Paragould Podcast

The Long Road to Chick-fil-A Paragould, with Robert and Jill Randolph

Robert and Jill Randolph did not take a straight path to Paragould.

Jill worked in public health and food borne illness investigations with the CDC. Robert played football at the University of Virginia and later took a massive pay cut to start at the bottom inside a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Over the next several years, they navigated rejection, full time travel, leadership development assignments, and countless interviews before finally being selected as Owner/Operators.

In this episode, they share what it takes to handle pressure, why character matters more than credentials, and what they looked for in the 700 interviews they conducted to hire their Paragould team.

This is a conversation about resilience, preparation, humility, and the kind of consistency that builds something lasting.

Shaping Paragould: The Bland Legacy

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with John Bland to talk about the history and legacy of his father, Francis Bland, a man whose influence is still woven into the fabric of our city.

From the widening of 8 Mile Creek to help prevent flooding, to Bland Baseball Park, to the Dr. Pepper plant that employed hundreds of local families, the Bland name has played a meaningful role in shaping Paragould.

We also explore the lesser-known story of Francis Bland as a chemist who was interviewed for the Manhattan Project during World War II and how life unfolded from there.

More than a history lesson, this is a conversation about family, leadership, work, and the quiet ways one life can leave a lasting impact on a community.

If you love Paragould and the stories behind the people who helped build it, this episode is for you.

"Don't Let the Old Man In" - Bob Branch's View on Aging

ob Branch returns for his sixth appearance on the podcast, tying the record for most guest appearances. This time, the conversation centers on aging.

But not aging as defined by a calendar.

Bob challenges the way we think about getting older, suggesting that age is less about the number of years behind us and more about the state of mind within us. His refrain is simple but powerful: don’t let the old man in.

We talk about how culture has changed over the decades. There was a time when life moved slower. Now everything feels rushed, urgent, and accelerated. In the middle of that pace, Bob reflects on what it means to stay engaged, curious, and alive rather than drifting into passivity.

At the heart of the episode is a personal resolve: I owe it to myself to get back out there. This conversation is about resilience, perspective, and refusing to surrender vitality just because the years keep moving forward.

Whether you are 30 or 70, this episode will challenge the way you think about growing older.

From the Delta to DC: A Conversation with Congressman Rick Crawford

We are honored to sit down with U.S. Congressman Rick Crawford for a thoughtful conversation about his journey from Arkansas to Washington, D.C. In this episode, Congressman Crawford shares about his background in military service and broadcasting, what led him to run for Congress, and the responsibility of representing Arkansas’s First Congressional District.

We discuss the weight of serving a diverse region that stretches from North Central to Southeastern Arkansas, the issues he is most passionate about, and the importance of being well informed from all angles when making legislative decisions. This conversation offers insight into the realities of public service, leadership, and the challenges facing our state and nation.

Whether you are deeply engaged in politics or simply curious about how federal leadership impacts everyday Arkansans, this episode provides an inside look at the work happening from the Delta to DC.

Paragould to Prime Time! Chase Mann's Journey to Professional MMA

Chase Mann returns to the show fresh off a nationally televised fight in Thailand with ONE FC, available on Amazon Prime. In this unique episode, Chase shares the story of how his journey in MMA led him across the world to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Then Jared watches the fight live with Chase, who provides real-time commentary, insight, and reflection on what was going through his mind in the moment. It is a rare behind-the-scenes look at high-level MMA and a reminder that a world-class fighter can come from a place like Paragould.

Unexpected Connections with Curtis Cooksey

You never really know the stories people carry until you take the time to listen.

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Curtis Cooksey and discover a life shaped by unexpected connections, unlikely opportunities, and a deep love for the game of baseball. Curtis’s journey has taken him through minor league clubhouses, college athletics, professional wrestling, and the world of umpiring, all through a series of “how’d you land that gig?” moments that were anything but planned.

This conversation is about the hidden stories in our town, the power of relationships, and how curiosity and openness can lead to experiences you never saw coming. Also... this moment: https://youtube.com/shorts/Eh4eOfkgw6I?si=MiAY5aeOPXckeu4G

Leading Well When It’s Hard: Leadership with Sheriff Brad Snyder

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, emergency preparedness, and public service in Greene County.

Brad shares his journey from dispatcher to deputy to sheriff, including his experience working E-911 during the Marmaduke Tornado just one month into the job. We talk about how city and county agencies coordinate during severe weather and emergencies, how leaders plan manpower and resources before a crisis happens, and why strong collaboration matters more than ego or turf.

The conversation also explores the human side of law enforcement—how officers and dispatchers process trauma, what makes a good candidate for the job, and why doing the right thing is often the hardest choice. Brad also shares his focus on improving conditions for employees and inmates at the Greene County Detention Center, managing one of the largest county jails in Arkansas, and leading a team split between patrol and detention responsibilities.

Serving Greene County: Inside the Role of a County Judge with Rusty McMillon

In this episode of the Paragould Podcast, we’re joined once again by Rusty McMillon, making his fourth appearance on the show.

Judge McMillon helps clarify what the office of County Judge actually does, why he’s passionate about serving Greene County, and how that role impacts everyday life in our community. We also talk through recent updates around the county, leadership responsibilities, and what it looks like to serve well in a role that often works behind the scenes.

If you’re curious about local government, care about the future of Greene County, or just enjoy thoughtful conversations about leadership and service, this episode is for you.

Rivalry Week in Paragould: Coach Jace Watson on Preparing the Rams for GCT

As rivalry week arrives in Paragould, Paragould Boys Head Basketball Coach Jace Watson joins The Paragould Podcast to talk leadership, preparation, and the culture behind Rams basketball. Coach Watson shares his journey into coaching, lessons learned over two decades on the sidelines, and how this team has grown to expect wins after years of adversity. With a big matchup against Greene County Tech looming, this conversation offers insight into motivation, managing pressure, and what it takes to build a winning program.

Leading With Character: Olivia Hancock’s Journey to West Point

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Hancock, a Paragould native and recent graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Olivia shares her journey from competing in high school athletics to earning an appointment to one of the most demanding leadership institutions in the world.

She walks us through the rigorous process of acceptance, the daily discipline required at West Point, and the leadership lessons learned through pressure, failure, and responsibility. Olivia reflects on the influence of her family, the role of faith in navigating rejection and uncertainty, and the importance of leading with integrity, confidence, and a clear way forward.

Olivia offers a thoughtful perspective on character-driven leadership and why the journey matters more than the destination.