Episode Summary: The MeatEater Podcast – Ep. 669: Bloated Gators, Feral Apples, and The Price is Right
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Hosts: Spencer Newharth, Ryan Callahan, Corey Calkins
Guests: Kim Titterington, David Ben Scotter, Christy Holmes
Podcast Network: The MeatEater Podcast Network
Introduction and Travel Debrief
The episode opens with Spencer Newharth recapping the hosts' recent journey home from the Northwest Tournament Federation (NWTF) convention. The trio shares amusing and chaotic anecdotes about missed flights and last-minute airport scrambles. Ryan Callahan humorously admits, “[03:20] Ryan Callahan: First thing that we need to address is I think either Phil actually has volume in my headset for the first time in a long time, or your announcer voice is just getting so much better every day.” This light-hearted banter sets a relatable and engaging tone for the episode.
Interview with Kim Titterington: Reptile Rehabilitation and Bloated Gators
Reptile Rehabilitation
Kim Titterington, founder of Swamp Girl Adventures Reptile Rehab, joins the show to discuss her dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating reptiles and amphibians. “[09:12] David Ben Scotter: So I specifically work with reptiles and amphibians. So that's turtles, tortoises, snakes, alligators, lizards, frogs, toads, you know, all those fun things.” Kim elaborates on the types of injuries she encounters, primarily from car strikes and dog attacks. She showcases a gopher tortoise with fractures, explaining the meticulous care required to ensure its recovery and eventual release back into the wild.
Bloated Gators Phenomenon
The conversation shifts to a concerning trend Kim has been documenting: bloated and emaciated alligators in Florida. “[14:10] Spencer Newharth: And Phil is showing us an X ray there of one of those bloated gators.” Kim describes these gators as appearing "like a balloon," with gas buildup caused by fecaliths—hardened feces in the colon. “[14:38] David Ben Scotter: [...] the feces had been in the stomach not moving or passing for so long, possibly even up to a year with this one particular case.” The bloated condition leads to severe discomfort and often death, with Kim emphasizing the urgency of understanding and addressing this phenomenon.
Kim attributes the issue to poor environmental stewardship, urging listeners to “pick up after yourself” to reduce pollution and waste that may contribute to such health problems in wildlife. “[16:21] David Ben Scotter: I think the biggest thing is, you know, picking up after yourself.”
Notable Quotes:
- “[10:47] Spencer Newharth: Well, he's looking healthy right now. I think you're doing a good job.”
- “[14:38] David Ben Scotter: [...] the feces had been in the stomach not moving or passing for so long, possibly even up to a year.”
The Price is Right Segment
In a lively and humorous segment, the hosts engage in “The Price is Right,” guessing the prices of quirky outdoor and hunting-related items presented by Phil.
Key Highlights:
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Half-body Mount Taxidermized Brown Bear
Phil describes a half-body mount: “[19:18] Phil: Well, how would you like to scare every man, woman, child, and beast who enters your home? [...] listed on Craigslist ten days ago.”- Guesses: Cal – $75.01; Corey – $1,450
- Correct Price: $950
- Result: Cal earns the first point.
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Mossy Oak Camouflage Sofa
Phil introduces a 7-foot camo sofa: “[22:30] Phil: [...] The entire thing is wrapped in mossy oak breakup camo.”- Guesses: Cal – $400.99; Corey – $850
- Correct Price: $1,449
- Result: Cal earns his second point.
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41 Drury Outdoors DVDs
“[26:34] Phil: [...] From Whitetail Madness 12 to Whitetail Obsession 7.”- Guesses: Cal – $49.99; Corey – $699
- Correct Price: $61.09
- Result: Cal earns his third point.
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Michigan Whitetail Hall of Fame Admission
“[31:27] Phil: [...] Guess the price of adult admission.”- Guesses: Cal – $4.99; Gianni – $1; Corey – $10
- Correct Price: $6
- Result: Cal earns his fourth point.
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1989 Alumacraft John Boat
“[36:45] Phil: [...] 16ft Alumacraft John boat with a 2015 four-stroke engine.”- Guesses: Cal – $801; Corey – $699; Gianni – $22,000
- Correct Price: $3,399
- Result: Cal secures the final point, winning the game.
Notable Quotes:
- “[21:21] Ryan Callahan: We all know that taxidermy, like is the most valuable to the person that got the critter or somebody related.”
- “[24:16] Phil: We have one person. Get it. Get it right on the 1449 up here.”
One Minute Fishing with Christy Holmes
Christy Holmes from Maine participates in the “One Minute Fishing” segment, attempting to catch sea-run rainbow smelts on the Kennebec River. “[45:11] Christy Holmes: Yeah, we are actually on a tidal river, the Kennebec river, near, kind of near the capital of our state, Augusta.” Equipped with jig poles and sandworm bait, Christy shares insights into her fishing strategy. Despite her enthusiasm and preparedness, she doesn’t manage to land a fish within the minute, highlighting the unpredictability of fishing.
Notable Quotes:
- “[47:22] Christy Holmes: All right, Chrissy was a little pessimistic. She said this is better done in the evening.”
Hot Tip Off
In the “Hot Tip Off” segment, listeners share innovative and practical hunting tips, which the hosts evaluate for effectiveness and ingenuity.
Listener Tips:
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Tyler Harm’s Tip: Tent Rainfly Utilization
“[50:18] Ryan Callahan: For those of you who hunt out west, keep an old tent rainfly in your pack. [...] It works great for keeping that meat clean.”- Benefit: Multifunctional use as shelter and meat staging area.
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Dylan Sunderland’s Tip: DIY Scent Checker
“[51:01] J: [...] Make a cheap, affordable, yet very effective scent checking system using Altoids containers and milkweed seeds.”- Benefit: Cost-effective and efficient for maintaining hunting scents without relying on commercial products.
Outcome: Dylan’s tip is declared the winner, earning him a new MeatEater Gnome T-shirt and a signed MeatEater Trivia board game.
Notable Quotes:
- “[52:36] Spencer Newharth: And you can see these hot tips on our YouTube video right now.”
Listener Feedback and Q&A
The hosts address listener-submitted questions, providing advice on dog training and hunting strategies.
Questions Addressed:
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Training a Five-Month-Old Chocolate Lab
“[55:18] Ryan Callahan: Just, I mean it's just consistency. Like get a routine in place [...] start with the basics—sit, stay, come.”- Advice: Emphasizes the importance of routine and basic commands.
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Turkey Hunting Challenges
“[55:48] Kim Titterington: Man, keep at it. I've been there four years not tagging out. Then the next year, well, bam.”- Advice: Encourages perseverance and strategic adjustments.
Notable Quotes:
- “[56:29] Kim Titterington: Yeah, sit and call. Commit. See what happens.”
- “[55:48] Ryan Callahan: [...] the most turkey killing son of a gun I know he says kill him with your ass.”
Interview with David Ben Scotter: Lost Apple Project
David Ben Scotter delves into his ambitious project aimed at rediscovering lost and heritage apple varieties in the Pacific Northwest. Starting from an accidental encounter while pruning an old orchard, David and his team have identified 30 unique apple cultivars previously thought extinct.
Project Insights:
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Origins: “[60:39] Corey Calkins: [...] the Wall Bridge was entered by six different people in Whitman county between 1900 and 1910.”
- Challenge: Misidentification of apple varieties initially halted progress in finding specific lost varieties.
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Successful Rediscoveries: “[67:47] Corey Calkins: [...] the Shackelford was one of the most popular apples in the late 1800s, early 1900s.”
- Importance: Preserving these varieties adds biodiversity and historical value to modern agriculture.
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How to Contribute: Listeners can assist by locating lost apple trees, submitting samples for identification, and donating to support the project. David emphasizes, “[70:39] Corey Calkins: [...] contact me at ddbens23@gmail.com.”
Notable Quotes:
- “[60:37] Corey Calkins: [...] only 5,000 of those apples exist today.”
- “[67:29] Ryan Callahan: So. Still haven't found it.”
Closing Announcements
The hosts wrap up the episode with announcements about upcoming events and activities:
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MeatEater Movie Club: Returns next week with a review of the 1988 family film "The Bear," available on various streaming platforms.
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Conservation Concerts: Promotion of the Pheasants Forever and Quails Forever concert in Kansas City on March 6th, featuring performances by Chester and attendance by Ryan Callahan.
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Upcoming Events: Details about the North American Grouse Partnership event, bird dog parade, and fundraising lunch focused on habitat programs and conservation efforts.
Notable Quotes:
- “[73:18] Corey Calkins: They look under Whitman County Historical Society. We're under the Whitman County Historical Society. [...] You can donate to our cause.”
- “[76:14] Spencer Newharth: I especially love honeycrisp because they come from the University of Minnesota.”
Conclusion
Episode 669 of The MeatEater Podcast masterfully blends informative interviews, interactive segments, and engaging listener interactions. Hosts Spencer Newharth, Ryan Callahan, and Corey Calkins create an entertaining and educational experience, highlighting critical issues like wildlife health and agricultural heritage. With expert guests like Kim Titterington and David Ben Scotter, the episode not only entertains but also inspires listeners to take action in conservation and preservation efforts.
Final Notable Quote:
- “[77:22] Phil: And one of my favorite celebrity sightings was we went mini golfing out outside of the Twin Cities. [...] I felt like. Yeah. I was starting starstruck.”