If you’ve spent any time driving to work in the Midwest over the last thirty years, you know the laugh. It’s the one that cuts through the chaos of three or four grown men acting like middle schoolers at a sleepover. That laugh belongs to Kristi Lee.
People often search for "Christie Lee on Bob and Tom," and honestly, the spelling mix-up is common. But the woman behind the mic is Kristi Lee, the long-standing News Director and "den mother" of the legendary Bob & Tom Show. For decades, she’s been the calm in the center of a very loud, very syndicated storm.
But things haven't always been smooth sailing. In early 2016, the radio world actually stopped spinning for a second. Kristi was gone. No warning, no fanfare, just an empty chair and a lot of confused listeners calling into WFBQ.
The 2016 Departure: What Really Went Down
When Bob Kevoian retired in late 2015, fans expected a shift. They didn't expect a total overhaul. On January 11, 2016, Kristi Lee announced she was leaving the show after nearly 28 years.
It felt permanent.
At the time, she was vague. She mentioned "new opportunities." She talked about her daughters. But the rumor mill was working overtime. Some fans thought it was a money dispute. Others figured she just couldn’t stand the room without Bob.
The truth? It was a mix of everything. Kristi eventually revealed that her contract had been "rolling over" for about 12 years. Think about that. Twelve years without a major renegotiation while the show was a literal gold mine. When Bob left, she realized that if she was ever going to try something on her own, it had to be then.
During that hiatus, she launched her own podcast, Kristi Lee Uninterrupted. The name was a cheeky nod to Tom Griswold’s famous habit of—you guessed it—interrupting her news reports every thirty seconds.
The Return of the Voice of Reason
The "Uninterrupted" era didn't last long. By July 2016, she was back.
Why? Tom Griswold actually initiated the talks. The chemistry of the show was off without her. While Pat Carlini did a great job filling in, there’s an unspoken rhythm between the "Core Four" (Bob, Tom, Chick, and Kristi) that you just can't manufacture with a temp.
Since her return, her role has evolved. She’s not just "the girl who reads the news" anymore. She is an Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Famer. She’s a co-host with real equity in the conversation. And yeah, she still gets interrupted, but she’s much better at firing back these days.
Who is Kristi Lee Outside the Studio?
It’s easy to forget these people have lives when the mic is off. Kristi, whose real name is Theresa Ritz, isn't just a radio personality.
- The Car Enthusiast: She’s obsessed with cars. She actually owns a classic Nissan Figaro.
- The Sports Pro: Before she was full-time radio, she was a television engineer. She worked for ESPN and was a sideline reporter for the Indiana Pacers in the 90s.
- The Life Change: In May 2023, she shocked everyone by announcing she had gotten married to her partner, Andy, during a surprise reveal at Carb Day.
She’s also a massive advocate for animal charities and the Indianapolis Zoo. She’s deeply rooted in Indiana. She graduated from Ben Davis High School and started her career at their student station, WBDG. She’s local royalty, basically.
Why Kristi Lee Matters to Radio
Radio is a tough business. It’s even tougher for women. Kristi Lee has survived and thrived in a male-dominated "guy talk" format for over three decades without losing her identity.
She provides the "straight" perspective. When the guys are doing a bit about a guy who got his head stuck in a fence, she’s the one providing the actual context—or at least the well-timed eye roll you can somehow hear through the speakers.
Modern Projects and 2026 Status
As of 2026, Kristi is still a cornerstone of the show. She’s also branched out with a new podcast project called Worth Your Time, which she co-hosts with Dr. Rob Shumaker. It’s a departure from the "fart jokes and fast cars" vibe of her morning gig, focusing more on deep-dive interviews and human stories.
Actionable Takeaways for Long-Time Fans
If you’ve been out of the loop or only catch the show occasionally, here is how to keep up with the "new" Kristi:
- Check out the "Worth Your Time" Podcast: If you want to hear her actually finish a sentence without a sound effect playing, this is the place to do it.
- Follow the Socials: She’s very active on X (@kristileenews) and Instagram. It’s the best way to see her classic car collection and behind-the-scenes studio antics.
- The Live App: If you aren't in a syndicated market, the Bob & Tom app is actually decent now. You can catch the "News You Failed to Mention" segments which are often where Kristi shines the brightest.
Kristi Lee remains one of the most influential women in the history of syndicated radio. Whether she’s being the "den mother" or the sharp-tongued co-host, the show simply doesn't work without her.