Bear Grease

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!

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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. 

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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_o

Rob M. (2012, November 3). A Quick Lesson on Southern Linguistics [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNqY6ftqGq0

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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 MeatEater

Clay on Instagram

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

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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 MeatEater

Clay on Instagram

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

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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 MeatEater

Clay on Instagram

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

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Human inventiveness is displayed in our ability to mimic other animals using only our natural voice. In this episode, we’ll explore the "why" of natural voice calling, how it’s become ingrained in our hunting culture, and talk to a PHD economist to discover if there's really a correlation between an ability to owl hoot and increased overall woodsmanship. We’ll also interview a human voice expert and some of the best natural voice callers around (including one of the world’s best). This episode is literally a hoot.

Connect with Clay and MeatEater

Clay on Instagram

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

Shop Bear Grease Merch

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There are two types of people in the South -- those who have seen mountain lions and those who haven’t. Supposedly extirpated from the South, the native species has lived on through backwoods lore and many believe they never left. Did they? Clay Newcomb explores the touchy topic by interviewing biologists, investigating two eye-witness sightings, and talking with a psychologist about people seeing things that aren’t real. This is a lesson in biology and human nature, and a great story that gets to the truth about mountain lions in the South.

Connect with Clay and MeatEater

Clay on Instagram

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

Shop Bear Grease Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connect with Clay and MeatEater

Clay on Instagram

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

Shop Bear Grease Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.