#879 - Steven Rinella

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Steve Rinella's 'Meat Eater': A Revolutionary Hunting Show on Netflix

  • Steve Rinella discusses the success of his unique hunting show, 'Meat Eater', as the first hunting show on Netflix.
  • He contrasts his show with traditional hunting programs, emphasizing its immersive and serious approach to hunting.
  • Rinella reveals plans for a celebratory milestone at the 100th episode, highlighting viewer engagement and curiosity about past seasons.
• 00:02:53

  Innovative Storytelling and Sound Choices in 'Meat Eater'

  • Rinella reflects on a standout episode where no animals were shot, focusing instead on personal storytelling about his father.
  • He discusses the influence of music in hunting shows and how it can manipulate viewer emotions, expressing a desire for more authentic sound choices.
  • The conversation turns to the challenges and creativity involved in scoring documentaries as they experiment with different artistic approaches.
• 00:10:35

  Jim Shockey's Uncharted Encounters with Crocodiles and Cultural Shock

  • Jim Shockey, a well-known figure in hunting and travel, hosts the show Uncharted, focusing on cultural exploration.
  • Shockey highlights a chilling incident in Africa where residents face deadly crocodiles, showcasing the community's trauma.
  • The discussion touches on past classroom experiences with bizarre lessons related to hunting and wildlife, emphasizing changing times.
• 00:18:30

  Exploring America’s Gun Culture: Mass Shootings and Mental Health

  • The conversation transitions to the phenomenon of mass shootings in America, highlighting the complex interplay of guns and mental health.
  • Discussion about the infamous Columbine shooting and its psychological implications reveals the intricacies behind shooters' behaviors.
  • The assertion that America's gun problem is fundamentally a mental health crisis provokes thought on societal responsibility and solutions.
• 00:20:05

  Trump's Effect on Gun Culture: The NRA and Fears Following Obama's Presidency

  • Discussion on the polarized views regarding the Second Amendment, particularly during the Obama administration.
  • The NRA's backlash against President Obama's comments on gun ownership and the implications of Trump’s election.
  • Exploration of the psychological impact of stockpiling ammunition and firearms due to perceived threats to gun rights.
• 00:25:00

  Public Lands Debate: Trump's Stance on Privatization and State Control

  • Overview of the various federal land management agencies and the history of public lands in the U.S.
  • The conflict between federal control of public lands and desires for privatization highlighted by ranchers' frustrations.
  • A look into Donald Trump's statements on public land management and the Republican agenda concerning federal land ownership.
• 00:31:55

  The Legacy of Theodore Roosevelt: Shaping America's Public Lands

  • Theodore Roosevelt is credited as a pivotal figure in establishing the public lands system in the United States.
  • Despite facing significant opposition from extractive industries, Roosevelt championed the creation of national forests and wildlife preservation.
  • His radical ideas were met with skepticism, but today he is celebrated for his vision that prioritized future generations over immediate economic gains.
• 00:40:45

  Buffalo Battles: Yellowstone's Unique Wildlife Management Challenges

  • The history of Yellowstone National Park is deeply tied to the American Indian Wars, illustrating the complexities of land use and wildlife protection.
  • Buffalo, or bison, face unique challenges when leaving park boundaries, highlighting the difficulties in managing wildlife beyond protected areas.
  • Yellowstone is home to a genetically pure herd of bison, making it a crucial location for studying and preserving these iconic animals.
• 00:43:15

  The Impact of Brucellosis on Bison and Cattle: Understanding the Yellowstone Syndrome

  • Brucellosis is a non-native livestock disease that can lead to fetal abortions in cattle, particularly causing issues in heifers.
  • Bison populations, while now numbering 500,000 in the U.S., can carry and potentially spread brucellosis back to cattle if they venture outside Yellowstone National Park.
  • The management of bison that leave the park often leads to controversial practices such as quarantining or culling, raising concerns among local livestock interests.
• 01:50:00

  The Historical Context of Buffalo Hunting: Insights from Dan Flores

  • Dan Flores, a mentor and scholarly authority, argues that Native Americans originally contributed to buffalo population dynamics prior to external market hunters.
  • Flores' research explores whether Plains tribes achieved equilibrium with bison herds during their interaction, highlighting the significant impact of horses on buffalo grazing competition.
  • The absence of natural hunting pressures over the past century has led to an unnatural habituation of buffalo, challenging perceptions of wild animal behavior.
• 00:52:36

  The Impact of Horses and Disease on Buffalo Populations: A Historical Journey with Dakota Conflict

  • The introduction of horses transformed: Plains tribes became nomadic hunters following buffalo herds.
  • Native American populations experienced drastic declines due to diseases brought by Europeans, leading to buffalo population surges.
  • Famous explorers like Lewis and Clark noted significant buffalo populations in regions between warring tribes, highlighting the dynamics of hunting practices.
• 01:00:05

  Roosevelt's Revelatory Encounter: The Last Buffalo and the Birth of Conservationism

  • The commercial hunting of buffalo peaked after the Civil War, leading to drastic population depletion.
  • The last significant buffalo hunts occurred around Dodge City and Miles City, Montana, often captured in photographs by L.A. Huffman.
  • President Theodore Roosevelt's hunt for the last buffalo sparked his transformation into a leading conservation advocate.
• 01:13:47

  Dan Flores Discusses the Buffalo's Return and the Pleistocene Extinctions

  • Dan Flores explores the complex wildlife politics surrounding the buffalo's return as a free-roaming species in the northern states, including Montana and Wyoming.
  • Discussion includes the impact of human-caused extinctions during the Pleistocene era, highlighting evidence of hunting by early humans and climate change factors.
  • The chapter delves into fascinating theories about asteroid impacts and the extinction of large mammals, including the woolly mammoth and short-faced bears.
• 01:56:12

  Montana Rancher Discovers Dinosaur Treasure: A T-Rex Found on Private Land

  • A rancher in Montana uncovers a significant paleontological find, resulting in the discovery of a T-Rex on his property.
  • The paleontologist recognized the importance of the discovery quickly, leading to a major excavation and a financial windfall for the rancher.
  • The chapter emphasizes the intersection of private land and paleontological findings, highlighting the rancher's million and a half dollar gain from the discovery.
• 01:13:47

  The Great Mammoth Debate: Human Impact on Pleistocene Extinctions

  • The discussion revolves around the potential for resurrecting extinct Pleistocene animals like the mammoth due to human hunting.
  • Controversy arises from the idea of reintroducing dangerous extinct species such as short-faced bears into modern ecosystems.
  • The speaker reflects on past human-induced extinctions and the implications for biodiversity and wildlife management.
• 01:56:12

  Hawaiian Wildlife Politics: Native Rights vs. Non-Native Species Eradication

  • The text addresses the conflict between native Hawaiian communities and conservation efforts aimed at eradicating non-native species introduced by Polynesian ancestors.
  • The struggle for identity and rights of native Hawaiians as they navigate hunting practices in the face of conservation pressure.
  • A broader discussion of ecological responsibilities, unintended consequences of species introduction, and the historical context of wildlife management in islands like Hawaii.
• 01:27:18

  Corn Cultivation and Its Unnatural Impact on Agriculture: Insights from Robert Jones

  • Discussion on the unnatural aspects of monoculture agriculture, particularly corn
  • Robert Jones, an animal rights activist, shares his views on the complexities of modern veganism and agriculture
  • Exploration of the origins of corn and its societal implications, questioning what constitutes a natural food source
• 01:54:20

  Confronting Speciesism: Robert Jones Challenges Conventional Animal Rights Perspectives

  • Robert Jones introduces the concept of speciesism, paralleling it with racism and sexism
  • Delves into the ethical responsibilities we hold towards animals and the implications of hunting in indigenous cultures
  • Raises provocative questions about the hierarchy of animal life, including the treatment of companion animals like cats
• 01:13:47

  Killing Ants and the Ethics of Life: Reflections from Robert Jones

  • The speaker discusses a vegetarian's dilemma of killing ants that invade food, questioning the ethical implications of life value between small creatures and larger animals.
  • References Robert Jones, inviting reflection on deep-seated beliefs about life significance and the consequences of harm to creatures.
  • Criticism of selective outrage regarding animal deaths in different contexts, particularly among vegetarians and meat-eaters, emphasizing hypocrisy in dietary choices.
• 01:56:12

  Ricky Gervais and the Hunting Debate: Celebrity Views on Animal Rights

  • Focus on Ricky Gervais's controversial views on hunting while being a meat-eater, highlighting societal inconsistencies in animal rights advocacy.
  • Discussion of the outrage faced by individuals like Kendall Jones, a hunter in Africa, drawing distinctions in public perception based on gender and appearance.
  • Explore a discussion around the hierarchy of animal life and the ethics of hunting, particularly in the context of legal hunting practices and community sustenance.
• 01:08:58

  The Decline of Caribou Populations: Insights from Wildlife Expert

  • Discussion on the drastic decline of caribou populations in the U.S., with only a dozen remaining near the Canada border.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to their decline, including habitat disturbances from development and road construction.
  • Critique of public attitudes towards wildlife conservation, highlighting a paradox where popular animals like black bears receive attention while endangered species like mountain caribou often do not.
• 01:16:38

  Exploring Cultural Perspectives on Wild Game: A Journey with Arctic Explorer

  • Narrative about an Arctic explorer's encounters with Indigenous peoples in the early 1900s and their distinct relationship with wildlife.
  • Reflections on the explorer's preference for eating wolf and the cultural context of consuming 'forbidden' meats like dog and monkey.
  • Commentary on how societal views influence animal hierarchies in hunting and consumption, revealing emotional and ethical complexities.
• 01:13:47

  The Fertility Miracle: How Eating Dog Changed One Man's Life

  • A man discovers his infertility issues but experiences a miraculous change after consuming dog meat, leading to his wife's pregnancy.
  • The cultural differences in attitudes towards dog meat are highlighted, especially between northern and southern Vietnam.
  • A stark contrast is drawn between how dogs are treated as pets and livestock, revealing the harsh realities of dog ownership in Vietnam.
• 01:56:12

  Hunting and Eating: Struggles of a Hunter's Ethical Dilemma

  • The narrator reflects on personal biases about eating certain animals, including a comparison between the intelligence of pigs and dogs.
  • Discussions about the hunting practices of bears in contrast to the social acceptance of hunting other animals like deer.
  • The cultural implications of using animal hides for apparel and their historical significance are explored, exemplified by Daniel Boone's trade in deer hides.
• 01:13:47

  Danny's Transformation: From Bear Hunting Enthusiast to Moose Snob

  • Danny decides against hunting bears after feeling an obligation to the animals and realizing he has enough bear hides.
  • He becomes a moose snob, opting to hunt one moose each year instead, providing ample meat for his family.
  • The text explores the emotional connection and shifts in attitude towards hunting, particularly with bears compared to other animals.
• 01:56:12

  The Allure of Black Bears: Observations from John Dudley's Encounters

  • John Dudley shares a dramatic encounter where he witnessed a bear attacking a moose, highlighting the unpredictable nature of bears.
  • The conversation shifts to the unique experiences and feelings associated with observing various animals like bears and wolverines.
  • The shared feelings of remorse and appreciation when encountering wild animals for the first time are discussed, emphasizing the emotional aspects of hunting.
• 01:41:09

  John Dudley and the Eye-Opening Encounter with a Whitetail Deer

  • John Dudley shares an intense moment while hunting when a mature whitetail deer locks eyes with him.
  • He recalls his early hunting experiences, including a fear-filled encounter with a four-corn whitetail at the age of 12.
  • The narrative explores the differences in deer reactions based on their age and experience with hunters.
• 01:49:07

  Big Bucks and the Hunter's Challenge: Understanding the Tactics of Experienced Deer

  • Discusses the behavioral patterns of big bucks learned from previous hunts, contrasting them with younger, less cautious deer.
  • Highlights a specific case of a cautious big buck during hunting season that chooses survival over risky behavior.
  • Explores the deeper connection hunters feel with the animals they harvest compared to store-bought meat.
• 02:30:59

  Joe Rogan and the Dangers of Political Echo Chambers

  • Discussion on people's lack of understanding leads to rigid political opinions.
  • The impact of social media on shaping our beliefs and perceptions.
  • Joe Rogan's ability to engage diverse audiences across the political spectrum.
• 02:37:21

  The Historical Inaccuracies of 'The Revenant' Discussed by Joe Rogan and Colleagues

  • Critique of the film 'The Revenant' for its distortion of Hugh Glass's true story.
  • Discussion on the importance of historical accuracy in film representations.
  • Personal anecdotes related to the Mountain Man era and filmmaking experiences.
• 01:13:47

  Steven Rinella's Ethics in Hunting and Technology Discussion

  • Steven Rinella explains the importance of ethical considerations in hunting and how technology impacts wildlife populations.
  • He contrasts different types of production approaches in reality television that either honor subtlety or prioritize sensationalism.
  • The conversation delves into the legality and morality of using advanced technology like drones in hunting.
• 01:56:12

  The Impact of Technology on Hunting and Wildlife Management

  • The discussion highlights Aldo Leopold's conservation principles and their relevance in today's hunting practices.
  • Rinella emphasizes the potential negative impact of technology on hunter opportunities and wildlife populations.
  • The conversation addresses the perception of hunters who use modern aids and the pride associated with ethical hunting methods.