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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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  • 48 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 42 min
  • English
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  • August 28 · 21 min

    Ep. 495: This Country Life - Bullfrogs, Roebucks, and Long-Distance Calls

    Brent’s writing his own rules again and making up an imaginary theme for this week’s show. This week’s theme is “It’s my show and I do what I want”. Regardless of his shenanigans the stories this week are great and we think you’ll really enjoy them. Sit back and relax. It’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • August 26 · 1 hr

    Ep. 494: Your Most Important Gear - Your Body

    For men, taking care of your body can often slip down on the priority list, but your health is a savings account you can either make deposits or withdraws. On this episode, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Dr. Jason Lofton an Dr. Adam McCall as they discuss the most important things that we as men can do to remain healthy, fit, and provide maximum longevity of the bodies we have been given. It's the most important gear we have to be good husbands, fathers, friends, and outdoorsmen and it takes work to maintain. Tune in to hear helpful info, hot tips, and the truth about how to keep that bank account full and maintain the edge we need in a world that is trying to drag it down. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

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  • August 21 · 19 min

    Ep. 493: This Country Life - Mine for Now, Theirs for Always

    You never truly know the impact your words can have on another person. On the rare occasion when you do it can sometimes be overwhelming. Our words can carry weight and meaning especially for those searching for answers. Brent had a unique opportunity to meet some new friends recently in a casual setting where he learned firsthand how impactful those words can be. We think you're really gonna like this episode of MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Cast and Blast Outdoors: https://www.instagram.com/castnblast__outdoors?igsh=MW9vY2lnaWt6NnliZg== https://youtube.com/@cnb-outdoors?si=4RRWDbgc3vbQJ4-O Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • August 19 · 1 hr 15 min

    Ep. 492: Render - Lightning in The Hot Seat

    Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by John Donovan, one of the guests featured on the “Struck by Lightning” episode of the Beat Grease Podcast. John elaborates on his experience being struck by lightning while descending from his tree stand just 9 months earlier. It’s an amazing story of a potentially catastrophic moment and how he was able to make a full recovery. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

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  • August 17 · 31 min

    Ep. 491: Backwoods University - Mississippi Deer History

    What would you think of a whitetail deer herd that jumped from 1200 to over 1.5 million in less than 100 years time? That is exactly what happened in the state of Mississippi. We are joined by Mississippi Deer Program Coordinator, William McKinley who knows all the wild tales that make up this incredible wildlife conservation 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.

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  • August 14 · 20 min

    Ep. 490: This Country Life - A Coke or A Comb

    Brent is telling two stories his father told him when he was a little boy. They made an impression on him even at an early age. As he's grown older the meaning of the stories remains the same but the reason they're meaningful is easier to see through the eyes of an adult. Brent is also offering up a little first hand advice that could pay huge dividends for your family later on. It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • August 12 · 51 min

    Ep. 489: Struck by Lightning

    Clay Newcomb explores the science, mystery, and raw power of lightning through the firsthand stories of John Donovan, a bear hunter who was struck while sitting in a tree stand, and Spence Spencer, a farmer who was hit while working in his chicken pasture. Both survived, but neither walked away unchanged. Clay also sits down with weather analyst Joshua Wisel of weather225.com to nerd out on what actually happens when lightning forms, why it can strike miles from a storm, why trees and tall objects are so dangerous, and which common lightning myths are completely wrong. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

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  • August 7 · 28 min

    Ep. 488: This Country Life - Coon Claw Jake and Philip Worm

    Brent’s got a couple survival stories this week. Not so much as in life and death survival, but situational. One's from a young teen who had a prolonged stay beyond a planned trip. The other is from an adult who adapted to take care of his family. You’re gonna like this one for sure. It’s time for MeatEater’s This Country Life podcast. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • August 5 · 1 hr 18 min

    Ep. 487: Render - Civil War Send Off: Snakes and Surrender

    It's the end of Civil War Summer, and things close out in classic Bear Grease fashion as host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker talk history with live venomous snakes in the same room. Returning guest and "Advanced Snake Enthusiast" Brad Birchfield joins in as the crew breaks down the real story behind Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House which, it turns out, wasn't actually a courthouse. Along the way, stories of a rattlesnake that survived 26 months without eating, some wild tales from the Amazon rainforest, and much more. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

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  • August 4 · 1 hr 15 min

    Ep. 912: Clay’s Ozark Bear Camp | 12 in '26

    Clay gives behind the scenes details and answers com viewer questions about his annual bear camp that is featured in the Meateater “12 in ‘26” film series. It’s a film about tradition, camaraderie, tough situations, and the love of the hunt. Hear the details and what happened that you didn’t see in the film. Watch the film now on MeatEater's YouTube channel. Presented by Can-Am: maker of the best ATVs, SxS, and Utility Vehicles www.can-am.brp.com Connect with MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips Subscribe to MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • August 3 · 34 min

    Ep. 486: Backwoods University - A New Hunting Season

    It's not every day that we see brand new hunting season get put into existence. This coming October the state of Louisiana will be having it's first ever hunting season for black bellied whistling ducks. It's an exciting time for hunters, but there's a much bigger story at play here. The black bellied whistling duck is historically a tropical species that occupied mostly central and south America. What are the implications of it expanding it's range into much of the southern and eastern U.S? Also, can a hunting season potentially be the much needed management tool that the state of Louisiana has been looking for? 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.

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  • July 31 · 21 min

    Ep. 485: This Country Life - Bank Poles, Flatheads, and Bradley Smith

    Brent's heading to Louisiana to fish the Ouachita River with Bradley Smith, a lifelong outdoorsman who's keeping the old ways alive. From hoop nets to bank poles baited for flathead catfish, the trip becomes more than a night on the river. Included is a lesson on tradition and the details that separate a likely spot from the right one. We're talking family, friendship, and the importance of passing down tradition before they disappear. God's Country Hunting and Fishing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP0Z4BjEpgIn5uVbwRZZRA Opelousas Bank Poles: https://opelousasbankpoles.com/ Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • July 29 · 57 min

    Ep. 484: Civil War - Part 6: Unconditional Surrender

    In this final chapter of our Civil War series, we once again hear from historians J.D. Huitt, Dr. Brooks Blevins, and Dr. Louis Gallo to trace the final eighteen months of the conflict—from Gettysburg and Vicksburg to Grant's relentless Overland Campaign and Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House. Along the way, host Clay Newcomb examines how Ulysses S. Grant transformed modern warfare through his philosophy of total war, why Abraham Lincoln came to trust him above every other Union general, and how Grant's quiet humility shaped one of the most remarkable victories in American history. We also explore the humanity displayed at Appomattox, the myths surrounding the surrender, and why historians still debate the reasons the Confederacy ultimately failed. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

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  • July 24 · 16 min

    Ep. 483: This Country Life - First the Bear, Then the Bite

    Brent’s still in the wilderness of northern Saskatchewan, where a filled bear tag opens up the door for an unforgettable fishing adventure. Look out! This country boy has a fly rod and he’s not afraid to use it. Bring your safety glasses, we’re going fishing on MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • July 22 · 1 hr 5 min

    Ep. 482: Render - Lost Dogs, Lost Cause, and U.S. Grant

    Clay Newcomb and Render Crew members Dr. Misty Newcomb, Brent Reaves, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker dig into latest episode of the Civil War Summer on Ulysses S. Grant. They unpack the surprising life of a man who went from repeated failure to becoming the Union's most important general, discussing Grant's struggles with alcohol, remarkable horsemanship, complicated family ties to slavery, and the leadership qualities that ultimately changed the course of American history. Along the way, the conversation wanders—as it always does—from Clay's disastrous attempt to turn a young hound loose on a deer, to the launch of the new Bear Grease bib overalls, branding python boots, and why "graceful form in the saddle" may be the highest compliment a man could receive. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

    • Transcript
  • July 20 · 32 min

    Ep. 481: Backwoods University - Farming Crawfish

    Humans eating crawfish is nothing new. In fact, in North America alone it's been going on for several thousands of years. However, the craft of deliberately farming crawfish is relatively new in the grand scheme of things. Jason Roberts, a Mississippi native, walks us through the story and process of starting up his crawfish farm. What all went into it, how he figured it out, what type of crawfish species he targets, and the unexpected harmony found between crawfish farming and waterfowl land management. 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.

    • Transcript
  • July 17 · 27 min

    Ep. 480: This Country Life - Cinnamon Bears and Chocolate Gravy

    The week long wait is over! Brent is finally getting to the meat he left on the bone from last week's episode on his Saskatchewan black bear hunt. It was a grand adventure for him and he took away lessons from that he didn't see coming. It's time for the second part of Brent's trip north of the border, but whether it will be the final installment is yet to be determined, you're just gonna have to give it a listen. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • July 15 · 1 hr 6 min

    Ep. 479: Civil War - Part 5: The Most Underrated Man in the Civil War?

    Continuing on with Bear Grease's Civil War Summer series, Clay Newcomb travels to the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library in Starkville, Mississippi, to uncover the story of the Union general who may be the most misunderstood figure of the war. Alongside Grant historian Dr. Louis Gallo, Clay traces Grant's unlikely journey from a quiet Ohio farm boy and gifted horseman to a failed farmer, struggling businessman, and former army officer battling personal struggles. The conversation explores Grant's complicated relationship with slavery, his marriage into a slaveholding Missouri family, his years of financial hardship, and the character traits that would eventually make him Lincoln's indispensable commander. Along the way, Clay discusses the Lost Cause ideology, the myths that shaped Grant's reputation, and the remarkable transformation of a man who went from selling firewood on the streets to leading the Union Army and becoming President of the United States. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

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  • July 10 · 23 min

    Ep. 478: This Country Life - Air Canada and the Lost Baggage Blues

    Flying is always stressful for Brent. He says he likes being in different and remote places, he just doesn't always enjoy the process of getting there. A fear of flying isn't the issue; trusting his possessions to strangers is. You're allowed to carry backpack with a shaving kit and extra change of clothes on the plane with you, but you can't carry a bow and arrow and store it in an overhead bin. If he could, though, he wouldn't have anything to talk about this week. Get your boarding pass and settle in at the gate. It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Thank you to our sponsors, Case Knives and Stor-Mor. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • July 8 · 1 hr 8 min

    Ep. 477: Render - The Mailbox, The Bulldozer, and The Emancipation Proclamation

    As Civil War Summer continues, host Clay Newcomb along with Dr. Misty Newcomb and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined by guests former history teacher Ben Lagrone and host of The End of History podcast J.B. Shreve as they swap stories about Osage orange trees, neighborhood mailbox projects, , bulldozers, and the simple satisfaction of moving dirt. The group then turns their attention to the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln's leadership, family Civil War connections, and the lasting impact of America's defining conflict. Thank you to our sponsor, Tecovas. 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.

    • Transcript
Showing 21–40 of 48 episodes