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Praise & Worship Channel from Moody Radio

Meet the Team

Mike WEston headshot

Mike Weston
Weekday Mornings


Mike is originally from the Boston, MA area and was “bitten by the radio bug” after a middle school field trip took him to a local Boston radio station. He became a Christian at 18 years old and requested his first Bible (the first he had ever seen) for his 18th birthday. Mike is honored to be able to share his faith every day on the Praise & Worship Channel. Mike likes to take Jesus Christ seriously but approach the rest of life with joy and light-heartedness, that is, not too seriously!

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Jon Hemmer
Weekday Afternoons


Jon has been a Chicago native his entire life... Actually, change that to “Chicago Suburb Native.” However, he has been working in Chicago for the past 20 years, and he isn’t shy when it comes to discussing his favorite Chicago foods… he’s also been a Chicago Bears fan for as long as he can remember.

When he’s not on Moody radio, you could probably find Jon hanging out with his wife Cari and their Golden Doodle Charlie. Coming from a musical family, he has been a drummer for 30 years… Wow! That makes him sound really old. He loves music and besides drumming for several churches in the Chicago area, you might find him doing studio session work playing the drums or keyboards. Besides playing, he likes creating audio along with DJing…

Besides music, Jon loves movies and he has found himself to be an avid reader over the past couple of years. Who would have thought?

Feel free to send Jon an email. Thanks for listening!

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Mercedes Rich
Weekday Evenings + Saturday Morning


Mercedes is a producer, voiceover artist, podcast host, and radio host. Her career has taken her from an internship in Arkansas, to Virginia, Washington, DC, and all over the world here with The Praise & Worship Channel. Mercedes is an alumni of Liberty University where she has her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Music and Communication and is currently working on her Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management.

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Donna Leland
Weekday Nights + Saturday Evening


Donna has hosted music for Moody Radio since 1988. She lived through the days of placing the needle on the record and loading CDs. Technology has made the hosting less stressful and more restful.

She lives with her husband Tom, retired Chicago Police Department sergeant. After homeschooling her four children, she has more time to spend connecting with her listeners.

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Bill Maier
Weekday Overnights


Bill is a veteran broadcaster with a background in both general market and Christian radio. He also holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and spent several years serving low-income children and families at a Los Angeles County community mental health clinic.

Many Moody Radio listeners may be familiar with Bill's work for Focus on the Family. During his time at Focus, Bill hosted the “Weekend Magazine” program, the “Family Minute with Dr. Bill Maier” and the “Family Insights” TV news feature. He also served as Dr. James Dobson’s primary fill-in host on the Focus on the Family daily broadcast.

Most recently, Bill hosted the morning shows at KSBJ Radio in Houston and The Faith Radio Network in Minneapolis. He joined Moody Radio's "Praise and Worship Channel" in May of 2019.

Bill and his wife Lisa have three energetic kids and an even MORE energetic Labroodle named "Sparky." They make their home in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.

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Effie Rolfe
Saturday Night


Effie Rolfe says “It’s all about lifting up the Name of Jesus and encouraging God’s people along the way.” The Arkansas native, also sang with the Grammy Award winning Rev Milton Brunson and The Thompson Community Singers, is an Author, and former Entertainment Columnist & Speaker. In addition to being on The Praise & Worship Channel, she is Program Director and On-Air Host w/ Moody Radio’s UrbanPraiseRadio.org (24 hour gospel music digital channel) and can be heard 12p weekdays.

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Diana Berryman
Sunday Morning


Diana is a seasoned and awarded Chicago radio veteran, with several decades behind the mic. She has been a host on the Praise and Worship Channel since it began and currently hosts Saturday and Sunday mornings. Diana is also the Coordinating Producer for Moody Radio Chicago's morning show, Karl and Crew. She is a graduate of the University of Evansville and was blessed to also study in England. Diana is an advocate for orphan care and foster parenting, and her passions include missions in South America, the Chicago Cubs, and her Greek heritage. During her free time, Diana enjoys theater, dance, time with her family, and working on her two features "Let's Di'alogue" and "Mom'ents."

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Ryan Hanson
Sunday Afternoon


Ryan is very fortunate to have grown up in the great city of Chicago. His love of radio began at a young age listening to sports radio about his favorite teams: The Chicago Bears and White Sox. Now, in his old age, Ryan thoroughly enjoys all the work and odd jobs he does within Moody Radio, including his work with Praise and Worship channel.

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Tricia McMillan
Sunday Evening


Tricia is the senior producer of Chris Fabry Live and Open Line with Dr. Michael Rydelnik. She has worked at Moody Radio since 2000 on a variety of programs. She is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and has a Master of Ministry from Moody Theological Seminary. Tricia is married to Nate, has three children and lives in the Chicago suburbs.

JoePitt headshot

JoePitt
Sunday Night


JoePitt was born in the wild untamed wilderness of Chicagoland and fought tooth and nail to not fall victim to the Chicago accent...to varying degrees of success. He became a Christian in 2003 and continues to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...to varying degrees of success. He knows when you listen to the Praise & Worship Channel you will definitely be encouraged and strengthened by the music you hear. He also believes you'll find him both hilarious and relatable...to varying degrees of success. Joe, his wife, and his dog all share a house along with a cat who claims to own the place.

Follow Joe on Instagram for mostly pictures of his pets.