Current Episode

If Gatlinburg feels a little like home every time you return, this episode is for you. Season Two of For the Love of Gatlinburg begins with a heartfelt, multi-generational conversation between host Tom Goodwin and his daughter, Phoebe Goodwin. Together, they reflect on growing up in Gatlinburg, visiting grandparents Dot and Ralph Egli—the founders of Mountain Laurel Chalets—and experiencing the Smoky Mountains through the eyes of a child, a parent, and now a storyteller. From long drives into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and spotting deer in Cades Cove, to the unforgettable “Big Forest” feeling as fog lifts over the mountains, Tom and Phoebe share the moments that shaped their love for this place. They honor Dot and Ralph’s legacy—deeply rooted in hospitality, community, and stewardship of the Park—and explore how those values continue to define Gatlinburg today. The episode also reflects on the town’s resilience through fires, COVID, and constant change downtown, contrasted with the timelessness of the National Park and cherished spots like swimming holes and scenic overlooks. Along the way, Tom and Phoebe share powerful stories of cabins as gathering places—where college friends, families, and girlfriends alike have created memories that last a lifetime. At its heart, this episode celebrates Gatlinburg as a place where stories take root, relationships grow, and every visit adds another chapter to your family’s story. Season Two will continue this theme with guests whose lives have been shaped by this mountain town—longtime visitors, locals, and community leaders who share a deep love for Gatlinburg.