Paragould Podcast

Paragould’s Year in Review + Preview: A Conversation with Mayor Josh Agee

Mayor Josh Agee returns to The Paragould Podcast for his annual State of the City conversation — his sixth appearance on the show.

In this episode, Josh walks us through what the City of Paragould has actually accomplished over the past year, how major decisions are made, and what’s shaping the city’s future. We talk about infrastructure projects like trail expansion, sidewalks, land bank redevelopment, and pocket parks, as well as the behind-the-scenes realities of public safety, disaster response, and city budgeting.

Josh also reflects on the challenges of leadership in the age of social media, why representative government exists, and what it costs — financially and relationally — to keep a city running. From tornado recovery and emergency response to long-term investment, trash services, and economic development, this conversation offers a clear picture of how Paragould is growing and why collaboration matters.

Whether you’re curious about city projects, civic process, or the vision for making Paragould a place people want to move to — and come back to — this episode provides helpful context and honest perspective.

From Paragould to Vegas in 8 Seconds, with Bull Rider Eli Edgar

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Eli Edgar, a junior professional bull rider whose journey moved quickly from the stands to the arena. At just 14 years old, a moment at the Sikeston Rodeo sparked a desire that would grow into competition at the highest junior levels of the sport.

Eli shares how a third-generation passion for rodeos and breaking horses shaped his path, from steer riding and early competitions in Pocahontas and Cave City to qualifying on the Texas circuit and becoming the first Arkansan to qualify for the Junior National Finals Rodeo in bull riding.

The conversation also explores the mental and spiritual side of bull riding. Eli reflects on the role of his dad as a steady presence and mental coach, the discipline of preparation, and how faith—anchored in Psalm 91—guides him before every ride.

This episode is a story of legacy, focus, courage, and the commitment to do whatever you’re called to do 100%.

A Life of Quiet Impact with Jim Jackson

In this episode, we sit down with longtime friend and community pillar Jim Jackson to explore a lifetime of quiet leadership and faithful service in Paragould.

Jim grew up in his family’s downtown business, Jackson Shoes, where his parents modeled a deep commitment to listening, helping, and giving back. That legacy continues in Jim’s work today through two powerful ministries making a real difference in our city and beyond.

First, we talk about The Witt House, a unique food ministry through FUMC that serves up to 150 families each week. Unlike traditional pantries, The Witt House offers guests the dignity of choosing their own food from a menu, with a mobile pantry extending that care into neighborhoods with limited access.

We also dive into Jim’s volunteer leadership with Kairos Prison Ministry, a program dedicated to building supportive, hope-filled communities inside the prison system. Through weekend retreats, weekly small groups, and ongoing reunions, Kairos dramatically reduces recidivism and offers inmates a consistent message of dignity and respect—summed up in their motto: “Listen, listen. Love, love.”

Jim shares stories from both ministries, insights from years of serving some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and even a few behind-the-scenes details (including thousands of homemade cookies sent into Arkansas prisons!).

This conversation is full of history, humanity, and hope—reminding us of the quiet work that makes Paragould a better place for all of us.

Tune in, be inspired, and meet one of the people who makes our town what it is.

Building Races, Building Community with Paragould Run Co. Founders Chris Collier and Shawn Goodson

This week on The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Goodson and our own producer, Chris Collier, co-founders of the Paragould Run Company. What began in 2023 with a simple question: “Why not us? Why not now?” has quickly grown into one of the most exciting community-driven movements in NEA.

In this episode, Shawn and Chris share how their desire for more local races turned into a vision to create true attractions for Paragould. Over the past two years, they’ve organized two editions of the Paraghoul 5K/10K and launched the inaugural Creek Trail Crusher Ultramarathon, drawing runners from as far away as Austin and Milwaukee. Along the way, they’ve also given $7,750 to local organizations through race proceeds.

We talk about the early days of dreaming and planning, the challenges of stepping into something new, and how meaningful it is to see the community rally around these events. Whether you’re a runner, a community builder, or someone who loves hearing the story behind local initiatives, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what can happen when ordinary people decide to contribute in extraordinary ways.

Teaching Teens to Believe: The Culture Behind GCT Band

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.

At Home, At Peace: Hospice Stories That Matter

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.

The Future of PPD: Chief Henson on Change, Culture & Character

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.

What the AMMC–Baptist Merger Means for Paragould

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.

Reair! The Eagle Pride Marching Band Wins State.... Again!

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 Battlefield to Healing Field: Dr. Jen Calvert’s Story

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.