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
Updated Yesterday

Episodes491

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June 12 · 19 min
Ep. 466: This Country Life - Bait It's What's For Dinner
Join us for an eclectic group of facts and memories about fishing bait from Brent's storied upbringing. You'll hear how bait that was purposed for a fish's mouth ended up in his. He's also sharing an impromptu lesson he used to calm his oldest daughter's fear of insects. You may want to try it yourself, but we doubt it. All that and more on this week's episode of "This Country Life" podcast. Take the listener survey: themeateater.com/grease Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 10 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 465: Render - Mules, Bears, and the Civil War
Host Clay Newcomb and Render regulars Bear Newcomb, Dr. Misty Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined by Michael Rosamond of Sun Spot Lights and retired Missouri game warden and Renaissance man Kyle Carrol as they continue their Civil War discussion by examining the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee. The conversation also highlights just how recent Civil War history really is, featuring a firsthand family connection of Michael Rosamond to a woman whose mother was born into slavery. But that's not all! Hear about Clay's runaway mules, exciting details of Bear's recent Alaskan bear hunt, and foreshadowing of Clay's upcoming book American Bear. Fill out our listener survey for a chance to win $500 gift card to the MeatEater Store: themeateater.com/grease Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.
June 8 · 25 min
Ep. 464: Backwoods University - Justice Scalia
Antonin Scalia, whether you agreed or disagreed with him, was inarguably one of the most influential Americans in modern history due to his position as supreme court Justice for almost 30 years. However, in this part 1 of this series we will get the rare opportunity to see this man in way you may have never seen him before. Come along as we journey down to the place where Scalia first found his love for the outdoors and hunting, and see how that same love became used a connective tissue for even the most distant of ideologies. Fill out our listener survey for a chance to win $500 gift card to the MeatEater Store: themeateater.com/grease Connect with Lake Pickle and MeatEater Lake Pickle on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 5 · 25 min
Ep. 463: This Country Life - Allis Chalmers and the Callapalooza
Summer is just heating up and Brent's talking about duck hunting. Actually he attended an event in the Rice and Duck Capitol of the World in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He's gonna share how that event, "The Callapalooza", was started and detail his involvement. He's also sharing a listener story about an old tractor that'll warm your heart. All that and more on this week's "This Country Life" podcast. Take the listener survey: themeateater.com/grease Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 3 · 57 min
Ep. 462: Civil War - Part 2: Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee
In Part 2 of Bear Grease's Civil War series, host Clay Newcomb examines the rise of Abraham Lincoln, the secession of the Southern states, and the complicated legacy of Robert E. Lee. Alongside historian J.D. Hewitt of The History Underground, Clay explores the ideas, personalities, and decisions that pushed the nation toward its bloodiest conflict, and discovers that history's heroes and villains are often far more complicated than we remember. Fill out our listener survey for a chance to win $500 gift card to the MeatEater Store: themeateater.com/grease Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.
May 29 · 22 min
Ep. 461: This Country Life - Brooklyn, Bradford, and Butterflies
With one last trip, Brent's 2026 Turkey Season is over. In this episode, he relates how a statement he made two years ago in New York City has come back around and will more than likely prove him wrong. Then it's an Arkansas wrap up with some sneaky gobblers before ending the season in Pennsylvania for Brent's first hunt in the Keystone State with his friends at Case Knives. We know you'll enjoy this one. George Lilikakis Turkey Calls on Instagram: @brooklyn_bones Turkeys for Tomorrow Flock on Instagram: @tft_gothamspurs Butterfly Research: www.monarch.org Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 27 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep. 460: Render - Cold Cases and Civil War
Jordan Sillars joins host Clay Newcomb alongside Render crew members Dr. Misty Newcomb, Kristie Spielmaker, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of his hit Blood Trails true crime podcast. Jordan shares stories from the field, lessons learned during production, and advice on the basics of how to avoid foul play in the wilderness. The conversation also turns to Bear Grease episode 457, Civil War Part 1: The Seeds of War, as the crew reflects on the moments, perspectives, and historical insights that challenged them or left a lasting impact. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.
May 25 · 25 min
Ep. 459: Backwoods University - Troops and Wildlife
Seeing as this episode releases on Memorial Day, Lake thought it would only be fitting to use it as opportunity to honor our the men and women who served the United States armed forces. This week, we will hear four different stories where wildlife conservation and the U.S military just so happened to overlap in some pretty incredible ways. Connect with Lake Pickle and MeatEater Lake Pickle on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 22 · 22 min
Ep. 458: This Country Life - The Screen Door
It’s hard to imagine an old house without a screen door. And even though they may mostly be a thing of the past, they still hold a significant place in Brent’s memories. A listener’s experience is outlined through his knocking on doors asking for hunting permission. Then Brent shares some observations that detail how the thought of a screen door or even a similar sound of one closing can bring on a flood of memories. Ryan's Website: https://www.rmpolcevideo.com/ Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 20 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 457: Civil War - Part 1: The Seeds of War
Host Clay Newcomb begins a new series on the American Civil War with historian and educator, JD Hewitt, of The History Underground. Clay invites you to go on a journey to ask the question that still divides Americans more than 160 years later: What was the Civil War really about? From slavery and states’ rights to Southern identity, economic power, abolitionists, and the lasting cultural memory of the Confederacy, Clay and JD attempt to navigate one of the most complicated and emotionally charged subjects in American history with honesty and nuance. The conversation traces the roots of the conflict from the founding of America through the rise of King Cotton, the contradictions of Thomas Jefferson, the expansion of slavery westward, and the radical actions of John Brown that helped push the nation toward war. Watch Clay's Alaska Bear Hunt on YouTube Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.
May 15 · 22 min
Ep. 455: This Country Life - A Father’s Gift
Brent’s taking a break from turkey tales this week to highlight a listener’s story. There’s a good lesson within the narrative that spoke to Brent and he’s hoping for you to feel the same. A simple story with a simple lesson that can impact generations. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 13 · 1 hr 28 min
Ep. 455: Render - Jason is Here: The Guy Who Got Shot
Host Clay Newcomb is joined by Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, Brent Reaves, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, along with special guest Jason Dean, whose story was featured in episode 451, Shot in the Back - The Jason Dean Story. Together, the crew reflects on the 1990 hunting accident that nearly took Jason’s life and explores how surviving and a life-threatening event such as this can profoundly shape a person’s outlook and perspective for every day that follows. More than just a story of survival, this conversation reveals the character of a man who, despite overwhelming hardship and impossible odds, has remained grounded in faith, gratitude, and positivity. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.
May 11 · 40 min
Ep. 454: Backwoods University - Southern Dinosaurs
In deep time we know the earth was covered with dinosaurs and ice age megafauna. However, the story gets all the more real and tangible when you narrow it down and dive into a specific region or state. This week we’ll learn about the mammoths, giant aquatic lizards, duck billed dinosaurs, stag moose, caribou, and many other species that used to inhabit Mississippi and other parts of the southeastern U.S. Connect with Lake Pickle and MeatEater Lake Pickle on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 9 · 28 min
Ep. 453: Render - Live from iHeartCountry Festival
Join Clay Newcomb live from the iHeartCountry Festival in Austin, Texas, for this special episode of Render, brought to you by Bobcat. Clay interviews country music superstars, Russell Dickerson and Dylan Scott, in the Bobcat Garage. Clay asks the artists how determination, grit, and hard work have helped them succeed. 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.
May 8 · 26 min
Ep. 452: This Country Life - The Missouri Turkey Turnaround
A trip that Brent looks forward to every year for the fellowship and hunting gets cut short by success. Getting what you're going after can leave a bitter taste when it ends before you've had a chance to relax. Brent takes a filled tag at most opportunities and he filled this one with persistence, patience and while honoring a memory, just as he was taught. Get comfortable and get hid, gobblers are on the way. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 6 · 53 min
Ep. 451: Shot in the Back - The Jason Dean Story
On December 26, 1990, 17 year old Jason Dean was accidentally shot in the back during a North Georgia deer hunt causing an injury he shouldn't have survived. What followed was a chaotic, desperate effort to save his life deep in the woods, with no cell phones, limited resources, and miles standing between him and the only possible chance of survival. As the story unfolds, it reveals far more than a hunting accident—highlighting the power of family, the weight of responsibility, and the role of faith and forgiveness in the face of the unthinkable. It’s a gripping account of how quickly life can change, and what it takes to fight your way back from the edge. Watch Clay's Alaska Bear Hunt on YouTube Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.
May 4 · 24 min
Ep. 450: Backwoods University - Bonus Episode: Pogie Boat Update
Last fall we published an episode called “Pogie Boats” where we dove into a long-standing conflict between the commercial menhaden fishing industry and the recreational fishermen, charter fishermen, and conservation community. We also promised that we would keep you updated with this issue as it progresses. Just a few days ago, three key menhaden reform bills passed the senate natural resources committee, which is a big deal, and a step towards conservation on this highly-contested issue. Connect with Lake Pickle and MeatEater Lake Pickle on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 1 · 25 min
Ep. 449: This Country Life - Will’s Turkey for Today and My Turkey for Tomorrow
Turkey season is still in vogue as Brent relates a story from one of his family members in Arkansas. Then he’ll wind up his recent trip to Alabama with a tale of some good folks doing some good things in conservation. Gather up and let’s give it a listen. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 29 · 1 hr 21 min
Ep. 448: Render - The Mena Connection
As host Clay Newcomb rolls in from the Turkey woods with a fresh gobbler kill, special guests and Mena, Arkansas residents Gary and Judy “Juju” Newcomb join with Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker to discuss the Mena circus disaster of 1951 as well as the tragic story of the vigilante murder of Peter Berryman events detailed in the last episode of The Bear Grease Podcast. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.
April 28 · 1 hr 13 min
Special Drop: Clay and Bear’s Alaskan Coast Black Bear Hunt | 12 in '26
Clay Newcomb gives behind the scenes details and answers viewer questions about the Alaska boat-based black bear hunt feature in the new film for the MeatEater “12 in ‘26” film series. Both Clay and Bear Newcomb hunt black bears along the Alaskan coast–Bear with a modern rifle and Clay with a primitive self bow. Watch the film now on MeatEater's YouTube channel Connect with MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips Subscribe to MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.