The MeatEater Podcast
Episode: Ep. 672: MeatEater Radio Live! Clearing Trails, Getting Roasted, and Beaver Pillows
Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction and Overview

In Episode 672 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Randall Williams leads a vibrant live show from MeatEater’s headquarters in Bozeman, Montana. Joined by Maggie Hudlow, Brody Henderson, and Phil, the episode introduces new segments, engages with experts, and delves into various outdoor topics ranging from trail maintenance to culinary adventures.

1. Trivia Segment: Fake News

[02:34 - 12:16]

A lively new segment titled Fake News kicks off the show, where Randall poses hunting or fishing-related headlines, and Maggie and Brody compete to identify the true one among multiple choices.

Notable Moments:

• First Headline: Rocky Mountain National Park has too many... A) Trails B) Elk C) Visitors D) Moose
  Quote:
  Randall Williams ([04:56]): "The actual headline... Colorado is a noteworthy exception. In Rocky Mountain National Park, wildlife managers are concerned that a moose population growing at 5% year over year is having a deleterious effect on wetland habitats and willow growth."

• Second Headline: Can Wildlife Heal? The Science behind Nature's Unexpected Remedy.
  Correct Answer: B) PTSD
  Quote:
  Randall Williams ([06:53]): "Researchers from the University of Massachusetts studied 19 veterans with PTSD and observed notable psychological benefits..."

• Third Headline: California officials urge residents to eat invasive...
  Correct Answer: Rodents (Nutria)
  Quote:
  Randall Williams ([09:37]): "According to an article in the Guardian, this call to action came during National Invasive Species Awareness Week..."

Despite some initial hiccups with dropped segments and humorous banter, the segment was well-received for its engaging and educational content.

2. Interview with Rebecca Powell, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

[12:33 - 26:39]

Rebecca Powell, Program Director for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, joins the show to discuss the organization's efforts in stewarding the 1.6 million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. She details the foundation’s programs, including trail maintenance, education, and volunteer initiatives.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Role and Mission:
  Rebecca Powell ([13:00]): "We help steward the 1.6 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness complex... We do a lot of education about wilderness."

• Volunteer Work:
  Rebecca Powell ([15:48]): "Volunteers clear trails, brush off alder, improve tread, and maintain admin cabins."

• Impact of Forest Service Cuts:
  Rebecca Powell ([17:18]): "Workforce cuts have reduced backcountry crews significantly, creating barriers for public and organizational efforts."

• Funding Challenges:
  Rebecca Powell ([20:39]): "Our program budget was cut 50%... Funding from the Great American Outdoors Act is currently frozen."

• Support Opportunities:
  Rebecca Powell ([22:40]): "Support through fundraisers, business partnerships, license plate sales, and monthly donations is crucial."

Rebecca emphasizes the importance of community support and adapts strategies to continue their conservation work despite funding challenges.

3. MeatEater Roast: New Culinary Show

[28:06 - 35:38]

The episode highlights the launch of MeatEater Roast, a new culinary competition show. Randall and Chili walk viewers through the behind-the-scenes process, showcasing contestants preparing wild game dishes with mystery ingredients.

Highlights:

• Concept Explanation:
  Chili ([29:30]): "Two ordinary wild game cooks face a mystery protein revealed at the start, with 90 minutes to create a delicious dish."

• Contestant Engagement:
  Randall Williams ([35:18]): "I'm going to take the helm at that stove. So I wouldn't really count your chickens before they hatch..."

• Creative Challenges:
  Chili ([30:03]): "Every episode, there's a protein or a chunk of meat that's unknown until revealed."

The segment combines humor and culinary expertise, setting the stage for an engaging viewer experience.

4. MeatEater Movie Club: Discussion of "The Bear" (1988)

[45:11 - 73:08]

In the MeatEater Movie Club, Randall presents a detailed analysis of Jean Jacques Anod's 1988 film The Bear. The discussion explores the film's portrayal of wildlife, ethical filmmaking practices, and technical achievements.

Key Insights:

• Film Overview:
  Randall Williams ([56:08]): "The Bear offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the wilderness through the eyes of its ursine protagonists."

• Technical Achievements:
  Randall Williams ([58:56]): "Authentic performances from real bears, stunning cinematography capturing nature's brutal reality and grandeur."

• Production Challenges:
  Randall Williams ([60:17]): "Bart the bear injured Anod during a photoshoot, resulting in a two-month recovery."

• Critical Reception:
  Roger Ebert's Review ([58:56]): "Their words are not meant to be language, but simply the sounds made by the animal named man."

• Host and Guests' Opinions:

  • Maggie Hudlow ([61:55]): "I have a hard time calling it a movie. I think it's propaganda at best."
  • Brody Henderson ([62:07]): "Anthropomorphism at its finest."

The discussion is interspersed with humorous critiques and personal anecdotes, reflecting the hosts' diverse perspectives on wildlife representation in film.

5. Listener Feedback and Community Interaction

[35:38 - 73:48]

Throughout the episode, Randall, Maggie, Brody, and Phil engage with listener questions and comments, fostering a sense of community.

Notable Interactions:

• Password Joke:
  Listener ([36:02]): "Why does Randall always look like he's trying to remember his AOL password?"
  Randall Williams ([36:13]): "I am really bad with passwords..."

• Trivia Tournament:
  Listener ([36:42]): "Are we going to see some suck it Randall stickers to replace the suck it Brody stickers?"

• Turkey Predation Inquiry:
  Brendan from New Jersey ([37:12]): "Are we going to see some suck it Randall stickers..."

• Crossword Puzzle Scores:
  Listener ([42:15]): Inquiry about Randall's crossword scores.

• Birthday Wishes:
  Spencer in Chat ([73:25]): Wishes Brody a happy birthday mistakenly, leading to a humorous exchange.

The hosts respond warmly, sharing personal tidbits and encouraging further listener engagement through upcoming projects and segments.

6. Closing Remarks and Call to Action

[73:48 - 76:07]

As the episode draws to a close, Brody announces the launch of the 2026 Effed Up Old Trucks Calendar, encouraging listeners to submit photos of their rugged hunting rigs. Randall and the team emphasize the calendar’s purpose: to donate a portion of sales to support backcountry hunters and anglers battling public land challenges.

Quote:
Brody Henderson ([73:57]): "We'll take submissions... donate a portion of the sales to backcountry hunters and anglers so they can keep on fighting these attacks on public lands."

The episode wraps up with final interactions and humorous exchanges, leaving listeners anticipating future shows and projects.

Conclusion

Episode 672 of The MeatEater Podcast seamlessly weaves together informative discussions, interactive segments, and community engagement. From tackling environmental conservation challenges with Rebecca Powell to exploring culinary competitions and dissecting wildlife films, the episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining experience for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Notable quotes and timestamps enrich the narrative, providing listeners with memorable insights and fostering a deeper connection with the MeatEater community.