

The MeatEater Podcast
MeatEater
Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Bonus - The Hide Hunters, Ch. 1: Ghosts
Here's a sneak peak of our newest audio original, MeatEater's American History: The Hide Hunters (1865-1883). Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network Steve on Instagram and Twitter MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 15, 2025 • 34min
Ep. 778: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXXVI
Spencer Neuharth hosts a lively trivia showdown with a panel of guests tackling fascinating questions. They explore the weird world of buffalo sucker fish and reveal Missouri as having the cheapest farmland. In a fun twist, they debate the pronunciation of 'pika.' The conversation takes a poignant turn as they remember Jane Goodall’s conservation legacy. Fun facts include the origins of liquid smoke and a serious discussion about the essential role of bats in pollination. It’s a thrilling blend of trivia and conservation insights!

12 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 2h 2min
Ep. 777: So You Want to Be a Hide Hunter
In this intriguing discussion, historian Randall Williams dives into the world of hide hunting from 1865 to 1883. He explores the fascinating dynamics of frontier market hunters, their ties to post-Civil War America, and the environment. The conversation touches on the economic motivations pushing individuals like veterans and freedmen into the hide trade. Williams also highlights why these hunters remain unheroic, the rise of conservation, and vivid anecdotes from the harsh realities they faced. Tune in for a captivating journey through a pivotal yet overlooked period in history!

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep. 776: Sea Otters, Skunks, and Brain Matter | MeatEater Radio Live!
Heather Douville, a Southeast Alaska Tlingit hunter and cultural educator, shares her experiences in subsistence living and her new series, Our Way of Life. She dives into tanning hides and the importance of traditional skills. Guy Grunewald, a fur industry expert, reveals the surprising rise in skunk tail demand and explains the intricacies of fur preparation. They discuss recent market trends, pricing tiers, and even the unexpected use of skunk tails in Orthodox Jewish hats. Tips on hunting preparation and legal advice for transporting game flesh add a practical twist!

Oct 8, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 775: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXXV
Join Maggie Hudlow, a frequent MeatEater contributor, as she dives into a lively trivia showdown filled with outdoor-themed questions. They discuss the quirks of judging college students cooking bear meat and the importance of food safety. Highlights include a debate about clay pigeons' history and the advantages of circle hooks in fishing. Maggie also shares insights into the true-crime podcast 'Blood Trails' featuring a gripping story about Robert Christian. Get ready for a mix of laughter, learning, and hunting wisdom!

Oct 7, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 774: The Hunting Dog That Wouldn't Die
Steven Rinella talks with Ronnie Boehme of The Hunting Dog Podcast. Topics discussed: A wild, near-death story involving Ron's hunting dog, Tagus. Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network Steve on Instagram and Twitter MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 23min
Ep. 773: Congressman Zinke on Conservation Policy and Turning Down the Heat
Ryan Zinke, a former Navy SEAL and current U.S. Representative from Montana, dives into pressing conservation issues, emphasizing the importance of preserving public lands. He discusses the balance between local needs and tribal rights, as well as the bipartisan efforts in his Public Lands Caucus to mitigate political tensions. Zinke advocates for better management of forests to prevent wildfires and calls for the delisting of grizzly bears based on recovery metrics. The conversation also touches on wildlife corridors and the need for pragmatic approaches in managing wilderness areas.

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
Ep. 772: Bullwhacker, Dinky Rifle Calibers, and Whitetail Bucks | MeatEater Radio Live!
Hosts Brody Henderson, Randall Williams, and Jordan Sillars talk with Mike Kautz of American Prairie about a recent land access victory, throwback to whitetails of their past, chat with Tyler Freel of the Tundra Talk Podcast about cartridge choice when hunting big game, and share their dream whitetail hunts. Watch the live stream on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel. Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 1, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 771: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CLXXXIV
Join Sam James, a regular contributor known for his passion for hunting, as he dives into an engaging trivia challenge. The group discusses the significance of National Deer Association resources for hunters and highlights their favorite gear picks for whitetail season. Fun trivia reveals interesting facts, like Wisconsin being the state with the most Boone & Crockett entries and the anatomy of a deer’s dental pad. Tune in for a lively conversation filled with unique insights and entertaining facts for outdoor enthusiasts!

Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
Ep. 770: The Cornell Bear Skinner Speaks Out
Aaron Chin, a Cornell University student and passionate hunter, shares his adventurous journey of harvesting a black bear on public land in New York. He dives into the intricacies of scouting, strategizing, and executing the hunt, before processing the bear in his college's communal kitchen—a decision that sparked widespread curiosity and debate. Aaron discusses the challenges of maintaining sanitation, handling campus reactions, and the lessons learned from this unique experience, all while highlighting the importance of responsible hunting and community support.


