Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling

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 hist...

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 o...

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...

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 "wa...

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.