Paragould Podcast

Exploring the History of Education in Paragould and Greene County with Bob Branch

Bob Branch returns to discuss the history of education in Paragould and Greene County. 

Superintendent of Paragould Schools, Dr. Nick Jankoviak

Dr. Nick Jankoviak joins us on the Paragould Podcast. Dr. J's story begins with a humble upbringing in Michigan before providence moved him and his wife to Paragould. He now is at the helm of the Paragould School District with a servant's heart and a passion for the welfare of the kids in our city.

Administrator for Crowley’s Ridge Academy, Terry Austin

Terry Austin is a life-long resident of Paragould and a graduate of Crowley's Ridge Academy. He now serves as CRA's Administrator and chief cheerleader. 

This is part 1 of our 4-part series focusing on education in Paragould. 

Founder of the Greene County Rescue Squad and Owner of Heath Funeral Home, Butch Heath

Founder of the Greene County Rescue Squad and owner of Heath Funeral Home, Butch Heath, joins us on this week’s episode of the Paragould Podcast!

Professional Basketball Player and GCT Graduate, Skyler Bowlin

Joining us on the Paragould Podcast is Paragould native and professional basketball player, Skyler Bowlin. Skyler has been playing pro basketball in Europe since 2011. He's back stateside for a visit, and we are excited to welcome him on the podcast. You won't want to miss it!

Director of Planning and Development and Former Fire Chief, Kevin Lang

Kevin Lang is our guest on today's episode of the Paragould Podcast. Kevin spent the earliest years of his life living in the old No1 Fire Station, which is now the Post Office parking lot. He would eventually serve as a firefighter and later be appointed as the chief where he would serve for 15 years. He is now the Director of Planning and Development for the city of Paragould.

Commander of the Drug Taskforce and Former Federal Air Marshal, Chad Henson

MMA Fighter and Owner of Ballew’s Barbershop, Jerry Ballew

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. 

A 100-Year-Old Murder Mystery in Paragould Told by Award-Winning Historian Erik Wright

On Wednesday, December 29, 1909, James Henry Trammell walked into the Elk Cafe in downtown Paragould. After getting into an argument with  Charles Gragg, Trammell pulled a gun, shot, and killed Gragg. He immediately headed west to evade police, and from there the story gets really interesting.

You will not want to miss one minute of award-winning historian Erik Wright as he uncovers a mystery that leads from Paragould, to Memphis, San Francisco, and even Sydney, Australia!

Donis Hamilton Talks About Flying, Leadership Paragould, and Buying Access to Politicians

Donis Hamilton is a retired attorney who moved to Paragould over 55 years ago. Since that time, Donis has served on the airport commission and has played a major role in the development of Leadership Paragould, the 412 bridge project, and more.

He even gets into the sticky subject of buying access to politicians. This is an episode you won't want to miss!