Shows
Behind The Mic with MABEpisode 27: Nichole Cyprian and Whitney ArgenbrightIn 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 n...
2025-12-2343 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #24: Keeping South Mississippi Informed with Grant ChighizolaIn 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 ta...
2025-12-0851 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #25: Building Better Radio in a Digital World with Jim SherwoodIn 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...
2025-12-0551 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #23: Amplifying Mississippi: A Conversation with Java ChatmanIn 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 c...
2025-11-1751 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #22: Taste, Toast, and Holiday Hosting with Jessica WilkinsonIn 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...
2025-11-1747 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #21. Chasing Storms and Purpose: Meet Meteorologist Austin PowellIn 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...
2025-11-101h 00Behind The Mic with MABEpisode 20: Behind the Headlines with C.J. LeMasterIn 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 o...
2025-10-311h 14Behind The Mic with MABEpisode #19: Hot, Cold, and Whole: The Power of Contrast Therapy with Jessica Wilkinson and Chris Valentine.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...
2025-10-2440 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #18: A Conversation with Melissa Boswell TownsendIn 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 compan...
2025-10-2349 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #17: Behind the Headlines with Emily CaballeroIn 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...
2025-10-1335 minBehind The Mic with MABInside Make-A-Wish MississippiWelcome 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 mil...
2025-10-0248 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode 16: Behind the Mic with Quinn AlexanderIn 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...
2025-10-011h 00Behind The Mic with MABEpisode #14: Scott Simmons on Leading Mississippi’s Emergency CommunicationsIn 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...
2025-09-1747 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode 13 - Jake Wimberly: The King of Mississippi Sports MediaThis 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 recognit...
2025-09-1551 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #12: Tai Takahashi on Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of StorytellingIn 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...
2025-09-0345 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode 10: Daniella Oropeza, Anchoring Truth and Giving a Voice to the VoicelessIn this inspiring episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Daniella Oropeza, Assistant News Director and Morning Anchor at WTVA. From her early days as a reporter to becoming a trusted voice in Mississippi journalism, Daniella has built a career rooted in integrity, compassion, and community connection.
Daniella shares the stories behind her most impactful coverage, from reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic and Jackson’s water crisis to a moving feature in Spanish that helped reunite a Mexican family with the firefighter who saved their baby. A proud graduate of the...
2025-08-1153 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode 9: Cash Matlock Is Redefining Local NewsOn this electrifying episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Cash Matlock, the award-winning news director who’s shaking up Mississippi media. At just 28, Cash oversees news content for ten radio stations under Digio Strategies, where he blends sharp journalism with cinematic storytelling to deliver news that actually connects.
From earning the 2024 MAB Radio Rookie of the Year title to dominating the 2025 awards circuit with first-place wins in Breaking News and Severe Weather Coverage, Cash isn’t just making headlines—he’s rewriting how they’re made. He’s also the mind behind the Q...
2025-08-0147 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #8 - Breaking Barriers & Inspiring Voices: Keaundria Milloy Shares Her Journey in JournalismTune in to an inspiring episode of Behind the Mic with MAB as host Amanda Fontaine sits down with the dynamic Keaundria Milloy, a trailblazing multimedia journalist and weekend anchor at WDAM 7 News in Mississippi. From her humble beginnings in Mount Olive to becoming a recognized voice in Mississippi media, Keaundria shares her incredible journey, her passion for storytelling, and the challenges she’s overcome along the way. Discover how her dedication, education, and love for news are shaping the future of journalism in Mississippi—and beyond! Whether you're an aspiring journalist or a news enthusiast, this episode is pack...
2025-07-2337 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode #7, Ross McLeod: A New Chapter in Local NewsIn this heartfelt episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with journalist Ross McLeod to reflect on his impactful journey at WTOK in Meridian and the exciting new path ahead at WDAM in Hattiesburg. From long days at the Neshoba County Fair to breaking local stories that mattered, Ross opens up about the lessons he’s learned, the people who’ve shaped his career, and why community-driven storytelling remains at the heart of his work.
As he transitions into his new role as evening co-anchor at WDAM, Ross shares what he’s most excite...
2025-06-1344 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode 6: Yolanda Singleton’s Journey in Music, Community, and EntertainmentIn this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Yolanda Singleton — a woman who's done so much more than most of us could imagine. Yolanda shares her story, from being a proud mom and nurse to becoming a trailblazer in the music and entertainment scene here in Mississippi. She’s also a familiar voice on our airwaves, as she co-hosts Coffee and Conversations on WMPR 90.1 FM.
Yolanda talks about how she’s worked hard to bring big-name artists to Jackson, all while breaking down barriers as a woman in a mostly male indust...
2025-06-061h 03Behind The Mic with MABEpisode #5 Amanda Fontaine with Joey Barnes.In this episode, Amanda Fontaine interviews Joey Barnes, a veteran journalist with nearly 20 years of experience reporting in North Mississippi and West Alabama. Explore Joey's journey from intern to news director at WCBI, and hear about his impactful stories—from covering natural disasters and political events to shaping state legislation. Additionally, Amanda and Joey discuss the recent tornado outbreak, inmate executions, flying with Thunderbirds, career experiences, and more. Discover how Joey's deep connections to the region enrich his storytelling and dedication to the community.
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2025-05-0954 min
Behind The Mic with MABEpisode 4: From Media Leadership to Innovation with Hank PriceIn this episode, Amanda Fontaine welcomes the legendary Hank Price, a media visionary with over four decades of leadership in television and digital media. Hank shares his remarkable journey from consulting and writing to serving as President & General Manager at major networks like WVTM 13 and WBBM-TV. Tune in as they explore Hank's insights on managing today's news media, leadership in the evolving media landscape, and his inspiring career tips. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of media excellence!
Hank Price’s Books!
Managing Today's News Media; Audience First
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2025-04-2547 min
Behind The Mic with MABEpisode 3: A Legacy of Excellence in Broadcast Journalism with Howard BallouIn this episode, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Howard Ballou, a revered figure in broadcast journalism with over 30 years of experience. Howard shares his journey through the industry, highlighting his numerous accolades, including prestigious awards for his impactful documentaries and reporting. From his induction into the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame to his active role in community service, Howard's commitment to journalism and his community shines through. Join us as he discusses the evolution of news reporting, the importance of integrity in journalism, and his vision for the future of the field. Listen anytime wherever you get...
2025-04-1639 minBehind The Mic with MABEpisode 2: From Intern to Icon: Hannah Lane's Journey in Country RadioWelcome to Behind the Mic with MAB, where we dive deep into the stories behind the voices you hear on the airwaves. I’m Amanda Fontaine, Executive Director of the MAB and your host. Today, I have a very special guest— Miss Hannah Lane! You’ve heard her on US96.3’s Nate & Traci Morning Show, and she’s also a powerhouse content creator shaping the sound and style of radio in Mississippi. On top of that, she’s the host of her own amazing podcast, bringing fresh perspectives and great conversations to the mic.
But that’s not all—Hannah i...
2025-03-131h 01Behind The Mic with MABEpisode 1, Behind the Mic Podcast: Wilson Stribling on Journalism, Leadership, and the Future of BroadcastingIn this premiere episode of Behind the Mic, we sit down with Wilson Stribling, a veteran journalist with over 20 years in Mississippi media. From anchoring at WLBT to covering historic events like Hurricane Katrina, Wilson has witnessed firsthand the evolution of journalism. We’ll discuss his journey from Ole Miss to the anchor desk, his most unforgettable reporting moments, and where he sees the future of broadcasting heading. Beyond the newsroom, Wilson shares insights on leadership, storytelling, and the power of communication. Tune in for an inside look at the world of journalism with one of Mississippi’s most trus...
2025-03-1044 min