Paragould Podcast

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!

In this episode of the Paragould Podcast, we’re rolling into the inspiring story of Chris Moyer, owner of Let’s Roll Paragould and longtime ambassador for the sport of bowling. From growing up in the Poconos and bowling in leagues at age 5 to earning a college scholarship and rolling his first perfect 300 game at just 17, Chris’s life has always revolved around the lanes. After moving to Paragould in 2011 to manage the local bowling alley, Chris helped transform its reputation—from what some called an "unsupervised daycare" into a respected community hub. But just as momentum was building, a devastating fire in 2016 brought it all to a halt. We talk with Chris about what happened next: how he rebuilt, how mindset played a bigger role than logistics, and how he's still serving the game he loves through his pro shop and new ventures. Whether you’re a bowler, a business owner, or just someone chasing a dream, Chris’s story is a reminder to keep rolling—no matter what life throws your way.

Some teachers change your grades; a few change your life. One of Jared’s favorite high school teachers comes on to discuss his career in education, what makes for a good teacher, and how to work through your grief after the loss of a loved one. Our guest is retired Ag teacher John Clark, who began teaching in 1990, moved through MS, Texarkana, and Corning, and came to Paragould High School in 1998, retiring in 2023. Clark shares why relationships of trust outlast titles, how fair ≠ equal, and why every student should develop a skill people will pay for. We trace the shift from “vocational ed” to college-prep and talk mastery: practice until you can’t get it wrong. You’ll also hear one of the wildest unsolved mysteries you’ve ever heard from 30 years ago, plus gentle, hard-won wisdom on healing, keeping loved ones close, and staying in honest conversation.

Few people in Paragould can say they’re the best in the world at something—Sebastian Barger is one of them. A graduate of Paragould High School, Sebastian’s story took off during the COVID shutdowns when he found himself with extra time and a simple set of cornhole boards. What started as 3–4 hours of daily practice quickly turned into a path to the pros. Within a year, he was competing at the highest level. And in 2025, that dedication paid off as he claimed the title of American Cornhole Organization World Singles Champion—cementing his place as the best in the world. In this episode, we talk with Sebastian about his journey from backyard boards to world champion, what it takes to compete on the biggest stage, and how Paragould shaped the athlete—and person—he’s become. To view Sebastian's championship round, visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/9nmkyFvtQpo?feature=shared&t=8960

What makes a community rise instead of decline? On this episode of the Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Bob Barber, Founding Partner of Orion Planning + Design, whose team guided Paragould city leadership in developing Discover Paragould 2042. Bob has worked with hundreds of cities, and he shares what he’s learned about vision, planning, and the importance of seeing a community as a “rich ecology” where no space is a throwaway. We talk about the five key themes shaping Paragould’s future — from greenways and public venues to building with character — and the processes that help cities move forward. Along the way, Bob reflects on how his own late-in-life journey as a runner has given him a new perspective on the places he serves, including how trails like our own 8 Mile Creek Greenway signal that Paragould is serious about thoughtful, long-term development. If you care about where Paragould is headed — and how communities grow into their best selves — this conversation is for you. Below is an article that Bob recently published on how running through cities changed the way he plans. https://www.planning.org/planning/2025/jul/planning-on-the-run-how-running-transformed-my-perspective-on-cities-and-towns/

Brent Gambill’s career has taken him from serving ice cream at the Paragould Dairy Queen to working with Major League Baseball legends and leading communications for NASCAR’s racetracks. A Ridgecrest High School graduate, Brent’s journey includes a year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, years at SiriusXM covering MLB, including pioneering their social media coverage, unforgettable moments like the final season at Yankee Stadium, a Fenway Park World Series, and working alongside the likes of Cal Ripken Jr., Vin Scully, and Sandy Koufax. In this episode, Brent shares how law school opened unexpected doors, why persistence matters (“You only need one yes”), and what he’s learned from over two decades in communications. He also takes us behind the scenes of NASCAR’s most exciting events — including the Chicago Street Race — and reflects on the values that drive his work: integrity and curiosity. Whether you’re a sports fan, a NASCAR enthusiast, or just someone chasing a big dream, Brent’s story is full of insight, humor, and encouragement.

Jeff Rousseau’s story is one of redemption and difficult recovery. In the 1990s, Jeff fell into addiction and found himself caught in a world of meth—one that would ravage northeast Arkansas for decades. After multiple run-ins with the law, he eventually landed in prison, where he encountered Christ and began a slow but determined path to healing. Along the way, Jeff managed Paragould’s beloved Bonanza restaurant (and even shares the secret Monterrey Chicken recipe), battled Lyme disease, and survived a severe case of COVID that left him on a ventilator and facing the possibility of a double lung transplant. But in a moment doctors couldn’t explain, the scars in his lungs were gone. In this episode, Jeff reflects on what God has done, how far he’s come, and where he’s going next.