Bear Grease

Ep. 335: This Country Life - Ticks

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s creepy crawly season in most places and that means, among other things, that ticks are on the prowl. Aside from staying indoors, there&rsqu...

Ep. 334: Louisiana Trappers' War - The Camps

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb introduces the characters of the little known Trappers' War which took place in 1936 in St. B...

Ep. 333: This Country Life - Pocketknives, Squirrels, and Father's Day

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Father's Day is this week, which means it's time for a celebration of family. In this week's episode, Brent invites you to be a part of his own family...

Ep. 332: Render - Real Estate Scams, Short Pants, and The Southern Outdoorsmen

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by Andrew ...

Ep. 331: Backwoods University - Bison East of The Mississippi

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most commonly when folks hear the word “bison” they think of the American West. It is rarely, if ever, recognized that there was once a po...

Ep. 331: Backwoods University - Bison East of The Mississippi

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most commonly when folks hear the word “bison” they think of the American West. It is rarely, if ever, recognized that there was once a po...

Ep. 330: This Country Life - Trucks, Boats, and Airplanes

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Packing multiple adventures into a short period of time can sometimes make a mediocre experience of them all. Brent's sharing a recent trip that had h...

Ep. 329: Render - “Tennessee“ Jones and Lake Pickle

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker welcome Lake Pickle...

Introducing: Backwoods University with Lake Pickle

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Backwoods University explores wildlife biology and the people who dedicate their lives to studying animals and their habitats. Guided by host Lake Pic...

Ep. 328: This Country Life - Porridge, Eggs, and Papaws

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For the folks fortunate enough to have a good relationship with their grandfathers, they all seem to have endless stories of good times to share. This...

Ep. 327: The Mystery of America’s Oldest Human Bones

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb travels to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas to meet with archaeologist Dr. Davi...

Ep. 326: This Country Life - Letting Go

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's graduation time and Brent's talking about the struggles we all go through during this period of life. Students may have a different perspect...

Ep. 325: Render - Stone Points, Big Game Tattoos, and Pablo

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb, Dr. Misty Newcomb, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by Bear Grease podcast featu...

Ep. 324: This Country Life - Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brent’s taking one more swing at turkey season with a couple of good ones. A father shares a son’s firsts--that’s plural--from ...

Ep. 323: Costa Rica to Alabama - The Interesting Life of Pablo Esquivel

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast host Clay Newcomb interviews self-proclaimed hybrid of a Costa Rican and a redneck, Pablo Esquivel.  P...

Ep. 322: This Country Life Bonus - Talking Dogs with Tony Peterson

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brent’s joined by his colleague Tony Peterson, host of MeatEater’s “Houndations” podcast, for an informative discussion on the...

Ep. 321: This Country Life - Wes: 1, Bob: 0

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some turkeys are still gobbling and dropping all over the place, while others live to see another day. Brent’s got a story about a fairly recent...

Ep. 320: Render - Ada Mule Sale Trail Course

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, join host Clay Newcomb live at the Ada Oklahoma Mule Sale. Listen along as Justin Kelso and Max Bishop watc...

Ep. 319: This Country Life - Down in the South and Up on a Mountain

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The roller coaster of turkey season can sometimes literally go up and down. Brent’s got two prime examples of that this week when a self-proclai...

Ep. 318: Mule Revival - The Ada Oklahoma Mule Sale

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease podcast, host Clay Newcomb travels across the border to the 33rd annual Ada Oklahoma Mule Sale. Johnny Kelso and so...

Ep. 317: This Country Life - Brave Turkeys and Squeaky Fences

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Certain animals are known for certain behaviors, and the only safe bet in Nature is that there are no safe bets. Today, Brent’s gonna tell you a...

Ep. 316: Render - Turkeys and Outlaws

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Brent Reaves, Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, and Lake Pickle from...

Ep. 315: This Country Life - North Carolina, A Place in Alabama

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Traveling out of state to turkey hunt is one of my most favorite activities, especially when I get to go somewhere I've never been before. I always co...

Ep. 314: Confessions of a Former Outlaw

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Oklahoma man Johnny Johnston as he shares the honest, transparent, and nitt...

Ep. 313: This Country Life - Spam, Onions, Grits, and Butter

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's something to be said for doing your own thing, and in this episode, Brent's saying a lot. His brother Tim is literally churning out homegrown ...

Ep. 312: Render - Market Hunting in Arkansas with Dr. Buckley Foster

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joined by historian and auth...

Ep. 311: This Country Life - Flying Deer and Counting Turkeys

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flying deer have been a part of our culture since the first tracks were found on snow-covered roofs on Christmas Day. Turkeys that can do math are a w...

Ep. 310: The Unexpected-Bushwhacking, Wingshooting & Biting Turkeys

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb brings together one last group of turkey stories for the season told by some of the best...

Ep. 309: This Country Life - Escaping the Bubble and Turkey Number One

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've never hunted under the bubble or experienced its effects, consider yourself lucky. Major Leaguers call it a slump and sales people call it a...

Ep. 308: Render - Turkey Showdown

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Turkey Week at MeatEater and on this Episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb, Bear Newcomb, and Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker are joi...

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...