Paragould Podcast

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.

Life on the Line with Firefighter Michael Harris

This week on the Paragould Podcast, we sit down with Michael Harris from the Paragould Fire Department to get an inside look at the life of a firefighter. Michael shares what led him to this calling, what a typical day looks like at the station, and what actually happens when a call comes in.

We also talk about the real dangers of the job, the camaraderie among the team, and how last year’s tax increase has helped fully staff the department—making Paragould a safer place for everyone.

Whether you're curious about life behind the firehouse doors or just love a good story of courage and calling, this episode will fire you up.

Pickney Kids: No Filter

This week is a special one — Due to a medical emergency of our guest this week, we needed some super heroes to save the day. Enter: Jared's kids!!

 

Nora, Wyatt, and Moses give us a glimpse into what life is like as kids today — from the highs and lows of school, to friendships, to what it’s really like having Jared as their dad. (Spoiler: he might be cooler than you think… or not.)

 

It’s a lighthearted, honest, and surprisingly insightful episode that reminds us how much we can learn when we actually listen to our kids.

Keeping Paragould Running: A Conversation with Adam Followell

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Followell, Public Works Director for the City of Paragould. Adam gives us an inside look at how his team helps keep Paragould clean, safe, and beautiful—from street repairs and sanitation to long-term infrastructure planning. You’ll hear about the day-to-day challenges of public service, the heart behind the work, and why it all matters to the people who call Paragould home.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re new to the area, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the people behind the scenes who keep our city moving.

REPLAY: Jerry Ballew's story of Adventure

On July 1, 2022, we aired an episode of the Paragould Podcast with Jerry Bellew: an MMA fighter and owner of Bellew Barber Shop. 

Sadly, he was taken from us far too early, on May 14, 2025 at the age of 46. Our original episode description:

Jerry Ballew joins us to talk about his fascinating journey that ultimately landed him in Paragould. After hanging out in the barber shops of Brooklyn, NY, moving to Houston, TX, spending time on an oil rig in the Gulf, and working as a private security contractor in Afghanistan, it was MMA that eventually brought him to our city.

Jerry's incredible journey is guaranteed to inspire you to make the most of the life you've been given.