Explore every episode of the podcast Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling

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!

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!

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.