Paragould Podcast

The King of Cornhole: Sebastian Barger’s Journey to #1

Few people in Paragould can say they’re the best in the world at something—Sebastian Barger is one of them.

A graduate of Paragould High School, Sebastian’s story took off during the COVID shutdowns when he found himself with extra time and a simple set of cornhole boards. What started as 3–4 hours of daily practice quickly turned into a path to the pros. Within a year, he was competing at the highest level. And in 2025, that dedication paid off as he claimed the title of American Cornhole Organization World Singles Champion—cementing his place as the best in the world.

In this episode, we talk with Sebastian about his journey from backyard boards to world champion, what it takes to compete on the biggest stage, and how Paragould shaped the athlete—and person—he’s become.

To view Sebastian's championship round, visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/9nmkyFvtQpo?feature=shared&t=8960

Planning for a Bright Future in Paragould, with Bob Barber

What makes a community rise instead of decline? On this episode of the Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Bob Barber, Founding Partner of Orion Planning + Design, whose team guided Paragould city leadership in developing Discover Paragould 2042.

Bob has worked with hundreds of cities, and he shares what he’s learned about vision, planning, and the importance of seeing a community as a “rich ecology” where no space is a throwaway. We talk about the five key themes shaping Paragould’s future — from greenways and public venues to building with character — and the processes that help cities move forward.

Along the way, Bob reflects on how his own late-in-life journey as a runner has given him a new perspective on the places he serves, including how trails like our own 8 Mile Creek Greenway signal that Paragould is serious about thoughtful, long-term development.

If you care about where Paragould is headed — and how communities grow into their best selves — this conversation is for you.

Below is an article that Bob recently published on how running through cities changed the way he plans. 

https://www.planning.org/planning/2025/jul/planning-on-the-run-how-running-transformed-my-perspective-on-cities-and-towns/

From DQ to NASCAR: The Career Journey of Brent Gambill

Brent Gambill’s career has taken him from serving ice cream at the Paragould Dairy Queen to working with Major League Baseball legends and leading communications for NASCAR’s racetracks.

A Ridgecrest High School graduate, Brent’s journey includes a year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, years at SiriusXM covering MLB, including pioneering their social media coverage, unforgettable moments like the final season at Yankee Stadium, a Fenway Park World Series, and working alongside the likes of Cal Ripken Jr., Vin Scully, and Sandy Koufax. 

In this episode, Brent shares how law school opened unexpected doors, why persistence matters (“You only need one yes”), and what he’s learned from over two decades in communications. He also takes us behind the scenes of NASCAR’s most exciting events — including the Chicago Street Race — and reflects on the values that drive his work: integrity and curiosity.

Whether you’re a sports fan, a NASCAR enthusiast, or just someone chasing a big dream, Brent’s story is full of insight, humor, and encouragement.

---

Meth, Monterrey Chicken, and Miracles: The Story of Jeff Rousseau

Jeff Rousseau’s story is one of redemption and difficult recovery. In the 1990s, Jeff fell into addiction and found himself caught in a world of meth—one that would ravage northeast Arkansas for decades. After multiple run-ins with the law, he eventually landed in prison, where he encountered Christ and began a slow but determined path to healing.

Along the way, Jeff managed Paragould’s beloved Bonanza restaurant (and even shares the secret Monterrey Chicken recipe), battled Lyme disease, and survived a severe case of COVID that left him on a ventilator and facing the possibility of a double lung transplant. But in a moment doctors couldn’t explain, the scars in his lungs were gone.

In this episode, Jeff reflects on what God has done, how far he’s come, and where he’s going next.

Boots, Badges & Brotherhood

In this episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Blake Williams — Marine Corps veteran, longtime Paragould police officer, and current leader of the SWAT team.

Blake shares stories from his time serving in the military during the early ’90s and 2000s, and how those experiences shaped his calling to serve his hometown. We talk about the reality of police work, the weight of leadership, and what it looks like to stay grounded while navigating high-pressure situations.

From training rooms to tactical operations, Blake gives us a glimpse behind the badge. It’s an honest, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation you won’t want to miss.

Block by Block: Bob Branch’s Tour of Historic Paragould (Rebroadcast)

In our series of rebroadcasting Bob Branch's interviews, we come to when he returned for a record-setting fifth appearance—his third just that year! In this episode, Bob takes us on a detailed, block-by-block oral tour of historic Paragould. Backed by hours of research at the Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society, Bob blends rich storytelling with accurate dates, names, and hidden gems of local history.

You’ll hear about the days when blocks of ice were delivered to homes before refrigeration—and so much more. This one’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves Paragould.

Ten Snapshots of Bob Branch's Life during the Great Depression (Rebroadcast)

In our 4th interview with Bob Branch, he gets a bit more personal about HIS Paragould history. 

In this special episode, Bob returns to the studio for the second time in just one month to share 10 vivid snapshots of life growing up in Paragould during the Great Depression. From daily survival to small-town joy, and from front porches to battlefields, Bob reflects on a time of hardship, resilience, and family legacy—including the powerful story of multiple Branch brothers serving in wars overseas.

How Greene County was Settled After the War of 1812, with Bob Branch (Rebroadcast)

Our third installment of rebroadcasting Bob Branch's record five guest appearances! 

After the War of 1812, pioneers began making their way west of the Mississippi—and Greene County was born. In this episode, Bob Branch shares the remarkable story of Benjamin Crowley and introduces us to a lesser-known figure: Isaac Brookfield. From land grants to early settlements, this is a fascinating look at how our corner of Arkansas came to be.

How School Shaped a City: The History of Education in Paragould with Bob Branch (Rebroadcast)

We rebroadcast Bob Branch's second visit to the studio with this fascinating education history.

From one-room schoolhouses to city-wide integration, few people can trace the history of education in Paragould and Greene County like Bob Branch. In this episode, Bob walks us through how local schools shaped the identity of our community—from early foundations to lasting impact. His firsthand knowledge and storytelling make this a must-listen for anyone who calls Paragould home.

A City’s Story: Paragould History with Bob Branch (Rebroadcast)

If anyone knows Paragould, it’s Bob Branch.

A retired attorney and lifelong resident, Bob has called Paragould home for over 90 years. His stories, wisdom, and unmatched knowledge of local history make this a conversation we’ve long hoped to capture—and it was well worth the wait. We’re honored to share it with you... again! 

We first aired this interview in May 2022. It is Bob's first of five visits to the studio.