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Drew Franklin
Comedy Up Broadway in Lexington welcomes Mike Armstrong March 27th through the 29th. Then it's the Lexington debut of Lori Kilmartin April 3rd through the 5th and catch rising comedy star Sam Tallente April 11th and 12th. Comedy Off Broadway opened in downtown Lexington in 1987. And they're still bringing the best in stand up comedy to the area 38 years later. Call 859-271-joke or visit comedyoff broadway.com comedy off broadway. Welcome in to Kentucky Sports Radio. Drew Franklin here filling in one last time for Matt Jones and everyone else that took vacation this week. Got another fun show planned on a Friday with Billy. Our sports here. We're in studio. I just sat down like 30 seconds ago, so I'm a little out of breath. But we're gonna have a fun time, Billy. Today we're as usual, sponsored by TJ Smith, personal injury lawyer. What will TJ do if you give him a call? Make him pay. He will absolutely make him pay. We want to hear from you on the Clark's pump and shop phone line. 859-280-2287. We'll have our whiskey thief call of the day. And if you want to text Matt on the Avision auto glass text machine, he's still over looking at tulips in Amsterdam with his fellowship friends. You can reach out to him there, but gonna be a fun one. I had a big plan for, you know, Lexington turns 250 this year, Billy. I don't know if you've seen them. Yeah, town's all about Lexington's birthday coming up. So I wanted to do a celebration of Lexington. I even invited the mayor to come on and give her some of her favorite Lexington things. She was going to be here at 11 and she asked if she could do 10, 15. It's like, okay, we'll make that work. And then the Caden Lewis news dropped in the middle of the night. So hope she has a Kaden Lewis takes when she gets here. But mayor Linda Gordon will be joining us. Like I said, we'll get her takes on Lexington. We'll share some of our favorite things about Lexington. And I have a ticket giveaway.
Billy Rutledge
You got a giveaway today, too?
Drew Franklin
Actually, I wasn't gonna say ticket giveaway. I was gonna surprise everyone. I have a giveaway. Just pretend I didn't say ticket. Wow. We'll scratch that out. But I was trying to think of a game. I was over here in the other room coming up with it on the fly. I think I'm gonna reward people that Listen to the whole show.
Billy Rutledge
Okay, I like that.
Drew Franklin
So I'm going to give a buzzword in each segment and you got to know the of the first hour, you got to know all four buzzwords, one for each segment. The second hour we'll take calls and you cannot participate unless you know all four of the buzzwords.
Billy Rutledge
Oh, okay.
Drew Franklin
So if you're out there, just write it down. If you're driving, make a mental note until you can pull over. It won't be complicated words, just one word a segment. I'll let you know which word it is and then we'll have some calls. And one lucky caller will you know.
Billy Rutledge
When the mayor of Lexington. And a giveaway on the final day of Drew Palooza. I mean, what more could you want?
Drew Franklin
You came up with a game we're going to try to get to. Probably won't because I over program all of this and we got thrown off with the Caden Lewis news. But it's going to be a fun day. I guess we're calling it Drew Palooza's last ride. My last time in charge. But I guess we do have to start with the big news. I think we did. Yeah. We've had a lot of news, a lot of basketball this week. I was excited to get extra goofy today, but yep, more, more news dropped last night. First, I want to apologize to evMiller7, longtime listener. He tweets us a lot after yesterday's show. He tweeted drew Palooza started with great news and a commitment. Hopefully it ends with good news and a commitment on Friday. Well, well, Kevin, we actually went the other direction. Instead of a plus one today, Kentucky basketball is a minus one. We learned last night Kaden Lewis, the four star point guard from D.C. who has been committed to Kentucky since November, he looked around at that roster and said I'm out. He decommitted from the Cats. He's the number 32 incoming freshman in the class. Fifth ranked point guard, a guy we were very excited about having. He and Jasper Johnson Pope spoke highly of them as a future backcourt. But last night he. He stepped away and reopened his recruitment. He will not be a Wildcat. He put a little memo out that said, I'll always be grateful to coach Pope and the entire Kentucky staff for believing in me. It is clear Kentucky is a special place with an amazing fan base. But as I reflect on what is best for my future, I have decided to reopen my recruitment. It's an incredibly difficult decision, but after a lot of discussion with my family and people, I Trust. I feel it's necessary. It's not in any way a reflection of negative feelings towards Coach Pope in Kentucky. I appreciate your understanding. Exciting for what the future holds. We didn't see that one coming, Billy.
Billy Rutledge
No. And it's disappointing. I mean, this is a freshman that was going to come in that, that understood what it means to be a part of bbn. His family was a big fan of what the Kentucky basketball program does and the stage that it sets for others. But I'm not that worried. I have the confidence that Pope will be able to reload, find another person in the transfer portal. Ultimately it will be okay. But overall, disappointing that, that he wasn't willing to compete. I found a quote when he signed that he said, they want me to come in and play a priority role right away. There's a starting spot and he wants me to take it. I want to come in and run the team. And, and obviously with the addition of, of Jalen Lowe, I guess he just thought that he wasn't going to be the starting point guard.
Drew Franklin
Drew? Yeah. My take on it is it. It definitely hurts to lose a kid that was committed for five months. We're all excited about him. He was probably, I know he said he wanted to start right away. I think that was unlikely. He was. I think the plan was to make him the starting point guard his sophomore year in 26, 27 after kind of a year and being in the system as a backup, I think Pope was supposed to go out and get a senior. And when you miss on Dent and maybe some others, he goes and gets Jalen Lowe, who's a junior. Now. That's thrown off the math and the timeline. So my guess on the outside looking in is Kaden Lewis was ready to back up whoever they got out of the portal, learn and then be the guy in two years. But now with Low here, you know, he could end up being a two year point guard. That probably is the plan. So it stinks to lose him. I'm not going to act like it's nothing, but I don't know that it'll have a huge impact on next season. I think they'll go out, they'll find someone in the portal that's excited to come play 10, 15 minutes at Kentucky, be a good backup to low. They got other guards that can do it. But you know, it does stink overall because we were excited to have him and I think he was going to be the guy two years from now. I suppose we won't really know how it shakes out till He's a sophomore. And Lowe's a senior to know how he won that one, because right now he's a freshman. He could show up and be a freshman phenom, right? Or he could be someone that needs some time. But it did stink seeing that news pop up late last night.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, we'll see where he falls. You know, there's been rumblings about UConn, and that was in his recruitment. Recruitment? Back when he committed back to Kentucky. But I'm with you. I think that Pope will find somebody in the portal. Do you? Do you call Kur Creesa back?
Drew Franklin
I mean that I'll admit that pops in my head pretty quickly because they're going to need that. That type. They're going to need an old guy who just wants to get a little nil money in his last ride. Doesn't have to be the star. Happy to come off the bench. Maybe can go chase a final four. There's probably several people in college basketball that aren't even in the portal that would love that spot, so I don't think they'll have any trouble filling it. But I did think of Kirk Reason right away.
Billy Rutledge
I don't know. I mean, maybe that's like getting back with your ex, but I don't know if there were hard feelings there. I feel like he loved the university. But Matt has alluded some maybe things behind closed doors. I don't know. It's just a strange time. I mean, the portal still open for another what, 11 days or so and. And guys that are entering the portal maybe haven't even done that yet. So it's just the strange time. But you know, Drew Palooza ending with a D commitment. I did not see that coming. After all the positive momentum we had.
Drew Franklin
Drew, I feel bad. You know, we've think two players maybe.
Billy Rutledge
I think you're still plus one three player.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, well, if you count when there won last Saturday. Jaden Quaintance and low low was on Saturday. So I'm still. Oh, we're still in the green. But as. As Kev Miller seven suggested. You know, I wanted to come here and one. One last addition to the roster before I disappear and I just feel like I let everyone down.
Billy Rutledge
Well, that and if we don't get to alien talk in the second hour, you'll let some more.
Drew Franklin
People are mad about that again. I have way too much in my notes. I wanted to do aliens. I really want to talk about Lexington. As I said, the mayor is going to be joining us soon. We were shooting to do that 11 o'clock. But she needed to come in a little earlier, which is fine. We'll get her a Kaden Lewis takes and alien takes. Yeah, we're just going to talk aliens with Mayor Linda Gorton. But it's going to be a fun show. Like I said, you want to listen to the whole show? I'm going to drop a buzzword every. Actually, we'll just do it right now.
Billy Rutledge
What's your first?
Drew Franklin
First segment, if you're driving, do not write it down.
Billy Rutledge
I gotta get ready. Right?
Drew Franklin
Buckle up. Put your phone down. If you're driving, just memorize it or tell it to everyone in the car with you. Memorize it together and then write when you get parked. But just for this segment, the buzzword is Lady. Lady. Lady. It's pretty easy, right? You remember Lady.
Billy Rutledge
Easy, easy.
Drew Franklin
I'm not trying to like, confuse anyone, you know, not to really use your brain here. Just Lady.
Billy Rutledge
Who's that Lady.
Drew Franklin
Exactly. Lady. Remember, Lady. If you're listening, you'll need to remember in the second hour if you want to win our contest. But yeah, we're going to get to a lot about Lexington, celebrating that 250th birthday. I want to list some of my favorite restaurants and places because people ask me all the time, where do you like to go? Where should I go before the game? What do you do in your free time? And I try to respond to a lot of them, but now that I have this platform, I'll just tell you and you all can figure it out and go from there. Billy, you haven't lived in Lexington long, but I know you like living here. I'm going to get some of your. Your favorite places. What you like to do.
Billy Rutledge
I got a couple spots. Not all golf courses.
Drew Franklin
And you can't just read our sponsors. I mean, I know we like our sponsors.
Billy Rutledge
Damn. Okay, well then I'll get it out of the way now. Like you should go to Italics and poppies and all the great places.
Drew Franklin
KS Bar, we love.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, I guess John's.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, I mean we love the ones that, that support us. Those are. Those are genuine. But we're going to branch out and tell you about some others that we don't always tell people.
Billy Rutledge
Sounds good.
Drew Franklin
Maybe some. Maybe some Lexington ghosts. Those I could combine, you know, that I saw on Reddit, which is the most reliable website on earth, earlier this week that people were freaking out about a UFO over Lexington.
Billy Rutledge
Over Lexington.
Drew Franklin
I think it was just someone with a drone, but you know, we'll get wacky if we need to here on a Friday. Maybe do some alien ghost Lexington talk. But be a big Lexington day. We'll do a little more about a Kaden Lewis. Like I said, Linda Gordon will be in here soon. It's gonna be a fun last Friday before the boys get back. I actually heard from Ryan Lemon last night, so I know he's alive. He asked me a question about the masters just out of the blue. That's the only thing he's communicated, so I have correct answered that. But that's. That was my at least proof of life on Ryan and Shannon down there.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, I saw a seagull pooped on him yesterday.
Drew Franklin
Oh, I didn't see that.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, Shannon posted a picture.
Drew Franklin
Okay, I did see a picture. Yoga girl posted a picture of Ryan and Shannon.
Billy Rutledge
What are they doing out there? Are they holding hands?
Drew Franklin
Yeah. I mean, it's a big ocean, guys. You don't have to stand that close together when you're in it. It looked like they were hugging. I saw that 20 yards out in the water. They're. They're pretty close to getting a banana boat and floating around, I think. Looks like the guys are having a good time. Ryan also tweeted a picture of him eating a sandwich and Shannon sandwich. I don't know if it was blurry because he had mayo on his lens or if that's kind of. Ryan's vision looks after a few marks today, but it looks like they're having fun before they join us next week.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, somebody said that he took that picture with a seashell. It kind of looks like.
Drew Franklin
Well, we do miss him. We've had fun. But be good to get him back on Monday. Let's. Let's take a quick break because I'm a little worried about running into the. The hard break with. With Mary.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah, we are going to.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, that would be the worst. So let's. Let's cut out a little earlier now so we have more time with her. Talk a little Lexton. Like I said, big show plan. So tune in. And remember, lady. We'll be right back. Welcome back into Kentucky sports Radio, Drew Franklin with Billy Rutledge on the last day of Drew Palooza. And now we are happy to be joined by our. By our special guest, Lexington Mayor Linda Gordon. Linda, it's good to have you in here. Thanks for making the trip up to the iHeart Studios to celebrate Lexington with us for a segment.
Linda Gorton
Well, I'm thrilled to be here. I didn't know it was a palooza, though.
Drew Franklin
Well, it's a Drew Palooza that wasn't the plan, but listeners named it that, so we just went with it.
Linda Gorton
And it works, doesn't it?
Drew Franklin
We'll get you a T shirt on the way out and maybe a poster. But I wonder. We're talking about Lexington today, and who knows Lexington as well as you? So I wanted to get some things not so serious, just more things, like, what are your favorite restaurants? What's this? What's that? But I want to start with the excitement around UK basketball. You're a UK graduate, if I'm not mistaken. I don't know if you get to attend many games, but are you. Are you caught up in the Mark Pope hype after the last season?
Linda Gorton
Oh, I am. I am right there with everybody. I bleed blue. My husband's a graduate. Our kids are graduates. We are all in. We go to a lot of the games. And Mark Pope is. He's a phenomenal coach and a phenomenal human being. And when he first came, I went last summer to visit him and welcome him to our city. Welcome him back. Right. And he. One of the. One of the first things he said is, how can I help you? He's such a. He. He has a giving mentality, but he is also a man, I think, of very high character, don't you?
Drew Franklin
Absolutely. We all see that. I think it's part of the excitement that's been revamped up here lately.
Linda Gorton
Yeah. And so we're gonna see what this new team looks like. It's kind of fun, isn't it?
Drew Franklin
It's hard to keep up with. We had news drop last night. I'm not gonna have you break down the Kaden Lewis Steel commitment. You know, I don't want to put you on the spot. I'm sure you have strong opinions about the roster right now, but you mentioned welcoming Pope back to Lexington. My next question is, I want to pretend like Billy here does not know anything about Lexington. Just pretend he's an alien that has never heard of our beautiful city. How would you describe Lexington to young Billy here?
Linda Gorton
Well, first I would say, where in the heck have you been? We are a great city, Billy. Lots of food, restaurants, local restaurants, lots of facilities for bike riding, pedestrians, if you want to ride your bike. The. The restaurant scene, I think, is just phenomenal here. It's highly educated city. The downtown's vibrant. It is alive. I've had some unnamed other mayors in town after five, and they have been shocked at how busy our downtown is. It's really great. A lot going on. Sports, if you like sports. This is the place to be because we've got it all here, right?
Drew Franklin
I'm going to put you on the spot with some. Some restaurants. I consider myself a bit of a foodie. You know, if you're going out, whether it be meeting with other mayors or just taking the family out, can you name drop some. Some places you like to go? Is that putting you on the spot?
Linda Gorton
You're asking me to name drop In a city with all kinds of food?
Drew Franklin
There are a lot.
Linda Gorton
I mean Italian. I have my favorite Italian restaurant. You want me to really say them, don't you?
Drew Franklin
I mean, I know you love them.
Linda Gorton
All, but maybe so. So fella in my daughter's high school class started Goodfellas down the street.
Drew Franklin
We all love Goodfellas.
Linda Gorton
Of course. Everybody does. We've. I've got my favorite place for ahi tuna. Do you like ahi tuna?
Drew Franklin
Of course.
Linda Gorton
My gosh, we've got it all. Brunch places, we've got after hours places. Go have some appetizers and a drink. And you really. I know you're dying for me to.
Drew Franklin
Say that's okay, I understand. We don't. We don't want you to put others.
Linda Gorton
Because there's so many.
Drew Franklin
That's true. How about when you were at UK a student just a few years ago, Were there any places that you like to go that are maybe gone and you wish you could bring back? Did you have any places you'd frequent when you were in school there?
Linda Gorton
There are. So on South Lyme there was a place called Doodles Pizza. Now this is going way back and doodles had the thickest cheese on top. Of course, I love cheese. But at that time, my husband and I were dating and we were young and I could share a large pizza with him. Right on. So that one's gone. I really. We've thought about that a lot over the years and did you ever. I shouldn't maybe mention this, but only the people who were here a long time ago will remember shoes. Okay, Shoes. S. I think it was S H U E S or something. It was right across from the med center. And on Friday night, all the nursing students, which I was one, and the med students would go and they had pizza and big pictures of beer.
Drew Franklin
I mean, you're in school, you gotta.
Linda Gorton
Have a few beers and it was the end of the week and the stress levels were high. It was fun place to go. You know, I don't know if you.
Drew Franklin
Have the power to do this, but I miss the old K layer that was by Hagen hall, which also isn't here. I don't know if you can pull any string. There's. There's a new K layer, which is fine, but I missed the original. Maybe the original ovage. Those were good ones. If you had, like, a free day with no obligations, what do you think you would do in Lexington?
Linda Gorton
Well. Well, the first thing is I'm not setting an alarm clock. We all kind of get that, right? I won't set an alarm clock. And then I'll have a leisurely morning having my coffee and reading the paper. And I like to work a puzzle. I mean, a, you know, crossword puzzle.
Drew Franklin
I do the New York Times mini every morning.
Linda Gorton
Yeah. And then I would probably have a friend or two or three and go out to brunch at one of my favorite places. Places. Take a long walk. I like to walk in the arboretum. Have you ever been over there?
Drew Franklin
Of course.
Linda Gorton
Yep. And just kind of putz around. Read a book. I might go to a movie. I love movies. I don't have a lot of time for them, but since I have a day off. Compliments of you.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. No obligations.
Linda Gorton
Yep. It would be great that way. And then I'd probably go out to dinner with my husband. We would not cook.
Drew Franklin
Too many options around here. It's Keeneland season. You mentioned you're busy and don't get days off. But you get to enjoy Keeneland.
Linda Gorton
I do. I'm. I will be going in a day or two. I can't remember exactly when, but I love Keeneland. And you know Keeneland. So when I grew up, I was growing up in Ohio. I'm an import a long time ago, and no one up there could understand. Why do you always talk about horses? Because they're not horse country like we are, and it's very special. And Keeneland has this beautiful new addition, which I can't wait to see. Plus, they give back big time to our community. They give a ton of money to nonprofits and other entities. They're a real good community partner. But I love the racing. Don't you?
Drew Franklin
Oh, absolutely.
Linda Gorton
It's very special. And whenever I go, I always like to go down to the rail at least once and hear the snorting and the hoof beats as the horses come by there. It's just very. It's really unique.
Drew Franklin
You any good at picking winners? Because I'm not. I can pick the last place horse anytime you want, but I don't do well.
Linda Gorton
You have to look at the name, of course.
Drew Franklin
That's the only thing you look At. Right.
Linda Gorton
If there's a gray, you, you know, pick the gray. But I'm not very good at it. I just do it more on sentimental things that I like. So it's good, though. It's really fun.
Drew Franklin
You mentioned giving back to the community. I. I've told my listeners this week. I recently accepted a acting role at the Lexington Children's Theater. In fact, my costume fitting after the show. This is a big deal. And I saw in past performances, you were listed as one. Did you do that? Do you have any tips? Any acting tips?
Linda Gorton
I did that twice. Okay, well, you're a pro, so I was in the Little Mermaid, and then before that, I was in Alice in Wonderland.
Drew Franklin
Okay.
Linda Gorton
And that was really fun. That's where I met Jeremy Ashby, the chef. It's where I met Peter Baniak, who was a feral leader. Craig Cammack was in it. We had. We had some fun times, and, you know, there was a. There was a little tea ceremony with a teapot, and it might have had some special bluegrass tea.
Drew Franklin
Oh, I hope I get some bluegrass tea in Romeo and Juliet.
Linda Gorton
Oh, is it Romeo and Juliet? Are you Romeo?
Drew Franklin
I did not get Romeo. I don't. I don't think I had the jaw structure to be Romeo.
Linda Gorton
Who are you?
Drew Franklin
I'm Count Paris. Oh, I think. I think I die. I think. I think I'm going. I don't know that to be read a script yet. That was my next question. Well, now, how prepared do I need to be for this?
Linda Gorton
Well, not real prepared.
Drew Franklin
Okay, good.
Linda Gorton
But what you need to do, speak loudly, which you can do.
Drew Franklin
Okay.
Linda Gorton
So everybody hears you. And then the bad thing was, during Alice in Wonderland, a fella in the audience passed out, so the whole thing stopped. It kind of. You know, it was kind of bad. They had to get him out with Ems. And then we restarted the play.
Drew Franklin
Wow. Was it from the bluegrass tea? Did he have too much bluegrass tea?
Linda Gorton
No, he was. He was an observer. He was not in it. I tell you, just have fun, and you, you know, know a little bit about your lines, but I shouldn't say that. They probably want you to memorize.
Drew Franklin
Well, we had Lexington actor Josh Hopkins on earlier in the week, and he told me I should already know my lines at this point because it's in two weeks. And he told me to bring out my Drewness, and I don't really know what that means, but, you know, he's a Hollywood actor, so I. I actually like your advice better. If. You'll be fine.
Linda Gorton
Just have some of the tea. It's a great thing. And, you know, knowing you're in that, I may be ought to come see that heckle from the audience. Right.
Drew Franklin
This could be the beginning of an acting career. I might leave. I might join the other guys and just leave Billy here.
Linda Gorton
You might love it.
Drew Franklin
Speaking of the other guys, you've had fun on this show before. You've been very good to us. You named it Shannon the Dude Day when He did his 50 mile walk. We were proud of him. And one of my favorites, you and the wrestler Kane.
Linda Gorton
Oh, my gosh. Do you remember that?
Drew Franklin
Of course I remember. I grew up watching wrestling. And there you are standing next to Kane and you all had a bet. I forget, did you?
Linda Gorton
I forgot how he had to put on a UK T shirt and of course we had to find one that would fit. He's about twice as tall as me, right?
Drew Franklin
Oh, yeah.
Linda Gorton
But that was fun. I won the bet and he put on the T shirt. And I'll never forget, we've got a picture from the back. Him, I'm standing beside him and he's showing off his UK blue. I was so happy. I'd have had a really hard time wearing that. Tennis.
Drew Franklin
Oh, yeah. And you could take Kane if a fight broke out, too.
Linda Gorton
Oh, yeah, yeah, we got you.
Drew Franklin
Well, we had your back.
Linda Gorton
Yeah, I, you know, I would have to think about my technique. I used to. So you probably don't know. Little known. I have a brown belt in karate, taekwondo.
Drew Franklin
Can we be in trouble?
Linda Gorton
I could still do my roundabout kick.
Drew Franklin
We're up against a hard break. I'd hate to get cut off. But thank you for coming in today.
Linda Gorton
Great to see you.
Drew Franklin
Really appreciate it. We're going to keep talking about Lexington. For everyone listening at home, the key word in this segment is universal. So write that down. We're doing a game. We're doing a game. But thank you again, Mayor. We really appreciate it. Wish we could stay longer. We got to take a take a quick break and Billy and I will be right back.
Linda Gorton
Thanks, Drew.
Drew Franklin
I am not Matt Jones. I will keep correcting that this week until I can get my own little bumper there. Billy, maybe for next Drew Palooza, we can have have that deep voice.
Billy Rutledge
Gm. Billy is on it.
Drew Franklin
Okay. Good job. I will say, Billy, you feel like you're weighed down today? It looks like you're weighed down by some high interest debt. Oh, well, if that's the case, maybe I'm getting a misread here. Maybe I'm misreading you. But let's say you are Stockton Mortgage can help you use the equity in your home to pay it down and breathe easier. Start today@stockton.com you can turn your equity into opportunity. Stockton Mortgage can help homeowners use their home's value to consolidate debt or fund big goals. Whether you're buying or improving Stockton makes the process simple. One is eloan one fresh start. Find out how@stockton.com Stockton mortgage with locations all around the state and they're what?
Billy Rutledge
They're growing?
Drew Franklin
Exactly. Visit Stockton.com Stockton Mortgage NMLS 8259 equal.
Billy Rutledge
Housing lender sound like stone cold a little bit there. And what what?
Drew Franklin
That was fun having Mayor Gordon on. I wish we could have had her a little longer. That heartbreak wakes waits for no one but she she had some meetings to get to stuff a lot more important than us. But it is a fun time around Lexington with the 250th celebration going on. There's events all month, next month, all summer. Go to visit lex.com to check it out. She gave us these very cool 250 Lex pins.
Billy Rutledge
Yes.
Drew Franklin
You wearing yours yet?
Billy Rutledge
No, not yet. I'll put it on though. She is very nice, but I did feel like she was a little bit like your parent saying who their favorite kid is with the restaurants.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, I was trying. I was trying.
Billy Rutledge
Didn't want to say names, but I understand that you don't want to put anybody down.
Drew Franklin
I thought about continuing to press her a little bit, but it was clear she didn't want to name specific restaurants. But it was fun hearing from her as we continue the Lexington celebration. Let's just talk a little Lexington before we get to the second hour. Get wacky and talk about golf and other things. We'll do a whole hour of Lexington. Billy, you know you sponsor Italics, which I'm sure you love. I celebrated a birthday there a couple years ago. I enjoyed it right here on the corner. We could walk and get lunch there today if you want. But let's say you and Marissa are going out a place that doesn't pay you. What do you all like to do in Lexington? I know you haven't been here too many years, but you've been here long enough to get a feel for the place.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah. It's funny because Italics was our favorite restaurant before I ever sponsored it. So that's where we initially went. But I'm not saying that just because I'm a company man. A couple other places that we've been to, I think there's some obvious ones when you go for fine Dining like Jeff Ruby's and Tony's. But like, when you find like the Carsons, when you come here and you find like a Ramsey's, maybe for like a lunch. I mean, I don't know. It's. It's something with restaurants with the guy's name in it. I feel like that there's something to it there. So those are in my top three. Of course you've partaken in those, right? I know you're a regular at Jeff Ruby's.
Drew Franklin
I pop in there from time to time. You're right about Carson's, though. It's anytime anyone asks for suggestion, it's usually top of my list. Also, it helps that it's downtown. Most of the time people are asking me, they're going to a game or something at rup, right. I usually steer them that direction. One off the grid that a lot of people might not know about. Hope I'm not giving away too many secrets. What's that? If you're downtown, near Rupp. Buddha Lounge.
Billy Rutledge
Buddha Lounge.
Drew Franklin
Have you been to Buddha?
Billy Rutledge
No, I've never been to Buddha Lounge.
Drew Franklin
It's pretty good sushi over on Mill Street.
Billy Rutledge
Is it sushi?
Drew Franklin
It is sushi. It's not that big of a place. So that right now I have friends that are probably mad at the radio that I'm giving away our secrets. Check out Buddha Lounge.
Billy Rutledge
Buddha Lounge.
Drew Franklin
Also went to in that area again, the downtown restaurants here. This one just opened fairly recently. I went to a place called 310 the other day. It's on Short Street. Bow buns? You like bow buns?
Billy Rutledge
I do, yes.
Drew Franklin
Go get you some bow buns at 310.
Billy Rutledge
See, I'm writing down not only the buzzwords of the day, but restaurants that I can check out.
Drew Franklin
Thanks for reminding me. Let's go and get this buzzword.
Billy Rutledge
You want to give your buzzword now?
Drew Franklin
Yeah, we want to make sure everybody's listening the whole time. This one is. I guess it's actually two words. White House. White House. Okay, don't say the other two. We can't be letting people know what they've been. You gotta listen the whole time.
Billy Rutledge
Wonder if there's a theme with these words.
Drew Franklin
There could be. There could not be. If you haven't been able to tell. This week been a little chaotic. My brain, I feel like it's going in a thousand places. So maybe these words are just what's poppin in my head.
Billy Rutledge
So let's say Drew Franklin's getting a sandwich. You got like a deli spot or like a cheeseburger you really like in town?
Drew Franklin
I never thought you'd ask. I'm going to try to go there before my costume fitting. Big Blue Deli. Right down.
Billy Rutledge
Big Blue Deli.
Drew Franklin
Been there yet?
Billy Rutledge
I have. They had a Mario sandwich there for a limited time that I'd love to get sometime. Main Street Deli is one. That's right. I heard the city center is another one that you should check out if you haven't. You know, we've had a sponsor on the pre show in the past. North Lime coffee and donuts. But also Spalding's has to be brought up. If you're a bakery donut type of guy in the morning.
Drew Franklin
Right. I'm going to pull a mayor Gordon here. When it comes to election donuts, you can't make me say one's better than the other. We have an incredible donut scene. We have an incredible donut scene. Frank's, Spalding's, North Lime already started naming them. I'm going to leave some out. The one that just opened by KS bar Jeff's.
Billy Rutledge
I haven't been to that.
Drew Franklin
I'm worried about my guy Ryan. He's going to Jeff's a little too often. I mean it's at least once a week. He walks in with a bag in his hand and he's got me an apple fritter.
Billy Rutledge
He's a big apple fritter. To start the day. McDonald's Iced Coffee. That's Ryan Lemon in another.
Drew Franklin
You got your pizza spots.
Billy Rutledge
Pizza spots.
Drew Franklin
We're also overwhelmed by pizza.
Billy Rutledge
I mean, I mean Linda mentioned Goodfellas. I think that's. That's iconic. Right.
Drew Franklin
I mean it's one of my good drinking spot too. If you go to the one on in the distillery district.
Billy Rutledge
The one that's got a little bit more going on.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. Not the OG over here. The little one. You don't be drinking in there.
Billy Rutledge
There's a hole in the wall.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. That just get your slice and go over there. Especially late at night. We don't want any trouble. But one in Distiller district's good. I find myself at a rolling oven over. They have several. But at Mirror Twin if you want to find me out, good chance I'm there. It's pretty close to the house.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah. I think this is a chain but I've been to. Is it like Red Tomato or something? Like smashing Tomato.
Drew Franklin
Also by my house.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah.
Drew Franklin
Pizza by my house.
Billy Rutledge
You got a lot of restaurants. Linda was right. I mean this is a we're great scene for Food.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, of course. KS Bar. Got to go to KS Bar if you're going to a game.
Billy Rutledge
Come on. Can we. Can we include Proud Mary barbecue in that list? I know it's a little outside of town, but they've been underwater.
Drew Franklin
Yes.
Billy Rutledge
I feel like.
Drew Franklin
I feel terrible for Proud Mary. I go there every Labor Day. No, Memorial Day. I get those backwards. Which is one in September.
Billy Rutledge
I don't.
Drew Franklin
Whatever.
Billy Rutledge
I don't know. Labor Day.
Drew Franklin
No, really, they're. They're bad underwater right now. That on a serious note. Hope things straighten out there. I have a Proud Mary story. I wasn't going to say, but since you brought it up, not proud of this. I walked out on a tab there last fall. Yeah, me and my dad and my wife, we went every. Every labor slash Memorial Day, whichever it is, they have a Jimmy Buffett party with the Conquer public.
Billy Rutledge
Oh, so you're cover band.
Drew Franklin
They got. They have multiple bars. And I had, like, a tab at this bar where we ate lunch because we got there early and eight. But then the party moves downstairs, so I'm getting some margs over at this bar. It was just. We had a good time. We'll leave it at that. But then I get home, and I look at my credit card statement, and there was just, like, one charged from Proud Mary's for, like, $30. And I'm like, oh, I did a lot more than $30. And. But being the kind hearted, responsible, honest person I am, I spent the next two weeks trying to get someone on the phone, and I finally just went down there and said, I owe you all money. And they found the tab that I walked out on, and I paid it. But got a good connection there. I always have a good time there, and I hope they get things straightened up.
Billy Rutledge
You're a good man. And it was not intentional.
Drew Franklin
It was. Oh, it's definitely not intentional. We were. We were singing Cheeseburger in Paradise. You know, things got a little blurry. I just forgot to close out. But if you've ever accidentally walked out on a tab, hopefully you've never done it intentionally. You should always make good on that because, you know, the person needed a tip. I didn't at the time had tip there. Had to make up for my tip. Be good to your restaurants.
Billy Rutledge
Let me give you another category.
Drew Franklin
Yeah.
Billy Rutledge
Because you are the. The one that comes in last after a night out. What's the bar scene like? Give me a couple bars that Drew would hit on a normal.
Drew Franklin
Well, I mentioned Mirror Twin. Mm. There's a new country boy popping up over by me.
Billy Rutledge
It's gonna put another Country Boy location in Lexington.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. Breaking news. Wani na na. They put it on social media yesterday. It's like this huge facility. I was driving to the show and saw a Country Boy logo on the side of this new building. And I texted DH right away, what the hell is this? But it's pickleball, golf simulators and a Country Boy Tap Room.
Billy Rutledge
What?
Drew Franklin
Yeah, that's really all I know right now, other than the fact that I'm gonna live there when it opens.
Billy Rutledge
Talk about another company that's growing. They opened a Tap Room in Louisville. Now another in Lexington. Can't go wrong with Country Boy.
Drew Franklin
Also, I like old Tommy bars.
Billy Rutledge
Okay.
Drew Franklin
When I go to New York, I always go to McSorley's. It's the oldest bar in New York. It's been there since like 1850. We don't have one that old, but. Chevy Chase.
Billy Rutledge
Chevy Chase. It has got to be close.
Drew Franklin
I was there to watch the Final Four. It's been there since 1933. They do fun things like a Pappy Van Winkle giveaway, but you can get one pour for like, cost. So it's just a few bucks. There's been horses in there, saddled up. You ever been to a bar and dudes rides a horse in and in the bar? I don't think they've done that recently. But there are pictures of a dude just on a horse, bellied up against the bar, trying to get a drink.
Billy Rutledge
Well, if anywhere, I mean, Lexington, Kentucky, right? Charlie Brown's is around, right across the street, right. For a bar at the White Russians. Harvey's at the Grove is right down here. I think that's kind of a hole in the wall spot that not a lot of people people know of.
Drew Franklin
I have a CCI story since you set me up for it. Chevy. Jason, I was going to tell. When I was there watching the Final Four, I met some. Some women there who's. Whose father had just passed away. They're. They're paying tribute to him. He was a CCI legend. And in talking to them, I learned that he is actually just a Lexington legend and maybe like one of the bigger legends of all time. I'm going to tell you quickly because they sent me a lot of information. I'm going to just try to get the important stuff. Let me tell you about Charlie Chalkeye Cornett.
Billy Rutledge
Chalkeye Cornett, okay.
Drew Franklin
Passed away a few weeks ago at 92 years old. He. He'd be. Even at 92, he would be in CCI. But his, his daughter stood out. They had homemade Houston hats with like duct tape that said Houston on them over whatever was on there. He must hate Duke so much they made Houston hats. But in meeting them, I learned so much about this guy. He was an Ashland Tomcat, played two sports there. Then he went to the Navy. And while I was in the Navy, he grew 4 inches playing basketball on the aircraft carrier team. So he's out there just ball and taking people to school while serving in the Navy.
Billy Rutledge
Like Anthony Davis, just growing.
Drew Franklin
Yes, he is the Anthony Davis of the Navy is what they actually call him. He comes back to Kentucky on the GI Bill and then he just starts school in the Fiddling five and whatever is the equivalent of the JC back then, just, you know, scrimmage in the guys that are on the Fiddling Five. Practice guy, he's just working them left and right. And UK assistant Harry Lancaster even said, where the hell did this guy come from? And told him to come back to play on varsity. So dress for varsity. We need you. But they only had a walk on spot and he was pretty broke. And he couldn't afford what it would take to be a basketball player on his own dime, I think they said. Said a lot of it was going hungry, he couldn't keep the weight. But Rupp offered him a walk on spot twice. He was that good. Never really got to follow through it other than a few weeks here and there. Now this part of the story is confirmed by Jim Host, Mr. Jim Host and Ralph Hacker. Wow. If you can't believe Mr. Jim Host and Ralph Hacker, what are we doing?
Billy Rutledge
Big names confirming. So this is about to come next.
Drew Franklin
This isn't Drew Franklin telling you this. This is through, through family, through, through lore, through Mr. Jim Host and Ralph Hacker. After school, he was still a UK fan, still lived in Lexington, was at Chevy Chase in all the time. But in 1983, Indiana came to town to Rup. We hate the Hoosiers, right?
Billy Rutledge
I hate the Hoosiers.
Drew Franklin
Well, Chalk and his buddies got a suite at the Hyatt right there by Rupp. And they quickly learned that Bob Knight was in the suite beneath them. So they partied all night long, playing beach music, stomping, making all the noise they could.
Billy Rutledge
Oh, no.
Drew Franklin
To distract Bob Knight. And this gets better. Bob steps out on his balcony to have a sick late night. Sick. I'm sure he's nervous playing the Cats. The next day, Chalk had to break the seal. So let's just say Chalk off his balcony above Bob Knight on his Balcony.
Billy Rutledge
What?
Drew Franklin
Went to the restroom outdoors off the side of his balcony with Bob Knight beneath them. Again, this is confirmed. This isn't me making things up for radio, but Bob Knight. You know, I don't know if Bob got that much sleep that night. I don't know if he had to shower. I don't know what kind of contact was made in that situation. But things like that don't happen anymore.
Billy Rutledge
Bob Knight catching a stream from old chalkeye floor below at the Hyatt before the game the next day.
Drew Franklin
So there you go. Next day, Kentucky, 1:59 to 54. Eat it. Bob Knight and the Cats rip to chalk. I actually he did a. This topical as I'm looking at the Masters on tv. He had a Thursday Masters party at his house every year, if I'm not mistaken. I wasn't there yesterday, but I think Chevy Chase in did the first annual Chalks Memorial chili dog party yesterday for the master.
Billy Rutledge
A chili dog party in your memory? I can't think of nothing more that I would want.
Drew Franklin
Now there's a scholarship in his name for underprivileged students from eastern Kentucky. Like he was so wanted to shout out chalk there. After meeting his daughters at cci, they gave me a bumper sticker that said, I think it says I got drunk with chalk or I drank with chalk. There's a big, big poster of them in there. But to answer your question about a good drinking spot, if you're not from Lexington and want kind of some Lexington history, you should pop into cci.
Billy Rutledge
Sounds like a Lexington legend.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. How about that?
Billy Rutledge
Yeah.
Drew Franklin
Could you imagine someone doing at the Hyatt with, like, Todd golden on the balcony beneath them?
Billy Rutledge
Now I can definitely see the upstair neighbor behavior. I mean, we've heard of fire alarms being pulled and antics to get people to stay awake during the night before, but the stream from a floor above, that's. That is legendary stuff.
Drew Franklin
Also being offered a walk on spot twice.
Billy Rutledge
Twice.
Drew Franklin
Five. But just. No, I'll just sit here and work them in the. In the campus. Whatever the gym was back then.
Billy Rutledge
Zach Tao before Zach Town.
Drew Franklin
There you go. Maybe Zach Tao has that future. Yeah, we'll come back with a little more Lexington. Billy's got a game for us. We got people doing chalks move at the Masters into a creek. Well, we don't. We don't condone that. But we'll be right back. This is ksr. Welcome back to ksr. Drew Franklin with Billy Rutledge on our last day alone, where everyone comes back. Most everyone. Matt Will have another week, but we'll have Ryan and Shannon back. Ronald, drive the show next week. Today we're celebrating Lexington turning 250 this year. Love me some Lexington here. In a couple months, I will have lived in Lexington more than I lived in Madisonville. It feels weird.
Billy Rutledge
Is that right? Yes.
Drew Franklin
Lexington has become home. My parents moved here. I've been here almost 20 years. It's right around the corner.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah. And you've had some great memories, right? I mean, you've gotten married in this town and I have ripped your pants in this town.
Drew Franklin
My pants in this town? I mean, which time are you referring to?
Billy Rutledge
Well, I know of the one time.
Drew Franklin
So it's music month in Lexington. A lot going on could be part of the game we're playing. I don't know. Wink, wink.
Billy Rutledge
Do we have another buzzword? Do you want to share?
Drew Franklin
Do you want me to drop it now? The fourth buzzword will be given away a little bit, if you don't already know. So I'll save it for the end of the segment. Don't let me forget that. I won't let you forget, but a lot of music things going on in Lexington. Visit lex.com check it out. Let's do some notable Lexingtonians. In fact, in googling Lexington athletes, because I didn't want to miss any, I found a KSR post from five years ago called Ryan Lemon's top Lexington athletes. And I thought, what? Why am I looking anywhere else if Ryan Lemon has already done the show prep for me? Ryan Lemon, who is on his sixth margarita in Panama City right now, did show prep for us today several years ago. So we're just going to trust his top five?
Billy Rutledge
Yes.
Drew Franklin
If we forget anyone out there, yell at Ryan. I'm just reading straight from Ryan's list. Okay. I did mix up his order, though, just because, you know, I wasn't sure if he listed them, like, as an actual ranking. Wasn't clear. But I'm just going to start with our dear friend.
Billy Rutledge
In no order.
Drew Franklin
Yeah. In no order. In no order. Jack Givens.
Billy Rutledge
Great start.
Drew Franklin
Got to be on the list.
Billy Rutledge
Of course.
Drew Franklin
Bronze station. High school Goose was golden.
Billy Rutledge
Goose is golden.
Drew Franklin
41 points in 1978.
Billy Rutledge
Eat it, Duke now killing it now.
Drew Franklin
Do you get to have many interactions with Jack? I know.
Billy Rutledge
Oh, yeah, a lot. I've had him on the pre show a couple times. Just such a genuine guy. You know, talk to him in pre and post game as well. He's always helping with doing the segment with Andrew Kappas and stuff. We'll always Give you the time of day. And he's also a golf coach. I think he's a coach at a high school.
Drew Franklin
Let's go golf with Jack sometime. Set that up, Billy.
Billy Rutledge
That's what I'm saying.
Drew Franklin
Also Brian Station. Dimatti Dawson Pro Football hall of Fame, seven time NFL Pro Bowler. He's in the Steelers ring of honor in the NFL all decade team in the 1990s. Maybe one of the best offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. Right here. Lexingtonian.
Billy Rutledge
Quite an impressive list so far. You've given me strong names.
Drew Franklin
Ryan has given you the two names. I'm just reading them.
Billy Rutledge
That's true. Ryan is doing this.
Drew Franklin
Tyson Gay, Lafayette High School Second fastest man ever. Fastest American in the hundred meters, 9.69 seconds. Only Usain Bolt was faster.
Billy Rutledge
Did not know he was from Lexington.
Drew Franklin
Oh, yeah, that's. As Ryan notes in his notes here. Second fastest man alive. I don't think he ever got the gold medal, but won gold in the Olympics, but in several other events, world championships. Highly, highly decorated track and field star.
Billy Rutledge
You dedicate your life to this craft and you just happen to be at the same time that Bolt's running. Yeah, he takes all your records.
Drew Franklin
Fastest American, we'll call him.
Billy Rutledge
Yeah.
Drew Franklin
Fastest Lexington. John T. Bone Shelby. Henry Clay, two time World Series champ. Won one as an Oriole. Oriole and one as a dodger in the 80s.
Billy Rutledge
Okay.
Drew Franklin
One of his son, at least one of his sons went on to play for uk. But a baseball legend here. I think Ryan might even have him first being a baseball.
Billy Rutledge
Well, that's a. That's a Ryan Lemon ranking then. And cool to win with two different teams. That's. That's impressive.
Drew Franklin
That's right. And Ryan's last one is Frank Minnafield from Henry Clay. Played college football at Louisville, made four NFL Pro Bowls and the 1980s All Decade Team. Defensive back. So other than going to Louisville, we'll let that slide. But another football legend from here in Lexington.
Billy Rutledge
Pretty good list. A lot of professional success with the athletes listed.
Drew Franklin
Absolutely. How about since it's music month, you want to do some musicians?
Billy Rutledge
Yes, would love to.
Drew Franklin
We have not one, but two backstreet boys. That's.
Billy Rutledge
There's two backstreets.
Drew Franklin
Show me another city that had two backstreet boys born in one of those.
Billy Rutledge
Mathematically possible.
Drew Franklin
Kevin Richardson, friend of the program. He went to Estelle County High School and I did thorough research to make sure he was born in Lexington. And the Internet seems pretty clear. He's. He's Lexington even though he didn't go to school here. Okay, so we're going to claim him. We're going to claim Kevin and his cousin Brian Luttrell went to Tate's Creek. Kevin even called Brian's, like, hey, we had a spot open in Backstreet Boys. Get down here. It's going to be awesome. And then that, of course, worked out. So two Backstreet Boys. And then another friend of the program has been on this show. Chris Kale, the bassist for Five Finger Death Punch, went to Lafayette.
Billy Rutledge
Wow. Talk about a completely different genre, but yes.
Drew Franklin
Oh, I just realized I got to do my buzzword. Let me. Okay.
Billy Rutledge
Don't forget your buzzword.
Drew Franklin
I think it's going to give it away. Last buzzword, you got to know all four to call in in the second hour. Yorn Y o u r apostrophe n so we had, well, almost read them all. Not read them all. Write that one down. If you've been listening since the beginning, you should have all four buzzwords and we'll tell you how you can enter to win this contest. For now, we'll take another break. Billy and I will be right back with maybe more Lexington, but definitely more on the Masters, Kaden Lewis. News around BBN as we enjoy the last day of Drew Palooza. This is Drew and Billy, downtown Lexington in the iHeart studio. We'll be right back.
Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (April 11, 2025)
Podcast Information:
[00:00] Drew Franklin: The show kicks off with Drew Franklin introducing himself as filling in for Matt Jones and other crew members who are on vacation. Drew sets an upbeat tone, mentioning upcoming events at Comedy Up Broadway in Lexington and highlighting notable comedians performing later in the month.
[03:00] Drew Franklin:
[04:13] Billy Rutledge:
[04:55] Drew Franklin:
[07:20] Drew Franklin:
[02:02] Drew Franklin:
[08:09] Drew Franklin:
[26:38] Drew Franklin:
[41:35] Drew Franklin:
[11:34] Drew Franklin:
[12:08] Linda Gordon:
[13:23] Drew Franklin:
[13:23] Linda Gordon:
[14:21] Linda Gordon:
[16:42] Linda Gordon:
[17:35] Linda Gordon:
[19:18] Linda Gordon:
[21:07] Linda Gordon:
[22:53] Drew Franklin:
[09:06] Billy Rutledge:
[25:08] Billy Rutledge:
[30:19] Drew Franklin:
[32:41] Drew Franklin:
[37:18] Drew Franklin:
[38:21] Billy Rutledge:
[30:14] Drew Franklin:
[39:32] Drew Franklin:
Kaden Lewis Decommitment: Significant blow to Kentucky basketball, with uncertainty how it will affect the team's future.
Lexington’s 250th Birthday: Extensive celebrations planned with various events throughout the year, showcasing the city's vibrant culture.
Mayor Linda Gordon’s Insights: Provides an insider’s view of Lexington’s community, favorite spots, and personal anecdotes, enhancing the show’s connection to local listeners.
Interactive Engagement: The buzzword game encourages active listener participation, fostering a more engaging audience experience.
Local Highlights: Extensive discussion on Lexington’s dining, nightlife, and notable athletes underscores the city’s rich culture and community pride.
This episode of KSR blends sports news with local culture, community engagement, and entertaining storytelling, providing a comprehensive overview of Lexington's current events and cherished traditions.