For the Love of Gatlinburg

In this heartfelt episode of For The Love of Gatlinburg, Tom and Phoebe Goodwin sit down with longtime Gatlinburg vacation rental owner and Chalet Village board member, Paula Elliott, to trace a three‑generation love story with the Smokies. Paula shares how her grandparents honeymooned in Gatlinburg in 1935 and returned for 50 straight years, planting seeds that eventually led her to become a thir...

In the season two premiere of For the Love of Gatlinburg, Tom Goodwin welcomes a very special guest—and introduces his new co‑host—his daughter, journalist and storyteller Phoebe Goodwin. Together they reflect on a lifetime of memories rooted in Gatlinburg, from childhood trips in a packed suburban, to Thanksgiving mornings in Cade's Cove, to multi‑generational gatherings in Mountain Laurel Chalet...

Episode 14 of For the Love of Gatlinburg welcomes Kelly Haas. Kelly, originally from Dayton, Ohio, shares her journey of falling in love with Gatlinburg and eventually making it her home. Her story begins with her twin sister's wedding in 1994, which sparked annual visits and a deep connection to the town's beauty and vibrancy.  The devastating fires of 2016 became a turning point, prompting Kelly...

This episode of For the Love of Gatlinburg features Jason White of Century 21 Realty. It delves into Gatlinburg's rich history, real estate development, and community spirit, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the area's evolution and charm. Jason White, a long-time resident and real estate professional, shares his personal journey and insights into Gatlinburg's growth. He discusses the or...

Episode 12 of  For the Love of Gatlinburg takes us into the heart of Gatlinburg's prestigious Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Mike Fowler, a local potter and artisan, is enriching Gatlinburg's art scene through his journey and contributions to the community. After falling in love with the area during his honeymoon in 2003, Fowler made the decision to move to Gatlinburg in 2006, inspired by th...

Episode 11 features Kay Cox King, a 17th-generation Gatlinburg native and property manager at Mountain Laurel Chalets. Her deep-rooted connection to the area is evident through her family's significant contributions to Gatlinburg's development, including her great-grandfather Andy Huff opening the first hotel and her great-grandmother Martha Jane Husky Ogle advocating for education. Throughout the...

In this captivating episode of For the Love of Gatlinburg , host Tom Goodwin welcomes Johnny Baker of Ole Smoky Moonshine to explore the charm and history of Gatlinburg. Johnny shares his deep-rooted connection to the town, from his family's post-World War II arrival to the creation of the world's largest moonshine company. He paints a vivid picture of growing up in Gatlinburg, describing it as hi...

Episode nine of the  For the Love of Gatlinburg podcast, featuring Junior Watson, Store Manager of Food City, Gatlinburg's sole full-service grocery store, offers a rich exploration of Gatlinburg's history, community spirit, and future prospects. Junior's family has deep roots in the area, dating back to the 1700s when they settled in White Oak Flats, now known as Gatlinburg. The Watson family's s...

Susie Greengold, a 71-year-old lifelong Gatlinburg resident, embodies the town's rich heritage and evolution. Her family's roots in the area date back to the 1700s, with ancestors like William Ogle and Jane Husky Ogle among Gatlinburg's earliest settlers. This deep connection is reflected in Susie's education, which included attending Gatlinburg Pittman High School and PI Beta Phi, a unique K-12 s...

Randy Watson, the General Manager of Gatlinburg SkyPark, was born and raised in the area. Watson's family has deep roots in the region, with his grandparents having worked for the Little River Lumber Company before the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Watson discusses beginning his career at the Gatlinburg Skylift at age 14 and eventually following in his father's footstep...

Mark Adams, President and CEO of Ober Mountain, has been a transformative force in Gatlinburg's tourism landscape for over eight years. With a background in managing major venues in Atlanta, Adams brought fresh perspectives to Gatlinburg, navigating challenges like wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic with innovative strategies. His leadership during crises fostered community unity and resilience,...

In this podcast episode, Jackie Leatherwood, General Manager of Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, shares her deep connection to the area and insights into the local community. With 28 years at Greystone Lodge and roots in Sevier County, Jackie discusses her family history and childhood experiences that shaped her understanding of Gatlinburg. The episode also highlights Jackie's active invo...

In the podcast episode featuring Corey Wagner, listeners are introduced to his remarkable journey from tourist to local influencer in Gatlinburg. Corey, originally from Lima, Ohio, first visited Gatlinburg in 2011 with his family after a long hiatus from traveling. They stayed at Zoders Hotel, a historic recommendation from his wife, and enjoyed their trip so much that they extended their stay fro...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Werner, the longtime Mayor of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mike shares his fascinating journey from first visiting Gatlinburg in 1976 to becoming its mayor and a pillar of the community. Mike's story begins with an impulse property purchase in Walden's Creek, which led to him relocating his family to Gatlinburg in 1980 without a job or a home. He recounts building...

Cindy Cameron Ogle has been a cornerstone of Gatlinburg's growth and development for nearly five decades, serving as the city's longest-tenured City Manager from 1989 to 2023. Her journey from a South Knoxville native to Gatlinburg's most influential public servant is a testament to her dedication, vision, and resilience. Ogle's career in public service began in 1974 when she worked for U.S. Congr...

Chad Netherland, the President and CEO of Visit Gatlinburg, highlights the town's unique charm and its ongoing evolution while sharing his personal connection to the area. Netherland emphasizes Gatlinburg's spectacular scenery and its rich history, having spent summers there since childhood. In his role as President and CEO of the Gatlinburg Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, Chad focuses on b...

In the official trailer for the For the Love of Gatlinburg podcast, host Tom Goodwin shares about his first encounter with Gatlinburg and how that visit significantly altered the course of his life. He reflects on the unique charm and experiences that Gatlinburg offers, setting the stage for what listeners can expect in the upcoming first season of the podcast.