The MeatEater Podcast - Episode 701 Summary: "MeatEater Radio Live! The Dinosaur Highway and 100 Humans v. 1 Gorilla"

Release Date: May 9, 2025

Welcome to Episode 701 of The MeatEater Podcast, hosted by Spencer Newarth and featuring co-hosts Ryan Callahan and Randall Williams. This live episode, broadcasted from MeatEater HQ in Bozeman at 11 AM Mountain Time, dives into a diverse array of outdoor topics, blending engaging discussions, expert interviews, and lively segments that cater to hunting enthusiasts, nature lovers, and conservation advocates alike.

1. Settling the Internet Debate: 100 Humans vs. 1 Gorilla

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion addressing a viral internet debate: Can 100 humans defeat a single gorilla in a fight to the death? Spencer poses the question to Randall, who brings a humorous yet analytical perspective.

Key Points:

• Ryan's Expertise: Ryan shares his deep affinity for great apes, recounting personal experiences at various zoos, though humorously admitting he can't recall which ones exactly. At [02:35], he states, "I've been running FHF Binyo harnesses for over a decade," highlighting his passion and knowledge.

• Physical Analysis: The co-hosts delve into the physical advantages of gorillas, discussing their size, strength, and formidable bite force. Ryan notes at [05:12], "It's a five and a half feet tall, 400 pounds... their jaw muscles exert unbelievable pressure."

• Human Stamina and Numbers: Spencer and Ryan argue that while a single gorilla is overwhelmingly powerful, human numbers and stamina could tilt the balance over time. Spencer muses at [05:35], "I think the debate should be what's the number where it actually gets competitive? My guess is like 10 to 15."

• Conclusion: The trio concludes that while 100 humans could eventually overpower a gorilla, a more competitive number might be around 20 humans factoring in potential injuries and tactical disadvantages.

Notable Quote:

• Spencer Newarth [05:35]: "I think the debate should be what's the number where it actually gets competitive? My guess is like 10 to 15."

2. Interview with Duncan Murdoch: Discovering the Dinosaur Highway

In a groundbreaking segment, Spencer interviews Dr. Duncan Murdoch, a paleontologist from the University of Oxford Museum of Natural History, about the recent discovery of the Dinosaur Highway in England.

Key Points:

• Discovery Process: Duncan explains at [12:43] how over 200 dinosaur footprints were uncovered in a limestone quarry near Oxford during routine extraction processes. The prints belong to at least five individual dinosaurs from the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago.

• Track Details: The tracks are sizable, with most being oval-shaped around 3 feet long and 2 feet wide, stretching over a 150-meter long trail. These were primarily left by large, long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs akin to Diplodocus or Brontosaurus, with occasional theropod footprints from meat-eating Megalosaurus.

• Environmental Reconstruction: Duncan discusses how these tracks provide a snapshot of a lagoon environment from the Jurassic era, highlighting the coexistence and possible interactions between herbivores and predators.

• Conservation and Access: Despite the active quarrying ongoing, Duncan reassures that the prints are protected and plans are underway to make the site virtually accessible through a 3D model, alongside public exhibits at the Museum of Natural History in Oxford.

Notable Quote:

• Duncan Murdoch [19:57]: "Each one of those footprints is a single moment in the life of an extinct animal. So we get this amazing, unique window into that very moment when that animal put that foot in that exact location."

3. Turkey Report: Hunting Updates from Seth Morris, Max Barda, and Tony Peterson

The episode transitions into the Turkey Report, featuring updates from hunters Seth Morris, Max Barda, and Tony Peterson across various regions.

Key Highlights:

• Montana’s Struggle: Max Barda shares his tough weekend in Region 1, Montana, where turkey movements have been unusually sluggish, leading to challenging hunting conditions. At [25:26], he mentions, "It's been a tough weekend of hunting. The birds are the most hemmed up that I've seen so far this season."

• Tennessee’s Transitional Phase: Tony Peterson reports from Central Tennessee, observing that turkeys are shifting their feeding habits towards bugs and grains as hens begin nesting. He advises hunters to stay persistent, stating at [26:00], "If you stick it out and work some ground, you'll find a bird that wants to gobble."

• Minnesota’s Observations: Alex Fogg from Minnesota notes a similar transition, with hen turkeys becoming more callable and pairing their hunting strategy with understanding local wildlife behaviors.

Notable Quote:

• Max Barda [25:45]: "I killed this one because I finally was able to call the hens in and he came in with the hens... my wife Kelsey, who's with us too, she killed a bird yesterday morning."

4. One Minute Fishing: Seth Morris at Meat Eater HQ Pond

In the One Minute Fishing segment, Seth Morris attempts to reel in a catch within a short timeframe to secure a $500 donation to Walleyes Unlimited.

Highlights:

• Pond Conditions: Seth assesses the pond's conditions, noting good water clarity and flowing current, though fellow anglers have reported minimal catches.

• Fishing Attempt: Despite strategic casting towards likely fish-holding areas, Seth's efforts at [40:48] prove unsuccessful as no fish bite within the allotted minute.

• Humorous Banter: The segment is filled with light-hearted teasing among hosts about fishing techniques and pond conditions, reinforcing the camaraderie and community spirit of the show.

Notable Moment:

• Spencer [42:09]: "Maybe we need to stock that pond. Maybe that's what we've got to do."

5. Show and Tell: Sharing Personal Gear and Stories

The Show and Tell segment allows hosts and guests to showcase personal items, sparking conversations around gear and memorable experiences.

Highlights:

• Spencer's Dinosaur Track: Spencer presents a 200-million-year-old Dilophosaurus track, obtained from a fossil dealer. He marvels at its historical significance and unique origin story, linking it back to discussions on dinosaur behavior and paleontology.

• Ryan's Vintage Gear: Ryan shares a rare, expired freeze-dried meal—a Cincinnati-style chili backpacker's pantry item from 2016—symbolizing enduring gear treasured for special occasions, even if never used.

• Randall's Birkenstock Crocs: Randall introduces his lightweight, roto-molded Birkenstock-style crocs, praising their comfort and durability, while humorously fielding questions about their breathability.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan Callahan [45:19]: "They fed our audio into ChatGPT and then had it make something that sounded like that. And so this is so bad, it's making me sort of rethink my own abilities as a writer."

6. Interview with Alex Fogg: Creating the World's Largest Artificial Reef

Concluding the episode, Spencer interviews Alex Fogg, the Okaloosa County Natural Resources chief in Florida, about an ambitious project to transform a retired ocean liner into the world's largest artificial reef.

Key Points:

• Project Overview: Alex details the acquisition of the SS United States, a 1950s ocean liner, purchased for $1 million—the scrap value—by Okaloosa County. The goal is to sink the ship at a depth of 180 feet to serve as a thriving artificial reef, fostering marine life and boosting local fishing and diving activities.

• Environmental Preparations: Extensive cleaning and removal of hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and fuel oil are underway to ensure environmental safety before deployment. This process is expected to take about a year.

• Deployment Process: Alex describes the sinking mechanism—controlled flooding through exterior holes—and the immediate attraction of bait fish, with a full ecosystem developing over one to two years.

• Community Impact: The artificial reef is anticipated to become a hotspot for fisheries, enhancing sportsmen opportunities while also serving as a dive site attracting enthusiasts worldwide.

Notable Quote:

• Alex Fogg [62:29]: "It's such a large vessel being placed in a location where there's really no reef material, natural or artificial, existing at this time. So it's going to be an oasis."

7. Listener Feedback and Final Banter

Engaging with their audience, Spencer and the hosts address listener comments and questions, covering topics from public land policies to gear preferences. The conversation is lively, interspersed with humor and good-natured ribbing, exemplifying the show's community-driven spirit.

Highlights:

• Public Lands Amendment: Discussion on the late-night amendment to sell public lands, critiquing the lack of transparency and public input. Randall emphasizes the importance of contacting representatives to oppose the move, urging listeners to take action against the sale of up to 650,000 acres without clear benefits.

• Gear Preferences: Followers’ questions about vintage gear spark conversations about the merits of old versus new equipment, with hosts sharing personal favorites like Dutch ovens, knives, and classic fishing boats.

• Upcoming Events: Randall mentions leading trivia at the BHA Rendezvous and participating in a public lands rally, encouraging listeners to join and support conservation efforts.

Notable Quote:

• Randall Williams [35:38]: "What do you guys want to do is virtually visit this site... We have casts, replicas of the prints on display at the moment."

Conclusion

Episode 701 of The MeatEater Podcast masterfully intertwines engaging debates, expert insights, and community interactions, offering a comprehensive look into the world of outdoor adventures, conservation, and hunting. From the prehistoric trails of the Dinosaur Highway to contemporary conservation battles and the thrilling yet humorous musings on human versus animal strength, the episode delivers valuable content for both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Final Notable Quote:

• Ryan Callahan [73:15]: "So, whoever that was, point well taken."

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