Bear Grease

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 Google Maps that he challenged you to find. The opportunity for Brent to read a listener-submitted "My TCL Story" received a lot of attention, and he's got one for us today. Turkeys, pocket knives, one of your stories, and a little political intrigue are all here in this week's episode of MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb and the Render Crew are joined by “herpaculturalist” and snake ambassador Brad Birchfield as he shows up on the scene with some jaw-dropping stories and bundle of snakes from his personal collection. Bear Newcomb tells the tale of his turkey hunting exploits. Also joining are Misty Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker as we discuss the Cobra Scare Podcast. Come see Clay and the rest of the MeatEater crew on the MeatEater Live Tour starting April 23rd. See www.themeateater.com/events for cities, dates, and tickets. Join in on the Owl Hoot Contest for your chance to win a genuine Coon Skin Hat. See the video of Carl Barnett’s confession: https://youtu.be/1dv9IZCSW44?feature=shared 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.

The gift of our time is a valuable commodity, as it's the one thing none of us know with certainty how much we have left of it to give. This week, Brent talks about how he values time and tells a story about how he and his brother occupied theirs on a turkey hunting trip to Kansas. Put on your deerstalker hat, like the one Sherlock Holmes made famous, and crack a case to win a Case pocket knife. Listen to the show for details on how to participate, as well as on how to get your favorite story told on a future episode of MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1953, the town of Springfield, Missouri was terrorized by the mysterious appearance of 12 Indian Cobras some 8,000 miles from their native home. Though all signs had pointed to a local pet shop owner, the case remained unsolved for decades. Follow along to hear how townsfolk navigated this problem so foreign that they came to employ some highly unorthodox solutions. In this episode of The Bear Grease Podcast, Clay explains how this freak occurrence left quite lasting (bite) marks on the identity of "The Queen City of the Ozarks." He interviews Fred Lally, Kyle Jeffries, John Stellars, and Kevin Jansen. Come see Clay and the rest of the MeatEater crew on the MeatEater Live Tour starting April 23rd. See www.themeateater.com/events for cities, dates, and tickets. 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.

This week Brent's sharing a story of reading a good article when he should've been reading the Good Book. He also talks about a few other books that've had a positive influence on his life. Just when you thought it was time to leave the library, he shares information about a couple of his favorite poets. All that and more on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Render, host Clay Newcomb is joined by Luke Naylor, Wildlife Management Division Chief with Arkansas Game and Fish, and Nathaniel Maddux of Slate and Glass, as we discuss the topic of turkeys forward and backward and share highlights of the Turkey Stories (Part 2) podcast. Nathaniel discusses his latest film, "The Colonel & The Fox," a documentary about turkey hunting, some of its iconic figures, and the incredibly successful wild turkey restoration program of the 1940-1970's. Also on the Render are Gary “Believer” Newcomb, Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, and Bear John 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.

It's always a treat for the blind hog when he finds an acorn. Brent and his brother Tim paddled into a file of them, except the nuts were in the boat and the fish were in the net. The Reaves brothers are back on the river and lucky to still have both of their left arms. Hear that story and more on this episode of MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is episode two of the Bear Grease Turkey Stories Series. We’ve got nine storytellers on our final turkey episode from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas. They talk about three-wheeler wrecks, people getting shot, folks flying around in jets, a turkey walking with a forked stick, and even a Voo Doo gobbler. Join host Clay Newcomb, along with guests David "Yawt Yawt" Ellis, Andy Brown, Clifford Lawing, Slade Johnson, Dale Craig, Chris Hopson, Kevin Laws, Bill Baird, and Russ Arthur, as these men tell their best turkey hunting stories. 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.

It's time to go to work and we're riding along with Brent and his dad this week. Traveling all over Southeast Arkansas and visiting area farms was a fun activity for him as a kid. The lessons learned haven't been forgotten and Brent's sharing them now on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Clay and the crew discuss his new custom saddle, trends in the owl hooting world, Moe’s great-grandfather being bushwhacked in the Civil War, and the latest Turkey Stories episode. He’s joined by viral owl hooter Demi Whittinghill, her husband John, Moe Shepherd, Misty Newcomb, and Josh “Landbridge” Speilmaker. 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.

Brent's spilling the beans on how his and Clay Newcomb's Mississippi River Expedition film all came about with some behind the scenes information on how it was put together. It was a journey for the books and quite the production. Brent's talking boats and boating safety, if you can call it that, this week on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is episode one of the Bear Grease Turkey Stories Series. We’ve gathered six storytellers from Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Georgia. We've got a tale of a man getting shot while hunting, a prankster planting a pair of emu eggs to trick his hunting buddy, and a 21-day hunt for a gobbler called the Blue Yodeler. Our storytellers are best-selling novelist, David Joy, TikTok celebrity, Macy Watkins, Jack Hall, a 92-year old Appalachian mountain hunter, and several others. 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.

It's Black Bear Bonanza time in Arkansas and Brent’s gathering with hundreds of his closest friends to celebrate the American success story of the black bear. He tells the story of a life-changing black bear encounter that he credits as a resume booster. It's black bears, hooting owls, and good trades this week on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This podcast was recorded live at the Black Bear Bonanza in Bentonville, Arkansas. The crew talks about some of the most recent bear research in the state, then ends with a recap on the American Wilderness series. Clay is joined by AGFC biologist Myron Means, BHA CEO Patrick Berry, James Brandenburg, Bernie Barringer, Brent Reaves, and Misty Newcomb. Andrew Wills of Hawken Horse ends with the debut of his and Clay’s new song, "Arkansas Mule." 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.

Therapy can come from lots of places and some of the best are right out the front door. Brent’s telling us about one of his favorites this week on MeatEater’s This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Clay Newcomb explores the personal benefits of wilderness, but also criticisms of this federally managed land. He's again joined by Dr. Dan Flores, Dr. Sara Dant, Steven Rinella, Ben Masters, and Adam Keith. 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.

What's better than catching fish? If you ask Brent, he'll tell you there's not much, but if you're catching a bunch of fish, now that's something special. He's gonna tell you one of the ways he and his brother, Tim, like to catch them, and tell you a story about the time they got caught themselves. It's "Fishing With Nets" on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay Newcomb and the crew speak with the artist and retired Missouri Game Warden, Kyle Carroll, about his career in the American wilderness. They discuss the wilderness myth, Clay’s fourth verse of the song "Ironic," pragmatism, Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier thesis, and the wimpification of America. Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, Dr. Misty Newcomb, Bear John Newcomb, and Brent Reaves join 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.

What do you take with you when you're out in the woods to keep you from getting so hungry that you feel like your belly is rubbing a blister on your backbone? It's usually pretty basic for Brent when he can remember to take them. He's gonna share a story and some experiences on what he likes and how to make some fun memories while doing it. We're talking about Hunting & Fishing Food on this week's episode of MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Bear Grease, Clay continues to explore the history of American ideals on wilderness with Dr. Dan Flores, Dr. Sara Dant, Steven Rinella, Hal Herring and Ben Masters. 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.

Brent's telling a tall tale this week about a coon that almost got away. He's got witnesses that the story's true and the video to back it up. Then he jumps the Big Muddy to visit with the folks at one of the biggest coon hunts of the year in Batesville, Mississippi. It's "Coon Hide & Seek and the UKC" on MeatEater's This Country Life Podcast. Black Bear Bonanza Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by Brent Reaves of “This Country Life," Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker and Maryland crabber, Luke McFadden. The crew talks about eating crabs before turning their attention to the most recent Bear Grease episode, "American Wilderness. (Part 1)." 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.

Things lost and found is this week's topic, and Brent's got a couple examples that are a little different - not to mention somewhat outlandish. He's going to bring it all together toward the end though, so strap in when you sit down to listen to this one. Also, watch where you step, there are buffalo afoot. "Things Lost and Found" on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast.https://hunterswithmission.com/ Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Bear Grease, Clay explores the history of American ideals on wilderness with Dr. Dan Flores, Dr. Sara Dant, Steven Rinella, and Hal Herring. 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.

Brent’s telling tales and detailing observations from his adventures north of the border. Bears, boats, and eyewitness accounts sum up the heart of this week's episode of MeatEater’s This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay Newcomb and friends discuss the controversy surrounding the Donnie Baker Story, engage audience criticism around "glamorizing poachers," and call out America's premier bear conservation event–Bentonville, Arkansas' upcoming Black Bear Bonanza event, where Clay and Brent will record an episode of the Bear Grease Render podcast. Featuring: Brent Reaves, Joe Wilson (World Championship Squirrel Cook Off), James Brandenburg (Black Bear Bonanza), Terrell Spencer (Across the Creek Farms), and Misty 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.

What does a homemade boat, a mule-drawn wagon, and coon hunting all have in common? Guessing the name Brent would be the obvious answer, and you'd be correct. How they all relate to our host and hunting heritage is this week's topic on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Donnie Baker Story (Part 1), we heard from Donnie Baker about the 2009 illegal killing of a 204-inch buck on the Fort Leonard Wood military base in Missouri. Now, we’ll learn about his punishment. You’ll be surprised by the severity of it. What’s most surprising, however, is the dark decade that followed in Donnie’s personal life. From car crashes, to world class rabbit beagles, to cancer, this story is shocking and tragic. We 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.

Brent's talking about cold fronts this week and one of the stories involves explosives. If you listened to the episode when Brent was battling beavers you know that he loves a good explosion. Well, this time he and his brother are fighting Old Man Winter. It's "Cold Fronts" this week on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode Clay Newcomb is joined by Brent Reaves, Drew Stoecklein, Lake Pickle of OnX, Jordan Blissett of Open Season Properties, and Mike Amden. The crew discusses Clay and Brent’s recent 250-mile trip down the Mississippi River and Bear Grease's most recent poaching episode. Mike gives some insight into catfishing the Mississippi River, while Brent relays the frustrations of having Clay as the Cub Pilot of their SeaArk boat. The last section highlights many of the questions raised in the Donnie Baker episode in which a 204-inch buck was illegally taken on the Fort Leonard Wood Military base in 2009. This episode is full of laughs and serious moments, and in the final story, Drew shares about his professional skiing career and how he landed a cover photo on Skiing Magazine when he jumped over a semi-truck at Loveland Pass in Colorado. 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.

Brent's talking about some close calls with his four legged pals in this week's episode. From hungry Labradors to caving Treeing Walkers, it's canine pandemonium on MeatEater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Clay Newcomb interviews Donnie Baker of Dixon, Missouri who was convicted of illegally killing a 204 4/8-inch white-tailed buck on the Fort Leonard Wood Military base in 2009. Donnie opens up about the details of the kill, how he falsified its location, and the unbelievable attention the buck received within the community. He then tells how he was arrested and interrogated by the Missouri Department of Conservation. This episode is a roller coaster that will make you think about how you cast judgment or mercy on people. Clay later interviews Dr. Misty Newcomb to discuss how, as a society, we choose whom to forgive and whom we not to forgive. Also don't forget, "Meateater's American History: The Long Hunters (1761-1775)" is now available for purchase! 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.

From homemade toys to hunting lights, Brent's offering up some examples of using what you can afford and have on hand. He also tells a story about one fellow's investigation into America's 51st state and it's not named Confusion. "Making Do With What You Have" is this week's episode of Meateater's This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay Newcomb hosts Joe Wilson of the World Championship Squirrel Cookoff and singer, songwriter, and mule man, Hayden Powell who steals the show with his new song, "Montgomery County Shine." Topics discussed: that beeping in Clay’s office, Hayden’s history with music, the orogeny of the Ouachita Mountains, tips on beard trimming, making brisket look good in online photos, opinionated farriers and beekeepers, Clay’s new mule named "Slow Trap," slow wagon drivers, the history of why people think bear grease cures baldness, why we shouldn’t get too comfortable with moonshine, and Steve Rinella and Clay’s new audio book, "Meateater's American History: The Longhunters (1761-1775)." This is a great episode with lots of laughs to start the new year. 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.

If anyone could make a Christmas story out of fried eggs, hogs, and hunting pants, it would have to be Brent. He’s talking about presents received and ruined and a chance meeting that will warm your soul. It's the Season of Giving this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're returning to a Bear Grease classic this week and remembering Daniel Boone. Originally released over two years ago in August 2021, the episode remains one of Bear Grease’s most talked about episodes. New York Times best selling authors Steven Rinella and Robert Morgan lead the conversation about Boone's legacy, as Clay Newcomb searches for the real story of the American icon. This is undoubtedly a Bear Grease classic! When you're done listening, be sure to go pre-order the new audio original from Steve and Clay, "MeatEater's American History: The Long Hunters (1761-1775)." 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.

Grits, rhinos, monkeys, and ducks. That sounds like a game of Jumanji got out of hand down at the Cracker Barrel, but it's not. It's just another amalgamation of convoluted topics from a time in Brent's life that we think you'll find interesting, or at least entertaining. It's stories from the guide service this week on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Clay Newcomb is joined by Brent Reaves, Gary “Believer” Newcomb, Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker, Kolby Morehead of Bear Hunting Magazine, Dr. Misty Newcomb, and Bear John Newcomb. Juju, Clay’s mother, also drops in to deliver cookies and a Christmas greeting. Brent tells about being at the MeatEater Live event in Kansas City. Clay talks about his and Steve Rinella’s new audio original, “MeatEater's American History: The Long Hunters (1761-1775).” Bear John tells his wild story of shooting—with a traditional bow—a bobcat with a squirrel in its mouth. Clay tells about his wolf trapping trip to Alaska and his sublime experience being in the presence of a glacier. Lastly, the team relives and discusses the impact of the first episode of Bear Grease, “The Myth of the Southern Mountain Lion.” Preorder MeatEater's new Audio Original "MeatEater's American History: The Long Hunters (1761-1775)" today. 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.

After a multi-year break from the duck blind, Brent's back with a renewed passion for water fowling. He's gonna tell us how his lifelong journey in pursuit of waterfowl started, the story of his first duck, and how his love for hunting in the timber almost came crashing down on top of him. Gather round and someone hush that dog up! It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bear Grease has been a surprising and rewarding journey of almost three years. Today we’re going back to the beginning with Episode 1: The Myth of the Southern Mountain Lion, with a peek into the genesis of Bear Grease.There are two types of people in the South—those who’ve seen mountain lions and those who haven’t. Supposedly extirpated from the South, the native lion species has lived on through backwoods lore and many believe they’ve never left. But have they? Clay Newcomb explores the touchy topic, interviewing biologists, investigating two eye-witness sightings, and talking with a psychologist about how people can see things that aren’t real. This is a lesson in biology and human nature and a great story revealing the truth about South mountain lions. 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.

Brent's back with a continued line of thoughts and observations on the value of instilling some old school ways into today's modern way of thinking. From recognizing the value of a good rope to tying a knot that's lasted 48 years, we think there's plenty in here to think about and enjoy. Gather up the family, it's time for Old School Part 2 on MeatEater's This Country Life Podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of the Bear Grease Render, your host Clay Newcomb is joined by Isaac Neale, Gary “Believer” Newcomb, Brent Reaves of “This Country Life,” Josh “Land Bridge” Spielmaker, and Dr. Misty Newcomb. Topics discussed include: an update on Brent’s horse Ken’s Reward, a great mountain buck that Josh had the opportunity to take, a poll on the Origin Story of the Plotts, as well as a full breakdown of the previous Bear Grease episode focusing on Plot Hound Royalty, Berry Tarlton. We really doubt you’re going to want to miss this one…Preorder MeatEater's new Audio Original "MeatEater's American History: The Long Hunters (1761-1775)" today. 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.

Brent's going old school this week. We know, big shocker, right? He's a walking example of "old school", but he's got some interesting takes on his definition and some stories that we think you'll enjoy hearing. Stoke the fire and sit a spell, it's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Bear Grease, your host Clay Newcomb, brings you this second part in our series on Plott Hounds and how they’ve been interwoven into the lives of the Appalachian people. Developed in isolation deep in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Plott breed was tailor made for the rugged landscape, its people, its bears. The folks who’ve dedicated big blocks of their life to this bear hound are called Plott Men and Women. If you cut them they bleed brindle and in the very niche hound world, some rise to the top as Plott Royalty - and one such man is the late Berry Tarlton of Greenville, Tennessee. His life will give us a much bigger vista than just dogs, but a rare, authentic peak into Appalachia, its culture, its people, and ways. It will be told to us both first person through an archival interview of Berry and also through the collective voices of his grandson and great-grandson, Tracey and Ben Jones. Berry started the Houston Valley strain of Plotts, he’s in the Plott Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Bear Hunters Hall of fame. He was also a legendary lawman who took up a badge and gun in the name of family honor and spent decades chasing down and busting moonshiners in East Tennessee. The stories are as wild as these mountains themselves including car bombing, shoot outs, and being bushwhacked with a Tommy gun. You’re about to see that Plott Hounds are just part of the plot. We 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.

Welcome to episode one of This Country Life! Today, we meet your host Brent Reaves: a family man and life long outdoorsman whose familial roots in rural Arkansas can be traced back over 150 years. As a way of introduction, Brent shares two of his favorite stories, taking us from schoolyard hi-jinx to riding out a lightning storm in a washed-out muskrat burrow. You're not gonna want to miss this addition to the Bear Grease lineup. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of the Bear Grease Render, your host Clay Newcomb is joined by Isaac Neale, Gary “Believer” Newcomb, Brent Reaves of “This Country Life,” Michael Rosmond of Sunspot Lights, and Chris Powell of Houndsman XP. Topics discussed include Brent’s horse “Ken’s Reward,” sunspot lights and the superiority of Coon Hunting lights, the Colorado ballot initiative to ban Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx with hounds, as well as the previous Bear Grease episode “Pure Americana: The Plott Hound, Origin Story.” We 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.

We never know where Brent’s going with these episodes and we’re not fully convinced he does either. This week he’s talking about everything from bucking horses to naming his kids. He’s like a metal man in a shooting gallery just running all over the place so, just jump in and hang on. “What’s in a Name” on MeatEater’s This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Bear Grease, your host, Clay Newcomb, is bringing you the saga of the American Plott Hound - a story not without drama. Plotts are a breed of big game hound specializing in bear hunting. They were originally bred deep in the mountains of Southern Appalachia, specifically Haywood County, North Carolina. The breed, which carries the family name of Plott, was kept in isolation for nearly 150 years while being refined by the frontier mountaineers of Appalachia. The Plott Hound is anything but mainstream, but in his extensive travels to meet Plott Hound men and women, Clay has met some of the finest, salt-of-the-earth people in America. This is a fascinating story of true Americana and we 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.

Add beaver dam demolition to the list of off the wall things Brent has done so far in his tenure as a human. Seems only natural that someone who’s lived a life of adrenaline-filled danger would enjoy blowing up stuff. There’s something wrong with this guy. We’re fighting otters and dodging falling debris on this week’s This Country Life podcast. Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch https://gootf.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Bear Grease Render, Clay Newcomb is joined by Ben Lagrone, Dr. Misty Newcomb, Gary "Believer" Newcomb, and "This Country Life's" Brent Reaves. The crew plays a song featuring banjo, guitar, shaker egg, and a set of spoons. They then turn their attention to discussing: Accidental discharges - shooting a mobile home and and a foot with a bow and arrow. Brent chasing a school bus with his dad's truck. Ben's biggest buck and Clay's issue with dog tracking for whitetail deer. And the crew's favorite stories from "Deer Stories: Passion and Lies." We 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.