Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (March 18, 2025)

Host Information:

• Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Jake, and Shannon "The Dude"
• Producer: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 10 AM to Noon

1. Introduction to Episode and Main Topics

The second hour of the March 18, 2025, episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) dives deep into the excitement surrounding the NCAA basketball tournament, with a particular focus on the University of Kentucky's (UK) performance. Hosts Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Jake, and Shannon "The Dude" engage in lively discussions about game outcomes, fan engagement, ticket pricing, and bracket predictions.

2. Kentucky's NCAA Tournament Performance

Matt Jones (00:02):

"Mom, I need to lay low for a few days."

The episode opens with Matt Jones expressing frustration over Kentucky's early exits from the tournament, having lost to St. Peter's and Oakland. This sets the stage for a broader discussion on the team’s performance and its impact on local fan enthusiasm.

Matt Jones (04:05):

"When Kentucky got beat those first two rounds, Kentucky kind of check out. They don't even really pay much attention to."

The hosts reminisce about last year's watch party, highlighting the subdued atmosphere caused by early losses. They emphasize the challenges in maintaining fan interest and attendance despite the team's setbacks.

3. Ticket Pricing and Fan Attendance

A significant portion of the discussion centers around ticket prices for upcoming games and the anticipated fan turnout from various universities.

Drew Franklin (05:58):

"The cheapest ticket on StubHub is $200. That shocked me."

Drew expresses surprise at the high demand for tickets, particularly for the Kentucky vs. Troy game scheduled for Friday night. He contrasts this with lower-priced tickets for other sessions, noting a disparity that affects fan accessibility.

Matt Jones (07:38):

"Creighton had a big crowd at the Big East championship game against St. John's. They'll bring up a Creighton group here."

The hosts discuss the expected presence of fans from Auburn, Louisville, Creighton, and other universities. They predict strong showings from Auburn and Louisville, while anticipating lower turnout for teams like UCLA and Utah State.

4. Bracket Predictions and Analysis

The hosts engage in an interactive segment where they fill out their NCAA tournament brackets, sharing their predictions and reasoning.

Shannon The Dude (14:27):

"Oklahoma takes down the Hurley Dynasty."

Matt Jones (16:05):

"Boogie Flynn makes him worse. So I take Kansas."

Drew Franklin (34:43):

"Mississippi State is going to give Duke all they want."

The lively debate showcases differing opinions on potential upsets and key matchups. Drew leans towards Duke’s resilience, while Jake and Shannon consider Baylor and Oklahoma as strong contenders. The segment reflects the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the hosts' diverse perspectives.

5. Listener Calls and Interactions

Listeners actively participate through phone-ins, sharing their own experiences and engaging in discussions with the hosts.

Jim Tom (12:19):

"We ate at Waffle House on the day we beat Oklahoma. Superstitious."

Jim Tom shares a personal story linking a meal at Waffle House with his team’s victory, sparking a conversation on sports superstitions.

Jim Tom (38:50):

"Congratulations to Desiree Nickel, the Special Olympics downhill skier from Morehead who won at the Global Games in Turin, Italy."

Another call highlights a remarkable achievement by a Special Olympic athlete from Kentucky, showcasing the community’s pride and the show's commitment to celebrating local successes.

6. Social Media and Marketing Discussion

The hosts touch upon the show's growing influence on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.

Drew Franklin (46:26):

"We've built our TikTok account from zero to 26,000 followers. We're now officially influencers."

They discuss the opportunities and challenges of becoming influencers, emphasizing the importance of selective endorsements to maintain brand value.

Drew Franklin (47:17):

"When you endorse everything, you downgrade the value of the brand."

This segment underscores the strategic approach the hosts are taking to balance promotional content without overwhelming their audience.

7. Final Remarks and Closing

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the week’s discussions and upcoming events.

Drew Franklin (50:36):

"They gotta win, though."

Matt Jones (50:21):

"First trip to Milwaukee. I'm actually very excited about this time."

The hosts express optimism for the upcoming games and invite listeners to join them at their local bar for viewing parties and special promotions. They highlight the community spirit and the shared enthusiasm for supporting UK and other participating teams.

Matt Jones (51:11):

"Get the car or SUV you want at the Hyundai Getaway Sales event."

The episode concludes with a seamless transition back to promotional content, maintaining the engaging and dynamic flow characteristic of KSR.

Notable Quotes:

• Drew Franklin (05:58): "The cheapest ticket on StubHub is $200. That shocked me."

• Matt Jones (04:05): "When Kentucky got beat those first two rounds, Kentucky kind of check out. They don't even really pay much attention to."

• Shannon The Dude (14:27): "Oklahoma takes down the Hurley Dynasty."

• Drew Franklin (46:26): "We've built our TikTok account from zero to 26,000 followers. We're now officially influencers."

• Matt Jones (51:11): "Get the car or SUV you want at the Hyundai Getaway Sales event."

Conclusion

The March 18th episode of Kentucky Sports Radio offers a comprehensive and engaging look into the current NCAA tournament landscape, especially focusing on the University of Kentucky's journey. Through spirited debates, listener interactions, and insightful analyses, Matt Jones and the KSR crew provide valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts. The episode balances in-depth sports discussions with community stories and strategic marketing insights, making it a must-listen for those keen on March Madness and Kentucky sports.