As rivalry week arrives in Paragould, Paragould Boys Head Basketball Coach Jace Watson joins The Paragould Podcast to talk leadership, preparation, and the culture behind Rams basketball. Coach Watson shares his journey into coaching, lessons learned over two decades on the sidelines, and how this team has grown to expect wins after years of adversity. With a big matchup against Greene County Tech looming, this conversation offers insight into motivation, managing pressure, and what it takes to build a winning program.

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Hancock, a Paragould native and recent graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Olivia shares her journey from competing in high school athletics to earning an appointment to one of the most demanding leadership institutions in the world. She walks us through the rigorous process of acceptance, the daily discipline required at West Point, and the leadership lessons learned through pressure, failure, and responsibility. Olivia reflects on the influence of her family, the role of faith in navigating rejection and uncertainty, and the importance of leading with integrity, confidence, and a clear way forward. Olivia offers a thoughtful perspective on character-driven leadership and why the journey matters more than the destination.

Mayor Josh Agee returns to The Paragould Podcast for his annual State of the City conversation — his sixth appearance on the show. In this episode, Josh walks us through what the City of Paragould has actually accomplished over the past year, how major decisions are made, and what’s shaping the city’s future. We talk about infrastructure projects like trail expansion, sidewalks, land bank redevelopment, and pocket parks, as well as the behind-the-scenes realities of public safety, disaster response, and city budgeting. Josh also reflects on the challenges of leadership in the age of social media, why representative government exists, and what it costs — financially and relationally — to keep a city running. From tornado recovery and emergency response to long-term investment, trash services, and economic development, this conversation offers a clear picture of how Paragould is growing and why collaboration matters. Whether you’re curious about city projects, civic process, or the vision for making Paragould a place people want to move to — and come back to — this episode provides helpful context and honest perspective.

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Eli Edgar, a junior professional bull rider whose journey moved quickly from the stands to the arena. At just 14 years old, a moment at the Sikeston Rodeo sparked a desire that would grow into competition at the highest junior levels of the sport. Eli shares how a third-generation passion for rodeos and breaking horses shaped his path, from steer riding and early competitions in Pocahontas and Cave City to qualifying on the Texas circuit and becoming the first Arkansan to qualify for the Junior National Finals Rodeo in bull riding. The conversation also explores the mental and spiritual side of bull riding. Eli reflects on the role of his dad as a steady presence and mental coach, the discipline of preparation, and how faith—anchored in Psalm 91—guides him before every ride. This episode is a story of legacy, focus, courage, and the commitment to do whatever you’re called to do 100%.

In this episode, we sit down with longtime friend and community pillar Jim Jackson to explore a lifetime of quiet leadership and faithful service in Paragould. Jim grew up in his family’s downtown business, Jackson Shoes, where his parents modeled a deep commitment to listening, helping, and giving back. That legacy continues in Jim’s work today through two powerful ministries making a real difference in our city and beyond. First, we talk about The Witt House, a unique food ministry through FUMC that serves up to 150 families each week. Unlike traditional pantries, The Witt House offers guests the dignity of choosing their own food from a menu, with a mobile pantry extending that care into neighborhoods with limited access. We also dive into Jim’s volunteer leadership with Kairos Prison Ministry, a program dedicated to building supportive, hope-filled communities inside the prison system. Through weekend retreats, weekly small groups, and ongoing reunions, Kairos dramatically reduces recidivism and offers inmates a consistent message of dignity and respect—summed up in their motto: “Listen, listen. Love, love.” Jim shares stories from both ministries, insights from years of serving some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and even a few behind-the-scenes details (including thousands of homemade cookies sent into Arkansas prisons!). This conversation is full of history, humanity, and hope—reminding us of the quiet work that makes Paragould a better place for all of us. Tune in, be inspired, and meet one of the people who makes our town what it is.

This week on The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Goodson and our own producer, Chris Collier, co-founders of the Paragould Run Company. What began in 2023 with a simple question: “Why not us? Why not now?” has quickly grown into one of the most exciting community-driven movements in NEA. In this episode, Shawn and Chris share how their desire for more local races turned into a vision to create true attractions for Paragould. Over the past two years, they’ve organized two editions of the Paraghoul 5K/10K and launched the inaugural Creek Trail Crusher Ultramarathon, drawing runners from as far away as Austin and Milwaukee. Along the way, they’ve also given $7,750 to local organizations through race proceeds. We talk about the early days of dreaming and planning, the challenges of stepping into something new, and how meaningful it is to see the community rally around these events. Whether you’re a runner, a community builder, or someone who loves hearing the story behind local initiatives, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what can happen when ordinary people decide to contribute in extraordinary ways.

GCT Band Directors Kim Webb and Nathan Anderson join us to share the story behind the back-to-back Arkansas state marching band titles and the culture that’s transforming their program from the inside out. Unlike traditional sports, marching band is a competition against your own potential, and these directors have built an environment where teenagers learn discipline, creativity, and confidence through the music they make together. In this episode, we explore: • Why band competition is really about self-mastery, not beating an opponent• How 13–18 year olds buy into a healthy culture that produces excellence• The power of “fun energy” and how it shaped GCT’s musical identity• Teaching students to perform with emotion, even rehearsing as caterpillars and butterflies 🐛🦋• Helping 8th graders overcome fear as they move into high-school band• Why comparison is the thief of joy, especially in the arts• The dreams and visions of the future of GCT Band It’s a joyful, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when creativity, culture, and community come together, and why GCT Band continues to shine on and off the field.

This week on The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Frankenberger and Catherine Bradley from Legacy Hospice to explore the often misunderstood world of end-of-life care. Amanda shares how a “last dying wish” story reshaped her calling after two decades in social work, while Catherine reflects on her transition from labor and delivery to hospice nursing. Together, they offer a thoughtful look at what hospice really is, the layers of grief families navigate, and the meaningful, unseen work that happens behind the scenes. Their stories reveal the sacred moments, difficult realities, and surprising insights that come from walking with people and families in their final chapter. It’s an honest, tender conversation that reframes how we think about life, death, and the kind of care that truly matters.

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Henson, the new Chief of Police for the Paragould Police Department — a man whose journey has taken him from protecting the skies as a Federal Air Marshal to serving overseas in a UN mission, to leading drug task force operations across NEA. Chief Henson shares how those experiences shaped his philosophy of leadership and why he believes real change starts with character, humility, and a commitment to teaching. We talk about building healthy culture inside a department, why not everyone actually fears change, and how long-lasting cultural transformation happens from the inside out. He also outlines his vision for the future of PPD, including a major emphasis on officer development — increasing annual training requirements from 24 to 100 hours, equipping leaders at every level, and creating a department other agencies look to for instructors and best practices. We close by discussing the realities of drug trends in Arkansas, the importance of regional cooperation among agencies, and why “playing well with others” matters more than ever. If you care about leadership, community, or the direction of policing in Paragould, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Brad Bloemer, CEO of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, and Brad Parsons, Vice President of Market Operations for Baptist Memorial Health Care, to discuss the upcoming merger between AMMC and Baptist. They share the story behind AMMC’s decision to pursue partnership, how the pandemic accelerated financial pressures across healthcare, and what both organizations hope this merger will mean for local patients and staff. From the realities of running an independent hospital to the complexity of healthcare systems today, this conversation offers a transparent look at how leaders are planning for the future of community care in Paragould and beyond. Currently in the due diligence phase, AMMC and Baptist hope to finalize the merger by the end of the year.

In celebration of the Eagle Pride Band’s back-to-back state championships, we’re revisiting our conversation with Band Director Kim Webb — the first female director in Arkansas 5A–7A competition to win a state title. Kim shares her journey from middle-school band director to leading one of the top programs in the state, the culture that keeps students coming back, and her vision to help every student belong, believe, and become. Originally released in 2024, this episode feels just as inspiring today. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

From Blytheville to the battlefield to holistic healing, Dr. Jen Calvert’s story is one of grit, faith, and transformation. Told she couldn’t handle the Army because she “liked her hair and makeup too much,” Jen enlisted anyway—serving as a lab specialist and combat medic and learning that the military is more than discipline; it’s family. After facing a life-changing neck injury, thyroid issues, and deep personal loss, Jen’s search for healing led her toward a holistic approach that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Now, as the owner of Heal Thyself Emporium in Paragould, she helps others discover the same wholeness she’s found through experience, study, and faith. Join us for an honest and hopeful conversation about pain, purpose, and the God who meets us in both.

We reair our incredible compilation interview of Ghost Stories from 2024. A compilation of seven unique interviews about homes and buildings in Paragould, AR that are allegedly haunted! FYI, nothing is explicit in this episode, but do take care when listening around children as the stories can definitely be spooky.  Interviewees include Angelica Gray, Judge Dan Stidham, Hailey Byrd, Judge Randy Philhours, Pricilla Jones, Jon Fulkerson with Meredith Smith, and finally Gabriel Cook. Happy Halloween!

We reair our 2024 episode with Aaron Neugebauer. He is the pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lafe. He dropped by the studio to tell us a bit about himself, but really help setup our Ghost Stories episode to give us an in-depth background on the history of Halloween and talk about the spiritual world in general. We hope that you enjoy this episode!

When Danny Graham and his wife learned their two sons had autism, it moved them to action — joining with Ag for Autism, a local nonprofit raising hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support families, therapists, and organizations across Northeast Arkansas. In this conversation, Danny shares how a handful of ag companies came together to meet one family’s need, how the movement has grown to impact countless lives, and how his own family’s story has deepened his patience, resilience, and compassion. From iPads that give kids a voice to community events that rally an entire region, this episode is a reminder that when we engage our suffering rather than numb it, we cultivate empathy — and hope. 🌐 agforautism.org

Elvis has left the building… and we finally got to sit down with him! In this episode, we’re joined by Shannon Freeman— known around Paragould as an incredible Elvis impersonator and the lead singer of the band Everyday Life. Shannon shares how his uncle’s homemade Elvis costume started it all, how a back surgery his senior year led to writing his first song, the unforgettable first ever performance at GCT, and why he still gets butterflies before every show until the crowd comes alive. From the Collins Theater stage to California dream life and back home to Paragould, this conversation covers faith, family, music, and finding your voice in unexpected places.

This week on The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Jim Burgess — longtime resident, local historian, and former Emerson Electric engineer — to uncover the fascinating story of how our city began. Two railroad rivals, J.W. Paramore and Jay Gould, set out to build competing lines to St. Louis. When their tracks crossed here in 1885, a new community was born — Paragould. From missed opportunities in Gainesville to bustling hotels and twenty passenger trains a day, Jim paints a vivid picture of how competition and connection built the town we call home. We also talk about when Emerson Electric was a busy place and how Jim made his way to Texas A&M on a basketball scholarship in the 1960s. 

What does it really take to wear the badge? In this episode, we sit down with Jared Bassham, Director of the Law Enforcement Training Academy at BRTC, for a candid look inside the world of police training. Jared shares how a kid raised in a family of educators found his way into law enforcement, working everywhere from school hallways as an SRO to crime scenes as an investigator. Now, he leads the academy that prepares nearly a hundred recruits each year for the realities of the job. We talk about what recruits actually learn during those 14 weeks, how AI and drones are already changing the way officers work, and why something as simple as listening might be the most important skill for a detective. Jared also reflects on what makes a truly great officer—not just toughness, but relational maturity, genuine care for people, and a strong work ethic. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the walls of a police academy—or what it takes to build officers who will last—this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

In this episode, we sit down with Ava Biggs to share the story of the April Nicole Foundation, an organization born out of April Biggs’ courageous journey with breast cancer. Ava is joined by Stephanie Garner, one of the first recipients of the grant! April Biggs’ legacy is one of joy, memory-making, and choosing life beyond the grind of a 9-to-5. Together, Ava and Stephanie talk about how the Foundation continues April’s vision by serving families in Greene and Craighead counties: walking alongside moms with breast cancer who still have kids at home. This conversation is about more than battling cancer. It’s about how grief can make you bitter or better, how comparison is a thief of joy, and how community and hope can carry us through the hardest fight of our lives. Learn more about the Foundation and how you can support at aprilnicolefoundation.com

The Paragould Rams are off to a 3-0 start, and there’s no better time to revisit one of our favorite conversations with legendary Rams Super Fan, Ronnie Cook. If you’ve spent any time in Paragould, chances are you’ve heard of Ronnie. He’s a local icon, known for his unmatched passion and loyalty to the Rams. In this episode, Ronnie shares why he loves the Rams so much, the story of how GCT briefly won his loyalties, and some of his other interests outside of Rams sports. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good hometown story, you won’t want to miss this special re-release of the Paragould Podcast!