Bear Grease

MeatEater

The Bear Grease Podcast with host Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America. He’ll dive in deep with hunters, biologists, anthropologists, and hillbillies to learn about human nature and our ancient connection to the land. Bear Grease explores unique people, topics, and stories that reveal the incredible value of life lived close to the land. Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.

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491 episodes
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Episodes491

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Apr 2, 2025 · 52 min
Ep. 310: The Unexpected-Bushwhacking, Wingshooting & Biting Turkeys
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb brings together one last group of turkey stories for the season told by some of the best story tellers. Stories from custom turkey call makers Don and Sarah Clark, internet sensation Trent Ellis, “the greatest turkey hunter in the world” Med Palmer, story-teller-in-residence Andy Brown, Brother Robin Risher, up-and-coming outdoorsman Bear Newcomb, and newcomer to Bear Grease Johnny Johnston. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 28, 2025 · 20 min
Ep. 309: This Country Life - Escaping the Bubble and Turkey Number One
If you've never hunted under the bubble or experienced its effects, consider yourself lucky. Major Leaguers call it a slump and sales people call it a dry spell. Regardless of what you call it, when it happens to a hunter there's only one sure way to get through it-- you'll have to get some help. Brent's explaining how his brother Tim hunted his way out of it once with the help of their turkey hunting mentor. Brent's also sharing the details of April 18, 1985, a date for him that lives in acclamation. You're gonna like this one. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 26, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
Ep. 308: Render - Turkey Showdown
It's Turkey Week at MeatEater and on this Episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined by two Ozark turkey hunting masters. Moe Shepherd of Arkansas and Camron Tidwell of Missouri talk tips, tactics, and tales of hours in the woods chasing the illusive meleagris gallopavo - the wild turkey. The stakes are high as Clay, Moe, Bear, and Camron have a turkey calling contest. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 21, 2025 · 25 min
Ep. 307: This Country Life - Turkey Hunts and Turkey Hunters Remembered
In this episode Brent’s sharing a story from early on in his turkey hunting career, which made that one day long ago great for him and bad for his host. Two listener stories reflect the respect we show those who serve and you're not going to want to miss them! We’re kicking off turkey season 2025 on MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 19, 2025 · 31 min
Ep. 306: The Bird Hunter
In this special episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb shares an extended version of the keynote speech he delivered at Pheasant's Forever's Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic on March 8, 2025. He tells the story of his grandfather Lewen Newcomb, a man who lived a life of principle and consistency and a passion for quail hunting that never diminished even when bird populations declined in his region. His love of the outdoors and passion for hunting left a lasting and undeniable impact and is carried on in and through the life of Clay to this day. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 14, 2025 · 23 min
Ep. 305: This Country Life - Riding the School Bus
Get your hair slicked down and your shoes tied, it's time to catch the school bus with Brent! This week will bring back memories to a lot of you who rode the big yellow bus and give insight into what all went on within the confines of that mobile circus. Brent's telling stories that involve his brother Tim and we guarantee you won't want to miss them. Get your books and let's go! It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 12, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
Ep. 304: Render - Bear Grease Hall of Fame Induction
On this Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by the "OG" Render crew: Bear Newcomb, Brent Reaves, Misty Newcomb, Gary Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker. After sitting idle for a spell, the Bear Grease Hall of Fame is back. Clay discusses the attributes of what it takes to make it in the Hall of Fame, and two new members are inducted with a surprise third in a momentous ceremony complete with parliamentary procedure. The Crew also talks about their favorite stories from the Turkey Stories episode. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 7, 2025 · 23 min
Ep. 303: This Country Life - Saying Yes to Clay and the Black Bear Bonanza
Brent's back home from the most recent Black Bear Bonanza event and talking about how he got invited to the first one that never happened. He's also highlighting the path his life has taken since being so agreeable to go any place Clay Newcomb's asked him to go. The situations he's found himself in because of it might make a more prudent person take some of those invitations under advisement. He's also sharing a listener story about how a Canadian walleye got the best of a "Yinzer" from Pittsburgh. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 5, 2025 · 46 min
Ep. 302: Turkey Stories - The Greatest Turkey Story Ever Told
Turkey season is right around the corner, so on this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb will get you primed with some amazing stories by some amazing storytellers from Mississippi and Arkansas. Listen along as Mark Sledge, Andy Brown, Robin Risher, David Huffman, Lake Pickle, and Med Palmer recall epic tales of turkeys with more beard than you can believe, busting poachers, dog collar-wearing bandits, becoming one with nature, and possibly the greatest turkey story ever told. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 28, 2025 · 20 min
Ep. 301: This Country Life - The Country Store
The country store was more than just a place to buy necessities. It may have started out that way, but for whatever reason, spots where people regularly gather soon turn into something else. In this case for Brent, the country store became a special place and today he's talking about the experiences he had there. Meet us at the back of the store and grab a chair, it's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Black Bear Bonanza: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/black_bear_bonanza_2025 Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 26, 2025 · 1 hr 59 min
Ep. 300: Render - Alone Winner, Clay Hayes
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by professional bowyer, hunter, and Alone season 8 winner Clay Hayes. Clay shares his experience surviving in the back country of British Columbia for 74 days and the highs and lows of what it took to be the last man standing in this very real challenge. He also covers some of the behind the scenes backstory that you wouldn't see in the show, talks about making bows, tanning animal hides, and joins the rest of the crew on a discussion of the Clovis people from last weeks Bear Grease Podcast - "The Mystery of Clovis." If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 21, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 299: This Country Life - The Helpers
No one gets through life without help. That's the topic this week and the specifics Brent's sharing are all examples of people needing help and people helping. It's a perfect example of how we can make big differences with just a little effort. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and you'll know why after listening to this week's episode of MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Follow's Atticus's story on Instagram @atticus.hunts Black Bear Bonanza: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/black_bear_bonanza_2025 Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 19, 2025 · 48 min
Ep. 298: The Mystery of Clovis
In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, host Clay Newcomb navigates the archaeological journey of the “peopling” of America and the mystery of the Clovis people. Archaeologists Dr. Metin Eren and Dr. David Meltzer discuss the Pleistocene Overkill hypothesis, and how the Clovis First theory crumbled. Author and indigenous historian Taylor Keen explains how the insistence of the archeology establishment in the Clovis First theory was potentially politically motivated. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 14, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 297: This Country Life - Waylon, Jessi, and the Girls
Brent's got a new coonhound puppy and is talking about the risks involved in the new investment. With a house full of dog lovers who could care less how they perform in the woods and only consider companionship, it's a recipe for potential conflict. He's also talking about a few of the techniques he used in conditioning his dog Waylon on what not to do. Get Brent's theory on several aspects of welcoming in a new hunting partner on this week's "This Country Life" podcast. Black Bear Bonanza: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/black_bear_bonanza_2025 Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 12, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 296: Render - Mountain Goat Hunt and Mr. Ellis Bell
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, Dr. Misty Newcomb, and special guest Dr. Malachi Nichols. With the release of the new Meateater film "Alaska Mountain Goat Hunt," Clay gives behind the scenes details of this adventure and the harrowing retrieval of the goat. Then, the whole crew discusses the impact of the remarkable story of the life of Mr. Ellis Bell and lessons to be learned from his long history of determination and fortitude. Listen to more of Ellis Bell's story here: Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tears-and-triumphs-of-a-minority-farmer/id1743852550?i=1000657779991 Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tears-and-triumphs-of-a-minority-farmer-part-2/id1743852550?i=1000658594043 If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 7, 2025 · 18 min
Ep. 295: This Country Life - Picking Beans and Sewing Up Coons
This is a different one but we think you'll like it. Brent's talking about idioms this week and sharing some of his favorites. If that term doesn't sound familiar, you'll learn exactly what it means "faster than quick can get ready.” You see what we did there? That's a prime example of an idiom. You'll hear how using them at the wrong time can be costly and the origin story of one that's still plowing the ground today. We promise, it's all gonna make sense after you listen to this week's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 5, 2025 · 47 min
Ep. 294: The Extraordinary Life of Ellis Bell
In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we hear the remarkable story of fourth-generation farmer and Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame member Mr. Ellis Bell from Forrest City, Arkansas. Mr. Bell tells the story of his heritage and personal journey as a minority farmer, along with the values he learned along the way. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 31, 2025 · 23 min
Ep. 293: This Country Life - Rabbits, Dogs, and Car Hoods
Brent's cutting the pups loose on this one and they're chasing rabbits. He's talking about the four different ways he grew up hunting them, one of which may surprise you. The way a dog almost immediately knows the rabbit's direction of travel is an interesting deep dive, but don't worry, Brent's already done all the heavy lifting for you. He's also sharing a great lesson through a listener's story and describing a field expedient way to field dress a cottontail. All of that for the low, low price of nada, which is what you'll receive should you want to return this episode after you listen. It's "This Country Life" time, y'all get easy. Check out the Odor Trail Article: https://academic.oup.com/chemse/article/30/4/291/270231?login=false Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 29, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Ep. 292: Render - Black Patch and Black Panthers
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb, Gary "Believer" Newcomb, Terrell Spencer, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker along with special guests Jeff Gardener and Drew Harrington, who are natives of the Black Patch region of Kentucky as they discuss the Tobacco Wars series. Plus, Gary receives a special gift from a listener. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 24, 2025 · 20 min
Ep. 291: This Country Life - A First and A Last
In everything, there is a beginning and an end. We can usually control the onset of the things we choose to do, but our final day of participation is sometimes chosen for us. Brent's relating a listener's story about a first squirrel hunt and telling another one that describes a final deer hunt, which had quite an effect on him. Gather up and get easy, it's time for MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.