Podcast Summary: The MeatEater Podcast – Ep. 744: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXVI

Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: Steven Rinella (Spencer Newharth)

Introduction

In Episode 744 of The MeatEater Podcast, titled "Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXVI," host Steven Rinella, known here as Spencer Newharth, embarks on a spirited trivia showdown with his colleagues. The episode centers around a lively game of MeatEater Trivia, where questions span four core verticals: hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. The stakes are high, with a $500 donation to the conservation organization chosen by the episode's winner.

Participants

• Spencer Newharth (Host)
• Giannis Brody
• Seth Roman
• John Logan
• Max
• Alex Plakkta (First-time participant)
• Roman (Works with Seth Roman in social media)

Game Structure and Rules

The MeatEater Trivia game comprises 10 rounds, each featuring questions from the four verticals mentioned above. Players select answers from multiple-choice options, earning points for correct responses. Throughout the game, Spencer interjects with humorous banter and personal anecdotes, enhancing the engaging atmosphere.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Hunting – Mule Deer Populations

Question:
"Of these states, which has the lowest population of mule deer? North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, or Oklahoma?"
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody: Oklahoma
• Alex Plakkta: Kansas
• Roman: North Dakota
• Correct Answer: Oklahoma
  Discussion:
  Spencer reveals that Oklahoma indeed has the lowest mule deer population, estimated at just 3,000, primarily confined to the state's panhandle. The group's mixed answers reflect their diverse regional backgrounds. Giannis quips about a prior incident where Spencer mistakenly referred to a "Cayman" as "Gatorade," highlighting the group's camaraderie and lighthearted competitiveness.

Notable Quote:
Spencer jokingly remarks, “[07:05] And no one else noticed this? Alex, is that, is that right?”

Round 2: Fishing – Game Show Host Award

Question:
"This game show host who said he owns four boats and eight lakes was given the 2025 American Sport Fishing Association Impact Award."
Notable Responses:

• Logan & Brody: Drew Carey
• Roman & Max: Steve Harvey
• Correct Answer: Steve Harvey
  Discussion:
  The clue points to Steve Harvey, known for his love of fishing and recent accolade recognizing his charitable efforts in introducing youth to the sport. The participants engage in playful speculation before revealing the correct answer.

Notable Quote:
Giannis praises Harvey: “[11:01] Good for him.”

Round 3: Natural History – The Irish Elk

Question:
"This extinct elk, which is named after a country, had the largest known antlers of any deer."
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody: Irish
• Logan: African
• Roman: Scottish
• Correct Answer: Irish Elk
  Discussion:
  Giannis correctly identifies the extinct Irish elk, renowned for antlers spanning up to 12 feet. The discussion touches on the elk's extinction during the Ice Age and subsequent survival in Siberia until about 7,000 years ago.

Notable Quote:
Giannis adds insight: “[35:17] Wasn't it the weather thing, like predicting had something to do with their color pattern.”

Round 4: Gear – Carburetor Function

Question:
"AutoZone says the function of this 10-letter motor part is to mix air and fuel in the proper ratio for combustion."
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody, Seth Roman, John Logan, Roman, Max: Carburetor
• Alex Plakkta: Injector
• Correct Answer: Carburetor
  Discussion:
  All participants, except Alex, correctly answer "carburetor." The conversation delves into the maintenance signs of a failing carburetor and its phase-out in modern vehicles, with references to the last American car model to feature one.

Notable Quote:
Seth humorously comments, “[34:14] We call them woolly buggers.”

Round 5: Cooking – Rainbow Roll Sushi

Question:
"This sushi roll, which is named after its colorful presentation, is made by placing salmon, tuna, and yellowfin on top of a California roll."
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody, Max: Rainbow Roll
• John Logan: Dragon Roll
• Alex Plakkta: Rainbow
• Roman: Party Roll
• Correct Answer: Rainbow Roll
  Discussion:
  The correct identification of the Rainbow Roll leads to a brief exploration of its composition and popularity, with participants sharing their sushi preferences and recent local health news concerning a new sushi establishment.

Notable Quote:
Giannis expresses enthusiasm: “[19:32] Sounds delicious.”

Round 6: Hunting – Jim Zumbo Controversy

Question:
"This man lost his job as Outdoor Life's hunting editor in 2007 after a controversial article about ARs."
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody, Seth Roman: Jim Zumbo
• Roman: Shell Silverstein
• Max: Tread Barda
• Correct Answer: Jim Zumbo
  Discussion:
  The controversy surrounding Jim Zumbo's critical stance on AR-15 rifles and the repercussions he faced are discussed. Spencer elaborates on Zumbo's eventual apology and the impact of his actions on hunting journalism.

Notable Quote:
Giannis shares a reflective sentiment: “[35:17] Wasn't it the weather thing, like predicting had something to do with their color pattern.”

Round 7: Fishing – Moby Dick’s Species

Question:
"What kind of whale is Moby Dick?"
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody, Roman, Max: Sperm Whale
• Yanni: Humpback
• John Logan, Alex Plakkta: Sperm Whale
• Seth Roman: Sperm Whale
  Correct Answer: Sperm Whale
  Discussion:
  The iconic literary whale, Moby Dick, is identified as a sperm whale, specifically a white bull sperm whale. Logan further explains the concept of augmented reality through Pokémon Go, linking it to increased National Park visits.

Notable Quote:
John Logan provides an informative breakdown: “[32:22]... augmented reality uses GPS and actual mapping so you can walk around your town.”

Round 8: Biology – Bird Preening

Question:
"This eight-letter word is defined as a grooming behavior where birds use their beaks to clean, realign, and maintain their feathers."
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody, Seth Roman, Max: Preening
• Logan: Primping
• Alex Plakkta: Cleaning
  Correct Answer: Preening
  Discussion:
  Preening is affirmed as the correct behavior, with discussions highlighting its importance in feather maintenance, parasite reduction, and mating displays. Max adds details about its role in waterproofing for ducks.

Notable Quote:
Max highlights functionality: “[20:37] In the duck world, it helps with waterproofness.”

Round 9: Conservation – Pokémon Go’s Impact

Question:
"The National Park Service said they saw an increase of young visitors in 2016 thanks to the release of this augmented reality mobile game."
Notable Responses:

• **Giannis Brody, Seth Roman, Rom: Pokémon Go
• Logan: Pokemon Go
• Max & Roman: Clash of the Clans
  Correct Answer: Pokémon Go
  Discussion:
  Pokémon Go's augmented reality features encouraged youth to explore national parks, turning them into popular PokéStops. John Logan details how the game integrates physical landmarks with virtual elements, fostering outdoor activities among younger generations.

Notable Quote:
John Logan explains: “[32:22]... landmarks are poke stops where you can collect items, and there are gyms where you can battle other Pokémon.”

Round 10: Woodsmanship – Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Question:
"The Old Farmer's Almanac calls the Blank Bear Caterpillar 'miniature meteorologists' because of their reputation for predicting winter weather."
Notable Responses:

• Giannis Brody, Logan: Black
• Seth Roman, Brody: Woolly Bear
• Alex Plakkta: Brown
  Correct Answer: Woolly Bear Caterpillar
  Discussion:
  Giannis Brody triumphs with the correct answer. The lore surrounding the woolly bear caterpillar's color patterns as predictors of winter severity is examined, alongside the scientific perspective that attributes color variation to diet and age.

Notable Quote:
Spencer elaborates on the myth: “[35:24]... if there's more black, then it will be a bad winter, and if there's more brown, then it will be a mild winter.”

Scoreboard and Winner

By the final question, Giannis Brody emerges victorious with eight correct answers, securing the $500 donation for the Sage Grouse Initiative—a nod to recent conservation efforts following the sage grouse's extinction in North Dakota.

Scoreboard Highlights:

• Giannis Brody: 8 points
• Brody and Others: Varied points throughout the game

Notable Interaction:
Giannis shares a heartfelt moment upon winning: “[36:03] Real bummer. So we're going to donate it to the Sage Grouse Initiative.”

Concluding Remarks

Spencer wraps up the episode by acknowledging the competitive spirit and the importance of conservation, reinforcing the podcast's foundational belief in enriching lives through a deeper understanding of the natural world. The episode concludes with playful banter and teasers for future trivia challenges.

Final Quote:
Giannis sums up the episode's spirit: “[36:46]... Using those smooth, mellow tones, he lays them questions down.”

Episode Takeaways

• Engagement: The trivia format fosters camaraderie and friendly competition among participants.
• Conservation Focus: Each correct answer contributes to a larger conversation about wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship.
• Educational Value: Through diverse questions, listeners gain insights into hunting, fishing, natural history, gear mechanics, culinary arts, and conservation efforts.
• Community Involvement: Encouraging listener participation by inviting questions for future trivia rounds strengthens the podcast’s community ties.

Join the MeatEater community for more engaging discussions, expert insights, and enriching outdoor knowledge. Don’t miss the next episode of The MeatEater Podcast for another adventure into the wild!