The MeatEater Podcast: Episode 734 Summary – "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXIII"

Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Steven Rinella
Episode Type: Trivia Game Show

Introduction to MeatEater Trivia

In Episode 734 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Steven Rinella, affectionately known as Spencer Newarth, transforms the show into an exhilarating round of MeatEater Trivia CLXXIII. This episode stands out as the only game show on the network where conservation always takes the crown, aligning with the podcast's mission to deepen the understanding of the natural world.

Notable Quote:

"This is the only game show where conservation always wins." – Spencer Newarth [00:12]

Participants and Format

Spencer welcomes a dynamic group of contestants: Giannis, Cal, Randall Brody, Maggie, Corey, and Nate. The game is structured into 10 rounds, each encompassing four verticals: Hunting, Fishing, Conservation, and Cooking. The stakes are high, with the winner's choice of a conservation organization receiving a $500 donation.

Spencer emphasizes the impact of the trivia, highlighting the success of MeatEater Kids Season 3, which has already raised over $2,200 for conservation efforts benefiting the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable Quote:

"Each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors." – Podcast Description

Round Highlights and Notable Discussions

Question 1: Conservation

Topic: Public Land Acreage
Question: Which of these pairings have the most combined public land? Nevada and Utah, California and Arizona, Alaska and Indiana, or Idaho and Colorado?
Correct Answer: Alaska and Indiana

Cal humorously questioned the tangibility of the $2,200 raised, prompting discussions about children’s understanding of money.

Notable Quote:

"Alaska alone has 325 million acres of public land, equal to the size of two Texas." – Spencer Newarth [08:17]

Question 2: Cooking

Topic: Synonyms for Fat
Question: Fat and lard are synonyms for this four-letter word used in pastries and bird feeder cakes.
Correct Answer: Suet

Participants debated the usage of "suet," with insights into its culinary applications and regional preferences.

Notable Quote:

"Suet is the hard white fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep, and deer." – Spencer Newarth [11:20]

Question 3: Wildlife

Topic: Animal Sound Production
Question: These artists fake the sounds of animals in nature documentaries.
Correct Answer: Foley Artist

The role of Foley artists in enhancing the auditory experience of documentaries was elaborated, including their techniques and contributions.

Notable Quote:

"Foley artists pound coconut shells to mimic a galloping horse or run fingers across a fan for a dragonfly’s wings." – Spencer Newarth [14:38]

Question 6: Hunting

Topic: BLM Land Nickname
Question: This swath of BLM land north of the Grand Canyon is referred to as "America's Tibet."
Correct Answer: Arizona Strip

The nickname underscores the area's ruggedness and remote beauty, drawing parallels to the Tibetan Plateau.

Notable Quote:

"The Arizona Strip is about the size of Massachusetts, known for trophy elk and big horn sheep hunting." – Spencer Newarth [29:03]

Final Question: Fishing

Topic: State Record Muskies
Question: Name four of the eight states with a state record muskie over 50 pounds.
Correct Answer: Wisconsin, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky

The finale tested participants' knowledge on big game fish, particularly muskies, highlighting regional records and the International Game Fish Association's (IGFA) stance.

Notable Quote:

"IGFA recognizes the world record muskie caught in Wisconsin at 67 pounds." – Spencer Newarth [47:35]

Banter and Participant Dynamics

The episode is peppered with lively banter, showcasing camaraderie and playful competition among participants:

• Randall Brody proposes creating a podcast for fellow participant Marshall, joking about his unpredictable hosting skills.

  Notable Quote:

  "Marshall is our youngest player, and we're serving up a lot of Marshall on MeatEater Kids." – Spencer Newarth [02:40]

• Discussions about children's reactions to the $2,200 conservation fund illustrated the challenges in communicating financial concepts to younger audiences.

  Notable Quote:

  "Kids just don't have the same concept of money." – Nate [03:50]

Winner and Conservation Impact

After a tense trivia showdown, Giannis emerges victorious with a perfect score, earning the right to allocate the $500 donation to a conservation organization of his choice. This victory not only rewards Giannis but also reinforces the podcast's commitment to supporting environmental initiatives.

Notable Quote:

"The Arizona Strip is about the size of Massachusetts. The remoteness and ruggedness of this region is said to look like the Tibetan Plateau." – Spencer Newarth [29:30]

Concluding Remarks

Steven Rinella wraps up the episode by acknowledging the competitive spirit of the trivia game and reiterates the importance of conservation efforts supported by the podcast and its listeners. He teases future episodes, ensuring fans are eager for more engaging content.

Notable Quote:

"Join us next week for more MeatEater Trivia, the only game show where conservation always wins." – Spencer Newarth [56:09]

Key Takeaways

• Conservation as a Core Theme: The trivia game underscores the podcast's dedication to conservation, with every correct answer contributing to environmental preservation.

• Community Engagement: Through interactive segments like trivia, The MeatEater Podcast fosters a sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts.

• Educational Entertainment: The episode balances fun competition with informative discussions on topics like wildlife management, cooking with wild game, and the significance of public lands.

Stay Connected:
To support ongoing conservation efforts and participate in future trivia games, listeners are encouraged to engage with The MeatEater Podcast community through their official channels.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 734, highlighting the engaging trivia format, participant interactions, and the overarching commitment to conservation that defines The MeatEater Podcast. Whether you're an avid hunter, fisherman, or nature lover, this episode offers both entertainment and insightful discussions to enrich your outdoor experiences.