Paragould Podcast

Did you know Paragould has a Director of Travel and Tourism? Paula Lerma joins Jared to explain what that job involves and why attracting visitors matters to everyone who calls Paragould home.

Paula shares her journey from working in education to pursuing a career built around the outdoors, storytelling, and helping people enjoy a place. Just as she was preparing to move away for the right opportunity, the job she’d been looking for opened up right here.

They discuss her first six months in the role, including the Car and Air Show that brought roughly 3,000 people to town, established favorites like Loose Caboose and the Bluegrass Festival, and new ideas like a farm-to-table event. Along the way, Paula explains how tourism supports local businesses and helps more people discover what makes Paragould worth a visit.

When Manuel Johnson noticed a knot in his groin, he didn’t think much of it. Within weeks, he was facing a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma and learning that the usual treatment options would not work for him.

Manuel joins us to talk about living with terminal cancer, the good life he’s grateful to have lived, and the relationship with God that gives him comfort as he faces what’s ahead. It’s an honest conversation about suffering, faith, and gratitude.

Omer Overbay has spent much of his life serving Paragould and Greene County—and helping preserve the stories of our community.

Omer began working at the Greene County Jail in 1980 at just 19 years old. He later served as a deputy, joined the Paragould Police Department, led the Juvenile Office, and continued working part-time with the Sheriff’s Department. He also spent 20 years at Prestolite Wire and helped manage political campaigns for several local candidates.

Today, Omer serves as a code enforcement officer for the City of Paragould. He explains how the department has grown and changed, why hundreds of vacant homes have been condemned since 2021, and what it means to do things “with people, not to people.”

We also discuss Omer’s popular “A Look Back” posts, his love for historical photographs, and his passion for keeping Paragould’s history alive for future generations.

Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Michael Tolson joins us to share his firsthand experience of that day.

Michael, now the owner and chef of Chow at 118, was living and working in New York City at the time. Had he not been running late for work that morning, he could have been exiting the subway at the World Trade Center as the attacks began. Instead, from less than a mile away, he witnessed the second plane strike the South Tower.

In this episode, Michael reflects on what he saw, the confusion and fear of that morning, and the grief that settled over New York City in the days that followed. He also shares how the attacks affected daily life and permanently changed the mood of the city he called home.

As we mark 25 years since September 11, we’re honored to help preserve and share Michael’s story.

Jonathan Davis joins the Paragould Podcast to share the story of the Predators girls soccer team and its remarkable journey from Arkansas State Cup finalists to regional champions and national competitors.

Jonathan explains how years of playing together, strong chemistry, talented athletes, and a team-first mentality helped the Predators reach the national stage. He also discusses coaching the GCT High School girls soccer team, the differences between club and high school soccer, and how athletics can helpDent young people become thoughtful, intentional leaders.

Beyond the soccer field, Jonathan and his wife own Prestige Real Estate Group and Prestige Tax Advisors. They also invest in property and build spec homes through JAHHN Properties, including projects utilizing Paragould’s land bank. Jonathan shares about their work and offers practical insight into understanding and managing your numbers.

This episode is about much more than soccer. It’s a conversation about coaching, teamwork, business, and investing in the future of Paragould.

Matt McGowan is the Assistant Superintendent of the Paragould School District and is now in his 25th year in education.

In this episode, Matt shares his journey from growing up in Paragould and playing basketball at Greene County Tech to earning a scholarship at Williams Baptist University. He reflects on teaching and coaching at Wynne alongside DeAngelo Williams, returning home to coach football, softball, and basketball at Paragould, and eventually moving into district-wide leadership.

Matt also discusses his commitment to being an educator first, the growing role of technology and AI in helping students learn, and the opportunities now available through the district’s partnership with Black River Technical College, including the possibility for students to graduate from high school with an associate degree at no cost.

Gene Weeks, former superintendent of Greene County Tech, joins the Paragould Podcast to reflect on his years as a coach, educator, and administrator. Gene shares stories from throughout his career, lessons for the next generation, and why enthusiasm, perseverance, and being a great teammate matter in every area of life. He also discusses retirement, the value of a strong routine, and preparing to compete alongside Michael Todd in pickleball at the Senior Olympics.

For 40 years, Bill and Sharon Grogan have helped Paragould athletes learn more than gymnastics. They’ve taught them grit.

In this episode, Bill and Sharon share how their own experiences with gymnastics and cheerleading eventually led them to coach nearly 100 kids at the Paragould Community Center. Seeing a clear need in the community, they took a leap of faith and opened Champions Gymnastics in 1986.

They reflect on the loyal people who helped them build the business, Bill’s experience working with Olympic medalist Earl Bell, and the many athletes who became like family along the way.

It’s a story of entrepreneurship, perseverance, community, and four decades of lasting impact in Paragould. In the end, not only have they built a successful program, but they've developed a growing family. 

We are back after a short summer break! Our first guest is Chamber of Commerce CEO and champion of the city, Allison Hestand! 

Allison joined us for a third time to talk about the progress she's seen in our city over the past six years and what the chamber's role is when a large employer like Tenneco decides to leave town. 

This is a great episode with a hopeful look towards the future! 

Every career has a story, and for Dr. Wesley Dunnam, it starts with a baseball injury and a mission trip.

In this episode of The Paragould Podcast, Wesley shares the experiences that led him into optometry, from discovering the impact of something as simple as a pair of reading glasses to building a practice dedicated to serving the people of Paragould.

We also dive into some fascinating aspects of eye care, including how routine eye exams can reveal signs of serious health conditions elsewhere in the body, why comprehensive eye health is about much more than seeing clearly, and the challenges independent practices face as large corporations continue to reshape the industry.

Whether you're due for an eye exam or simply enjoy hearing the stories of people making a difference in our community, you'll walk away seeing the world a little differently.