Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (April 16, 2025)

Host: Ryan Lemon
Co-Hosts: Drew Franklin, Shannon The Dude
Producer: Dario
Sponsor: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

1. Hosts Update: Matt Jones on the Road

The episode kicks off with the hosts acknowledging Matt Jones' extended absence due to his commitments abroad. Ryan Lemon mentions Matt's travels across multiple cities, emphasizing the crew's current solo operation.

[01:35] Ryan Lemon: "Matt is still in Amsterdam. He'll be back on Monday. So it's been a long time since he's been gone because, well, we were in Milwaukee, we were in Nashville for a week. We're in Milwaukee for a week. We're in Indianapolis for a day."

2. Unique Moments in UK Baseball

A highlight of the episode includes a discussion about a unique event at a recent UK baseball game, where a spectator donned a banana costume and performed jumping jacks behind home plate. Ryan expresses his admiration for the enthusiastic supporter.

[01:56] Ryan Lemon: "Did you... there was a dude wearing a banana costume right behind home plate. Like he was doing jumping jacks behind home plate... shout out to you. You did a great job."

3. Behind the Scenes: Dario and Mitch McConnell

Dario shares his recent experience meeting Senator Mitch McConnell, providing insights into the demeanor of the special agents accompanying the senator. The conversation delves into the dynamics of such high-profile meetings and the professional interactions involved.

[03:31] Shannon The Dude: "What was that conversation? What did you say, I want to know, like, the dialogue?"

[03:20] Dario: "I said, how you doing, Senator? And he was like, I'm good. I'm good. How are you, sir? And then it was over with."

4. Jeff Bezos's Rocket Launch – A Controversy Unfolds

The hosts engage in a vibrant debate over the recent rocket launch featuring Jeff Bezos, Katy Perry, and others. Shannon addresses conspiracy theories suggesting the event was staged or CGI-generated. Drew and Ryan express skepticism about the authenticity of the live event, citing peculiarities like door mechanisms and the brevity of the mission.

[08:34] Shannon The Dude: "Some Internet sleuths out there believe that this didn't take place in space. It actually took place in a studio."

[09:10] Ryan Lemon: "They can't deny that. I mean, we all saw it, the doors opening from the inside."

5. Remembering Donnie McKenzie

A heartfelt segment honors Donnie McKenzie, a beloved coach in Morgan County who recently passed away. The hosts reflect on his positive impact on the community and extend their condolences to his family.

[11:03] Ryan Lemon: "It's a record. Some guys even write a book about him."

[11:31] Ryan Lemon: "We want to give, oh, Donnie McKenzie a little shout out from over in Morgan county and Rest in peace and prayers to all you and your families."

6. Academic Eligibility and Transfer Portal Issues

Listener Wayne raises important questions about academic eligibility for student-athletes and the implications of the transfer portal amid NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) changes. Ryan and Drew attempt to unpack the complexities, discussing NCAA standards and the potential for academic loopholes.

[18:10] Caller (Wayne): "Who sets the requirements for student athletes, college student athletes? Is it the NCAA? Is it the conferences? Or is it the individual school?"

[31:22] Ryan Lemon: "I think the NCAA has academic standards. I think they, like the conferences have academic standards, but the schools also have academic standards."

7. Gene Mitchell – A Local Legend's Meeting with Shannon

Shannon The Dude recounts his encounter with Gene Mitchell, a local lounge singer and his idol, in Panama City Beach. The interaction turns humorous as Gene becomes overly friendly, leading to an extended and entertaining conversation.

[23:27] Shannon The Dude: "He just said he wouldn't leave you alone. Ryan brought him over."

[24:35] Shannon The Dude: "He took a liking to you. He stayed there for, like, 30 minutes, and we kept talking and kept talking."

8. Recruitment Updates: Losing of Players and Decommits

The conversation shifts to recruitment challenges faced by Kentucky's sports teams. Callers discuss recent player decommits, the impact on team dynamics, and the necessity for strategic adjustments in response to these changes.

[15:14] Caller (Judy): "I just think he's just afraid of competition. And I didn't like his language."

[16:31] Drew Franklin: "When you have 12 guys right now all capable of playing minutes and expecting to play whoever they're going to go to next, it's going to happen again."

[32:15] Caller (Dave): "He had a 48 point game last year... he could serve as the shooter and also the backup point guard we need."

9. Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Towards the end, the hosts engage with listeners, address community topics, and share personal anecdotes. They also tackle a humorous investigation into the mystery of "Mark Pope" in Somerset, highlighting the playful and interactive nature of the show.

[38:23] Ryan Lemon: "We got to call him. We'll get him on the show."

[41:54] Ryan Lemon: "Maybe that's why he's in jail."

10. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts promoting upcoming events, encouraging listener participation, and sharing promotional segments while maintaining their signature humor and camaraderie.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Matt is still in Amsterdam. He'll be back on Monday.”
  Ryan Lemon [01:35]

• “This whole thing was a CGI Hollywood production and that it didn't actually happen in space.”
  Shannon The Dude [08:34]

• “I just think he's just afraid of competition. And I didn't like his language.”
  Caller (Judy) [15:14]

• “He took a liking to you. He stayed there for, like, 30 minutes, and we kept talking and kept talking.”
  Shannon The Dude [24:35]

Conclusion

This episode of KSR - Hour 2 offers a blend of sports discussions, community news, personal stories, and lighthearted banter among the hosts. From addressing recruitment challenges to debunking space launch conspiracies and honoring local legends, the show provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for listeners.