#1215 - Ben O'Brien
NaN minutesEpisode #1215
Ben O’Brien is a writer, editor, host of The Hunting Collective podcast, a member of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Board of Directors and MeatEater’s Editorial Director.
Episodes with Ben O'Brien
Watch the full episode of #1215 - Ben O'Brien.
Episode Timestamps
Steve Rinella and the Meat Eater Brand - Outdoor Activities Juggernaut
- Discussion about the partnership of a multimedia corporation with Meat Eater and other outdoor activities companies.
- The creation of a super network juggernaut in the hunting industry.
- Unique developments in the outdoor activities realm with unprecedented collaboration and funding.
Moose Hunt Adventure in British Columbia - Celebratory Feasts and George Clooney's Tequila
- Recounting a moose hunting trip in British Columbia with the successful capture of a moose.
- Vivid description of the celebratory feast involving moose heart and liver.
- Humorous anecdotes about drinking Canadian rum, whiskey preferences, and tequila discussions including Ron White's tequila.
Discussion on TV Shows: Breaking Bad, Ozark, The Greatest Showman, and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- Conversation about TV shows like Breaking Bad, Ozark, The Greatest Showman, and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- Praise for actors like Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and Hugh Jackman
- Mention of personal enjoyment and family participation in watching various TV series
Evolution of Entertainment Industry: From Classic TV to Modern Dark and Fantasy Shows
- Reflection on the evolution of TV entertainment, comparing classics to modern dark and fantasy shows
- Analysis of the changing standards in TV content and audience expectations
- Discussion about the portrayal of taboo topics and controversial themes in current media compared to the past
Val Kilmer: The Batman Legacy
- Discussion on various actors who portrayed Batman, including Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, and Val Kilmer
- Val Kilmer's talent and roles in movies like 'Dark Holiday' and 'Tombstone' are highlighted
- Comparisons between Ben Affleck's portrayal of Batman and previous actors, emphasizing Kilmer's impact
Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez: A Power Couple
- Analysis of Jennifer Lopez's relationship with Alex Rodriguez, highlighting their long-lasting partnership
- References to previous relationships of Jennifer Lopez and her current dynamics with Rodriguez
- Comparison with other celebrity relationships and focus on Rodriguez's sports career and success
Gasland Controversy: Fracking Debate with Josh Fox
- Discussing the controversies surrounding fracking with Josh Fox and his documentary Gasland
- Debating the connection between fracking and water contamination
- Exploring the issue of lighting water on fire and its relation to fracking
Public Lands Policy: Bears Ears National Monument
- Examining the political debate around Bears Ears National Monument designation
- Analysis of the executive power usage in protecting culturally significant lands
- Discussion on the opposing views regarding land protection and resource extraction
The Public Lands Movement and Changing Perspectives on Wilderness
- Discussion on the importance and scarcity of wilderness areas compared to urban development
- Reflecting on the value of public lands movement and personal connection to wilderness
- Evolution of the speaker's perception of hunting from tradition-based to ecosystem-focused approach
Impact of Urbanization and Cultural Representations on Hunting Practices
- Urbanization leading to a decrease in hunters and disconnect from sustainable practices
- Negative influence of cultural depictions of animals on hunting perceptions
- Analysis of self-inflicted harm to hunting community by illegal practices like poaching
Baboon Hunting in Africa: Ethical Dilemma and Instructions
- Discussion on the instruction given by professional hunters to shoot baboons due to their disruptive behavior.
- Personal anecdote shared about a friend getting attacked by a baboon in Africa and the eerie characteristics of baboons.
- Exploring the ethical considerations and controversies surrounding baboon hunting compared to more common hunting practices like lions.
Animal Population Control and Hunting Practices
- Debate on the normalization of hunting lions compared to hunting baboons for population control purposes.
- Comparison between overpopulated animals like rats and squirrels, and the moral implications of killing them.
- Highlighting the necessity of balancing animal populations, such as the case with kangaroo overpopulation in Australia.
Introduction of European Rabbits to Australia and New Zealand
- European rabbits were introduced to Australia by 18th century hunters.
- Discussion about the introduction of rabbits in New Zealand.
- Impacts of invasive species and the need to control rabbit populations.
Stoats vs. Rabbits: The Savage Predation
- Detailed description of a stoat hunting and killing a rabbit 10 times its size.
- Insights on the hunting behavior and efficiency of stoats.
- Comparative analysis of weasels' ferocious nature despite their small size.
Ethical Dilemma in the Wilderness: Shooting the Injured Antelope
- Hunter faces ethical dilemma when encountering an injured antelope in the wilderness
- Deciding whether to end the suffering of the injured animal or wait for a healthier one
- Discussion on the moral responsibilities and decisions hunters need to make in unique situations
Cultural Significance of Hunting: Insights from Duchan Smetana
- Exploration of the cultural role of hunters in Czechoslovakia by Duchan Smetana
- The hunter's responsibility as the judge and jury for selecting animals for hunting
- Conversation on the exalted status and societal perspective of hunting in modern society
North American Model of Wildlife Conservation: Pioneers and Innovations
- Early conservation efforts led by figures like Teddy Roosevelt, John Muir, and George Bird Grinnell in response to wildlife depletion
- Establishment of the North American model to conserve wildlife populations and natural habitats
- Development of a value structure and funding mechanisms for wildlife and land conservation
Ethics and Controversies in Hunting Practices
- Discussion on wildlife ownership and public trust resources
- Exploration of sustainable hunting practices and elimination of game markets
- Regulation of wildlife populations through laws and scientific management by wildlife biologists
Bear Behavior and Human Perception
- Bears face criticism due to cultural depictions like teddy bears and cartoon characters.
- Old boars are targeted for betterment of bear population as they eat younger bears.
- Instances of cannibalistic behavior observed in bears, challenging common perceptions.
Ethical Considerations in Hunting
- Hunters need to recognize the complexity and seriousness of their activity.
- Non-hunters seek understanding from hunters regarding moral and ethical dilemmas.
- Exploration of sustainable hunting practices and the balance between conservation and consumption.
Understanding the Relationship between Hunting and Conservation
- Discussion on the perception of hunting and caring for animals
- Comparison of hunting and veganism in terms of animal care
- Debate on conservation through hunting and other methods
Debunking Myths about Food Choices and Animal Welfare
- Exploration of the salmonella risk related to eggs
- Comparison of nutrient content between eggs and vegetables
- Discussion on E. coli infections attributed to animal agriculture
Discussion on Veganism and Nutrition
- The conversation revolves around the concept of veganism and Joe's pursuit for evidence regarding E. coli infections from various food sources like ground beef and fresh produce.
- They discuss the challenges of preparing certain vegetables like spinach, celery, and romaine lettuce in a safe manner.
- Joe talks about his selective consumption of meat from trusted sources like the game meat he has at his home, showcasing a balance between veganism and meat consumption.
Insights from Ted Nugent and Redemption in Society
- The chapter delves into Joe's admiration for Ted Nugent's energy and diet based on consuming deer meat regularly.
- They discuss the cancel culture phenomenon and the importance of redemption and forgiveness in society for individuals who make mistakes.
- The conversation emphasizes the value of long-form conversations in understanding and accepting people and their actions, challenging brief and distributed perceptions.
Raising a Family and Upholding Marriage Vows
- Discussion on the challenges of maintaining a happy family life while navigating pressures of marriage, children, and new responsibilities.
- Insights on the intense relationship dynamics and the impact of divorce on individuals and families.
- Highlight on the societal and legal aspects of maintaining relationships, including the complexities of marriage contracts and divorce laws.
Navigating Relationships and Understanding Personal Growth
- Exploration of the evolving nature of personal growth and the impacts it can have on relationships over time.
- Reflections on the importance of self-awareness and continuous improvement within relationships.
- Analysis of toxic relationships and their detrimental effects, especially on children, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and kindness.
Parental Influence on Life Choices
- Developed strong bond with family due to nurturing environment
- Chose a different path than friends who faced drug-related issues
- Realization of responsibility towards family's support and working towards success
Discipline and Pursuit of Passion
- Found martial arts as a discipline during teenage struggles
- Recognized need for hard work and commitment to excel
- Importance of finding passion and driving towards happiness
Impact of Releasing an Arrow - Lessons on Accountability
- Releasing an arrow teaches ultimate accountability
- Consequences of landing the arrow wrongly create long-lasting pain and regret
- Comparison with target panic and the overwhelming understanding of negative consequences
The Controversy of Gripping Grin in Hunting
- Evolution and weaponization of Gripping Grin in hunting culture
- Social media impact on the perception of hunting and trophy poses
- Recent controversial examples and societal reactions to hunting images
Discussion on Posting Hunting Pictures
- Debate on hunters' impact on non-hunters through social media.
- Context vs. fast-food idea analogy for hunting photos.
- Personal debate on sharing hunting photos for social media influence.
The Ethics of Trophy Hunting in Africa
- Debate on the value and impact of African trophy hunting.
- Exploration of the benefits and complications of trophy hunting in Africa.
- Impact of trophy hunting on wildlife populations and conservation efforts.
Washington and Oregon Murders - Anomaly with Deadly Predators
- Two people killed in Oregon and Washington, a rare event after a century
- 55 bears killed in Yellowstone by predators, mostly grizzly bears
- Controversial killing of mountain lions in California due to outlawed hunting
Deep Insights and Farewell with Ben O'Brien
- Discussion on North American wildlife conservation model
- Reflections on the length and quality of the conversation (3 hours long)
- Closing remarks and plan to play techno hunt with Ben O'Brien