Eating Wild Podcast

In this episode the Eating Wild crew sits down with longtime friend and fan-favourite Taro Murata for an unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply honest conversation.

From being confronted by a self-appointed “guardian of the lake,” to guiding through busted boats, brutal cold, and unexpected life pressures, Taro opens up about what really happens behind the scenes - on the water and off. The crew dives into guiding culture, The Outpost ic...

In Part 2 of our conversation with fishing guide and fisheries researcher Alyssa Goodenough, the Eating Wild crew dives deeper into the science, emotion, and lived experience behind life on the water. Alyssa opens up about the biology of big pike, why empathy belongs in angling, her journey through academia, and the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated sport. 

Watch the full video version now on YouTube at EW Outdoor Podca...

In this episode of the Eating Wild Podcast, the crew sits down with Alyssa Goodenough: a professional fishing guide, fisheries researcher, and one of the most inspiring voices in today’s outdoor world.  From growing up spending every spare moment outdoors to guiding trophy-class pike in the remote wilds of northern Manitoba, Alyssa’s story is packed with passion, resilience, and the determination to stay true to who she is in a tra...

This week on The Eating Wild Podcast, Smash and CJ sit down with one of the most respected names in the muskie world: Spencer Berman. Fresh off his championship win at the 2025 Muskie Brawl, Spencer dives into his early start as a guide, how the sport has evolved, what really separates pros from weekend warriors, and why tough weather conditions often bring out the best anglers. 

Watch the full video version now on YouTube at EW Out...

Part 2 of the 2025 Musky Brawl dives straight into the thick of the tournament as cold fronts roll in, the wind picks up, and the bite becomes unpredictable. The Eating Wild crew breaks down the grind from early-morning breakfast at the boat launch to drifting the big water and chasing windows that open and close in seconds.

After a long, tough day on the water, they sit down with Jon Bondy, founder of Bondy Bait Company, to talk ab...

It’s Day 1 of the 2025 Musky Brawl: the biggest showdown on Lake St. Clair. From pre-dawn breakfast for hundreds of anglers to the first casts and near-misses on the water, the guys take you inside the grind, the laughs, and the energy that fuels this legendary tournament.
Join them at the Cove as they recap the day, talk strategy, share stories from the lake, and sit down with some of the most passionate musky anglers and bait...

The boys are fired up for the 11th annual Musky Brawl: one of North America’s biggest musky tournaments. Smash and CJ chat with Dave Grey about what makes this event special, massive prizes and how community spirit drives the fishing world.
It’s all about the thrill, the laughs, and the love for musky season. 

Watch the full video version now on YouTube at EW Outdoor Podcast and don’t forget to subscribe for more fishing, huntin...

The boys are back from their annual Lake Nipissing hunting and fishing trip, but this one didn’t exactly go as planned. Between the usual banter, overpacking, and late starts, something happened that has social media buzzing and everyone asking the same question: What happened to Lou?

In this episode, Smash, Showtime, and Top Dog sit down to unpack the trip from start to finish: the laughs, the chaos, and one unforgettable moment th...

In this episode, the Eating Wild crew kicks back in the studio to recap their latest fishing and hunting adventures: from battling Niagara salmon to unforgettable moments at hunt camp. Between stories of wild waters and campfire meals, they dive into real conversations about the state of the outdoors, respect for nature, and what it means to live wild in today’s Canada. 

Watch the full video version now on YouTube at EW Outdoor Podc...

Today the Eating Wild team meets with Corporal Jason Lamont, who at just 18 years old chose to serve his country and soon found himself on the front lines of Afghanistan. What followed was years of sacrifice, loss, and a battle with PTSD that didn’t end when he returned home. In this heartfelt conversation, Jason opens up about his path from combat to healing: the struggles, the turning point, and the conscious choice to reclaim jo...

The conversation with Coach continues! From his very first deer hunt to family traditions that shaped his love for the outdoors, this episode is packed with memories every hunter and angler can relate to. Smash and Showtime swap stories with Coach about hunting, fishing, and the laughs (and food) that always bring camp together. Whether it’s venison on the grill, tournament fishing, or just sitting on a log waiting for a deer, this...

Smash and Showtime are back in the studio, fresh off Canada’s biggest bass tournament with plenty of stories to tell. From monster smallmouth bags to behind-the-scenes moments, the guys break down what it was like to be right in the action. Joining them in the studio is their brother and mentor Coach — a seasoned hunter with decades of experience. From waterfowl to whitetail, calling tricks to campfire cooking, Coach shares stories...

We’re back in Kingston! Antonio “Smash” Meleca is joined by Cody Chovancek for Part 2 of Eating Wild at CISA 2025, covering the third and final day of the tournament. From legendary anglers to vendors and competitors, this episode dives into the stories and excitement that make CISA such a one-of-a-kind event. And of course, we stick around to find out who takes home the big win. 

Watch the full video version now on YouTube at EW Ou...

We’re live from Kingston! Antonio “Smash” Meleca brings you Part 1 of Eating Wild at CISA 2025, packed with on-the-ground interviews and conversations that capture the energy of the first two days.

Follow eatingwildpodcast on Instagram! To reach out to the EW Boys, drop us a line @ theeatingwildpodcast@gmail.com

Big thank you to our podcast sponsors for making all this possible!

Fish On 🎣

Xtreme Marine London/Kingsville
A family-o...

The Eating Wild Podcast is back with Part 2 featuring UFC fighter and outdoor enthusiast Cody Chovancek. From chasing bass and musky to unforgettable saltwater adventures, Cody opens up about his passion for fishing, his dream trips, and how he balances life between the Octagon and the outdoors. Packed with wild stories, laughs, and serious fishing talk, this episode delivers the perfect mix of fight camp grit and outdoor fever. Lo...

In this episode of Eating Wild, Smash and Lou welcome back unified MMA champion Cody Chovancek: known as “the best fisherman in MMA.” Fresh off big news about joining Dana White’s Contender Series, Cody opens up about the grind behind fight camp, the lessons learned from missing weight, and what it feels like to stand one step away from the UFC.

But it’s not all fight talk. Cody dives into his other passion: fishing. From chasing mu...

In this adrenaline-pumping episode, Smash and Topdog take you on a wild ride from the quiet serenity of the fishing boat to the neon chaos of the Las Vegas Strip. 🎰

First, the guys swap unforgettable fishing stories – from reeling in giants with Johnny Walker on G-Bay. Then, the real chaos begins as Smash dives into his most outrageous Vegas adventures: late-night jackpots, unexpected run-ins, and the kind of trouble only Smash can...

In this episode of the Eating Wild Podcast, the boys catch up on a whirlwind of summer adventures: from epic fishing trip with Canadian sportfishing legend Italo Labignan, to off-grid cottage life, concert nights, and wild encounters both on the water and in the backyard. Hear about chasing walleye and bass, gourmet sandwiches on the boat, city slickers learning to fish, and the chaos of curious dogs and unexpected wildlife. The cr...

Join host Antonio "Smash" Meleca as he spends an unforgettable day on the water with Canadian sport fishing legend Italo Labignan! Together, they share stories of growing up fishing, swapping family recipes, and reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to the outdoors. Between laughs, fresh walleye catches, and even a surprise gift, Smash and Italo explore what makes fishing more than just a sport – it’s a way of life.

And excit...