Bear Grease - podcast cover

Bear Grease

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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Episodes

Ep. 250: Render - 2024 World Championship Squirrel Cook Off

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is filming live from the World Championship Squirrel Cook Off! He's joined by Brent Reaves, small game extraordinaire Kevin Murphy, the king of the cook off Joe Wilson, squirrel-skinning champ Clifton Jackson, and world-famous BBQ man Malcolm Reed. 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 Youtu...

Sep 11, 20241 hr

Ep. 249: BONUS Render - Save the Hunt

In this bonus episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb invites Dan Gates from Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management back to give an update on the ballot initiative in Colorado to ban mountain lion and bobcat hunting. He's also joined by guests Lake Pickle of On X, Brent Reaves, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker. This initiative is a movement away from science-based wildlife management and the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Listen along to hear how you c...

Sep 09, 20241 hr 17 min

Ep. 248: This Country Life - Dog and Man: A Love Story

According to the archaeological record, the relationship between humans and dogs goes back thousands of years. Brent can only testify to the last fifty-eight and it's this span of time that he's talking about today. From lost dogs, hot biscuits, and frozen horses, it's time for this week's episode of MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Cl...

Sep 06, 202424 min

Ep. 247: Sterlin Harjo - Seminole Filmmaker

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Clay Newcomb invites you to meet Sterlin Harjo, a Muscogee Creek and Seminole Filmmaker who co-created the award-winning show "Reservations Dogs." His ability to convey the cultural nuance of what it means to be native to a wider audience is what has made him successful. Listen along as Sterlin tells the story of his life: growing up, hunting, and filmmaking, all with the unique perspective, challenges, and benefits of being an Oklahoma-born Native Ame...

Sep 04, 202447 min

Ep. 246: This Country Life - Safety First, Always

Brent's wrapping up his series on safety by giving more examples of how he tempted fate and luckily came through unscathed. Not everyone gets a second chance however, and Brent has a firsthand account that reminds him to stay ever vigilant. Brent's hoping you'll hear this one and take away the same lesson he did. It's safety first, always on this week's episode of MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatE...

Aug 30, 202420 min

Ep. 245: Render - All About "Granny"

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb and the Render Crew—Misty Newcomb, Brent Reaves, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, are joined by distinguished guests, Misty Langdon of the Remnants Project, Lake Pickle of OnX, and Kyle Plunkett of the Ozark Podcast, as they discuss Ozark legend Eva "Granny" Barnes Henderson's life and legacy on the Buff'lo. There's even a little friendly competition as everyone plays a game of "Granny" Henderson Trivia. And, hear more about the proposed r...

Aug 28, 20241 hr 37 min

Ep. 244: This Country Life - Safety First, Usually

Brent's talking about safety and the lack thereof on this episode. He's sharing some examples of how the progression of time and technology has helped him make better decisions compared to his "back in the day" era. Lessons on what not to do are the focus this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on ...

Aug 23, 202422 min

Ep. 243: Ozarkian Martyr - Eva “Granny” Henderson

In this episode, Clay Newcomb shines a deeper light on the land acquisition for the Buffalo National River in 1972, including a rare glimpse of the woman who was the face of the resistance, none other than icon of the Buffalo River, Eva Barnes "Granny" Henderson. In an original recording, "Granny" describes life on the Buff'lo in her own words, including a historical-turned-modern conversation with her granddaughter, Jane Kilgore. The discussion goes on with accounts of pressure and intimidation...

Aug 21, 20241 hr 12 min

Ep. 242: This Country Life - Eating What You Hunt

From reptiles to rodents, we're talking about all of what could wind up on your supper table. Brent's sharing a story from his brother Tim's kitchen and telling about some friends of his up north who are making the most out of their trapline. Come on in, it's supper time on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. New England Naturals Riley DeBow New England Naturals Jake and Riley DeBow Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram...

Aug 16, 202421 min

Ep. 241: Render - When the Cat's Away. . .

This week on the Bear Grease Render, the BG Headquarters is taken over by Render crew members Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, Brent Reaves, Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and special guest River Newcomb, while host Clay Newcomb is gone in Alaska on a mountain goat hunt. Bear shows off his latest creation in his self-bow journey, Brent gives his opinion on goat's milk, and Misty talks about how River Newcomb got her name. Listen along as the crew discusses the first Buffalo River podcast and its impa...

Aug 14, 20241 hr 3 min

Ep. 240: This Country Life - Collections

People collect all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons. We know all about Brent's collection of knives, but this week, he's sharing a story about how he acquired a special shotgun for his gun collection, as well as telling stories of other people's collections. From old guns to loose change, we're talking Collections on this week's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter ,...

Aug 09, 202421 min

Ep. 239: Battle for the Buffalo - A River's Erased Civilization

In 1972, the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas was designated the nation's "First National River" - a celebrated act of Utilitarian Conservation. But in the process, 2,000 families along the river were stripped of their generational land by eminent domain. In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, listen along as Clay Newcomb tells the story of these people consigned to oblivion and the sacrifices forced on them to create these public lands. Follow 78-year-old local Willard Villines on a mule...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 4 min

Ep. 238: This Country Life - Country Living at the Riverstead

A recent visit with new friends has shown Brent that some of the old ways are alive and well. There's still some good country living taking place and families with enough desire can make it just fine living close to the land. From catfishing to milking goats, this episode has something for everyone. It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Riverstead YouTube: https://youtu.be/4BSdGDdrqSc?si=7X-5yCuAmEpqtq6q Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent an...

Aug 02, 202423 min

Ep. 237: Render - Bobcats, Box Turtles, and Backwoods Bad Guys

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay and the Render crew members Brent Reaves, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined in the BG Global Headquarters by the man, the myth, the legend, and the featured guest of the last three Bear Grease podcasts, Russ Arthur. Russ also brings along his 9-year-old grandson Kash to share some of his stories. The conversation gets lively as they discuss bobcats, self bows, disabled box turtles, outlaws, turkey hunting, and the monster bu...

Jul 31, 20241 hr 23 min

Ep. 236: Bonus - Apalachicola Tree Bandits

In this Bonus Episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Retired US Forest Service Agent, Russ Arthur, tells host Clay Newcomb one more unforgettable story of one of his first undercover jobs infiltrating a wild group of outlaws stealing Atlantic White Cedar along the Apalachicola River in Florida. Russ uses his construction background to assimilate into their group and gain their trust, but little do they know that the trap is being set for an arrest story worth making a motion picture about. Connect ...

Jul 29, 202420 min

Ep. 235: This Country Life - For the Love of a Knife

Brent's taking us on a trip to the Case Knife factory in Bradford, Pennsylvania. He's also teaching us a game he used to play with his friends in elementary school that got his personal knife collection started. Leave it to Brent to have toothbrushes and pocket knives playing pivotal roles in one activity. All that and a homecoming story you don't want to miss on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEa...

Jul 26, 202425 min

Ep. 234: Yellowstone Poacher

In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb interviews Retired US Forest Service Special Agent, Russ Arthur, once again as the plot thickens with another unbelievable story of undercover law enforcement. This time busting a North Carolina man illegal elk guiding in Yellowstone National Park. It's a wild story of intrigue and covert operations that puts Russ in a situation to push the limit to keep his cover. Also hear how Russ was brought out of retirement for a special assignment t...

Jul 24, 202450 min

Ep. 233: This Country Life - Heroes

The recent celebration of our nation’s Declaration of Independence got Brent thinking about heroes. Just what constitutes a hero? He’s gonna share his thoughts and give what he thinks is a prime example of one. If that’s not enough he’s sharing a heroic listener story and offering up suggestions to help baseball grow their audience and speed up the game. There’s a lot to unpack on this episode of MeatEater’s This Country Life podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect...

Jul 19, 202419 min

Ep. 232: Render - Backcountry Law Enforcement

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, retired US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer, Joe Liles joins Clay Newcomb and Render crew members Brent Reaves , Misty Newcomb , Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, and Bear Newcomb. Joe's career with the Forest Service overlapped with the end of Russ Arthur's and he confirms the legendary stories told on the Bear Grease podcast. Bear shows off his latest self bow, Misty talks farming, Brent explains what nets to catch catfish with, and Clay even permit...

Jul 17, 20241 hr 13 min

Ep. 231: This Country Life - Spotlights, Pink Tomatoes, and Bold Corrections

Brent's taking us back to the tomato fields of his youth. You'll hear how he spent a lot of his summers battling the heat on his family's South Arkansas farm and he'll tell about an epic adventure he and two others set out on that didn't quite go as planned. We know. Big surprise, right? Thankfully, the participants are all still here and Brent's sharing their story on this week's episode of MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with...

Jul 12, 202422 min

Ep. 230: Run't Over

Russ Arthur entered his post with the US Forestry Service in 1985 with a dedication to protecting the lands he was taught to cherish and appreciate back when he was a young child, but little did he know the twists and turns it would take him down. In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Clay Newcomb interviews this Bear Grease veteran as he recalls some wild stories of attempted murder, high-speed chases, and illegal drug rings. His storied career and commitment to law enforcement will amaze...

Jul 10, 202441 min

Ep. 229: This Country Life - Decoy Dogs

Just when you thought Brent had talked about every kind of hunting dog, he shows up with another one. This week he's giving us an introduction to decoy dogs, how they're hunted, and for what purposes. He's also sharing a 4th of July story from a listener that involves strawberry jelly and a pink flamingo. There's a lot going on this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Check out Decoy Doggers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTEKz-HCuwegpOmZ_CSpd4A Subscribe to the MeatEa...

Jul 05, 202420 min

Ep. 228: Render - Eating Caviar with Game Wardens

In this action-packed episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb and Render crew members Brent Reaves , Gary "Believer" Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined by Capt. Jeff Brown (Ret.) and Lt. Joe Alexander of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Hear more of the behind-the-scenes efforts to bring Oklahoma Paddlefish poaching to an end. Also, listen along as the whole crew does a live caviar tasting. Plus, for the first time ever, watch this one live on video on ...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 29 min

Ep. 227: This Country Life - TNT, Limb Lines, and Flathead Catfish

We're after flatheads this week and Brent's gonna tell you about a fun way to catch them. He's also gonna tell you the story of a different way to catch them without nets or hooks. His uncles employed this method back in the day, and it's very efficient but not recommended. All that and more on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. opelousasbankpoles.com The Riverstead on YouTube Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Face...

Jun 28, 202423 min

Ep. 226: Operation Russian Snag

By the 2000’s, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation had paddlefish poaching largely under control, but it wasn’t long before a new group of poachers hit the scene. In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Clay Newcomb continues his conversation with retired Oklahoma game warden, Jeff Brown, as he recounts the details of “Operation Russian Snag,” and the lengths that this group went to in order to acquire paddlefish caviar. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEate...

Jun 26, 202449 min

Ep. 225: This Country Life - What’s So Good About Living in the Country?

The title of this episode was a question posed to Brent by his youngest daughter, Bailee. It was a fair question and one that took him a while to answer. His response may surprise you. You’ll also hear about his mind-reading abilities that peaked in Army basic training. Bet you didn’t see that coming on MeatEater’s This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , and Youtube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudi...

Jun 21, 202422 min

Ep. 224: Render - Four Oklahoma Game Wardens and Black Market Caviar

Today on the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by Brent Reaves, Misty Newcomb, and a posse of game wardens from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Cap. Hank Jenks, Lt. Joe Alexander, Austin Jackson, and Kody Moore bring some law and order and regale the Render Crew with stories of retired game warden Keith Green, poacher-turned-legitimate caviar producer, Billy Wishard, and the success of the Paddlefish Research Center. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram Me...

Jun 19, 20241 hr 21 min

Ep. 223: This Country Life - Happy Father's Day!

It’s time to pause and give a salute to the dads out there. They do a lot for us, and this week we’re recognizing their efforts by putting them in the spotlight. Brent's sharing something special with us that we think you’re sure to enjoy. Plus, we’ve got a listener story that will have you covering your eyes just listening to it. It’s “Father’s Day” on MeatEater’s This Country Life podcast. Check out Brent's cousin Valerie's book Preserving Family Recipes . Connect with Brent and MeatEater Meat...

Jun 14, 202426 min

Ep. 222: Paddlefish Wars and Caviar Dreams

Prepare to take an unexpected turn in this week's episode of Bear Grease as Clay Newcomb goes on a deep dive into the topic of Paddlefish caviar. This prehistoric creature is cherished as a game species but is also targeted by poachers to produce black-market caviar. Retired Oklahoma game wardens, Jeff Brown and Keith Green, tell the stories of starting the revolutionary Paddlefish Research Center and catching a poacher who turned into a legitimate caviar producer for the State. Additional inter...

Jun 12, 202450 min

Ep. 221: This Country Life - Hogs

Brent's talking wild hogs this week and sharing his brother Tim's story that could've turned tragic. You'll hear why so many put so much value on pigs in the past and how they've affected not only the environment, but also a lot of the creatures that share the habitat. Say it with us, "WOO PIG SOOIE!" It's time for MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Jun 07, 202423 min
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