The MeatEater Podcast: Episode 665 - "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CXLXII"

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: Spencer Newharth
Guests: Randall Brody, Corey Logan, Tressa, Max
Description: In this lively episode of The MeatEater Podcast, host Spencer Newharth leads a spirited game of MeatEater Trivia with a diverse group of guests. Packed with humor, competition, and insightful discussions on hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking, this episode promises both entertainment and enlightenment for outdoor enthusiasts.

1. Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

[01:34]
Spencer Newharth kicks off the episode by introducing MeatEater Trivia, describing it as "the only game show where conservation always wins." He welcomes the contestants—Randall Brody, Corey Logan, Tressa, and Max—and outlines the structure: a ten-round quiz covering hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking, with a $500 donation to a chosen conservation organization as the prize.

2. Current Trivia Standings and Over Time Drought

[02:14] - [03:30]
Spencer updates listeners on the ongoing "overtime drought," noting that the game hasn't gone to overtime since December 4th, marking an 11-week streak without extended play. He reminisces about the last overtime question, a math challenge, highlighting the high stakes involved.

3. Infrequently Asked Question (IFAQ)

[03:03] - [05:05]
The hosts engage in a humorous exchange over an IFAQ submitted by John Schlesinger: "What kind of PhD does Dr. Randall have?" Randall Brody reveals, "Randall Brody: I have a Ph.D. in history from the University of Montana." The group jokes about potential acronyms for PhD, with Randall expressing vague aspirations to make his dissertation more accessible.

4. Trivia Round Breakdown

The core of the episode revolves around ten trivia questions. Each round covers a specific topic, with contestants providing answers, followed by discussions and revelations of correct responses.

Question 1: Ecology

Topic: USDA Corn Belt
Question: "Which state is not included in the Corn Belt according to the USDA? Nebraska, Ohio, Minnesota, or South Dakota?"
Notable Discussion:

• Randall Brody ([08:37]): "Is South Dakota part of the Corn Belt?"
• Spencer Newharth ([10:07]): Emphasizes the surprising definition by the USDA, noting, "Only Brody got that one right."
  Correct Answer: South Dakota

Question 2: Fishing

Topic: Estuary Definition
Question: "Merriam-Webster defines this seven-letter word as a water passage where the tide meets a river current."
Notable Discussion:

• Tressa ([12:38]): "Whirlpooled,"
• Corey Logan ([12:42]): "Estuary"
  Correct Answer: Estuary

Question 3: Natural History

Topic: Saint Bernard Breed
Question: "This dog breed, named after a monk, was bred to rescue avalanche victims in the Swiss Alps."
Notable Discussion:

• Corey Logan ([15:06]): "St. Bernard"
• Spencer Rinella ([16:11]): Details about the breed's history and heroic deeds.
  Correct Answer: Saint Bernard

Question 4: Conservation

Topic: Isle Royale National Park
Question: "What lake is Isle Royale National Park located in?"
Notable Discussion:

• Randall Brody ([18:22]): Recalls a challenging trip to Isle Royale.
• Spencer Newharth ([19:31]): Shares insights on the park's accessibility and attractions.
  Correct Answer: Lake Superior

Question 5: Cooking

Topic: Stone Crab Harvest
Question: "What state produces 99% of America's stone crab harvest?"
Notable Discussion:

• Randall Brody ([21:56]): Guesses Florida confidently.
• Spencer Newharth ([22:19]): Discusses Florida’s significant role in the stone crab industry.
  Correct Answer: Florida

Question 6: Mountain Men

Topic: State Capital Named After Kit Carson
Question: "This state's capital is named after mountain man Kit Carson."
Notable Discussion:

• Corey Logan and Randall Brody ([28:42]): Correctly identify Carson City, Nevada.
• Spencer Newharth ([28:30]): Shares historical context on Kit Carson's influence.
  Correct Answer: Nevada (Carson City)

Question 7: Conservation

Topic: Norway Rat
Question: "North America's most common rat is named after what Nordic country?"
Notable Discussion:

• All Contestants ([31:50]): Identify "Norway" as the correct answer.
• Spencer Newharth ([32:07]): Explains the prevalence and history of the Norway rat in North America.
  Correct Answer: Norway

Question 8: Fishing

Topic: Gilligan's Island Boat
Question: "What was the name of the Wheeler Playmate 38 boat from Gilligan's Island?"
Notable Discussion:

• Various Guesses: Including SS Minnow and Little Skipper.
• Spencer Newharth ([36:41]): Delivers the correct answer with trivia about the boat's link to Ernest Hemingway.
  Correct Answer: SS Minnow

Question 9: Cooking

Topic: Spice Description
Question: "McCormick describes this six-letter spice as sweet, peppery, and a bit floral with a hint of citrus."
Notable Discussion:

• Randall Brody ([41:07]): Correctly identifies "Ginger."
• Spencer Newharth ([41:19]): Provides botanical details about ginger.
  Correct Answer: Ginger

Question 10: Cooking

Topic: Archery Target Brand
Question: "This brand debuted their seven-foot Sasquatch archery target at the 2017 ATA Show."
Notable Discussion:

• Randall Brody ([44:46]): Successfully answers "Reinhardt."
• Spencer Newharth ([44:49]): Discusses Reinhardt's unique target offerings.
  Correct Answer: Reinhardt

5. Scoreboard and Winner Announcement

Throughout the game, Spencer provides periodic updates on the standings, highlighting Randall Brody's consistent performance. By the end of the trivia, Randall emerges victorious with eight correct answers, securing the $500 donation.

[45:22]
Corey Logan: "You're sending $500 to NWTF so your boys can kill all them turkeys."
Spencer Newharth: Confirms the donation, emphasizing the group's commitment to conservation efforts.

6. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

In the concluding segments, the hosts reflect on the fun and competitive nature of the trivia session. They tease future events, including a three-episode tournament set to begin between late February and early March, aiming to crown the 2024 MeatEater Trivia champion.

[46:28] - [46:55]
Spencer Newharth wraps up the episode with playful banter about upcoming tournaments and the contestants' hunting plans for the year, solidifying the episode's blend of education and entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

• Spencer Newharth ([01:34]): "Welcome to Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

• Randall Brody ([03:32]): "I have vague aspirations at some point of reworking it into something that would be for popular consumption."

• Spencer Newharth ([10:09]): "South Dakota not part of the Corn Belt. Wow."

• Randall Brody ([22:40]): "How many states touch the ocean?"

• Corey Logan ([32:12]): "Because he's from a part of the country where there's a lot of Norwegian immigrants."

• Spencer Newharth ([41:18]): "Ginger is a common ingredient in Indian and Caribbean cuisine."

Conclusion:

Episode 665 of The MeatEater Podcast offers a captivating blend of competitive trivia and insightful discussions on various outdoor and conservation topics. With Randall Brody emerging as the champion, listeners are treated to both educational content and the camaraderie that defines the MeatEater community. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or new to the scene, this episode provides valuable knowledge wrapped in engaging entertainment.