The MeatEater Podcast - Episode 695 Summary

Release Date: April 25, 2025

In Episode 695 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Spencer Newharth, alongside Seth Morris and Chili, delves into a variety of outdoor topics ranging from archaeological discoveries to practical hunting and fishing tips. The episode is structured into several engaging segments, featuring interviews, interactive games, and listener interactions. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Weekend Hunting Success

Timestamp: 01:57 – 06:00

The episode kicks off with Spencer congratulating Seth and Chili on a successful turkey hunting weekend where they took down four turkeys (Chili, 01:48). Seth shares his experience with rockhounding, revealing the discovery of a significant ammonite fossil:

Chili (02:12): "I found a big rock that had a little bit of this ammonite sticking out of it."

The discussion highlights the importance of ammonites in the fossil record, noting their resilience and eventual extinction alongside the dinosaurs. Seth showcases the ammonite's intricate details, emphasizing its historical significance.

Key Insights:

• Ammonites thrived for over 450 million years, surviving multiple extinction events.
• The discovery underscores the meticulous nature of Seth and Chili's outdoor explorations.

2. Interview with Brian Schroeder: North America's Oldest Weapon Kit

Timestamp: 06:02 – 19:25

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Brian Schroeder, Director of the Center for Big Ben Studies, about the recent discovery of what may be North America's oldest intact weapon system in West Texas.

Discovery Details

Brian Schroeder (07:21): "These are found just outside of [Big Bend National Park], right on the edge of a big cliff."

The weapons kit includes stone-tipped darts, an atlatl bow system missing its spur, sandals, an antler tool, and what appears to be hunting boomerangs. The assemblage dates back approximately 7,000 years, showcasing a modular and sophisticated hunting setup.

Notable Quotes:

• Schroeder (10:37): "It's a complete hunting kit almost 7,000 years ago."
• Schroeder (16:37): "They're clearly coated in some kind of resin and they've been looking for this parallel in the archaeological record."

Significance and Future Research

Brian explains the exceptional preservation conditions in West Texas, attributing it to the hot and dry climate which inhibits microbial decay. The team is eager to determine if the wooden components indeed served as poison darts, a technique known among indigenous groups.

Key Insights:

• The weapon kit offers a rare glimpse into ancient hunting practices.
• Ongoing research aims to uncover more about the use of poison in hunting and the lifestyles of the people who crafted these tools.

3. Hot Tip Off: Listener Tips for Hunting and Trapping

Timestamp: 19:36 – 27:36

In the "Hot Tip Off" segment, listeners Adam Smith and Brian Nistle compete to provide the most valuable tips, vying for a three-year ONX Elite membership and a Multi Edge 2 Cell Cam.

Competitors' Tips:

• Adam Smith (24:03): Shares a budget-friendly fishing tip by repurposing old leaking waders into a chest rig, offering water-resistant storage without the cost of new gear.

  Adam Smith: "Instead of taking hundreds or dozens of dollars to spend a new piece of gear, I took some scissors, cut the old waders in half, and used the top half as a chest rig."

• Brian Nistle (24:09): Advises trappers to use sawdust as an alternative to paper towels when fleshing greasy animals like raccoons, aiding in cleaning beams efficiently.

  Brian Nistle: "Get yourself some sawdust from sawmills or woodworking shops. Throw a handful on your beam, wipe it around, and it soaks up the grease effectively."

Winner: Brian Nistle’s tip about using sawdust edged out Adam’s recycled wader rig.

4. One Minute Fishing with Jesse Vidala of Trout Unlimited

Timestamp: 28:38 – 43:25

One Minute Fishing features Jesse Vidala, Eastern Region Manager at Trout Unlimited, who attempts to catch a wild trout within one minute while managing chaotic surroundings near a racetrack in Connecticut.

Conversation Highlights:

• Fishing Techniques: Jesse discusses targeting brook trout using Hendricksons and black marabou streamers, emphasizing adaptability based on hatch patterns.
• Conservation Efforts: He highlights Trout Unlimited's initiatives to improve habitat connectivity and educate the next generation about the importance of healthy, cold rivers.

Notable Interaction:

Jesse Vidala (38:55): "We're working on improving connectivity by removing culverts and barriers to enhance habitat for wild trout."

Despite the chaotic environment, Jesse's focus remains on conservation and effective fishing techniques, embodying the podcast's dedication to both hunting and environmental stewardship.

Outcome: Jesse was unable to land a trout during the segment but provided valuable insights into conservation and fishing strategies.

5. Price is Right: Outdoor Edition

Timestamp: 43:36 – 55:26

In an interactive game inspired by The Price is Right, Seth and Chili compete to guess the prices of various outdoor-related products.

Featured Items:

1. Culver's Three-Piece Walleye Dinner:

   • Description: Includes three deep-fried walleye fillets, tartar sauce, a warm roll, soda, and two sides.
   • Correct Price: $20.79
   • Winner: Derek Zane from the chat guessed closest with $19.99.

2. Lacy Marine Bait and Tackle Shop:

   • Description: A turnkey bait shop located at the Jersey Shore with inventory, bait freezers, live bait tank, and POS system.
   • Correct Price: $279,000
   • Winner: Nick, who guessed $189,000.

3. Autographed Jaws Poster:

   • Description: Signed by four cast members and Steven Spielberg, measuring 26" x 38".
   • Correct Price: $190
   • Winner: Pit Pass podcast with a $210 guess.

Notable Moments:

• Chili's Victory: Chlor received recognition for correctly estimating the price of the Jaws poster.
• Audience Engagement: The segment encouraged live participation, with chat members actively contributing guesses.

6. Tattoos I Regret: Amanda Fairbairn Kimry Shares Her Lip Tattoo

Timestamp: 55:26 – 67:05

In a heartfelt segment, Amanda Fairbairn Kimry discusses her unique lip tattoo featuring the dates of the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806).

Backstory:

Amanda and a friend decided to get outrageous tattoos during a celebratory day when Clemson won the national championship. While many opted for traditional lip tattoos like names or trendy phrases, Amanda chose a historical reference.

Notable Quotes:

Amanda Fairbairn Kimry (58:15): "It's the dates of the Lewis and Clark expedition. We wanted something historical and a bit random."

Impact and Reflections:

Initially met with skepticism from friends and family, the tattoo has since become a conversation starter that brought joy and even led to Amanda meeting her husband.

Amanda Fairbairn Kimry (60:12): "It's brought a lot of joy and laughter, and it's actually the reason my husband and I are together."

Conclusion: Despite societal norms about regrettable tattoos, Amanda embraces her choice, highlighting how personal expression can lead to meaningful connections.

7. Listener Feedback and Q&A

Timestamp: 67:05 – 70:44

The episode wraps up with an interactive Q&A session where listeners ask for advice on topics like solo camping tents, turkey hunting tips, and ethical considerations in accepting poached game meat.

Key Suggestions:

• Solo Camping Tents: Recommendations include lightweight, three-season tents like those from Nemo and Ember, and larger options like the Seek Outside Cimarron for more space and stove compatibility.
• Turkey Hunting Tips: Emphasizing late-season strategies such as hunting during specific morning hours when hens are sitting on nests.
• Ethical Hunting Practices: Discussion on the morality of accepting game meat that may have been poached, with a consensus leaning towards conservation-minded decisions.

Notable Advice:

Spencer Newharth (62:13): "If you're hunting anytime from mid-October on in the north, look for a four-season tent to stay warm at night."

8. Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 70:44 – End

Spencer thanks listeners for tuning in and encourages them to participate in upcoming segments and share their own tips. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and a teaser for the next week's content.

Conclusion

Episode 695 of The MeatEater Podcast offers a rich tapestry of outdoor adventures, practical tips, and engaging stories. From uncovering ancient hunting tools to sharing modern hunting and fishing strategies, the episode underscores the enduring connection between humans and the natural world. Listener interactions and interactive segments further enrich the experience, making it a must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Chili (01:48): "Four turkeys."
• Chili (02:12): "I found a big rock that had a little bit of this ammonite sticking out of it."
• Spencer Newharth (10:37): "It's a complete hunting kit almost 7,000 years ago."
• Brian Schroeder (16:37): "They're clearly coated in some kind of resin..."
• Adam Smith (24:03): "I repurposed old waders into a chest rig..."
• Brian Nistle (24:09): "Use sawdust instead of paper towels for wiping greasy beams."
• Jesse Vidala (38:55): "We're working on improving connectivity by removing culverts and barriers..."
• Amanda Fairbairn Kimry (58:15): "It's the dates of the Lewis and Clark expedition."

This episode exemplifies the podcast's commitment to exploring diverse outdoor topics with depth, humor, and authenticity, providing listeners with both educational content and entertaining narratives.