Paragould Podcast

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.

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.

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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.