Bear Grease

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...

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 qu...

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, se...

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 Fish...

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 , Twi...

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 t...

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 indust...

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 Coun...

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 critter...

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 wit...

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 rec...

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 ver...

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 je...

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. Archer...

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...

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 th...

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. C...

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 , a...

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  MeatEat...

Sometimes there's a delicate balance between being responsible and adhering to rules. Brent's waxing poetic about gravel roads and what he refers to as treasure from a time in his youth. He brings up a situation that forces him to weigh the difference between being on time, versus doing what's right. Conflicting rules, one imposed by his mother, and the other imposed by his own conscience. It's "T...

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker for a conversation with renowned Arkansas artist and fly fisherman, Duane Hada. Together, they dive into Duane’s deep-rooted love for the natural world, his artistic journey, and his passion for chasing smallmouth bass in the wild waters of the Ozarks. If you ha...

It's September and everyone's mind is on bugling bull elk. Today they are recognized as one of the most sought after western big game species, but have you ever wondered if it has always been that way? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history and mystery of the Eastern Elk. What were they, and what happened to them? We will cover everything from their first scientific description base...

Brent reflects on stories heard from old and new friends this past weekend at an event with Case Knives. Centered on the common thread of their love of knives and hunting, most of these stories end up being about something else entirely. He also reads a letter he received from a chance meeting that developed into a true friendship. Check your pockets! It's time for MeatEater's "This Coun...

On August 29, 1911, the last survivor of the Yahi people wandered into Oroville, California, naked, starving, and carrying with him a history and language unknown to the outside world. This is the story of Ishi, a man who endured the extermination of his tribe and went on to leave a lasting mark on modern bow hunting and linguistics. Host Clay Newcomb guides the narrative, joined by traditional ar...

The first time doing anything with a high level of anticipation is a recipe for strong memories. That perfectly describes Brent's first elk hunt. It was an experience of a lifetime that has as potent of an effect on him today as it did fourteen years ago. Brent details that hunt on this episode with what seemed like the perfect setup that went from good, to bad, to great, all in a matter of moment...