{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling","home_page_url":"https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/json","description":"Welcome to Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling, the official podcast of Visit Gatlinburg - your inside look at America's Mountain Home. Hosted by Caroline Bean, a tourism communications 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. Each episode dives into the people, places, and experiences that make this town unforgettable - from tucked-away trails and can’t-miss eats to local legends, artisans, and the stories behind the skyline. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just dreaming of the mountains, this is your insider pass to Gatlinburg - told by the people who know it best.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"The Stories, Secrets \u0026 Soul of Gatlinburg","pubdate":"2026-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:00","explicit":false,"copyright":"2026 by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau","owner":"Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/4/4ee9d329-3ea9-4d8a-bdeb-bed2a81d9338/cover.jpg?v=1"},"items":[{"id":"2e6a512a-79ba-4cfd-81a0-1c2319b1d69e","title":"Bear Country Survival Guide: Myths, Mischief, and 20,000 Calories","url":"https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/2","content_text":"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?\n\nIn 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.\n\nHosts 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 bears consume 20,000 calories a day—and explain why your \"harmless\" bird feeder might actually be a dangerous attractant. Plus, we hear the unforgettable \"Story Capsule\" about a bear named Richard who crashed a 60th birthday party to get a taste of some sheet cake. \n\nSubscribe to get your inside pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter to win a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass for up to six people!\n\nInterested in learning more about Black Bears? Head to BearWise.org for more! ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThink 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?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHosts 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 bears consume 20,000 calories a day—and explain why your \"harmless\" bird feeder might actually be a dangerous attractant. Plus, we hear the unforgettable \"Story Capsule\" about a bear named Richard who crashed a 60th birthday party to get a taste of some sheet cake. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubscribe to get your inside pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter to win a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass for up to six people!\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInterested in learning more about Black Bears? Head to BearWise.org for more! \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Learn the secrets to safe coexistence from the wildlife experts who know the Smokies best.","date_published":"2026-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/4ee9d329-3ea9-4d8a-bdeb-bed2a81d9338/2e6a512a-79ba-4cfd-81a0-1c2319b1d69e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":115135478,"duration_in_seconds":4785}]},{"id":"f951760d-930d-4811-a594-fd1e1819e117","title":"What Everyone Wants to Know with Chad Netherland","url":"https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/1","content_text":"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.\n\nYou’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 that legendary parked BMW? Whether you’re a lifelong visitor or a first-timer, you’ll learn how this town of 4,000 residents manages to welcome over 10 million guests a year while keeping its authentic charm.\n\nSubscribe now to get your insider pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter our exclusive giveaway!","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou’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 that legendary parked BMW? Whether you’re a lifelong visitor or a first-timer, you’ll learn how this town of 4,000 residents manages to welcome over 10 million guests a year while keeping its authentic charm.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubscribe now to get your insider pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter our exclusive giveaway!\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Meet the World Record holder leading Gatlinburg into its next era of mountain magic.","date_published":"2026-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/4ee9d329-3ea9-4d8a-bdeb-bed2a81d9338/f951760d-930d-4811-a594-fd1e1819e117.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":82078212,"duration_in_seconds":3409}]},{"id":"aff2fc56-a8ea-4b8a-b83a-0068393ed37b","title":"Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling | Official Trailer","url":"https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/trailer","content_text":"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.Links:Official Website\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHosted 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.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinks:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Official Website\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https://www.gatlinburg.com/podcast/\"\u003eOfficial Website\n\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","summary":"Hosts Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson go beyond the brochures to uncover the real Gatlinburg.","date_published":"2026-04-16T13:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/4ee9d329-3ea9-4d8a-bdeb-bed2a81d9338/aff2fc56-a8ea-4b8a-b83a-0068393ed37b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":1513418,"duration_in_seconds":60}]}]}