Off Deadline
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!
Off Deadline
Javier Soto on the Road From Troublemaker to Trusted Voice in Local News
In 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 troublemaker
- Getting his desk moved into the hallway
- The mentor who pushed for his first big break
- The breaking news moment that marked his career
- Navigating personal grief and rebuilding life
- The partner who keeps him grounded
- Finding purpose, gratitude and meaning in his work
- Advice for young journalists
Javier’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
