Paragould Podcast

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!

The Road the State Finals with Jason Smith, GCT Girls Basketball Coach

This week, we’re talking with Coach Jason Smith, head coach of the Greene County Tech Girls Basketball team, fresh off an incredible State Finals run! 🏀🔥

With 31 wins this season and a trip to the State Championship game, this GCT team was special—and Coach Smith shares what set them apart. We also dive into his 27-year coaching journey, how he landed at GCT, and what he’s learned in his three seasons leading the Lady Eagles.

In this episode, we talk about:
🏀 What made this team so successful this season
💡 His coaching mentality & leadership approach
📚 Why he’s committed to being a lifelong learner
🏆 Lessons from the State Finals & beyond

Coach Smith’s wisdom goes far beyond basketball—you won’t want to miss this one! Listen now!

Health & Education: A Local Leader’s Perspective with Jeremy Hancock

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Hancock—local pharmacist, owner of Walden Drug, and president of the Paragould Schools School Board—to talk about two areas that directly impact our community: healthcare and education.

Jeremy shares insights into the state of healthcare in Paragould, including the biggest medical challenges people face and how independent pharmacies differ from big chains. We also dive into the complexities of "big pharma" and how policies like Arkansas Bill HB1150 are shaping the future of local pharmacies and patient care.

As the president of the Paragould Schools School Board, Jeremy also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to serve in this role, the challenges and rewards of leading in public education, and exciting developments ahead for the Paragould School District.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in healthcare, education, or the future of our city. 

For more information on HB1150, visit https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1150&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R

Old News Recovered, with Greene County Library Historian, Tonya Barnes

Tonya Barnes works for the Greene County Library. She is fascinated with stories that come from old newspapers, so as the library was able to make all the old issues of the newspapers digital, she has discovered several stories that piqued her ears. To learn more, give this episode a listen as a preview, and then head down to the Greene County Library to do some digging of your own. 

Inside the Cage: Chase Mann is Pursuing UFC Glory

Professional MMA fighter Chase Mann joins the podcast to talk about his journey in the sport, the grind of training, and his pursuit of UFC glory. He shares what it takes to compete at the highest level, the mental and physical battles along the way, and what drives him to keep pushing forward. Whether you're a fight fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insight, grit, and the mindset of a warrior.

How GCT Gets To Host The 5A State Tournament, Aaron Thornton

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 be an Athletic Director, describing his role as “fighting fires,” managing budgets, purchase orders, and logistics, all while being a constant presence at games.

Thornton also opens up about losing his father at 17 and how that shaped his approach to coaching. He emphasizes the GCT coaching philosophy: “Coach them hard, but love them harder”. Plus, he shares a powerful story about Jason Smith’s impact and the significance of the ‘Practice Player of the Week’ award.

And of course, no episode would be complete without a classic story about Ronnie—a must-listen moment!

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at high school athletics, leadership, and the heart behind coaching.

Leading Through Service with Jeremy Wooldridge

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 in Northeast Arkansas.

Tune in as we discuss his journey in leadership, the role of public service, and how local programs are making a difference. Whether you're passionate about community development, politics, or simply love hearing inspiring stories, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!