Paragould Podcast

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. 

K9 Expert and Trainer, Blake Bristow

Many Americans love dogs! How can we have a happy dog? Blake Bristow shares about how his training of K9 units at BlueStreak K9 produces happy dogs because they are obedient dogs. 

Could a Paragould native walk on Mars? If anyone can make it, it's Brian Shiro

Brian Shiro is a Paragould native whose extensive accomplishments include working for NASA, NOAA, and is currently the Deputy Director of United States Geological Survey Geological Hazards Science Center. If that sounds like a mouthful, no worries as Brian helps us understand how his study of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanos are important to the future of Mars exploration. 

Twice Brian has been classified as highly qualified to become an astronaut and a project he worked on years ago was used in the Mars InSight mission that recently completed its mission. We also talked running and how he became an Eagle Scout!

How Greene County was settled following the War of 1812 with Bob Branch!

Bob Branch joined us for a third time to share about the history of how Greene County, AR was settled. He shares about Benjamin Crowley, and lesser known figure: Isaac Brookfield. Crowley settled West of the Mississippi following the War of 1812 to acquire 160 acres of land. 

How can we make Paragould a safer place to live, with Lt. Buster Sexton

Lt. Buster Sexton is a lead detective with the Paragould Police Department. He is passionate about providing a safe space for his family and yours in Paragould. In this episode we talk with Buster about what it looks like to be a detective in Paragould, how many cases they work per year, and what we can do to help protect our own children. 

What makes Walmart great with Terry Melton, GM of the Supercenter

Terry Melton has been working for Walmart since he turned 16, 40 years ago. He displayed the values of Walmart in empathy, diversity, and humility such that by the age of 23 he was the GM of his own store. Since the end of 2000, he has been the GM of our local Walmart Supercenter and came on the show to talk about what it takes to run the largest retailer in Greene County. 

Erik Wright returns to share about his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts

This episode is Erik Wright's incredible vulnerability in his suffering of depression and suicidal thoughts. In this episode we talk at length about how a person gets to the point where they are considering a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and especially suicidal thoughts, please connect with people you trust. If you are uncomfortable with that, Erik shares that the suicide hotline was extremely helpful for him. You can reach out for help using the number 988 via call or texting. 

Bonus Episode! The Podcast visits Paragould High School for a live recording!

On April 2, Jared and Chris were honored with the opportunity to teach students from more than 10 NEA schools about podcasting. Each of this students were involved in the EAST Initiatives in their schools. EAST stands for Education Accelerated by Service and Technology, combining the tech interests of the students with the opportunity to address real world problems in their communities. We had the opportunity to demonstrate a real podcast recording with Paragould High School East Administrator, Stephanie Cooper. Enjoy this bonus episode and join us in wishing the best for these students who had some really great podcast ideas! 

When the FBI storms your house, with Jason Wolfenbarger

If the FBI stormed your house, what would be going through your head? Jason Wolfenbarger joined the show to tell us all about what led up to April 6, 2021, his experience in the moment of being arrested by countless officers, and his long humbling road to accepting the reality that he was an addict in need of help. In this incredibly vulnerable episode, Jason shared all about how and why he got caught up in a life he never dreamed he would be living.