feed02.fireside.fm Mon, 18 May 2026 08:16:32 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm Mon, 18 May 2026 09:15:04 -0400 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. en-us © 2026 Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau episodic The Stories, Secrets & Soul of Gatlinburg Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau 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. false Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains, Smoky Mountains travel, Tennessee travel, Travel podcast, Vacation ideas, Weekend getaways, Outdoor adventure, Hiking Smokies, Hidden gems, Local travel guide, Food and travel, Southern travel, Mountain towns, U.S. travel destinations, Things to do in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau podcast@gatlinburg.com Bear Country Survival Guide: Myths, Mischief, and 20,000 Calories https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/2 2e6a512a-79ba-4cfd-81a0-1c2319b1d69e Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 podcast@gatlinburg.com (Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau) full 1 Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Learn the secrets to safe coexistence from the wildlife experts who know the Smokies best. 1:19:45 false 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 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.

Subscribe 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!

Interested in learning more about Black Bears? Head to BearWise.org for more!

]]> Gatlinburg, Black Bears, Smoky Mountains Wildlife, Bear Safety, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TWRA, Tennessee Tourism, Wildlife Conservation, Hiking Safety, Bear Smart, Gatlinburg Vacation, Outdoor Adventure, Bear Watching, BearWise, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains, Smoky Mountains travel, Tennessee travel, Travel podcast, Vacation ideas, Weekend getaways, Outdoor adventure, Hiking, Smokies Hidden gems, Local travel guide, Food and travel, Southern travel, Mountain towns, U.S. travel destinations, Things to do in Gatlinburg 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 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.

Subscribe 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!

Interested in learning more about Black Bears? Head to BearWise.org for more!

]]> 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 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.

Subscribe 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!

Interested in learning more about Black Bears? Head to BearWise.org for more!

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/9gEBtq3F+7ygWCENK ]]> Brent Thompson Caroline Bean What Everyone Wants to Know with Chad Netherland https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/1 f951760d-930d-4811-a594-fd1e1819e117 Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 podcast@gatlinburg.com (Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau) full 1 Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Meet the World Record holder leading Gatlinburg into its next era of mountain magic. 56:49 false 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 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.

Subscribe now to get your insider pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter our exclusive giveaway!

]]> Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains, Smoky Mountains, travel, Tennessee travel, Travel podcast, Vacation ideas, Weekend getaways, Outdoor adventure, Hiking, Smokies Hidden gems, Local travel guide, Food and travel, Southern travel, Mountain towns, U.S. travel destinations, Things to do in Gatlinburg 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 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.

Subscribe now to get your insider pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter our exclusive giveaway!

]]> 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 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.

Subscribe now to get your insider pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter our exclusive giveaway!

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/9gEBtq3F+MaXoDNrZ ]]> Brent Thompson Caroline Bean Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling | Official Trailer https://thepodcastiscalling.fireside.fm/trailer aff2fc56-a8ea-4b8a-b83a-0068393ed37b Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400 podcast@gatlinburg.com (Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau) trailer 1 Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Hosts Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson go beyond the brochures to uncover the real Gatlinburg. 1:00 false 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.

]]> Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains, Smoky Mountains travel, Tennessee travel, Travel podcast, Vacation ideas, Weekend getaways, Outdoor adventure, Hiking Smokies, Hidden gems, Local travel guide, Food and travel, Southern travel, Mountain towns, U.S. travel destinations, Things to do in Gatlinburg 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:

]]> 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:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/9gEBtq3F+Wjw5gwXA ]]> Brent Thompson Caroline Bean