Paragould Podcast

What does it take to get a business to move to Paragould? Jason Gazaway answers

Jason Gazaway has spent the last 24 years bringing great businesses to help grow Paragould. He said he even spent 15 years asking on particular business to come and soon we'll be able to find out who that is because they're finally coming. Listen to this podcast to gain an appreciation for the hard work that goes into bringing all your favorites to a small town like ours. 

Black Hawk Pilot and Company Commander, Zach Mitchell

A 2013 PHS Graduate, Zach Mitchell has spent his adult life chasing the dream that many have when watching our favorite war movies. He has advanced through the ranks of the Army and currently serves as a company commander and black hawk pilot in Seoul, South Korea.

Is joy a choice? Mark Watson returns after his book "Joyous Leadership" has won an award!

Award winning author and retired COO from Bunn Coffee, Mark Watson returns to the show! When Mark visited us in 2021, he was leading Bunn through the changing tides of Covid-19 while preparing to publish his book: Joyous Leadership. Now three years later, he has recently retired and seen his book win the Next Generation Indie Book Award. We talked about life in retirement, how to lead in creative decision making and adapting to changing times, as well as an appreciation of diversity due to the many places he has lived.

Touring World Wide and Franchising Freddy's, Aaron Elms visits the studio

From worldwide tours with his band to a passion for leadership in owning some of the best Freddy's franchise locations in the county, we had a lot to talk about this week with Aaron Elms. Aaron is an incredible musician who toured for over a decade with Kingsdown, an NEA based band from the early 2000's. Six years ago, after his touring days were over, he found himself in a position to open the first Freddy's location in Batesville, AR, and now with Paragould's location coming under his leadership last week, he is a partner in four Arkansas Freddy's restaurants. His operating owner here in Paragould is a testament to his determination to raise up leaders to meet or exceed their own expectations.

Division 1 Basketball Ref and Financial Advisor: Tim Fitzgerald

Tim Fitzgerald has refereed basketball for local high school basketball up to Division 1. He had the opportunity to ref games with Ja Morant in college and reffed Austin Reaves first collegiate game at Wichita State. Furthermore, he is passionate about financial health in families through his work at Benjamin Edwards Investments and volunteering in his church. 

Hollywood, Police Chases, and Slam Dunks, Jeremy and Zac Heath have incredible stories

From high school dunks, to Hollywood, to police chases, to a passion of caring for families, this was an amazing, must-hear interview.

 

We had brothers, Jeremy and Zac Heath, on the show this week. We talked about what it was like to grow up with a family owned funeral service, how their vocational callings took them in different directions after college, and how both of them have found their way back to serving the families of Greene County through the nearly 80 years old Heath Funeral Home service.

 

https://youtu.be/rn_VXYJ7QYg

 

VP of Academic Affairs at BRTC, Brad Baine

Black River Technical College has been growing in recent years and Brad Baine joined us to talk about why that is and how every citizen in Paragould can partake in some of the awesome classes they offer on their campus or at the new GIN in Downtown Paragould. 

Greene County's First Human Resource Coordinator: Lexy Allbritton

People say often that Greene County is progressing in a lot of positive ways. This new position to ensure employees of the county are being cared for is just another way we can highlight that Paragould is a great place to live! In this episode we meet Lexy Allbritton and learn how her role is serving the employees of the county.

Growing up in the Great Depression with Bob Branch!

Bob Branch's stories of Paragould and Greene County history are so beloved that our fans have asked for more! So in a unique turn of events, Mr. Branch has returned to the studio for the second time in one month! In this episode, he gives us 10 snapshots of life growing up in Paragould during the Great Depression era, as well as what it was like to have himself and several brothers fight in wars overseas. 

Nathan Stone takes us on a trip around the world with musicians he has toured with!

Touring with artists like CeeLo Green, Kacey Musgraves, Sam Smith, and many others, Nathan Stone has been privileged to travel the world and see the finest cities. However, as he faced kidney failure at the end of 2023, Nathan grew to appreciate the value of relationships with family and friends in ways he never did before because he always assumed he has plenty of time. This episode is very special as Nathan is one of Jared's long-time friends, from their days starting the band The Williford Project to working together at FBC Paragould.