Behind The Mic with MAB

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Behind the Mic with MAB

  1. Jun 9

    Episode #38 - From Small-Town Dreams to Q101: Ryan Johnson’s Radio Journey

    What happens when a young man dreams of becoming an actor but discovers an entirely different calling behind a microphone? In Episode #38 of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Ryan Johnson, afternoon host on Q101, to discuss his unconventional path into broadcasting. Ryan shares how a high school dream of acting led him to crack the mic at just 19 years old as the morning host of WJDB 95.5 in Thomasville, Alabama, an opportunity most radio personalities spend years trying to earn. From hosting “Ryan in the Morning” to studying broadcasting at MCC, co-hosting on 106.9 The Eagle, and eventually landing at the legendary Q101, the station he grew up listening to, Ryan’s story is one of persistence, passion, and finding purpose where he least expected it. Amanda and Ryan dive into the realities of radio, the changing media landscape, memorable moments behind the mic, his love of college football, golf, binge-worthy television, and why he still feels grateful every day to do what he loves. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a career in broadcasting, or how life’s detours can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen now and meet the voice behind your afternoon drive on Q101. Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    48 min

  2. Jun 2

    Episode #37: Lee Eldridge on Transforming Newsrooms, Building Winning Media Brands, and the Future of Broadcasting

    On episode 37 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with legendary television news executive, consultant, and transformational coach Lee Eldridge for a fascinating conversation about leadership, storytelling, media innovation, and building winning cultures inside highly competitive newsrooms. With more than 25 years leading CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates across the country, Lee became known in the broadcasting industry as a “fix it” News Director, repeatedly transforming struggling stations into market leaders by growing ratings, revenue, morale, and community impact. From launching groundbreaking newsroom strategies and Emmy-winning productions to coaching today’s digital creators, podcasters, and media personalities, Lee shares the lessons he’s learned from operating at the highest levels of television news and communications. Amanda and Lee also dive into: • What separates great newsroom leaders from average ones • How local television news has evolved into a multi-platform world • Building strong station culture and team morale • The future of digital media, podcasts, and content creators • Crisis communication and brand management • Why authentic storytelling still matters more than ever Lee’s career includes leadership roles in major markets including Salt Lake City, San Diego, Louisville, Rochester, Memphis, Atlanta, and Chattanooga, earning multiple Emmy Awards, Murrow Awards, and national recognition along the way. Whether you work in broadcasting, media, podcasting, journalism, marketing, or leadership, this episode is packed with insight from someone who has spent decades shaping the industry from the inside out.   Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    1h 13m

  3. May 12

    Episode #36: Service, Sacrifice, and Storytelling with Sergeant First Class Shelbi Constancio.

    In Episode 36 of Behind the Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with Sergeant First Class Shelbi Constancio, Marketing Director for the Mississippi Army National Guard. From enlisting in the Active Army in 2005 to serving as a police officer in Clinton, Mississippi, Shelbi’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and purpose. She shares her experience re-enlisting in 2015, deploying in 2018, and transitioning into a full-time recruiting role in 2019, all while earning her Master’s in Education and raising five daughters. Shelbi also opens up about balancing military life, motherhood, and personal passions like CrossFit and supporting her daughters on the softball field. This episode highlights the power of discipline, adaptability, and storytelling in both military service and broadcasting, offering listeners a unique perspective on leadership and community impact. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. #BehindTheMic #MAB #MississippiBroadcasting #ArmyNationalGuard #WomenInLeadership #MilitaryLife #Storytelling #Leadership #PodcastLife #AudioAlchemyProductions

    58 min

  4. May 5

    Episode #35 - Leading the Signal: Ted Fortenberry on Building Broadcast Excellence Across the South

    In this episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with broadcast veteran Ted Fortenberry, Regional Vice President and General Manager for Gray Media and WLBT. With oversight of multiple stations across Mississippi and Arkansas, Ted shares what it takes to lead high-performing news teams, adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape, and stay grounded in local communities. From his early days in radio in Tylertown to leading major network affiliates, Ted reflects on the lessons, challenges, and defining moments that shaped his career. He also dives into the importance of mentorship, consistency, and developing talent in an industry that never slows down. This conversation is packed with insight for anyone passionate about broadcasting, leadership, and the future of local media. Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. #BehindTheMicWithMAB #MississippiBroadcasters #BroadcastLeadership #LocalNewsMatters #GrayMedia #WLBT #MediaLeadership #RadioToTV #BroadcastingLife #MediaProfessionals #AudioAlchemyProductions

    57 min

  5. Apr 21

    Episode #34: Leading with Purpose, Power, and Community with RaMona Clay Alexander

    On this episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with RaMona Clay Alexander, a powerhouse in the broadcasting world whose leadership has shaped media across Mississippi and beyond. With more than 30 years of experience, RaMona shares her journey from Jackson roots to becoming Vice President and General Manager of WDBD FOX40, along with her impact on industry leadership at the national level.   This conversation goes deeper than titles and accolades. RaMona opens up about the responsibility of leadership, the importance of community partnerships, and how staying grounded in purpose has guided her through decades of success. From boardrooms to neighborhoods, her story is a masterclass in influence, resilience, and legacy.   #BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #RaMonaClayAlexander #MississippiBroadcasting #WomenInLeadership #MediaLeadership #BroadcastIndustry #JacksonMS #CommunityImpact #LeadershipMatters #WomenInMedia #Inspiration #PodcastEpisode   Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

    1h 5m

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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About

Behind the Mic with MAB

Information

  • Creator
    behndthemicpod
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Behind The Mic with MAB