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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492 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes492

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Oct 6, 2023 · 17 min
Ep. 151: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Deer Camp
Deer Camp holds a lot of special memories for many and Brent is no exception. This week he’s talking about the traditions and legacy around his deer camp and how easy it is for you to start your own and do the same. He’s starting off with a story of deer hunting, bologna and underwear. That’s an unusual combination, but we’re sure it’ll all make sense when he explains it. Reasonably sure anyway. It’s Deer Camp time on This Country Life! Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 4, 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep. 150: Deer Stories - The Unexpected (Part 1)
This week on Bear Grease, Clay hears from several diehard whitetail deer hunters. This is one of the most unique collections of deer stories you’ll hear anywhere and just in time for Whitetail Week at MeatEater. Dale Craig - grunting in a mountain buck and sealing the deal with a rolling jumping apple. Travis Ross - his first mountain hunt and an encounter with Charley and Louie Dale Edwards deer dogs. Andy Brown tells a wild story about his dad, how scarce deer were at the time, what a deer could provide for a family. Moe Shepherd - a deer that disappeared after blood trailing it in the snow and an encounter with a panther. Aaron Stanphill - calling in a deer by relieving himself on some dry leaves. Clay Newcomb - killing a deer sitting on a limb in a red oak tree while his daughter played in the dry creek bed below. Luke Alston - connecting his son with a great deer name Moab that he had four years of history with. I really doubt you’re gonna want to miss this one… Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 29, 2023 · 23 min
Ep. 149: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - World Champion Squirrel Cook Off
If there was ever an event that Brent Reaves was born to be associated with it would have to be the World Champion Squirrel Cook Off in his home state of Arkansas. It was an eye opening experience for him and eating squirrels was only a small part of the festivities. Lots of fun in this one including a story that takes a brotherly hunting competition to a whole new level of extreme. Take your hat off and scoot up to the table, the squirrels are ready and it's time to eat on Meateater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Joe Wilson to sponsor next year's World Champion Squirrel Cook Off joe.wilson@crossland.com Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 27, 2023 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 148: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - World Champion Squirrel Cook Off
Your host Clay Newcomb is joined live from the World Champion Squirrel Cookoff by Brent “Render Boy” Reaves, Kyle Veit of the Ozark Podcast, Malcolm Reed from How to BBQ Right, the world’s greatest Small Game Hunter, Kevin Murphy, and Joe Wilson, founder of the Squirrel Cookoff. The crew talks about: Kevin’s unique outfit and how he met Steven Rinella, the world champion squirrel cookoff and the unique dishes cooked (empanadas, ramen, tamales & minced meat pie), the finer points of how to harvest & clean a squirrel, a detailed recipe for how to cook squirrel and gravy at home, squirrel hunting the old-growth timber inside the Mississippi River levee and Melanistic Squirrels, the challenges facing new hunters and what we can do to help, and the joys of starting out on small game. We really doubt that you’re gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 22, 2023 · 31 min
Ep. 147: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Snakes!
Better watch where you step. Brent's talking about snakes this week and telling stories, which is a good reason to watch where you step anyway. Hear about the proper way to carry a live rattlesnake in your mother's car and how he got caught by "The Granddaddy of all Copperheads". From charming snakes to advice on what to do when your hunting buddy gets tagged, it's a creepy crawly Friday on Meateater's This Country Life Podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 20, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 146: Alaska Stories (Part 2)
Austin Manelick, of Mission Alaska, shares about getting charged by a sow grizzly with cubs while guiding a sheep hunt in Alaska - and the greenhorn packer who saved their lives. Janis Putelis & Garret “Dirt Myth” Smith retell the iconic "meat tree" story - an encounter with a Kodiak brown bear while hunting Roosevelt moose on Afognak Island with Steve Rinella and Remi Warren. Caleb Martin, of the Alaska Outdoors podcast, tells about how he destroyed his knee on the hike out from a solo mountain goat hunt and his perseverance to get to the plane after the accident. Steve Rinella tells a story about his lifelong friend, their shared adventures growing up, his fish shack in Alaska, and the preciousness of life. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 15, 2023 · 27 min
Ep. 145: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - My Journey as a Coon Hunter (Part 2)
Brent's back with a second installment of his journey as a coon hunter. From disappearing coons to what’s really going on out there when a dog is chasing one, Brent’s experiences and observations have helped him see the light on several different levels. There’s some good stuff in this one and all his stories happened this century. That’s a story all by itself. Sit back and take a listen to this week’s installment of MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 13, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 144: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - Near Death & the Super Moon
On this week’s episode of the Bear Grease Render your host, Clay Newcomb, is joined by Kristy & Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, Dr. Misty Newcomb, Gary “Believer” Newcomb, and Kolby Morehead, owner of Bear Hunting Magazine. The crew discusses the moon and its supposed power over human and animal behavior. Clay highlights the whitetail-focused First Lite's Specter Camo & how it’s benefiting conservation, the new Akern Grunt-n-Bleat from Phelps which sold out in hours, as well as the recent overwhelming success of the Auction House of Oddities (but more importantly Clay and Josh's Handmade Coonskin Hat). The renderers then transition to discussing the most recent Bear Grease episode, Alaska Stories (Part 1), as well as other harrowing tales from their own lives! We really doubt you’re gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 8, 2023 · 29 min
Ep. 143: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - My Journey as a Coon Hunter (Part 1)
This week Brent's jumping in with both feet talking about his journey as a coon hunter. His family's legacy with the sport goes back to the childhood of his father and continues today. There are some pretty good tales in this one, and Brent promises, they're all true. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 6, 2023 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 142: Alaska Stories (Part 1)
On this week's episode of Bear Grease, Clay Newcomb has curated a selection of stories about close calls and near death in Alaska. We've got five stories of raging rivers, charging grizzlies, boat wrecks, and nights on the mountain sleeping under a goat hide. You'll hear from hunting guide Billy Molls, Chad Ferguson, Carrie Kegler, and Meateater's own Randall Williams. We really doubt you're gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 1, 2023 · 22 min
Ep. 141: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Kids and the Outdoors (Part 2)
Brents got stories about kids scattered all over the woods coon hunting without lights, and another one about taking his son to the doctor caused by a wasp sting that would make a grown man cry. There’s lots of good stuff in this one including a school program that kids of every grade can take advantage of and Brent will tell you what it is and how to get it. It’s Part 2 of “Kids and Outdoors” on Meateater’s This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 30, 2023 · 1 hr 25 min
Ep. 140: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - Dad Class, Squirrel Championship and River Finale
On this week’s episode of the Bear Grease Render, your host, Clay Newcomb, is joined by Joe Wilson, Founder of the World Championship Squirrel Cookoff, Ben Lagrone of Balanced Families, and Jonathan Webster. The crew starts off talking about learning to be a good father and about the new Phelps Game Calls, the Akern Grunter. They then turn their attention to the World Champion Squirrel Cookoff before talking about the last Bear Grease episode, Mississippi River - Big Fish. Finally, Clay gives the crew a peak at what’s coming up next on Bear Grease. We really doubt you’re gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 25, 2023 · 22 min
Ep. 139: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Kids and the Outdoors (Part 1)
It’s all about kids and getting them out of the house this week. In Part 1 of “Kids and Outdoors”, Brent shares some simple recipes for what he calls, “Getting the youngins off the couch and out of the house”. It’s easy to do and fun for everyone. He’s also going to tell you a story about his son’s first deer from 20 years ago that defies any explanation. You’ll want to be sure and listen to the end where he quotes his 11-year-old daughter, Bailee, who gives the best reason of all for getting the kids outdoors. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 23, 2023 · 57 min
Ep. 138: Mississippi River - Big Fish (Part 4)
On this episode of Bear Grease, Clay Newcomb will explore life in the Mississippi Delta as well as the health of the ecosystem. We’ll hear from commercial fisherman Bill Lancaster, Dr. Jack Killgore of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and author Hank Burdine. You’ll learn about commercial fishing on the Mississippi River - the equipment they use and the species they target. You’ll also learn about the health of not only the fishery but also the whole ecosystem and how timber companies as well as recreational hunting made it economically sustainable to keep that wilderness intact. We really doubt you’re gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 18, 2023 · 19 min
Ep. 137: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Manly Footwear
Have a seat, slip off or untie those boots, and back out of those Crocs and flip-flops. We’re talking about manly footwear this week and which ones make the cut. Can leather boots be the only proper adornment for your feet or have others slipped into and out of the closet? Hear what Brent thinks and decide for yourself on today's episode of This Country Life. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 16, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 136: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - The Greatest Flood
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by his wife Misty, Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, Gary “Believer” Newcomb, Brent Reaves, and for the first time, Brent's wife, Alexis. The crew discusses Josh’s recent adventures in trapping coons, the newest episode of This Country Life, and Misty’s disdain for cats. Afterward, they begin dissecting the most recent Bear Grease episode that centered around the three men who helped shape the modern Mississippi River - Charles Ellett, Andrew Humphries, and James Eads, as well as the disastrous 1927 Flood covered in John M Barry’s book, Rising Tide. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 11, 2023 · 21 min
Ep. 135: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Swimming Holes
We’re beating the heat this week so bring your cutoffs! It’s time to hit the water in Brent’s version of Country-Pool-Palooza. Brent says swimming holes are where you find them and if you look hard enough you’ll find them just about anywhere. Stand by for turtles, cows, and swinging vines in this week’s episode of This Country Life. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 9, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep. 134: Mississippi River - The Greatest Flood (Part 3)
On this episode of Bear Grease, Clay Newcomb and John Barry, author of Rising Tide discuss two Civil War veterans who pioneered the doctrine of controlling this great river, Charles Ellett and Andrew Humphries. They’ll show us how their obsession and rivalry shaped the way we manage the river and how that led to one of the most costly natural disasters in American history. We learn about Mark Twain, America's most celebrated writer, who was obsessed with being a riverboat captain on the Mississippi River. He bottled American culture in his writing and sent it to the world. We’ll also learn about the great Mississippi River flood of 1927. We're continuing down the river on the third episode of this series on the Mississippi River. Like William Faulkner, we're in pursuit of understanding the world. We really doubt you're gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 4, 2023 · 21 min
Ep. 133: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Minding Your Manners, Part 2
It’s Part 2 of “Minding Your Manners”. Brent’s talking about specific instances when having manners and not having them can impact you and those around you. Lots of goodies including wearing a hat inside, shaking hands, running the gauntlet for the last biscuit in the bowl, and more! Join Brent as he tells you how the cow ate the cabbage in this final installment of his first two-part episode. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 2, 2023 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep. 132: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - Hillbilly Tarpon and Delta Life
On this episode of the Bear Grease, Clay and Misty Newcomb host a couples edition of the Render featuring Josh “Landbridge” and Kristy Spielmaker, as well as Terrell “Thalweg” Spencer and his wife, former Rice Queen of Cross County Arkansas, Carla Spencer. The crew talks about Tim the Squirrel Dog’s recent and uncharacteristic exploration of the trash and is then joined by Bear Newcomb, who tells of the time he used a fly rod to catch a gar, or “Hillbilly Tarpon” as Clay refers to it. The discussion turns to the recent episode, “The Mississippi River - The Delta,” where they dig into the history of how the Delta continues to shape the culture and people of the region today. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.