Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling

Did you know the most visited distillery in the world sits right in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee?

In this episode, you’ll discover the rich history, family legacy, and surprising myths behind legalized moonshine straight from an insider.

Hosts Caroline and Brent sit down with Johnny Baker (known affectionately as "Uncle Johnny"), brand ambassador for Ole Smoky Moonshine. Johnny takes us through his family's deep-rooted roots in Sevier County, the transition from illegal distilling in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to opening Tennessee's first legal moonshine business, and how local heritage built a gl...

Struggling to plan a Gatlinburg trip that keeps every generation entertained without blowing the budget or stressing out? Discover how to turn a crowded itinerary into a seamless, unforgettable mountain getaway for the entire family.

In this episode, hosts Brent and Caroline sit down with Dustin Ivey—Senior General Manager of Ripley’s Tennessee—and his four-year-old daughter, Waylon. Dustin breaks down why Gatlinburg is a premier family-friendly destination, shares local tips for balancing big-ticket attractions with relaxing downtime, and reveals how kid feedback directly shapes the region’s newest entertainment experiences. Plus, enjoy a fun trivia segment...

Have you ever wondered who maintains the 800 miles of trails in America’s most visited national park, or how a mountaintop lodge gets its supplies without any roads? In this episode of Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling, we sit down with Katie Liming, Chief of Staff for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to pull back the curtain on the backyard of Gatlinburg. You'll discover the scientific secret behind the park's famous blue mist, how a dedicated team preserves over 100 historic log cabins, and the incredible role that a herd of llamas plays in keeping Mount LeConte thriving. Whether you ar...

Did you know that Gatlinburg is home to the largest independent organization of actively working artisans in the United States? In our fourth episode, we venture beyond the Parkway to uncover a deeper, more traditional side of the Smokies.

Our hosts Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson sit down with fifth-generation woodworker Joe Compton, owner of Joe Compton Woodworking and a cornerstone of the historic Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Joe takes us through the rich legacy of the 8-mile loop, sharing how his grandfather built a craftsmanship empire out of necessity during the Great Depression. You’ll le...

Want to catch a breath of fresh air and completely distance yourself from the daily hustle? The secret is simple: you have to get above it all.

In this episode, you’ll discover how a change in elevation completely changes your perspective, and you’ll get the ultimate blueprint to building a high-altitude itinerary for your next trip to the Smokies.

Hosts Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson take you on a virtual tour of Gatlinburg’s peak experiences. We sit down with John McKay from SkyPark to discuss the thrill of crossing North America's longest tree-b...

Think a bear in a tree is just taking a nap? What if we told you they can climb 70 feet high and snooze in a hollow branch for months?

In this episode, you will learn the crucial “Dos and Don’ts” of visiting bear country so you can protect yourself, your family, and the local black bear population.

Hosts Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson sit down with wildlife experts Janelle Musser (TWRA) and Ryan Williamson (National Park Service) to debunk common myths about hibernation and hunger. We dive into the science of "Hyperphagia"—the period where be...

What does a Guinness World Record for breaking ice have to do with running one of America’s most visited mountain towns? In our premiere episode, hosts Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson sit down with the President and CEO of Visit Gatlinburg, Chad Netherland, to uncover the "Secrets and Soul" of the Smokies.

You’ll discover the strategic vision behind Gatlinburg’s massive growth, why the town’s "walkability" is its secret weapon, and the real reason there are so many pancake houses on the Parkway. We also tackle the ultimate local mystery: What is the deal with tha...

Hosted by Caroline Bean, a travel brand expert shaping Gatlinburg’s national story, and Brent Thompson, a seasoned entertainer and storyteller with deep roots in East Tennessee, this show goes beyond the brochures to uncover the real Gatlinburg.

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