In the first episode of Red Meat Nation, Julie and Alex dig into one of Idaho’s most iconic—and controversial—foods: beef. Joined by University of Idaho expert Dr. Philip Bass, a butcher, researcher, and author of It’s Not a Cow, the conversation explores why beef matters so much to Idaho’s economy, how cattle turn grass into high-quality protein, and what challenges the industry is facing today—from drought and rising costs to environmental and health concerns. With listener questions, honest reflection, and a little humor, this episode asks a simple question with a complicated answer: what’s the beef, really?