Bear Grease

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...

Cue up the danger music, Reva! Brent’s sharing some risky stories from his youth involving tractors and motorcycles. He’s also narrating a recent event that may be humorous now, but at the time was anything but funny. Make sure your seatbelts are buckled and your tray table is in it’s upright and locked position. This one is gonna get a little bumpy.  Subscribe to the MeatEa...

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Crossfit legend Rich Froning and Mayhem Hunt Media Director, Scott Vander Sloot, join host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, around the fire at deer camp. Rich discusses his journey from being a firefighter to competing in his first Crossfit games and ultimately claiming the title of "World's Fittest Man." Also, he shares what...

It's a common misconception that success is only measured in material or money. But success can be assessed in many ways and to Brent, there's no better measurement than good experiences with good people in the great outdoors. He's gonna talk about his formula for reaping the rewards of a good investment and share a listener's Christmas survival story that you won't want to miss.  Subscribe t...

At the turn of the 20th century as the U.S. production of tobacco was on the rise, a group of disgruntled tobacco farmers in small region of western Kentucky and northwestern Tennessee called “The Black Patch” organized against the monopolizing Duke Trust to help protect the income of so many small tobacco farmers. In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, hear the little known story...

It’s the New Year and if you didn’t have black eyed peas and turnip greens on January 1st, you blew a golden opportunity to set yourself up for success. That’s what some people claim anyway. Brent’s skipping those common superstitions all together and digging into his childhood for some you may not be as familiar with. From keeping relationships strong, to getting rid of sp...

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, we welcome the new year as host Clay Newcomb is joined by Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, as well as traditional bow hunter and self-bow builder, Caleb Flies. The room is lined with bows, and there's lots of discussion on the origin of the term "self-bow" and different build qualities of them. The crew also discusses the...

People put a lot of stock into a first impression. You can never make a second one, but as observers, we shouldn't be so quick to file the initial impression as the final one. There are lessons in this one that you can apply to just about every interaction you have and a realization that the most lasting impression, regardless of when it happens, can be the most important. It's...