Paragould Podcast

Functioning No More: An Alcoholics Story

Brian Songer spent over 20 years as a functioning alcoholic—hiding his addiction from those around him and, at times, even from himself. But when he lost his job due to alcohol still in his system, the truth began to unravel. Within a year, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and came close to death.

Thanks to a liver transplant—and God’s grace—Brian’s story didn’t end there. In this episode, he shares his journey from secrecy and addiction to surrender and transformation. It’s raw, honest, and full of hope.

Life on the Line with Firefighter Michael Harris

This week on the Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Michael Harris from the Paragould Fire Department to get an inside look at the life of a firefighter. Michael shares what led him to this calling, what a typical day looks like at the station, and what actually happens when a call comes in.

We also talk about the real dangers of the job, the camaraderie among the team, and how last year’s tax increase has helped fully staff the department—making Paragould a safer place for everyone.

Whether you're curious about life behind the firehouse doors or just love a good story of courage and calling, this episode will fire you up.

Pickney Kids: No Filter

This week is a special one — Due to a medical emergency of our guest this week, we needed some super heroes to save the day. Enter: Jared's kids!!

 

Nora, Wyatt, and Moses give us a glimpse into what life is like as kids today — from the highs and lows of school, to friendships, to what it’s really like having Jared as their dad. (Spoiler: he might be cooler than you think… or not.)

 

It’s a lighthearted, honest, and surprisingly insightful episode that reminds us how much we can learn when we actually listen to our kids.

Keeping Paragould Running: A Conversation with Adam Followell

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Followell, Public Works Director for the City of Paragould. Adam gives us an inside look at how his team helps keep Paragould clean, safe, and beautiful—from street repairs and sanitation to long-term infrastructure planning. You’ll hear about the day-to-day challenges of public service, the heart behind the work, and why it all matters to the people who call Paragould home.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re new to the area, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the people behind the scenes who keep our city moving.

REPLAY: Jerry Ballew's story of Adventure

On July 1, 2022, we aired an episode of the Paragould Podcast with Jerry Bellew: an MMA fighter and owner of Bellew Barber Shop. 

Sadly, he was taken from us far too early, on May 14, 2025 at the age of 46. Our original episode description:

Jerry Ballew joins us to talk about his fascinating journey that ultimately landed him in Paragould. After hanging out in the barber shops of Brooklyn, NY, moving to Houston, TX, spending time on an oil rig in the Gulf, and working as a private security contractor in Afghanistan, it was MMA that eventually brought him to our city.

Jerry's incredible journey is guaranteed to inspire you to make the most of the life you've been given. 

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.