From Cass Tech to Fox 2: A Detroit Story of Health and Legacy

In this episode of the On Call for Men’s Health Podcast, we sit down with Alex Kimbrough, a longtime Emmy Award-winning director at Fox 2 Detroit, to explore his deeply personal and professional journey. While known for his behind-the-scenes presence in news broadcasting, Alex opens up about his upbringing, the influence of Cass Technical High School, his health battles, and his path to transformation.

We begin by understanding Alex’s role in news production, where he walks us through the intensity of live directing, managing chaos in real time, and what it takes to make a newscast flow seamlessly. Alex’s pride in his alma mater, Cass Tech, is palpable. He shares how it was a formative institution that shaped his sense of identity and excellence, and how its alumni have quietly but powerfully impacted the world.

We then shift to more emotional terrain as Alex recalls his friendship with former Fox 2 General Manager Jeff Murray, whose tragic suicide in 2011 left a permanent mark. Alex also opens up about being the director behind monumental events like the funerals of Coleman Young, Rosa Parks, and Aretha Franklin, moments that defined Detroit history and his own career.

Health becomes a central theme as Alex reflects on his own struggles, including obesity, hypertension, kidney disease, and seizures. His turning point came through bariatric surgery, a step he resisted for years but ultimately embraced. He credits his wife Rosalyn, a breast cancer “conqueror,” and his son for giving him strength and purpose. Their support—and his desire to be present for life’s future moments, like dancing at his granddaughter’s wedding—propelled him toward lasting change.

Alex discusses the psychological and emotional impact of weight loss, the changes in news media over the decades, and how legacy media is adapting to the digital era. He also shares his pride in producing The Hunt, a reality-style news segment on unemployment, which earned him an Emmy and reaffirmed his creative vision.

We close with Alex’s reflections on fatherhood, legacy, and resilience. His mantra, “I can’t want this more than you,” serves as a call to personal responsibility and action. He’s now living as “Alex 2.0,” intent on advocating for men’s health, encouraging others to take ownership of their wellness, and setting an example for his family and community.

Links: Michigan Men's Health Foundation: https://www.michiganmenshealthfoundation.org

The Pink Fund: https://www.pinkfund.org

Cass Technical High School: https://www.detroitk12.org/casstech