Paragould Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Thornton, the Athletic Director at Greene County Tech, as he prepares to host the State Tournament next week—the first time in a decade since Tech last hosted in 2012 and 2015. A Batesville native, Thornton shares his journey through coaching at Hoxie, GCT, Springdale, Harrisburg, and now back at GCT as the AD. He gives us an inside look at what it means to...

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we welcome Jeremy Wooldridge, CEO of Crowley’s Ridge Development Council and District 1 Representative in the Arkansas House of Representatives. Public service runs in Jeremy’s blood—his father was a longtime community leader who inspired him to give back. Now, Jeremy is leading efforts to improve communities, develop resources, and create lasting change i...

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we’re joined by Lesley Hobbs, a yoga instructor at Peak Fitness, who specializes in mindfulness, breath work, and the art of slowing down. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. Lesley shares how simple mindfulness practices, intentional breathing, and movement can help bring balance, reduce stress, and create a greate...

With 39 seasons, over 700 wins, and 2 state championships at Greene County Tech, Coach Scott Bowlin has cemented his legacy in high school basketball. In this episode, he takes us through his incredible career, the lessons he’s learned, and the stories only a longtime coach can tell. But that’s not all—Coach Bowlin is also here to settle a long-standing debate: Was Ronnie Cook really only a GCT fa...

If you've been in Paragould much, you've probably heard of Ronnie Cook. Ronnie is a local legend as the biggest Paragould Ram's Super Fan this city has ever seen. We were honored with the opportunity to sit down with Ronnie to discuss why he loves the Rams so much, how GCT won his loyalties for a while, and what his interests are outside of Rams sports. You won't want to miss this episode of the P...

In this episode of the Paragould Podcast, Jared sits down with Robert Thompson, a seasoned attorney and public servant who’s done it all—from state government to district court, and now as the city attorney. With Jared now serving on city council, Robert has one more job: keeping him out of trouble. Join us for an engaging conversation full of stories, insights into the legal world, and a few laug...

With decades of experience in the media industry, Dina Mason has been blazing a trail for women to be in positions of leadership from Checotah, OK to Paragould, AR! Dina is the General Manager of MOR Media, which runs the NEA Premiere Magazine, Jack FM, Jill FM, and iRock 103!

Get ready for an epic debate on the next episode of the Paragould Podcast! Aaron and Kirk Neugebauer join us to tackle a big question: Is it actually good, or is it just nostalgia? 🤔 They’ll dive into four iconic sources of entertainment—movies, music, shows, and more—to decide whether these beloved classics still hold up today or if our memories are playing tricks on us. 🎬🎶📺 💪 80's Wrestling...

On this episode of the Paragould Podcast, we’re diving into the season of fresh starts and healthy habits! Join us as we sit down with Grant Pickney and Angie Halverson from Anytime Fitness for an inspiring conversation about New Year’s resolutions and practical tips for a healthier lifestyle. 🌟 What to Expect: ✅ How to set realistic fitness goals ✅ Overcoming common obstacles to staying on tra...

Mayor Josh Agee and County Judge Rusty McMillon have set an incredible example of collaboration and unity in leadership, working together to create a thriving and connected community here in Paragould and Greene County. In this episode, we’ll explore what makes their partnership so unique, diving into how their agencies work hand-in-hand to address challenges, seize opportunities, and build a brig...

With a combined 34 years of service to our community, Mark Rowland (26 years) and Jeremy Biggs (8 years) have seen great changes to our community over their years serving on the Paragould City Councilmen. Now as they step away from their roles, we get a chance to talk with them about what they learned, what they loved, and what they're looking forward to in their next phase of life.   Listen today...

Ron Bellomy has spent decades refereeing high school and college basketball (dating back to the Southwest Conference days!). He has spent the last 32 years at Legacy Equipment where he is now the location manager. In this episode one particular highlight is honoring the late Tom Kirk who passed away before we ever started our podcasts.   If you're a fan of basketball, John Deere, Tom Kirk, or espe...

Ken Hoppe has been placed in many positions over his career where it was not specific training or expertise that led him to success but a positive and peaceful mindset combined with a strong work ethic and humbleness to learn along the way. From becoming a bank president at 28 years old, to being a car lot owner, to a college president, we had a lot of wisdom from experience to discuss with Mr. Ho...

In this special episode of The Paragould Podcast, we’re joined by Kim Webb, the director behind Greene County Tech’s marching band—a team that made history by clinching the 5A Arkansas State Championship for the very first time. Kim takes us behind the scenes of their unforgettable journey to the top, sharing the highs, the lows, and the relentless dedication it took to lead this band to victory....

It's a nightmare that nobody can imagine actually would happen to them. Three years ago Paige Mitchell was on the interstate outside St. Louis after a Cardinals game when the vehicle she and three friends were in was shot at over 30 times! Somehow three of the people in the car were not hit, but Paige had a bullet go right through the top of her head. How did she come through it? What lessons did...

The last three CEO's of PMU are Bill Fisher, Darrell Phillips, & Brett Bradford. Incredibly, they have a close positive relationship between the three and have each made a positive mark on the company and our local utility services! Listen in on some of the history of PMU, how these three have brought us through the 21st century, and how to create a successful succession plan. 

Blake Ligon grew up in a small town called Marvell, AR and had never heard of Paragould. After interning at Bellevue Baptist in Memphis, he was offered a role at Central Baptist Jonesboro. A few years later, with the wisdom of his wife in hand, he would go on to plant Central Baptist Church, Paragould. His passion, character, and authenticity has led him to be deeply loved by his congregation. 

The Edwards Family is putting a historic mark on the Paragould Cross Country program. Growing the program from 14 to 32 in just a couple years, Monica Edwards has grown to love the sport and her team clearly loves striving together. Starlyn, along with her younger sisters and many other amazing athletes are giving Paragould Schools a chance to reach the pinnacle of the sport, as they aim for a sta...

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 Ga...

Aaron Neugebauer 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!

Adam Butler grew up in Paragould in a family of athletes. A sports fanatic himself, Adam was not able to play organized sports because he was born with Cerebral Palsy. We learn of how he channels that competitive nature into his career as a successful attorney here in Paragould. 

Laramie LeQuieu moved to Paragould from Benton, AR in 1992, spending his formative teenage years here as a student of Ridgecrest high school and a pastors kid. He was on staff at Marmaduke Baptist Church when the tornado came through in 2006. He now pastors Harvest Baptist Church. 

Kiwanis Club president and Shelter Insurance Agent, Ty Sims joined the show to talk about how he came to Paragould, the role sports played in his life growing up, how he started a Shelter Insurance agency, Lumberjacks baseball, and much more! 

Something is different about this Paragould Rams football team. A program that won 3 total games from 2017-2022 has won 5 games in the last two seasons now, including starting this year off at 3-0. It's our best start since 1981 (if you don't count the controversial vacated wins of 1999)! Coach Randy Phillips joins us for a second time to talk about the culture they are creating to have focus, dis...

Since 1987, Jeff Evans has been a public servant as an EMT and Paramedic. He joined the show to talk to us about how he got to where he is, what it takes to be a good paramedic, and more.