Bear Grease

Ted Koppel, a renowned American journalist with a career spanning more than 60 years, joins host Clay Newcomb on this episode of the Bear Grease podcast. They discuss Koppel’s life, his family, and some of the most memorable moments from his remarkable career.

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Sometimes there's a delicate balance between being responsible and adhering to rules. Brent's waxing poetic about gravel roads and what he refers to as treasure from a time in his youth. He brings up a situation that forces him to weigh the difference between being on time, versus doing what's right. Conflicting rules, one imposed by his mother, and the other imposed by his own conscience. It's "This Count...

In this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker for a conversation with renowned Arkansas artist and fly fisherman, Duane Hada. Together, they dive into Duane’s deep-rooted love for the natural world, his artistic journey, and his passion for chasing smallmouth bass in the wild waters of the Ozarks.

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It's September and everyone's mind is on bugling bull elk. Today they are recognized as one of the most sought after western big game species, but have you ever wondered if it has always been that way? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history and mystery of the Eastern Elk. What were they, and what happened to them? We will cover everything from their first scientific description based off of a painting, to their hopef...

Brent reflects on stories heard from old and new friends this past weekend at an event with Case Knives. Centered on the common thread of their love of knives and hunting, most of these stories end up being about something else entirely. He also reads a letter he received from a chance meeting that developed into a true friendship. Check your pockets! It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast.

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On August 29, 1911, the last survivor of the Yahi people wandered into Oroville, California, naked, starving, and carrying with him a history and language unknown to the outside world. This is the story of Ishi, a man who endured the extermination of his tribe and went on to leave a lasting mark on modern bow hunting and linguistics. Host Clay Newcomb guides the narrative, joined by traditional archery his...

The first time doing anything with a high level of anticipation is a recipe for strong memories. That perfectly describes Brent's first elk hunt. It was an experience of a lifetime that has as potent of an effect on him today as it did fourteen years ago. Brent details that hunt on this episode with what seemed like the perfect setup that went from good, to bad, to great, all in a matter of moments. It's t...

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, as well as good friend Justin House and Marshall Bryant of Kicking B Wildlife as they record live in New Mexico from the original ”Montana log cabin” built for the famous Lonesome Dove film series. The crew discusses the Evan Felker Bear Grease episode, their current bear hunt, as well as ...

When you hear words like mountain, canyon, or forest, what areas come to your mind first? I would be willing to bet your mind doesn't immediately go to a place below the surface of the water. Well get ready for a wild ride because we are about learn about one of the most commonly brought up, but severly understudied areas of the world, the gulf. Come with us as we hop aboard a research boat with marine biologist, Dr. Holley Muraco ...

Contrary to what you might think from the title, we’re not headed to the local drive through for coffee and pup cups. In this episode, Brent’s hauling Waylon the Wonder Hound in the truck going on a competition coon hunt. Brent’s giving a quick lesson on how those contests are held, and his and Waylon’s experiences competing in them. Grab your light, grab your boots, it’s time for MeatEater’s &ld...

On this episode Clay interviews Evan Felker, the frontman of the Turnpike Troubadours. Join Clay and Evan on a horse ride near Evan’s ranch and then to the legendary Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa to hear Evan play live. We’ll learn about Evan’s songwriting, his horse training, and his personal recovery from alcohol.

If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com

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Get the grease hot! It's time to eat. This week Brent's talking about country cooking. That can mean different types of food in different parts of the country. The similarity, regardless of the food you're eating or how it's prepared, is the feeling you get when you're sharing it with family and friends. Ring the dinner bell and gather at the table! It's time for some "Country Cooking" on MeatEat...

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Travis Thompson of All Florida to share about the history of bear hunting in the state, when and why the hunting season ended, and the work that had gone into bringing back the Florida bear hunt.  It’s a success story of how conservation minded groups and individuals came together to see science-based, sustainable wildlife...

On this episode, we are taking a look at one the smallest, often overlooked, but essential pieces of our ecosystem: pollinators. With effects ranging from agricultural yields and native plant success, down to something as specific as the hunting quality on your family's property, pollinators play a huge role in all of it. Come along as we get hands-on experience with a beekeeper and have a great conversation with author and environ...

It's been said that you can't go home again. Brent's putting that theory to the test this week as he returns to a special place, the Saline River. It's a place in Southern Arkansas his family has generations of history, and he's sharing two very similar stories, from two different decades. Can you go home again? That's a question Brent's trying to answer on this episode of MeatEater's "...

On this special episode of the Bear Grease podcast, we're coming to you live from the MeatEater headquarters in Bozeman, Montana. Host Clay Newcomb is joined by MeatEater’s own Janis Putelis, Mark Kenyon, Ryan Callaghan, Heather Douville, and Brent Reaves. Get to know these illustrious members of the MeatEater team.

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One man's trash is another man's treasure. Finders keepers, losers weepers. Both of these phrases describe fortune and misfortune depending on how you view the discarded, lost, or found item. Brent shares a crazy story of a found item from 40 years ago that sat neglected in a box until he found it again and learned its historical significance. A rare duck call whose value can't be measured b...

On this episode of the Bear grease render, Joe Wilson joins host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker as he shares about his adventure cooking a whole moose in Alaska, and preparations for the annual World Champion Squirrel Cook Off which will be held at the Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale, Arkansas on September 13, 2025. If you’d like to part...

Black bears are a native animal to the state of Mississippi. In fact, back in the 1800s all the way to the early 1900s, Mississippi was a sought out destination for black bear hunting. However, due to multiple factors, they were almost pushed to extirpation. In this episode, we are going to learn through hands on experience and a discussion with Mississippi black bear program leader, Anthony Ballard, the conservation history of thi...