Paragould Podcast

The Future of PPD: Chief Henson on Change, Culture & Character

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Henson, the new Chief of Police for the Paragould Police Department — a man whose journey has taken him from protecting the skies as a Federal Air Marshal to serving overseas in a UN mission, to leading drug task force operations across NEA.

Chief Henson shares how those experiences shaped his philosophy of leadership and why he believes real change starts with character, humility, and a commitment to teaching. We talk about building healthy culture inside a department, why not everyone actually fears change, and how long-lasting cultural transformation happens from the inside out.

He also outlines his vision for the future of PPD, including a major emphasis on officer development — increasing annual training requirements from 24 to 100 hours, equipping leaders at every level, and creating a department other agencies look to for instructors and best practices.

We close by discussing the realities of drug trends in Arkansas, the importance of regional cooperation among agencies, and why “playing well with others” matters more than ever.

If you care about leadership, community, or the direction of policing in Paragould, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

What the AMMC–Baptist Merger Means for Paragould

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Brad Bloemer, CEO of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, and Brad Parsons, Vice President of Market Operations for Baptist Memorial Health Care, to discuss the upcoming merger between AMMC and Baptist.

They share the story behind AMMC’s decision to pursue partnership, how the pandemic accelerated financial pressures across healthcare, and what both organizations hope this merger will mean for local patients and staff.

From the realities of running an independent hospital to the complexity of healthcare systems today, this conversation offers a transparent look at how leaders are planning for the future of community care in Paragould and beyond.

Currently in the due diligence phase, AMMC and Baptist hope to finalize the merger by the end of the year.

Reair! The Eagle Pride Marching Band Wins State.... Again!

In celebration of the Eagle Pride Band’s back-to-back state championships, we’re revisiting our conversation with Band Director Kim Webb — the first female director in Arkansas 5A–7A competition to win a state title.

Kim shares her journey from middle-school band director to leading one of the top programs in the state, the culture that keeps students coming back, and her vision to help every student belong, believe, and become.

Originally released in 2024, this episode feels just as inspiring today.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

From Battlefield to Healing Field: Dr. Jen Calvert’s Story

From Blytheville to the battlefield to holistic healing, Dr. Jen Calvert’s story is one of grit, faith, and transformation. Told she couldn’t handle the Army because she “liked her hair and makeup too much,” Jen enlisted anyway—serving as a lab specialist and combat medic and learning that the military is more than discipline; it’s family.

After facing a life-changing neck injury, thyroid issues, and deep personal loss, Jen’s search for healing led her toward a holistic approach that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Now, as the owner of Heal Thyself Emporium in Paragould, she helps others discover the same wholeness she’s found through experience, study, and faith.

Join us for an honest and hopeful conversation about pain, purpose, and the God who meets us in both.

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.