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