Paragould Podcast

Jimmy Dodd, legendary Announcer on Paragould Rams Sports Network

Jimmy Dodd is on the podcast this week! It was special for us to have two legends in the Paragould Rams Sports Network family talking Paragould schools history, what it takes to be a great broadcaster, and the importance of school spirit. We hit on Doc Paynter and the new gym that Paragould will be building by fall of 2025. This is a great episode for Rams, Eagles, and Falcons fans alike!

Bill Phillips takes us back to 1935

Bill Phillips has experienced a lot of life in his nearly 90 years. For most of his life he has lived right here in Paragould. He first worked at the Gulf Oil Company service station that is now Carlos' Street Tacos Downtown, but he spent the majority of his vocational career with Paragould Municipal Utilities, though of course it was not named that 50 years ago. 

Jiles Wright is a World Record Holder in Xtreme Fast Draw

Jiles Wright survived a horrific plane crash in 1990, but found his way back in the pilots seat a few years later. The adrenaline rush that comes from flying was amplified even more when he discovered the sport of Fast Draw target shooting. At first he shot in the stance he was trained as a police officer. Before long, he found his form and became a champion. Earlier this year, he became not just a champion, but the fastest of all time in the Xtreme Fast Draw of America organization. 

Sgt. Luke Morris of the Greene County Jail

Luke Morris has been working at the Greene County Jail for just 18 months, but has already made a huge impact in the opinion of Jail Leadership. In today's episode we talk about a day in the life at jail, how to remain calm in a chaotic situation, leadership, and why so many inmates are repeat offenders. 

Carlton Jones, candidate for Arkansas Supreme Court

We had a unique treat to interview Carlton Jones, the district judge from Miller County, who is running for Arkansas Supreme Court! It was fun to hear his story about how he's been serving Arkansas communities for 35+ years and is ready and excited at the opportunity to serve the entire state if elected to the Supreme Court this year! 

Sue McGowan, former Director of Economic Development and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce

Sue is responsible for launching the Leadership Paragould program, recruiting many industrial employers, and much more. During her time with the Chamber of Commerce, Paragould saw tremendous growth. Still today she serves the city as a board member for local organizations and acts as a sounding board for our current leaders. In this episode we talk about how to recruit new businesses to our city, what makes Paragould unique, why we still don't have a Colton's Steakhouse, and so much more!

Jon Fulkerson and Meredith Smith talk about The Collins Theater!

The Collins Theater is nearly 100 years old! Jon, Meredith, and the whole team at The Collins Theater are working diligently every year to make it better and more diverse than ever. There are some really exciting events coming up in 2024, but first we talk about the history of the Collins and if it is haunted! 

Max Bishop returns after going viral saving a calf on a pond

Max Bishop, legendary ninja cowboy, returns to the show! Max was in our third episode ever, way back in 2021! This winter he went viral, making national news as video of him roping a baby calf stranded on a pond and pulling it to safety struck the hearts of many. Max has more stories about Mixed Martial Arts, being a good neighbor, persevering through pain and adversity, and why it's not a good idea to try to pick a fight with him or his friends. 

Holden Smith joined to share about losing parents early in life and being an entrepreneur

Holden Smith joined the show this week and shared incredible insight into life after losing a parent early in life. His perspective on life as he advances through many of the same life stages as his dad is full of wisdom. As Holden creates his own life as an adult, he carries with him the work ethic he learned from both his parents. 

Attorney Jeff Branch talks about the Jones Murder Trial!

Jeff Branch knew in Kindergarten that he wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps and be a lawyer in Paragould. Early in his tenure, he got some of his first action as a deputy prosecutor on the infamous Jones murder trial! As a retired lawyer, Jeff has a lot of opinions and wasn't afraid to spill all!