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

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.

Episode #33 | Patrick Bigbie: From Storm Chaser to Emmy-Nominated Chief Meteorologist

In Episode 33 of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Chief Meteorologist Patrick Bigbie inside Audio Alchemy Studios for a conversation that goes far beyond the forecast. Patrick’s passion for weather started early, watching The Weather Channel instead of cartoons and becoming the youngest Weather Watcher for WSFA at just 13 years old. From there, he built a career rooted in relentless curiosity, real-world storm chasing, and a commitment to keeping communities safe when it matters most. He shares the story behind the now-famous moment during the 2017 Pine Belt tornado, when he held up a handwritten sign on live TV after losing audio to warn viewers of immediate danger. It’s a powerful example of quick thinking under pressure and the responsibility that comes with being the voice people trust in critical moments. Amanda and Patrick also dive into: * What it takes to become a Chief Meteorologist * The reality of chasing severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes * Lessons learned from high-stakes live broadcasting * His journey through the University of South Alabama and early career growth * Recognition in the industry, including Emmy nomination and multiple MAB awards * Life outside the studio, from Auburn football to photography and family This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in broadcasting, weather, or what it really takes to perform when the pressure is highest.   #BehindTheMic #MAB #PatrickBigbie #Meteorologist #Weather #StormChasing #Broadcasting #ChiefMeteorologist #WeatherChannel #Tornado #Hurricane #MississippiWeather #AuburnFootball #WarEagle #AudioAlchemyStudios #Podcast #BroadcastLife #SevereWeather #EmmyNominee   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode #32: Marketing with Heart, Storytelling with Purpose, A Conversation with Del Adams

On Episode 32 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with marketing professional Del Adams for a conversation about purpose, storytelling, and the power of connecting people through meaningful communication. Del Adams is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Elementary Education, and her career has always centered around serving others. While serving as Executive Director of The Mustard Seed, Del discovered a deep passion for marketing, storytelling, and outreach, helping organizations share their mission in ways that truly connect with people. Today, Del is approaching her third year with Digio Strategies, where she helps businesses grow by building authentic relationships with their audiences through strategic communication and marketing. Beyond her professional work, Del is a wife and mother of four, and she and her husband Chris are active members of Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church. There, Del serves in several meaningful ways, including leading crafts during Vacation Bible School, assisting with communications for the annual Missions Festival, and volunteering with the church’s special needs ministry. In this episode, Amanda and Del talk about the journey from education to nonprofit leadership to marketing, the importance of storytelling in building community, and how creativity, service, and faith shape the way Del approaches both life and work.   Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.   #BehindTheMicWithMAB #AmandaFontaine #DelAdams #DigioStrategies #MississippiBusiness #StorytellingMatters #MarketingStrategy #CommunityLeadership #PearOrchardPresbyterian #AudioAlchemyProductions