Podcast
Off Deadline
Hosted by Melissa DiGianfilippo, Proof Publicity · EN
Off Deadline goes beyond the headlines to reveal what really happens when the cameras stop rolling and the deadlines pass. Host Melissa DiGianfilippo, Founder and CEO of Proof Publicity, creates a rare safe space where top journalists drop their professional guard to share the moments that changed everything—the ethical crossroads that kept them awake, the sources that most surprised them, the stories that broke them, and the victories no one will ever write about.
From the hilarious disasters to the heart-stopping close calls, veteran journalists share the wild, unforgettable moments that never made it into their reporting. These are the behind-the-scenes confessions, the career-defining chaos, and the human moments that remind us why journalism is equal parts calling and complete madness. This isn't about breaking news—it's about the people who lived through the craziest moments while chasing the story, and the experiences they'll never forget.
If you've ever wondered what it really takes to be a storyteller in our chaotic world, Off Deadline delivers the raw, unfiltered truth behind journalism's most compelling voices.
Watch on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Kaley O’Kelley on Career Whiplash, Resilience and Finding Purpose in Local News
Jan 2700:31:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, Melissa DiGianfilippo of Proof Publicity sits down with Kaley O'Kelley of ABC 15 in Phoenix, a broadcast journalist whose career has been shaped by both extraordinary opportunity and deep personal challenge.Kaley shares what it was like to receive a last-minute call sending her to New York to fill in on Good Morning America, and the devastation of later learning that a long-term network opportunity was declined on her behalf without her knowledge. She opens up about navigating divorce while staying professional on air, crying in her car between shifts, and choosing forgiveness in moments that could have hardened her.She also explains why stories of hope, community heroes, and “angels among us” remain central to her work, and how telling those stories helped her find purpose in local news.Discussion highlightsBeing unexpectedly sent to New York for Good Morning AmericaHow quickly careers can change in broadcast journalismMaintaining professionalism through emotional painDivorce and showing up on air anywayLearning an opportunity was turned down without her consentChoosing forgiveness after betrayalWhy hope matters in local newsHighlighting community heroes and life-changing storiesFinding purpose through storytellingKaley’s episode is an honest look at resilience, grace under pressure, and the human side of journalism.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Paul Thompson on Truth, Tough Questions and Running the Phoenix Business Journal
Jan 2000:34:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with Paul Thompson, Managing Editor of the Phoenix Business Journal, for an honest conversation about journalism, leadership, and responsibility in today’s media landscape.Paul reflects on how covering crime early in his career shaped his approach to reporting, why journalists must chase difficult stories, and how newsroom debates help sharpen truth rather than dilute it. He also discusses separating emotion from reporting, managing pressure under deadline, and what business journalism gets right and wrong in the public eye.Discussion highlightsFinding his path into journalismEarly crime reporting and emotional resilienceWhy tough questions still matterSeparating personal opinion from reportingEditorial judgment and newsroom debatesLeading reporters under pressureBusiness journalism and public accountabilityMedia trust, credibility and transparencyTechnology, AI and the future of newsPaul’s episode offers a thoughtful look at the responsibility behind editorial decisions and the leadership required to run a modern newsroom.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Cynthia Sassi on Going All In and Betting Everything on Fabulous Arizona
Jan 1300:30:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with Cynthia Sassi, founder and publisher of Fabulous Arizona, the digital lifestyle publication spotlighting the people, places and brands shaping Arizona.Cynthia shares how she built Fabulous Arizona from the ground up, why she went all in on her business without a safety net, and how losing a job days before rent was due became a defining moment. She opens up about expanding into additional Fabulous markets, managing a growing team, balancing editorial integrity with brand partnerships, and staying focused on ROI for clients while protecting trust with readers.Discussion highlightsStudying marketing and consumer behaviorDiscovering digital publishing earlyLaunching Fabulous ArizonaGoing fully self employedLosing a job days before rent was dueWhy pressure fuels growthExpanding into additional Fabulous marketsManaging teams and releasing controlEditorial integrity vs brand partnershipsHandling public criticism and improving on cameraWhat people misunderstand about digital publishingThe importance of relationships in businessCynthia’s episode is an honest look at risk, resilience and building a modern media brand without a safety net.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Michelle Glicksman on Editorial Judgment, Magazine Deadlines and What Makes a Story Worth Publishing
Jan 600:22:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with Michelle Glicksman, a 26-year media veteran and editor in chief behind multiple Arizona publications, including Scottsdale City Lifestyle and Chandler City Lifestyle.Michelle shares how writing shaped her career early on, why magazine journalism ultimately won over television, and what it truly means to be responsible for editorial judgment under real deadlines. She reflects on pulling a magazine cover just hours before press, selecting stories worth publishing, covering nonprofit and community voices, navigating AI in journalism, and how personal loss deepened her empathy as an editor and storyteller.Discussion highlightsDiscovering her voice as a writer early in lifeMoving from television to magazine journalismEditorial judgment and covering unfamiliar beatsInterviewing Johnny Unitas without knowing who he wasWorking with her daughter on a fashion shootChoosing nonprofit and community storiesCovering Arizona food, travel and culturePulling a magazine cover hours before pressManaging nonstop PR pitchesHow AI is entering journalismPersonal loss and deeper empathy in storytellingMichelle’s episode offers a rare look at decision making, pressure and responsibility inside magazine publishing.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Catherine Anaya on the Career She Built and the Life She Refused to Miss
Dec 1600:31:30Tap to summarizeCatherine Anaya is a three-time Emmy Award winning journalist, longtime Phoenix news anchor, and the host of Horizonte on Arizona PBS. With more than 35 years in broadcast journalism, she has interviewed world leaders, built deep trust with viewers, and shaped how Arizona understands its most important stories.In this episode of Off Deadline, Catherine reflects on the career she built, the moments that changed her perspective, and the personal decisions that allowed her to stay present for the life she refused to miss.In this episode, Catherine shares:How a college editor unexpectedly changed the direction of her careerThe insecurity and constant movement behind television news contractsAnchoring live during major breaking news and carrying the emotional weight of the jobHow her work on Buddy Check 12 showed her the real-world power of journalismWhy she chose to step away from full-time television at the height of her careerHow she redefined success after decades in the spotlightAdvice for journalists and high achievers navigating career crossroadsThis conversation is an honest look at ambition, impact, and the clarity that comes with choosing what matters most.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.Guest: https://www.instagram.com/catherineanayaHorizonte on Arizona PBS: https://www.instagram.com/arizonapbsHost: https://www.instagram.com/melissadflip📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Karen Dalessandro on Reinvention, Radio Gypsy Life and Becoming a Hall of Fame Broadcaster
Dec 900:26:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with Karen Dalessandro, a multi-award-winning broadcaster whose career spans more than four decades across Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee and Phoenix. Karen shares how a high school radio booth sparked her passion, the advice that pushed her into country radio, and the “radio gypsy” lifestyle that shaped her early years.She opens up about sitting in all 60,000 seats at Miller Park to raise money for child abuse prevention, launching mammogram parties to help women get screened, meeting Taylor Swift before her superstar era, and becoming only the third woman ever inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Karen also reflects on 40 years of marriage, navigating loss, leaning on fitness, and reinventing herself again and again through a constantly changing industry.Karen can now be heard every afternoon on @1007kslx, where her signature energy continues to connect with listeners across Arizona.Discussion highlights:How a high school radio class sparked her careerThe mentor who pushed her into country radioFrom Detroit to Chicago to Milwaukee to PhoenixRadiothons and sitting in 60,000 stadium seats for charityCreating mammogram parties and their lasting impactMeeting Taylor Swift as a 15 year old “baby artist”Becoming the third woman in the Country Radio Hall of FameSurviving the record industry lifestyle in her marriageGrief, growth and finding a new dog after lossFitness, certification and staying sharp as a broadcasterWhy improv changed her confidence and her careerReinventing herself for TV and multimedia storytellingKaren’s story reflects passion, longevity, risk taking and the power of reinvention in media.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Javier Soto on the Road From Troublemaker to Trusted Voice in Local News
Dec 200:41:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo (@melissadflip) sits down with @javiersototv to explore the personal and professional moments that shaped his career as one of Arizona’s most trusted journalists.Javier shares stories from his childhood as a talkative kid, the internship that changed his life, the mentor who insisted he be hired, and the newsroom experiences that revealed his calling. He also opens up about navigating personal loss, the role his partner plays in grounding him, and the purpose he found through hard seasons.Discussion highlights:Growing up as a talkative troublemakerGetting his desk moved into the hallwayThe mentor who pushed for his first big breakThe breaking news moment that marked his careerNavigating personal grief and rebuilding lifeThe partner who keeps him groundedFinding purpose, gratitude and meaning in his workAdvice for young journalistsJavier’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, heart and humanity behind local news.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Lexy Romano on Phoenix Finds, Fearless Hosting and Building a Local Media Brand
Nov 2500:27:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo sits down with @lexyromano, Emmy nominated host, performer and founder of Phoenix Finds Media, the platform spotlighting the stories of local businesses across Arizona.Lexy opens up about transitioning from performing in NYC to building her own media brand, how she disarms nervous guests on camera, the cringe moment that taught her confidence, and the joy of helping small businesses shine on screen.Discussion highlights:From stage performer to media hostHow Phoenix Finds Media grew from Instagram to TVHelping nervous guests shine on cameraHer “best friend or husband” hosting trickThe hot air balloon story she’ll never forgetCovering nonprofits and creating lasting impactPhoenix restaurants and real viewer reactionsThe cringe name slip she will never forgetSmall talk as her secret superpowerBalancing motherhood with building a brandHer best advice for aspiring creators: just startLexy’s energy, empathy and storytelling continue to shape the way Arizona discovers local businesses.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Catherine Reagor on Truth, Fairness & Three Decades Covering Arizona Real Estate
Nov 1800:37:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host Melissa DiGianfilippo (@melissadflip) sits down with Catherine Reagor (@cathreagor), senior real estate reporter at The Arizona Republic, who has covered Arizona’s housing market for more than 30 years.Catherine opens up about the stories that shaped her, the Great Recession’s lasting impact, and why fairness remains at the core of her reporting. She also clarifies what really happened with The Arizona Republic’s recent newsroom buyouts — and how local journalism continues to evolve.Discussion highlights:The story that changed her perspective on journalismCovering every housing boom, bust, and recoveryBalancing empathy and objectivity in real estate reportingThe truth behind The Arizona Republic’s newsroom buyoutsWhy local journalism still matters in ArizonaAdvice for PR pros on how to pitch stories that resonateCatherine’s story is a masterclass in credibility, compassion, and commitment to community storytelling.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
Transcribe →Nadine Bubeck on Storytelling, Motherhood & Building a Legacy in Lifestyle Media
Nov 1100:42:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Off Deadline, host @melissadflip sits down with @nadinebubeck, publisher of Paradise Valley City Lifestyle Magazine, to talk about the heart of storytelling, the balance between motherhood and media, and the moments that shaped her legacy.Nadine opens up about her most memorable interviews with icons like Charles Barkley and Michael Phelps, what “home” truly means to her, and how she’s built a thriving lifestyle publication rooted in gratitude and community.Discussion highlights:How Nadine turned storytelling into a lifestyle brandBalancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and creativityThe meaning behind her quote “Home isn’t a place — it’s a feeling.”Her favorite celebrity cover stories and what they taught herWhy community connection drives everything she doesNadine’s story reminds us that legacy isn’t about fame — it’s about impact.🎧 Listen now, watch on YouTube, and don’t forget to follow @proofpublicity for more episodes of Off Deadline.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@proof-publicity🔗 Check out Proof Publicity → https://proofpublicity.com
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