Podcast Summary: The MeatEater Podcast – Ep. 716: F'd Up Old Trucks, Father's Day, and a Gobbling Guide | MeatEater Radio Live!
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Steven Rinella (Brody Henderson)
Co-Hosts: Seth Morris, Corey Calkins
Guest: Danny Bolton, Josh Miller, Ryder (Turkey Companion)
1. Introduction
In Episode 716 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "F'd Up Old Trucks, Father's Day, and a Gobbling Guide," host Brody Henderson, along with co-hosts Seth Morris and Corey Calkins, delve into a blend of humorous and insightful discussions centered around hunting mishaps, tributes to fathers, and unique fishing adventures. The episode, recorded live from Bozeman at 11 am Mountain Time, sets the stage for an engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, expert advice, and interactive segments.
2. Sharing Hunting Truck Chronicles
As Father's Day approaches, the hosts open the episode by sharing memorable and often chaotic experiences involving their hunting trucks. These stories not only provide entertainment but also underscore the unpredictable nature of hunting outings.
Randall’s Mexico Mishap [23:54]:
Randall recounts a harrowing experience from a hunting trip in Mexico where heavy rains transformed a rental truck into a stuck nightmare. "We're in a spot where there's like no way you could turn around or off to our left... Our first thing we did was we need to get some weight off the trailer," he explains ([24:00]). The situation escalates when a side-by-side vehicle unexpectedly rolls over, compounding their predicament. The group eventually manages to extricate themselves after a grueling four-day ordeal.
Josh Miller’s Tacoma Tango [27:11]:
Josh shares his own tale involving a 2001 Toyota Tacoma that succumbed to treacherous terrain. "The transmission go out or not completely," he mentions, highlighting the importance of vehicle maintenance and preparedness ([34:32]). Despite the setback, Josh emphasizes resilience, explaining how he promptly addressed the damage and continued his hunting pursuits.
Brody Henderson’s Skid Plate Snafu [33:43]:
Brody discusses the perils of relying solely on stock vehicle components. "What’s not good about stock F150s is they have what they call a skid," he points out ([34:32]). A mishap involving the truck's skid plate leads to transmission fluid leakage, prompting Brody to advocate for aftermarket upgrades to enhance vehicle durability and performance in the wild.
3. Expert Insights with Danny Bolton
The episode features an in-depth interview with Danny Bolton, a seasoned four-wheel-drive (4WD) expert and friend of MeatEater. Danny brings a wealth of knowledge from his storm-chasing adventures and off-road racing background.
Storm Chasing Adventures [07:17]:
Danny shares his first-hand experiences of storm chasing in Kansas, describing the quintessential "Mad Max" style rigs he encounters. "All kinds of antennas coming off of it... It's pretty funny," he remarks about the eclectic mix of trucks ([07:36]).
Off-Road Driving Instructions [08:50]:
Transitioning into his professional role, Danny outlines his journey from growing up off-roading to training military personnel. "We train mainly military to basically how to drive off-road and then if the thing breaks, how to fix it," he explains ([09:00]).
Common Off-Road Mistakes [10:39]:
Danny identifies critical errors often made by off-road drivers, such as neglecting to turn around when conditions worsen and underestimating the frequency of flat tires. "Flat tires and getting stuck are probably the two most common things," he advises ([11:48]).
Essential Off-Road Gear [12:07]:
Highlighting necessities for safe off-roading, Danny emphasizes the importance of having a functional jack, spare tire, lug nut wrench, and a shovel. "Out of those things you can get yourself out of a lot of trouble," he states ([12:57]).
Towing Tips [14:27]:
Discussing towing heavy equipment, Danny warns about the added stress on vehicle components and the risks of improper trailer hitching. "You don’t want to get that thing twisted up or stuck," he cautions ([14:27]).
Danny’s expertise provides listeners with actionable advice to enhance their off-road adventures and avoid common pitfalls.
4. Throwback Segment: Hunting Truck Failures
In a nod to nostalgic storytelling, the hosts reminisce about past hunting truck disasters, sharing laughs and lessons learned.
Randall's Side-by-Side Roll [24:01]:
Randall vividly describes the moment their side-by-side vehicle flipped unexpectedly on a steep bank in Mexico. "The transmitter just flipped... we ended up getting back out," he narrates ([26:17]).
Josh’s Rolling Truck Incident [27:11]:
Josh recounts his experience with a truck that began rolling down a secluded ridge. "I jumped out of the way, actually, like, dove," he recalls, emphasizing the perils of inadequate vehicle restraint ([29:33]).
Brody’s Transmission Trouble [33:04]:
Brody shares his ordeal with a Ford F150’s weak skid plate leading to transmission issues. "The transmission went out... I put an aftermarket metal skid plate on that sucker," he explains, advocating for necessary vehicle modifications ([34:32]).
These stories serve both as entertainment and cautionary tales, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and situational awareness during hunts.
5. Honoring Fathers: Personal Hunting and Fishing Stories
With Father's Day imminent, the hosts take time to honor their fathers by sharing heartfelt and impactful stories about hunting and fishing together.
Seth Morris’s Alaska Adventures [41:18]:
Seth fondly recalls fishing trips with his father at an Alaskan cabin. "He's been coming up the last three years now... It's super cool," he shares ([42:45]). He highlights the joy of teaching his father new fishing techniques and witnessing his father’s enthusiasm for the outdoors.
Josh Miller’s Archery Triumph [48:05]:
Josh narrates a pivotal moment from his youth when he and his father successfully hunted elk with bows. "We killed two bulls... It was a pretty epic memory," he reflects ([48:05]). This story underscores the profound bond and mutual respect developed through shared outdoor experiences.
Brody Henderson’s Hunting Legacy [52:18]:
Brody discusses how his father inspired him to become a fishing guide. "He's the reason why I'm sitting in this seat right now," he states, emphasizing the legacy of outdoor passion handed down through generations ([52:18]).
These tributes not only celebrate paternal relationships but also emphasize the importance of mentorship and shared experiences in fostering a deep connection with nature.
6. Interview with Josh Miller and Ryder the Turkey
In a unique twist, the episode features Josh Miller and his unexpected companion, Ryder—a turkey who acts as his “first mate.”
Ryder’s Story [54:18]:
Josh introduces Ryder, the turkey who became an indispensable part of his fishing voyages. "There was only one left... he had to go out on the boat as a little baby," Josh explains ([55:39]). Seven years later, Ryder accompanies Josh on various trips, exhibiting surprising intelligence and adaptability.
Fishing with a Turkey [56:11]:
Ryder’s antics add humor and curiosity to the fishing experience. "When he hears drag pulling out of a reel, he starts ripping goggles," Josh shares, illustrating Ryder’s keen response to fishing activities ([56:56]).
Clients’ Reactions [57:39]:
Josh notes that some clients specifically request Ryder’s presence, highlighting the unique appeal of having a turkey companion. "As long as you tip the bird, I'll bring him," he humorously states ([57:44]).
Ryder’s Training and Behavior [59:02]:
Despite being a turkey, Ryder is well-trained both on land and on the boat. Josh mentions, "He's a pretty smart bird," showcasing Ryder’s ability to perform tasks and navigate the fishing environment ([59:26]).
This segment offers a lighthearted and unconventional perspective on outdoor companionship, blending humor with the unpredictability of wildlife interactions.
7. Trivia and Listener Feedback
The episode incorporates interactive segments where listeners submit questions and comments, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
Listener Questions [35:41 & 61:00]:
Questions range from technical hunting strategies to personal anecdotes. For instance, a listener from Michigan inquires about hunting turkeys on a 10-acre property. Randall advises, "You can get her down on 10 acres for sure," emphasizing the feasibility of turkey hunting even on smaller tracts of land ([61:00]).
Trivia Quips [62:22]:
A playful exchange about implementing time limits on trivia questions highlights the hosts' camaraderie and the show’s dynamic energy. "The time limit would ruin the energy of the show," Brody opines, balancing structure with spontaneity ([62:35]).
These interactions enhance the episode’s relatability and underscore the hosts’ commitment to addressing listener interests and concerns.
8. Special Announcements and Promotions
Throughout the episode, the hosts promote relevant products and services, aligning with the show's outdoor and hunting-centric themes.
Father’s Day Sales [53:34]:
Brody reminds listeners of ongoing Father's Day sales on the Meat Eater and First Light websites, encouraging thoughtful gift-giving options beyond traditional items like ties and socks.
Montana Knife Company Promotion [20:40]:
Corey Calkins highlights the Montana Knife Company, praising their durable and sharp hunting knives. "MKC products usually sell out in minutes... Use Code MeatEater and you get 10% off your first order," he advertises ([22:50]).
These segments provide practical recommendations and exclusive deals tailored to the listeners' outdoor lifestyles.
9. Closing Remarks
As the episode winds down, the hosts extend well-wishes for Father's Day, encourage listeners to engage with the show's content, and tease future episodes. The blend of personal stories, expert insights, and interactive elements ensures a well-rounded and captivating listening experience.
Notable Quotes:
- Danny Bolton [07:36]: "Talk about messed up old trucks... it's pretty funny."
- Randall [24:00]: "We couldn't get a vehicle past it to try and pull it. It was a disaster."
- Josh Miller [27:11]: "Jumped out of the way, actually, like, dove."
- Brody Henderson [34:32]: "What’s not good about stock F150s is they have what they call a skid."
- Seth Morris [41:18]: "He’s completely fell in love with, like, doing all this stuff up there."
- Josh Miller [48:05]: "We killed two bulls. It was a pretty epic memory."
- Brody Henderson [52:18]: "He's the reason why I'm sitting in this seat right now."
- Josh Miller [55:39]: "Ryder had to go out on the boat as a little baby."
This episode of The MeatEater Podcast skillfully balances humor, expertise, and heartfelt tributes, making it a memorable listen for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters alike. Whether sharing truck tales, honoring fathers, or featuring an unconventional fishing companion, the hosts deliver an engaging narrative that resonates with their audience.