The Smoky Mountains Podcast

Sarah Seaton Meyers

In this podcast episode, Sarah Seton Myers, a homeschooling mom and author, shares her background and journey as a writer. She discusses her book 'Letters from Papaw' and the inspiration behind it. Sarah also talks about the fascination of Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains, and how understanding the history and stories of the area can enhance the visitor experience. She shares her approach to teaching through field trips and highlights various educational and entertaining attractions in the area. Additionally, Sarah introduces her 'Buried Reserve' series and other books she has written. Takeaways * Sarah Seton Myers is a homeschooling mom and author of 'Letters from Papaw' and the 'Buried Reserve' series. * Understanding the history and stories of Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains enhances the visitor experience. * Field trips can be educational and entertaining, providing hands-on learning experiences for children. * Sarah's books, including 'Letters from Papaw' and the 'Buried Reserve' series, are available on Amazon.

Michael "Hillbilly Red" Utley (Ep. 5)

Summary Red Utley, known from Big Brother Season 25, shares his experience on the show and his life in Gatlinburg. He discusses the boredom and lack of privacy in the Big Brother house, as well as the awareness of being constantly watched by cameras. Red also explains the concept of 'Chilbilly,' which represents a combination of hippie and hillbilly. He talks about the sense of community in Gatlinburg and the changes the town has undergone. Red reflects on his transition to fame and emphasizes the importance of spreading positivity on social media. He invites fans to meet and greet events. Takeaways * Living in the Big Brother house can be both boring and exciting, with repetitive conversations and constant surveillance. * The concept of 'Chilbilly' represents a combination of hippie and hillbilly, embracing different aspects of one's personality. * Gatlinburg offers a unique sense of community, with a mix of locals and tourists. * Embracing change and spreading positivity can lead to personal growth and a fulfilling life.

Chuck Winstead - Ripley's Aquarium (Ep. 4)

Chuck Winstead, a long-time employee at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, shares insights into the aquarium's operations and unique features. He discusses the process of catching and selecting animals, as well as the expansion and collaboration between different Ripley's aquarium locations. Chuck highlights the penguin parade and other special events as favorite attractions. He also recounts the challenges faced during the Gatlinburg fire and the community's resilience. Chuck shares his favorite places and activities in the Smokies and provides tips for the best aquarium experience. Takeaways * Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies catches and selects its own animals, during annual trips to the Florida Keys. * The aquarium has expanded and collaborated with other Ripley's locations, such as Myrtle Beach and Toronto. * The penguin parade and other special events are popular attractions at the aquarium. * The Gatlinburg fire was a challenging time for the community, but the aquarium's automatic pilot system ensured the safety of the animals. * The sense of community in Gatlinburg is strong, with residents and businesses supporting each other during difficult times. * Other attractions in Gatlinburg, such as Ober Gatlinburg and the SkyBridge, offer unique experiences for visitors. * Greenbrier Park and hiking trails are favorite places for outdoor activities in the Smokies. * The top five events at Ripley's Aquarium include the penguin parade, sleepovers, and special events on the plaza. * Pre-planning and utilizing online tickets can enhance the aquarium experience. * The podcast provides insights into the operations and attractions of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Tim Harkleroad - Hatfield & McCoys Dinner Feud (Ep. 3)

In today's episode of the Smoky Mountains Podcast, Tim Harkleoad, the mayor at the Hatfield-McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge, shares his background and experiences in the Smoky Mountains. He discusses the incorporation of faith in the show and the importance of gospel music. Tim also talks about finding community in a tourist town and his hobbies, including model trains and attending Bigfoot conferences. He concludes with his top five gas station foods and an honorable mention for Buc-ee's.

Erik Dobell - Impossibilities Magic Show (Ep. 2)

In this conversation, Bob interviews Erik Dobell, a mentalist and magician with the Impossibilities show in Gatlinburg. Erik shares his background in magic and mentalism and how he got started in the industry. He also discusses the challenges and benefits of living in a tourist town like Gatlinburg. Erik gives his top 5 restaurants in Gatlinburg. He explains the difference between mentalism and magic and shares his impressions of the Smoky Mountains art scene. Finally, Eric provides information on where to find the Impossibilities show and encourages listeners to check it out. Takeaways Magic and mentalism are interactive forms of entertainment that can captivate audiences. Living in a tourist town like Gatlinburg offers unique experiences and beautiful surroundings. The Smoky Mountains have a vibrant art scene with talented performers and artists. Gatlinburg has a variety of excellent restaurants, including New Orleans Sandwich Company, Smoky Mountain Creperie, Tennessee Jed's, Delauders, and Slice Pizzeria. The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers a breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains and the city. The Impossibilities show is a must-see attraction in Gatlinburg, featuring mind-blowing magic and mentalism performances.