Bear Grease

In this episode of The Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Oklahoma man Johnny Johnston as he shares the honest, transparent, and nitty-gritty details of his life story and his relationship to wildlife law, but more importantly about the transformation that he underwent that brought him out of this dark time in his life. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to  bea...

There's something to be said for doing your own thing, and in this episode, Brent's saying a lot. His brother Tim is literally churning out homegrown goodness from his own kitchen and during a recent visit, he clued Brent in on what he was doing. Brent's also sharing a listener story that's definitely worthy of a second helping. It's a feast for your ears on this week's "This Country Life" podcast...

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined by historian and author of the book "So Great Was the Slaughter," Dr. Buckley Foster of the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Foster educates the Crew on the history of market hunting in the state of Arkansas continuing on into the cultural shift of more modern conserv...

Flying deer have been a part of our culture since the first tracks were found on snow-covered roofs on Christmas Day. Turkeys that can do math are a wholly different animal in more ways than one. Brent’s sharing a listener's story and looking for answers to a 19-year-old mystery. Turn your ears on and let's see what you think. It’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life&rd...

On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb brings together one last group of turkey stories for the season told by some of the best story tellers. Stories from custom turkey call makers Don and Sarah Clark, internet sensation Trent Ellis, “the greatest turkey hunter in the world” Med Palmer, story-teller-in-residence Andy Brown, Brother Robin Risher, up-and-coming ou...

If you've never hunted under the bubble or experienced its effects, consider yourself lucky. Major Leaguers call it a slump and sales people call it a dry spell. Regardless of what you call it, when it happens to a hunter there's only one sure way to get through it-- you'll have to get some help. Brent's explaining how his brother Tim hunted his way out of it once with the help of their turkey hun...

It's Turkey Week at MeatEater and on this Episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined by two Ozark turkey hunting masters.  Moe Shepherd of Arkansas and Camron Tidwell of Missouri talk tips, tactics, and tales of hours in the woods chasing the illusive meleagris gallopavo - the wild turkey.  The stakes are high as Clay,...

In this episode Brent’s sharing a story from early on in his turkey hunting career, which made that one day long ago great  for him and bad for his host. Two listener stories reflect the respect we show those who serve and you're not going to want to miss them! We’re kicking off turkey season 2025 on MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast.  Subscribe to the...

In this special episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb shares an extended version of the keynote speech he delivered at Pheasant's Forever's Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic on March 8, 2025. He tells the story of his grandfather Lewen Newcomb, a man who lived a life of principle and consistency and a passion for quail hunting that never diminished even when bird populations declined in...

Get your hair slicked down and your shoes tied, it's time to catch the school bus with Brent! This week will bring back memories to a lot of you who rode the big yellow bus and give insight into what all went on within the confines of that mobile circus. Brent's telling stories that involve his brother Tim and we guarantee you won't want to miss them. Get your books and let's go! It...

On this Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by the "OG" Render crew: Bear Newcomb, Brent Reaves, Misty Newcomb, Gary Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker. After sitting idle for a spell, the Bear Grease Hall of Fame is back. Clay discusses the attributes of what it takes to make it in the Hall of Fame, and two new members are inducted with a surprise third in a momentous ceremony...

Brent's back home from the most recent Black Bear Bonanza event and talking about how he got invited to the first one that never happened. He's also highlighting the path his life has taken since being so agreeable to go any place Clay Newcomb's asked him to go. The situations he's found himself in because of it might make a more prudent person take some of those invitations under advisement....

Turkey season is right around the corner, so on this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb will get you primed with some amazing stories by some amazing storytellers from Mississippi and Arkansas.  Listen along as Mark Sledge, Andy Brown, Robin Risher, David Huffman, Lake Pickle, and Med Palmer recall epic tales of turkeys with more beard than you can believe, busting poachers...

The country store was more than just a place to buy necessities. It may have started out that way, but for whatever reason, spots where people regularly gather soon turn into something else. In this case for Brent, the country store became a special place and today he's talking about the experiences he had there. Meet us at the back of the store and grab a chair, it's time for MeatEater's "This Co...

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by professional bowyer, hunter, and Alone season 8 winner Clay Hayes. Clay shares his experience surviving in the back country of British Columbia for 74 days and the highs and lows of what it took to be the last man standing in this very real challenge. He a...

No one gets through life without help. That's the topic this week and the specifics Brent's sharing are all examples of people needing help and people helping. It's a perfect example of how we can make big differences with just a little effort. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and you'll know why after listening to this week's episode of MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Follow's At...

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, host Clay Newcomb navigates the archaeological journey of the “peopling” of America and the mystery of the Clovis people. Archaeologists Dr. Metin Eren and Dr. David Meltzer discuss the Pleistocene Overkill hypothesis, and how the Clovis First theory crumbled. Author and indigenous historian Taylor Keen explains how the insistence of the arch...

Brent's got a new coonhound puppy and is talking about the risks involved in the new investment. With a house full of dog lovers who could care less how they perform in the woods and only consider companionship, it's a recipe for potential conflict. He's also talking about a few of the techniques he used in conditioning his dog Waylon on what not to do. Get Brent's theory on several...

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, Dr. Misty Newcomb, and special guest Dr. Malachi Nichols.  With the release of the new Meateater film "Alaska Mountain Goat Hunt," Clay gives behind the scenes details of this adventure and the harrowing retrieval of the goat.  Then, the whole crew discusses the impact of the re...

This is a different one but we think you'll like it. Brent's talking about idioms this week and sharing some of his favorites. If that term doesn't sound familiar, you'll learn exactly what it means "faster than quick can get ready.” You see what we did there? That's a prime example of an idiom. You'll hear how using them at the wrong time can be costly and the origin story of one...

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we hear the remarkable story of fourth-generation farmer and Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame member Mr. Ellis Bell from Forrest City, Arkansas. Mr. Bell tells the story of his heritage and personal journey as a minority farmer, along with the values he learned along the way. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to  beargrease@themeatea...

Brent's cutting the pups loose on this one and they're chasing rabbits. He's talking about the four different ways he grew up hunting them, one of which may surprise you. The way a dog almost immediately knows the rabbit's direction of travel is an interesting deep dive, but don't worry, Brent's already done all the heavy lifting for you. He's also sharing a great lesson through a listener's story...

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb, Gary "Believer" Newcomb, Terrell Spencer, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker along with special guests Jeff Gardener and Drew Harrington, who are natives of the Black Patch region of Kentucky as they discuss the Tobacco Wars series. Plus, Gary receives a special gift from a listener. If you have comments on the show, send us a note t...

In everything, there is a beginning and an end. We can usually control the onset of the things we choose to do, but our final day of participation is sometimes chosen for us. Brent's relating a listener's story about a first squirrel hunt and telling another one that describes a final deer hunt, which had quite an effect on him. Gather up and get easy, it's time for MeatEater's This Country Life p...

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Clay Newcomb details the events at the turn of the 20th Century in the the "Black Patch" tobacco region of western Kentucky and northern Tennessee. The tension comes to a head as prices paid to farmers by the monopolistic Duke Trust plummet and "The Association" attempts to stand up against it.  The Night Riders resort to beatings of non-Association...