 100 degrees."

Final Score and Charity Donation

Nate emerged as the trivia champion, successfully answering questions 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10. His triumph ensured that a combined donation of $1,300 was channeled to the National Wild Turkey Federation, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to conservation efforts.

Spencer Newarth (42:49):
"Thirteen hundred dollars going to the NWTF. Well done, jabronis."

Closing Remarks

The episode culminated with humorous banter and congratulations, as Spencer celebrated both his birthday and the contestants' efforts. Despite the playful teasing and competitive spirit, the overarching theme remained steadfast: supporting conservation through engaging and entertaining means.

Spencer Newarth (43:08):
"Join us next week for more MeatEater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

This episode exemplifies The MeatEater Podcast's ability to blend education, entertainment, and philanthropy, all while fostering a sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Spencer Newarth (02:04):
  "You guys know what I like about doing a trivia episode with the Jabronis?"

• Spencer Newarth (07:17):
  "Less than 1 in 10 flowers is blue, making it one of nature's rarest colors."

• Spencer Newarth (14:55):
  "The Bowie knife headquarters are in Texas, where you'll also find the world's biggest bowie knife, which is 20ft long and 3,000 pounds."

• Spencer Newarth (19:18):
  "Kmart has become an endangered species in the last decade, with only five locations remaining."

• Spencer Newarth (27:58):
  "A delta is nutrient-rich and known for high densities of vegetation, waterfowl, and fish."

• Spencer Newarth (35:57):
  "Mowgli from the Jungle Book was raised by wolves, much like Dina Sanichar."

• Spencer Newarth (40:07):
  "Alaska and Hawaii have the lowest, highest temperatures of all 50 states, at 100 degrees."

• Spencer Newarth (42:49):
  "Thirteen hundred dollars going to the NWTF. Well done, jabronis."

This episode not only tested the contestants' knowledge across various outdoor-related topics but also underscored The MeatEater Podcast's dedication to supporting conservation initiatives through engaging and interactive content.