Behind The Mic with MAB

In Episode 44 of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with veteran journalist, newsroom leader, and media consultant Kevin Benz.
Kevin reflects on a career spent covering major stories and leading award-winning newsrooms while exploring the challenges facing journalism today. They discuss artificial intelligence, rebuilding trust with audiences, investigative reporting, developing young journalists, and why local broadcasters remain such an important part of their communities.
Kevin also shares his outlook on the future of broadcasting and a simple challenge for every newsroom: put serving your community at the very top of the list.
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In Episode 43 of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Derron Steenbergen, founder of the Swagger Institute, longtime broadcast sales leader, and creator of the Ten Minute Trainer Network.
Derron shares what more than 30 years in broadcasting taught him about sales, leadership, relationships, and staying energized in a demanding industry. They talk about why great leaders get in the boat with their people, why sales should be about solving problems instead of simply selling products, and how small wins can keep teams moving forward.
It’s a practical, funny, and encouraging conversation about building trust, leading well, taking care of yourself, and finding a little more swagger along the way.
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

What role does media play in shaping the way we see the world? On this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Dr. Philip Poe, associate professor in Mississippi State University’s Department of Communication, Media and Theatre, to discuss the power and responsibility of storytelling.
Dr. Poe shares his journey from Henderson, Texas, to a career in higher education, journalism and media production. The conversation explores his research on stereotypes in popular media, particularly how illness and disability are portrayed, along with the importance of ethical journalism and thoughtful communication. They also discuss his work mentoring students as graduate coordinator, faculty advisor for the MAB Young Professionals Organization and coordinator of MAB Day.
Whether you’re a student, media professional or simply interested in how stories influence society, this episode offers valuable insight into the impact of responsible communication and the next generation of media leaders.
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

What does a typical week look like for a United States Congressman? In this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine goes beyond politics to get to know the person behind the title.
Congressman Michael Guest shares what life is really like balancing the demands of serving Mississippi in Washington while staying connected to home and family. He reflects on his path from prosecutor to Congress, what a typical week in his life actually looks like, and how he manages the constant travel, committee work, and responsibilities that come with representing Mississippi’s Third Congressional District.
Amanda also dives into one of the more unexpected chapters of his career, his work as a district attorney that was featured on Forensic Files. Congressman Guest discusses the case, the experience of seeing it portrayed on national television, and how his years in the courtroom continue to influence the way he approaches public service today.
This conversation isn’t about political talking points. It’s about the experiences, stories, and moments that have shaped one of Mississippi’s most recognizable public servants, giving listeners a rare behind the scenes look at the man behind the office.
 
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 
 

From calling championship football games to leading one of Mississippi’s top sports radio stations, Jake Wimberly has become one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting across the state.
 
On Episode 40 of Behind The Mic by MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Jake to discuss his journey from earning a Civil Engineering degree at Mississippi State University to becoming an award-winning broadcaster, program director for ESPN 105.9 The Zone and 106.3 The Fan, and one of Mississippi’s premier play-by-play announcers.
 
Jake shares the stories behind the microphone, the preparation that goes into calling live sporting events, the evolution of sports media, his innovative College Football Hourglass prediction model, and what it takes to build a lasting career in broadcasting.
 
Whether you’re a sports fan, aspiring broadcaster, or simply fascinated by the people who bring the biggest moments to life, this conversation offers an inside look at the passion, preparation, and professionalism behind one of Mississippi’s most respected sports voices.
 
🎙️ Hosted by Amanda Fontaine
📻 Guest: Jake Wimberly
 
Subscribe for more conversations with the broadcasters, journalists, and media professionals shaping Mississippi’s communications industry.
 
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

For more than four decades, Maggie Wade has been a trusted voice in Mississippi homes, but her impact extends far beyond the anchor desk.
On Episode 39 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with broadcasting icon Maggie Wade to explore the remarkable journey that transformed a young woman from Crystal Springs into one of the most respected journalists in the state.
Maggie shares how an unexpected opportunity in college radio changed the course of her life, leading to an extraordinary career at WLBT as an Emmy-nominated news anchor, storyteller, and advocate for Mississippi’s children and families.
The conversation dives into her groundbreaking work with Wednesday’s Child, her passion for education and community service, and the responsibility that comes with being a trusted voice during some of Mississippi’s most defining moments.
As a member of the Mississippi Association of Public Broadcasters Hall of Fame, recipient of more than 500 awards, and a lifelong champion for children, foster care, and volunteerism, Maggie’s legacy is measured not only by the stories she’s covered, but by the countless lives she’s changed.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Maggie discovered her passion for broadcasting
The story behind her decades-long career at WLBT
Why Wednesday’s Child became one of her most meaningful missions
The importance of using your platform to serve others
Lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose
Her advice for the next generation of journalists and storytellers
Whether you’ve grown up watching Maggie deliver the news or you’re hearing her story for the first time, this conversation is a masterclass in authenticity, compassion, and the power of making a difference.
#BehindTheMicWithMAB #MaggieWade #AmandaFontaine #WLBT #MississippiMedia #Journalism #Mississippi #WednesdaysChild #Storytelling #CommunityLeadership #Podcast
 
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

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.

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. 

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

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