Janis Putelis is a prominent figure in the outdoor and hunting community, known for his role as the Director and Executive Producer of the Netflix Original series “MeatEater” and as a co-host of “The MeatEater Podcast.” His involvement with “MeatEater” began in 2012, and he has played a vital role in shaping the show’s success and popularity.
Before joining “MeatEater,” Janis Putelis had an extensive background in hunting and fishing. For over a decade, he worked as a guide for hunting and fishing trips in various locations, including Colorado, Arizona, and Mexico. This experience allowed him to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the outdoors and the art of hunting and fishing.
In addition to his expertise in the hunting and outdoor realm, Janis Putelis also spent three years in a professional kitchen. This experience reflects his passion for food and cooking, which likely adds a unique perspective to his work on “MeatEater.”
Janis Putelis’ combined background in guiding, cooking, and outdoor pursuits has made him a valuable asset to the “MeatEater” series, where he brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to create captivating and educational content for audiences.
As an executive producer and podcast co-host, Janis continues to be an influential voice in the outdoor and hunting community, inspiring others to appreciate and engage with the natural world. His contributions to “MeatEater” have made a significant impact, and his expertise and passion for the outdoors continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Janis Putelis Biography
| Full Name | Janis Putelis |
| Date of Birth | No Info |
| Age | No Info |
| Birth Place | No Info |
| Height | 5ft, 10in |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession(s) | Director and Executive Producer |
| Janis Putelis Net Worth | $15-20 million (Last Updated July 2023) |
Janis Putelis Net Worth
Janis Putelis’s net worth is estimated to range from $15 million to $20 million.
Janis Putelis Early Life
Born and raised in Michigan, Janis Putelis found his true calling in the western backcountry. Though he had a passion for hunting deer in the upper Midwest during his childhood, his focus shifted westward after high school.
At the age of 19, Janis moved to Colorado with the dream of embracing the outdoor lifestyle and becoming a ski and snowboard enthusiast. While living there, he honed his culinary skills in the restaurant industry, but his true love was spending time on the mountain, immersing himself in the rugged beauty of the western wilderness.
Janis Putelis shares a humorous anecdote about his connection with Steve Rinella’s wife during their high school days. He reveals that he dated her best friend, and when Katie and Steve got together, Janis became her only reference for hunting and fishing. Over the years, they stayed in touch, and every time elk hunting came up, Janis was the person she mentioned.
Later, Janis believes that several events, including an article featuring him in Western Hunter magazine, caught Steve Rinella’s attention, leading him to reach out to Janis. This chance encounter ultimately brought Janis into the circle of the renowned outdoor personality and contributed to his involvement with the “MeatEater” series and podcast.
Janis Putelis Podcast
In late 2014, Steven Rinella, the host of MeatEater, received an invitation to be a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. This introduction marked the first time Steve had ever heard of a podcast, let alone participated in one. Impressed by Steve’s presence and knowledge, Joe Rogan suggested that Steve would make a fantastic podcast host.
Taking Joe’s advice, the MeatEater team decided to give podcasting a try. A few months later, they recorded their first-ever MeatEater podcast episode in a humble setting—a crusty Super 8 hotel room in Ketchikan, Alaska. This initial venture into podcasting would pave the way for MeatEater’s successful podcast series, where Steve Rinella continues to engage audiences with captivating stories and insightful conversations about the outdoors, hunting, and more.
Janis Putelis Awards & Nominations
“MeatEater,” the popular Netflix Original series, has received several accolades and recognition for its outstanding content and production. In 2013, it won a Sportsman Choice Award for Best New Series, solidifying its position as a standout show in the outdoor genre.
The show’s excellence was further acknowledged when it received a nomination for a James Beard Foundation Award in 2013 for Best Television Program, On Location, highlighting its culinary and on-location storytelling.
The following year, in 2014, “MeatEater” continued to impress and was honored with another Sportsman Choice Award, this time for Best Overall Production, showcasing the series’ exceptional quality and appeal.
In 2016, the series once again earned recognition with a Sportsman Choice Award for Best Small Game Episode for the episode titled “Steve Makes the Team: Kentucky Small Game,” which showcased the team’s expertise in hunting small game in Kentucky.
These awards and nominations are a testament to the series’ captivating storytelling, top-notch production, and Steve Rinella’s passion and expertise in the outdoor and hunting world. “MeatEater” has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on its viewers and the outdoor entertainment industry.
Janis Putelis Surprising Facts
- Transition from Hunting Guide to Media Producer: Janis Putelis started his career as a hunting and fishing guide, spending over a decade guiding trips in various locations. However, his journey led him to become the Director and Executive Producer of the popular Netflix Original series “MeatEater,” showcasing his versatility and adaptability in the outdoor and media industry.
- Culinary Skills: During his time in Colorado, Janis developed culinary skills while working in the restaurant world. This background likely brings a unique perspective and appreciation for food and cooking to his work on “MeatEater.”
- Connection with Steve Rinella’s Wife: Janis Putelis has an interesting connection with Steve Rinella’s wife, Katie, as they attended high school together. His relationship with Katie played a role in bringing him into Steve’s circle and ultimately led to his involvement with “MeatEater.”
- Impactful Awards: “MeatEater,” the series Janis is a part of, has received several prestigious awards, including Sportsman Choice Awards and a nomination for a James Beard Foundation Award. These honors highlight the show’s exceptional content and storytelling.
- Podcast Journey: Janis Putelis is a co-host of “The MeatEater Podcast,” a successful show that started with Steve Rinella’s invitation to be a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience. This introduction to podcasting eventually led to the creation of their own podcast, where Janis and Steve engage audiences with intriguing discussions about the outdoors and hunting.