Paragould Podcast

Jeff Rousseau’s story is one of redemption and difficult recovery. In the 1990s, Jeff fell into addiction and found himself caught in a world of meth—one that would ravage northeast Arkansas for decades. After multiple run-ins with the law, he eventually landed in prison, where he encountered Christ and began a slow but determined path to healing. Along the way, Jeff managed Paragould’s beloved Bonanza restaurant (and even shares the secret Monterrey Chicken recipe), battled Lyme disease, and survived a severe case of COVID that left him on a ventilator and facing the possibility of a double lung transplant. But in a moment doctors couldn’t explain, the scars in his lungs were gone. In this episode, Jeff reflects on what God has done, how far he’s come, and where he’s going next.

In this episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Blake Williams — Marine Corps veteran, longtime Paragould police officer, and current leader of the SWAT team. Blake shares stories from his time serving in the military during the early ’90s and 2000s, and how those experiences shaped his calling to serve his hometown. We talk about the reality of police work, the weight of leadership, and what it looks like to stay grounded while navigating high-pressure situations. From training rooms to tactical operations, Blake gives us a glimpse behind the badge. It’s an honest, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation you won’t want to miss.

In our series of rebroadcasting Bob Branch's interviews, we come to when he returned for a record-setting fifth appearance—his third just that year! In this episode, Bob takes us on a detailed, block-by-block oral tour of historic Paragould. Backed by hours of research at the Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society, Bob blends rich storytelling with accurate dates, names, and hidden gems of local history. You’ll hear about the days when blocks of ice were delivered to homes before refrigeration—and so much more. This one’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves Paragould.

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.

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.