Bear Grease

Ep. 307: This Country Life - Turkey Hunts and Turkey Hunters Remembered

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 306: The Bird Hunter

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 305: This Country Life - Riding the School Bus

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 304: Render - Bear Grease Hall of Fame Induction

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 "La...

Ep. 303: This Country Life - Saying Yes to Clay and the Black Bear Bonanza

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

Ep. 302: Turkey Stories - The Greatest Turkey Story Ever Told

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 stori...

Ep. 301: This Country Life - The Country Store

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 regular...

Ep. 300: Render - Alone Winner, Clay Hayes

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by profes...

Ep. 299: This Country Life - The Helpers

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 298: The Mystery of Clovis

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, host Clay Newcomb navigates the archaeological journey of the “peopling” of America and the my...

Ep. 297: This Country Life - Waylon, Jessi, and the Girls

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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&n...

Ep. 296: Render - Mountain Goat Hunt and Mr. Ellis Bell

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, Dr. Misty Newcomb, and special guest Dr...

Ep. 295: This Country Life - Picking Beans and Sewing Up Coons

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 so...

Ep. 294: The Extraordinary Life of Ellis Bell

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Ep. 293: This Country Life - Rabbits, Dogs, and Car Hoods

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 whi...

Ep. 292: Render - Black Patch and Black Panthers

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb, Gary "Believer" Newcomb, Terrell Spencer, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker along wi...

Ep. 291: This Country Life - A First and A Last

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 290: Blurred Lines - Good Guys vs. Bad Guys

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 289: This Country Life - Keeping Your Cool Above and Below Water

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cue up the danger music, Reva! Brent’s sharing some risky stories from his youth involving tractors and motorcycles. He’s also narrating a...

Ep. 288: Render - Deer Camp with Rich Froning, the World's Fittest Man

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Crossfit legend Rich Froning and Mayhem Hunt Media Director, Scott Vander Sloot, join host Clay Newcomb, Be...

Ep. 287: This Country Life - Measuring Success

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bett...

Ep. 286: The Night Rider Tobacco Wars of Kentucky & Tennessee

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 K...

Ep. 285: This Country Life - Superstitions

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 u...

Ep. 284: Render - The Highs and Lows of Trad Bows

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 "Landbr...

Ep. 283: This Country Life - First Impressions

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 initia...

Ep. 282: Bear Grease Time Machine

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We step back in time in this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast as host Clay Newcomb highlights some of his most memorable moments in the history of B...

Ep. 281: This Country Life - Barbershops and Beauty Parlor Astronauts

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to get a haircut and Brent's taking you to the barbershops of his youth for a fresh cut and a look back at a dying art. You'll hear how his ...

Ep. 280: Render - Almost a Game Warden, Scoring a Bear, and Elm Bow

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker as well as...

Ep. 279: This Country Life - Working at MeatEater

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's answering the question this week of how he got a job at MeatEater and what it's like to work there. It all started, in a roundabout way, over ...

Ep. 278: Hillbilly Speech

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Class is in session as Clay Newcomb invites guest lecturer Dr. Brooks Blevins as he explores American dialects with a focus on the southern highland o...

Ep. 277: This Country Life - Knowing Where North Is

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent’s talking about how to find your way out in the woods and more importantly, how to find your way back. His navigation through life has been an...

Ep. 276: Render - Bear Dens, Grapevines, Selling Squirrel Dogs

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Things are lively on this episode of the Bear Grease Render as host Clay Newcomb talks about finding a bear den and bringing home a 40’ surprise. Sp...

Ep. 275: This Country Life - Four Bit Bobcats and Taxidermy

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From flea market fur to Alaskan moose, Brent's talking taxidermy this week. After visiting with his good friend and local taxidermist, Corey Eisenhow...

Ep. 274: Exhuming Osceola's Grave

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this final episode on the life and legacy of Osceola, Clay Newcomb talks with expert Dr. Patricia Wickman about the 1967 exhumation of the grave of...

Ep. 273: This Country Life - NYC

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The phrase "country's come to town" has never been more true or descriptive of Brent's latest trip. The consummate country boy spent three days in the...

Ep. 272: Render - Shoes vs. Boots, Moose Paddle, and Bear's Deer Camp

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this Bear Grease Render, Newcombs have the majority -- Clay, Misty, Gary, and Bear, as Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker and special guest and friend Be...

Ep. 271: This Country Life - Tents, Crawfish, and Sleep Apnea

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"Everyone loves camping!" "Most people like camping!" Ok, some people go camping and Brent’s experiences in that endeavor put him somewhere in the m...

Ep. 270: Death of a Seminole War Leader

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The details surrounding the imprisonment and death of Seminole War leader, Osceola, are so unusual that you may find yourself saying, "I didn't see th...

Ep. 269: This Country Life - Opportunities

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Opportunity knocks in some form all the time. How we handle it sets the course of our daily lives. Taking advantage or choosing to abstain can have bi...

Ep. 268: Render - Always Pick the Head Wound

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are back at the Bear Grease Headquarters this week as host Clay Newcomb and the crew welcome former Missouri Game Warden and artist, Kyle Carroll. ...

Ep. 267: This Country Life - Gettin' Chilly Down South (Bonus!)

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent and his friend and colleague, Austin “Chilly” Chleborad, have been on a whirlwind tour with MeatEater events in Venice, Louisiana, Knoxville...

Ep. 266: This Country Life - Deer Hunting with Dogs

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's waxing nostalgic about chasing deer with hounds and describing how it was standard operating procedure where he was from. He tells how his cam...

Ep. 265: Osceola - War and the Warrior

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Bear Grease, we continue our deep dive into the life of Osceola. We enter into the wartime years that continue to shape who he was ...

Ep. 264: This Country Life - Toddlers, Tunas, and Tailgates

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's been on the water and on the road for the past two weeks and he's sharing some of what he's been doing. There's a listener story included t...

Ep. 263: Render - Rich Froning, Tennessee Vols, and Osceola

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this special episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb and This Country Life Podcast’s Brent Reaves along with Meateater’s Garr...

Ep. 262: This Country Life - The Hurricane

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A work trip to southern Louisiana forced Brent to break a promise he’d made to himself many years ago. After his experiences during the aftermath of...

Ep. 261: Osceola - The Black Drink Singer

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we begin a dive into the origin, life, and legacy, of The Seminole War leader Osceola. Many people know th...

Ep. 260: This Country Life - Dog Traders

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dog traders can describe people who specialize in selling dogs. The group Brent's talking about deals specifically with coonhounds. There's a lot of h...

Ep. 259: Render - Bucks, Boats, and Sabots

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Bear Newcomb and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker as well as long-time Arkansas hunting buddies...

Ep. 258: This Country Life - 2024 World Championship Squirrel Cook Off (Bonus!)

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re cooking up a mess of fun and squirrels at the World Championship Squirrel Cook Off in Springdale, AR. Join Brent as he and Reva Hansen talk ...

Ep. 257: This Country Life - Buck’s Mama and Brent’s Bucks

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent followed his father’s footsteps in a lot of the Reaves family hunting traditions. Deer hunting however, wasn’t one of them. Brent’s dad wa...

Ep. 256: Deer Stories - Coyotes, Missed Shots, and Gar Holes

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we celebrate MeatEater’s Whitetail Week with another collection of deer stories from Tennessee, Missouri...

Ep. 255: This Country Life - Bear Camp

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the first big hunt of Arkansas’s fall season for Brent and the bear camp faithful. They’re struggling with dry conditions, dropping acorns,...

Ep. 254: Render - "Akern Rain" at Bear Camp

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb and Render regulars Brent Reaves, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, al...

Ep. 253: This Country Life - Thievery and Miscommunication

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just when he thought he was through investigating crimes, Brent gets called back to the job. This time someone has stolen from him and with Arkansas'...

Ep. 252: Deer Stories - Akerns, Bears, and Tragedy

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we hear from storytellers Lake Pickle, Mitch Sikes, Myles Malone, and a one Mr. Clay Newcomb, as they reca...

Ep. 251: This Country Life - Trapping

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The approach of the fall season has Brent waxing poetic about the trapping experiences he had growing up in rural Arkansas. The time spent on his trap...

Ep. 250: Render - 2024 World Championship Squirrel Cook Off

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is filming live from the World Championship Squirrel Cook Off! He's joined by Brent Reaves, sm...

Ep. 249: BONUS Render - Save the Hunt

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb invites Dan Gates from Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management back to give an up...

Ep. 248: This Country Life - Dog and Man: A Love Story

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

According to the archaeological record, the relationship between humans and dogs goes back thousands of years. Brent can only testify to the last fif...

Ep. 247: Sterlin Harjo - Seminole Filmmaker

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Clay Newcomb invites you to meet Sterlin Harjo, a Muscogee Creek and Seminole Filmmaker who co-created the...

Ep. 246: This Country Life - Safety First, Always

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's wrapping up his series on safety by giving more examples of how he tempted fate and luckily came through unscathed. Not everyone gets a second...

Ep. 245: Render - All About "Granny"

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb and the Render Crew—Misty Newcomb, Brent Reaves, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, are joine...

Ep. 244: This Country Life - Safety First, Usually

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's talking about safety and the lack thereof on this episode. He's sharing some examples of how the progression of time and technology has helpe...

Ep. 243: Ozarkian Martyr - Eva “Granny” Henderson

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Clay Newcomb shines a deeper light on the land acquisition for the Buffalo National River in 1972, including a rare glimpse of the wo...

Ep. 242: This Country Life - Eating What You Hunt

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From reptiles to rodents, we're talking about all of what could wind up on your supper table. Brent's sharing a story from his brother Tim's kitchen a...

Ep. 241: Render - When the Cat's Away. . .

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Bear Grease Render, the BG Headquarters is taken over by Render crew members Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker, Brent Reaves, Misty Newcom...

Ep. 240: This Country Life - Collections

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People collect all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons. We know all about Brent's collection of knives, but this week, he's sharing a story about...

Ep. 239: Battle for the Buffalo - A River's Erased Civilization

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In 1972, the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas was designated the nation's "First National River" - a celebrated act of Utilitarian Conservation. But...

Ep. 238: This Country Life - Country Living at the Riverstead

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A recent visit with new friends has shown Brent that some of the old ways are alive and well. There's still some good country living taking place an...

Ep. 237: Render - Bobcats, Box Turtles, and Backwoods Bad Guys

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay and the Render crew members Brent Reaves, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined i...

Ep. 236: Bonus - Apalachicola Tree Bandits

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Bonus Episode of the Bear Grease podcast, Retired US Forest Service Agent, Russ Arthur, tells host Clay Newcomb one more unforgettable story o...

Ep. 235: This Country Life - For the Love of a Knife

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's taking us on a trip to the Case Knife factory in Bradford, Pennsylvania. He's also teaching us a game he used to play with his friends in ele...

Ep. 234: Yellowstone Poacher

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb interviews Retired US Forest Service Special Agent, Russ Arthur, once again as the plot thick...

Ep. 233: This Country Life - Heroes

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The recent celebration of our nation’s Declaration of Independence got Brent thinking about heroes. Just what constitutes a hero? He’s gonna share...

Ep. 232: Render - Backcountry Law Enforcement

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, retired US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer, Joe Liles joins Clay Newcomb and Render crew members Bre...

Ep. 231: This Country Life - Spotlights, Pink Tomatoes, and Bold Corrections

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's taking us back to the tomato fields of his youth. You'll hear how he spent a lot of his summers battling the heat on his family's South Arkans...

Ep. 230: Run't Over

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Russ Arthur entered his post with the US Forestry Service in 1985 with a dedication to protecting the lands he was taught to cherish and appreciate ba...

Ep. 229: This Country Life - Decoy Dogs

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just when you thought Brent had talked about every kind of hunting dog, he shows up with another one. This week he's giving us an introduction to d...

Ep. 228: Render - Eating Caviar with Game Wardens

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this action-packed episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb and Render crew members Brent Reaves, Gary "Believer" Newcomb, and Josh "Landbri...

Ep. 227: This Country Life - TNT, Limb Lines, and Flathead Catfish

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're after flatheads this week and Brent's gonna tell you about a fun way to catch them. He's also gonna tell you the story of a different way to cat...

Ep. 226: Operation Russian Snag

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

By the 2000’s, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation had paddlefish poaching largely under control, but it wasn’t long before a new gro...

Ep. 225: This Country Life - What’s So Good About Living in the Country?

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The title of this episode was a question posed to Brent by his youngest daughter, Bailee. It was a fair question and one that took him a while to answ...

Ep. 224: Render - Four Oklahoma Game Wardens and Black Market Caviar

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by Brent Reaves, Misty Newcomb, and a posse of game wardens from the Oklahoma Department of Wi...

Ep. 223: This Country Life - Happy Father's Day!

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to pause and give a salute to the dads out there. They do a lot for us, and this week we’re recognizing their efforts by putting them in...

Ep. 222: Paddlefish Wars and Caviar Dreams

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare to take an unexpected turn in this week's episode of Bear Grease as Clay Newcomb goes on a deep dive into the topic of Paddlefish caviar. This...

Ep. 221: This Country Life - Hogs

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's talking wild hogs this week and sharing his brother Tim's story that could've turned tragic. You'll hear why so many put so much value on pigs...

Ep. 220: Render - Dan Gates and Existential Threats on Hunting

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by Da n Gates from Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management as they discuss the proposed...

Ep. 219: This Country Life - Canadian Chocolate

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's back from the Canadian bush of Manitoba and he brought a big color phase bear with him. Hear the tale of that hunt and get a teasing glimpse i...

Ep. 218: The Waterman, Luke McFadden

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luke McFadden is a 27-year-old, first-generation waterman on the Chesapeake Bay. In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb invites Luke...

Ep. 217: This Country Life - How to Cook a Coon

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to eat and there's "masked bandit" on the menu. Brent's gonna tell you how to cook one like they do down in Gillett, Arkansas, home of the ...

Ep. 216: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - Long-Range Shooting, Killing a Bear with a Rock, Coon Supper Breakdown

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by Kolby Morehead, of Bear Hunting Magazine, along with Misty Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spi...

Ep. 215: This Country Life - Messing with Critters

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It won't be long before family vacations and interactions with nature increase. Schools are out for most, but for some the real education in the outdo...

Ep. 214: Gillett Coon Supper

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Once a year in the small farming town of Gillett, Arkansas, people from the local and surrounding communities gather in the gymnasium of the de-commis...

Ep. 213: This Country Life - When it all Falls Apart

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You knew it was coming. After two consecutive weeks of bagging turkeys like he's picking peas, the mighty hunter has stumbled. That he encountered tur...

Ep. 212: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - New Pup, Clays Unconventional Farrier Skills, and Mississippi Bears

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh back from the MeatEater Live Tour, Clay Newcomb is joined by the Render Crew and Anthony Ballard, Bear Program Leader for the Mississippi Depart...

Ep. 211: This Country Life - If She Can Hit a Cow She Can Hit a Turkey

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a turkey season of firsts and Brent's still reeling from an incredible opener in Missouri. He's got two great hunts on tap for you, a movie ...

Ep. 210: On The Road Again

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Clay and the crew for a behind-the-scenes view into the MeatEater Live Tour. Steve Rinella, Janis Putelis, and Spencer Neuharth are hitting ten c...

Ep. 209: This Country Life - When it All Comes Together

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's opening week of Missouri's 2024 turkey season went better than he'd hoped. Along with that, a lot of you found the picture of Tim and him on G...

Ep. 208: BEAR GREASE [RENDER] - Pit Vipers, Outwitting Turkeys, and Coon Skin Hats

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb and the Render Crew are joined by “herpaculturalist” and snake ambassador Brad Birchfield ...