Paragould Podcast

Barry Davis is the CEO of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. With over 600 employees, AMMC is a vital part of our community and overall quality of life in Paragould. 

Barry has been with the hospital for over 42 years, and in that time, he has seen his fair share of obstacles. However, his biggest challenge came in 2016 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and told he had 6 months to live.

Mr. Davis's story is one you won't want to miss. 

Haley Deck joins us for a second time to talk about the power of gratitude. In her book, Stay Awake With Me, Haley talks about an overwhelming sense of gratitude that has helped to keep her centered in the midst of immeasurable grief.

"Gratitude is such a transformational tool," she says. "It’s simply acknowledging the good in every moment."

This is the 100th episode of the Paragould Podcast! We have been blown away by the positive response from this incredible community. Here's to the next 100!

Jennifer Tarwater is the founder and Executive Director of In His Wings Ministry--a faith-based women's rehabilitation ministry.

Jennifer battled Hodgkins Lymphoma at age 28. Throughout her teens and twenties, she drinking heavily and smoking marijuana, and her first experience with meth was at 29. This downward spiral ultimately landed her in prison.

On January 9, 2013, Jennifer landed in the Agape House, and she graduated the following year. She now leads a life-changing organization that helps women through the same kinds of struggles and addictions. Jennifer says, "You don't have to live at the bottom of the pit any more. You are worth it."

In His Wings is a 9-month program for women. They are partnered with the Arkansas Department of Corrections' re-entry program and currently have 57 women enrolled in the program.

For more information, visit https://inhiswingsministry.com.

In 2003, while a sophomore at the University of Arkansas, Brad Pollard was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer. Soon after the initial diagnosis, he learned that the cancer had spread to his liver, lungs and brain. That was nearly 20 years ago, and today Brad is cancer-free!

But that wouldn't be the end of Brad's health battles. In addition to the after effects of an intense chemo and radiation treatment, he suffered a stroke in 2014. Brad's story of overcoming incredible obstacles at such a young age is one every person needs to hear.

Matthew Miller is the President and COO of United Home Insurance. A 2003 graduate of Greene County Tech, Matthew attended Arkansas Tech University on a baseball scholarship. That's where he earned a degree in Finance and Economics before heading off to Miami to complete an international MBA.

Matt moved back to Paragould in 2009 and has helped to spearhead United Home's incredible growth. 

Sonia Fonticiella left Communist Cuba in 1980 to join her father in the United States. She was 17 years old when she stepped on the bus in Havana that led to a 9 hour boat ride to Florida. She eventually made it to Paragould in 1992.

Her story is sure to bring you hope. The Paragould Podcast exists to bring you incredible stories just like this. Subscribe now and give a five-star rating to help others find us. 

After playing with bands like Cottonmouth, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Stix, and playing with BB King in Memphis, Andy and Scott share their passion for music and their band, Nightwing.

Nightwing's Reunion Show is a benefit concert to be held at the Collins Theater on October 22. Tickets are only $10, and all proceeds go to Collins Foundation.

Jessie Huffine Blevens says she wants to give back to her community. Listen to her take on where we are as a city and where she would like to help lead us. 

Pam Diggs brings a unique perspective--having been on both sides of the hardship and loss of a nursing home. Today, Pam serves as the Administrator at the Green House Cottages of Belle Meade, which gives her regular opportunities to care for individuals and families.

The Green House Cottages of Belle Meade were only the 3rd nursing home in Arkansas to adopt the Green House model, which is revolutionizing long-term senior care.

Tim Wooldridge is a former Arkansas State Senator and now serves as the Outreach Director for the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA).