If anyone knows Paragould, it’s Bob Branch.

We first aired this interview in May 2022. It is Bob's first of five visits to the studio. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Telly Roberts knows addiction from the inside out. She once lived it—now she’s helping others escape it. In this episode, Telly shares how she got pulled into a life of drug use and dealing, what finally broke the cycle, and how she’s turned her pain into purpose.

As a Peer Recovery Specialist, Telly now supports 15–20 individuals in Drug Court, helping them navigate the path to sobriety and stability. Her story is raw, honest, and full of hope.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Call Telly at 870-351-5184. Help is real. Recovery is possible.

In October 2016, Tim Roswell’s son, Logan, suffered a tragic accident during his freshman year of college. For over a week, Tim and his wife, Kelly, stayed by his side at a hospital in Springfield—surrounded by Logan’s friends, praying for a miracle.

In this deeply personal episode, Tim opens up about those days in the hospital, the heartbreak of loss, and the long journey of grief that followed. He also shares how he and Kelly found a path toward healing through While We’re Waiting—a retreat center in Hot Springs for parents who’ve lost children.

This conversation is honest, tender, and full of grace.

https://whilewerewaiting.org/

Mitchell Cole founded By His Grace entertainment to help Christian artists find stages and venues to share their music and message. His philosophy of leadership is founded in lessons learned from his days at Casa Brava where he learned about giving people opportunities (because of the opportunity he was given) and extreme hospitality (going above and beyond what's expected). He shares lessons and stories along the way, including a wonderful story of how a well known band gave him a shot at their own financial risk.