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.

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. 

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.