The MeatEater Podcast

Ronan Donovan, a renowned conservation photographer and wildlife biologist known for his captivating National Geographic work, shares thrilling insights about photographing elusive wildlife. He recounts the challenges of capturing underwater beaver behavior, including long, cold stakeouts on ice. Donovan also discusses his adventures with Arctic wolves, sharing tales of playful gear-stealing antics and intimate predation moments. His transition from biology to photography and focus on conservation storytelling adds depth to his incredible experiences.

David Faubion, an editor at Guns & Ammo, shares a wild tale of an elk skull theft during his Wyoming hunt, detailing his daring confrontation with the suspected thief. Meanwhile, Mark Kenyon, a whitetail expert and host of Wired Hunt, introduces his top five book recommendations for deer hunters. The duo discusses the nuances of hunting regulations, the thrill of spotting northern lights, and how to best prepare for hunting trips—making for an engaging mix of adventure and expert wisdom.

Jesse Griffiths, a Texas chef and owner of Dai Due, shares his passion for sourcing local, seasonal ingredients. He discusses his commitment to using everything from nearby farms to create dishes, including turning wild hogs into flautas. The conversation dives into unique cooking techniques, like slow-cooking audad meat and making pastrami from local ingredients. With insights on everything from rendering fats to creating in-house breads, Jesse emphasizes the connection between food and community in Texas.

Join the trivia showdown where contestants tackle quirky questions about everything from the Detroit octopus tradition to the nuances of elk antler timing. The fun doesn't stop there; fans dive into the origins of chronic wasting disease and banter over the benefits of Sage fly rods and Captain Planet's conservation powers. With witty wordplay involving ducks and a breakdown of NAVHDA’s dog testing, this lively competition keeps everyone on their toes. A thrilling mix of knowledge and laughter awaits!

Join professional songwriters Dan and Reid Isbell, along with musician Clay Newcomb, as they dive into the world of Nashville's Music Row. They share insights on the songwriting process, including how to pitch songs and collaborate with artists. The highlight? A hilarious challenge to create an anthem for mules, complete with catchy hook ideas and personal mule anecdotes. Listen in as they finalize the chorus for their mule song, blending humor and heart in a quintessential country style!

Rob Sand, Iowa's Auditor of State and a gubernatorial candidate, shares his passion for bow hunting and his adventure with a notable urban buck, The 209. He reveals the challenges and ethics of public service versus politics, alongside insights into auditing and corruption cases. Rob discusses the Des Moines Urban Bow-Hunting Program, the thrill of the hunt, and his family's involvement in processing the deer. He reflects on Iowa's environmental priorities and advocates for electoral reform, all while balancing his campaign with a love for the outdoors.

Pablo Esquivel, a Costa Rican hunter with a flair for storytelling, shares his journey of adapting to American hunting culture after immigrating to the U.S. He reminisces about childhood adventures with slingshots and makeshift blowguns, learning about community hunting without modern gear. Pablo recounts the emotional experience of his first missed deer shot and the thrill of eventually recovering a buck. He reflects on the importance of persistence, mentorship, and the bond formed through hunting in his new home.

In this lively discussion, Matt Ross, Senior Director of Conservation at the National Deer Association, uncovers the secrets of deer tracks and dewclaws, revealing their limited role and debunking sex identification myths. Meanwhile, Cornell professor Trent Preszler shares intriguing history about conifers and Christmas trees, touching on topics like the Pine Tree Riot and the decline in real tree sales. The hosts also engage in fun banter about holiday meals and even dive into some regrettable tattoos submitted by listeners. It's a blend of conservation wisdom and festive cheer!

Janis Putelis, a competitive trivia player and outdoor expert, teams up with Randall Williams for a festive trivia showdown filled with family fun. They dive into hilarious rounds of Family Feud ranging from fishing gifts to what Steve's snowman might wear. Watch as playful banter sparks competitive spirit and leads to a nail-biting final round on what to hunt on Christmas Day. In a thrilling twist, the winning team decides to donate their hard-earned $1,000 to a worthy cause, all while celebrating family and holiday cheer!

In a lively discussion, hosts explore the quirks of a snow goose with an underbite and share humorous bets on NFL teams based on their mascots. The trials of butchering elk in an apartment spark hilarious anecdotes, while the newfound classification of bison as wildlife in Colorado raises important wildlife management questions. They also delve into hunting stories, trading language tidbits about terms like 'huckleberry,' and reflect on a young hunter's plea for mentorship. Join the banter for a mix of education and laughs!