Episode Summary: The MeatEater Podcast – Ep. 693: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXI

Release Date: April 23, 2025

In Episode 693 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXI," host Spencer Newhart brings a lively and engaging twist to the show with a special edition of MeatEater Trivia. This episode transforms the podcast into a dynamic game show, featuring Spencer alongside beloved guests Clay, Mark Giannis, Randall Brody, Brent, and Tressa. The competition spans 10 rounds, each delving into the core verticals of hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. The stakes are high, with $500 donated by MeatEater to the conservation organization of the winner's choice.

Introduction and Setup [00:00 – 00:38]

Spencer kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, introducing Spencer Newhart as the host and outlining the trivia format. The participants are briefed on the four verticals—hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking—and the grand prize, emphasizing MeatEater’s commitment to conservation.

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

Behind the Scenes and Banter [00:38 – 07:04]

The initial minutes are filled with light-hearted banter among the guests. They share anecdotes about their time in Bozeman, discussing activities like sledding and handling unexpected snowfalls.

Mark Giannis [00:46]: "Man, we've been doing lots of stuff. Meat eater roast, meat eater experiments."

A playful tension arises when discussing a MeatEater roast, hinting at past rivalries and camaraderie.

Spencer Newhart [02:01]: "Because we did a meat eater roast. Jani said that we can reveal the ingredient."

Trivia Rounds Highlight

Round 1: Hunting – Gunstock Wood [07:22 – 09:05]

The first question dives into hunting, challenging participants on the best wood for gunstocks as per a 2013 NRA article. The consensus gravitates towards walnut, with all but Brody affirming it.

Spencer Newhart [09:05]: "Walnut is the favorite of gun makers because of its durability, color, and grain pattern."

Notable Quote:

Mark Giannis [08:19]: "I’ve already written down an answer. Do you mind if I slip out and just grab my coffee cup?"

Round 2: Conservation – Dinosaur National Monument [09:37 – 11:33]

Participants are asked to name one of the two states housing Dinosaur National Monument. Most correctly identify Colorado and Utah, showcasing their knowledge in conservation.

Spencer Newhart [11:33]: "About 80% of Dinosaur National Monument’s 200,000 acres are in Colorado."

Round 3: Woodsmanship – Plant Disease [11:45 – 14:53]

The challenge shifts to botany with a definition requiring recognition of a plant disease characterized by lesions and withering. Blight emerges as the correct answer, with Randall Brody confidently nailing it.

Spencer Newhart [14:53]: "The correct answer is blight."

Round 4: Fishing – Spinning Lure Brands [16:00 – 19:03]

A trivia question about fishing lure brands tests the participants’ brand recognition. Despite the complexity of the clue—a brand combining a type of cat and a man's name—the correct answer, Panther Martin Spinner, is revealed, highlighting the depth of their fishing knowledge.

Spencer Newhart [19:03]: "Panther Martin was founded in 1958 and has sold over 125 million lures since then."

Round 5: Cooking – Butterflying a Bird [19:53 – 23:33]

The cooking segment challenges contestants to define the culinary technique of butterflying a bird. The term spatchcock is correctly identified by most, demonstrating their adeptness in wild cooking methods.

Spencer Newhart [22:58]: "Spatchcocking is done to make a bird cook more evenly."

Round 6: Hunting – Sitcom Reference [26:00 – 30:54]

A question intertwines pop culture with hunting, referencing a sitcom episode where a character intentionally misses a buck. “That '70s Show” is identified as the correct sitcom, blending humor with hunting trivia.

Spencer Newhart [30:25]: "The correct answer is That '70s Show."

Round 7: Cooking – Native Fruit [31:17 – 35:38]

Participants identify the muscadine grape, known as the grape of the South, used in making jelly and wine. Clay secures the correct answer, emphasizing his expertise in wild foraging and cooking.

Spencer Newhart [33:14]: "The correct answer is muscadine."

Round 8: Fishing – Tributary Question [35:38 – 37:09]

A geography-based fishing question asks about the main river to which the Tennessee, Kentucky, and Cumberland rivers are tributaries. The correct answer, Ohio River, is swiftly acknowledged by all except Brent.

Spencer Newhart [37:09]: "The correct answer is the Ohio River."

Round 9: Conservation – Tragedy of the Commons [37:30 – 39:34]

A theoretical question probes understanding of environmental economics, specifically the Tragedy of the Commons. Randall Brody answers correctly, reinforcing his dominance in the game.

Spencer Newhart [39:08]: "The correct answer is tragedy of the commons."

Round 10: Woodsmanship – Toxic Plant [40:29 – 43:36]

The final question tests botanical prowess with a query about the most toxic plant in North America. Despite the challenge, none correctly identify hemlock, concluding the trivia segment.

Spencer Newhart [43:01]: "The correct answer is hemlock."

Key Interactions and Highlights

Throughout the trivia, the episode is peppered with humorous exchanges and friendly ribbing. Participants exhibit camaraderie and competitive spirit, making the episode both informative and entertaining.

Notable Moment:

Randall Brody [42:43]: "A paralysis-inducing plant, hemlock is no joke."

The banter around responses, such as Mark Giannis’s playful accusations and Clay’s storytelling flair, add depth and personality to the episode.

Outcome and Conclusion [43:36 – 45:32]

As the trivia concludes, Randall Brody emerges triumphant with nine correct answers, narrowly missing a perfect score. He earns the right to have MeatEater donate $500 to his chosen conservation organization, the Gunnison Wildlife Association.

Clay [43:58]: "I'd like to donate my $500 to the Gunnison Wildlife Association."

Spencer wraps up the episode by praising Randall’s expertise and teasing future trivia episodes, ensuring listeners are hooked for upcoming challenges.

Spencer Newhart [45:32]: "Visit us next week for more Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Spencer Newhart [00:00]: "Welcome to Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

• Mark Giannis [00:46]: "Man, we've been doing lots of stuff. Meat eater roast, meat eater experiments."

• Spencer Newhart [09:05]: "Walnut is the favorite of gun makers because of its durability, color, and grain pattern."

• Spencer Newhart [14:53]: "The correct answer is blight."

• Spencer Newhart [19:03]: "Panther Martin was founded in 1958 and has sold over 125 million lures since then."

• Spencer Newhart [22:58]: "Spatchcocking is done to make a bird cook more evenly."

• Spencer Newhart [30:25]: "The correct answer is That '70s Show."

• Spencer Newhart [37:09]: "The correct answer is the Ohio River."

• Spencer Newhart [39:08]: "The correct answer is tragedy of the commons."

• Spencer Newhart [43:01]: "The correct answer is hemlock."

• Clay [43:58]: "I'd like to donate my $500 to the Gunnison Wildlife Association."

• Spencer Newhart [45:32]: "Visit us next week for more Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

Conclusion

Episode 693 of The MeatEater Podcast masterfully blends education with entertainment, offering listeners a captivating journey through trivia that spans hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. The interactive format, coupled with the hosts' and guests' engaging personalities, makes this episode a standout. With Randall Brody's impressive performance leading to a charitable donation, the episode not only entertains but also reinforces MeatEater’s dedication to conservation efforts.

For those passionate about the outdoors and eager to test their knowledge, this episode serves as both a fun competition and a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving nature.