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
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 43min
Ep. 847: Neanderthal Love, Mule Deer Eradication, and Mink Eyelashes
Brian Olin, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife inspector in Anchorage, talks about detecting weird wildlife imports. Conversation jumps from Neanderthal mating research to the Catalina Island mule deer eradication controversy. They also cover Texas rattlesnake roundups and the bizarre seizure of mink fur eyelashes.
Mar 11, 2026 • 44min
Ep. 846: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CCVII
Panelists include Janis Putelis and other recurring MeatEater contributors — a group of hunters, hosts, and on-air personalities who trade trivia and banter. They tackle topics from butchery and cooking chuck roast, quail crests and bird ID, to trail mix history, Hawaiian fish names, and public lands lore. Quick, playful rounds lead to a tiebreaker and a charitable prize decision.
Mar 9, 2026 • 2h 15min
Ep. 845: Can Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Be Saved?
Karl Malcolm, VP of Conservation for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, is a wildlife biologist focused on forest habitat and upland birds. He discusses why grouse and woodcock declined as forests homogenized. He explains ideal early-successional habitat, how timber markets fund large-scale restoration, and how engaging more people can scale conservation work.
Mar 6, 2026 • 6h 27min
Ep. 844: The Grand Finale Extravaganza | MeatEater Radio Live!
Pat Durkin, a quick-thinking angler who won the live one-minute fishing challenge, and Stephen Rinella, outdoorsman, author, and MeatEater founder, join the grand‑finale livestream. They tackle the live charity fishing challenge, behind-the-scenes studio antics, rapid-fire trivia, wild listener tips, a tongue-in-cheek trailer premiere, office tours, and nostalgic show send-offs.
Mar 4, 2026 • 48min
Ep. 843: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia CCVI
Phil Taylor, regular MeatEater contributor known for technical banter. Randall Williams, conservation pro who won the quiz and directs the prize to charity. Janis Putelis, longtime contributor and quick-witted trivia panelist. They trade r-rated jokes, tackle questions on wardens by state, alpine tundra east of the Mississippi, grouse lek behavior, rod-guide anti-icing, tarpon daisy chains, pronghorn relatives, aviation maker trivia, and a contested bass record.
Mar 3, 2026 • 1h 11min
Ep. 842: Jani's Hunt for a Manitoba Giant | 12 in '26
Janis Putelis, an experienced MeatEater contributor and hunter, walks through his first baited archery black bear hunt in Manitoba. He discusses the controversy and ethics around baiting. He breaks down bait recipes, archery setup, bear behavior at baits, and the shot, tracking, and processing of a giant bear.
6 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 49min
Ep. 841: Theodore Roosevelt on Love, Ladies, and Conservation
Ed O'Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and author of The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt, guides the conversation. He recounts Roosevelt's frail childhood, dramatic Valentine's Day tragedy, the 1912 assassination attempt halted by a manuscript, his scientific hunting and taxidermy, sisters who shaped his politics, Edith's role, conservation legacy, and plans for the presidential library. Fascinating personal and historical stories unfold.
Feb 27, 2026 • 1h 19min
Ep. 840: Polar Bear Jail and an Olympic Cheesemonger | MeatEater Radio Live!
Amelia DelBero, award-winning cheesemonger and 2025 Cheesemonger Olympics gold medalist, and Ian Van Nest, Manitoba conservation sergeant who runs Churchill’s polar bear alert program. They talk polar bear management, holding and relocation practices, and visitor safety in Churchill. They also cover cheesemonger competition life, pairing wild game with cheeses, and practical cheese-buying tips.
Feb 25, 2026 • 48min
Ep. 839: 2026 MeatEater Trivia Tournament, Round 3
Yanni Chimani, regular contributor and trivia veteran, brings quick wit and buzzer skills. Steven Rinella, hunter, writer, and two-time trivia champion, mixes deep outdoors knowledge with playful competitiveness. They spar over wildlife ranges, decoy tech, fishing gear brands, famous hunters, and invasive species. Fast-paced banter and rapid-fire questions keep the energy high.
Feb 23, 2026 • 2h 22min
Ep. 838: How To Translate Animal Language
George Bumann, naturalist, writer, and sculptor who studies animal language, shares vivid demos of raven calls, wolf howls, prairie dog vocabularies, and squirrel chirps. Short, sensory stories explore silence as alarm, how animals track humans, and listening practices for learning vocal meanings.
