Behind The Mic with MAB

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Behind the Mic with MAB

  1. MAR 31

    Episode #33 | Patrick Bigbie: From Storm Chaser to Emmy-Nominated Chief Meteorologist

    In Episode 33 of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Chief Meteorologist Patrick Bigbie inside Audio Alchemy Studios for a conversation that goes far beyond the forecast. Patrick’s passion for weather started early, watching The Weather Channel instead of cartoons and becoming the youngest Weather Watcher for WSFA at just 13 years old. From there, he built a career rooted in relentless curiosity, real-world storm chasing, and a commitment to keeping communities safe when it matters most. He shares the story behind the now-famous moment during the 2017 Pine Belt tornado, when he held up a handwritten sign on live TV after losing audio to warn viewers of immediate danger. It’s a powerful example of quick thinking under pressure and the responsibility that comes with being the voice people trust in critical moments. Amanda and Patrick also dive into: What it takes to become a Chief Meteorologist The reality of chasing severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes Lessons learned from high-stakes live broadcasting His journey through the University of South Alabama and early career growth Recognition in the industry, including Emmy nomination and multiple MAB awards Life outside the studio, from Auburn football to photography and family This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in broadcasting, weather, or what it really takes to perform when the pressure is highest.   #BehindTheMic #MAB #PatrickBigbie #Meteorologist #Weather #StormChasing #Broadcasting #ChiefMeteorologist #WeatherChannel #Tornado #Hurricane #MississippiWeather #AuburnFootball #WarEagle #AudioAlchemyStudios #Podcast #BroadcastLife #SevereWeather #EmmyNominee   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    51 min

  2. MAR 17

    Episode #32: Marketing with Heart, Storytelling with Purpose, A Conversation with Del Adams

    On Episode 32 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with marketing professional Del Adams for a conversation about purpose, storytelling, and the power of connecting people through meaningful communication. Del Adams is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Elementary Education, and her career has always centered around serving others. While serving as Executive Director of The Mustard Seed, Del discovered a deep passion for marketing, storytelling, and outreach, helping organizations share their mission in ways that truly connect with people. Today, Del is approaching her third year with Digio Strategies, where she helps businesses grow by building authentic relationships with their audiences through strategic communication and marketing. Beyond her professional work, Del is a wife and mother of four, and she and her husband Chris are active members of Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church. There, Del serves in several meaningful ways, including leading crafts during Vacation Bible School, assisting with communications for the annual Missions Festival, and volunteering with the church’s special needs ministry. In this episode, Amanda and Del talk about the journey from education to nonprofit leadership to marketing, the importance of storytelling in building community, and how creativity, service, and faith shape the way Del approaches both life and work.   Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.   #BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #DelAdams #DigioStrategies #MississippiBusiness #StorytellingMatters #MarketingStrategy #CommunityLeadership #PearOrchardPresbyterian #AudioAlchemyProductions

    50 min

  3. FEB 17

    Episode 31 - Troy Johnson: From Major Markets to Mississippi’s Anchor of the Year

    On this episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine welcomes Emmy nominated journalist Troy Johnson to the studio for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and the responsibility of trusted storytelling. Troy serves as Evening Anchor for 16 WAPT News at 6 and 10, joining the station in 2018 after decades of experience across major media markets. Since arriving in Mississippi, he has been named Mississippi News Anchor of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and earned first place for Excellence in Broadcasting in Continuing Coverage for his work covering the Coronavirus pandemic, recognized by the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters. Before Jackson, Troy built an impressive career in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., holding anchoring, hosting, and executive leadership roles. From anchoring at WBAL NewsRadio 1090, to co hosting Baltimore’s top rated Big Phat Morning Show on 92Q, to contributing on NBC 4 and anchoring at WHUR and WNEW in Washington, his career reflects both versatility and depth. A Chicago native, Troy began his journey in Indianapolis working alongside his father before landing his first on air job in St. Louis. He is a 2023 Maynard 200 Fellow, a former two term president of the Baltimore chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, a Region II Director of NABJ, a member of the National Press Club, and the recipient of the 2026 Television Media Award at the Jackson Citywide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet. Beyond the newsroom, Troy is a proud Baltimore Ravens fan, an avid cyclist, and someone who appreciates history, travel, and great food. This episode is a masterclass in professionalism, perseverance, and purpose behind the microphone. If you care about journalism, leadership, and making an impact in your community, this conversation is one you will not want to miss.   #BehindTheMicWithMAB #MississippiBroadcasters #TroyJohnson #16WAPT #JournalismMatters #MississippiMedia #EmmyNominated #BroadcastLeadership #AmandaFontaine #Storytelling #NABJ #MediaExcellence   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    1h 4m

  4. FEB 10

    Episode 30: The Voice Behind the Voices: A Legacy in Broadcasting with Kenny Windham

    Today on Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine welcomes a true legend of Mississippi broadcasting, Kenny Windham. Kenny’s impact on the radio industry spans decades. From leading teams and shaping talent to overseeing multiple iHeartRadio stations through seasons of growth and change, his leadership helped define what great broadcasting looks like, both on the air and behind the scenes. His career is marked not just by success, but by service. A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters, Kenny has also been honored with two lifetime memberships. Today, he continues to give back as historian for the MAB Board and played a key role in establishing the MAB Hall of Fame, preserving the stories and legacy of Mississippi broadcasters for generations to come. Now retired, Kenny remains a trusted voice and mentor. In fact, he personally helped train Amanda when she stepped into her role, making this conversation both professional and deeply personal. In this episode, you’ll hear stories from decades inside the industry, lessons in leadership, and the heart behind the work that happens behind the mic. This one is about legacy, mentorship, and the people who build the foundation for everyone else to shine. It’s an honor to welcome Kenny Windham. #BehindTheMicWithMAB #MississippiBroadcasters #BroadcastLeadership #RadioLife #BroadcastingLegacy #Mentorship #iHeartRadio #MediaIndustry #PodcastLife #MAB #RadioHistory #Storytellers #LeadershipMatters   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    51 min

  5. JAN 27

    Episode 29: Bridging Broadcast and Digital with Francesca Crechale

    In Episode 29 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Francesca Crechale, Director of Marketing at Data Street Marketing, a Digio Strategies company backed by the Holladay family and their long standing legacy in broadcast radio across Jackson, Meridian, and Dothan Alabama. Francesca brings more than a decade of digital marketing experience shaped by teaching, mentoring, and hands-on leadership. With academic roots from William Carey University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Juris Doctor from Ole Miss School of Law, she offers a unique perspective that blends strategy, communication, and critical thinking. The conversation explores how broadcast stations can effectively integrate digital strategies to strengthen their on air presence, which digital trends local radio and television stations should prioritize to grow both audience and revenue, and common misconceptions about digital marketing within the broadcast industry. Francesca also shares how deep listening, collaboration, and truly understanding each client’s story are the foundation for creating meaningful, measurable results. This episode is a must listen for broadcasters, marketers, and media professionals looking to evolve while honoring the power of traditional media. #BehindTheMicWithMAB #BroadcastMarketing #DigitalStrategy #MediaMarketing #RadioIndustry #TelevisionMarketing #DataStreetMarketing #DigioStrategies #WomenInMarketing #MarketingLeadership #MississippiMedia #JacksonMS #MediaInnovation #DigitalAndBroadcast #MarketingPodcast   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    42 min

  6. JAN 20

    Episode 28: Walt Grayson Finding Stories in Every Corner of Mississippi

    In this week’s episode of Behind The Mic, Amanda Fontaine sits down with a true Mississippi legend, Walt Grayson. Walt has spent his entire career telling the stories of the people, places, and history of the Magnolia State. Born and raised in Greenville, Walt fell in love with broadcasting as a high school student working at a local radio station. That passion eventually led him to Jackson, where his voice and presence became a staple across both radio and television. Walt recalls his early days at WSLI radio, then making the jump to WLBT in 1984 where he served as weather anchor, chief meteorologist, and feature reporter over more than three decades. His storytelling gifts eventually carried him back to WJTV 12, where he now works as a full-time lifestyle and feature reporter, bringing viewers into the heart of Mississippi one segment at a time. In addition to his television work, Walt has written four books focused on Mississippi travel and history, contributes a monthly column to the Electric Co-ops of Mississippi publication, and is the longtime host and segment producer for Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s beloved Mississippi Roads. His accomplishments include induction into the Mississippi Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Gold Circle. Walt shares how he balances life, family, faith, and curiosity, and reflects on what keeps him energized in a career that has spanned decades. Married to his junior high school sweetheart, Miz Jo, Walt is a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather who continues to explore every corner of the state in search of the next great story. It is a warm, inspiring conversation with a man who has helped Mississippi see itself more clearly for over fifty years. #BehindTheMic #AmandaFontaine #WaltGrayson #MississippiMedia #MississippiRoads #WJTV #MississippiStories #WLBT #BroadcastLegend #FeatureReporter #MagnoliaState #MississippiProud #Storyteller #LocalLegends #MSBroadcasting This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    59 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Episode 27: Nichole Cyprian and Whitney Argenbright

    In this episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Nichole Cyprian, Director, and Whitney Argenbright, Managing Editor of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, for an insightful conversation about the power of local journalism and the stories that shape our communities.   Nichole and Whitney share how the Center supports strong, ethical reporting, why community-focused journalism matters now more than ever, and how thoughtful storytelling can inform, connect, and empower people at the local level. They also discuss the evolving media landscape, the responsibility journalists carry, and what it takes to nurture trust between newsrooms and the communities they serve.   This episode pulls back the curtain on the mission-driven work happening behind the headlines and highlights why investing in local voices is essential to a healthy, informed society. Whether you are passionate about journalism, storytelling, or community impact, this conversation offers meaningful perspective and inspiration. #BehindTheMicWithMAB #CommunityJournalism #LocalNews #StorytellingMatters #MediaLeadership #Journalism #RoyHowardCenter #EthicalJournalism #CommunityVoices This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    43 min

  8. 12/07/2025

    Episode #24: Keeping South Mississippi Informed with Grant Chighizola

    In episode number 24 of Behind The Mic With MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Grant Chighizola, a familiar and trusted face across South Mississippi. Since joining the WXXV News 25 team in 2019, Grant has anchored, produced, and contributed stories to every newscast the station offers. As News Content Manager, Grant plays a key role in shaping WXXV’s coverage, working closely with reporters and producers to develop stories that matter most to the people of South Mississippi. Raised and still living in Picayune, Grant brings a genuine connection to the community he serves. Amanda and Grant talk about his path in journalism, what drives his commitment to meaningful storytelling, and how he balances newsroom life with family time, reading, and cheering on Southern Miss athletics.   #BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #GrantChighizola #WXXVNews25 #MississippiBroadcasters #LocalNewsMatters #SouthMississippi #StorytellingInMedia #NewsLeadership #BroadcastProfessionals   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    52 min
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About

Behind the Mic with MAB

Information

  • Creator
    behndthemicpod
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Behind The Mic with MAB