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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.
Ep 72: Holt Collier - The Teddy Roosevelt Hunt, Part 3
This week on the Bear Grease Podcast, we’ve got the third and final episode in our series on the extraordinary life of the former slave, confederate soldier, bear hunter and Mississippi native, Holt Collier. Many believe he deserves to sit in the saddle with the greats of American history, but his life is stacked deep in controversy, murder, fortunes won and lost, and unrivaled adventure. We’ve tracked all the data points we have on Holt, but like boar bear pursued by hounds, he’s difficult to course. This episode is dedicated to his famous Teddy Bear Hunt where he guided president, Theodore Roosevelt, AND we’ll discuss Holt’s lasting legacy. He lived in bold opposition to the trends of the age – he was a black man that overcame, endured and thrived in the South in a dangerous period, but even in the midst of victory, his life leaves us with a tragic aftertaste. The story of Holt’s life exemplifies core Bear Grease, it’s the finest renderings, the choice meat of the akern, the flash of the flashiest mule, the crescendo trill of the barred owl, it’s the black panther of all black panther stories and I’m honored to tell it to you….I doubt you’re going to want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:00:4021/09/2022
Ep. 71: Bear Grease [Render] - Cow Patties, Items For Sale, and the Unusual Mindset of Holt Collier
On this week's episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay has flown the coop and left Misty in charge of the normal ne'er do well Bear Grease Crew as they navigate the second portion of Holt Collier's life, but not before: Brent questions why everyone is so angry in the kitchen. Josh gives us the 4 things to expect while Clay is gone. Misty clarifies, once again, that she is not against tattoos. Isaac shares some choice Bear Grease Bargain Barn listings. And our honored guest, old friend, and general great guy, Dr. Malachi Nichols, instigates a discussion on the ease or difficulty of having more kids. Make sure you stay tuned for Gary "Believer" Newcomb's take on what drove Holt to greatness. I really doubt you're going to want to miss this one (like Clay did). Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:00:1014/09/2022
Ep. 70: Holt Collier - Texas Cowboy, Gunfights & Market Bear Hunting, Part 2
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re on part two in our Holt Collier series and looking into the second section of his life, from the age of 20 to his mid-60s, which were defined by gunfights, cowboying and bear hunting. Holt was a former slave turned confederate soldier, he was acquitted of the murder of a white man after the civil war, and he made a lot of money as a market bear hunter in the primeval swamps of Mississippi. Holt was buddies with presidents, governors and outlaws – he became an accomplished cowboy in Texas while running from the vigilante justice of those that wanted him hung. Holt was married three times, was a deputy sheriff, his best bear dog was named Mandy, and he had a baseball team named after him. And, he guided President Teddy Roosevelt on the hunt that created the global icon of the “Teddy Bear” (we’ll talk about that on episode three). We’ve interviewed author, Minor Ferris Buchannan who’s written the only book about Holt Collier, Hank Burdine who acts as a guardian of Holt’s legacy, and Jonathan Wilkins – an African American outfitter in the Delta. You wouldn’t believe Holt’s story if it wasn’t the truth, he’s surrounded by controversy and irony, but one thing is for certain – he was an extraordinary and brilliant man and his legacy deserves to sit with the kings of American culture. We’re in search of learning who this man Holt Collier was and I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
56:1607/09/2022
Ep. 69: Bear Grease [Render] - Possum Tattoos, The Bargain Barn, and Holt Collier
On this week's episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay and the gang circle up to talk about the slave, soldier, and bearhunter, Holt Collier. But first: Brent gets sentimental with a good-luck charm that he carries with him everywhere. Misty clarifies her stance on tattoos. Isaac shows off his new boots. Gary extols the virtues of love above all else. Clay tells us about getting stuck in an apple tree wearing nothing but his Coon Light and a pair of drawers. And you're not going to want to miss special guest Jonathan Wilkins of Black Duck Revival, give us his perspective on the enigmatic Holt Collier. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:20:5731/08/2022
Ep. 68: Holt Collier - Slave, Confederate Soldier, and Bear Hunter, Part 1
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we'll be introduced to the man that president Theodore Roosevelt said was “the greatest hunter and guide I have ever known.” Many believe his legacy deserves to be on the American pedestal with the likes of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. And some might even suggest he stand with the great African American civil rights pioneers early 20th century, based upon the standing he had in society and the life he lived. However, his life is riddled with mystery and controversy, but if you’re like me, after you’ve been exposed to the energy, audacity and bravery of this life, you’ll never – ever – forget the name Holt Collier. Holt Collier was born a slave and at age fourteen after he joined the Confederate Army and fought with distinction the entirety of the war. Afterwards he became a market hunter black bear. After the civil war he killed a white man in Mississippi, but no charges were pressed and was later accused of killing another one and was acquitted for the murder. He hob-knobbed with some of the most powerful men in the Delta gaining their loyalty and trust. But what he’s most known for is guiding the then sitting president, Theodore Roosevelt on two bear hunts in the Mississippi Delta and gaining his friendship and respect. Holt Collier lassoed a bear and tied it to a tree for the president, who refused to shoot it, and from this the press coined the term “Teddy Bear” which has become a global term, and it would have never happened if it wasn’t for the creative grit of a black man named, Holt Collier. Undoubtedly, Holt’s life doesn’t fit into anybody’s mold and I think that’s what qualifies him as a great American. He lived an almost unbelievable life. On this episode we'll interview Minor Ferris Buchannon, Hank Burdine and Jonathan Wilkins to try to understand who Holt was. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:01:1024/08/2022
Ep. 67: Bear Grease [Render] - Tavin, Tik Tok, and Turkey Salmon
On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay and the gang talk about their most recent podcast. They get to know a special guest -- Tavin Dillard -- who shows Clay how to call in a turkey salmon. Later, they meet another special guest, Joel Barry. Finally, they discuss Clay watching Instagram Reels like a dad, why Gary Newcomb had to aggressively fine-tune his Tik Tok preferences, and what that means for the future of society. I really, really doubt you're gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:28:3217/08/2022
Ep. 66: Basketball and Coonhunting - The "Hicks From the Sticks” Story
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’ll be crossing the streams of sports, rural life, and hunting as we learn about the 1960’s championship Bradleyville Eagles basketball dynasty in Missouri. We’ll talk with author, Leon Combs who wrote the book on them and we’ll meet one of the players – Leon Boyd – the teams ball handling point guard and coonhunter extraordinaire who still hunts and loves basketball to this day. In a world of increasing specialization, we’ll explore if the idea of having diversity can make us better at everything we do – like being a coonhunting basketball player… but it’s a toss up. The drama of this sports story will have you on the edge of the bleacher as you hear the actual broadcast of their 1968 state championship game and we’ll go on a hunt with Leon Boyd. I doubt you’re going to want to miss this one… Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
59:3910/08/2022
Ep 65: Bear Grease [Render] - Whitetail Antlers, Underground dogs, and Bucking Mules
On this week’s episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay is joined by the familiar crew to discuss the public display of taxidermy in gas stations. Brent Reaves tells us about Waylon’s new found ability to tree a raccoon underground. Isaac Neale shares the perils of cowboy boots. Josh Spielmaker embraces his roll as the Bear Grease Bad Boy. Misty Newcomb raises the collective IQ of the room when she elaborates on doctoral research. Clay fills us in on the roller coaster of training a bucking mule. While Gary laments the lack of chairs in modern Gas Stations. And you’re definitely not going to want to miss the question one shop owner asked Clay and Brent that inspired a minor existential crisis. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:12:5403/08/2022
Ep. 64: Gas Station Taxidermy Roadshow
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Brent Reaves and Clay Newcomb hit the two-lane highways and byways of America in search of taxidermy in gas stations. This type of public display of bucks, bears and ducks is becoming rarer - and we’re in search of why. The public display of taxidermy is something deep in the root system of American identity and symbolic of a way of life. The American gas station at one time acted as the “town square” and relational hub of small communities, but things are changing. We’ll talk with podcaster, JB Shreve about how the oil and gas industry has impacted America since World War 1, and we’ll also talk with an expert on the tangible effects of social capital on communities, but not before the crew makes finds incredible gas-station bucks and people. Get a cold fountain drink and buckle up because we’re about roll down the road – we doubt you’re going to want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
56:2327/07/2022
Ep. 63: Bear Grease [Render] - The Bear Grease Hall of Fame and Streaks of Luck
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay opens the floor up so that Josh can finally spread the good news about Fly Fishing. Misty reminisces about the time Josh's mom saved Clay's life. Isaac tries out cowboy boots. Gary, dressed for golf, pontificates on his friend's streak of hole in ones. And you're not going to want to miss Clay's brand new song featuring Brent on the bear's femur & dutch oven. By the end, you might not know if you're lucky or deserving, but you sure will enjoy the show. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:18:0620/07/2022
Ep. 62: The Unusual Whitetail Streak of Ora Lee Provence
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re talking about two giant, public-land whitetails killed by the same man on the same year, all the while exploring a universal and ancient idea. It’s one that has not escaped any culture - it’s homogenous across time, oceans, and peoples. It’s the idea of a “streak of luck”. All can agree that beneficial things do happen that are far beyond human control, but the catalyst or origin of this favor are where the ideologies diverge. I want to introduce you, posthumously, to an incredible man by the name of Ora Lee Provence, who Clay Newcomb interviewed in 2019, just one month prior to his passing at the age of 91 – Mr. Oree, as he was called, killed two non-typical deer in the fall of 1965 on public land in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. This was as unlikely as being struck by lightning - twice. We’ll hear from Mr. Oree himself and meet his son, we’ll also hear from Whitetail wackos Mark Kenyon and Tony Peterson from MeatEater’s Wired To Hunt Podcast, and we’ll talk with one of the best Ozark Mountain deer hunters I know, Moe Shepherd, about streaks of luck. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
58:4913/07/2022
Ep. 61: Bear Grease [Render] - Near Death on a Tractor, Black Panthers, and the Brutality of the Middle Ground
Clay and the crew are joined by Zach Newcomb, mental health professional and real life brother to Clay. After a rousing version of “I Saw the Light” the gang discusses the finer points of seasoning gravy, larger than life black panther busts and near misses with heavy machinery before jumping into the most recent episode of Bear Grease about Lewis Wetzel. You’ll want to stay tuned til the end to hear Brent Reaves recite a rhymed verse recounting the life and times of one of American History’s most brutal and bloody characters. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:13:1706/07/2022
Ep. 60: The Deathwind - Lewis Wetzel
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’ll be looking into the life a man whose legacy is wrought with conflict. To Americans who lived in the Ohio River Valley he was a folk hero, but to the Native Americans he hated and murdered in cold-blood, he was known as the Deathwind. Clay Newcomb went to the Ohio Valley to interview outdoor writer and author, Chip Gross, to learn about the life of Lewis Wetzel. This dark-deep-dive comes at the request one of Steve Rinella of MeatEater, who is also a guest on this episode. We’ll talk about Wetzel’s life and the brutality of the American frontier. Lastly, in an effort to understand the mind frame ofWetzel, Clay will interview mental health professional, Zach Newcomb, to learn if our boy Wetzel was truly a sociopath, a serial killer, or if his actions simply the result of life lived in a war zone. We doubt you’re going to want to miss this one. We know folks let their young kids listen to Bear Grease (which we love), but we’ll warn you -- in this episode there is lots of talk of graphic violence. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:05:1929/06/2022
Ep. 59: Bear Grease [Render] - The Game Warden’s Here
On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay Newcomb and the crew are joined by Lt. Ep Fletcher of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. They discuss wildlife regulations and some of the most memorable moments in his career. Fletcher describes how he evaluates each violation with three specific questions: what was the intent, how does it effect the resource, and how does it impact public safety. Ep ends the podcast with a moving story about a game warden who lost his life in a water evacuation. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:20:2722/06/2022
Ep. 58: Poaching - Our Relationship with the Law
This episode of the Bear Grease Podcast will be an exposé on two men in the outdoor industry that you may have heard of. We typically don’t like to air people’s dirty laundry, but we gained access to these hunters and you may know them, maybe even respect them, and their stories might shock you. The hunters we’re talking about are Clay Newcomb and Steven Rinella! They had a candid conversation about the way they were raised, their history with game laws, and a few of their regrets. The intent is to have some honest dialogue giving a data point to understand our cultural history as modern hunters that will allow us to dictate where we’re going. We’ll also talk Austin Booth, he’s a lawyer, a former marine, and now the director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. We want to understand the philosophy of wildlife law enforcement in 2022 and the status of poaching. We’ll also pick up two foundational components of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation that we all should know. If you want the dirt on Clay and Rinella, you’re for sure not going to want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
49:2615/06/2022
Ep. 57: Bear Grease [Render] - Outlaws and Undercover Stings
Clay, Misty, Josh, Brent, Isaac, and Gary talk about Clay's pawn shop of an office and his stack of most influential books before diving into Charlie, Louie Dale and Russ Arthur, the agent who went undercover with Louie Dale. They spend more time with the tension of liking someone (except Brent) while rejecting some of their actions as well as parsing out the nuanced differences between Poachers and Outlaws. Be sure to stay tuned until the end for a Black Panther update from Gary "Believer" Newcomb. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:33:2508/06/2022
Ep. 56: Genuine Outlaws - Covert Operations, Part 3
On this episode we’re going to the world of the covert operations of the government. Clay was able to get an interview with the undercover National Forest Service law enforcement agent that worked a sting operation on Louie Dale Edwards in Arkansas in the 1990s. We go into the details of the operation, how it went down and what caused it to fail. Secondly, Clay talks with Dr. Daniel Rupp about the anthropological reasons why western culture loves outlaws. It all stems back a general mistrust of power and a desire for the common man to stick it to the system. Clay finally gets his questions answered in his personal exploration of why we’re endeared to outlaws. This may be the coolest Bear Grease Podcast yet. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:01:5101/06/2022
Ep. 55: Bear Grease [Render] - Predator Calling Grizzlies and Crackling Fat
This is an in-the-field recording of the Bear Grease [Render]! Clay hosts his son, Bear John, and MeatEater's Cory Calkins, as they discuss a harrowing encounter they had calling in a black bear and grizzly at the same time. They recount the story Bear Newcomb's first-ever spring boar -- a blonde bear Clay calls "the most beautiful bear I've ever seen." Later in the episode, they touch on the second Genuine Outlaw podcast. This all comes to you straight from the back country as the boys sit around the fire and render down the fat of Bear Newcomb's bear. This episode is full of great stories and close calls. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
59:5825/05/2022
Ep. 54: Genuine Outlaws - Rough Men, Part 2
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re going to continue building abiographical sketch of Louie Dale and Charley Edwards, two Southern characters known for being turkey hunting outlaws, but also beloved men in their community – by most. We’ll be diving into the moonshine incident and give some backing for why people said they were “rough men” – you’re going to hear about some fighting and gun play, so if you’re sensitive to such talk – be advised - but if you want a small picture into the American south, these guys deliver. These men were connected to the land and it shaped their identity. Host Clay Newcomb, having known them his whole life, Is unashamed by how much he liked these guys, but conflicted because he disagreed with some stuff they did. Life is a paradox and linear equations built for judgement don’t always add up. This episode is a sketch of two modern colorful characters. Their lives were just straight up entertaining and intriguing, we doubt you’re gunna want to miss it….Hey, and if you’ll stick around the very end…You’ll hear Clay and game warden Jimmy Martin relive a run in they had when Clay was 16 years old. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:08:2718/05/2022
Ep. 53: Bear Grease [Render] - Waylon Wins, Flipping Four-wheelers, and Outlaw Debrief
Clay, Misty, Josh Brent, and Gary talk about Waylon's second competition coonhunt win. Gary recounts some four-wheeler wrecks, and the crew gives their thoughts on the latest Bear Grease Podcast, Genuine Outlaws. The crew has mixed feelings about the Edwards brothers's story, and the conversation goes deep as they discuss breaking game laws. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:17:1011/05/2022
Ep. 52: Genuine Outlaws - Louie Dale and Charley Edwards, Part 1
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re telling a story that’s never been written in a book or seen on a film. You’ll be introduced to two brothers who were some of the most notorious turkey hunting outlaws to ever to trapse the hills of Arkansas – their names were Louie Dale and Charley Edwards. But in an ironic twist, they were deeply respected in their community for their forthrightness, genuine nature, and generosity. This story is about bar fights, evading game wardens, making whiskey - all interwoven into a story about character and identity…we weren’t wasn’t expecting it either. Clay is in search of learning something about human nature – something about myself. I’ve committed to resolving a life-long position of inner conflict of revering these men, but also disdaining wanton disregard of the law. On this first podcast we’re going to get to know the brothers through the voice of a son, men who hunted with them, and the game warden that chased them for thirty years…Though the brothers are both gone from this earth, in later episodes we’ll dissect their lives with the experts to learn why we loved them – and why we love outlaws. Well….you’ll get to decide if you do or if you don’t. I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this one….Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:02:4704/05/2022
Ep. 51: Bear Grease [Render] - Mustaches, Bear Collars, and Wild Turkey Biologist, Jeremy Wood
On this episode Clay is joined by Misty, Josh, Kobly Morehead and Arkansas Game and Fish wild turkey biologist, Jeremy Wood. The crew notes that Misty is the only person without a mustache so Josh brought her a stick-on-stache. Kolby Morehead talks about the Bear Hunting Magazine team in the campaign to raise money for a bear collaring study in Arkansas. Clay jumps on his soap box of picking up stone points on his own land, they discuss some new art he got of Warner Glenn, and a gift from Kolby. They all tell their favorite turkey story from the last Bear Grease Podcast. Then they jump into the issues surrounding wild turkeys in Arkansas with Jeremy. It's an action and information packed episode. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:35:1227/04/2022
Ep. 50: Turkey Tales
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re doing something we’ve never done. We’ve assembled an eccentric flock of turkey hunters to tell their single favorite turkey hunting story. You’ll hear from the likes of Steve Rinella, Janis Putelis and Will Primos, but we’ll also hear from some backwoodsmen who ain’t been on the TV who’ve influenced me in significant ways. We’ll hear from Gary “Believer” Newcomb, Brent “Pretty Boy” Reaves, Moe “Mosely” Shepherd and the Brown boys hailing from down around Yocanna, Arkansas. Stories are an important part of the human existence, the oral stories of those we respect shape our lives. On this episode we’re going to let stories do. You’re not going to want to miss this one… Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:13:4520/04/2022
Ep. 49: Bear Grease [Render] - One Thousand Bandaids, Mr. Leon, and Turkeys
On this Render we've got the gang back together. Brent, Josh, Misty, and Gary circle back to Jerry Clower before moving on to that heart breaker, the turkey. Brent tells a couple stories about his turkey mentor, Mr. Leon, navigating the nuances of matrimony and Arkansas back roads, and Clay finishes it off with maybe the greatest FALL turkey story ever told. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:20:4913/04/2022
Ep. 48: The Trouble with Lovin’ Gobblin’ Turkeys with Will Primos and Dr. Mike Chamberlain
On this episode, we’re contrasting two eras of turkey hunting with Will Primos and Dr. Mike Chamberlain of the University of Georgia. Turkey populations peaked in modern times in the late 1990s, and with it, the innovation of call makers and outdoor media groups skyrocketed, forging the turkey hunting culture of the nation. Mr. Will Primos stood on the forefront of that innovation and he taught us how to call and hunt. However, recent decades have yielded dramatically decreasing turkey populations in much of the Southeastern United States. Dr. Chamberlain will detail the five biggest culprits of the decline and make some projections for the future. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
59:1706/04/2022
Ep. 47: Bear Grease [Render] - Steve Rinella on Jerry Clower and Trimming Mule Hooves
Steve Rinella, Ryan Callaghan, Phil Taylor and Corine Schneider join Clay this week on the Render episode. To Clay's surprise, Steve grew up listening to Jerry Clower and was surprised about not being invited as a primary guest. Clay starts off by talking about how he's being trolled on bee keeping and mule hoof trimming, and the crew jumps into the life and legacy of the southern comedian, Jerry Clower. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:07:3130/03/2022
Ep. 46: Jerry Clower - Southern Identity, Raccoon Hunting, and Comedy
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re diving deep into the heart of southern cultural identity and the mind of Jerry Clower. Does that name ring a bell? Jerry was thrust into national fame in the 1970s when a story he told about coonhunting topped the country charts. I’m interested in those odd places where rural culture -- and specifically hunting -- crosses tracks with the mainstream. Wilson Rawls bridged that gap with his book “Where the Red Fern Grows,” and Jerry did it with comedy about hunting varmints. He’s been gone for a long time, but I was able to meet up with his old Amite County neighbor in East Fork, Mississippi: a man named John Newman. He’ll give us a behind the scenes look into who Jerry was, and some of it may surprise you. And believe it not, Brent Reaves met Jerry Clower and saw his famed Gold Cadilac. Brent swears it was as long as a battleship. Trust me boys and girls, you’re not going to want to miss this one! Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:02:5423/03/2022
Ep. 45: Bear Grease [Render] - LIVE at the Bonanza
On this episode Clay and the gang are LIVE, for the first, from the Black Bear Bonanza in Northwest Arkansas. Clay, Misty and Brent Reaves are joined by James Brandenburg, longtime friend of the show, Myorn Means, Arkansas's Large Carnivore Biologist, and Moe Shepherd, a mountain man and real-deal woodsman. The crew gather to discuss in depth the history of black bears in Arkansas, hunting bears on public land, and the purpose of baiting bears as a management tool. You're not gonna want to miss Moe's close encounter with a mama bear and her cubs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:17:4616/03/2022
Ep. 44: Where the Red Fern Grows (Part 2) - Character and Manhood
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re on part two of our look into the cultural impact of the book, “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls. He drove the bus to the game where the coonhunters showed pop culture what was up, and made us all proud. We’ll talk with the childhood actor, Stewart Peterson, who starred in the original 1974 Walt Disney movie and learn how he got into acting and why he got out. His reason might surprise and challenge you. We’ll talk again with redbone coonhound man, Ronnie Smith, to get some perspective on the real dogs used in the movie. We’ll have discussion around a key emphasis in the book with Dr. Sean Teuton of the University of Arkansas as we look into that period of life when an adolescent boy becomes a man (and we’ll talk about crying). Lastly, we'll talk with Misty Newcomb about the development of boys and how the system is sometimes rigged against them. If you haven’t watched the original movie or read the book, you ought to go check it out, but regardless you’re not going to want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:02:0009/03/2022
Ep. 43: Bear Grease [Render] - Nine Miles In Reverse and Raccoon Camp
On the episode Clay and the guys are at raccoon hunting camp in East Arkansas with Brent Reaves. Michael Rosamond, owner of Sunspot Lights, joins the crew to discuss the last podcast “Where the Red Fern Grows” (part 1). Clay starts off by telling three stories of his early days Coonhunting including his misstep in dog his first hound partnership, the time the transmission went out and when he had to walk to his old English teachers house at one a.m. Brent also discloses his coonhound fund in elementary school - it had an odd twist. At the end of the podcast talk about the impact “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls. It’s a fun Render for sure.Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:40:5902/03/2022
Ep. 42: Where The Red Fern Grows (Part 1) - The Peculiar life of Wilson Rawls
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re exploring a great work of American literature whose plot rides on a most-peculiar, but beloved pastime of rural America – coonhunting. We’re diving deep into the book “Where the Red Fern Grows” written by Woodrow Wilson Rawls. How did this unlikely author, a one-hit wonder some might say, with such a mysterious past make it into the ranks of the American literary giants? We’ll hear from Professor Sean Teuton of the University of Arkansas as we search out the national impact of the book. We’ll talk with Stewart Peterson who starred in the original 1974 movie produced by Walt Disney studios who actually met Wilson Rawls, and we’ll cut some hounds loose on a starry Ozark night with a man who's been devoted to Redbone hounds his whole life, Ronnie Smith of Northwest Arkansas. The ride is guaranteed to be wild as we search out when coonhunting did a 360-slam-dunk on mainstream culture and they loved it. You’re not going to want to miss this one, boys. This is going to be good!Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:03:3123/02/2022
Ep. 41: Bear Grease [Render] - Burning Vehicles, Jack Hammer Day, and More Secrets
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render Clay is joined by several of the regulars and two special guests, Moe "Mosely" Shepherd and Rusty "Curly" Johnson. The guys start off hot with three stories of burning vehicles, one which ends up with Clay in an auto parts store begging for water. Then Clay tells why February 13th is called "Jack Hammer Day" in his family. It's the story of a giant wild hog and how he won Misty's heart with the story it's escape. Lastly, the guys talk about the last Bear Grease podcast about secrets. This one is full of laughs and some good conversation. Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:04:2116/02/2022
Ep. 40: Secrets and The Hidden World of Whitetail Hunters
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re exploring the secret world of whitetail hunters. We want to know why these rascal’s keep secrets, who they share them with, but also who they’re holding out on. The answers might surprise you. If you’ll listen I’m sure you’ll learn something about the people you THINK are your friends, but also yourself. You may be more slippery than you think and not as pure in motivation as you think. We’re going to interrogate two whitetail hunters and wring the truth out of’em, we’ll talk with an anthropologist about deep human phycology, and learn how social media has changed how we distribute knowledge. You’re not gunna want to miss this one….Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
59:3009/02/2022
Ep. 39: Bear Grease [Render] - Sky Busting, Gadwalls, and a Dying Forest
On this episode, Clay and Brent Reaves host four guests -- Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Austin Booth, Commissioner Anne Marie Doramus, as well as MeatEater's own Sean Weaver and Max Barta -- while on a duck hunt in Southeast Arkansas. The crew discusses the dying forests of the green tree reservoirs, along with Clay's habit of skybusting ducks. The conversation meanders from why Gadwalls don't have a soul to how public opinion can sway conservation decisions. These decisions on forest health are interesting topics because the solutions are so long term, it's hard to put a present value on them. This is the last podcast in our series on the Green Tree Reservoirs of Arkansas. Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:17:2302/02/2022
Ep. 38: Ducks - Saving the Legacy of Green Tree (Part 2)
Hunting flooded timber in Arkansas for mallard ducks is why this place is known as the Duck Hunting Capital of the World. On this episode, Clay interviews the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission director, Austin Booth, and waterfowl biologist Luke Naylor about why the trees are dying in the Green Tree reservoirs of Arkansas. There are some big decisions to be made about how to save them. Clay also talks with Bobby Martin -- a commissioner of the AGFC -- about the legacy of habitat conservation that waterfowlers have in this country. This is the final episode in our series on duck hunting.Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:04:5926/01/2022
Ep 37: Bear Grease [Render] - Waterfowlers, AGFC Director, and Guarding the Gate
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, the crew is joined by the director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Austin Booth and the waterfowl biologist for the state of Arkansas, Luke Naylor. Both of these guys were on the last Bear Grease podcast but came in to discuss waterfowl hunting and the agency's plan to become more accessible to people. Austin is a marine,a lawyer and public land duck hunter and is hoping to bring some change to the agency. He talks about the unique public meetings they've been having regarding the Green Tree Reservoir issues in Arkansas and we talk some more about the culture of waterfowl hunting. Aside from an intriguing conversation about footwear, the Render begins with a stand alone section by Clay regarding the recent attacks on hunting and what we can do. You'll enjoy this one!Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:21:5419/01/2022
Ep. 36: Ducks - The Duck Hunting Capital of the World (Part 1)
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’ll be exploring the ancient migration of mallard ducks and why the place they choose as a primary wintering ground -- Arkansas -- is called the “Duck Hunting Capital of the World.” We're exploring why this reputation has lasted the test of time. We’ll talk with the lead waterfowl biologist of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Luke Naylor, and the new director of the agency, Austin Booth. We'll get a good lesson in waterfowl biology and the Mississippi flyway. We’ll go into the flooded timber and hunt with a world-champion duck caller, Jimbo Ronquest, and lastly, we’ll talk with ornithologist and author, Scott Wiednesal about the mystery of migration. We’ll even hear from Sean Weaver of MeatEater. The lineup is stacked, the knowledge drop will be thick, and we’ll be getting an introduction to how the Green Tree Reservoirs -- the flood prone hardwood bottoms of Arkansas are in jeopardy, and what the plan is to save them. It would not be possible for you to intentionally want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:01:1612/01/2022
Ep. 35: Bear Grease [Render] - Misty's Tell-All Squirrel Hunt, Alone-ish, and Folsom Fluters
On this episode, the regular Bear Grease Render crew is joined by Rick Spicer, a bushcraft expert and flint knapper who was on the last Bear Grease Podcast. Rick talks about flint knapping and about being on the show "Alone: The Beast" where he spent thirty days in the Louisiana woods "sort of" alone. Misty gives a full on expose of her squirrel hunt when Clay gave her shooting advice and didn't buy her candy (JERK!). The crew ponders if the fluting of the Folsom point was utilitarian or had deeper meaning. Finally, we get to the end and answer the question we started with - why does the information about these ancient people matter? This episode is a great ending to a great series. Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:16:0905/01/2022
Ep. 34: The Folsom Site - The Unsolved Mystery of Fluted Stone (Part 4)
On this final episode in our series on the Folsom archeological site, we’ll explore the risky and mysterious process of fluting stone projectile points. For one thousand years these ancient bison hunters employed this process that some believe was entirely utilitarian, while others say it held greater significance. We’ll hear from the experts Dr. David Meltzer, Devin Pettigrew and Steve Rinella as we wrestle through the evidence. We’ll hear Rick Spicer knap out a fluted point and we’ll discuss the history of the atlatl with Devin. At the end, we’ll find our long awaited answer of why any of this ancient stuff is relevant to us in modern times.Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:12:3629/12/2021
Ep. 33: Bear Grease [Render] - Juju's Christmas Party
On this episode, the crew exchanges gifts, eats Christmas cookies, dissects the Folsom site even more, and introduces a new guest. Clay makes an apology to early Christmas light hangers. The crew tries to understand why the Folsom hunters killed so many bison. Clay gives away Josh's muzzleloader in the gift exchange and Josh handcrafts a belt buckle for Daniel. This episode is full of good Christmas vibes, and though Brent couldn't make it, he leaves a special holiday tribute to the crew. Merry Christmas!Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:09:3222/12/2021
Ep. 32: The Folsom Site - Antiquity of Man and Gourmet Butchering (Part 3)
On this episode, we’ll be talking more about the Folsom archeological site with Steve Rinella and Dr. David Melzter. We’re going to learn about gourmet butchering and what ancient hunters did with the meat. We'll discuss how the Folsom hunters likely lived and we’ll learn the science behind carbon dating. We'll bring up the controversy the Folsom site stirred up with those that believe the bible and we’ll even talk a bit about the arrival of man on planet earth. Host Clay Newcomb gives his personal positions on the book of Genesis as it relates to the age of the earth and the antiquity of humans, and we’ll be continuing to hack away at the question of why any of this is important or relevant. The story is robust, the drama is thick, and you could cut the suspense with Folsom stone point.Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:04:2315/12/2021
Ep. 31: Bear Grease [Render] - Tough Bowhunting, OnX Dudes, and Analyzing Folsom
On this episode, Clay is joined by an entirely new Render crew while at deer camp in Arkansas. Zach Sandau and Jared Larsen of OnX join the conversation along with Clay's good friend Rusty Johnson of United Outdoors. You'll enjoy the guys talking about some tough public land deer hunting and about Rusty's hardcore whitetail hunting tactics. Clay talks about the details of his doe kill and the crew spends the last thirty minutes analyzing the previous podcast, Folsom Part 2. You're going to hear lots of laughs and hear some good perspectives on this one!Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:19:5708/12/2021
Ep 30: The Folsom Site - Killing Bison with Stone Points (Part 2)
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb takes us back to the site of an ancient bison kill, the one found by George McJunkin on part one of this series. After George’s death it would become known as the Folsom site. It was here that stone tools made by humans were found with a relic form of Pleistocene bison, Bison antiquus, and forever planted an indisputable datapoint into the debate of human antiquity in North America. We’re going to talk with Ol Steve Rinella of MeatEater and the nation’s leading expert on the Folsom Site, Dr. David Meltzer of SMU, who literally wrote the book on Folsom. Dr. Meltzer went back, 70 years after its initial excavation, and excavated it again to find more answers. They discuss the archeological processes that verify the site, what Dr. Meltzer found when he went back, and speculate on how the bison kill took place. I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this one. . .Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
56:5701/12/2021
Ep. 29: Bear Grease [Render] - Early Christmas Lights, Guarding the Gate, and Why We Love George
Clay Newcomb and the Bear Grease crew begin their discussion with how early Christmas decorations impact communities, and how Halloween decor doesn't make sense -- at all. Later, they have some more meaningful dialogue about how our hunting rights are being chipped away at by anti-hunting sentiment. Clay describes the idea of "guarding the gate" and how predator hunting is usually the door for anti-hunting legislation to enter into the hunting space. The crew spends the last half of the podcast discussing George McJunkin's life and impact. Happy Thanksgiving! Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:04:0524/11/2021
Ep. 28: The Folsom Site - The Amazing Life of George McJunkin (Part 1)
Born a slave in the 1850s, George McJunkin became an accomplished cowboy under the most trying of circumstances. He was self educated and had a life-long thirst for knowledge of the natural world. His life was wrought with accomplishment, as well as tragedy and injustice. In 1908, he discovered what would become the Folsom archeological site. On this episode we’ll mine into the old cowboys life to be inspired by who he was, be introduced to one of the most spectacular Bison kill sites ever found, and learn how a freed slave revealed this archeological find to the world without ever knowing it.Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
53:4117/11/2021
Ep. 27: Bear Grease [Render] - Scent Control, Jaguars, and "The Ballad of Warner Glenn"
Early in this episode, Clay's alerted that the Render crew has formed a union and are disgruntled with their current work situation. Later, they have a hefty argument around commercial scent control products for whitetail hunting. After a contentious conversation, they move on and talk about the buck Clay killed in Oklahoma this week. Finally, they discuss the borderlands jaguar and Clay releases an original song called "The Ballad of Warner Glenn." They also introduce a new guest, Clay's longtime friend, Tyrel Denison. Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:13:4810/11/2021
Ep. 26: Eater of Us: The Borderlands Jaguar
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’ll journey to meet the most mysterious and rarest of beasts in the United States -- the borderlands Jaguar. We’ll talk with the man who documented the first live one in the United States and see how it uprooted the conservation world. That man was Warner Glenn. We’ll do a classic Bear Grease “nerd out” with Arizona biologist Jim Heffelfinger to understand how this animal makes a living and about their conservation. And we’ll meet yet another legendary hunter of the Southwest, Dale Lee. Though he’s been gone for over thirty years, you’ll hear his voice and receive an impartation from his passion. The borderlands jaguar is known as “The Eater of Us” and in modern times they live in New Mexico and Arizona. You're not going to want to miss this one!Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:01:4903/11/2021
Ep. 25: Bear Grease [Render] - Cave Man Films, Mark Kenyon, and Warner Glenn
On this episode, we've got a whole new crew for the Render. We're in the field and Clay's been hunting with Mark Kenyon of Wired to Hunt. The crew covers an array of subjects, including the difference between videographers and cinematographers, what kind of film would a caveman make, and Mark Kenyon's three days of saddle hunting in Arkansas National Forest for whitetails. Lastly, we talk about the second Warner Glenn episode, discussing how Warren responded to almost going to prison after getting into a fight with a border patrol agent and how that changed his life. Fun episode with a new crew! Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:17:4027/10/2021
Ep. 24: Marrow of American Ruggedness - Warner Glenn (Part 2)
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re back in the Open Country of Southeast Arizona. This is part 2 in our series on life of a living legend – Warner Glenn. We’ll learn more about Kelly, Warner’s daughter, and her life in movies and modeling. We’ll dive deep into dry-ground lion hunting, which I believe will aid in us getting our PHD’s as American woodsmen. We'll learn about his dogs and what characteristics it takes to make a good mountain lion hunting hound. We’ll also learn about when Mr. Warner almost went to prison and how it impacted his life including his involvement in the founding a very influential conservation group called the Malpai Borderlands Group. You won't want to miss this one.Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:04:4020/10/2021
Ep. 23: Bear Grease [Render] - Whoopins, Newcomb Bear Camp, and Warner Glenn
On this episode, the crew discusses the recent podcast on Warner Glenn. But first, Daniel Rupp and Brent Reaves open up about getting whoopins in kindergarten. The crews talks in depth about the Newcomb Family & Friends bear camp, and tell the stories of three bear hunts. Sadly, Daniel Rupp wasn't invited to the camp. Clay's uncle, Mike Schultz, is this week's mystery guest. He traveled to Arizona with Clay to interview Warner Glenn and was impacted by the trip to the Malpai Ranch. Lastly, they talk about the ins and outs of the interview with Warner Glenn and give some "behind the scenes" info on being down on the border. Connect with Clay and MeatEaterClay on InstagramMeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YoutubeShop Bear Grease Merch Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01:14:4213/10/2021