Paragould Podcast

Executive Director of Together We Foster, Lindsay Roberts

Lindsay Roberts is the Executive Director for Together We Foster. After launching the organization in 2019, they have since opened three visit centers across NEA where children in foster care can visit with their biological parents in a warm environment. They also operate clothing closets for foster parents to access the resources they need free of charge.

Lindsay and her husband, Quincy, began fostering in 2017, which is a growing need in Greene County. There are currently 107 children from Greene County in foster care with only 35 open homes available. To learn more, visit togetherwefosternea.org.

Owners of Flower Shop Network and Atwill Media, Brock and Loranne Atwill

Brock and Loranne launched Flower Shop Network in the spring of 2000. It was a humble little startup in the loft of Adams’ Florist. Today, FSN has over 100 employees and serves 4,000 florists nationwide. Brock attributes much of their success to "catching a wave," but you will quickly discover just how sharp these two are in this episode.

Started Atwill Media in 2014, which has developed and maintains over 1,100 websites.

When talking about the risk of starting a business, Brock says, “When you swim half way across the river, you can’t turn back.”

 

Pediatric Nephrologist, Dr. Taylor House, and Her Husband, Derek House of Specialized Bikes

On this episode of the Paragould Podcast: Derek & Taylor House.

Derek is with Specialized Bicycle Components and was Jared's high school tennis doubles partner.

Taylor is a pediatric nephrologist, which is a fancy way of saying she is a kids' kidney doctor. Dr. House has received specialized training in palliative care, and she now trains doctors around the world on how to break bad news to patients. 

This is a fascinating and entertaining episode, so download it now, and share it with friends.

Former Police Chief JD Stevenson Talks About Some of the Wildest Cases He Worked as a Criminal Investigator

JD Stevenson got his start as a patrol officer for the Paragould Police Department in 1982. Two and a half years later, he joined the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) where he served for 18 years. He was appointed Chief of Police by Mayor Mike Gaskill in 2001, and he continued in that role until his retirement in 2009.

JD has some wild stories from his 3 decades of public service. In this episode of the Paragould Podcast, he gets into details about the murder of Dr. and Mrs. Jones, the false confession of Gary Goldsmith in an attempt to take the fall for Jackson Neely's crime, and a chilling story of busting a child abuser. You may want to listen to this episode more than once!

Owner of Herren Tire, Ivey Herren Jr. Joins Us to Talk About His Road to Addiction, Losing His Father, and the New Purpose He’s Found

Ivey Herren, Jr. is the 3rd generation owner of Herren Tire in Paragould, which was founded in 1968. Ivey grew up in a Christian home and went to school at CRA, but when his best friend died in a car accident in 2006, Ivey's life took a turn that led him to addiction.

His story of redemption is truly miraculous and will leave you believing that, "If your heart is still beating, you have a purpose."

Radiologist, Dr. Zeke Shotts, Talks About Bones, Tennis, and His Time at the Mayo Clinic

Dr. Zeke Shotts is a Paragould graduate and a Radiologist with St Bernards and Associated Radiologists. After earning his bachelor's degree at Arkansas State, Zeke attended med school at UAMS in Little Rock. From there, he finished his internship and residency at Emory University. He was also accepted to a program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where he spent 5 years before moving back to Northeast Arkansas.

When Addiction Hits Home: Roland Irwin and His Daughter, Brooke Smith Open Up About the Enslaving Power of Addiction

Roland Irwin has a PhD in clinical psychology and serves as the Associate Chief of Operations for Arisa Health. But despite his impressive resume, he was not immune to the horrors that addiction can unleash on a family. In this week's episode of the Paragould Podcast, Roland joins his daughter, Brooke, who has been in recovery for over 10 years now.

Brooke works with the Paragould Podcast and The Crossing Church and has an incredible story of redemption and restoration. You will be inspired and filled with hope as you listen to this father and daughter recount their struggles and celebrate their victories together. If you have ever struggled with addition or have loved someone who is, this episode is a must. 

Paragould Mayor Josh Agee Returns to Talk 2022 Progress and What’s in Store for 2023

Mayor Josh Agee returns for an annual update on the city of Paragould. In 2022, we saw the ribbon cutting for the new 8-Mile Creek Trail, the downtown Community Pavilion, the installation of Sky Cops, airport improvements and more.

As we look to 2023, there are even more ambitious projects to look forward to. Mayor Agee opens up about the partisan elections issue, which passed in November, and he gives some details on a land-use proposal known as "land banks." Stay informed and engaged by listening to this episode, and share it with others who care about our city.

Lieutenant of the Paragould Police Department’s Criminal Division, Detective Rhonda Thomas

Rhonda Thomas joins us this week on the Paragould Podcast! Rhonda is the Lieutenant of the Paragould Police Department's Criminal Division, and (according to many sources) is a superhero!

Rhonda has served with the PPD for 28 years and in the Criminal Division for the past 18, which means that she and her team work every felony case in the city of Paragould. In this interview, Rhonda talks about how she got into law enforcement and how she discovered her calling by investigating child abuse cases. This is a gripping and educational episode you'll want to listen to more than once.

Alexander Laffoon Talks About His Journey on the Pacific Crest Trail

Alexander Laffoon, along with his friend Trevor, recently hiked the Pacific Crest Trail--a 2,653 mile trail from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada. You'll hear about his encounters with bears and mountain lions, almost drowning in freezing water, and being surrounded by forest fires.

"Someday never happens. We love the adventure and seeing new places."