The MeatEater Podcast – Episode 749

Release Date: August 18, 2025
Host: Steven Rinella
Main Guests: Giannis “Yanni” Patelis, Brian, Ronnie Bame, Mark, Seth, Jimmy (Steven’s son), others

Overview

This wide-ranging episode of The MeatEater Podcast centers around themes of endurance — both physical and mental — while throwing in signature doses of humor and hearty outdoor camaraderie. The primary focus is Giannis Patelis’s recent completion of the Crazy Mountain 100, a grueling 100-mile ultramarathon, with deep dives into preparation, suffering, and lessons learned. The crew also explores risk and responsibility in outdoor pursuits, the psychology of danger, and closes with a playful debate about Stormy Kromer hats. As always, the tone is irreverent, honest, and punctuated by personal stories and friendly ribbing.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Jimmy on the Show & Family Dynamics

Timestamps: 01:24–03:36

• Steven introduces his 15-year-old son Jimmy as a more visible show participant now that he’s old enough to have an Instagram account and learner’s permit.
• Brief, playful conversation about family rules, social media, and growing up in the Rinella household.

Quote
"Well, I mean, the kid can't hide under a rock his whole life." – Steven Rinella (02:54)

2. Giannis’ 100-Mile Ultramarathon: The Crazy Mountain 100

Timestamps: 05:13–46:13

Race Description & Preparation

• 100 miles in Montana’s Crazy Mountains with 23,000' feet of elevation gain.
• Took 33 hours to finish, including hiking and running.
• Training involved running with a full stomach and practicing eating on the move, aiming for 80–100 grams of carbs/hr.

Quote
"My first one at that distance. I’ve done a couple 50s working up to that distance." – Giannis (07:19)

Suffering & Bodily Challenges: Chap Ass, Blisters, Nausea

• Graphic, humorous discussion about “crippling chap ass” and runners’ chafing, with practical advice on anti-chafe products like Squirrel’s Nut Butter and Body Glide.
• “GI distress” (nausea, diarrhea) as a leading cause of runners dropping out, despite training.

Quotes

• “You just can’t picture the chap ass.” – Steven (05:49)
• "Some people just suffer. Some people have debilitating chap ass." – Steven (08:14)
• "The second 50, you find out what you’re made out of." – Giannis quoting another runner (41:56)

Mental Hurdles & Support

• Hardest part: miles 75–90, with physical and emotional low points.
• Importance of pacers and positive friends to keep moving and eating.
• Taking a strategic 8-minute nap and the restorative effects.

Quotes

• "I think had I not had my buddy Steven Bruckner with me... I don’t know if I would have made it." – Giannis (15:00)
• "Anyone could do it with dedication, but you gotta want it enough to prioritize the training." – Steven Rinella (22:21)

The Finish & Recovery

• Final stretch aided by Tylenol, rap music (“Wu Tang”), and a positive mindset, overtaking other runners.
• Post-race “lounge lizard” recovery day focused on eating and resting.
• Deep satisfaction and pride, with reflection on toughness and possible improvements.

Quotes

• "At mile 75 or 80, it really rang true – the first 50 is just the ticket to see what happens in the second 50." – Giannis (41:56)
• "My goal was to finish and finish with a smile on my face, which I did." – Giannis (45:26)

3. Dangerous Game Hunting in Africa: Cape Buffalo

Timestamps: 49:27–67:16

Risk, Allure & Ethics

• Steven recalls his recent Cape buffalo hunt, discussing the allure and real risk (“Black Death” nickname).
• Conversation about two Americans killed hunting Cape buffalo that year; group weighs the risks of dangerous game versus “normal” outdoor risks.

Quotes

• "Part of the allure is you’re hunting a thing that gets you." – Steven Rinella (50:16)
• "Otherwise, it’s kind of like you’re hunting a cow…" – Steven (50:17)

The Hunt’s Details

• Tracking and approaching buffalo in thick grass, experiencing tension but no acute fear.
• Importance of trackers' skill and knowledge.
• Stories of gunshots, animal behavior, and reflection on how stories color perceived risk.

Quotes

• "All the tension I felt was because of all the stories." – Steven (60:12)
• "Your role as a professional hunter…when it comes, that's your thing. You don’t get to flinch." – Steven Rinella (61:34)

4. Risk, Responsibility & Family: Where’s the Line?

Timestamps: 62:44–72:11

• Brian raises a tough ethical question: Is it responsible for parents to accept risks (e.g., hunting Cape buffalo) that could leave families without them?
• Roundtable on how risk is assessed in hunting, fishing, ultrarunning, and other “adventure” pursuits.
• Comparison to extreme pursuits like climbing K2, base jumping, military service.
• Consensus: Outdoor risks are present but low compared to everyday hazards (driving, boating); most lines would be drawn at human/gang-related danger rather than animal.
• Awareness that “exciting” risks (sharks, buffalo) take up mental energy more than mundane but likely ones (boat props, car crashes).

Quotes

• "There’s no thing in hunting that is at that risk level [of K2 or combat]." – Steven Rinella (68:29)
• "Odds are you're going to get smashed by another driver before you get killed by a grizz or Cape buffalo." – Giannis (71:57)

5. Closing Reflections: Judgement, Legacy & Unexpected Endings

Timestamps: 74:00–82:44

• Honest talk about how, if something tragic happened, the judgment of others is inevitable – “What an idiot, bringing his kid out there.”
• Stories about tragedy within their own circles (including a cameraman’s unexpected passing).
• Reflection that the things people worry about aren’t always the ones that get you.

Quote

• "There’s the things you’re obsessing over, and there’s the things that are going to get you – and they’re not the same sometimes." – Steven Rinella (83:01)

6. Stormy Kromer Hats: Herd Mentality, Regional Styles, and Personal Change

Timestamps: 84:14–91:05

• Light-hearted, lengthy exchange about the traditional Stormy Kromer wool cap.
• Steven admits to previously teasing co-hosts about the “goofy hat” – but after buying gifts for ranching friends and wearing one himself, he’s converted.
• Explores cultural associations with hats, appropriateness by background (“rancher hat,” “egg adjacent”).
• Wrapping up with fashion opinions and inside jokes.

Quotes

• "Never wear a hat that says hello before you do." – Jimmy (91:59)
• "If you ever catch me in a cowboy hat, I would expect you to punch me." – Steven Rinella (89:25)

Notable Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Crippling chap ass” and application strategies for anti-chafe products (06:01–10:05).
• Mark’s ribbing: “Five miles is not a short run.” (41:29)
• Tylenol and Wu Tang Clan as Giannis’ secret weapons to the finish line (35:19–35:43).
• “Odds are you’re going to get smashed by another driver…before you get killed by a grizz or Cape buffalo or a great white shark.” – Giannis (71:57)
• “Never wear a hat that has more personality than you do.” – Steven & Jimmy (91:57–91:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jimmy Joins the Show, Social Media Rules: 01:24–03:36
• Fishing Stories & Good Neighbors: 03:36–05:13
• Giannis Runs the Crazy Mountain 100: 05:13–46:13
• Risk & Hunting Cape Buffalo: 49:27–67:16
• Parenting, Risk, & Responsibility: 62:44–72:11
• Unexpected Tragedy & Legacy: 74:00–82:44
• Stormy Kromer Hats Debate: 84:14–91:05

Tone & Language

• Unfiltered, good-natured, and inclusive, with lots of ribbing, banter, and honest admissions about pain, suffering, and pride.
• Language is conversational and occasionally graphic—especially about the “realities” of endurance running.
• The camaraderie and warmth of the group sets a supportive, if irreverent, tone throughout.

Summary

This episode offers a fascinating, entertaining, and at times touching tour through the physical and mental demands of outdoor adventure. Whether it’s running 100 miles, hunting dangerous game, or debating the merits of a wool cap, Steven and his crew reflect on what it means to test limits and accept risk—both for oneself and loved ones. The show’s strength is in its blend of raw honesty, humor, and the quiet inspiration of doing difficult things just to see what you’re made of.

Best Audience:
Anyone interested in hunting, running, the outdoors, or real conversations about risk and resilience—with plenty of laughs and a dash of hat fashion talk for good measure.