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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Jan 25, 2023 · 57 min
Ep. 90: Tecumseh - We Shall Remain (Part 2)
This is the second episode in our Tecumseh series were we’ll look at his life from 1775 through 1812. Originally, I planned to title this one, “Uncommon Genius” which is what US President William Henry Harrison called the Shawnee. I decided, however, to use a declarative statement made by “the panther crossing the sky” himself. In response to intolerable encroachment, while many of his own tribe were leaving and heading West, Tecumseh said, “we shall remain.” We’re going to learn the details of Tecumseh’s involvement in the War of 1812, but most interesting to me, we’ll explore the worldview differences of the Indians and Europeans and how it was destined to fail, and we’ll see that change is the only constant and predictable thing on planet earth. I wish I had good news for you, but the waters continue to be murky, but this time with blood. I really doubt you’re gunna 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.
Jan 18, 2023 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 89: Bear Grease [Render] - Tecumseh, the Black Bear Bonanza, & Misty's First Duck Hunt
On this episode of Bear Grease, most of the regulars, Clay, Misty, Josh, Gary, and Isaac, gather at the Bear Grease Global Headquarters to discuss the great and enigmatic leader of the Pan-Indian Confederacy Movement, Tecumseh. But not before the crew, who is joined by James Brandenburg, Chair of the Arkansas chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, talk about the upcoming second annual Black Bear Bonanza which will take place March 4th from 9am to 5pm and feature, among other things, an owl hoot contest MC'ed by our very own Brent Reaves and judged by Clay Newcomb. Misty then dives into talking about her first duck hunt, before the outfit jumps back into discussing perhaps one of the most underrated, forgotten, and earliest American Folkheros - of whom was said "If it were not for the vicinity of the United States, he would perhaps be the founder of an empire that would rival in glory Mexico or Peru." 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.
Jan 11, 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 88: Tecumseh - A Panther Crossing the Sky (Part 1)
On this episode we’re neck deep in the murky waters of American identity - we’re peering into the life of the Shawnee leader, Tecumseh. I want to understand his social and political context, the foundations of what built him, while trying to understand the extraordinary leadership of the man whose name means “a panther crossing the sky.” He was a hunter, a warrior, and an exceptional orator. He was a revolutionary leader who was a genius. Though he was considered an enemy of the United States, his legacy was grafted into our national character, and I believe he’s an American hero. In this series we’re going to hear from the current Chief of the Shawnee Nation, Ben Barnes, New York Times Best Selling author, Robert Morgan, acclaimed historian and author, Peter Cozzens, and Native American historian, Dr. Dave Edmunds. In all my work on this-here Bear Grease podcast, I don’t think I’ve ever had to dig as deep into American’s boneyard to get the goods. 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.
Jan 4, 2023 · 1 hr 29 min
Ep. 87: Bear Grease [Render] - Olympic Shooter Kayle Browning and Other Big Wigs
On this episode of Bear Grease, Misty, Clay, and Brent are joined by some really special guests. Anne Marie Doramus is not only an AGFC Commissioner, but a life long duck hunter. Austin Booth, a former marine, is also an avid waterfowler and the director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. And Kayle Browning is an sport shooter who has competed at the Olympics and a professional shooting coach. This star studded render crew discusses their favorite duck stories, from the podcast and from their lives before Brent and Austin grace us with a few licks off their j-frame and cutdown duck calls. 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.
Dec 28, 2022 · 56 min
Ep. 86: Duck Stories
Waterfowlers occupy the ranks of the hardest core, most passionate, and ridiculous partakers of wild meat sources known. And they're great storytellers. This is our Duck Stories episode. We’ve searched the swamps and bayous for the best stories about skies being blacked out by mallard ducks, sunk boats, incredible dog retrieves and even gators. We really doubt -- even if you’re not a duck hunter -- that 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.
Dec 21, 2022 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 85: Bear Grease [Render] - Christmas Tidings, Bear Grease Hats, and Micro Celebrity
On this episode of Bear Grease, the render crew gathers at Meateater South HQ to discuss a variety of things. Clay and Isaac discuss wild Bear Grease Hat sightings. Josh relates being recognized while fishing…by his voice. Brent talks about coon hunting with Clay’s dog Hoot. While Mist and Gary give their thoughts about on Target 2, Mr. Claude Maxwell. Make sure to catch our special guests bringing the Christmas well wishes. 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.
Dec 14, 2022 · 58 min
Ep. 84: CLAUDE MAXWELL
This week, after getting a surprising email, Clay pulls an audible and hops a flight back to Ohio just to interview one very unique man - a business owner, a family man, and a respected pillar of his community. Without saying too much, what we can tell you is this: loyal listeners will recognize the popular threads of redemption, forgiveness and nuance woven into the tapestry of this story. To say that this episode is a surprise might be an understatement, but what we can guarantee is, 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.
Dec 7, 2022 · 1 hr 23 min
Ep. 83: Bear Grease [Render] Motorcycle Wreck in Vietnam, the Mystery Bengals Fan, and Human Instinct
One this episode of the regular crew is joined by Clay's friend Ben Lagrone. They talk about child birth, Clay's new coonskin cap, and the mystery Bengal's fan wearing a Bear Grease hat on national television. Clay goes into detail of the untimely passing of best coonhound, Fern. Which leads Gary "Believer" Newcomb to tell a rogue story of how he rode motorcycles all over Vietnam dressed in disguise and ended up in a motorcycle wreck. The crew has a lively discussion about the final episode in the Secret Agent Man series where they discuss the brilliance of human instinct. Clay ends by clarifying his social media biff with Steve Rinella. It's heartwarming, and you're not going to want to miss it! 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.
Nov 30, 2022 · 37 min
Ep. 82: Secret Agent Man - Instinct (Part 3)
This is the third and final episode of our Secret Agent Man series with undercover Ohio Wildlife agent RT Stewart. In part one we learned about the big picture mechanics of undercover stings and how RT was a pioneer in the early 1990s for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. We learned that humans don’t do well with chronic stress and discussed the personal toll placed on undercover agents and their families because of it, On this third episode we’re going to hear about some close calls where RT was almost found out and explore the idea of human instinct, having a sixth sense, and how that compares with pure wit. Many believe decision making is purely based on observable data, but it sounds like some many subconscious decision making mechanisms are wired into our DNA. We'll hear again from Dr. Matthew Sharps of the University of California in Fresno and author, Chip Gross. In this final episode of the series, we'll explore some of RT’s best stories of how he handled trouble, and how he used an uncanny wit and intuition to de-escalate situations. 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.
Nov 23, 2022 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep 81: Bear Grease [Render] - Operation Redbud, Confronting Brent, and Elon Musk
On this episode of Bear Grease, the “OG” render crew reunites to discuss Operation Redbud, which at the time was the largest turkey poaching sting in US history. Clay grills Brent on his experiences as an under cover narcotics agent and whether or not he is presently running a sting operation on Clay. Josh ponders the psychological impacts of long term deep cover operations. Gary discusses his experiences growing up around future President Bill Clinton, as well as some audio production tips for Phil the en guy engineer. And stick around, because you’re not going to want to miss Misty’s advice for Elon Musk in his new role as owner of Twitter. 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.
Nov 16, 2022 · 54 min
Ep. 80: Secret Agent Man - Operation Redbud (Part 2)
On this 2nd episode in our Secret Agent Man series we’re going deep into the trenches of the darkside with undercover Ohio wildlife agent RT Stewart to get the full story on Operation Redbud, which at the time, was the largest turkey poaching sting in US history. RT is going to take us on a tour in the Poach Coach and we'll hear how he videoed over 100 illegal turkey kills in two springs. How would you like to see that on VHS tape? He’ll talk about the incredible owl hooting of his number one target, and take us right into the courtroom where the defense lawyers tried to discredit his character with accusations regarding drugs and alcohol. We’ll hear from Darth Vader, Bill Clinton and get the details of the coordinated bust involving 26 men and over 275 wildlife violations in Morgan County, Ohio. If you skip this story, you’re just plain yeller. I really doubt you’re gunna 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.
Nov 9, 2022 · 1 hr 29 min
Ep. 79: Bear Grease [Render] - Oklahoma Sheriff, a Farrier, and Undercover Debrief
On this episode, Clay is down in Oklahoma chasing whitetails in the heat of the rut, but finds some time to sit down with Bryan Jump, Sherry and Alvin Grigg, Dave Gardner, & Brian Ringles. They discuss the most recent episode, "Secret Agent Man," following real life undercover game warden R.T. Stewart. The crew also finds time to discuss people's strong opinions on equine hoof care, the finer points of hog hunting and plott hounds, and why law enforcement officers ask you to come sit in their car. This episode will have you asking for more, you're not going to want to miss those episode 2 spoilers that Clay can't keep himself from dropping. 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.
Nov 2, 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 78: Secret Agent Man - R.T. Stewart (Part 1)
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re going deep undercover in the rough country of Southeast Ohio to learn about the secret lives of wildlife poachers AND the life of an undercover wildlife agent by the name of RT Stewart. He worked 18 years for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and in the 1990s, was one of the lead agents on the largest turkey poaching sting in US history. He’s a decorated law enforcement officer, known for going deep undercover – even years at a time -- and was willing to do whatever it took to bust outlaws. In his career, he never had a single one of his target suspects not be convicted of crimes. If the bad guys had known him, they’d have feared him, but they didn’t, because he was a ghost. We’ll hear from author Chip Gross, who wrote the book “Poachers Were My Prey” about Mr. Stewart and we’ll interview Dr. Mathew Sharps of California State University, author of “Processing Under Pressure: Stress, Memory, and Decision Making in Law Enforcement” about the psychology of undercover agents, and the personal cost that comes with living a lie. In this first episode of the series, we’ll meet RT and he’ll show the life of undercover agent – on part 2 – you’ll hear about his biggest undercover job. You’ll laugh, you’ll be intrigued, and you’ll cry on this one boys. 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.
Oct 26, 2022 · 1 hr 57 min
Ep. 77: Bear Grease [Render] - Bucks, Wild Hogs, Losing Fingers, and Three-Wheeler Wrecks
On this episode Clay hosts a group of longtime friends from his hometown - Andy and Scott Brown, Steve Phillips, Randy Stepp, Cauy House and Gary "Believer" Newcomb. This is a humdinger of a conversation about wild hogs, deer hunting, three-wheeler wrecks, wrestling deer and an eclectic assortment of wild stories - one involving Andy losing a finger. Scott tells about the time they killed two giant hogs and big buck on the same hunt. Clay tells about stalking a group of wild hogs on his hands and knees, Andy tells about a wild three-wheeler wreck and about losing his finger in a treestand accident related to his ring. Gary tells about hitting a deer on his fourwheeler and barely escaping death. Finally, Scott tells a story about Clay chasing a perfectly healthy deer down a snow covered mountain. If you're looking for a good time - this is your podcast. 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.
Oct 19, 2022 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep. 76: Whitetail Stories - Holiday Bucks, 33-Point Bucks, and Missed Bucks (Part 2)
This episode is stacked with incredible whitetail deer stories including one from Janis Putelis and, Clay Newcomb’s tale of a buck with unbelievable antler development and a heavy dose of drama. We’ve got four stories that end with bucks in the truck, and four that end with broken hearts. We’ll hear again from James Lawrence and Andy Brown, but we’ll also hear some new voices. I 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.
Oct 12, 2022 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep. 75: Bear Grease [Render] - Deer Biologist, Randy Meeker & El Caminos
On this episode of the Render it's all about big bucks. We have Arkansas Deer Program Coordinator, Randy Meeker, as our guest as we talk white-tailed deer. We also have Rusty and Rusten Johnson of United Outdoors, Moe Shepherd and Brent Reaves all here to talk about deer hunting. We're recapping the recent "Whitetail Stories" podcast from last week! We talk about the release of Phelps Game Calls new line of deer calls! 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.
Oct 5, 2022 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 74: Whitetail Stories - Bristlin', Gruntin', and Clickin' Bucks (Part 1)
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re talking whitetailed deer, but this isn’t the typical tips, tactics and biology that we hear so much about. That stuff is useful, and we love it, but the foundation of why that knowledge is even desirable is found in the onion a layer deeper. We want the knowledge because of how valuable whitetails are to us. Whitetail deer hunting culture in this country is uniquely Americana, there’s nothing else like in the world. The sheer number of whitetails, their wide geographic distribution, the liberal seasons coupled with the rich and unique heritage we have is unapparelled. We’ve got a compilation of storytellers on this episode, many are familiar voices in the Bear Grease stratosphere and a few are new. We'll hear stories from Gary "Believer" Newcomb, Andy Brown, Steve Rinella, James Lawrence, Mark Kenyon of the Wired to Hunt Podcast and Tony Peterson. We’ve got big bucks, little bucks, missed bucks, bristled gruntin’-runnin’ bucks, clickin’ bucks and bucks falling in holes, but one thing is for sure you’re not 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.
Sep 28, 2022 · 1 hr 29 min
Ep. 73: Bear Grease [Render] - Moose Hunt, Three-Yard Bear, and Black Panthers
On this episode of the Render we're doing things a little different. The guys are sitting around a campfire with James Lawrence (Hall of Fame Member), Gary Newcomb, Justin Michau and Gerald Brewer. They talk about Bear Newcomb's big bear and how they got it out of the woods. Clay goes into detail about his recent moose hunt, but not before James and Gerald talk about black panthers. Clay also tells about the bear he shot at three yards. It gets wild. They didn't get a chance to catch up on the final Holt Collier episode, but they plan to hit it on the next Render. 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 21, 2022 · 1 hr
Ep 72: Holt Collier - The Teddy Roosevelt Hunt, Part 3
This week on the Bear Grease Podcast, we’ve got the third and final episode in our series on the extraordinary life of the former slave, confederate soldier, bear hunter and Mississippi native, Holt Collier. Many believe he deserves to sit in the saddle with the greats of American history, but his life is stacked deep in controversy, murder, fortunes won and lost, and unrivaled adventure. We’ve tracked all the data points we have on Holt, but like boar bear pursued by hounds, he’s difficult to course. This episode is dedicated to his famous Teddy Bear Hunt where he guided president, Theodore Roosevelt, AND we’ll discuss Holt’s lasting legacy. He lived in bold opposition to the trends of the age – he was a black man that overcame, endured and thrived in the South in a dangerous period, but even in the midst of victory, his life leaves us with a tragic aftertaste. The story of Holt’s life exemplifies core Bear Grease, it’s the finest renderings, the choice meat of the akern, the flash of the flashiest mule, the crescendo trill of the barred owl, it’s the black panther of all black panther stories and I’m honored to tell it to you….I 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.
Sep 14, 2022 · 1 hr
Ep. 71: Bear Grease [Render] - Cow Patties, Items For Sale, and the Unusual Mindset of Holt Collier
On this week's episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay has flown the coop and left Misty in charge of the normal ne'er do well Bear Grease Crew as they navigate the second portion of Holt Collier's life, but not before: Brent questions why everyone is so angry in the kitchen. Josh gives us the 4 things to expect while Clay is gone. Misty clarifies, once again, that she is not against tattoos. Isaac shares some choice Bear Grease Bargain Barn listings. And our honored guest, old friend, and general great guy, Dr. Malachi Nichols, instigates a discussion on the ease or difficulty of having more kids. Make sure you stay tuned for Gary "Believer" Newcomb's take on what drove Holt to greatness. I really doubt you're going to want to miss this one (like Clay did). 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.