{"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":"2026-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:00","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":"9ee93718-8113-4dd1-8c1a-cb54e6859865","title":"Beyond the Parkway","url":"https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/4","content_text":"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.\n\nOur 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 \u0026amp; 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 learn how to navigate the trail like a pro, the unique science behind wood spaling, and why the local artisans offer a human connection that mass production can never replicate.\n\nSubscribe to get your insider pass to the soul of Gatlinburg, and head to Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter our giveaway for a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass for up to six people!","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDid 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur 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 \u0026amp; 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 learn how to navigate the trail like a pro, the unique science behind wood spaling, and why the local artisans offer a human connection that mass production can never replicate.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubscribe to get your insider pass to the soul of Gatlinburg, and head to \u003ca href=\"https://gatlinburg.com/podcast\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eGatlinburg.com/podcast\u003c/a\u003e to enter our giveaway for a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass for up to six people!\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Explore the historic 8-mile loop where Appalachian heritage and creativity thrive.","date_published":"2026-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/4ee9d329-3ea9-4d8a-bdeb-bed2a81d9338/9ee93718-8113-4dd1-8c1a-cb54e6859865.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73352814,"duration_in_seconds":3043}]},{"id":"cfa2c1c5-f5cb-49dd-ae4d-82e6754d2777","title":"On Top of Gatlinburg","url":"https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/3","content_text":"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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nHosts 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-based skywalk. Then, Tyler Shultz from Ober Gatlinburg talks about the exciting new summer improvements and year-round fun. Finally, Austin Martin from Anakeesta joins the show to map out the perfect afternoon and the immersive magic of Astra Lumina. Plus, we break down why the newly renamed Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is an absolute must-visit spot.\n\nSubscribe now to elevate your travel plans, and head to Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter to win a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass for up to six people!","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWant 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHosts 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-based skywalk. Then, Tyler Shultz from Ober Gatlinburg talks about the exciting new summer improvements and year-round fun. Finally, Austin Martin from Anakeesta joins the show to map out the perfect afternoon and the immersive magic of Astra Lumina. Plus, we break down why the newly renamed Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is an absolute must-visit spot.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubscribe now to elevate your travel plans, and head to Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter to win a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass for up to six people!\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Change your perspective and elevate your next trip with the absolute best views in Gatlinburg.","date_published":"2026-06-04T08:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/4ee9d329-3ea9-4d8a-bdeb-bed2a81d9338/cfa2c1c5-f5cb-49dd-ae4d-82e6754d2777.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":60020066,"duration_in_seconds":2478}]},{"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}]}]}