The MeatEater Podcast: Episode 729 - "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXII"

Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

In Episode 729 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXII", host Spencer Newharth teams up with Brody Henderson to present a lively and engaging trivia showdown. This episode marks a significant milestone as Meat Eater Trivia announces its expansion to the Outdoor Channel, broadening its reach to television audiences.

Exciting Expansion to the Outdoor Channel

At the outset of the episode, Spencer and Brody share the thrilling news:

Spencer Newharth [01:12]: "Welcome to Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."

Brody Henderson [01:32]: "Meat Eater Trivia is moving to the Outdoor Channel."

This move promises to bring the interactive trivia experience to a broader audience, with episodes airing every Saturday night starting August 16th at 6 PM Central Time. Brody emphasizes that the trivia will remain accessible through podcast apps, the Meat Eater website, and YouTube, ensuring no listener misses out.

Meet the Contestants

Joining Spencer and Brody are seven enthusiastic participants:

• Giannis
• Brody
• Randall
• Cal
• Corey
• Sarah
• Max

Each contestant competes across 10 rounds, encompassing four key verticals: Hunting, Fishing, Conservation, and Cooking. The stakes are high, with Meat Eater pledging a $500 donation to the conservation organization of the winner's choice.

Trivia Gameplay and Highlights

The trivia kicks off with a series of challenging questions that test the contestants' knowledge of wildlife, conservation efforts, hunting techniques, and culinary practices related to wild game.

Round Highlights:

1. Cooking Calories ([07:32]):

   • Question: Which raw food has the most calories: crayfish, pheasant breast, brook trout, or morel mushrooms?
   • Notable Mistake: All contestants incorrectly guessed, leading Spencer to remark humorously:

     Spencer Newharth [09:29]: "Are you kidding me?"

2. Hunting Terminology ([10:37]):

   • Question: What is the 12-letter term defined by the NSSF as the process of aligning the gun barrel with the sights?
   • Answer: Bore Sighting – Correctly identified by several participants.

3. Conservation Crisis ([13:14]):

   • Question: Which bacterial disease used by terrorists in 2001 also killed 50 hippos in the Congo in 2025?
   • Answer: Anthrax – Successfully answered by multiple contestants.

4. Wildlife Identification ([18:11]):

   • Question: Which family of salamanders is named after Greek mythological creatures that lure sailors to their deaths?
   • Answer: Sirens – Correctly answered by Giannis and Brody.

5. Fishing Surveys ([21:12]):

   • Question: What is the five-letter term for the in-person survey where anglers report their fishing experiences?
   • Answer: Creel – Correctly identified by Giannis, Cal, Sarah, Randall, and Brody.

6. Tourism Seasons ([29:20]):

   • Question: What term, defined by Forbes with an anatomical name, refers to the weeks before and after peak season?
   • Answer: Shoulder Season – Correctly answered by all contestants except Corey.

7. Movie Reference ([31:48]):

   • Question: In which Martin Scorsese film does Tommy ask his mom to borrow a kitchen knife to hack off a deer's paw?
   • Answer: Goodfellas – Correctly identified by Cal, Randall, and Brody.

8. Culinary Cuts ([35:47]):

   • Question: What thin steak from an animal's shoulder shares its name with an antique appliance and a New York City building?
   • Answer: Flat Iron Steak – Correctly answered by Sarah and Randall.

9. Fishing Techniques ([40:15]):

   • Question: What is the seven-letter term for a fishing method using lines suspended from floating bottles to catch fish?
   • Answer: Jugging – Correctly answered by all contestants.

10. Environmental Programs ([44:11]):

    • Question: What is the EPA program established in 1980 to fund the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites?
    • Answer: Superfund – Correctly identified by all contestants.

Banter and Host Interactions

Throughout the episode, Spencer and Brody engage in playful banter, offering comic relief and fostering a friendly competitive environment. Their interactions deepen the episode's appeal, making it enjoyable even for listeners new to the show.

Brody Henderson [02:34]: "They say there's Nothing good on TV anymore. We got the 7pm on Saturday night."

Spencer Newharth [09:29]: "Tough promising beginning for our outdoor network."

Their camaraderie shines during moments of contestant struggles and triumphs, as seen when all players missed the first question or when Brody clinched the final tiebreaker.

Conclusion and Winner Announcement

As the trivia progresses, scores fluctuate, culminating in a tense final question that sends Brody and Randall into overtime. The decisive tiebreaker question asks:

Question: "What year was the movie A River Runs Through It released?"

Brody confidently answers 1992, securing the win and ensuring a $600 donation to his chosen conservation group, Trout Unlimited.

Spencer Newharth [48:07]: "The correct answer is 1992, making Brody our winner by nailing the overtime question right on the nose."

Final Remarks and Next Episode Tease

The episode wraps up with Spencer and Brody congratulating Brody and teasing future episodes of Meat Eater Trivia. They also remind listeners to participate by sending in their own questions and announce the availability of Meat Eater Trivia board games, offering fans an interactive way to engage with the show.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Spencer Newharth [01:12]: "Welcome to Meat Eater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins."
• Spencer Newharth [09:29]: "Are you kidding me?"
• Brody Henderson [02:34]: "They say there's Nothing good on TV anymore. We got the 7pm on Saturday night."
• Spencer Newharth [14:00]: "And the German word for hippo is flussfair, meaning river horse."
• Spencer Newharth [21:17]: "Very nice old gentleman."
• Spencer Newharth [47:15]: "I blasphemy."
• Brody Henderson [44:57]: "The Super Fund was formally established as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980."

Key Takeaways

• Expansion to TV: Meat Eater Trivia's move to the Outdoor Channel signifies its growing popularity and commitment to promoting conservation through engaging content.

• Interactive Engagement: The episode showcases the dynamic interaction between hosts and contestants, emphasizing both knowledge and entertainment.

• Conservation Commitment: With each episode, Meat Eater Trivia reinforces its dedication to conservation, donating substantial funds to organizations like Trout Unlimited based on contestant performance.

For those passionate about the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and conservation, Episode 729 of The MeatEater Podcast offers an entertaining blend of trivia, camaraderie, and commitment to preserving our natural world. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to these topics, this episode provides valuable insights and enjoyable content.