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. 

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. 

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.

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.

In episode number 25 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine welcomes Jim Sherwood to the Audio Alchemy Studios. Jim is the founder and lead developer of Skyrocket Radio, a company dedicated to helping radio stations thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Jim’s career in radio began in 1988 and has taken him through roles at iHeartMedia, CBS Radio, Cumulus Broadcasting, and several local stations. He has done everything from programming to promotions, hosting on the air, managing digital content, and even broadcasting aboard an aircraft carrier during his Navy service. His passion for radio, music, history, and digital innovation led him to launch Mediagin Creative in 2001 and later Skyrocket Radio in 2013.

Today, Jim partners with stations of all sizes to build websites, mobile apps, and digital tools that strengthen brands and deepen audience connection. He also hosts the “Better Radio Websites” podcast, where he shares practical guidance for radio professionals navigating the online world.

Amanda and Jim dive into the evolution of radio, the importance of digital presence, and what stations need to succeed in a rapidly changing media environment.

#BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #JimSherwood #SkyrocketRadio #RadioDigitalStrategy #BroadcastInnovation #RadioIndustry #MississippiBroadcasters #AudioAlchemyStudios #BetterRadioWebsites

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In episode number 23 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Java Chatman, Director of Radio at Mississippi Public Broadcasting. Java shares his journey from his early days at Jackson State University’s WJSU to becoming a key voice and leader in Mississippi radio.

With experience across commercial, independent, and public broadcasting, Java has spent more than two decades shaping stories, supporting local artists, and mentoring the next generation of media talent. He discusses his work behind MPB’s popular weekday lineup, his passion for creating content that informs and inspires, and his commitment to celebrating Southern culture through radio.

This conversation shines a light on the heart behind the microphone, the responsibility of storytelling, and the power of media to connect communities.

#BehindTheMicWithMAB #MississippiAssociationOfBroadcasters #AmandaFontaine #JavaChatman #MPBOnline #MississippiRadio #BroadcastingLife #Storytelling #SouthernCulture #MediaLeadership

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In episode number 22 of the Behind The Mic with MAB podcast, Amanda Fontaine welcomes Jessica Wilkinson back to the studio for a fun and festive conversation. Jessica, known for her Taste and Toast segment on WLBT, joins Amanda to talk all things holiday food, hosting, and event planning.

With a background that spans theater, film, teaching, and broadcasting, Jessica brings creativity and personality to everything she does. From her years performing on stage to her work as a Studio 3 reporter and Today at 11 anchor, she has built a career on storytelling, connection, and authenticity.

In this episode, Amanda and Jessica dive into seasonal dishes, entertaining tips, and the joy of bringing people together during the holidays. Whether you are planning a big family gathering or a simple get-together with friends, you will walk away with ideas and inspiration for a memorable celebration.

#BehindTheMicMAB #AmandaFontaine #JessicaWilkinson #TasteAndToast #WLBT #HolidayHosting #MississippiBroadcasters #Studio3 #FoodAndFun #EventPlanningTips

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In episode number 21 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with WJTV 12 weekend meteorologist, Austin Powell. Austin’s passion for weather began when he was in the third grade, after witnessing the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak that tore through the southeast. What he saw that day set him on a lifelong path to help warn and protect others when severe weather strikes.

Austin shares his journey from Woodbury, Tennessee to studying Atmospheric Science and Meteorology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, volunteering with National Weather Service offices, researching significant tornado events, and interning with WKRN News 2 and WAAY 31. His story reflects dedication, curiosity, and a deep desire to serve the public with clarity and compassion during dangerous weather.

Now part of Storm Team 12, Austin is fulfilling the goal he set as a child, forecasting for the people of Central Mississippi. This conversation highlights what it means to follow a calling and stay steady when the skies turn uncertain.

#BehindTheMicWithMAB #StormTeam12 #WJTV12 #AustinPowell #BroadcastMeteorology #MississippiWeather #WeatherCommunity #SevereWeatherAwareness #PassionAndPurpose #LocalMatters

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 

In this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with WLBT News Anchor and Investigative Reporter C.J. LeMaster. Known for his fearless pursuit of truth, C.J. has spent more than a decade uncovering corruption, exposing hidden stories, and holding the powerful accountable across Mississippi.

Amanda and C.J. dive deep into what drives his passion for journalism, the challenges of investigating public institutions, and the stories that have shaped his career. From uncovering misleading crime data to exposing government misconduct, C.J. shares how his work has not only earned him statewide recognition but also led to real change for Mississippi residents.

Listeners will get an inside look at the grit, ethics, and courage it takes to pursue investigative journalism in today’s media landscape, along with a few personal reflections on C.J.’s journey from small-town beginnings to becoming one of Mississippi’s most respected reporters.

#BehindTheMicWithMAB #CJLeMaster #WLBT #InvestigativeJournalism #AmandaFontaine #MississippiMedia #NewsAnchor #PodcastInterview #AudioAlchemyProductions #TransparencyMatters #MississippiNews

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine dives into the world of cold plunging and hot cold contrast therapy with Jessica Wilkinson, WLBT Lifestyle Host and Reporter, and Chris Valentine, owner of Rest Recovery Wellness JXN. Together, they explore how alternating between cold and heat can transform not only your body but also your heart and soul, boosting recovery, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.

The conversation also highlights a special Make-A-Wish fundraiser that Amanda is currently championing. If she reaches her goal, she is taking the plunge, literally, with a live cold plunge on WLBT.

Join Amanda, Jessica, and Chris for a fun, inspiring, and refreshingly honest discussion about resilience, recovery, and the healing power of extreme temperatures.

🎙️ Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions

#BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #JessicaWilkinson #ChrisValentine #RestRecoveryWellnessJXN #WLBT #ColdPlunge #HotColdTherapy #ContrastTherapy #WellnessJourney #MakeAWish #AudioAlchemyProductions