If you’ve spent any time at all commuting in the Midwest—or anywhere with a decent radio signal over the last forty years—you know the voice. It’s the one that somehow manages to sound like a "den mother" and a world-class professional at the exact same time. We are, of course, talking about Kristi Lee (often searched by fans as Christie Lee).
She’s been the stabilizing force on The Bob and Tom Show since 1988. Well, mostly.
Radio is a weird business. One day you’re part of a "Core Four" that feels like it’ll last forever, and the next, the news director—the person who basically keeps the wheels from falling off while Tom Griswold and Chick McGee go off the rails—is suddenly gone.
The 2016 Shocker
Honestly, fans weren't ready for January 2016.
Just weeks after the legendary Bob Kevoian hung up his headphones for a well-earned retirement, Kristi Lee dropped a bombshell of her own. She was leaving. After 28 years, the woman who endured endless interruptions and kept the news moving was walking away.
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People panicked.
The rumor mill went into overdrive. Was it a contract dispute? Did she just hate working without Bob? Was she finally tired of Tom’s constant badgering?
It turns out, the truth was a bit more nuanced. Kristi later opened up about the departure, mentioning that her contract had basically been "rolling over" for twelve years. She felt it was time to find her own voice—literally—and build her own brand. She launched a podcast called Kristi Lee Uninterrupted, a cheeky nod to the fact that on the morning show, she rarely got to finish a sentence without a punchline getting in the way.
But a funny thing happened.
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The Return That Saved the Show
The "breakup" didn't even last a full year. By July 2016, she was back in her seat.
Tom Griswold apparently initiated the talks to bring her back, realizing that the chemistry was just... off without her. Kristi admitted she missed the "boys," even if they were a handful. Since her return, she’s been more than just the news lady; she’s a co-host with a veto power that few others in that studio possess.
Who is Kristi Lee Beyond the Microphone?
Most people don't realize Kristi started as a TV engineer at WRTV. She wasn't some "radio personality" hire; she was a technical pro who happened to have a great voice and the sharpest wit in the room.
- Real Name: Theresa Ritz (Kristi Lee is her on-air moniker).
- Sports Background: She wasn't just doing radio. She was a sideline reporter for the Indiana Pacers and covered the X Games for ESPN.
- Hall of Fame: In 2022, she was officially inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.
She’s also a mom to two daughters, and she’s stayed remarkably grounded for someone who has spent decades being the "straight man" to some of the biggest comedians in the world.
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What’s New in 2026?
As of early 2026, Kristi is still the backbone of the show.
She recently made headlines in the show's community by announcing her marriage to her husband, Andy, a reveal that happened during the Carb Day festivities in 2023. She’s also branched out into new projects like the Worth Your Time podcast, which shows a much more serious, inquisitive side of her than the "Interrupted News" segments ever could.
The show has changed, obviously. With Willie Griswold (Tom’s son) and Josh Arnold bringing a younger energy, the dynamic is different. But Kristi remains the bridge between the Bob-and-Tom glory days and the current era.
Honestly, the show probably wouldn't have survived the post-Bob transition without her coming back. She provides the "adult in the room" vibe that makes the chaos of the rest of the cast actually funny rather than just loud.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re looking to keep up with Kristi Lee or want to support her work beyond the morning show, here is how you can actually engage:
- Check the Podcasts: Don't just listen to the morning show. Her Worth Your Time podcast features deep-dive interviews that show off her skills as a legitimate journalist.
- Follow the Socials: She is active on Instagram and Facebook, often sharing behind-the-scenes looks at the studio that you won't get on the air.
- The Live Streams: The Bob and Tom Show now leans heavily into video. Watching Kristi’s facial expressions while Tom or Chick says something ridiculous is arguably better than just hearing the audio.
Kristi Lee proved that you can leave a legacy, walk away on your own terms, and then come back even stronger. She isn't just a sidekick; she’s the news director who navigated the toughest transition in radio history and came out on top.