The MeatEater Podcast – Episode 687: "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLIX"

Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Randall Williams
Guests: Spencer Newharth, Giannis, Brody, Cal, Tressa, Alyssa, Hansi, Phil

Introduction

In Episode 687 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Randall Williams steers the show into a lively and competitive atmosphere with the MeatEater Trivia CLIX game. This episode is a departure from the usual hunting, fishing, and conservation discussions, focusing instead on a ten-round quiz show that challenges the knowledge of its diverse group of guests. The game encompasses questions from MeatEater’s four verticals: hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking.

Key Points:

• Host and Participants: Randall Williams introduces the trivia format, welcoming guests Spencer Newharth, Giannis, Brody, Cal, Tressa, Alyssa, Hansi, and Phil to participate.
• Game Structure: The trivia consists of ten rounds, with each question tied to one of the verticals.
• Prize: The winner earns the opportunity to have MeatEater donate $500 to a conservation organization of their choice.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [00:59]: "Welcome to Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

IFAQ Segment: What is a Randomal?

Before diving into the trivia, Randall introduces the "Infrequently Asked Question" (IFAQ) segment. This week’s question, submitted by Spencer Newharth, seeks to define the term "randomal."

Discussion Highlights:

• Phil’s Definition [03:13]:

  "A randomal is an alpha who lives life not for the dest or the journey for the complete, but for the competition and hot dogs you crush along the way. A randomal is also keen enough to distinguish that from the journey."

• Randall’s Expansion [03:25]: Randall elaborates that "randomals" don’t take themselves too seriously but are serious about trivia, favoring accurate spelling and embracing diversity, primarily residing near the Ohio River and enjoying activities like guns and unique gun-related information.

• Brody’s Anecdote [05:03]: Brody shares his experience with "randomals," linking the term to cased meat products and products like the Casa Kreiner turkey call.

Notable Quote:

Phil [03:13]: "A randomal is an alpha who lives life not for the dest or the journey for the complete, but for the competition and hot dogs you crush along the way."

MeatEater Trivia Game

Randall launches into the trivia rounds, presenting each question, facilitating discussions, and revealing correct answers accompanied by insightful commentary.

Question 1: Public Lands

Category: Public Lands
Question: What river is the only major river system entirely contained within the state of Nevada and shares its name with the largest national forest outside of Alaska?

Options:

• A) Elko
• B) Humboldt
• C) Reno
• D) Winnemucca

Discussion: Participants deliberate on Nevada’s unique river systems, with insights into geographical specifics and historical significance.

Correct Answer: B) Humboldt

Insights: Randall explains that the Humboldt River originates in the Ruby Mountains and flows west for about 300 miles before ending in the Humboldt Sink. It was crucial for 19th-century emigrants on the California trail and shares its name with the Humboldt Tabe National Forest.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [12:43]: "The Humboldt river originates in the Ruby Mountains of northeastern Nevada and flows westward for approximately 300 miles before ending in the Humboldt Sink."

Question 2: Cooking

Category: Cooking
Question: What dish created by an American physician to combat malnutrition during the Civil War, consists of ground beef mixed with seasonings formed into a patty, and is typically served with gravy?

Discussion: The conversation veers into culinary history, differentiating between various beef cuts and their uses in traditional dishes.

Correct Answer: Salisbury Steak

Insights: Randall details that Salisbury steak was developed by Dr. James Henry Salisbury as a remedy for soldiers suffering from chronic diarrhea. The dish emphasizes a meat-centered diet and is served with brown gravy, distinguishing it from similar preparations like Swiss steak.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [17:04]: "Dr. Salisbury developed it during the Civil War as a remedy for soldiers suffering from chronic diarrhea and other ailments."

Question 3: America

Category: America
Question: In what state do you find the northwest angle, the northernmost spot in the lower 48?

Discussion: Participants recall U.S. geography, specifically peculiar boundary definitions resulting from historical surveying errors.

Correct Answer: Minnesota

Insights: The northwest angle is uniquely positioned, separated from the main body of Minnesota by Lake of the Woods, and accessible only via Canada or by boat. It extends slightly above the 49th parallel due to a late-18th-century surveying error.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [21:12]: "This unique geographic feature is actually separated from the rest of Minnesota by Lake of the Woods..."

Question 4: Fishing

Category: Fishing
Question: What Turquoise Blue river, which the Alaska Department of Fish and Game calls the most heavily fished river in the 49th state, produced the world record angler caught king salmon in 1985?

Discussion: Participants share personal fishing experiences and discuss record-breaking catches.

Correct Answer: Kenai River

Insights: The Kenai River is renowned for its distinctive blue color due to glacial silt and exceptional salmon runs. In 1985, angler Les Anderson caught a record 97-pound king salmon, highlighting the river's fishing prowess.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [26:22]: "The Kenai River is famous for its distinctive blue color, which comes from glacial silt, and for its exceptional salmon runs."

Question 5: Gear/Maritime Freight

Category: Gear/Maritime Freight
Question: What is the busiest port on the Great Lakes which shares its name with a square roll top backpack designed to fit in the bottom of canoes?

Discussion: The team explores Great Lakes commerce and outdoor gear, recalling the historical significance of specific ports.

Correct Answer: Duluth

Insights: Duluth Superior is the busiest port on the Great Lakes by tonnage, handling iron, coal, grain, and other commodities. The Duluth Pack, a durable square roll-top backpack, originated here in 1882, becoming an iconic piece of outdoor equipment.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [32:35]: "The Duluth Pack is a square roll top backpack or bag originally designed to fit in the bottom of canoes. It's a classic piece of outdoor equipment..."

Question 6: Hunting

Category: Hunting
Question: What classic hunting bullet, first tested by John Nosler in 1947, gets its name from the internal structure that divides its two lead cores?

Discussion: The conversation touches on bullet design and hunting practices, discussing the technical aspects that enhance hunting effectiveness.

Correct Answer: Partition

Insights: The "Partition" bullet features a unique internal copper partition that separates its front and rear lead cores, allowing for controlled expansion and deep penetration. This design revolutionized hunting ammunition by enhancing tissue damage while maintaining bullet integrity.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [37:03]: "The partition gets its name from the unique internal copper partition that separates the front and rear lead cores of the bullet."

Question 7: Woodsmanship

Category: Woodsmanship
Question: In the realm of wilderness medicine, what do the letters HA stand for in acronyms like HACE and HAPE, which occur to travelers in mountainous terrain?

Discussion: Participants discuss high-altitude medical conditions, drawing parallels to mountaineering experiences depicted in films.

Correct Answer: High Altitude

Insights: HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) are serious, life-threatening conditions that can affect individuals rapidly ascending to high elevations without proper acclimatization. Immediate descent is often the best cure.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [41:25]: "High altitude cerebral edema and high altitude pulmonary edema are serious medical conditions that can affect people traveling in mountainous regions."

Question 8: Fishing

Category: Fishing
Question: What is the common term for a four-sided lead weight with a point at one end, often used by shore anglers for fishing stationary baits?

Discussion: The team reflects on fishing techniques and equipment, sharing anecdotes about the practicality of pyramid sinkers.

Correct Answer: Pyramid

Insights: Pyramid sinkers are favored by shore anglers for their pointed design, which helps anchor the weight in sand or mud, preventing rolling in surf or currents. This design facilitates a more stable and stationary bait presentation.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [44:47]: "Shore anglers typically use pyramid sinkers because the pointed design helps anchor the weight in sand or mud, preventing it from rolling in surf or current."

Question 9: Public Land Survey System

Category: Public Lands
Question: Under the public land survey System, how many 640-acre sections make up a township?

Discussion: Participants delve into land management and surveying history, discussing how townships are structured under the PLSS.

Correct Answer: 36

Insights: A standard township in the PLSS comprises 36 sections, each 640 acres, organized in a 6-mile by 6-mile grid. These sections are crucial for land distribution, with particular allocations reserved as state trust lands for public education and other beneficiaries.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [48:35]: "Under the public land survey system established by the land Ordinance of 1785, a township contains 36 sections, with each section being 640 acres."

Question 10: Listener's Question – Cooking

Category: Cooking
Question: What nine-letter side dish which gets its name from the Algonquin tribes of New England, can be described as a medley of grains, legumes, vegetables, and sometimes meats? Most common ingredients include sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, and peppers.

Discussion: This final question, submitted by listener Brian Green, invites the team to recall traditional Native American cuisine and its evolution into modern dishes.

Correct Answer: Succotash

Insights: Succotash originates from the Narragansett word "saquotash," describing unripe corn and beans boiled together with bear's flesh. Today, it typically includes sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, and peppers, and can incorporate various grains, legumes, vegetables, and meats, offering a nutritious and versatile side dish.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [57:53]: "Succotash comes from the Narragansett word saquotash, which was described by British explorer John Carver in 1787 as, 'unripe corn and beans in the same state, boiled together with bear's flesh...'"

Scoreboard Updates and Winner Announcement

Throughout the trivia game, Randall provides periodic updates on the participants' scores, keeping the competitive spirit alive. As the game progresses, Brody Henderson leads with six points, followed by Hansi, Cal, and Giannis with five each. By the final question, Brody maintains his lead, securing the win.

Final Scores:

• Brody Henderson: 6 points
• Hansi, Cal, Giannis: 5 points each
• Others: Varied scores, with Alyssa and Tressa at lower points.

Prize Allocation: Brody selects the MeatEater Land Access Initiative as his chosen conservation organization to receive the $500 donation.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [58:46]: "Brody Henderson in first place with six points."

Conclusion

Episode 687 of The MeatEater Podcast successfully blends the show's core themes of outdoor expertise with a competitive trivia format, engaging both participants and listeners. The episode not only tests the knowledge of seasoned outdoor enthusiasts but also highlights the importance of conservation through its prize donation. Randall Williams' dynamic hosting and the guests' spirited interactions make for an entertaining and informative episode that underscores the podcast's commitment to celebrating and preserving the natural world.

Upcoming Tease: Listeners are encouraged to participate in future trivia by submitting their questions to trivia.com, with the promise of winning exclusive prizes like a board game signed by the crew.

Notable Quote:

Randall Williams [58:53]: "Join us next week for more Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

Additional Highlights

• Humorous Banter: The episode is peppered with light-hearted jokes and playful teasing among the participants, enhancing the entertainment value.

  Example:

  Giannis [02:09]: "I just feel like the way this is written, Spencer, the way you wrote this made it sound like my episodes are bad."

• Personal Anecdotes: Participants share personal stories related to outdoor activities, such as fishing trips and experiences with hunting equipment, providing relatable content for the audience.

  Example:

  Brody [25:09]: "We walked with this fella down to the river. The next thing I know it's 2:00 in the morning and we've got a cooler full..."

• Educational Moments: Randall takes opportunities to educate listeners on topics like the Public Land Survey System and the history behind specific dishes like succotash and Salisbury steak.

Listener Engagement: The episode fosters a sense of community by involving listeners through the submission of trivia questions and offering incentives for participation, thereby strengthening the podcast's interactive element.

Key Takeaway: The MeatEater Podcast continues to innovate by incorporating engaging formats like trivia games, effectively combining entertainment with education on topics central to outdoor enthusiasts and conservation advocates.