Paragould Podcast

From Addict to Advocate, Telly Roberts Story of Recovery and Redemption

Telly Roberts knows addiction from the inside out. She once lived it—now she’s helping others escape it. In this episode, Telly shares how she got pulled into a life of drug use and dealing, what finally broke the cycle, and how she’s turned her pain into purpose.

As a Peer Recovery Specialist, Telly now supports 15–20 individuals in Drug Court, helping them navigate the path to sobriety and stability. Her story is raw, honest, and full of hope.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Call Telly at 870-351-5184. Help is real. Recovery is possible.

After the Loss: Tim Roswell on Grief and Healing

In October 2016, Tim Roswell’s son, Logan, suffered a tragic accident during his freshman year of college. For over a week, Tim and his wife, Kelly, stayed by his side at a hospital in Springfield—surrounded by Logan’s friends, praying for a miracle.

In this deeply personal episode, Tim opens up about those days in the hospital, the heartbreak of loss, and the long journey of grief that followed. He also shares how he and Kelly found a path toward healing through While We’re Waiting—a retreat center in Hot Springs for parents who’ve lost children.

This conversation is honest, tender, and full of grace.
If you or someone you love is walking through loss, we hope this story brings comfort and connection.

https://whilewerewaiting.org/

Music and Message of Grace with Mitchell Cole

Mitchell Cole founded By His Grace entertainment to help Christian artists find stages and venues to share their music and message. His philosophy of leadership is founded in lessons learned from his days at Casa Brava where he learned about giving people opportunities (because of the opportunity he was given) and extreme hospitality (going above and beyond what's expected). He shares lessons and stories along the way, including a wonderful story of how a well known band gave him a shot at their own financial risk. 

Dead Bodies, Badges, and Bread Making with Stephen Pace

This week on The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Stephen Pace, a School Resource Officer in Paragould with an incredible story and a heart for the next generation.

Before serving in law enforcement, Stephen was:
🎧 DJ’ing weddings and working for a local radio station (yes, even suiting up as The Yard Dog mascot)
🚗 Washing cars at Tom Kirk Chevrolet
🍦 Serving up Blizzards at Dairy Queen

Stephen became a police officer in 2005, spending 13 years on patrol before transitioning into his role as an SRO at Oak Grove Middle and Elementary Schools, where he helps with traffic, teaches safety classes, and builds meaningful relationships with students—some of whom are facing incredibly difficult circumstances. (He even took one student to see LeBron James play in Memphis.)

But that’s not all. In late 2023, Stephen inherited a sourdough starter from his mom Beth—who’d been baking for decades and blessing students, teachers, and grieving families with her famous loaves. That starter (estimated to be over 100 years old!) launched a whole new venture.

In early 2024, Stephen made a Facebook post. Then came 30 orders. Then 60. Then a wild first day at the Paragould Farmers Market where he sold out in just over an hour.

From patrol cars to proofing baskets, Stephen’s story is full of heart, humor, and hometown roots.

Resilience, Leadership, and the Making of a Navy SEAL – with Stephen Barrett

In this episode, we are joined by Stephen Barrett, a retired Navy SEAL, decorated veteran, and current CEO of Barrett Strategic Leadership Group. Over his distinguished military career, Stephen rose to the rank of Command Master Chief and received numerous commendations—including the Bronze Star with Valor for Heroism—for his courage and leadership in some of the most demanding environments imaginable.

Our conversation dives deep into what it takes to become a Navy SEAL, not just physically, but mentally. Stephen shares insights on how ordinary people can do extraordinary things through discipline, purpose, and the ability to suffer well. We talk about the grit required to persevere, how to bounce back from failure, and why leadership is ultimately about serving others under pressure.

This episode is packed with hard-won wisdom on resiliency, personal growth, and leading with integrity—both in combat and in everyday life.

Building Grit, Discipline, and Passion – with new PHS Girls Basketball Coach Mitchell Weber

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Mitchell Weber, the new head coach of the Paragould High School girls basketball team. After a successful coaching stint at Brookland and with deep roots in Paragould, Coach Webber shares why this move felt like a homecoming — and what excites him most about leading this program.

We dive into his coaching philosophy centered on relationships, grit, discipline, and passion, and how those values extend far beyond the court. Coach Webber shares how the lessons learned through team sports—like working hard, staying focused, showing up for others, and never quitting—carry over into every aspect of life: from marriage and parenting to the workplace and personal pursuits.

If there's one phrase that characterizes Coach Weber's personality: it's a humble, curious passion for continuous improvement. 

If you care about developing character in the next generation—or just want a dose of motivation for your own journey—you'll want to hear this one.

Behind the Badge: Brendan Baldridge on Safety, Beauty, and Responsibility

Brendan Baldridge has faithfully served Paragould for over 30 years, wearing many hats to help build a community that’s both safe and beautiful. In this episode, we explore two key areas of his work: supervising Code Enforcement and coordinating the city’s Sex Offender Registry.

Brendan shares why he’s so committed to the well-being of Paragould — from maintaining clean, safe neighborhoods to protecting the vulnerable through diligent offender tracking. He even tells an unforgettable story of rescuing a baby 15 years ago — a powerful reminder of the kind of moments that shape a career in public service.

📍 Topics include:

• What Code Enforcement really does

• How the Sex Offender Registry works at the city level

• Free tire disposal tips for residents

• That life-changing baby rescue story

Basketball, Bonds & the Pursuit of Greatness with Jeff Morton and Journi Versie

Jeff Morton is a Paragould basketball legend whose all-time scoring record stood for over 15 years. But in this episode, we go deeper than stats. Jeff joins us alongside his daughter, Journi Versie, a rising star from Marked Tree and the first Lady Indian to notch 1,000 points AND 1,000 rebounds. Journie had 35 scholarship offers, but chose nearby Williams Baptist University to continue basketball into college. 

From stories of hardwood glory to hilarious memories of the Paragould Championship Wrestling league (yes, you read that right), this episode is full of laughs, legacy, and love.

We talk adoption, finding your identity in a family and on a team, and what it means to chase excellence without losing who you are.

🏀 If you love basketball, family, or just a good hometown story—you’re gonna love this one.

Advocating for the Vulnerable feat. CASA's Angie Tate and Alex West

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Angie Tate and Alex West from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to talk about the urgent needs of children in foster care right here in Northeast Arkansas.

 

Did you know that a child in foster care may move through five different homes in just 12 months? That’s the potential for five different..

Bedrooms

Schools

Sets of rules

 

But through all the instability, one constant remains: their CASA volunteer. Angie and Alex share stories that will break your heart and inspire you to action. We talk about what CASA is, the critical shortage of advocates in our region, and how you can make a difference—whether through volunteering, giving, or simply spreading the word.

 

If you care about kids, justice, or being a voice for the voiceless, you don’t want to miss this conversation. You can learn more at NEAcasa.org 

Talking Tornadoes with Ryan Vaughan

On this episode of the Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Meteorologist Ryan Vaughan to unpack the March 14th tornado that hit Paragould and Cave City.

We talk about what happened that day, how tornadoes work, and what we can all learn to be more prepared. Ryan also gives us a look ahead at the upcoming severe weather threats and how to stay alert and informed.

This conversation is practical, insightful, and timely—especially for those of us living in tornado-prone areas. Don’t miss it!