Off Deadline

Melissa DiGianfilippo, Proof Publicity
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Off Deadline goes beyond the headlines to reveal what really happens when the cameras stop rolling and the deadlines pass. Host Melissa DiGianfilippo, Founder and CEO of Proof Publicity, creates a rare safe space where top journalists drop their professional guard to share the moments that changed everything—the ethical crossroads that kept them awake, the sources that most surprised them, the stories that broke them, and the victories no one will ever write about. From the hilarious disasters to the heart-stopping close calls, veteran journalists share the wild, unforgettable moments that never made it into their reporting. These are the behind-the-scenes confessions, the career-defining chaos, and the human moments that remind us why journalism is equal parts calling and complete madness. This isn't about breaking news—it's about the people who lived through the craziest moments while chasing the story, and the experiences they'll never forget. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to be a storyteller in our chaotic world, Off Deadline delivers the raw, unfiltered truth behind journalism's most compelling voices. Watch on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

  1. DEC 16

    Catherine Anaya on the Career She Built and the Life She Refused to Miss

    Catherine Anaya is a three-time Emmy Award winning journalist, longtime Phoenix news anchor, and the host of Horizonte on Arizona PBS. With more than 35 years in broadcast journalism, she has interviewed world leaders, built deep trust with viewers, and shaped how Arizona understands its most important stories. In this episode of Off Deadline, Catherine reflects on the career she built, the moments that changed her perspective, and the personal decisions that allowed her to stay present for the life she refused to miss. In this episode, Catherine shares: How a college editor unexpectedly changed the direction of her careerThe insecurity and constant movement behind television news contractsAnchoring live during major breaking news and carrying the emotional weight of the jobHow her work on Buddy Check 12 showed her the real-world power of journalismWhy she chose to step away from full-time television at the height of her careerHow she redefined success after decades in the spotlightAdvice for journalists and high achievers navigating career crossroadsThis conversation is an honest look at ambition, impact, and the clarity that comes with choosing what matters most. 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. Guest: https://www.instagram.com/catherineanaya Horizonte on Arizona PBS: https://www.instagram.com/arizonapbs Host: https://www.instagram.com/melissadflip 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    32 min

  2. DEC 9

    Karen Dalessandro on Reinvention, Radio Gypsy Life and Becoming a Hall of Fame Broadcaster

    In this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with Karen Dalessandro, a multi-award-winning broadcaster whose career spans more than four decades across Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee and Phoenix. Karen shares how a high school radio booth sparked her passion, the advice that pushed her into country radio, and the “radio gypsy” lifestyle that shaped her early years. She opens up about sitting in all 60,000 seats at Miller Park to raise money for child abuse prevention, launching mammogram parties to help women get screened, meeting Taylor Swift before her superstar era, and becoming only the third woman ever inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Karen also reflects on 40 years of marriage, navigating loss, leaning on fitness, and reinventing herself again and again through a constantly changing industry. Karen can now be heard every afternoon on @1007kslx, where her signature energy continues to connect with listeners across Arizona. Discussion highlights: How a high school radio class sparked her careerThe mentor who pushed her into country radioFrom Detroit to Chicago to Milwaukee to PhoenixRadiothons and sitting in 60,000 stadium seats for charityCreating mammogram parties and their lasting impactMeeting Taylor Swift as a 15 year old “baby artist”Becoming the third woman in the Country Radio Hall of FameSurviving the record industry lifestyle in her marriageGrief, growth and finding a new dog after lossFitness, certification and staying sharp as a broadcasterWhy improv changed her confidence and her careerReinventing herself for TV and multimedia storytellingKaren’s story reflects passion, longevity, risk taking and the power of reinvention in media. 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    27 min

  3. DEC 2

    Javier Soto on the Road From Troublemaker to Trusted Voice in Local News

    In this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo (@melissadflip) sits down with @javiersototv to explore the personal and professional moments that shaped his career as one of Arizona’s most trusted journalists. Javier shares stories from his childhood as a talkative kid, the internship that changed his life, the mentor who insisted he be hired, and the newsroom experiences that revealed his calling. He also opens up about navigating personal loss, the role his partner plays in grounding him, and the purpose he found through hard seasons. Discussion highlights: Growing up as a talkative troublemakerGetting his desk moved into the hallwayThe mentor who pushed for his first big breakThe breaking news moment that marked his careerNavigating personal grief and rebuilding lifeThe partner who keeps him groundedFinding purpose, gratitude and meaning in his workAdvice for young journalistsJavier’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, heart and humanity behind local news. 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    41 min

  4. NOV 25

    Lexy Romano on Phoenix Finds, Fearless Hosting and Building a Local Media Brand

    In this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with @lexyromano, Emmy nominated host, performer and founder of Phoenix Finds Media, the platform spotlighting the stories of local businesses across Arizona. Lexy opens up about transitioning from performing in NYC to building her own media brand, how she disarms nervous guests on camera, the cringe moment that taught her confidence, and the joy of helping small businesses shine on screen. Discussion highlights: From stage performer to media hostHow Phoenix Finds Media grew from Instagram to TVHelping nervous guests shine on cameraHer “best friend or husband” hosting trickThe hot air balloon story she’ll never forgetCovering nonprofits and creating lasting impactPhoenix restaurants and real viewer reactionsThe cringe name slip she will never forgetSmall talk as her secret superpowerBalancing motherhood with building a brandHer best advice for aspiring creators: just startLexy’s energy, empathy and storytelling continue to shape the way Arizona discovers local businesses. 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    27 min

  5. NOV 18

    Catherine Reagor on Truth, Fairness & Three Decades Covering Arizona Real Estate

    In this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo (@melissadflip) sits down with Catherine Reagor (@cathreagor), senior real estate reporter at The Arizona Republic, who has covered Arizona’s housing market for more than 30 years. Catherine opens up about the stories that shaped her, the Great Recession’s lasting impact, and why fairness remains at the core of her reporting. She also clarifies what really happened with The Arizona Republic’s recent newsroom buyouts — and how local journalism continues to evolve. Discussion highlights: The story that changed her perspective on journalismCovering every housing boom, bust, and recoveryBalancing empathy and objectivity in real estate reportingThe truth behind The Arizona Republic’s newsroom buyoutsWhy local journalism still matters in ArizonaAdvice for PR pros on how to pitch stories that resonateCatherine’s story is a masterclass in credibility, compassion, and commitment to community storytelling. 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    37 min

  6. NOV 11

    Nadine Bubeck on Storytelling, Motherhood & Building a Legacy in Lifestyle Media

    In this episode of Off Deadline, host @melissadflip sits down with @nadinebubeck, publisher of Paradise Valley City Lifestyle Magazine, to talk about the heart of storytelling, the balance between motherhood and media, and the moments that shaped her legacy. Nadine opens up about her most memorable interviews with icons like Charles Barkley and Michael Phelps, what “home” truly means to her, and how she’s built a thriving lifestyle publication rooted in gratitude and community. Discussion highlights: How Nadine turned storytelling into a lifestyle brandBalancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and creativityThe meaning behind her quote “Home isn’t a place — it’s a feeling.”Her favorite celebrity cover stories and what they taught herWhy community connection drives everything she doesNadine’s story reminds us that legacy isn’t about fame — it’s about impact. 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    42 min

  7. NOV 4

    Melissa Anaya on Building EatDrinkAZ, Going Viral & Helping Arizona Restaurants Thrive

    Melissa Anaya (@eatdrinkaz) has spent the last decade transforming EatDrinkAZ into one of Arizona’s most trusted food and lifestyle platforms. What began as a passion project turned into a viral brand — and a creative agency helping restaurants and hospitality businesses thrive. In this episode of Off Deadline, Melissa joins Melissa DiGianfilippo (@melissadflip) of Proof Publicity to share: How a viral chicken video gained 50M+ views and changed everythingThe strategy behind building a trusted brand before the clients cameHow she used Eat Drink AZ to help local restaurants survive COVIDTurning viral moments into a full-fledged creative agencyThe truth about restaurant culture and maintaining authenticityBalancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and mental strengthHer vision for Arizona’s next food waveThis episode blends humor, hustle, and heart from one of the Valley’s most influential voices in food and entrepreneurship. 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    29 min

  8. OCT 28

    How Mike Broomhead Turned Tragedy into a Talk Radio Career

    Before he became one of Arizona’s most recognizable voices, Mike Broomhead was a working electrician chasing his brother’s rodeo dreams. When tragedy struck, everything changed. In this emotional and inspiring episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with the KTAR host and CW7 TV personality to explore how personal loss led to purpose — and why kindness and respect still guide his voice today. • Losing his brother in Iraq and how that moment defined his mission  • The road from rodeo arenas to Arizona radio fame  • Lessons learned from Senator John McCain  • Staying grounded and respectful in a divided world  • Why he’ll never run for office — and what he still misses about blue-collar life 🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity 🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Off Deadline goes beyond the headlines to reveal what really happens when the cameras stop rolling and the deadlines pass. Host Melissa DiGianfilippo, Founder and CEO of Proof Publicity, creates a rare safe space where top journalists drop their professional guard to share the moments that changed everything—the ethical crossroads that kept them awake, the sources that most surprised them, the stories that broke them, and the victories no one will ever write about. From the hilarious disasters to the heart-stopping close calls, veteran journalists share the wild, unforgettable moments that never made it into their reporting. These are the behind-the-scenes confessions, the career-defining chaos, and the human moments that remind us why journalism is equal parts calling and complete madness. This isn't about breaking news—it's about the people who lived through the craziest moments while chasing the story, and the experiences they'll never forget. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to be a storyteller in our chaotic world, Off Deadline delivers the raw, unfiltered truth behind journalism's most compelling voices. Watch on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa DiGianfilippo, Proof Publicity
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Off Deadline
  • Show Website
    Off Deadline