The MeatEater Podcast sponsors and ad reads

A good watch should be the kind of thing you forget you're wearing until you actually need it. In the field, on the water, days from the truck. One of today's sponsors builds exactly that. I've had one of these watches for years because a buddy of mine, who's a former SEAL, gave it to me as a gift after we went on a hunt together. Vare is a USA-assembled watch company making rugged tool watches. For hunters, anglers, and anyone who spends real time outside, their solar field watch is charged on ambient light, so they're ready when you head off grid. Sapphire crystals, 330 feet of water resistance, backed by a guaranteed waterproof warranty. Head to veyerwatches.com slash meat eater. That's veyer, spelled V-A-E-R, watches.com slash meat eater.

Brought to you by First Light. When I'm hunting, I need gear that won't quit. First Light builds. No compromise gear that keeps me in the field longer. No shortcuts, just gear that works. Check it out at firstlight.com. That's F-I-R-S-T-L-I-T-E.com.

Outdoorsmen know dependable gear earns its reputation over time. Whether it's a trusted pair of boots, reliable optics, or a capable truck, performance matters most when conditions get tough. The Nissan Frontier is built with that same mindset. Instead of chasing trends, the Frontier focuses on proven capability. Every Frontier comes standard with a 310-horsepower V6, the most powerful, naturally aspirated V6 in its class. Combined with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers confident, dependable power for hauling gear, reaching campsites, and tackling the road ahead. No tricks, no trendy, no unproven turbo or hybrid fad. Just real truck power built to get the job done. Discover what the Nissan Frontier is built for. Auto Pacific segmentation, 2026 Frontier versus latest in-market competitors in the midsize truck class. Base models compared based on manufacturers' websites.

It's summertime, kids are home, and my wife and I are kind of blown away that we have a child going into 11th grade. College is coming, okay? And when you look at life in that way and watch the changes, you got to know you're looking out for your family and being prepared for any unexpected surprises that might be coming your way. Well, you can prioritize peace of mind and lock in some life insurance today. Policy Genius is an online insurance marketplace that allows you to compare quotes from some of America's top insurers side by side for free. I think this is like a vital part of parenting is getting set up in case something were to happen. Their licensed team helps you get what you need fast so you can get on with your life. Easily find what you need. Coverage amounts, prices, terms. No guesswork, just clarity. With PolicyGenius, you can find 20-year life insurance policies starting at just $276 a year for a million dollars in coverage. Head to PolicyGenius.com to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save. That's PolicyGenius.com.

One of my biggest vulnerabilities in life is not getting enough sleep. You know, it's not even a vulnerability. I just like, I like to get a good night's sleep. I like to get up early. I like to get going and get a lot done, getting up and getting going and getting a lot done for me kind of hinges on getting a good night's sleep. I take it real serious. And here's the deal. Helix is the place to go if you want to find a really comfortable mattress. Even in the summertime, they got mattresses that have cooling upgrades. So a mattress that actually helps you feel cool while you sleep. Helix delivers your mattress right to your door with free shipping in the U.S. You can rest easy with seamless returns and exchanges. The Happy with Helix guarantee offers a risk-free, customer-first experience designed to ensure you're completely satisfied with with your new mattress. Helix is the most awarded mattress brand, tested and reviewed by experts like Forbes and Wired. Go to helixsleep.com slash meat eater for 20% off site-wide. That's helixsleep.com slash meat eater for 20% off site-wide.

This show is sponsored in part by BetterHelp. Now, nowadays, it's way easier, it's way more acceptable to talk about mental health concerns than it was years ago, when I was a kid, even just five years ago, okay? But, even still, asking for help on mental health issues can still be hard. And BetterHelp's latest research confirms it. Now, BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma Report surveyed 2,000 Americans and revealed that 85% of Americans believe getting support is wise, yet 74% say society discourages people from doing so. But listen, man, never mind that idea that you shouldn't do it or that it's discouraged or society doesn't approve. Go with the 85% who know that it's wise. BetterHelp does the initial matching work for you so you can focus on your therapy goals. A short questionnaire helps identify your needs and preferences, and their 12-plus years of experience and industry-leading match fulfillment rate means they typically get it right the first time. If you aren't happy with your match, switch to a different therapist at any time from their tailored recommendations. Do not let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com slash meat eater. That's betterhelp.com slash meat eater.

Warning, this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Black Buffalo products are intended for adults aged 21 and older who are consumers of nicotine or tobacco. Now, you know how long it takes to build something that actually holds up. Well, Black Buffalo spent 20,000 hours on it. 20,000 hours. working alongside American farmers, growing and barn-curing leafy greens to mimic the taste and texture of real dip without the tobacco leaf or stem. That's not a shortcut. That's a commitment. They started this thing in 2015 right here in America, and they got it right. In wintergreen, mint, and straight, the taste you already know in long-cut and pouches. It dips like the real thing. Because they refuse to settle for less. Check out your local gas station or convenience store. Chances are it's already on a shelf near you. Or head to blackbuffalo.com and use code MEAT for 30% off your first order. Black Buffalo Tobacco Alternative. It's everything you love about dip. Nothing you don't.

Life moves fast at American Military University. They're ready to help you keep up. AMU's flexible, affordable online programs in cybersecurity, IT, space studies, and more are designed for service members, veterans, and their families. AMU provides the support you need to take the next step wherever life takes you. American Military University. Made for what's next. Learn more at amu.apus.edu slash military.

Iconic summer moments deserve an iconic drink. It is Mountain Dew, an American original. From the beginnings in the foothills of Tennessee to the biggest 4th of July yet, the refreshing citrus kick of Mountain Dew is the perfect companion to your American summer adventures. No matter where you go or who you are with, Bring Mountain Dew to amplify your celebration. When I was in college, Dew was the daytime beverage of choice for all things summer. Rope swings into the river, jumping off bridges into the river, tubing the river, fishing the river, riding snowboards down the Lake Michigan sand dunes right out into the waves and shooting off fireworks at night. You name it, we were powered by Dew. It's been tasting great since 48. That's right, two brothers created Mountain Dew in the foothills of Tennessee and Back in 1948, the refreshing citrus kick is perfect for summer and 4th of July at the grill, on the beach, or right in the living room. Enjoy the refreshing citrus kick of Mountain Dew, an American original. Tasting great since 48. Look for American Dew in limited-time packaging or find it in stores near you at MountainDew.com. That is MountainDew.com.

Nowadays, we're all pretty used to getting stuff delivered on demand, right? You can get your groceries on demand. You can get a meat eater cookbook on demand when you buy it online, okay? Now, you can add T-Mobile 5G home internet to the list of things you can get delivered on demand. Just order from T-Mobile and get same-day delivery with DoorDash. No more waiting around for a technician. And you can easily set it up yourself in about 15 minutes. That means more time doing the things you actually enjoy, like being out in the field or planning your next adventure. And planning that trip online is a lot easier with the fastest 5G home internet. So if you're moving into a new place or just ready to ditch your current provider, Head over to t-mobile.com slash home internet to check availability and get your home internet delivered today. They got same-day delivery for most internet-eligible customers, so see if it's an option during checkout. It's the fastest, according to Ookla Speed Test Intelligence data, second half of 2025. All rights reserved.

Hunting demands preparation, persistence, and gear that will not quit on you. That is why I wear First Light. This isn't about hype. It's about no compromise gear. Built to perform, built to last. Whether it's their industry-leading merino wool, keeping me comfortable through the cold and the hot. or their durable outerwear shrugging off the elements. First Light is built to help you go farther and stay longer. Designed by hunters, for hunters, with a deep commitment to conservation and land access. No shortcuts, no excuses. Just gear you can count on. Head to firstlight.com. That's F-I-R-S-T-L-I-T-E dot com.

Iconic summer moments deserve an iconic drink. It is Mountain Dew, an American original. From the beginnings in the foothills of Tennessee to the biggest 4th of July yet, the refreshing citrus kick of Mountain Dew is the perfect companion to your American summer adventures. No matter where you go or who you are with, Bring Mountain Dew to amplify your celebration. When I was in college, Dew was the daytime beverage of choice for all things summer. Rope swings into the river, jumping off bridges into the river, tubing the river, fishing the river, riding snowboards down the Lake Michigan sand dunes right out into the waves and shooting off fireworks at night. You name it, we were powered by Dew. It's been tasting great since 48. That's right, two brothers created Mountain Dew in the foothills of Tennessee and Back in 1948, the refreshing citrus kick is perfect for summer and 4th of July. At the grill, on the beach, or right in the living room. Enjoy the refreshing citrus kick of Mountain Dew, an American original. Tasting great since 1948. Look for American Dew in limited-time packaging or find it in stores near you at MountainDew.com. That is MountainDew.com.

Life moves fast. At American Military University, they're ready to help you keep up. AMU's flexible, affordable online programs in cybersecurity, IT, space studies, and more are designed for service members, veterans, and their families. AMU provides the support you need to take the next step, wherever life takes you. American Military University. Made for what's next. Learn more at amu.apus.edu.