Paragould Podcast

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.

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. 

The Making of a Murderer: Julie Wilkins' Deep Dive into Leroy Bullock's Past

This week’s episode is a bit different—and one of the most fascinating we’ve ever done.

Our guest didn’t come to share her story, but the story she uncovered.

After listening to a past episode of the Paragould Podcast, Julie Wilkins became captivated by the case of Leroy Bullock, the man convicted of brutally murdering Dr. and Mrs. Jones on December 13, 1988—a day that just so happened to fall on a Tuesday, not a Friday... but the tragedy was chilling all the same.

Through months of independent research—what she calls her own “Making a Murderer” project—she uncovered details that had been lost to time, including a conversation with one of Bullock’s sons.

What she found was a deeply broken family tree—a father who was a career criminal, four out of five siblings who were also involved in crime, and a long trail of violence, petty theft, and even prison breaks.

It’s a sobering look at how generational brokenness can shape a life—and how some stories go deeper than headlines ever show.

Functioning No More: An Alcoholics Story

Brian Songer spent over 20 years as a functioning alcoholic—hiding his addiction from those around him and, at times, even from himself. But when he lost his job due to alcohol still in his system, the truth began to unravel. Within a year, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and came close to death.

Thanks to a liver transplant—and God’s grace—Brian’s story didn’t end there. In this episode, he shares his journey from secrecy and addiction to surrender and transformation. It’s raw, honest, and full of hope.