Paragould Podcast

Michael Meredith on Faith, Leadership, and Humility

This week on The Paragould Podcast, Jared sits down with Michael Meredith, pastor at Center Hill Church of Christ. Originally from Texas, Michael shares the journey that brought him to Crowley’s Ridge College and eventually into ministry here in Paragould.

Along the way, the conversation explores faith, humility, leadership, and the importance of remaining teachable in a world where everyone seems certain they have the answers. Jared and Michael also discuss the basics of Christianity, the challenges of pastoral ministry, and why humility matters far beyond theology or church life.

Whether you’re a person of faith or simply interested in thoughtful conversation about life and leadership, this is an honest and engaging episode you won’t want to miss.

From GCT Champion to PHS Head Baseball Coach | Jacob Giles

Paragould Rams Head Baseball Coach Jacob Giles joins The Paragould Podcast ahead of a huge week for baseball and softball in our city as Paragould and Greene County Tech host the 5A State Tournaments.

Jacob shares about growing up in Greene County, winning a state championship at GCT, pitching at Harding University, and the unexpected path that led him into coaching. He also talks about returning home to Paragould, taking over the Rams baseball program, and what he’s learned about leadership, teamwork, and building culture along the way.

The conversation also explores the impact of the new turf fields, the challenge of leading young athletes, and what makes a truly great teammate.

With 32 teams from across Arkansas coming to Paragould this week, this felt like the perfect time to sit down with one of the people helping shape baseball in our community.

Spend Paragould! Why its important to spend locally with Chris Moyer

This week on The Paragould Podcast, Jared sits down with Chris Moyer to discuss a new initiative called Spend Paragould.

After conversations with local business owners revealed that many businesses are experiencing significant downturns, Chris and others decided to take action by encouraging people to spend their money in Paragould rather than outside the city.

The conversation explores the ripple effect of local spending, the difference between community and competition, the realities business owners are facing in today’s economy, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Spend Paragould is an innovative attempt to move from complaining to creating opportunities for local businesses. 

Garrett Wise and the Rise of Rodeo on the Ridge!

In this episode, we sit down with Garret Wise to hear the story behind Rodeo on the Ridge and how it grew from a small local event in 2016 into one of the biggest gatherings in Northeast Arkansas.

Garret shares how he first got into the rodeo world, the path that led him into bull fighting, and the moment someone suggested bringing rodeo back to the Greene County Fairgrounds. What started with a small crowd and limited support has grown into a multi-day event featuring rodeo competitions, live music, races, vendors, and family activities.

Along the way, we talk about the mindset it takes to step into the arena, the balance between confidence and humility, and what it looks like to build something that serves a community over time.

Built Over Time: Lessons from Coach Bruce Hunt

In this episode, we sit down with Greene County Tech Head Baseball Coach Bruce Hunt, who brings more than four decades of coaching experience to the conversation. A state champion in 2007, Coach Hunt reflects on what it takes to build a consistent and competitive program over time.

We talk about the mental side of baseball and why the ability to move on from one at bat to the next is essential for success. Coach Hunt shares how he teaches players to let go of mistakes, stay focused, and keep their attention on what is in front of them.

The conversation also explores how athletics shapes character, the lessons different sports teach, and why servant leadership is a foundation for becoming a good man. We also discuss what it means for Greene County Tech to host the state tournament and the opportunity that brings for the program and community.

This episode offers insight into leadership, discipline, and the mindset needed to grow both on and off the field.

Writing The Greatest Game with Tara Sexton

Tara Sexton has been writing stories since second grade. Now she is preparing to release her debut novel, The Greatest Game, this June.

In this episode, Tara shares her journey from early creativity to becoming a published author. We talk about what first sparked her love for writing, the challenge of finishing her first novel, and what kept her going through the long process of developing her craft.

Tara also gives insight into the realities of writing today, including her decision to pivot from fantasy to a rivals to lovers soccer story, and what it means to write within the expectations of the romance genre. She reflects on what she hopes readers will take away from the book and why stories still matter.

Along the way, we also explore her work as Grant Administrator for the City of Paragould and how her day to day role requires a different kind of discipline and attention to detail.

If you have ever wanted to write a book or bring a creative idea to life, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to start and to finish.

The Greatest Game is scheduled for release in June.

From Pathology to Politics: Dr. Terri Greene’s Story

Dr. Terri Greene didn’t start in politics. She started in medicine, studying patterns, solving mysteries, and helping people understand what was really happening beneath the surface.

In this episode, we sit down with a former pathologist and current U.S. Congress candidate to hear her story. From growing up in El Paso to discovering a passion for medicine through personal health challenges and a Michael Crichton novel, Dr. Greene shares the moments that shaped her path.

We talk about how pathology trains you to see what others miss, why curiosity matters more than certainty, and what led her into the political arena during medical retirement.

This conversation isn’t just about policy. It’s about perspective. How do you diagnose problems in a system as complex as our country? What does good leadership actually require? And what happens when someone trained to look for truth decides to enter public life?

Whether you’re interested in medicine, leadership, or the future of our communities, this episode offers a thoughtful and personal look at one woman’s journey from the lab to the campaign trail.

Four Pastors, One Resurrection

What difference does the resurrection of Jesus actually make in your life?

In this special Good Friday episode, Jared Pickney sits down with Laramie LeQuieu, Aaron Neugebauer, and Dane Womack for a unique and meaningful conversation across denominational lines. Though they come from Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, and non denominational backgrounds, they share a deep conviction that the resurrection of Jesus is real and that it changes everything for you and for me.

Together, they explore why the resurrection is not just a belief to affirm but a reality that reshapes how we see sin, suffering, purpose, and even death itself. They also share how they personally prepare for Holy Week and why they have staked their lives and ministries on the truth that Jesus is alive.

If you have ever wondered why the resurrection still matters today, this conversation invites you to see how it speaks directly into your life right now.

Matters of the Heart with Cardiologist Doctor Ammar Hallak

Dr. Ammar Hallak is an interventional cardiologist whose journey began in Damascus, Syria and eventually led him to Paragould, where he has spent decades caring for patients and investing in the community. After early inspiration as a teenager, he pursued medicine in the United States, training in Chicago at one of the largest hospital systems in the country before ultimately finding a home here in Northeast Arkansas.

In this episode, we talk about the realities of heart health in everyday life, including the habits and risks many people overlook and how small, consistent choices can shape long term outcomes. Dr. Hallak also shares insights from his work in the cath lab, the importance of humility and knowing your limits in high pressure environments, and why taking time to listen remains one of the most important parts of caring for people well.

Coach Todd’s Playbook for Leadership

Many people in Paragould know Michael Todd as Coach Todd. Others know him as Mr. Todd, their principal at Greene County Tech. In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Coach Todd to hear the story behind both roles.

Originally from Parkin, Arkansas, Mike shares about his undefeated high school football season in 1979, earning a scholarship to play at Arkansas State, and the unexpected path that eventually led him to Paragould. What began as a coaching opportunity at Greene County Tech in 1990 turned into decades of impact as a football coach, teacher, and eventually a school administrator.

We talk about the coaches and athletes who shaped those years, the transition from the field to school leadership, and what he learned about coaching young people along the way.

Now in retirement, Mike has taken on a new challenge, losing 152 pounds, staying active by playing pickleball several hours a day, and focusing on healthier habits.

Along the way, he shares a simple leadership philosophy that guided his career:

Leadership is seeing the potential in others and helping them see it themselves.

This is a great conversation about coaching, leadership, and the lasting influence of educators in a community like Paragould.