Who is currently on The Bob and Tom Show?

Morning radio has always been a great companion for the daily commute or getting ready routine. And few shows have had the longevity and impact of The Bob & Tom Show. As a fan myself for over 20 years, I want to provide you with a detailed guide to who currently keeps the party going on Bob & Tom each morning.

The current ensemble is made up of four main personalities who you can hear cracking jokes and riffing on the day’s topics each weekday. Let’s get to know each of them intimately:

Tom Griswold – The Straight Man

As one of the two original hosts, Tom Griswold is truly the backbone of The Bob & Tom Show. Since starting the show back in 1983, Griswold has been the stabilizing force with his laidback personality. He acts as the straight man to balance out the zanier antics of his co-hosts.

Griswold’s radio origins go all the way back to the 1970s when he was a student at Indiana University. He got his big break when he met Bob Kevoian at WFBQ radio in Indianapolis. The two decided to partner up and give morning comedy radio a shot. And the rest is history!

On the air, the Tom Griswold you hear is essentially the same guy he’s been for over 30 years. His on-air persona feels like an extension of his real self – quick with a sarcastic quip but always genial. He continues to expertly steer the freewheeling show by jumping between segments and personalities.

Some fun facts about Griswold:

• Born in 1952 making him 70 years old currently
• Grew up in Indianapolis and went to Broad Ripple High School
• Has 3 kids and has been married over 30 years
• Close with his brother Willie who joins the show weekly
• Avid guitar player and fan of jazz music
• Regularly performs standup comedy on tour with the show

So even after nearly 40 years, Tom Griswold keeps things cruising along with his subtle humor and consummate professionalism.

Chick McGee – The Lovable Oddball

Chick McGee has been stirring things up on The Bob & Tom Show since first joining the crew in 1997. Coming from radio gigs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, and other cities, he added a new dynamic when he replaced departed host Rob Wilson.

On the show, McGee often plays the role of the likeable misfit. He’s regularly the target of friendly jabs from Tom, guests, and callers. But McGee takes it all in stride and volleys it right back with his quick wit.

McGee has dreamed up some of most legendary Bob & Tom bits like “Call Me Lunchbox” where prank callers ask unsuspecting businesses embarrassing questions. He also hosts the popular “Handyman Corner” segment dispensing dubious repair tips.

When he’s not on the main show, you can hear McGee’s offbeat sense of humor on the podcast “The Chick McGee and Jeremy Essig Show.”

Here’s some more on Chick:

• Born in Missouri but moved around as an Army brat
• Got his first radio job at 16 years old in St. Louis
• Has been married over 25 years with two daughters
• Avid baseball fan who hosts charity softball tournaments
• Known for his absurd hypothetical sports scenarios

So while McGee plays up his bizarre personality for laughs on-air, he’s devoted to his family off-air and genuinely interested in connecting with listeners.

Kristi Lee – The Grounding Presence

The addition of Kristi Lee in 2000 brought the first female voice to the testosterone-fueled Bob & Tom Show. Lee took over the news anchor chair and instantly injected new life into the long-running program.

As news director, Lee presents unique news stories in a conversational, relatable manner. She also expanded her role over the years by hosting segments like “Babe of the Week” and “The Viral Video Vault.”

Beyond Bob & Tom, Lee has excelled as an author and podcaster. She co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Kristi Lee Uninterrupted” that she started in 2010. Lee has also written two books – a memoir titled “Love, Light, and Lip Gloss” along with the book “Embrace Your Sparkle.”

Here are some fast facts on Kristi Lee:

• Born in 1969 making her 53 currently
• Grew up in South Dakota before launching radio career
• Won 4 Gracie awards for excellence in radio hosting
• Passionate about giving back and volunteers often
• Married with 2 kids and step-kids
• Her husband Josh Arnold guests on the show

Kristi Lee found the perfect home on The Bob & Tom Show where she blends in seamlessly while also rounding out the show’s perspective.

Jessica Alsman – The Fresh Voice

In 2022, The Bob & Tom Show brought in Jessica Alsman to succeed Kristi Lee on news duties. This allowed Lee to focus more on the funny rather than news.

Alsman was already an experienced radio personality before joining the crew. She previously hosted shows in Orlando, Atlanta, and Dallas/Fort Worth for over 15 years.

As the new news anchor, Alsman brings her own bubbly delivery and quirky style to the daily headlines. She also joins in the improv games and bits, providing a needed female comic voice to play off the guys.

It’s still early but initial fan and critical reactions have been positive as Alsman has assimilated into the tight-knit Bob & Tom ensemble. She adds new flavor while respecting the long legacy.

More About Jessica:

• Born in Detroit area and grew up in Michigan
• Got her degree in communications from Central Michigan University
• Won “Best Radio Personality” from Orlando Magazine 5 times
• Passionate about animal rescue and pet adoption
• Engaged to fiancé Brock and planning a 2023 wedding

So in Jessica Alsman, Bob & Tom have found the perfect heir to carry on the crucial news anchor role in dynamic fashion.

Supporting Cast of Characters

In addition to the four main personalities, The Bob & Tom Show has a cast of supporting players who chime in regularly:

Michael “Bigfoot” Elliott – Bigfoot has been lending his pipes to the show since 1991. He’s known for his booming bass voice and sound effects. Bigfoot can find humor in just about anything thanks to his cartoonish vocal skills. He also co-hosts Bob & Tom’s weekly podcast.

Willie Griswold – Every Thursday, Tom’s brother Willie appears on the show demonstrating the sibling rapport built over a lifetime. Tom and Willie bust each other’s chops on segments like “BS Lunchtime Report” but always in a spirit of love.

Chick McGee Sr. – Chick’s dad joins the show by phone each Wednesday. The father/son back-and-forth produces great comedy as McGee Sr. dishes out questionable wisdom.

Kristi Lee’s Husband Josh – Lee’s real-life husband Josh Arnold sits in occasionally. Josh and Kristi have amusing debates over relationship topics that many couples can relate to.

Dean Metcalf – Former cast member Dean Metcalf will call the show as a guest. He trades jokes with the current crew given their long history together.

This diverse cast of characters all mesh together perfectly to produce the one-of-a-kind comedy and charm that Bob & Tom fans look forward to daily.

The History of Bob & Tom – Local Hosts to National Stars

To fully appreciate The Bob & Tom Show, it helps to understand the full context of how it evolved over nearly 40 years on the air:

• 1983 – The show debuts as a local morning program at WFBQ radio in Indianapolis hosted by Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold.

• 1995 – After dominating mornings in Indianapolis, the show goes into national syndication reaching audiences across America.

• 1997 – Comedian Chick McGee joins as an on-air host, creating a new dynamic.

• 2000 – Kristi Lee is hired as news anchor, the first female voice on the male-driven show.

• 2010 – Bob & Tom launch a podcast network, expanding their brand and audience.

• 2018 – After 35 years, founding host Bob Kevoian retires. The show goes on seamlessly without him.

• 2022 – Jessica Alsman takes over news duties from Kristi Lee, adding a fresh voice.

By the Numbers:

• Over 40 years on the air
• Airing on 115+ stations
• An estimated weekly audience over 3.5 million listeners
• Over 5 million copies sold of 18 comedy albums released
• Raise over $10 million per year for charities through radiothons

This timeline demonstrates the rare longevity and consistency of Bob & Tom as radio programs have come and gone. Their ability to evolve while retaining their identity is a key factor in their sustained success.

The Bob & Tom Studio Setup

The Bob & Tom Show originates from their custom studio in Indianapolis. This allows all on-air personalities to interact in real time:

• Tom, Chick, Kristi, and Jessica sit around an octagonal table to easily see each other’s facial expressions and reactions.

• Each host has their own microphone, headphones, and console space.

• A producer sits in the room running the control board, screening calls, and assisting the hosts as needed.

• In-studio guests sit at open seats around the table. Remote guests call-in on speakerphones set up in the studio.

• Listeners can interact through call-ins or by texting the studio line. Select messages and calls make it on-air.

This intimate studio layout enables the quick improvisation, inside jokes, and instant chemistry that define The Bob & Tom Show listening experience.

Lasting Influence – Comedy Careers Launched on Bob & Tom

Throughout its long successful run, The Bob & Tom Show has had an undeniable influence on the world of comedy:

• Their freeform style inspired other popular comedy/talk radio formats.

• Stand-up comedians and amateur comics often receive their first big break by appearing on the show.

• Bob & Tom discovered rising talents such as Drew Carey and Jay Leno early in their careers.

• Well-known comedians credit Bob & Tom with giving them needed exposure like Jeff Foxworthy and Carrot Top.

• Their comedy tours over the years have performed for a staggering 300,000+ fans.

• At its peak, their radio show reached nearly 200 stations and over 6 million daily listeners.

So both comedians breaking into the business and established veterans recognize the career-boosting power of getting in rotation on The Bob & Tom Show.

What’s in Store for the Future?

While many staples of old media like morning radio have declined in popularity, The Bob & Tom Show has demonstrated rare staying power over nearly 40 years.

As long as the core components remain intact, Bob & Tom should continue thriving in the years ahead by:

• Maintaining their signature traits – organic humor, listener engagement, welcoming personalities, and live comedy.

• Embracing new platforms like streaming and on-demand audio to grow beyond just traditional radio listeners.

• Promoting up-and-coming comedic talents on the show to develop the next generation of stars.

• Proactively planning for eventual transitions by grooming and testing new on-air contributors.

The Bob & Tom Show has become a comfortable daily companion that fans rely on for laughs, news, and great interviews. With their proven formula, there’s no reason Bob & Tom can’t keep audiences entertained well into the future.

The Bottom Line:

After examining the current ensemble, history, influence, and potential future – one thing is clear. The Bob & Tom Show remains a one-of-a-kind comedic institution that brings joy and laughter to millions of devoted listeners each day. Tune in yourself to see what all the fuss is about!