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.