The MeatEater Podcast: Episode 697 – "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXII"

Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

In Episode 697 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Spencer Neuharth introduces a special segment titled MeatEater Trivia, a game show designed around the themes of hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. This episode, subtitled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXII," brings together a diverse group of guests to compete in a friendly yet challenging trivia competition, all while supporting conservation efforts.

Spencer Neuharth kicks off the segment with enthusiasm:

“Welcome to Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins.”
(00:46)

Meet the Contestants

The trivia game features five participants:

• Spencer Neuharth – Host
• Steve Rinella – Renowned outdoorsman and MeatEater Podcast host
• Randall Williams – Experienced hunter and fishing enthusiast
• Nate Logan – Avid outdoorsman with a keen interest in conservation
• Matt – Longtime listener and outdoor gear expert
• Nick Tapia – First-time guest, Senior Brand Producer at MeatEater

Nick Tapia introduces himself, bringing a fresh dynamic to the game:

"I'm the senior brand producer. I work really closely with the folks at firstlight FHF Phelps D CSD mediator store. But I've worn a lot of hats here, but working kind of with. With a camera in hand. So that's kind of what I do."
(01:03)

The group engages in playful banter, highlighting their camaraderie and competitive spirit:

Steve Rinella: "I'll tell you one hat you ain't worn. Trivia champion."
(01:28)

Spencer Neuharth: "He has not worn that hat."
(01:31)

Game Mechanics and Stakes

The trivia competition consists of 10 rounds, each featuring questions from the four verticals: hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. Participants vie to answer correctly, with the top scorer winning the opportunity to have MeatEater donate $500 to a conservation organization of their choice.

Spencer emphasizes the impact of the trivia game:

"Trivia has now donated $160,000 to more than 20 different conservation organizations."
(02:00)

Trivia Rounds: Highlights and Notable Moments

Round 1: Wildlife

• Question: Which state is the American bullfrog not native to?
• Notable Responses:
  • Steve Rinella confidently answers "Oregon."
  • All but one contestant select Oregon, which is the correct answer.
• Discussion:
  • Steve Rinella shares his experience with bullfrogs, stating:

    "I had a conversation about this today. Oh, but not about that specifically, but bullfrogs."
    (07:40)

Round 2: Conservation

• Question: An 11-letter word defined as the practice of growing a single crop species in a given area for consecutive seasons.
• Correct Answer: "Monoculture"
• Insights:
  • Spencer Neuharth elaborates on the environmental impacts:

    "Monocultures reduce biodiversity, increase a crop's vulnerability to pests and disease, and cause soil degradation."
    (10:14)

Round 3: Fishing

• Question: Which New England state has a rifle hunting season for pike and pickerel?
• Correct Answer: "Vermont"
• Discussion:
  • Spencer Neuharth provides historical context:

    "The Vermont rifle fishing season runs from March to May and allows hunters to shoot various species labeled as Cullfish."
    (13:07)

Round 4: Cooking

• Question: Defined as a market where fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and sometimes live animals are sold, gaining notoriety in 2020.
• Correct Answer: "Wet market"
• Notable Interaction:
  • Steve Rinella attempts a joke linking the question to tailoring:

    "I was going to tie it into Nate here going to the Taylor in Korea."
    (16:44)

Round 5: Hunting

• Question: Name the duck named after its long pointed tail feathers that make up 25% of a Drake's body length.
• Correct Answer: "Northern Pintail"
• Participant Highlight:
  • Nick Tapia impresses with his correct answer, demonstrating his knowledge:

    "I at least gotta get that."
    (19:58)

Round 6: Cooking

• Question: Paul Ryan, a congressman for 20 years, shared his venison meatloaf recipe in the 2017 cookbook "A Meatloaf in Every Oven." Which state did he represent?
• Correct Answer: "Wisconsin"
• Discussion:
  • Steve Rinella reflects on the challenge of recalling specific details about politicians:

    "I knew it wasn't one of them. I had it down to 2."
    (25:22)

Round 7: Conservation

• Question: What does IWVC stand for in the context of wildlife conservation?
• Correct Answer: "Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact"
• Explanation:
  • Spencer explains the compact's purpose:

    "Its purpose is to alert all other states when someone loses hunting and fishing privileges in one state."
    (27:06)

Round 8: Fishing

• Question: The Sea of Cortez is more commonly known by this name.
• Correct Answer: "Gulf of California"
• Notable Moment:
  • Randall Williams nails the answer, providing a satisfying moment for the host:

    "He may have wrapped it up with two questions to go."
    (30:27)

Round 9: Gear

• Question: These YouTubers set eight Guinness World Records for archery in 2022, including the world's longest archery shot to hit a target.
• Correct Answer: "Dude Perfect"
• Participant Commentary:
  • Steve Rinella humorously downplays the challenge:

    "But these are things that they beat or that they just made up."
    (33:02)

Round 10: Hunting

• Question: Name two of the five states with the most acres enrolled in the USDA's CRP program.
• Correct Answer: "Colorado and South Dakota" (among others)
• Conclusion of Rounds:
  • Despite varied answers, Randall Williams maintains his lead throughout, securing the top position.

Closing and Donation Announcement

With eight correct answers, Randall Williams emerges as the trivia champion. He chooses to donate the $500 prize to the Back River Restoration Committee, an organization focused on improving Chesapeake Bay watershed quality.

Matt: "He would like me to donate to the Back River Restoration Committee, which works on Chesapeake Bay watershed quality issues. They do fantastic work."
(37:01)

This donation underscores the episode's commitment to conservation, aligning with MeatEater's mission to support environmental stewardship.

Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with light-hearted interactions and camaraderie among the participants, highlighting the enjoyable and competitive spirit of MeatEater Trivia. Host Spencer Neuharth invites listeners to join future trivia games, reinforcing the show's ongoing dedication to conservation through engaging and entertaining content.

Spencer Neuharth: "Join us next week for trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."
(37:59)

Notable Quotes

• Spencer Neuharth:

  “Welcome to Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins.”
  (00:46)

• Steve Rinella:

  "I'll tell you one hat you ain't worn. Trivia champion."
  (01:28)

• Randall Williams:

  "If I get this wrong, I'm walking out."
  (18:42)

• Spencer Neuharth:

  "It's a pretty simple rotation, if you're."
  (10:57)

• Spencer Neuharth:

  "It's an 11-letter word defined as the practice of growing a single crop species in a given area for a consecutive number of seasons."
  (08:48)

This episode of The MeatEater Podcast effectively combines the excitement of a trivia competition with meaningful contributions to conservation, all while showcasing the knowledge and camaraderie of its passionate participants. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or new to the world of hunting and conservation, Episode 697 offers both entertainment and insight into the importance of protecting our natural resources.