Paragould Podcast

Reair: Ghost Stories!

We reair our incredible compilation interview of Ghost Stories from 2024.

A compilation of seven unique interviews about homes and buildings in Paragould, AR that are allegedly haunted! FYI, nothing is explicit in this episode, but do take care when listening around children as the stories can definitely be spooky. 

Interviewees include Angelica Gray, Judge Dan Stidham, Hailey Byrd, Judge Randy Philhours, Pricilla Jones, Jon Fulkerson with Meredith Smith, and finally Gabriel Cook. Happy Halloween!

Reair: The Origins of Halloween and More with Aaron Neugebauer

We reair our 2024 episode with Aaron Neugebauer. He is the pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lafe. He dropped by the studio to tell us a bit about himself, but really help setup our Ghost Stories episode to give us an in-depth background on the history of Halloween and talk about the spiritual world in general. We hope that you enjoy this episode!

Growing Hope: Danny Graham and Ag for Autism

When Danny Graham and his wife learned their two sons had autism, it moved them to action — joining with Ag for Autism, a local nonprofit raising hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support families, therapists, and organizations across Northeast Arkansas.

In this conversation, Danny shares how a handful of ag companies came together to meet one family’s need, how the movement has grown to impact countless lives, and how his own family’s story has deepened his patience, resilience, and compassion.

From iPads that give kids a voice to community events that rally an entire region, this episode is a reminder that when we engage our suffering rather than numb it, we cultivate empathy — and hope.

🌐 agforautism.org

Elvis Has Entered The Building, with Shannon Freeman

Elvis has left the building… and we finally got to sit down with him! In this episode, we’re joined by Shannon Freeman— known around Paragould as an incredible Elvis impersonator and the lead singer of the band Everyday Life.

Shannon shares how his uncle’s homemade Elvis costume started it all, how a back surgery his senior year led to writing his first song, the unforgettable first ever performance at GCT, and why he still gets butterflies before every show until the crowd comes alive.

From the Collins Theater stage to California dream life and back home to Paragould, this conversation covers faith, family, music, and finding your voice in unexpected places.

Rails, Rivalries, and the Roots of Paragould with Jim Burgess

This week on The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Jim Burgess — longtime resident, local historian, and former Emerson Electric engineer — to uncover the fascinating story of how our city began.

Two railroad rivals, J.W. Paramore and Jay Gould, set out to build competing lines to St. Louis. When their tracks crossed here in 1885, a new community was born — Paragould.

From missed opportunities in Gainesville to bustling hotels and twenty passenger trains a day, Jim paints a vivid picture of how competition and connection built the town we call home.

We also talk about when Emerson Electric was a busy place and how Jim made his way to Texas A&M on a basketball scholarship in the 1960s. 

Training Tomorrow’s Officers with Law Enforcement Training Academy Director: Jared Bassham

What does it really take to wear the badge? In this episode, we sit down with Jared Bassham, Director of the Law Enforcement Training Academy at BRTC, for a candid look inside the world of police training.

Jared shares how a kid raised in a family of educators found his way into law enforcement, working everywhere from school hallways as an SRO to crime scenes as an investigator. Now, he leads the academy that prepares nearly a hundred recruits each year for the realities of the job.

We talk about what recruits actually learn during those 14 weeks, how AI and drones are already changing the way officers work, and why something as simple as listening might be the most important skill for a detective. Jared also reflects on what makes a truly great officer—not just toughness, but relational maturity, genuine care for people, and a strong work ethic.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the walls of a police academy—or what it takes to build officers who will last—this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

Joy in the Fight: Stephanie Garner & Ava Biggs on the April Nicole Foundation

In this episode, we sit down with Ava Biggs to share the story of the April Nicole Foundation, an organization born out of April Biggs’ courageous journey with breast cancer. Ava is joined by Stephanie Garner, one of the first recipients of the grant! April Biggs’ legacy is one of joy, memory-making, and choosing life beyond the grind of a 9-to-5.

Together, Ava and Stephanie talk about how the Foundation continues April’s vision by serving families in Greene and Craighead counties: walking alongside moms with breast cancer who still have kids at home.

This conversation is about more than battling cancer. It’s about how grief can make you bitter or better, how comparison is a thief of joy, and how community and hope can carry us through the hardest fight of our lives.

Learn more about the Foundation and how you can support at aprilnicolefoundation.com

Paragould Rams Are 3-0, So Let's Replay Ronnie Cook's Interview!

The Paragould Rams are off to a 3-0 start, and there’s no better time to revisit one of our favorite conversations with legendary Rams Super Fan, Ronnie Cook. If you’ve spent any time in Paragould, chances are you’ve heard of Ronnie. He’s a local icon, known for his unmatched passion and loyalty to the Rams. In this episode, Ronnie shares why he loves the Rams so much, the story of how GCT briefly won his loyalties, and some of his other interests outside of Rams sports. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good hometown story, you won’t want to miss this special re-release of the Paragould Podcast!

Let’s Roll: From the Poconos to Paragould

In this episode of the Paragould Podcast, we’re rolling into the inspiring story of Chris Moyer, owner of Let’s Roll Paragould and longtime ambassador for the sport of bowling. From growing up in the Poconos and bowling in leagues at age 5 to earning a college scholarship and rolling his first perfect 300 game at just 17, Chris’s life has always revolved around the lanes.

After moving to Paragould in 2011 to manage the local bowling alley, Chris helped transform its reputation—from what some called an "unsupervised daycare" into a respected community hub. But just as momentum was building, a devastating fire in 2016 brought it all to a halt.

We talk with Chris about what happened next: how he rebuilt, how mindset played a bigger role than logistics, and how he's still serving the game he loves through his pro shop and new ventures. Whether you’re a bowler, a business owner, or just someone chasing a dream, Chris’s story is a reminder to keep rolling—no matter what life throws your way.

A Teacher’s Journey—and a Mystery You Won’t Forget, with John Clark

Some teachers change your grades; a few change your life.  One of Jared’s favorite high school teachers comes on to discuss his career in education, what makes for a good teacher, and how to work through your grief after the loss of a loved one. Our guest is retired Ag teacher John Clark, who began teaching in 1990, moved through MS, Texarkana, and Corning, and came to Paragould High School in 1998, retiring in 2023.

Clark shares why relationships of trust outlast titles, how fair ≠ equal, and why every student should develop a skill people will pay for. We trace the shift from “vocational ed” to college-prep and talk mastery: practice until you can’t get it wrong.

You’ll also hear one of the wildest unsolved mysteries you’ve ever heard from 30 years ago, plus gentle, hard-won wisdom on healing, keeping loved ones close, and staying in honest conversation.