Bear Grease

Ep. 6: Searching For Akerns

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. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGCqWrsAZ_o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGCqWrsAZ_o</a> Rob M. (2012, November 3). A Quick Lesson on Southern Linguistics [Video]. YouTube. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNqY6ftqGq0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNqY6ftqGq0</a> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

The Bear Grease Podcast with host Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America. He’ll dive in deep with hunters, biologists, anthropologists, and hillbillies to learn about human nature and our ancient connection to the land. Bear Grease explores unique people, topics, and stories that reveal the incredible value of life lived close to the land. Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.