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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January 7 · 1 hr 21 min
Ep. 408: Render - Real Talk About Men's Health
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by their primary care physician, Dr. Adam McCall, for a wide-ranging conversation on men’s health—physical, mental, and spiritual. With so much conflicting advice circulating online and across social media, it can be difficult to know what actually matters. Together, they offer a balanced, practical perspective on staying fit, healthy, and grounded in the modern world. 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.
January 5 · 43 min
Ep. 407: Backwoods University - New Year's Conservation
There's no better time than now to set some new year's resolutions. In this episode, we are going to learn about how you,me, and really anyone can get involved in conservation. We'll learn about the Farm Bill and how it effects wildlife, wild habitat, and even hunting quality. We'll learn about conservation incentive programs like CRP and EQIP. Most importantly, we will learn how all of us can get involved and get some actual, tangible conservation in motion. 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.
January 2 · 21 min
Ep. 406: This Country Life - Rabbits, Beagles, and a Creature Named Blade
Brent's out with the boys this week and they're all chasing rabbits. Well, more like following the dogs that are chasing the rabbits. He's giving insight into how a rabbit hunt with dogs is done, why it's so special to him, and where it ranks on his list of favorite things to do. The results may surprise you. Bubba, it's time to cut the pups loose on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 405: Revisiting Jerry Clower
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re diving deep into the heart of southern cultural identity and the mind of Jerry Clower. Does that name ring a bell? Jerry was thrust into national fame in the 1970s when a story he told about coon hunting topped the country charts. I’m interested in those odd places where rural culture -- and specifically hunting -- crosses tracks with the mainstream. Wilson Rawls bridged that gap with his book “Where the Red Fern Grows,” and Jerry did it with comedy about hunting varmints. He’s been gone for a long time, but I was able to meet up with his old Amite County neighbor in East Fork, Mississippi: a man named John Newman. He’ll give us a behind the scenes look into who Jerry was, and some of it may surprise you. And believe it not, Brent Reaves met Jerry Clower and saw his famed Gold Cadilac. Brent swears it was as long as a battleship. Trust me boys and girls, you’re not going to want to miss this one! 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 26, 2025 · 25 min
Ep. 404: This Country Life - The Project
Projects come in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes they work out, other times, they don't. Brent's sharing a project that didn't work out like he'd hoped, and a new project he's hoping will. Get your clipboards ready, it's time for This Country Life on MeatEater's podcast network! 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 24, 2025 · 54 min
Ep. 403: Render - MeatEater Live Tour Crew
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by MeatEater crew members Steven Rinella, Dr. Randall Williams, Janis Putelis, and Brent Reaves, plus special guest Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours. The crew breaks down the Bucky Garrison episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, swaps stories from the first half of the MeatEater Christmas Live Tour, laughs through Clay’s failed “captive cervid” joke, and confirms the rumors about a new Turnpike Troubadours album on the horizon. 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 22, 2025 · 37 min
Ep. 402: Backwoods University - Flying Reindeer
In this special Christmas-themed episode, we will be focusing in on the animal that seems to get all press and attention during the holiday season- reindeer. In the high arctic of Norway, reindeer have been around for long, long time, and we're going to learn all about them. The stories and lore, their actual biology and ecology, the indigenous tribes that heard them, and even some Santa Clause talk. It's all part of a bigger story of how reindeer impact our world and lives today. 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.
Dec 19, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 401: This Country Life - It's All About the Christmas Trees
Bringing a tree in your house is only acceptable once a year. Do it any time outside of Christmas and people will think you're weird. Brent's got a few examples of Christmas trees this week and even goes into his struggle in keeping his favorite decoration. Stars, fishing, and flames abound on this week's "This Country Life" podcast. 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 17, 2025 · 48 min
Ep. 400: The Use of Lethal Force
In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Oklahoma game warden Jared Cramer recounts the harrowing events surrounding a lethal use-of-force incident that erupted from what began as a routine fishing-license check. In his conversation with host Clay Newcomb, Cramer walks through the extraordinary circumstances in which a simple body of water became the unlikely “means” for attempted murder. 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 12, 2025 · 20 min
Ep. 399: This Country Life - Being on Time
Not being on time is a pet peeve for many, and not the first thing other folks chose to worry about. To them, close is good enough. Brent's gonna tell a story from a time years ago when he and a couple others set out to prove a point about timeliness. He's also sharing a recent instance where a similar event took place. If you're tuning in right now, then you're right on time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast! 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 10, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 398: Render - Behind the Scenes with Blood Trails
On this episode Clay is joined by the host of MeatEater’s new Blood Trails podcast, Jordan Sillars to go behind the scenes and learn how he finds his stories and creates the true-crime show. The team then discusses the most recent Bear Grease episode about the unusual death of Oklahoma wildlife officer, Bucky Garrison. 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 8, 2025 · 41 min
Ep. 397: Backwoods University - Where Have The Mallards Gone?
Over the last 20 years waterfowl hunters in the lower portion of the Mississippi flyway have been asking the same question. Where have the mallards gone? It's a question worth asking, and getting to the bottom of. In this episode we talk with long-time waterfowl biologist, James Callicutt, a man who has been on the front lines of waterfowl research for years and can shed some much needed light on this burning question. 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.
Dec 5, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 396: This Country Life - The Things that Make Me Happy
On this week's episode, Brent's sharing a fishing story from a listener where no records were broken, nothing amazing happened, and no one got hurt or even came close. A simple story that brought joy to the ones fishing and the ones who hear it. Then, he's giving us the details on the things that make him happy. It's a short list that represents a lot of the people and pleasures of his life. It just might make you happy as well. 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 3, 2025 · 49 min
Ep. 395: The Unusual Death of Melvin “Bucky” Garrison
In December 1971, Oklahoma Game Warden Melvin “Bucky” Garrison was found drowned in just two and a half feet of water in the Tiger Mountain area of Lake Eufaula. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery. Was it a bizarre accident—or something more? Join host Clay Newcomb as he sits down with retired Oklahoma Game Warden Ed Rotabush and Hank Jenks, 1st District Chief of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, to explore what is known, what remains uncertain, and the boundaries of the law that shaped the investigation. 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 28, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 394: This Country Life - Inside the Secret Hideout
Brent's making good his promise to take us on a tour of his new Stor-Mor studio. While the building itself is enough to talk about, in this episode he shifts the focus to the contents. The items inside are more than mere decorations, they're mementos representing people and places that he holds dear. After he tells the story of his first attempt at having a place of his own, he enlightens us with his description of his new one. 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 26, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 393: Render - Wolf and Buck Show-and-Tell
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker along with special guests, Backwoods University’s Lake Pickle, wife Lacy Pickle, and US Navy pilot Forrest Teeter. The room is filled with antlers as trophy bucks are compared. Clay reveals the furs from his Alaskan wolf trapping expedition. Lake and Lacy talk about wrapping up their pheasant hunt and the drama that ensued leading to This Country Life’s Brent Reaves coming to the rescue. 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 24, 2025 · 34 min
Ep. 392: Backwoods University - Exotic Game Birds
This has a real shot at being the most unique wildlife conservation stories that we have in North American history. The ring-necked pheasant, a commonly hunted and celebrated bird, a bird that has it's own conservation organization, and a bird that is not native to the Americas. In most instance, when we hear or see the term "nonnative wildlife" it's tied to a negative outcome. However, pheasants have not only forged a path to being fully adopted into our wild landscapes with open arms, but they have also led the charge to several other positive outcomes for wildlife and wild habitats. They are without a doubt our most beloved exotic game bird. 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.
Nov 21, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 391: This Country Life - A First Buck in PA and My New Office
The lengths parents will go for their children is immeasurable. It's even more impactful when it puts them completely out of their element. Oh this episode, Brent's sharing a listener story about a deer hunter's mother that's sure to put a smile on your face. Then, he's finally talking about his new office and promising a tour of its contents in future episodes. It's not hard to believe there's some really cool items in there. Get cozy! It's time for MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 19, 2025 · 53 min
Ep. 390: Deer Stories - Dropping Bows and Dropping Bucks
For the last Deer Stories episode of 2025, host Clay Newcomb dishes out a mix of stories that’ll keep you leaning in. Expect tree stand chaos, brothers throwing down over a fresh deer, personal-best bucks, and details of a fresh hunt from Bear Grease Hall of Famer James Lawrence. 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 14, 2025 · 23 min
Ep. 389: This Country Life - Never Give Up, But Know When to Say When
Never give up. Brent's got two good examples on this episode where that old saying was put to the test. It's great advice, but there comes a time when other responsibilities may take precedence. Knowing the difference between the two is just as important. Harness up! It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. 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 Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.