49 Years on a Boat, with Bob Reynolds

As a 14-year-old boy from Memphis, Bob Reynolds spent $68 on a ticket to ride the legendary Delta Queen by himself. That single trip sparked a lifelong love of riverboats and launched a career that would span nearly five decades on America's waterways. In this episode of the Paragould Podcast, Bob shares his incredible journey from dishwasher to deckhand, first mate, pilot, and eventually captain. Along the way, he met his future wife aboard the Delta Queen, traveled thousands of miles on the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers, and witnessed a way of life that few people experience today. Bob reflects on 49 years working on riverboats and towboats, the lessons he learned from life on the water, and some unforgettable stories—including sharing a boat with President Jimmy Carter. Whether you love history, river culture, or simply hearing remarkable life stories, you'll enjoy this conversation with a man who followed his passion and spent a lifetime doing what he loved.