“Mornings with Tom and Tabi” Launches

Listeners in Chattanooga are waking up to a new voice. Tom McElligott has joined Tabi Upton as host for Mornings with Tom and Tabi, which airs weekdays, from 6 to 9 a.m. Eastern on 88.9 Moody Radio.

“Having many years’ experience on the air followed by serving for more than a decade in full-time pastoral ministry, Tom is this wonderful blend of having a passion for excellence on the air and a pastor’s heart to reach individuals for Christ, ” said Brent Manion, station manager for Moody Radio Chattanooga. “Listeners are already responding to Tom and Tabi with calls and texts during the program as they unpack the issues of the day from a biblical perspective,” he added.

Originally from Honomu, Hawaii, McElligott grew up and spent the majority of his life in Tacoma, Washington. He is a seminary graduate with a BA in Communications from University of Washington Tacoma. In his vocational ministry experience, McElligott worked with Youth for Christ/Tacoma, and served in several full-time, ministry roles including youth pastor, associate pastor, and lead pastor. This ministry experience paired with his 10 years spent in commercial radio, and eight more recent years as an operations director with Woodstock Media Group, has prepared him for this unique opportunity to combine his professional experience and pastoral heart to join the Moody Radio Chattanooga team.

“On one hand I have ministry experience. On the other hand, I have experience in radio,” said McElligott. “I am absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to put those two hands together in my new position with Moody Radio.”

Mornings with Tom and Tabi exists to provide daily, spiritual encouragement for all listeners in every life season—parents, singles, couples, and beyond.

With fresh conversations on current topics, the show also features devotionals, Bible memorization challenges, giveaways, contemporary Christ-centered music—plus the latest news, weather, and traffic.



Co-host Tabi Upton has worked with Moody Radio since 2017, and shares the unique opportunity and gifting that she and McElligott have in joining listeners on the air each weekday morning, to edify and build up.

“I love the opportunity to minister encouragement in real time to others,” said Upton. “I have a mental health background, and sometimes this is helpful as we unpack emotional issues that people are facing with the pandemic and the uncertainty of daily living. Tom has a shepherd’s heart and genuinely cares for people.”

While the pandemic and social-political issues continue to shake our world and nation with fear and anxiety about the future, Mornings with Tom and Tabi seeks to remind listeners that they can trust their unknown future to a known God. Pointing listeners to Scripture and reminding them that God’s promises can be trusted to bring lasting peace and a hope that does not run out.

“My daily prayer is to be reminded that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,” said McElligott.

Even as they’ve been working together a short time, the team is excited for listener feedback and all the planning to meet listener needs and share the truth of God’s Word this coming year.

“Looking ahead, Tom and Tabi look forward to serving the Tennessee Valley both on the air and, COVID-19 permitting, live and in-person through special events and broadcasts for the sake of the gospel,” said Manion.

“I am so excited to have Tom join us,” says Upton. “From the very first time we met, we connected at a heart level. Now that connection is palpable on the air. Our listeners say it sounds like we’ve been together for years.”

And to listeners, McElligott’s message of hope is clear: “God is not done with you. Not yet. There is another chapter to be written; if you are willing to allow the author and perfector of your faith to once again write on the tablet of your heart. From personal experience let me assure you, the adventure is worth it!”

McElligott and his wife, Robyn, have been married for 30 years and are empty nesters. They have three grown children and one grandchild. He is also passionate about ministry through theatre and outreach. He and his wife live just outside of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Listeners can also connect with Moody Radio Chattanooga and Mornings with Tom and Tabi at https://www.facebook.com/moodyradiochattanooga/.

For more information about Moody Radio and to locate a station and its program schedule, please visit www.moodyradio.org.