The MeatEater Podcast

Literary scholar Todd Goddard shares insights about the complex life of Jim Harrison, renowned author of 'Legends of the Fall.' He discusses Harrison's literary range, including his poetry and outdoor essays. Their conversation highlights Harrison's unique relationship with nature, his struggles with depression, and the impact of childhood trauma. Goddard also explores Harrison's friendships within the literary community and contradictions in his character—like being a fly-fishing snob yet disliking arrogance. Harrison's lasting appeal lies in his spiritual connection to the wild and humorous outlook on life.

Jim Heffelfinger, a wildlife science coordinator, shares insights on Merriam's elk, including their elusive history and genetic studies. He discusses the ecological implications of elk reintroductions and geographic connectivity. Anna Borgman, co-owner of Chaos Farms, dives into meat processing practices, emphasizing common field mistakes and the importance of proper planning. She highlights the benefits of preserving specific cuts for unique flavors. The hosts also tackle safety in hunting and recent news affecting the outdoor community.

Brody Henderson, a seasoned MeatEater contributor and trivia panelist, teams up with Nate Mason, an outdoors personality and trivia regular. They dive into a spirited trivia competition, covering topics like the standard fly rod length, the history of Tootsie Pops, and the origins of Burmese pythons in the U.S. The banter flows as they discuss cooking techniques like the reverse sear and conservation efforts tied to direwolves. Nate ultimately wins the game, pledging his prize to support Hunters of Maryland.

Historian Mark Lee Gardner shares his insights on the legendary figures of the Wild West, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. He unveils fascinating stories from his new book, exploring their deep friendship and how their lives intertwined in Tombstone. Mark chats about old West clichés, including the famous phrase 'I'll be your huckleberry', dispelling myths along the way. He vividly details the infamous OK Corral gunfight, giving a blow-by-blow account of the dramatic showdown. Plus, enjoy a surprise banjo performance!

Ryan Callaghan, an outdoor professional and hunter, shares thrilling tales from his Alaskan grizzly bear hunt, diving into the nuances of meat handling. Spencer Neuharth discusses his triumphant big buck encounter and offers insightful commentary on hunting news. Randall Williams, a seasoned contributor, adds depth with anecdotes and thoughts on hunting regulations. Topics also cover poaching stories, baiting strategies, and the ethical dilemmas of hunting, making for a lively discussion filled with entertaining and thought-provoking moments.

Nate Mason, a MeatEater contributor and trivia contestant, joins a lively panel led by Randall Williams. They tackle intriguing trivia questions ranging from norovirus hospitalizations to the ecological significance of bunchgrass. Ryan Callaghan announces his new CEO role at BHA, emphasizing conservation. The panel humorously debates the cultural impact of the film Deliverance, while competing fiercely for a $500 donation prize. A highlight is the fun moments revealing the animal kingdom's quirks and outdoor knowledge!

Join James Campbell, an author and natural history journalist, as he dives into the captivating world of jaguars. He discusses his book, Heart of the Jaguar, and the significance of jaguar conservation efforts. Campbell shares personal tales of first sightings in the Pantanal and highlights the historical ranges of these magnificent cats in North America. He also reveals the impact of the pelt trade and examines the challenges faced in reintroduction efforts. Discover the emotional connection humans have with jaguars through indigenous culture and conservation initiatives.

Franz Ingelfinger, a wildlife biologist from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, shares insights on elk monitoring challenges in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He discusses innovative collaring methods and the complexities of studying elk populations amidst varying habitat and predator pressures. Meanwhile, hunter Derek DeMunn recounts a thrilling tale of a deer with a malfunctioning GPS collar that spectacularly exploded on film. Their fascinating stories blend science and adventure, making for an engaging conversation about wildlife and hunting techniques.

This week’s trivia showdown features Randall Williams, a regular contributor known for his outdoors expertise, and Hanzi Deschermeier from the Jabronis team, known for his humor and banter. They dive into quirky topics like the definition of sashimi and myths surrounding a Survivor sea urchin incident, all while competing fiercely. Contestants discuss the ownership of pet food brands, the traits of mature bucks, and even the role of artisian wells in wildlife. With playful jabs and clever insights, the trivia game keeps everyone engaged!

Solomon David, known as "The Gar Guy," is an aquatic ecologist specializing in gars and native fishes. He discusses the fascinating world of gars, describing their ancient evolutionary traits and their unique anatomy. The conversation delves into the ethics of bowfishing and current conservation efforts, including alligator gar resurgence and regulatory challenges. Solomon also highlights gars as indicators for floodplain restoration and uncovers their surprising feeding strategies. Listeners will gain insight into the role of these remarkable fish in both nature and culture.