The MeatEater Podcast
Episode Summary: Ep. 671 – "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLIV"
Release Date: March 5, 2025

Overview

In Episode 671 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLIV," host Spencer Newharth leads an engaging and competitive trivia championship spanning three episodes. This episode marks the second installment of the 2024 MeatEater Trivia Championship, featuring contestants Steve Giannis, Cal, Randall Brody, and Seth. The trivia challenges revolve around outdoor topics such as hunting, fishing, nature conservation, and wildlife, staying true to the podcast's ethos of enriching listeners' understanding of the natural world.

Championship Structure and Stakes

The championship consists of three episodes with a total of 30 questions. Participants compete for the title of 2024 MeatEater Trivia Champion, with the highest scorer after all questions declared the winner. The episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing, which matches MeatEater's donations and introduces three "Moneyball" questions, offering a potential total donation of $4,200 to various conservation causes. Additionally, winners earn a place on the prestigious MeatEater Trivia Champion plaque displayed in the studio.

Round One Highlights

The episode kicks off with a brief scoreboard update post-round one:

• Randall Brody: 9 points (leader)
• Steve Giannis: 7 points
• Ryan Callahan: 7 points
• Steven R.: 7 points
• Brody Henderson: 8 points
• Seth Morris: 5 points

Spencer recounts last year's thrilling comeback moments, reminding contestants and listeners that the championship remains wide open despite initial standings. The competitive spirit is palpable as participants express their determination to overturn their current scores.

Notable Quote:
Spencer Newharth [03:08]: "Last year, Randall only got 4 right in round one, but got 99 right in round two to give Stephen Brod a scare. Also last year, Brody went into game two with a one-point lead on Steve just for Steve to end up winning by one."

Round Two: Intense Trivia Challenges

Question 11: Hunting History

• Topic: Hunting
• Question: What state is the Pope and Young headquarters located in?
• Options: Indiana, Texas, Minnesota, Tennessee
• Answers: Most contestants guessed Indiana, but the correct answer was Minnesota.
• Discussion:
  Spencer Newharth [07:34]: "Pope and Young HQ is in Chatfield, which is about 90 minutes southeast of Minneapolis."

Question 12: Conservation Terminology

• Topic: Conservation
• Question: What is the nine-letter word the USGS uses to describe animals and plants in decline?
• Correct Answer: Imperiled
• Discussion:
  Spencer Newharth [11:49]: "The USGS uses a different term to describe at-risk plants and animals. Any animal that's listed as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable can be considered imperiled."

Question 13: Fishing Terminology

• Topic: Fishing
• Question: What word describes both an immature insect and a female deity in Greek mythology?
• Correct Answer: Nymph
• Discussion:
  All participants correctly answered nymph, highlighting knowledge in entomology and mythology.

Question 14: Moneyball – Mountain Geography

• Topic: Woodsmanship
• Question: Mount Hood is the tallest mountain in which state?
• Correct Answer: Oregon
• Donation: Athletic Brewing contributed $400 to the National Wild Turkey Federation based on correct answers.

Question 15: Natural History

• Topic: Natural History
• Question: Which American island was known as the whaling capital of the world in the 18th and 19th centuries?
• Correct Answer: Nantucket
• Discussion:
  Nantucket's rich whaling history was explored, emphasizing its significance in American maritime heritage.

Scoreboard Update Post-Round Two:

• Randall Brody: 13 points (Leader)
• Steve Rinella: 11 points
• Cal: 9 points
• Giannis: 8 points
• Seth: 6 points

Notable Quote:
Randall Brody [19:45]: "Maybe I should drink an athletic. 'Cause Randall's on number two."

Round Three: Final Push Toward Victory

Question 20: Fishing and Biking Gear

• Topic: Equipment Brands
• Question: Which Japanese brand, best known for biking and fishing gear, was founded in 1921?
• Correct Answer: Shimano
• Discussion:
  Contestants navigated confusion between brands like Shimano and Okuma, ultimately securing correct answers that demonstrated their brand knowledge.

Question 9: Culinary Terminology

• Topic: Cooking
• Question: What five-letter word is a synonym for "salty," as described by Michelin for Atlantic oysters?
• Correct Answer: Briny
• Discussion:
  The term "briny" was clarified, differentiating the taste profiles of East and West Coast oysters.

Final Scoreboard Update:

• Randall Brody: 17 points (Leading)
• Steve Rinella: 14 points
• Cal: 13 points (Tied with Brody)
• Brody Henderson: 13 points
• Giannis: 8 points
• Seth: 6 points

Notable Quote:
Spencer Newharth [36:24]: "The biggest taste difference between east coast oysters and west coast oysters is that east coast ones tend to be more briny, while west coast ones tend to be more sweet."

Contestant Interactions and Banter

Throughout the episode, the contestants engage in lively banter, showcasing their personalities and camaraderie. Randall Brody remains a strong competitor, often teasing others while maintaining a focused stance towards victory. Steve Rinella, known for his quiet demeanor, expresses frustration when facing challenging questions, adding a layer of humor and tension to the competition.

Notable Interaction:
Cal [04:56]: "You could call it Newman's Own plaque."
Spencer Newharth [04:14]: "He's the only name on the trophy which was made by our late friend Ed Newman."

Conclusion and What's Next

As Round Three concludes, Randall Brody holds a three-point lead, positioning himself favorably for the finale in the next episode. Spencer Newharth thanks Athletic Brewing for their generous donations and encourages listeners to participate in future trivia contests by submitting questions. The episode wraps up with anticipation for the final showdown, promising more challenging questions and thrilling competition.

Notable Quote:
Spencer Newharth [39:53]: "Join us next week for more Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

Scoreboard at Episode End

1. Randall Brody: 17 points
2. Steve Rinella: 14 points
3. Cal: 13 points
4. Brody Henderson: 13 points
5. Giannis: 8 points
6. Seth: 6 points

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Spencer Newharth [03:08]:
  "Last year, Randall only got 4 right in round one, but got 99 right in round two to give Stephen Brod a scare. Also last year, Brody went into game two with a one-point lead on Steve just for Steve to end up winning by one."

• Spencer Newharth [07:34]:
  "Pope and Young HQ is in Chatfield, which is about 90 minutes southeast of Minneapolis."

• Spencer Newharth [11:49]:
  "The USGS uses a different term to describe at-risk plants and animals. Any animal that's listed as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable can be considered imperiled."

• Spencer Newharth [26:08]:
  "Fish aren't the only animals that have rostrums. They're also found on dolphins, lobsters, and crocodiles. The rostrum often serves an important role."

• Spencer Newharth [36:24]:
  "The biggest taste difference between east coast oysters and west coast oysters is that east coast ones tend to be more briny, while west coast ones tend to be more sweet."

This episode of The MeatEater Podcast delivers an exciting and intellectually stimulating trivia competition, blending knowledge with playful interactions. Listeners can anticipate a riveting conclusion in the final episode, where the 2024 MeatEater Trivia Champion will be crowned.