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. 280: Render - Almost a Game Warden, Scoring a Bear, and Elm Bow

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker as well as guests Moe Shepherd, and Kolby Morehead of Bear Hunting Magazine to discuss the latest Bear Grease podcast on Hillbilly Speech. Bear expresses his distaste for using Elm wood for self-bows. Moe talks about almost becoming a game warden. Clay measures Kolby's spring bear he harvested. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@t...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 2 min

Ep. 279: This Country Life - Working at MeatEater

Brent's answering the question this week of how he got a job at MeatEater and what it's like to work there. It all started, in a roundabout way, over twenty years ago. Even though the path hasn't been the straightest, it got him there just the same. He's also got a story about his first camera and the muddy water of an Arkansas green tree reservoir. Pull up a chair, it's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ ...

Dec 13, 202422 min

Ep. 278: Hillbilly Speech

Class is in session as Clay Newcomb invites guest lecturer Dr. Brooks Blevins as he explores American dialects with a focus on the southern highland or "Hillbilly" dialect of the Ozark and Appalachian regions. As the class attempts to understand the content, some students just don't get it, while others are clearly "teacher's pets". Prepare to be entertained as you listen along and get your own education about this beloved region of America on this episode of The Bear Grease Podcast. If you have...

Dec 11, 202448 min

Ep. 277: This Country Life - Knowing Where North Is

Brent’s talking about how to find your way out in the woods and more importantly, how to find your way back. His navigation through life has been an interesting one to say the least, and he’s going to tell you about his struggles with and without a compass. Knowing where north is was a lesson he learned at an early age and one he still applies today. Grab a map and a compass, it’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-...

Dec 06, 202421 min

Ep. 276: Render - Bear Dens, Grapevines, Selling Squirrel Dogs

Things are lively on this episode of the Bear Grease Render as host Clay Newcomb talks about finding a bear den and bringing home a 40’ surprise. Special guest, Terrell Spencer, talks about equipment redundancy as a point of consideration on whether to sell Tess, the squirrel dog. And, we speculate wildly about the mysteries surrounding the grave of Osceola as we wrap up this series on the Seminole war leader. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connec...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 10 min

Ep. 275: This Country Life - Four Bit Bobcats and Taxidermy

From flea market fur to Alaskan moose, Brent's talking taxidermy this week. After visiting with his good friend and local taxidermist, Corey Eisenhower, Brent's offering up some tips on proper field care of your trophy. He's got a story from his childhood of how he got his first bobcat hide and later got skinned in a game of Blackjack. Lastly, you'll hear how a mediocre buck can be the most prized possession of all. It's all about taxidermy this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. H...

Nov 29, 202423 min

Ep. 274: Exhuming Osceola's Grave

On this final episode on the life and legacy of Osceola, Clay Newcomb talks with expert Dr. Patricia Wickman about the 1967 exhumation of the grave of Osceola and the astonishing surprise that they found. Jake Tiger, of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma, explains why there was never any effort made by the Seminole tribe to move the grave of Osceola to Florida. Chandler DeMayo of the Seminole Tribe of Florida brings his perspective on the use of the Seminole name and traditional images in associatio...

Nov 27, 202438 min

Ep. 273: This Country Life - NYC

The phrase "country's come to town" has never been more true or descriptive of Brent's latest trip. The consummate country boy spent three days in the middle of New York City with his family. His expectations for discomfort were high but what he found was just the opposite, and even though he was far from Arkansas, it felt very close to home. Brent's in the Big Apple this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ ...

Nov 22, 202420 min

Ep. 272: Render - Shoes vs. Boots, Moose Paddle, and Bear's Deer Camp

On this Bear Grease Render, Newcombs have the majority -- Clay, Misty, Gary, and Bear, as Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker and special guest and friend Ben Lagrone round out the panel. Render Trivia turns into an in-depth conversation about the captivity and death of Osceola. Bear talks about his friends and family annual deer camp and the subsequent retrieval of the bear that was harvested, Misty points out Bear's new shiny shoes, and Clay shares about his special gift from Steve Rinella. If you ha...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 18 min

Ep. 271: This Country Life - Tents, Crawfish, and Sleep Apnea

"Everyone loves camping!" "Most people like camping!" Ok, some people go camping and Brent’s experiences in that endeavor put him somewhere in the midst of one of those statements. Pitch the tent, light the fire, and get ready for camping stories on this episode of MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Faceb...

Nov 15, 202420 min

Ep. 270: Death of a Seminole War Leader

The details surrounding the imprisonment and death of Seminole War leader, Osceola, are so unusual that you may find yourself saying, "I didn't see that coming." Listen along as author and historian Dr. Patricia Wickman talks with host Clay Newcomb and elaborates on how his death was just the beginning of a story shrouded in mystery. 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 ...

Nov 13, 202455 min

Ep. 269: This Country Life - Opportunities

Opportunity knocks in some form all the time. How we handle it sets the course of our daily lives. Taking advantage or choosing to abstain can have big and long lasting impacts on you and those around you. We’re talking about the choices we make and how we deal with them this week on MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater o...

Nov 08, 202426 min

Ep. 268: Render - Always Pick the Head Wound

We are back at the Bear Grease Headquarters this week as host Clay Newcomb and the crew welcome former Missouri Game Warden and artist, Kyle Carroll. Discussion of the previous week’s podcast on Osceola heats up with Bear Grease Trivia, Bear presents Kyle with a handmade traditional arrow with stone point, and Kyle talks about what it was like to be an extra on the blockbuster movie The Patriot. Stay tuned for an upcoming caucus for inductees to the Bear Grease Hall of Fame. If you have comments...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 22 min

Ep. 267: This Country Life - Gettin' Chilly Down South (Bonus!)

Brent and his friend and colleague, Austin “Chilly” Chleborad, have been on a whirlwind tour with MeatEater events in Venice, Louisiana, Knoxville, Tennessee, and finally Brent’s home state of Arkansas. They made a big leap from Brent’s first experience of catching tuna, to Chilly’s first time treeing coons, and they’re here talking about their adventures. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube ...

Nov 04, 202425 min

Ep. 266: This Country Life - Deer Hunting with Dogs

Brent's waxing nostalgic about chasing deer with hounds and describing how it was standard operating procedure where he was from. He tells how his camp used to do it and relates a story from his brother Tim on one of his first experiences deer hunting in front of hounds. It's deer season and time to cut the pups loose on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Hurricane Relief: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/onxmeateater-pub.html/ Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connec...

Nov 01, 202424 min

Ep. 265: Osceola - War and the Warrior

On this episode of Bear Grease, we continue our deep dive into the life of Osceola. We enter into the wartime years that continue to shape who he was and the future of the Seminole people. Dr. Patricia Wickman describes the surrounding events, reason for national popularity, and debunks some internet myths. Seminole filmmaker Sterlin Harjo talks about what it means to be part of the “Unconquered People” and the internal conflict. Osceola descent, Jake Tiger, explains the role of Osceola, not as ...

Oct 30, 202459 min

Ep. 264: This Country Life - Toddlers, Tunas, and Tailgates

Brent's been on the water and on the road for the past two weeks and he's sharing some of what he's been doing. There's a listener story included that'll help you keep your priorities in order and a reminder that what we do now will have implications far into the future. It's time for 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 Po...

Oct 25, 202424 min

Ep. 263: Render - Rich Froning, Tennessee Vols, and Osceola

On this special episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb and This Country Life Podcast’s Brent Reaves along with Meateater’s Garrett Long and Hunter Spencer from the Meateater Tailgate Tour in Knoxville, Tennessee. Special guest Rich Froning of Mayhem Hunt talks about their mission to emphasize fitness in the hunting realm. Listen along as the conversation heats up as they discuss the first episode of Bear Grease on the life of Osceola and the connection with members of the Bear...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 11 min

Ep. 262: This Country Life - The Hurricane

A work trip to southern Louisiana forced Brent to break a promise he’d made to himself many years ago. After his experiences during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he’d never thought of returning as a tourist. A recent fishing trip helped turn a broken promise into a journey of healing and rediscovery. This one’s a little different but the message has never been more important. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagr...

Oct 18, 202418 min

Ep. 261: Osceola - The Black Drink Singer

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we begin a dive into the origin, life, and legacy, of The Seminole War leader Osceola. Many people know the name, but few know why. As we continue our pursuit to "explore things forgotten but relevant," listen as light is shed on the significance of a man who stood for what he believed in and it cost him his life. Osceola expert and historian, Dr. Patricia Wickman, describes his early life and culture, Jake Tiger of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma talk...

Oct 16, 202449 min

Ep. 260: This Country Life - Dog Traders

Dog traders can describe people who specialize in selling dogs. The group Brent's talking about deals specifically with coonhounds. There's a lot of history in how selling was done in the past, as opposed to how it's done today. Hear how one community of Arkansas hunters did it and listen to a tale of how a hound made an impact on Brent and his family. Join us for Dog Traders on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and ...

Oct 11, 202424 min

Ep. 259: Render - Bucks, Boats, and Sabots

On this Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Bear Newcomb and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker as well as long-time Arkansas hunting buddies Moe Shepherd and Shane Auman. The guests share their favorite Bear Grease deer stories, Clay talks about the "good old days" before there was social media and streaming video, Bear avoids a questionable boat deal, and we learn the correct pronunciation of the word "s-a-b-o-t." If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeate...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 10 min

Ep. 258: This Country Life - 2024 World Championship Squirrel Cook Off (Bonus!)

We’re cooking up a mess of fun and squirrels at the World Championship Squirrel Cook Off in Springdale, AR. Join Brent as he and Reva Hansen talk with wild game chef’s and sample some of the vittles on This Country Life’s first bonus episode. 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 YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease Merch See omn...

Oct 07, 202417 min

Ep. 257: This Country Life - Buck’s Mama and Brent’s Bucks

Brent followed his father’s footsteps in a lot of the Reaves family hunting traditions. Deer hunting however, wasn’t one of them. Brent’s dad was not a deer hunter but had some encounters that Brent’s gonna tell you about. You’ll also hear a listener story about another parent and son deer hunting tradition that’s not so traditional. It’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram...

Oct 04, 202424 min

Ep. 256: Deer Stories - Coyotes, Missed Shots, and Gar Holes

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we celebrate MeatEater’s Whitetail Week with another collection of deer stories from Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Listen along as contributors Mitch Sikes, Keith Polk, Bob Wilson, Gerald Brewer, Henry Susong, and Moe Shepherd share memorable moments searching for the crown jewel of the North American woods—the Whitetail Deer. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEat...

Oct 02, 202455 min

Ep. 255: This Country Life - Bear Camp

It’s the first big hunt of Arkansas’s fall season for Brent and the bear camp faithful. They’re struggling with dry conditions, dropping acorns, and the Arkansas heat that just won’t go away. They managed to “scratch a few out” as Brent would say, but the biggest trophy carried home had nothing to do with a bear. It’s time to head to the bear camp on this week’s episode of MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Connect with Brent and MeatEa...

Sep 27, 202424 min

Ep. 254: Render - "Akern Rain" at Bear Camp

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb and Render regulars Brent Reaves, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, along with wildlife biologist Spencer Daniels and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Bear Biologist Anthony Ballard live from Bear Camp as the "akerns" rain down. Listen in as they discuss the highs and lows of the week's bear hunt as well as their favorite Bear Grease Podcast deer stories. If you have comments on the show, send...

Sep 25, 20241 hr 13 min

Ep. 253: This Country Life - Thievery and Miscommunication

Just when he thought he was through investigating crimes, Brent gets called back to the job. This time someone has stolen from him and with Arkansas' 2024 Bear season drawing closer, the stakes couldn't be higher. It's time to sort through the clues and crack the case. You'll also hear a tale of two guys who made better television stars than criminals. You now have the right to listen to this week's episode of MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on...

Sep 20, 202423 min

Ep. 252: Deer Stories - Akerns, Bears, and Tragedy

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we hear from storytellers Lake Pickle, Mitch Sikes, Myles Malone, and a one Mr. Clay Newcomb, as they recall some pretty unusual and unforgettable experiences in the deer woods. But, if there's one you're not going to want to miss, it's the last story by Med Palmer. You've never heard a deer story like 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...

Sep 18, 202454 min

Ep. 251: This Country Life - Trapping

The approach of the fall season has Brent waxing poetic about the trapping experiences he had growing up in rural Arkansas. The time spent on his trapline served up invaluable lessons on a number of things, only one of which was trapping. Brent credits "laying steel" as one of the cornerstones that helped him understand not only the conservation aspects of animals, but also how they interact with the landscape. It's time to go trapping on this week's episode of MeatEater's "This Country Life" po...

Sep 13, 202421 min
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