About this episode
On this episode, Clay Newcomb explores America’s first true celebrity. Built on his identity as a bear hunter, he was world famous during his lifetime and believed it came upon him by accident. All he did was play the part of himself, David Crockett. This Tennessee backwoodsman embodied the narrative of the self-made man and Manifest Destiny that became a national obsession and deeply influenced our culture, even to this day. The Crockett myth and reality are hard to parse, but Clay is joined by R. Scott Williams, author of the new book, “The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee's David Crockett,” as well as by New York Times best-selling author and Bear Grease veteran, Robert Morgan , to help discern fact from legend. One thing’s for sure – we love this guy 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 Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.