Behind The Mic with MAB

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

In this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with Melissa Boswell Townsend, General Manager of Boswell Media, which operates three powerhouse stations across central Mississippi: Kicks 96.7, Breezy 101.1, and Cruisin 98.3.
 
Melissa shares her inspiring story of growing up in the broadcast industry, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Mims Boswell, who founded the family’s first radio station in 1963, and her father, Johnny Boswell.
 
From recording her first radio commercial at just six years old to now leading one of Mississippi’s most respected media companies, Melissa’s journey is one of legacy, leadership, and love for local radio. She and Amanda discuss the art of personalized marketing, Boswell Media’s community impact, and the team’s incredible 21 nominations in the 2024 Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Awards.
 
Tune in to hear how Melissa continues to carry forward her family’s mission: to serve, inform, and connect communities through integrity, creativity, and heart.
 
🎙️ Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions
 
#BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #MelissaBoswellTownsend #BoswellMedia #JohnnyBoswell #MississippiBroadcasting #RadioLife #WomenInMedia #Kicks96 #Breezy101 #Cruisin983 #MississippiSongwriterOfTheYear #AudioAlchemyProductions

In this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Emily Caballero, Assistant News Director at WLBT. Emily shares her journey from discovering her passion for broadcasting as a fifth grader in Meridian, Mississippi, to becoming a newsroom leader in Jackson. She opens up about her early years at WTOK, her transition into producing and management at WLBT, and what it takes to balance the fast-paced world of news with a fulfilling personal life. Emily also talks about her love for storytelling, her devotion to her husband and four furry family members, and her die-hard fandom for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Green Bay Packers. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the heart and hustle behind the headlines.
 
#BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #EmilyCaballero #WLBT #WomenInBroadcasting #NewsLeadership #MississippiMedia #PodcastInterview #BroadcastJournalism #Storytelling #InspiringWomen
 
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re shining a light on an organization that brings hope, strength, and joy to children across Mississippi and around the world — Make-A-Wish. Every 33 minutes in the United States, a wish is granted to a child battling a critical illness. These wishes are more than just special moments — they’re turning points, sparks of hope that inspire children to believe anything is possible.
 
The Make-A-Wish story began more than 40 years ago with a little boy named Chris, whose dream of becoming a police officer started a movement that has touched millions of lives worldwide. Here in Mississippi, Make-A-Wish continues to carry that mission forward, granting wishes that change not only the lives of children, but their families, volunteers, and entire communities.
 
Today, we’re honored to be joined by Allison Tyler, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Mississippi, and Jill Dale, a wish mom and board secretary, who will share her family’s powerful story. Together, we’ll talk about the heart of this mission, the impact of wishes, and how each of us can play a role in bringing joy to children who need it most.
 
This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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 Quinn Alexander, host of the Hometown Country Morning Show on 970KK. Born in Oceanside, California, Quinn once dreamed of Hollywood fame as an actor or screenwriter. At 23, he discovered radio, and by 25, landed his first gig in Kansas. Since then, he has chased his radio dream across the country with stops in Maine, Texas, Indiana, Virginia, and now Mississippi.
Beyond the airwaves, Quinn has built a social media following of more than 300,000 across Facebook and TikTok. Yet, he may be most famously known as “Franky’s human”—the devoted owner of his corgi, Franky with a Y, who runs his life.
Together, Amanda and Quinn dive into big questions facing the industry and beyond:
How country music is embracing other genres and why so many non-country artists are “going country.”
The role of social media in supporting and reshaping radio.
And the question on everyone’s mind: is radio dying?
This is a candid, fun, and insightful conversation you don’t want to miss.
#BehindTheMic #MABPodcast #QuinnAlexander #CountryRadio #RadioLife #PodcastInterview #HometownCountry #MississippiRadio #SocialMediaAndRadio #FrankyWithAY
 
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this episode of Behind the Mic, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Scott Simmons, Chief Communications Officer and Director of External Affairs for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). After an award-winning career as an Emmy and Murrow-winning journalist, Scott transitioned from the anchor desk to emergency management, taking on one of the state’s most critical leadership roles.
Scott shares how his background in investigative reporting, hurricane coverage, and broadcast leadership shaped his ability to manage communications during crises. From coordinating the Joint Information Center during disasters, to overseeing social media, press relations, and digital strategy, he explains how MEMA works to ensure Mississippians receive the right information at the right time.
Amanda and Scott also discuss his personal journey, including decades in journalism, his decision to leave the newsroom for public service, and how he balances leadership with family life, hobbies like cycling and volleyball, and his love for his Australian Shepherds. This is a conversation about communication, trust, and leadership under pressure.
 
#BehindTheMic #AmandaFontaine #ScottSimmons #MEMA #CrisisCommunication #Mississippi #Leadership #EmergencyManagement #BroadcastJournalism #PublicService
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

This week, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with Jake Wimberly, one of Mississippi’s most influential voices in sports media. Known as the “King of High School Football,” Jake has spent over a decade shaping the sports landscape as a radio host on ESPN 105.9 The Zone and as program director for both ESPN 105.9 and 106.3 The Fan.
From calling games for the Brandon Bulldogs and Hinds Community College Eagles to serving as the play-by-play voice for state championship broadcasts, Jake’s voice has become a staple in homes and stadiums across the state. His work has earned him recognition from the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters as one of the top sports broadcasters in Mississippi.
In this episode, Jake shares his journey through sports radio, the creation of his analytical College Football Hourglass, and his passion for elevating high school and college athletics. Whether behind the mic, breaking down football analytics, or serving as master of ceremonies at statewide events, Jake Wimberly continues to make an indelible mark on the sports world.
Join us as we go behind the mic with Jake to explore the stories, insights, and passion that fuel his legendary career.
#BehindTheMicPodcast #MississippiSports #SportsMedia #JakeWimberly #ESPNRadio #HighSchoolFootball #CollegeFootball #MAB #SportsBroadcasting
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In Episode #12 of Behind The Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with a true broadcasting powerhouse, Tai (Taiju) Takahashi. With over 30 years of executive news management, Tai has led award-winning newsrooms from Atlanta to Portland, and today serves as News Director at WJTV/WHLT in Mississippi.
 
Tai’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From winning multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards, to transforming news stations into trusted voices in their communities, his career is a masterclass in visionary leadership. But Tai’s story goes far beyond the newsroom. He is a devoted husband and father, a community volunteer, and an advocate in the fight against breast cancer after his daughter’s courageous battle and victory.
 
This episode dives into Tai’s philosophy on journalism, the evolving media landscape, his commitment to ethical storytelling, and his personal mission to use media as a force for good. Whether you’re in broadcasting, leadership, or simply looking for inspiration, Tai’s wisdom and heart will leave you motivated to raise the bar in your own life and work.
#BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #TaiTakahashi #Broadcasting #Journalism #Leadership #MediaMatters #InspiringStories #WJTV #WHLT #MississippiMedia #EdwardRMurrowAward #EmmyAward #NewsLeadership #PodcastCommunity #Storytelling #CancerAwareness #MenWearPink #AmericanCancerSociety #FaithAndFamily
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.