#886 - Hank Shaw

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Hank Shaw Reflects on Politics and the Ups and Downs of Capitol Hill

  • Hank Shaw discusses his career transition from political blogging to embracing culinary arts.
  • He shares frustrations with the political system, describing it as rigged and comparable to pro wrestling.
  • Shaw reminisces about memorable political figures and events, including Frank Wolf and the intricacies of legislative processes.
• 00:05:03

  Hank Shaw on the Art of Cooking Inspired by Anthony Bourdain

  • Shaw expresses his newfound appreciation for cooking as an art form, influenced by Anthony Bourdain's culinary journey.
  • He draws parallels between cooking and performance art, highlighting the transient nature of both disciplines.
  • The chef emphasizes using local ingredients to enhance the authenticity of his dishes, reflecting the philosophy of cooking that connects to the environment.
• 00:10:13

  Jamie’s Discovery of Rose Hips while Hunting with Friends

  • Jamie discusses the taste and uses of rose hips after a grouse hunting trip in North Dakota.
  • He describes rose hips as resembling a mix between watermelon and orange.
  • The conversation reveals humorous encounters with deer damaging rose bushes, leading to extreme reactions from Jamie's friend's wife.
• 00:14:07

  Mountain Lion P-45's Alpaca Rampage Causes Outrage in Malibu

  • Mountain lion P-45 is known for killing multiple alpacas on a farm, raising legal and ethical questions about depredation permits.
  • Local outrage ensues as the alpaca owner fears for the lion's life, advocating for its relocation instead of extermination.
  • The conversation expands to suburban sightings of mountain lions and their ability to adapt to human environments, highlighting wildlife interactions.
• 00:19:40

  Exploring Leopard Sharks with Culinary Enthusiasts: Not Endangered, Just Delicious

  • The speaker discusses angling for leopard sharks in San Francisco Bay and Tomales Bay, emphasizing their culinary value.
  • Contrary to popular belief, leopard sharks are a species of least concern, and the speaker urges for more nuanced understanding of shark populations.
  • The importance of proper fish handling post-catch is explained, particularly how gutted and iced leopard sharks prevent ammonia buildup in the meat.
• 00:26:06

  Shark Reproduction: The Fascinating and Controversial Biology of Live Birth

  • The speaker reveals that female leopard sharks give birth to live young, discussing the ethical considerations of fishing during this period.
  • A light-hearted discussion arises about the monstrous characteristics of shark embryos that may eat their siblings in the womb.
  • The conversation transitions to societal attitudes toward consuming polarizing foods, including sharks and squirrels.
• 00:29:04

  The Unlikely Culinary Adventures of Squirrels: From Ground Squirrels to Sturgeon with Steve Rinella

  • Discussion on the perception of squirrels versus rats, led by a comedic narrative on their similarities.
  • A revelation of ground squirrels' consumption of other animals, including a shocking video of a squirrel eating a mouse.
  • Insight from Tihon Ranch on the biomass of ground squirrels, surpassing larger animals like mountain lions and deer.
• 00:36:36

  Sturgeon Hunting Among Californians: Joey Pallotta's Record-Breaking Catch and Conservation

  • Joey Pallotta is highlighted for catching the largest freshwater fish in California, weighing 468 pounds in the 1980s.
  • Discussion on hunting regulations surrounding sturgeons and the cultural significance of hunting among immigrant communities, especially the Hmong.
  • The conversation emphasizes the differences between public and private land in California, with Steve Rinella sharing insights on historical conservation efforts.
• 00:38:29

  Steve and the Struggles of Public Land Perception in America

  • Steve discusses the differing perceptions of public land across the United States, emphasizing that for city dwellers, issues like public land use may seem irrelevant.
  • The contrast in terminology, from 'public land' to 'government land,' illustrates how ownership perception can affect attitudes toward land management.
  • The chapter highlights the significance of public lands as a shared resource among American citizens, despite varying awareness and engagement depending on geographic location.
• 00:41:31

  Steven Kotler's Harrowing Lyme Disease Journey

  • Steven Kotler shares his painful experience with Lyme disease, detailing severe misdiagnosis that led to years of hospitalization and cognitive impairment.
  • The conversation reveals troubling insights into Lyme disease's neurological impacts, showcasing how it can disrupt essential life functions, such as driving.
  • The chapter connects the prevalence of Lyme disease with broader public health issues, including the psychological effects seen in conditions like Morgellons, which may correlate with Lyme sufferers.
• 00:47:55

  The Fascinating and Creepy World of Cordyceps and Aquatic Worms

  • Discussion of cordyceps mushrooms that infect ants, explaining how they control the ant's behavior until they die and sprout spores.
  • Introduction of an aquatic worm that infects grasshoppers, manipulating their behavior to commit suicide by jumping into water to facilitate its own reproduction.
  • Exploration of the unsettling aspects of nature, focusing on the predatory behavior of parasites compared to traditional predatory animals.
• 00:53:01

  Bizarre Fishing Practices: Sturgeon and the Dark Side of Pay Lakes

  • Revelation about sturgeon fishing regulations and the preservation challenges faced due to past overfishing.
  • Explanation of 'juicing' in pay lakes, where chemicals are used to induce fish to bite, leading to unhealthy conditions for the fish.
  • Discussion on the ethics and bizarre nature of commercially hunting genetically modified deer in confined areas.
• 00:58:39

  Gar Fish and Coelacanth: A Journey Through Prehistoric Aquatic Life with Joe Rogan

  • Joe Rogan discusses the ancient gar fish, a species that has survived for over 100 million years, highlighting its unique features and dietary habits.
  • The conversation explores the differences between alligator gar and regular gar, focusing on their sizes and edibility.
  • Rogan brings up the coelacanth, a fish once thought extinct, and its significance as a deepwater species that was rediscovered in the 20th century.
• 01:07:02

  Sustainable Fishing Practices: Lessons from R.J. Waldron About the Impact of Catching Large Breeding Fish

  • A discussion on the exponential breeding capabilities of larger fish species, particularly focusing on stripers and halibut.
  • The importance of conservation in fishing practices is emphasized, noting the risks associated with catching large breeding females.
  • Personal anecdotes from Joe Rogan and his friends illustrate the tension between fishing regulations and the desire to catch significant fish like 300-pound halibut.
• 01:13:47

  Fishing in Hawaii Turns Traumatic for Comedy Legend Joe Rogan's Daughter

  • Joe Rogan recounts a fishing trip in Hawaii with his daughter where they caught a 70-pound marlin.
  • Rogan describes the distressing scene of crew members beating the marlin to death in front of his sensitive daughter.
  • The traumatic experience left a lasting impact on his daughter, who has not wanted to fish since.
• 01:56:12

  The Surprising Taste of Paddlefish Caviar and Conservation Efforts with Scott Laysath

  • Rogan discusses paddlefish and the illegal trade in paddlefish caviar while reminiscing about a cooking show featuring Scott Laysath.
  • They highlight how habitat restoration programs could benefit from the proceeds of paddlefish caviar sold by Fish and Game.
  • The conversation touches on the culinary appeal of lesser-known fish and a humorous anecdote about the unpalatable taste of python meat.
• 01:13:47

  Polar Bear Predation: Kevin Fitzgerald's Insights on Survival and the Ruthless Nature of Arctic Life

  • Discussion of polar bears' unique carnivorous diet and the dangers of eating polar bear liver.
  • Kevin Fitzgerald shares that polar bears are predatory from birth, likening their nature to an alien.
  • Analysis of the wider implications of animal predation, including video evidence of polar bear hunting seal.
• 01:56:12

  Understanding Chronic Wasting Disease: The Science Behind Deer Management and Culinary Considerations

  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) discussed in relation to deer hunting and meat preparation.
  • Emphasis on minimizing risk by avoiding spinal tissue while cooking game.
  • Exploration of how hunting and culinary practices evolve from a foundational understanding of wildlife biology.
• 01:13:47

  From Chef to Game: Chris's Journey into Wild Cuisine

  • Chris began as a restaurant cook and transitioned to being a newspaper reporter, motivated by a desire to cook and eat wild game like mallards and venison.
  • He highlights the importance of understanding the environment for fishing and hunting, drawing parallels between his skills in reading water and his friend's ability to read the land.
  • The chapter discusses misconceptions around the taste of wild game, emphasizing that 'gamey' flavors often result from poor preparation or feeding practices.
• 01:56:12

  The Taste of Adventure: An Exploration of Game vs. Conventional Meat

  • Chris compares the flavor profiles of different game meats, noting that wild animals like mule deer have distinct flavors due to their natural diet, contrasting them with corn-fed livestock.
  • He delves into the differences between puddle and diver ducks, explaining why diet impacts their taste, and shares personal anecdotes about preferred hunting and cooking practices.
  • The chapter wraps up with an intriguing look at regional delicacies like scrapple and head cheese, examining the cultural significance and preparation methods behind these foods.
• 01:13:47

  Joe Rogan Discusses Hunting and Ethics with Ari Shafir

  • Joe Rogan shares his experience of opting out of commercial meat buying since 2004, citing ethical concerns about farming practices.
  • Rogan and comedian Ari Shafir explore the motivations behind hunting as a means to connect with food and nature.
  • Cooking wild game, like elk and venison, brings a different appreciation for the food, emphasizing the importance of utilizing every part of the animal.
• 01:56:12

  Wild Hog Hunting in Texas: Overcoming Invasive Species Challenges

  • Rogan recounts his hunting experiences in Texas, highlighting the invasive pig problem that causes extensive agricultural damage.
  • The statistics reveal the high incidence of car accidents involving deer and the necessity of population control through hunting.
  • With anecdotes about his hunting strategies and experiences, Rogan emphasizes the ethical dimensions and practical realities of managing wildlife populations.
• 01:06:04

  Game Cooking Insights from Steven Rinella and the Unforgettable Flavor of Grouse

  • Steven Rinella discusses the shooting capabilities and dietary influences on game flavor, emphasizing 100-yard shots with Sabit rifles.
  • Rinella highlights his favorite game to cook, particularly grouse, noting its unique wild flavor and preparation style.
  • He contrasts East Coast and West Coast Brant geese, explaining how their diets affect their taste, with a particular focus on the richness of the West Coast Brant.
• 01:12:05

  Hunting Bears and Anthropological Connections to Game Meat: Insights from Steven Rinella

  • Rinella shares anecdotes about hunting and cooking bear, including the lore of 'guacamole bear' from avocado-eating bears in Ventura County.
  • He delves into the anthropological significance of hunting, suggesting that human evolution is tightly interwoven with the practice of pursuing large game like deer.
  • The conversation explores the global connection to hunting traditions, as Rinella recounts stories of individuals from various cultures who hunt similar game.
• 01:13:47

  Culinary Adventures with Wild Game: Recipes and Techniques from Expert Chefs

  • Discussion on the importance of cooking wild game like deer, elk, and javelina with specific and tested recipes.
  • Emphasis on using civilian testers for recipes to ensure they work well for everyday cooks, avoiding professional chef bias.
  • Insights on the unique flavors and preparations of different animals, including wild boar and pronghorn antelope.
• 01:56:12

  John Dudley: The Passionate Archer and Advocate for Sustainable Deer Hunting

  • Highlighting John Dudley’s obsession with deer hunting, particularly in Iowa and Kansas, known for their big whitetails.
  • Exploration of the rising popularity of javelina, a misunderstood yet flavorful game meat, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico.
  • Discussion on the rapid decline of deer populations from market hunting and its impact on deer hunting culture today.
• 01:13:47

  Hank Shaw's Culinary Journey: Discovering Steak Diane and Beyond

  • Hank Shaw explains the history and preparation of Steak Diane, a classic dish originally made with venison.
  • The recipe for Steak Diane includes ingredients like cognac, mustard, and cream, highlighting its rich flavors.
  • Shaw promotes his books, including 'Buck, Buck Moose', 'Duck, Duck, Goose', and 'Hunt, Gather, Cook', encouraging food enthusiasts to explore them.
• 01:56:12

  The Upcoming Features of 'Metallica's James Hetfield' and Cooking Adventures

  • A brief mention of James Hetfield from Metallica, teasing his appearance in a future episode.
  • The conversation continues to focus on the culinary experiences shared by guests.
  • Hank Shaw shares insights into social media platforms for fans to follow his cooking adventures.