The MeatEater Podcast

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!

Join Kurt Steiner, the world record holder for consecutive stone skips, as he shares his thrilling journey in competitive skimming. Discover the secrets behind the perfect skipping stone and learn what makes a great throw. The hosts also embrace the holiday spirit with a surprise Santa visit and a lively gift exchange, blending humor and festive cheer. Plus, get tips on ideal skipping techniques and the unique challenges of international stone-skipping competitions!

Spencer Neuharth hosts MeatEater Trivia with Brody Henderson, Nate Mason, Maggie Smith, Cory Calkins, Tressa Croaker, and Laura Mascari. Connect with MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips Subscribe to MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Trivia MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.