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
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Episodes492

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May 19, 2023 · 25 min
Ep. 111: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Catching Catfish with Trotlines
This week, Brent gives you the low down on setting trotlines for catfish. As traditional as it is effective, trotline fishing has been around forever because it works! Setting one up is something you can do yourself, and Brent's here to walk you through it. He'll also share a cautionary tale about packing for an expedition, and a sad solution to forgotten taters. As Clay Newcomb might say, you ain't gonna wanna miss this one! Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 17, 2023 · 53 min
Ep. 110: David Crockett - Celebrity (Part 1)
On this episode, Clay Newcomb explores America’s first true celebrity. Built on his identity as a bear hunter, he was world famous during his lifetime and believed it came upon him by accident. All he did was play the part of himself, David Crockett. This Tennessee backwoodsman embodied the narrative of the self-made man and Manifest Destiny that became a national obsession and deeply influenced our culture, even to this day. The Crockett myth and reality are hard to parse, but Clay is joined by R. Scott Williams, author of the new book, “The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee's David Crockett,” as well as by New York Times best-selling author and Bear Grease veteran, Robert Morgan, to help discern fact from legend. One thing’s for sure – we love this guy and we really doubt you’re going to 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.
May 12, 2023 · 16 min
Ep. 109: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Country Vehicles
This week on the show, Brent tells you everything he knows about choosing a vehicle to get around the backroads. We're not talking lifted trucks and shiny new dualies that'll go to the junkyard without ever having towed as much as a duck boat -- we're talking real, genuine country rides that are ALL about functionality. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 10, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 108: Bear Grease [Render] - Death of the Author
On this week’s episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, Brent Reaves, Malachi Nichols, Ben Lagrone, and Misty Newcomb. The crew discusses Josh’s new fly fishing boat, Brent’s successful new podcast “This Country Life” and Misty’s recent doctorate. Clay then recounts taking Banjo the Mule to be trained by an Amish family before turning the discussion to Asa “Forest” Carter, a KKK leader, speech writer for Gov. George Wallace, and Conman, and his fraudulently labeled semi-autobiography “The Education of Little Tree” whose themes of love and empathy run counter to the author’s prior life’s work of hate and division. The crew dive’s further into the “death of the author” perspective of interpretation, the themes of redemption, possible mental illness, and the literal death of the author. I really doing you’re gonna wanna 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.
May 5, 2023 · 21 min
Ep. 107: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Turkey Hunting Mentors
This week on This Country Life, Brent introduces you to a few of his turkey hunting mentors, and tells stories of chasing wily gobblers everywhere from river bottoms to ridge tops. Looking to find a mentor of your own? Brent's gonna tell you how you might. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 3, 2023 · 59 min
Ep. 106: Conman - Asa Carter (Part 2)
On this episode of Bear Grease, part two of our Conman series on the double life of Asa Forrest Carter, Clay Newcomb dives into the gritty details of the violence, hate, and conspiracy philosophies of the first 45 years of his life and how, in the last decade of his life, he transformed into an unrecognizable, “Cherokee Indian” author who wanted to be America’s next Hemmingway – and almost did it. Once again, author of Unmasking the Klansman, Dr. Dan T Carter and Steve Rinella of MeatEater lead the way as his guests. Brace yourself because this winding trail will be treacherous as they talk about the beating of jazz singer Nat King Cole, read from the Unabomber’s Manifesto, and begin to understand how Asa Carter did what he did. We’re going neck deep into the mind of a Conman. We really doubt you’re gonna wanna miss this one… Audio excerpts courtesy of “The Reconstruction of Asa Carter” 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.
Apr 28, 2023 · 18 min
Ep. 105: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - The Stuff In My Pockets
This week on This Country Life, Brent Reaves shares the stuff in his pockets -- what some of you might call his "every day carry." From a 10 year old buckeye to a gold dollar coin, Brent walks you through each item you can expect him to have on his person, why he carries it, and why he thinks you should, too. So come on in and find out what makes Brent's EDC short list -- after this, you might just add a few items to yours! Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 26, 2023 · 59 min
Ep. 104: Bear Grease [Render] - Confidence Men, Missouri Turkeys, and Fried Catfish
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, the crew convenes in Missouri for some spring turkey hunting. Clay Newcomb is joined by veteran Meateater videographers Loren Moulton and Dave Gardner as well as Brent Reaves, who you can now hear every Friday on this same feed on his new podcast This Country Life. The crew recaps the triumphs and pitfalls of chasing those wisened longbeards in the spring woods before turning their attention to Forest, or should we say Asa, Carter’s “The Education of Little Tree.” The crew discusses how remarkable it is that Asa Carter was able to pull off this deception, whether or not this was an arc of repentance and redemption or if it was just a con, and the decision to give this to their kids to read or not. I really doubt you’re gonna wanna 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.
Apr 21, 2023 · 21 min
Ep. 103: THIS COUNTRY LIFE - Freight Trains and Hurricanes
Welcome to episode one of This Country Life! Today, we meet your host Brent Reaves: a family man and life long outdoorsman whose familial roots in rural Arkansas can be traced back over 150 years. As a way of introduction, Brent shares two of his favorite stories, taking us from schoolyard hi-jinx to riding out a lightning storm in a washed-out muskrat burrow. You're not gonna want to miss this addition to the Bear Grease lineup. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 19, 2023 · 58 min
Ep. 102: Conman - The Education of Little Tree (Part 1)
On this episode of Bear Grease Clay Newcomb talks with New York Times best selling author Steve Rinella and Dr. Dan T. Carter, professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina about black-listed book “The Education of Little Tree.” The book, an alleged semi-autobiographical story about a Cherokee boy growing up in southern Appalachia, was written by Forest Carter, which was the false identity of famed white supremicist, Ku Klux Klan chapter founder and speech writer for Governor George Wallace, Dan Carter. In part 1, Clay reflects on the honest, insightful, and empathetic context of the book and explores the nuance and dissonance of what to do with with art in light of an artist’s beliefs. I really doubt you’re gonna to wanna 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.
Apr 12, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 101: Bear Grease [Render] - Mississippi Turkey Camp
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb travels down south to chase a Mississippi long beard. Joined by Lake Pickle, Jordan Blissett, and assistant to the regional producer, Isaac Neale, the crew talk about their favorite memories from their time at Primos, recount the morning’s hunt, describe the ubiquitous and iconic historic property from which they recorded es, and an unscheduled call in from the one and only Will Primos. You’re not gonna wanna 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.
Apr 5, 2023 · 56 min
Ep. 100: Spring Turkey Stories 2023 (Part 2)
This week on Bear Grease, Clay Newcomb hosts another all-star cast of sure 'nuff dyed in the wool, turkey hunting storytellers. Gobbling turkeys create a rare intoxication for man. It’s exhilarating to call, get a response, and watch a long beard work into shotgun range. Each spring, the turkey hunter has the opportunity to step into a world he does not fully understand and participate in it for short windows of time… it’s a rare experience. On this episode we’ve got eight storytellers that'll help you get a glimpse of that rare experience. We have North Carolina novelist David Joy, Jimbo Ronquest tells a story of a Missouri turkey hunt with his father, and a couple great Mississippi stories from Billy Johnson and David Hitt Neill. We also have some old favorites: Gary “Believer” Newcomb, Brent Reaves and Andy Brown.…I really doubt you’re going to 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.
Mar 29, 2023 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep. 99: Bear Grease [Render] - Turkey Poachers, Devil Horses, and Nerf Footballs
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb gathers special crew of turkey chasers and storytellers. Clay is joined by Gary “Believer” Newcomb, veteran Bear Greaser Andy Brown, Cauy House and his grandfather from his turkey story, Steve Phillips, as well as retired United States Forest Service agent and former Arkansas Game and Fish agent Joe Liles. Tune in for stories of first hunts, any swarms, and chasing poachers. Stay tuned for Gary describing his custom modified turkey gun. We really doubt you’re gonna wanna 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.
Mar 22, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 98: Spring Turkey Stories 2023 (Part 1)
This week is open mic night at the Bear Grease home fire and Clay Newcomb is givin’ the stage to some of the best turkey hunters he could dig out of the spring woods. You'll hear from Cauy House, authors Robert Hitt Neill, Jr and Hank Burdine, Garvin Gibbons, and Richard Campbell. And Bear Grease veterans Andy Brown, Moe Shepherd, and Hall of Famer Roy Clark. These stories give a glimpse into the joys, tribulations and passions of the American turkey hunter. On this episode, we’ll hear about a white Tennessee turkey, a hunt where a hunter catches on fire, a turkey that had the gobble shot out of him, and we’ll end with a somber story that might bring a tear to your eye. I really doubt you’re going to 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.
Mar 15, 2023 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 97: Bear Grease [Render] - Live at the Black Bear Bonanza
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is coming at you live for the second time from the Black Bear Bonanza in Northwest Arkansas. This time Clay is joined by render regulars Misty Newcomb, Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, and of course Brent Reaves, as well as Arkansas BHA Chapter Chair James Brandenburg and the state of Arkansas's Large Carnivore Biologist, Myron Means. The crew discusses hunting black bears in Arkansas, misconceptions about hunting bears over bait, and the importance of shooting mature boars to ensure the earlier season remains. Maybe most importantly, however, the gang premieres a brand new song, written by Clay about Bear Grease Hall of Famer James Lawrence, featuring Josh on Mandolin and Myron on Banjo. If you're a real Bear Greaser, you're not gonna wanna 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.
Mar 8, 2023 · 1 hr 22 min
Ep. 96: The Arkansaw Image
What do you think of when you hear the state, Arkansas? This is Clay Newcomb’s beloved homeland, and on this episode he dives deep into the long-standing national image of Arkansas. It hasn’t always been great. Scholars say it was the most picked on state in America in the 20th century and to this day remains the most “hillbilly” state per the internet. But is that truth, or just the results of branding and strong stereotypes? Clay interviews Dr. Books Blevins, Dr. Jeanie Whayne, and Dr. Bob Cochran to get to the bottom of this image. It’s fascinating, entertaining, and in the end you may wish you were bare-footed and grinning ear-to-ear, living the highlife in Arkansas. Clay visits one of the nation’s premiere American art museums, Crystal Bridges, in Arkansas. He visits the Walmart museum to talk to Sam Walton’s hologram, and lastly, he’ll release a never before heard interview with Arkansas’s first son, Bill Clinton -- for real. All this will prove that there are really two Arkansas’s -- the stereotype and the real thing. We really doubt you’re going to 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.
Mar 1, 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 95: Bear Grease [Render] - Hall of Fame Inductions and Big Bear Breakdown
On this week's episode, Clay Newcomb is all business. After introducing the render crew - Misty Newcomb, Gary Newcomb, Brent Reaves, Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, and Ben Lagrone - Clay gives a quick recap on the Bear Grease Hall of Fame, emphasizing its seriousness and immutability, before introducing not one, but two new candidates! Following the vote, the discussion turns to Clay's Magnum Opus, the most recent episode on "the Big Bear of Arkansas." The gang dissects a few topics like the nuance in culture, language, and accents even within a given region, the importance of the written word, and how remarkably media can impact culture. And stick around, because you're not gonna wanna miss Josh's take on why angling is better than hunting... 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.
Feb 22, 2023 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 94: The Big Bear of Arkansas
On this episode Clay Newcomb is going to take you on a journey to explore an uncanny bear hunting story written in 1841 called “The Big Bear of Arkansas.” Its influence almost single-handedly branded Arkansas as the “Bear State” and paved a path for some of America’s greatest Southern authors. Clay Newcomb and the crew will talk about the remarkable and pretty-durn-new-to-planet-earth power of media to influence our imaginations about people we’ll never meet, places we’ll never go, and how it can influence who we think we are. We'll hear from three of the greatest guests known West of the mighty Mississippi - renowned Ozark historian & author, Dr. Brooks Blevins, University of Arkansas Folklorist, Dr. Bob Cochran, and like a hickory nut between two acorns, MeatEater’s own Steven Rinella. This is one of Clay’s favorite stories our all time. If you’re a Bear Greaser at heart, I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this one… Sent from my iPhone 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.
Feb 15, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep. 93: Bear Grease [Render] - River Gauges, Thermal Vision, and the Death of Tecumseh
This week the Bear Grease Render is coming at you from camp in the Arkansas Delta on the Cache Bayou. Your fearless host, Clay Newcomb, is joined by the incomparable Brent Reaves as well as render veteran and owner of Sunspot Outdoors, Michael Rosamond. Cameramen Loren Moulton and Dave Gardner flew in for the render as well and decided to stick around and shoot some Coon and Squirrel Hunting for an upcoming Bear Grease project. As the river level rises, the crew discusses relevant topics like how river gauges work, where to hunt when your prime woods get flooded, and the importance of a good, bright coon light. The gang then dives into the last Bear Grease episode called "Tecumseh's Death," where they discuss the nuanced implications of the great orator and Shawnee leader's life and death. Stay tuned cuz you're not gonna wanna miss Clay's announcement for a special event... 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.
Feb 8, 2023 · 53 min
Ep. 92: Tecumseh - Tecumseh’s Death (Part 3)
We’re on the third and final episode in our series on the Shawnee leader, Tecumseh. He’s been called the greatest Native leader in American history, but we’ve found ourselves backed against the bedrock of inevitability. On this side of mortality, all great men and their stories must come to end. On this episode we’ll talk with Peter Cozzens, Robert Morgan, Dave Edmunds and Shawnee Chief Ben Barnes about that fateful day in October 1813, but perhaps more relevant to us today, we’ll explore the ways in which we remember history sometimes playing tricks with our conscience to console an uncomfortable past. Was the image of the Shawnee reflected back to America really him all? And we’ll contrast the way different cultures view their great men – not everyone does it the same. Lastly, and on the wild meter of interest it’s pinned in the red, Shawnee Chief Ben Barnes will tell us the vision and mission of modern-day Shawnee Nation. Boys, I really doubt you’re going to 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.