On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re heading to the American West to meet a Rancher midway through his ninth decade on planet earth -- and he still rides his mule everyday. He’s known as one of the nation’s best dry-ground mountain lion hunters. The southern border of his property is Mexico, he plays a little fiddle, and he did a some unconventional roping in an Academy award winning movie. But that’s just the flashy stuff, we’ll hear a wild story that involves a helicopter rescue, but mainly we’ll glimpse into the life of a true American cowboy named, Warner Glenn. We had expectations of who this man would be, but they were scattered in the desert when I met the real Mr. Warner. This is part one in our series on the life of the living legend, Warner Glenn. 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.

On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], we’ve got a slew of new guests. Terrell Spencer from Across the Creek Farm joins the crew to talk about soil. The discussion goes from Navy pilots sunglasses, to parachutes not opening, to solving the world’s problems with dirt. It’s a fun episode and full of laughs, but takes a serious turn. How do we change the system when the current system is likely to fail in the long run? Human life is short but the life of the soil spans across inconceivable time. Civilizations have risen and fallen based upon soil health. At the end of the episode Forest Teeter sings “Paradise” by John Prine.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.

On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re going to the very footing of natural systems and human existence. Empires have risen and fallen because of soil health and the equalizing grasp of the topic at hand is inescapable from both the wealthy and impoverished people. We’ll be discussing the bewildering complexity of the soil and our connection to it. We’ll nerd out with Clay Newcomb's old soil science professor, Dr. David Miller exploring soil uniqueness. We’ll also talk with Dr. Grant Woods and learn how he transformed a degraded Ozark cattle farm into a whitetail paradise through building soils. And we’ll talk with an Arkansas farmer, Terrell Spencer of Across The Creek Farm who was inspired to live close the land because of what he saw in the Middle East. Understanding soils will upgrade as woodsmen as we’ll understand more about the heartbeat of wild places. 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.

On this Render episode, Clay and the crew discuss the nuanced social signals in riding mules, horses and wearing sweat pants in Macy's. Clay discloses his overreaction to the scandal after listening to the MeatEater Campfire Stories tale about the game warden, and equates it to an experience in kindergarten. However, the discussion gets deep as they talk about Daniel Boone's later years, his impact on American culture, and why the woodsmen of North American have earned a seat at the table of American identity. 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.

This is part three and our final episode in our series on Daniel Boone. On this episode, we'll go in depth about his life from when he was 35 years old to his death at age 86. We’ll again interview acclaimed writers Steve Rinella and Robert Morgan about Boone’s impact on American identity and culture. We’ll explore the highlights of Boone’s life including the rescue of his daughter, rumors of his wife’s unfaithfulness, his stint as a Virginia legislature, and the controversy around where Boone is buried. Then we'll explore Boone’s identification as a woodsman and his impact on American’s view and utilization of wilderness with Dr. Daniel Rupp. Lastly, Clay makes an appeal that the American woodsman deserves a lasting place at the table of American identity.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.

On this episode of the [Render], Gary Newcomb is back. He tells us how to not get canceled and waxes about Clay's fairly average story telling ability. Clay reveals his mother is upset with him because of his reaction to podcast feedback. Misty and Josh cover a famous song about the Cumberland Gap. The crew has an enlightening discussion on the second Daniel Boone podcast. It's action packed and fun, as usual.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.

We're on to part two of our series on the incredible life of the American backwoodsman, Daniel Boone. We’re going to dive deep into a topographic feature in the Appalachian Mountains that was a major player in the identity of Daniel Boone and America – we’re talking about the Cumberland Gap. We’ll interview two New York Times best-selling authors and Boone experts - Steven Rinella and Robert Morgan, we’ll nerd out with a geologist, we’ll talk about the potential of historical revision of Boone, and lastly, we’ll talk with a member of the Cherokee Nation, Professor Taylor Keen, and hear his perspective on the Ol’ Gap. The path is rough, and American identity is at stake.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.

On the episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay and the gang discuss an array of riveting topics including getting ninja kicked by a mule. They discuss how Clay got it wrong on the game warden story, and Kolby Morehead of Bear Hunting Magazine squeezes in a legitimate "bears, beets and Battle Star Galactica" reference. The guys are joined by writer Seth Haines, who was also a guest on the first episode of the Daniel Boone series. They discuss the tension created by Boone potentially having a Cherokee wife, and wrestle with "armchair valor" in saying how they wouldn't have done it. The discussion is rich as they render down the first episode of the Daniel Boone 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.

On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’ll be exploring a story as American as cornbread and black-eyed peas, we’re talking about one of America’s first heroes--Daniel Boone. We’ll sift through the myth and truth and discuss why the heck we’re still talking about him 200 years after his death. We’ll learn about the mechanism of archetypes, and Clay Newcomb will interview two New York Times best-selling authors Robert Morgan and Steven Rinella about their fascination with Boone. We'll learn that the truth is wilder than the myth. This is part one of our series on Ol’ Dan’l Boone, and in it we’ll walk through the first 35 years of Boone’s life. 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.

On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], the crew starts out with a discussion on Clay's recent brush with the intoxicating power of a D6 Caterpillar bulldozer. They'll jump into a wild story of the Newcomb's near immortal rooster, which comes with a song. Finally, they discuss the "Snake Bit" episode and all the wild stories on the podcast. The crew learned a lot from Dr. Chris Jenkins of the Snake Talk Podcast, were shocked by Fred Lally's life, and were deeply impacted by Lisa Damron's story. You're not going to want to miss this laugh-filled, yet meaningful episode. 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.

Whether you like it or not, snakes are a unique part of the human experience. We've had an unusual fear of them since humans started recording their lives in ways we can now study. In this episode, we'll talk with a man who's been bit so many times by venomous snakes he's lost count. We'll dive in deep with a Dr. Chris Jenkins of the Orianne Society trying to understand Timber Rattlesnake biology -- he calls them America's snake. He also tells us what to do if you get bit by a snake. We'll end with a shocking interview you wouldn't believe unless you heard it from the person it happened to. It's going to be a slithery conversation as we try to understand snake biology, human fear, and why snakes are important. Let us know what you think about this episode!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.

On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], we'll talk about an alarming influx of black panther evidence from listeners, and introduce a new hashtag: #landbridge. You'll hear about Brent's family "borrowing" raccoon hounds, and we'll introduce a new character into the Render who's a Navy pilot who once stiff-armed Clay on a podcast partnership. Mainly, you'll hear the guys discuss episode 9 of the Bear Grease Podcast called "Moonshine, NASCAR and Bear Hunting." The episode is high energy and continues to deliver an unplugged, engaging version of Bear Grease. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Clay continues to explore southern Appalachian culture. He interviews Roy Clark about his bear hunting and Plott hounds. You’ll hear both laughter and tears. Then we dive in with Dr. Daniel Pierce to learn about the complex history of moonshine, prohibition, and it’s interesting connection to NASCAR. Lastly, we explore with a curious eye the snake handling churches of Appalachia. We’re not making heroes or villains, we’re just telling an American story.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay Newcomb is joined by the regular crew, minus Gary Newcomb -- however, the empty chair is filled by his wife Misty and her banjo.The crew has fun by playing some live music including a cow bell and bear baculum. They talk about Clay's inaccurate pronunciation of the word "pronunciation" and have a conversation about acorn soup. They give Dr. Daniel Rupp the floor to expound on his contribution to the "Searching for Akerns" podcast and discuss how Clay had to be vetted before he could call Mr. Roy Clark. You'll get a real behind-the-scenes look into Bear Grease and hear some insightful commentary on the two episodes "Searching for Akerns" and "Fifty Years in the 'Baccer Field." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast, we’ll explore southern Appalachian culture through the life of a family of farmers, musicians, and bear hunters. The Clark family in East Tennessee are relics of the region’s past. Clay also interviews national expert, Dr. Daniel Pierce of the University of North Carolina Asheville, who will take us a on a guided tour of the regions storied past, helping us understand both fact and fiction. You’ll hear some bluegrass music, and we’ll even talk about Dolly Parton. This is part one of a two part series on Appalachian Mountain culture. You’re going to enjoy meeting the Clarks! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, we introduce you to a new weekly podcast called Bear Grease [Render], where we dissect and distill the documentary-style Bear Grease Podcast. You’ll meet a cast of people, some of whom you’ll be familiar with if you listen to our podcast. This week, Clay is joined by Brent Reaves, Dr. Dan Rupp, Dr. Malachi Nichols, Josh Spielmaker and Gary Newcomb. These guys have an enlightening conversation about the Bear Grease Podcast.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast, we're going to get a PHD in acorns, or as 20% of the country says, "akerns." We're going to do a biology deep dive with the nation's leading expert in oaks and acorns, Dr. Craig Harper of the University of Tennessee, but the main thing we're trying to understand is how we use language to define cultural identity--we all do it everyday. We talk with anthropologist Dr. Daniel Rupp about language, dialects, and how important they are in forming social groups. This is a winding road between biology and social science where we'll debunk the American myth of rugged individualism and learn how to make your oak trees produce more acorns. It's going to be a wild ride!YouTube clips heard in this podcast:Ross Sauce. (2010, April 28). Pronouncing Appalachia [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGCqWrsAZ_oRob M. (2012, November 3). A Quick Lesson on Southern Linguistics [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNqY6ftqGq0 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, I’m in pursuit of understanding my irrational connection to dogs. I’ll talk about Lewin Newcomb -- my grandfather -- and his internal hierarchy of important things (of which dogs ranked very close to the top). I’ll interview anthropologist David Ian Howe, who specializes in the dog/human relationship, and we’ll discuss dog domestication, the impact of human selection on dogs, and how canines have affected the trajectory of our civilization. We’ll also interview a dog trainer, Damon Bungard, about his dogs and the unique way he uses them. Lastly, we’ll go on a raccoon hunt with hounds as we explore our irrational connection to canines. Towards the end we’ll draw some conclusions on new ideologies that are trying to change the rules of how human use dogs.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.

On this episode of The Bear Grease Podcast, we’re exploring the gruesome death of Erskine, an Ozark Mountain bear hunter killed by his quarry in the 1840s. You’ll hear the firsthand account of the incident from his comrade, Frederick Gerstacker. We'll also interview the leading historian of Ozarks (Dr. Brooks Blevins), hear from the man who found the only clue leading to Erskine’s grave, and go in search of the grave ourselves. This is one of my favorite stories of all time and its contents have affected my family and me for the last decade. I want to explore how stories impact us and why.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.

James Lawrence is a master public land whitetail hunter and his favorite tactic is called "still hunting." In this episode of Bear Grease, you'll hear James' family story and about the buck that altered the trajectory of his life. The story has many twists, turns, and some family drama. For many years, James has been an influential figure in Clay Newcomb's life and he explores why relationships are so valuable. You'll be entertained by a great story, learn some techniques for hunting, and you'll be challenged to build stronger relationships.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.