Podcast Summary: The MeatEater Podcast
Episode: Ep. 674 - "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLV"
Release Date: March 12, 2025

Overview

In Episode 674 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLV," host Steven Rinella spearheads an exhilarating finale to the 2024 MeatEater Trivia Championship. This episode blends the show's trademark blend of outdoor expertise, camaraderie, and spirited competition, culminating in a high-stakes trivia showdown that not only entertains but also supports conservation efforts.

Introduction and Setup (00:00 - 02:09)

The episode kicks off with a brief promotional segment for Can-Am off-road vehicles, highlighting their versatility and suitability for hunting adventures. Rinella segues into promoting his audiobook series on American history, specifically focusing on the Mountain Men era from 1806-1840. He teases the content, promising listeners an in-depth exploration of the rugged lives of legends like Jim Bridger and John Colter.

Trivia Championship Finale (02:09 - 05:55)

Host Spencer Newarth introduces the final installment of the 2024 MeatEater Trivia Championship. Competitors include Steve Giannis, Cal, Randall Brody, and Seth Morris. The stakes are high: the contestant with the most points after 30 questions will be crowned the 2024 MeatEater Trivia Champion, with a charitable donation of $3,000 to be directed by the winner. Sponsorship by Athletic Brewing is announced, promising an additional $1,100 through the Moneyball questions, bringing the total potential donation to $4,100.

Notable Interactions:

• Cal: "If they're not behind? And are you just gonna. Are you gonna address the elephant in the room?"
• Stephen Rinella (Rinella): "I would have done it... So no one has any idea how anyone else is doing."

The competitors engage in playful banter about the fairness and dynamics of the trivia game, setting a lighthearted tone for the competition.

First Round: Gun Manufacturing (10:32 - 13:25)

Question 1: Which state has the most gun manufacturers?
Options: California, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Texas

• Steve Rinella: Shows confidence in Texas.
• Randall Williams: Chooses Tennessee.
• Cal: Selects Pennsylvania.
• Seth Morris: Opts for California.
• Brody Henderson: Picks Texas.

Answer Reveal: Texas leads with 2,400 gun manufacturers, surpassing other states combined.
Quote: Spencer Newarth explains, "Texas leads the country in manufacturers because of its strong gun culture and no state income tax." [12:03]

Second Round: Noxious Weeds and Conservation (13:30 - 16:03)

Question 2: What is the seven-letter word used by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to describe aggressive invasive weeds?
Answer: Noxious

Rinella shares an anecdote about discussing noxious weeds with his neighbor, highlighting real-world implications.
Quote: "Canadian thistles come from Europe. Otherwise, I would have liked them a little more if they were just a neighborly." [15:28]

Third Round: Cooking and Ghee (16:03 - 18:12)

Question 3: What is the Hindi word for clarified butter used in Indian cuisine?
Answer: Ghee

All contestants answered correctly, demonstrating their culinary knowledge.
Quote: Danielle Pruitt mentions, "Since it has a high smoke point, it's a good option for pan roasting and sautéing meat." [16:38]

Fourth Round: Fishing Structures (18:12 - 23:43)

Question 4: What prehistoric structure is used to guide fish into a situation that facilitates capture?
Answer: Fish Weir

The discussion delves into the historical and biological significance of fish weirs, with Rinella reminiscing about spotting ancient weirs on Prince of Wales Island.
Quote: Rinella shares, "Once someone points it out to you, like, holy, man." [21:40]

Fifth Round: Wildlife and P.T. Barnum (24:00 - 26:23)

Question 5: Who opened America’s first public aquarium in 1857?
Answer: P.T. Barnum

Contestants predominantly answered correctly, acknowledging Barnum's diverse and eclectic contributions.
Quote: Spencer details Barnum's aquarium, "It was located inside his museum that also had a freak show, flea circus... averaging 15,000 visitors per day until it burnt down in 1865." [25:53]

Sixth Round: Conservation and Goliath Grouper (28:56 - 31:31)

Question 6: What is the largest type of grouper, holding a world record of 680 pounds?
Answer: Goliath Grouper

Randall capitalizes on his knowledge to secure a correct answer, contributing to his championship lead.
Quote: Spencer elaborates, "Goliath grouper are found from Florida to Brazil and favor reefs, bridges, and shipwrecks." [31:22]

Seventh Round: IUCN Color Codes (32:37 - 34:31)

Question 7: What color represents extinct species on the IUCN’s color-coded charts?
Answer: Black

Participants debate the symbolism, with Randall confirming his answer through logical deduction.
Quote: Spencer explains, "Black represents extinct. Red represents critically endangered." [33:48]

Eighth Round: Taxidermist’s Beetles (34:31 - 38:14)

Question 8: What is the most commonly used beetle by taxidermists, also known as skin beetles, hide beetles, and leather beetles?
Answer: Dermestid Beetles

Despite some spelling challenges, all contestants eventually identified the correct term, emphasizing their taxidermy expertise.
Quote: Spencer details their role, "Dermestid beetles are scavengers that will eat lint, wool, fur, feathers, and meat." [38:14]

Ninth Round: Mariana Trench (40:17 - 43:46)

Question 9: In which ocean is the Mariana Trench located?
Answer: Pacific Ocean

Randall secures his position with the correct answer, further cementing his lead in the championship.
Quote: Rinella marvels, "If you put Mount Everest in the trench, you'd still have 1.5 miles of ocean above it." [43:31]

Tenth Round: Astringent Flavor (43:46 - 46:43)

Question 10: What ten-letter word, synonymous with puckery, tart, acidic, and bitter, describes the taste of sour berries?
Answer: Astringent

Randall triumphs again, correctly identifying the flavor profile, while Rinella humorously addresses his minor spelling error.
Quote: Spencer elaborates, "Astringent flavor is generally produced by tannins... associated with citrus rinds, wine, green tea, cranberries, persimmons, coriander, cabbage, and radishes." [46:47]

Championship Conclusion and Donation Announcement (46:43 - 51:16)

Randall Williams emerges as the 2024 MeatEater Trivia Champion with a decisive performance, securing the highest points and ensuring a significant donation to conservation efforts. Seth Morris, as the runner-up, splits his winnings between the Land Access Initiative and backcountry hunters and anglers.

Donation Details:

• Total Donation: $3,500
  • Athletic Brewing: $1,500
  • Mediator: $2,000

Additionally, the combined Moneyball questions contribute an extra $1,100, directing funds to the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Notable Comments:

• Randall Williams: "Conservation’s a big win."
• Seth Morris: "It means a lot to me that I can now be counted among the greats who can win it all." [49:37]

Closing Remarks and Promotions (51:16 - End)

The episode wraps up with expressions of camaraderie among the contestants and final promotional plugs. Clay Newcomb advertises new turkey diaphragm calls developed in collaboration with Jason Phelps, enhancing the hunting experience for enthusiasts.

Final Quotes:

• Stephen Rinella: "If you're a taxidermist and you have any dermestid beetles, please shoot me a note."
• Spencer Newarth: "The only game show we're conservation."

Key Takeaways:

• Engagement and Knowledge: The episode showcases the depth of outdoor and conservation knowledge among the MeatEater community.
• Charitable Impact: The trivia championship effectively channels competitiveness into meaningful conservation support.
• Community Spirit: Lighthearted interactions and mutual respect among contestants highlight the supportive nature of the MeatEater network.

Recommended For:

Listeners who enjoy outdoor adventures, hunting, fishing, conservation efforts, and engaging community-driven content will find this episode both entertaining and inspiring.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Texas leads the country in manufacturers because of its strong gun culture and no state income tax." – Spencer Newarth [12:03]
• "Once someone points it out to you, like, holy, man." – Stephen Rinella [21:40]
• "Black represents extinct. Red represents critically endangered." – Spencer Newarth [33:48]
• "Astringent flavor is generally produced by tannins... associated with citrus rinds, wine, green tea, cranberries, persimmons, coriander, cabbage, and radishes." – Spencer Newarth [46:47]

Conclusion

Episode 674 of The MeatEater Podcast successfully blends trivia competition with educational content and charitable contributions, embodying the show's mission to enrich listeners' understanding of the natural world. Through spirited competition and collaborative efforts, the episode not only entertains but also makes a tangible impact on conservation initiatives.