If you’ve ever sat in your car a few minutes longer than necessary just to hear the end of a bit on The Bob & Tom Show, you know the voice. It’s that calm, authoritative, yet slightly exasperated tone of Kristi Lee. She’s the "den mother." The adult in a room full of middle-aged men acting like teenagers. Honestly, it’s a dynamic that shouldn’t work as well as it does, but after decades on the air, Kristi Lee has become as foundational to the program as the microphones themselves.
Born Theresa Ritz in Indianapolis, she didn't just stumble into radio. She worked for it. Before she was a household name across syndicated markets, she was a TV engineer at WRTV. Imagine that—hauling gear and managing technical feeds before becoming the News Director for one of the most successful radio shows in history.
The Shock of 2016: When Kristi Lee Left the Mic
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or the one that left the room back in January 2016. The radio world went into a bit of a tailspin when Kristi announced she was leaving The Bob & Tom Show after nearly 28 years.
It was a weird time for fans. Bob Kevoian had just retired a few weeks earlier. Suddenly, the pillars of the morning routine were crumbling. People were genuinely worried. Was the show ending? Was there drama behind the scenes?
The truth was a lot less scandalous but very human. Kristi basically wanted to see what else was out there. She wanted to build her own brand and find her "own voice" outside of the ensemble. She started a podcast, Kristi Lee Uninterrupted, and for a few months, it felt like the end of an era.
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The Return That Saved the Morning
Then came July 2016. Just six months after her departure, she was back.
Tom Griswold reportedly initiated the talks. It turns out, that chemistry—the specific way she reacts to Chick McGee’s nonsense or Tom’s tangents—isn't something you can just replace with a new hire. Her return wasn't just a win for the show; it was a relief for listeners who felt like a family member had finally come home.
Why Kristi Lee Matters to The Bob & Tom Show Today
In 2026, the landscape of morning radio is unrecognizable compared to when the show started in 1983. Podcasts are everywhere. Streaming is king. Yet, The Bob & Tom Show remains a staple. Why?
It's the "straight man" (or woman) factor.
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In comedy, you need a grounded center. If everyone is being wacky, nothing is funny. Kristi provides the baseline. When she delivers the news—real headlines, mind you—she sets the stage for the comedians to riff. She isn't just a newsreader; she’s a conductor.
- The Straight Role: She plays the "straight" character perfectly, often with just a sigh or a well-timed "Oh, for heaven's sake."
- The Industry Vet: Having been inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2022, her credentials aren't just for show. She knows the business.
- Versatility: From sideline reporting on the X Games and the Indiana Pacers to managing the chaos of a comedy show, she’s done it all.
A Career Beyond the Headphones
Kristi’s influence stretches past the WFBQ studios. She’s been a staple on ESPN and ESPN2, showing a side of her career many casual radio listeners might miss. Whether it was covering auto racing or professional lacrosse, she brought the same professional polish that she uses to keep Tom and Chick in line.
Lately, she's been leaning back into the podcasting world with projects like Worth Your Time, where she gets to dive deeper into stories than a four-minute radio segment allows. It shows a different side of her—curious, empathetic, and less focused on the punchline.
Common Misconceptions About the Show
People often ask if the laughter on the show is fake. If you’ve listened long enough, you know you can’t fake the kind of wheezing, out-of-breath laughter that happens when a guest like the late Ron Sexton (as Donnie Baker) used to hit his stride.
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Another big one: Is Kristi actually annoyed with the guys?
Sorta. But it’s the kind of annoyance you have with a brother. It’s built on decades of shared history. You can't fake that level of comfort. When you hear her "den mother" persona come out, it’s authentic. She’s seen the show through Bob’s retirement, the loss of key cast members, and the shift to digital dominance.
What’s Next for Kristi Lee?
As we move through 2026, the show continues to evolve. With newer voices like Josh Arnold, Willie Griswold, and Jess Hooker in the mix, the energy has shifted. But Kristi remains the bridge between the "old guard" and the new era.
If you’re a fan or a newcomer, the best way to appreciate the work she does is to pay attention to the silence. Listen to how she waits for the perfect beat to jump in and move the show along. It’s a masterclass in timing.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Broadcasters:
- Study the Timing: If you’re into podcasting or radio, listen to how Kristi manages transitions. She knows exactly when a bit has run its course.
- Diversify Your Skills: Follow Kristi’s lead—don't just be a "voice." Learn the technical side (engineering), the reporting side (sideline work), and the hosting side (podcasting).
- Support Local Broadcast: If you're in a market that carries the show, engage with the local affiliates. Syndicated radio survives on local listener loyalty.
- Check Out the Archives: To really understand the "Kristi Lee effect," go back and listen to clips from the 90s versus today. The consistency of her performance is actually pretty staggering.
Radio has changed, but the need for a relatable, smart, and funny anchor hasn't. That’s why we’re still talking about Kristi Lee.