Podcast Summary: KSR – Hour 2
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Title: KSR - Hour 2

1. Introduction and Audiobook Recording Insights

Timestamp: 01:30 - 02:35

Matt Jones kicks off Hour 2 of Kentucky Sports Radio, introducing Ryan Lemond and Drew Franklin. The hosts delve into the world of audiobooks, reminiscing about Ryan's experience recording Mitch's audiobook, which took approximately 15 hours in the studio.

Ryan Lemond shares, “I use different voices for different characters,” adding, “I have like three [voices], and they all kind of sound alike, to be honest with you.” Drew Franklin humorously comments, “You’re like Frank Caliento,” highlighting Ryan's knack for impressions.

2. Meyer Metcalf’s Radio Debut and Catchphrase Challenge

Timestamp: 02:35 - 05:00

The conversation shifts to Meyer Metcalf's unprecedented opportunity when ESPN allowed him to call a college basketball game on the radio. Ryan recounts advising Metcalf, saying, “I’m not the guy to ask” about play-by-play tips, yet Metcalf sought advice on developing a catchphrase.

Metcalf introduces his catchphrase, “Tell your friends about me,” during a game broadcast. Ryan plays a clip (which initially fails to load) and discusses the potential of the catchphrase with Drew and Matt. While Matt finds the catchphrase a bit forced, Ryan defends it, “I like it. Tell Your friends About me. Drew, it's unique.”

3. Wrestling Segment: John Cena’s Heel Turn

Timestamp: 08:04 - 11:24

The hosts pivot to professional wrestling, discussing the surprising turn of John Cena from a perennial good guy to a heel (villain) at WrestleMania. Ryan exclaims, “He’s the nicest guy in wrestling turns heel,” noting Cena's extensive involvement in Make-A-Wish Foundation activities.

Drew Franklin responds positively, stating, “Everyone needs to be the bad guy for a little bit. It’s wrestling.” However, concerns arise about the impact on young fans, with Matt observing, “Did you see the kids crying?”

The panel debates the rationale behind Cena's heel turn, speculating it's due to an alliance with The Rock, another prominent heel. They also discuss Travis Scott’s unexpected appearance and Cena's microphone drop during his interview, which revealed personal grievances.

4. College Basketball Officiating Controversies

Timestamp: 11:40 - 15:30

A caller named Clayton brings up Fayette County’s first state wrestling championship win by the Lafayette Generals, prompting congratulations from the hosts. The conversation then shifts to college basketball officiating woes, with callers Ronnie and Edie expressing frustration over excessive monitor reviews leading to extended game durations.

Ryan criticizes the current officiating system: “They’re going to the monitor about everything,” leading to games stretching beyond the typical two-hour mark. Drew Franklin adds, “The loudest moments on Saturday, I think we’re booing the refs at the monitor.”

The panel advocates for a streamlined review process, suggesting, “Each coach have one review challenge,” and emulating the NFL’s swift decision-making to improve game flow and viewer experience.

5. Book Discussion: "Kentucky Stallions" by Kristin Lee

Timestamp: 17:00 - 19:15

Ryan introduces "Kentucky Stallions," a fantasy series by Kristin Lee, where athletes are the protagonists instead of traditional fantasy figures like vampires or fairies. The series features one stallion from each sport, intertwined with romantic storylines.

Ryan humorously suggests, “Can we write one where the radio host is the protagonist?” while Matt expresses interest in the genre, highlighting its unique take on incorporating sports into fantasy narratives.

6. Addressing Online Harassment in Sports

Timestamp: 25:00 - 34:00

A significant segment focuses on the troubling issue of online harassment faced by athletes, sparked by Kansas player Zeke Rose’s experience after a poor performance. Ryan narrates Rose’s ordeal, where abusive messages and racial slurs flooded his Twitter following, leading to public apologies and discussions about the role of social media in athlete well-being.

Drew Franklin supports Rose’s decision to publicly address the harassment, stating, “I wish all four had names because it was so bad,” emphasizing the need for accountability and consequences for online abuse.

Matt and Ryan agree on the detrimental effects of such behavior, with Matt reflecting, “I’m just glad that social media did not exist when I was this age,” underscoring the amplified impact of digital platforms on young athletes today.

7. Music Segment and Upcoming Events

Timestamp: 34:00 - 36:54

The hosts briefly discuss upcoming music events, mentioning Sammy Kershaw's performance at the Boyd County Fairgrounds alongside artists like Kid Rock and Nickelback. Ryan recommends attending, despite the inclusion of artists some may find controversial, and they joke about sneaking out early to avoid certain performances.

8. Pete Rose Hall of Fame Debate

Timestamp: 36:54 - 41:43

The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball's consideration of Pete Rose for the Hall of Fame following his pardon by former President Donald Trump. Ryan vehemently criticizes MLB's timing and stance, stating, “He’s dead, but they’re considering him now because Trump pardoned him.”

Drew Franklin and Matt Jones echo the sentiment, advocating for Rose's inclusion based solely on his baseball achievements, independent of his personal controversies. They argue that the Hall of Fame should recognize athletic prowess without delving into the individual's personal failings.

9. Comparing Athletic Skills: Travis Hunter vs. Shohei Ohtani

Timestamp: 41:43 - 43:25

The hosts engage in a spirited debate comparing the athletic demands of playing both offense and defense in football, as Travis Hunter does, versus Shohei Ohtani's dual role as a pitcher and hitter in baseball. Matt asserts, “Hitting a baseball is harder than anything in sports,” while Ryan counterclaims the complexity of managing dual roles in football.

Drew Franklin offers a balanced view, suggesting that while both roles require versatility, Ohtani’s dual responsibilities in baseball are exceptionally demanding.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Lemond [02:35]: “I’m almost like, you know, a master of impressions.”
• Matt Jones [08:04]: “That's right.”
• Ryan Lemond [08:34]: “John Cena is the only one I can think of that had gone his whole career only being a good guy.”
• Drew Franklin [09:52]: “Everyone needs to be the bad guy for a little bit. It’s wrestling.”
• Ryan Lemond [15:18]: “The ratings are way up for college basketball this year.”
• Drew Franklin [23:18]: “The officials have just been bad in general all year.”
• Ryan Lemond [28:23]: “He couldn’t get away from it, never be everywhere.”
• Drew Franklin [40:44]: “It's the Baseball hall of Fame, not the Life Hall of Fame.”

Conclusion

Hour 2 of KSR delves deep into a variety of sports-related topics, from the intricacies of audiobook recordings and unexpected turns in professional wrestling to pressing issues like officiating in college basketball and the darker side of athlete-fan interactions on social media. The hosts engage in thoughtful debates, offer insights, and maintain an entertaining dynamic throughout the episode, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both information and engaging discussions.