Learn About The Smokies Through Podcasts!

Posted by Phil Rodgers in Things to Do

Podcasts are having a moment these days. They've been around for some 20 years, but instead of fading into the background like so many obsolete technologies and media have, podcasts have actually enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years.

The appeal is that there are so many thousands of podcasts catering to just about every possible interest, whether it's an inside look at a favorite TV show or sports team or in-depth information about a niche subject such as cooking or collecting your cat's coughed-up furballs. (That's a joke. We don't think there's actually a podcast about how to collect furballs. We don't THINK…)

Podcasts are also great ways to occupy otherwise dead time - driving to and from work, waiting at the doctor's office, doing chores around the house. And when everyone's traveling together on vacation, a podcast can be as effective as a movie or a music album when it comes to cutting down on incidences of “Are we there yet?”

If you like visiting the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee or if you're thinking about visiting in the near future, we're going to share an overview of podcasts that are related to this area in some way. And if you don't currently have a trip planned, hopefully, something in this list will pique your interest in checking out the Smokies.

Smoky Signal – This show is about the science behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Season 1 episodes focus on topics as varied as researching elk fecal matter and learning how citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are renewing connections to their traditional homelands in the park using a certain species of plant.

Smoky Mountain Air – Here's another pod that focuses on the science of the national park, but it also explores the park's stories and sounds. Hosts Valerie Polk and Karen Key interview authors, scientists and other experts about life in the Smokies past and present. This podcast is a production of the Great Smoky Mountains Association, and episode topics range from Appalachian music to foraging for foods in the wild.

Appalachian Unsolved – True-crime podcasts are huge, and this one fits in that category. It focuses on unsolved crimes based in the Appalachians, from mysterious disappearances to decades-old murders. This was produced by WBIR Channel 10, the NBC affiliate in Knoxville.

Inferno | Gatlinburg Disaster – This podcast takes a look back at the devastating wildfire that erupted in Gatlinburg in 2016. Also produced by WBIR, this pod looks at the causes and the aftermath of the tragedy, which claimed 14 lives and caused millions and millions of dollars in damage.

Explore The Smokies – Here's a practical podcast that will help you plan your next visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. This podcast is produced by the website explorethesmokies.com and gives you tips and insights on every aspect of visiting the Smokies, from planning accommodations to deciding which attractions, shops, restaurants and special events to visit.

Gateway To the Smokies – This podcast is dedicated to recalling memorable experiences in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both in Tennessee and North Carolina. While not devoted to offering travel tips per se, this cast is still educational and informative, as it features experts and locals discussing the richness of the area's culture, food, history and opportunities for adventure.

And while this next podcast isn't based here in the Smokies, there's definitely a connection to us at Goats on the Roof. If you're a fan of goats, consider subscribing to For The Love Of Goats, a family-friendly podcast in which they talk about everything goats. Whether you're an owner, breeder or just a fan, this podcast features interviews with experts and other goat lovers.

This content posted by Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains. Visit our home page, goatsontheroofofthesmokies.com for more information on the goats and their coaster.

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