OUR TEAM
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Brian Smith
Station Director, Cohost of Mornings with Brian & Ellyn
I've worked for the station in different capacities since 1999. I love anything to do with the outdoors, music and it's all better when my family is involved. I'm married to my amazing wife, Heather, and we have two awesome kids, Ashlyn and Brayden. They are getting old fast…but we’re not aging…it’s crazy 😊 We also have a furry friend named Bingo.
Some of my Favorite things....
Movie: Miracle On Ice (USA Hockey)
TV Show: Chicago Series
Sport: Hockey
Food: Pizza
Location: Northern Michigan -
Ellyn Davey
Cohost of Mornings with Brian & Ellyn and Donor Care
It’s been an honor to be a part of the Hope FM family for more years than I can count.
I love being a wife, mom, mother-in-law, and grandma too, and I can’t help but talk about my life experiences in those roles. Through the many years working at Hope FM, I am thankful that so many listeners have also become great friends. Talking and getting to know people is probably one of my favorite things to do in life! -
Heather Erbe
Host of Middays with Heather
I love getting to spend middays with you on HopeFM. I didn't listen to Christian Radio growing up so I now see the value in it for my family and our community. I love how God speaks through the music.
I have been married to my husband Paul for 25 years. We have three kids, Alex, Sebastian and Atticus. I was born and raised in Michigan but no Go Blue for this girl. It's all Green and White thanks to my dad who graduated from Michigan State University. I love that in the 10 years I have been with Hope FM, I have seen God move and work and encourage people every day. -
Brett Hager
Program Director and Co-host of Afternoons with Brett & Emma
Hey there, I’m Brett! Born and raised in the beautiful Blue Water Area! My life has been shaped by three loves:
1. Jesus
2. My sweet wife Aubrey (who puts up with a lot!)
3. Christian Radio!
I grew up listening to HopeFM, and am a product of how Christian music can change a life… (I LOVE WHAT I DO!) I had some rough years, with a lot of hurt sprinkled throughout… But God used music to grab me out of it! Ever since, I have been passionate about giving as many others that same opportunity. God has revealed a desire in my heart to encourage others… Whether through corny punchlines (sorry Emma!), cringy one liners (again, sorry…), or by sharing lessons I have learned or am currently learning. I can’t wait to laugh, and share life with you each afternoon!
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Emma Falls
Co-Host of Afternoons with Brett & Emma, Donor Care and Volunteer Coordinator
Hey there!
My name is Emma and I've been working at HopeFM for a few years now. In my life, I wear many different hats, but this station and this ministry is one of my favorite things I get to do.
I hope you'll tune in to hang out with Brett and I in the afternoons! If you do... you'll no doubt hear some of our deepest thoughts, crazy randomness, and lots of laughter. I pray we bring more joy and truth to your life, too. Ministry and sharing about Jesus is one of the things I'm most passionate about. And I LOVE getting to do ministry and life with you every single day. I believe in the power of connection both through radio and face to face! So, if I get the privilege of running into you somewhere, I would love to connect -- please say hi. Thank YOU for being a part of what we do here, each and every day. -
Brant Hansen
Host of The Brant Hansen Show
I'm a toast-obsessed nerd who, when in high school, was no less than PRESIDENT of the Illinois
Student Librarians Association. I was also All-Conference in “Scholastic Bowl”, and lettered in basketball and football (both for keeping statistics) and was President of his own Stamp Collection Club, which consisted of just me. I spend my free time looking inappropriately intense. (somehow I just can’t help it.) and I'm also a husband and dad. -
Sherry Lynn
Co-Host of The Brant Hansen Show
I've been a broadcast professional and stand-up comedian for over a decade! (So yes, you'll laugh.) I'm is also a writer and director and produced and released a comedy DVD entitled “The Very Funny Church Comedy Show: Together We Laugh.” I also wrote, directed, and starred in a stage play about race in the church. “The Bold and the Sanctified“ showed in various cities, sold out multiple performances, and starred American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard. -
Lori McNaughton
Finance & Business Director
Being a part of the HOPE FM Team has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I love my job, my co-workers, serving people and watching how God is changing lives everyday through HOPE FM.
When I'm not at work, I'm usually off on a new adventure. I've been to all 50 states and a current count of 46 different countries. I have way too many pictures on my phone but I love capturing moments in time and the memories they hold. During the last year, I started "chasing" the Aurora and every time, even when it's just a glimpse, I'm reminded that God's glory is right in front of us in His creation. -
Ben Howison
Production Assistant
I have been with HopeFM for about 2 years now! I started out interning here at HopeFM during my senior year of high school. After graduation, I officially joined the staff as the Production Assistant! Now I am currently engaged to my beautiful Fiance Lauren and I am finishing up my 1 year program at Specs Howard School of Media Arts!
Even though I am more of a behind the scenes person, I love the idea of sharing the Gospel with people. Whether it’s through the music, the on air hosts or even something in between the songs, I truly love my job and love being able to see how God uses this ministry to work through the station to reach people for his kingdom! -
Justin McBurney
Marketing and Digital Media Director
I joined the HopeFM squad just one year ago and I'm loving being a part of such a great team. I’ve had a lifelong passion for spreading hope in Christ and for more than a decade, I've worked to bring creative value to all kinds of ministry work, from churches, camps, and local non-profits. My wife and I are also about to level up to a family of four this year.
When not at work, you can find me making memories with the fam, reading some A.W. Tozer, or staying up way too late watching true crime documentaries. Here's a quirky tidbit: I can’t give blood without taking an unplanned nap/passing out. I just love working with an amazing crew at HopeFM and daily getting the greatest message in the world out there!