Ep. 886: Who Was the Real Johnny Appleseed?
The MeatEater Podcast
MeatEater
4.9 • 37.9K Ratings
🗓️ 8 June 2026
⏱️ 96 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Steven Rinella talks with author Isaac Fitzgerald.
Topics discussed: Isaac's new book, American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed; the true story of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) versus the mythologized version; land speculation, westward expansion, and environmental impact; Appleseed's religious influence; the role of storytelling in shaping national legends; the role of apples and cider in American history; John's role in the War of 1812; and more.
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Transcript
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| 1:13.1 | Today we're joined by writer |
| 1:14.5 | Isaac Fitzgerald, |
| 1:16.1 | who has a brand new book |
| 1:17.3 | called American Rambler, |
... |
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