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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Nov 12, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 387: Render - We Are the Hunting Pressure
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Moe Shepherd, Bear Newcomb, Isaac Neale, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker. In the thick of deer season, the crew shares their favorite Bear Grease deer stories and swaps updates on their own recent and upcoming hunts—including Bear’s annual friends-and-family deer camp. 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 10, 2025 · 29 min
Ep. 387: Backwoods University - Snipe Hunters
How does a prank get carried on for over 100 years? How does a seemingly small piece of the natural world become so embedded in North American culture? That's what we'll be looking into this week when we dive into snipe and snipe hunting. A migratory game bird with an actual small hunting culture built around it, and is very different from the prank/fictionalized version of itself. We're going to learn all about the actual bird, and hear a few stories from folks who have experienced the snipe hunting prank first hand. 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 7, 2025 · 20 min
Ep. 386: This Country Life - Beach Shoes and Amy's First Deer
This episode is all about Brent's first born. His oldest daughter, Amy, decided she wanted to go deer hunting and had waited until becoming a teenager to do so. It was an occasion of firsts for them both and the lessons of that day still hold true. The opening story is one of Brent's favorites that he likes to tell about Amy as a toddler and it demonstrates how well she thinks things through, a quality that would help her 11 years later on her first deer hunt. 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 5, 2025 · 52 min
Ep. 385: Deer Stories - Narcs, Buckin’ Mules, and Fightin’ Bucks
In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb leads us through another round of deer stories from a crew of storytellers out of Arkansas and Mississippi. From mule rodeos and monster bucks to missed shots and the making of memories with loved ones, this one’s full of good humor, heart, and classic hunting tales you won’t want to miss. 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 3, 2025 · 33 min
Ep. 384: Backwoods University - Menhaden Fishery Representative
Last week we dove into the topic of the menhaden fishing industry or pogie boats along the Louisiana coast, and the growing concerns from recreational fisherman and wildlife biologist. This week we will be hearing from a representative from menhaden industry to share their side of the story. The timing of this crucial because this Thursday, November 6, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will be voting to potentially change some of the buffer zone laws, which directly affects where these menhaden boats are legally able to fish. 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.
Oct 31, 2025 · 24 min
Ep. 383: This Country Life - Two Bucks, A Broken Bus, and Jeremy's Dad
This week, Brent's sharing some listener-submitted stories he's enjoyed: an unexpected encounter with an angry buck, a country-boy skillset coming in handy, and a young boy's "first" deer. It’s listener appreciation day 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.
Oct 29, 2025 · 1 hr
Ep. 382: Render - Ross Chastain: Watermelon Farmer and NASCAR Driver
In this episode of The Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb sits down with six-time NASCAR Cup winner Ross Chastain to explore his unexpected journey from 8th generation watermelon farmer to professional stock car driver. They dive into Ross’s passion for hunting, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the story behind his iconic “wall ride.” 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.
Oct 27, 2025 · 45 min
Ep. 381: Backwoods University - Pogie Boats
The menhaden commercial fishing industry has been around for over 100 years. Menhaden or "pogies" are a small saltwater fish that are used for a variety of things like fertilizers, animal feed, fish bait, and they are also a huge source of omega3 fatty acid so they are used in making human and animal dietary supplements as well. In this episode we will be diving into the controversy of this industry, specifically off the coast of Louisiana. Over the past few years there have been several questions pop up about the ethics of the practice, and more importantly the long-term impacts it's causing on the fishery and coastal habitats. 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.
Oct 24, 2025 · 20 min
Ep. 380: This Country Life - A Valuable Lesson that Only Cost a Buck
It's said that the best things in life are free, but the best lessons learned come at a cost. Brent's story this week is a testament to that, putting gains and losses into perspective. This particular lesson cost Brent a buck, but you can learn it with just a bit of your time. Settle in, and listen up! It's a wise investment on this week's episode of 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.
Oct 22, 2025 · 49 min
Ep. 379: Deer Stories - Spiders, Uncle Ar-ee, and the Buck they Gave Away
It’s that time of year again. Deer stories are back! In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, host Clay Newcomb welcomes storytellers from Alabama, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to share some of their most memorable deer hunting tales. From misunderstood lip reading, classic import cars, and half-dressed hunters wandering through the woods, to unwelcome interactions with some of nature's critters, these stories are sure to keep you entertained. 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.
Oct 17, 2025 · 26 min
Ep. 378: This Country Life - On the Loose for Moose, Part 2
We're getting down to the meaty part of this Manitoba moose hunting tale. Brent left us all on the edge of our seats with his cliffhanger last time just when he'd gotten to moose camp. Rest assured there's no tricks this week and the rest of the story is waiting for you to push play. It's moose shooting time 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.
Oct 15, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
Ep. 377: Render - Bear Attack, Fred Bear, Ishi
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by Ishi series guest and tradition archery expert Gene Hopkins. Gene talks about his impressive collection of archery history, his work with the Pope and Young Club, and his personal connection to Fred Bear. Clay also shares his firsthand knowledge of the recent tragic black bear attacks in Arkansas. 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.
Oct 13, 2025 · 45 min
Ep. 376: Backwoods University - Should Grizzlies Exist?
Are Grizzlies Endangered? Should they be delisted? Do they even belong here? Grizzly bears are without a doubt one of the most polarizing species we have in the United States, and since their placement on the endangered species list in 1975 they have been on the forefront of conversations concerning wildlife issues. In this episode of Backwoods University we approach the topic head on with two very different perspectives. The first perspective coming from Casey Anderson, a lifelong outdoorsman, naturalist, award-winning film maker and bear fanatic, and the second perspective coming from Jeremiah Smith, Danielle Oyler, and Kyle Orozco of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. 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.
Oct 10, 2025 · 21 min
Ep. 375: This Country Life - On the Loose for Moose, Part 1
With Brent just getting home from chasing moose in Manitoba, Canada, he's sharing the overwhelming dream experience with us on today's episode. This hunt will be his first major film project with MeatEater, and there's barely enough time to tell even half the story here. We think you'll enjoy this context-setting lead-up to what will be the grand finale next week. Put your tray tables up! We're jet setting to The Great White North 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.
Oct 8, 2025 · 50 min
Ep. 374: Ishi - Brothers of the Bow
In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb continues the story of Ishi, known as “The Last Stone Age Man,” following his relocation from the small town of Oroville, California, where he emerged in 1911 to the museum in Berkeley, California. During this period, Ishi forms a remarkable friendship with Saxton Pope — the namesake of the Pope and Young Club. Archery historian Gene Hopkins joins Clay to explore Ishi’s transition and adaptation to modern society, as well as the circumstances surrounding his tragic death. 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.
Oct 3, 2025 · 25 min
Ep. 373: This Country Life - Bears, Bait, and Broken Hearts
It's time to head to bear camp in Arkansas and Brent's hopes are high along with the temperatures. He and the regular cast of characters have repositioned themselves in a different part of Arkansas this year; the Ozark Mountains. We think you'll enjoy this one as Brent shows how a lesson he learned from his early days in law enforcement, applied to this bear hunt in the mountains of his native state. 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.
Oct 1, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 372: Render - Live from the Squirrel Cook Off
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb goes live from the 2025 World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off. He’s joined by event organizer Joe Wilson, “The World’s Greatest Small Game Hunter” Kevin Murphy, social media cooking sensation Audrey Dresselle (@cooking_with_cajun), Brent Reaves, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker. Together, they dive into the festivities of the Cook-Off, swap small game hunting stories, and share their favorite squirrel dishes from the competition. 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.
Sep 29, 2025 · 37 min
Ep. 371: Backwoods University - Life with Grizzlies
Tom Parker has been guiding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since the 1970s, and local legend within his community- known for his hunting knowledge, expertise in the backcountry, and all around affinity and understanding of bears. Through his decades spent in the wilderness living with and around grizzlies, Tom has developed a unique perspective on how grizzly bears fit into the modern landscape. Come with us as we hear Tom's story from the 70s, to present day and start to piece together this grizzly story. 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.
Sep 26, 2025 · 22 min
Ep. 370: This Country Life - A Ghost Bull, Fox Ears, and The Giant
Everyone has a story to tell and Brent enjoys hearing one as much as he likes telling them. This week he’s selected three stories that listeners have sent him that have messages beyond his Southern flavored narrative. We think you’ll enjoy them. 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.
Sep 24, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep. 369: Ted Koppel - Story of an American Journalist
Ted Koppel, a renowned American journalist with a career spanning more than 60 years, joins host Clay Newcomb on this episode of the Bear Grease podcast. They discuss Koppel’s life, his family, and some of the most memorable moments from his remarkable career. 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.