Paragould Podcast

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

Hamburger Station has been a staple in Paragould since 1925. It's been featured on TV shows, books, and countless articles. In 1998 Bert bought the restaurant from its previous owners. However, today's episode is about so much more than a hamburger. Bert opens up vulnerably to talk about a struggle with Alcohol addiction and how he just sought help in recovery. You won't want to miss this incredible episode of the Paragould Podcast. 

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 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 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.