Episode #38 - From Small-Town Dreams to Q101: Ryan Johnson’s Radio Journey

Episode #38 - From Small-Town Dreams to Q101: Ryan Johnson’s Radio Journey

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.

Episode #37: Lee Eldridge on Transforming Newsrooms, Building Winning Media Brands, and the Future of Broadcasting

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.

Episode #36: Service, Sacrifice, and Storytelling with Sergeant First Class Shelbi Constancio.

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

Episode #35 - Leading the Signal: Ted Fortenberry on Building Broadcast Excellence Across the South

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

Episode #34: Leading with Purpose, Power, and Community with RaMona Clay Alexander

On this episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with RaMona Clay Alexander, a powerhouse in the broadcasting world whose leadership has shaped media across Mississippi and beyond. With more than 30 years of experience, RaMona shares her journey from Jackson roots to becoming Vice President and General Manager of WDBD FOX40, along with her impact on industry leadership at the national level.   This conversation goes deeper than titles and accolades. RaMona opens up about the responsibility of leadership, the importance of community partnerships, and how staying grounded in purpose has guided her through decades of success. From boardrooms to neighborhoods, her story is a masterclass in influence, resilience, and legacy.   #BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #RaMonaClayAlexander #MississippiBroadcasting #WomenInLeadership #MediaLeadership #BroadcastIndustry #JacksonMS #CommunityImpact #LeadershipMatters #WomenInMedia #Inspiration #PodcastEpisode   Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.