The MeatEater Podcast – Episode 703: "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXIV"

Release Date: May 14, 2025

In Episode 703 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Spencer Newharth elevates the excitement with "MeatEater Trivia CLXIV," a dynamic trivia game that intertwines hunting, fishing, conservation, cooking, and more. This episode is the culmination of a two-episode championship series where participants vie for the title of King or Queen Jabroni, with a $500 donation to their chosen conservation organization at stake.

Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

At [01:23], Spencer introduces the trivia showdown, welcoming contestants Seth, Corey, Hanzi, Alyssa, Marge, Nate, Tressa, and John. He sets the stage for a ten-round quiz, emphasizing the educational and conservation-focused nature of the competition. Spencer highlights the prize: a $500 donation to a conservation organization selected by the winner.

Spencer Newharth [01:23]: "Welcome to MeatEater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

Before diving into the questions, Spencer provides a scoreboard update:

• Scores:
  • Corey, Seth, Nate: 6 points each
  • John: 4 points
  • Alyssa: 5 points
  • Marge, Hansi, Tressa: 3 points each

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Question 1: Conservation [03:07]

Topic: Mass Extinction

Question: According to the American Museum of Natural History, we're currently experiencing which mass extinction?

Choices: 3rd, 6th, 11th, or 17th.

Responses:

• Corey, Seth, Marge, John, Tressa, Hansi: Varied guesses.
• Nate: Chooses "sixth."

Correct Answer: Sixth Mass Extinction

Spencer Newharth [05:14]: "We're currently in the Holocene extinction, which started about 10,000 years ago."

Approximately half the participants answered correctly, recognizing the ongoing sixth mass extinction characterized by significant biodiversity loss largely driven by human activities.

Question 2: Fishing [05:15]

Topic: Columbia River Watershed

Question: Name four of the seven states that contribute to the Columbia River watershed.

Responses:

• Seth, Alyssa, Marge, John, Corey, Hansi, Nate: Predominantly list Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho.

Correct Answer: Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah

Spencer Newharth [07:01]: "The Columbia river carries more water to the Pacific Ocean than any other river in North or South America."

All participants correctly identified four key states, showcasing their familiarity with major North American waterways.

Question 3: Hunting [08:49]

Topic: Selective Slaughter Terminology

Question: This four-letter word is defined as a selective slaughter of wild animals.

Responses:

• Correct Answer: Call

Spencer Newharth [10:36]: "Calling can be enacted as a management tool for reducing populations, controlling disease, and helping human safety."

Despite some confusion, participants learned about the term "call" as a strategic wildlife management practice.

Question 4: Cooking [11:26]

Topic: Culinary Cactus

Question: The fruit of which cactus is described as a "culinary delight" tasting similar to melon, kiwi, or an underripe strawberry?

Responses:

• Most participants: "Prickly pear cactus."

Correct Answer: Prickly Pear Cactus

Spencer Newharth [13:40]: "Prickly pear can be eaten raw or turned into jam, syrup, and wine."

The correct identification highlighted the versatility and culinary uses of the prickly pear cactus, a staple in various cuisines.

Question 5: Woodsmanship [14:30]

Topic: Hiking Term

Question: This two-word hiking term refers to the illusion of what you believe is the pinnacle of a mountain, but later realize is not.

Responses:

• Correct Answer: False Summit or False Peak

Spencer Newharth [15:44]: "False summits can be discouraging, causing feelings of lost hope or failure."

Participants shared personal hiking experiences, enriching the discussion with real-world applications of the term.

Question 6: Conservation [18:54]

Topic: Biodiversity in Rivers

Question: Which river, starting in Peru and ending at the Atlantic Ocean, boasts the highest freshwater biodiversity on Earth?

Responses:

• Most Participants: "Amazon River."

Correct Answer: Amazon River

Spencer Newharth [19:31]: "The Amazon River is the longest free-flowing river in the world with over 2,400 fish species."

The Amazon's significance in global biodiversity was underscored, emphasizing the need for its conservation.

Question 7: Hunting [20:35]

Topic: Dog Breeds

Question: The AKC describes this dog breed as an exuberant Scottish gundog of great beauty, standing among America's most popular dog breeds.

Responses:

• Hansi: "Golden Retriever" (Correct)
• Others: Various incorrect guesses.

Spencer Newharth [23:39]: "Golden Retrievers are among America's most beloved breeds, known for their hunting prowess and friendly nature."

Hansi's correct answer highlighted her knowledge of popular hunting dog breeds, securing valuable points.

Question 8: Wildlife [24:30]

Topic: Native Habitat

Question: What continent is the platypus native to?

Responses:

• Corey, Seth, Tressa, Nate: "Australia."
• Hansi: "North America" (Incorrect)

Correct Answer: Australia

Spencer Newharth [25:23]: "Platypuses are unique egg-laying mammals native to eastern Australia."

The question reinforced awareness of unique wildlife habitats, with Corey and others accurately identifying Australia as the platypus's home.

Question 9: Cooking [28:06]

Topic: Salmon Fillet

Question: What is the three-letter word for a salmon fillet that's been salt-cured, commonly served on bagels?

Responses:

• Most Participants: "Lox."

Spencer Newharth [28:57]: "A lox bagel is typically topped with cream cheese, salmon, red onions, capers, and fresh dill."

The svariously correct answers emphasized culinary traditions associated with salmon preparation.

Question 10: Fishing [30:12]

Topic: River Measurement

Question: What does CFS stand for when referring to a river?

Responses:

• Corey, Nate: "Cubic Feet per Second."

Correct Answer: Cubic Feet per Second

Spencer Newharth [31:07]: "CFS measures how much water is flowing through a stream, calculated by the river's width, depth, and speed."

Participants demonstrated their understanding of key hydrological measurements crucial for environmental assessments.

Tiebreaker and Winner Announcement

With Corey and Nate tied at 13 points each, the episode moved into an exciting tiebreaker round.

Tiebreaker Question: Biology – How many teeth does a black bear have?

Responses:

• Corey: "42" (Correct)
• Nate: "28" (Incorrect)

Correct Answer: 42 Teeth

Spencer Newharth [35:14]: "42, making Corey our winner. That's 20 more than a squirrel, 10 more than a human..."

Corey's precise answer clinched his victory, earning him the title of King Jabroni and a $1,100 donation to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.

Corey [35:55]: "Let's go to someplace real close to my heart and do the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation."

His choice reflects a deep commitment to conservation, furthering the episode's overarching theme of environmental stewardship.

Notable Highlights and Quotes

• Humorous Banter:

  • Nate [02:25]: "I was giving the illusion that this wasn't recorded back to back."
  • Corey [30:31]: "Not feeling as confident as was earlier."

• Educational Insights:

  • Spencer Newharth [11:00]: "Culling can be enacted as a management tool for reducing populations, controlling disease, and helping human safety."
  • Spencer Newharth [25:22]: "Platypuses are unique egg-laying mammals native to eastern Australia."

• Participant Interactions:

  • Seth [16:22]: "The Baldi Summit gets me every time."
  • Corey [35:46]: "There was a group effort who beat up on Randall a couple weeks ago."

Conclusion

Episode 703 of The MeatEater Podcast masterfully blends entertainment with education, leveraging a spirited trivia competition to highlight critical topics in hunting, fishing, conservation, and wildlife. Corey's triumph not only showcases his knowledge but also underscores the podcast's commitment to supporting conservation efforts through engaging and informative content.

Spencer Newharth [36:00]: "$1,100 going their way via Corey and Meat Eater. Congratulations, Corey King."

Listeners are left inspired to participate in future trivia events and to support the continued conservation initiatives championed by the podcast.

About The MeatEater Podcast: Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella provides an in-depth and relevant look at outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Each episode features a diverse group of guests, filled with humor and surprising insights, making it a cornerstone of The MeatEater Podcast Network.