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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Jan 22, 2025 · 48 min
Ep. 290: Blurred Lines - Good Guys vs. Bad Guys
In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Clay Newcomb details the events at the turn of the 20th Century in the the "Black Patch" tobacco region of western Kentucky and northern Tennessee. The tension comes to a head as prices paid to farmers by the monopolistic Duke Trust plummet and "The Association" attempts to stand up against it. The Night Riders resort to beatings of non-Association farmers, raids on towns, and burning Duke Trust's tobacco barns. But the question remains: were they justified? Who were the good guys and who were the bad guys? Listen to interviews with former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice, Bill Cunningham, and recordings of the last living Night Rider, Joe Scott. 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 17, 2025 · 21 min
Ep. 289: This Country Life - Keeping Your Cool Above and Below Water
Cue up the danger music, Reva! Brent’s sharing some risky stories from his youth involving tractors and motorcycles. He’s also narrating a recent event that may be humorous now, but at the time was anything but funny. Make sure your seatbelts are buckled and your tray table is in it’s upright and locked position. This one is gonna get a little bumpy. 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 15, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Ep. 288: Render - Deer Camp with Rich Froning, the World's Fittest Man
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Crossfit legend Rich Froning and Mayhem Hunt Media Director, Scott Vander Sloot, join host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, around the fire at deer camp. Rich discusses his journey from being a firefighter to competing in his first Crossfit games and ultimately claiming the title of "World's Fittest Man." Also, he shares what is really important in his life. 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 10, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 287: This Country Life - Measuring Success
It's a common misconception that success is only measured in material or money. But success can be assessed in many ways and to Brent, there's no better measurement than good experiences with good people in the great outdoors. He's gonna talk about his formula for reaping the rewards of a good investment and share a listener's Christmas survival story that you won't want to miss. 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 8, 2025 · 47 min
Ep. 286: The Night Rider Tobacco Wars of Kentucky & Tennessee
At the turn of the 20th century as the U.S. production of tobacco was on the rise, a group of disgruntled tobacco farmers in small region of western Kentucky and northwestern Tennessee called “The Black Patch” organized against the monopolizing Duke Trust to help protect the income of so many small tobacco farmers. In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, hear the little known story of the largest domestic armed uprising in America that had taken place since the Civil War. Author and former Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court Bill Cunningham shares the unbelievable story of the Night Riders. Dr. Lloyd Murdock of the University of Kentucky talks about the history of tobacco in the region and why is was so important to the people of the “Black Patch.” 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 3, 2025 · 20 min
Ep. 285: This Country Life - Superstitions
It’s the New Year and if you didn’t have black eyed peas and turnip greens on January 1st, you blew a golden opportunity to set yourself up for success. That’s what some people claim anyway. Brent’s skipping those common superstitions all together and digging into his childhood for some you may not be as familiar with. From keeping relationships strong, to getting rid of spirits, to determining the only proper time to talk about your dreams, Brent’s covering it all on 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.
Jan 1, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
Ep. 284: Render - The Highs and Lows of Trad Bows
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, we welcome the new year as host Clay Newcomb is joined by Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, as well as traditional bow hunter and self-bow builder, Caleb Flies. The room is lined with bows, and there's lots of discussion on the origin of the term "self-bow" and different build qualities of them. The crew also discusses their highs and lows from 2024. 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.
Dec 27, 2024 · 20 min
Ep. 283: This Country Life - First Impressions
People put a lot of stock into a first impression. You can never make a second one, but as observers, we shouldn't be so quick to file the initial impression as the final one. There are lessons in this one that you can apply to just about every interaction you have and a realization that the most lasting impression, regardless of when it happens, can be the most important. It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ 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.
Dec 25, 2024 · 45 min
Ep. 282: Bear Grease Time Machine
We step back in time in this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast as host Clay Newcomb highlights some of his most memorable moments in the history of Bear Grease. Relive interviews from Warner Glenn from Arizona, Brit Davis from eastern Tennessee, Stoney Edwards from Arkansas, Donnie Baker from Missouri, and a story from long hunter and author Frederick Gerstäcker on the tragic death of his friend and hunting companion Erskine. 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.
Dec 20, 2024 · 20 min
Ep. 281: This Country Life - Barbershops and Beauty Parlor Astronauts
It's time to get a haircut and Brent's taking you to the barbershops of his youth for a fresh cut and a look back at a dying art. You'll hear how his older brother, Tim, fared on the first uniform cut of his law enforcement career. And sit back while Brent tells the story of space exploration while his grandmother got her hair fixed. It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ 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.
Dec 18, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 280: Render - Almost a Game Warden, Scoring a Bear, and Elm Bow
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker as well as guests Moe Shepherd, and Kolby Morehead of Bear Hunting Magazine to discuss the latest Bear Grease podcast on Hillbilly Speech. Bear expresses his distaste for using Elm wood for self-bows. Moe talks about almost becoming a game warden. Clay measures Kolby's spring bear he harvested. 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.
Dec 13, 2024 · 22 min
Ep. 279: This Country Life - Working at MeatEater
Brent's answering the question this week of how he got a job at MeatEater and what it's like to work there. It all started, in a roundabout way, over twenty years ago. Even though the path hasn't been the straightest, it got him there just the same. He's also got a story about his first camera and the muddy water of an Arkansas green tree reservoir. Pull up a chair, it's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ 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.
Dec 11, 2024 · 48 min
Ep. 278: Hillbilly Speech
Class is in session as Clay Newcomb invites guest lecturer Dr. Brooks Blevins as he explores American dialects with a focus on the southern highland or "Hillbilly" dialect of the Ozark and Appalachian regions. As the class attempts to understand the content, some students just don't get it, while others are clearly "teacher's pets". Prepare to be entertained as you listen along and get your own education about this beloved region of America on this episode of The Bear Grease Podcast. 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.
Dec 6, 2024 · 21 min
Ep. 277: This Country Life - Knowing Where North Is
Brent’s talking about how to find your way out in the woods and more importantly, how to find your way back. His navigation through life has been an interesting one to say the least, and he’s going to tell you about his struggles with and without a compass. Knowing where north is was a lesson he learned at an early age and one he still applies today. Grab a map and a compass, it’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ 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.
Dec 4, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 276: Render - Bear Dens, Grapevines, Selling Squirrel Dogs
Things are lively on this episode of the Bear Grease Render as host Clay Newcomb talks about finding a bear den and bringing home a 40’ surprise. Special guest, Terrell Spencer, talks about equipment redundancy as a point of consideration on whether to sell Tess, the squirrel dog. And, we speculate wildly about the mysteries surrounding the grave of Osceola as we wrap up this series on the Seminole war leader. 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.
Nov 29, 2024 · 22 min
Ep. 275: This Country Life - Four Bit Bobcats and Taxidermy
From flea market fur to Alaskan moose, Brent's talking taxidermy this week. After visiting with his good friend and local taxidermist, Corey Eisenhower, Brent's offering up some tips on proper field care of your trophy. He's got a story from his childhood of how he got his first bobcat hide and later got skinned in a game of Blackjack. Lastly, you'll hear how a mediocre buck can be the most prized possession of all. It's all about taxidermy this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ 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.
Nov 27, 2024 · 38 min
Ep. 274: Exhuming Osceola's Grave
On this final episode on the life and legacy of Osceola, Clay Newcomb talks with expert Dr. Patricia Wickman about the 1967 exhumation of the grave of Osceola and the astonishing surprise that they found. Jake Tiger, of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma, explains why there was never any effort made by the Seminole tribe to move the grave of Osceola to Florida. Chandler DeMayo of the Seminole Tribe of Florida brings his perspective on the use of the Seminole name and traditional images in association with Florida State University. 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.
Nov 22, 2024 · 20 min
Ep. 273: This Country Life - NYC
The phrase "country's come to town" has never been more true or descriptive of Brent's latest trip. The consummate country boy spent three days in the middle of New York City with his family. His expectations for discomfort were high but what he found was just the opposite, and even though he was far from Arkansas, it felt very close to home. Brent's in the Big Apple this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ 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.
Nov 20, 2024 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep. 272: Render - Shoes vs. Boots, Moose Paddle, and Bear's Deer Camp
On this Bear Grease Render, Newcombs have the majority -- Clay, Misty, Gary, and Bear, as Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker and special guest and friend Ben Lagrone round out the panel. Render Trivia turns into an in-depth conversation about the captivity and death of Osceola. Bear talks about his friends and family annual deer camp and the subsequent retrieval of the bear that was harvested, Misty points out Bear's new shiny shoes, and Clay shares about his special gift from Steve Rinella. 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.
Nov 15, 2024 · 20 min
Ep. 271: This Country Life - Tents, Crawfish, and Sleep Apnea
"Everyone loves camping!" "Most people like camping!" Ok, some people go camping and Brent’s experiences in that endeavor put him somewhere in the midst of one of those statements. Pitch the tent, light the fire, and get ready for camping stories on this episode of MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ 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.