KSR Podcast Episode Summary
Title: KSR
Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemon, Shannon, Tom, Drew
Episode: 2025-01-07 - Hour 2
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Publisher: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Description: Matt Jones and the KSR crew bring you the latest in UK news and views Mon.-Fri. from 10 to noon.
1. Opening Banter and Technical Setup ([04:01] - [04:50])
The episode kicks off with Matt Jones addressing the technical difficulties the crew is experiencing. Drew is unable to join from Ryan’s location due to equipment issues, leading to light-hearted teasing among the hosts about the absence.
Notable Quote:
- Matt: "For people who are asking, by the way, Drew is So in terms of equipment, I have something at my house... We have the official equipment which Ryan has at his house, and Drew can't get to Ryan's house. So that's why Drew's not on."
2. Missing Team Member Update ([04:32] - [04:57])
The hosts discuss the whereabouts of a team member named Max, who has been absent for two weeks. Tom speculates that Max might be in Seattle, but the crew remains uncertain about his current status.
Notable Quote:
- Tom: "He was like, yeah, I'm gonna go away for a few weeks."
- Matt: "Yeah, I have no idea where Max is. Max just disappeared for like two weeks."
3. Addressing Listener Feedback on Host Dynamics ([05:11] - [07:11])
A listener named "Shannon" via text expresses concerns that Matt and Shannon might be too harsh on Ryan, leading to a discussion about the nature of male friendships and playful teasing. The hosts emphasize that their interactions are rooted in camaraderie and not meant to offend.
Notable Quote:
- Matt: "You just get any group of men together that are good friends, and you just put them and they're screwing with each other."
- Drew: "No, because I get it. We're like... we're just brothers, man, and you just pick on each other all the time."
4. Anecdote from Matt's Childhood ([07:11] - [10:47])
Matt shares a nostalgic and humorous story from his childhood during the 1992 SEC Tournament in Birmingham. He recounts an incident at an Applebee's where a stripper unexpectedly entered the restaurant, creating an unforgettable moment. This story serves to illustrate the lighthearted nature of his relationships with his grandfather and his friends.
Notable Quote:
- Matt: "So when I was a kid, I would go to the SEC tournament with my grandfather and his friends... And this woman comes in and she starts stripping... She ends up, like, in provocative... at the Applebee's in Birmingham."
5. Introduction of the World Indoor Golf League ([10:47] - [14:14])
The hosts discuss the debut of the World Indoor Golf League (WGL), a new initiative by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. They debate the potential success and appeal of broadcasting professional golfers playing on indoor simulators. While Drew is intrigued and plans to watch, Tom and Matt express skepticism about its long-term popularity.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt: "It sounds awful to me. I cannot imagine watching people do an indoor golf simulator on TV."
- Drew: "I surprisingly, am going to say yes... Tiger Woods has his name attached to this, people will tune in just because of Tiger."
6. Louisville Basketball Ticket Giveaway ([14:14] - [16:42])
The conversation shifts to Louisville basketball's ticket giveaway strategy. A booster is offering 500 tickets to fans who are members of Planet Fitness, sparking surprise and amusement among the hosts. They discuss the implications of such promotional tactics on the team's fanbase.
Notable Quote:
- Tom: "They're broken that fan base. They're broken."
- Matt: "I just cannot believe they have a good team, a team that could make the tournament... they're giving away tickets if you have a membership to Planet Fitness."
7. Listener Call: The Kobe Braya Baby Story ([16:47] - [26:02])
Shannon calls in to share a heartwarming story about handing her baby to Kobe Braya, a college basketball player, to take a picture with Coach Pope. The hosts express relief that the baby is healthy and address misconceptions that may have arisen from the incident.
Notable Quotes:
- Shannon: "I thought it'd be cool... get a picture with Coach Pope."
- Matt: "Your baby's not sick. So good. I'm glad he cleared that out."
- Drew: "I can't blame brave baby Cade if that's the issue right now."
8. Further Discussion on the World Indoor Golf League ([26:02] - [28:12])
Matt elaborates on the strategies and potential reception of the WGL, reiterating his doubts while Drew remains cautiously optimistic. They consider the league's attempt to attract a younger audience but remain divided on its appeal.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt: "I think it's an attempt to get younger people. It sounds awful to me."
- Drew: "I think the young golfers of the world and the young people that have played a lot on a simulator, they're the ones that'll probably tune in tonight."
9. NBA Rookies and G League Assignments ([28:12] - [36:20])
The hosts analyze the recent assignment of top NBA rookie Ryan Reed Shepard to the G League, expressing disappointment given his high draft pick. They discuss potential reasons, including team performance and player development strategies. Additionally, they highlight the unexpected performance of another rookie, Zach Eady, praising his impact despite low expectations.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt: "He's only playing like... he doesn't. His shots aren't going in."
- Drew: "The Rockets are our guard heavy, and it's better than playing two or three minutes a game."
- Matt: "I still think both these guys have a really bright future... if Reed had come back, he'd be playing here."
10. Listener Call: Women’s Basketball Entertainment Suggestions ([36:20] - [39:56])
A listener named Carol proposes lowering the rim in women's basketball to increase entertainment value. The hosts engage in a debate about this suggestion, with Matt advocating for the integrity of the sport and Drew supporting the idea as a means to attract a larger audience. They discuss the balance between maintaining the sport's essence and evolving it to gain popularity.
Notable Quotes:
- Carol: "If you want to get women's basketball more entertaining, you can do a few things. Lower the rim to nine foot short."
- Matt: "Women's basketball is more popular now than it's ever been... It doesn't have to be the same."
- Drew: "The women's game is exciting in its own way."
11. Trivia Segment and Final Discussions ([39:56] - [53:07])
The hosts engage in a trivia segment, discussing the origins of the name "Famous Amos" and reminiscing about classic cookies like vanilla wafers. They also address a positive listener story about Uber drivers Shanek and Amos, highlighting acts of kindness during adverse weather conditions.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt: "Famous Amos. Did you know that?"
- Matt: "I saw somebody walking down the street... helping an older person trying to get to the bus stop."
12. Upcoming Pregame Show and Final Thoughts ([53:07] - [55:15])
As the episode nears its conclusion, Matt and Drew finalize plans for the pregame show at a local bar, considering the weather's impact on attendance. They discuss strategies for engaging listeners to join them in watching the Kentucky vs. Clemson game, emphasizing the significance of the match for SEC standings.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt: "This is the kind of game that if you want to win the SEC or come in second, you win this."
- Drew: "I feel like Kentucky, they got to win one of these two and I feel like this is the one they're going to get."
Key Takeaways:
- Team Updates: Concerns about missing team member Max and strategies for player development in the NBA.
- Listener Engagement: Heartwarming and humorous listener stories enrich the conversation.
- Sports Innovations: Mixed opinions on the introduction of the World Indoor Golf League.
- Promotional Strategies: Louisville's ticket giveaway via Planet Fitness sparks discussion on fanbase management.
- Women’s Basketball Debate: Balancing entertainment value with sports integrity remains a topic of interest.
- Community Highlights: Acts of kindness by Uber drivers during challenging weather conditions underscore the show's community focus.
Conclusion:
The second hour of KSR's January 7, 2025 episode blends sports analysis with engaging listener interactions and lively debates among the hosts. From nostalgic anecdotes and innovative sports leagues to thoughtful discussions on improving women's basketball, Matt Jones and the crew provide a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current sports topics relevant to their Kentucky audience.