#1105 - Michael Hunter

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Michael's Antler Restaurant: The Viral Protest Against Meat-Eating

  • The conflict began when activists protested at Michael's restaurant, Antler, in Toronto, after a controversial chalkboard sign claimed 'Venison is the new kale.'
  • The protests escalated from a few peaceful individuals to large groups yelling at customers, calling them 'murderers' for eating meat.
  • Despite surrounding restaurants and butcher shops also serving meat, Antler became a focal point due to its unique branding and message.
• 00:07:40

  The Ideological Battle Over Meat: Michael's Perspective on Ethical Farming

  • Michael advocates for ethical farming practices, arguing that his restaurant prioritizes local and sustainable meat sourcing.
  • He explains the difference between sustainable hunting and factory farming, contending that responsible meat consumption is necessary.
  • The protest reflects a larger ideological divide between veganism and sustainable farming, with Michael feeling targeted for promoting meat rather than focusing on factory farming issues.
• 00:10:33

  Farmers vs Wild Boars and the Repercussions on Food Supply

  • Farmers in areas affected by wild boars face serious destruction of crops, particularly cornfields.
  • The issue of overpopulation of deer and pigs affects the food supply chain, particularly for vegans who do not understand the farmers' struggles.
  • Jim Miller, a UFC fighter, suffers from debilitating Lyme disease linked to the tick population on overpopulated deer.
• 00:17:05

  Conservation Through Hunting: A Controversial Necessity

  • Hunters contribute significantly to wildlife conservation through tags and license fees, surpassing other conservation efforts.
  • The ethical dilemma of hunting for food versus the perception of trophy hunting is discussed.
  • The difference between living in urban environments versus rural areas contributes to misunderstandings about wildlife management and the realities of hunting.
• 00:21:36

  Vegan Restaurant Owners Threatened Amid Cattle-Raising Controversy

  • Elderly restaurant owners face death threats from extreme vegan advocates over their decision to raise and consume cattle.
  • The juxtaposition of personal dietary needs versus veganism leads to tensions within ideological groups.
  • The extreme behaviors of some individuals in both veganism and hunting overshadow the more nuanced and positive aspects of these lifestyles.
• 00:28:09

  Joe Salatin Revolutionizes Humane Animal Farming at Polyface Farms

  • Joe Salatin creates a model for humane animal agriculture, employing innovative practices at Polyface Farms.
  • The discussion highlights how responsible farming can lead to ethical treatment of animals and sustainable food sources.
  • Contrasts are made between factory farming and humane practices, underscoring the importance of animal welfare in agriculture.
• 00:32:22

  William Randolph Hearst's Role in Criminalizing Cannabis in the 1930s

  • William Randolph Hearst used scare tactics about cannabis, claiming it led to violence by minorities.
  • Hearst's campaign led to Congress making cannabis illegal, misunderstanding it as a drug rather than a useful agricultural product.
  • The decision catalyzed by Hearst's propaganda altered the perception and legality of hemp dramatically, affecting agriculture and industries dependent on it.
• 00:39:12

  Jeremiah Dowdy's Insights on California's Hunting Landscape and Wildlife Challenges

  • Jeremiah Dowdy, a local hunter, discusses the abundance of game and the challenges posed by mountain lions in California.
  • California's unique wildlife management sets it apart, impacting local deer populations and hunting opportunities.
  • The conversation explores the disconnect between urban communities and rural wildlife management, emphasizing the continuous struggle between habitat encroachment and wildlife survival.
• 00:42:08

  Yana's Shocking Encounter with a Grizzly Bear in Canada

  • Yana recalls a terrifying moment where a massive bear rushed through their campsite.
  • One of the campers almost had a pistol but didn't use it, resulting in sheer panic among the group.
  • The encounter left lasting memories of fear and realization about wildlife behavior.
• 00:46:00

  The Unexpected Survival Skills of Chickens: A Family's Encounter with Nature

  • The narrator shares a touching story about raising chickens and losing one to a coyote.
  • A rescue mission for a hawk leads to an unexpected lesson about the food chain and chicken instincts.
  • The kids ponder keeping a baby mouse but ultimately learn about feeding it to their chickens.
• 00:51:06

  Chris Kresser's Transformation from Vegan to Organ Meat Advocate

  • Chris Kresser, a former macrobiotic vegan, faced severe health issues leading him to reintroduce meat into his diet.
  • He emphasizes the importance of essential nutrients like B12 and iron, which are often lacking in vegan diets.
  • Discussion includes the experiences of a Dutch organic farmer who became sick on a vegan diet and the critical need for individual dietary adaptability.
• 00:56:46

  The Nutritional Superiority of Wild Game: Insights from UFC Fighter Alexander Gustafsson

  • UFC fighter Alexander Gustafsson shares his experiences of sourcing meat from wild game during training.
  • The conversation highlights the stark nutritional differences between wild and farm-raised meats.
  • Foraging for wild mushrooms, especially morels, is introduced as a valuable and unique source of nutrition.
• 01:13:47

  Paul Stamets and the Fascinating World of Morel Mushrooms

  • Discussion on how morels flourish after forest fires, focusing on their cleansing properties.
  • Experiences with Paul Stamets, a renowned mycologist, highlighting his influence and insights on mushrooms.
  • Exploration of mushroom foraging traditions and dangers, emphasizing the importance of accurately identifying edible varieties.
• 01:56:12

  John Marco Allegro's Controversial Claims about Christianity and Psychedelic Mushrooms

  • Overview of Allegro's findings on the Amanita muscaria mushroom and its connections to ancient rituals.
  • The assertion that early Christian texts may have hidden meanings linked to psychedelic experiences.
  • Discussion on the parallels between Santa Claus, reindeer, and the historical context of shamanistic traditions related to mushrooms.
• 01:13:47

  Paul Stamets and the Mystical Power of Psilocybin Mushrooms

  • Discussion on the unique characteristics of mushrooms, including their ability to breathe air and the implications of their biological closeness to animals.
  • Paul Stamets shares an exhilarating experience with psilocybin mushrooms that connected him to the universe during a lightning storm in his youth.
  • The late Terrence McKenna's 'stoned ape theory' suggests that the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms played a significant role in human evolution and brain development.
• 01:56:12

  From Cooking at 13 to Creating Antler: A Chef's Journey

  • Chef shares how childhood cooking experiences with his mother led to an unexpected career path after working at a diner at age 13.
  • Motivated by a desire to change the world and a passion for food, he pursued culinary education despite initial doubts about the impact of his profession.
  • The creation of Antler restaurant stemmed from a successful game dinner event and aims to educate people about hunting, foraging, and Canadian cuisine.
• 01:13:47

  Indigenous Cooking and Sustainable Foraging Techniques with Steve Rinella

  • The conversation highlights traditional cooking methods of Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly focusing on moose and seal meat.
  • Steve Rinella shares experiences in Nunavut, discussing the unique dietary practices involving fish and seal oil.
  • The importance of foraging for plants like cedar, used in dishes and cocktails, emphasizes sustainable cooking and connection to nature.
• 01:56:12

  The Complexities of Nutrition and Ethical Farming Discussed by a Chef

  • A chef explains the nutritional benefits of eggs and the ethical implications of factory farming.
  • He argues for the importance of sourcing organic eggs while discussing the stark differences in quality and nutritional value.
  • The discussion touches on the broader topic of animal rights, expressing frustration over the misconceptions directed at hunters and the need for collective action against cruel farming practices.
• 01:13:47

  Protests at Antler Kitchen Bar: The Activism of Animal Rights Advocates Led by 'Snow'

  • A controversial incident unfolds at a restaurant as animal rights activists stage protests against alleged animal cruelty.
  • One activist passionately recalls the story of 'Snow', a mouse who was killed, to illustrate their views on the treatment of animals in the food industry.
  • The restaurant owner expresses frustration over aggressive protest tactics, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over disruption.
• 01:56:12

  Chef's Journey to Culinary Fame Amidst Animal Rights Backlash: The Story of Abu Dhabi

  • The chef recounts his experience winning a culinary competition in Abu Dhabi amid rising tensions with animal rights activists.
  • Despite controversy, the chef receives international recognition for his cooking and shares anecdotes about unique experiences at culinary festivals.
  • He discusses the complexity of balancing business interests with animal rights debates and how he has integrated vegan options into his restaurant menu.
• 01:13:47

  Steve Rinella Inspires Hunting Passion Amid Factory Farming Dilemma

  • Steve Rinella takes the speaker on their first hunting experience, leading to a transformative moment.
  • The speaker's ethical motivations stem from disturbing factory farming videos, prompting a desire for responsible meat consumption.
  • The speaker discusses the benefits of hunting, including using every part of the animal and the importance of teaching others about cooking tougher cuts.
• 02:23:18

  Challenging Vegan Ideologies: The Ethical Hunting Conversation

  • The discussion highlights the ideological clash between vegans and responsible hunters, emphasizing the lack of room for nuance.
  • Support from the vegan community emerges, showcasing a growing understanding of ethical hunting practices.
  • The speaker advocates for responsible hunting as an answer to factory farming issues, urging a collective search for middle ground.