KSR Podcast Episode Summary: "Hour 1" – April 22, 2025

Host: Matt Jones
Co-hosts: Ryan Lemond and Drew Franklin
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Duration: Approximately 38 minutes
Sponsor: Stockton Mortgage, TJ Smith Law Office

1. Introduction and Earth Day Greetings (01:05 – 01:53)

Matt Jones opens the show by wishing listeners a Happy Earth Day, prompting a brief discussion on how each co-host celebrates the occasion.

• Matt Jones (01:14): "What do you do on Earth Day? Plant a tree. Are you all going to plant a tree somewhere?"
• Drew Franklin (01:18): "I'm still digging up my yard for moles. That's how I'm celebrating Earth day."

They encourage listeners to engage through phone calls and text messages, mentioning platforms like Clark's Pump and Shop and Vision Auto Glass.

2. Recent Passing of the Pope and Conclave Speculations (01:53 – 06:04)

The conversation shifts to the somber news of the Pope's passing at age 88, exploring the implications of this event.

• Matt Jones (01:53): "We didn't get to talk about that yesterday. I didn't expect to start with someone dying, but rest in peace to the pope who passed away at 88."
• Ryan Lemond (02:50): "There was a short guy. And they're not very long."

They humorously speculate about the conclave process, likening it to political maneuvering and movie scenarios.

• Matt Jones (05:11): "You get to choose your name, too. Yes, you get to choose your name because his name was not Francis. He chose it."
• Ryan Lemond (05:55): "Pope Shadrach, Meshak, and Abednego would be good for you."

3. Kentucky Basketball Updates and NIL Discussions (06:04 – 41:43)

A. Denzel Aberdeen's Commitment (06:04 – 07:45)

Matt introduces the significant recruitment of Denzel Aberdeen from Florida, highlighting his previous performance and potential impact on the Kentucky basketball team.

• Drew Franklin (07:45): "I like the addition because he can back up Walter Clayton at point guard so he can do some ball handling behind Jalen Lowe."

B. NIL Payroll Insights (07:45 – 12:00)

The hosts delve into Kentucky's substantial investment in their roster, speculating the team may have the highest NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) payroll in the country.

• Matt Jones (07:22): "Jeff Goodman says Kentucky has spent more money on their roster than any team in the country, over $10 million."
• Ryan Lemond (10:33): "We all thought BYU would spend the most money because they've been throwing around a lot of it, too."

Mentions of Club Blue's financial struggles under John Calipari versus current success under Pope emphasize the administration's effective fundraising strategies.

• Matt Jones (12:00): "If Pope had come back, we always argue, would this have happened? He wouldn't have had any money."

C. Team Roster Strength and Future Prospects (12:00 – 21:06)

A comprehensive analysis of the team's depth, versatility, and potential to reach the Final Four is discussed.

• Matt Jones (13:13): "We got at least one and maybe two of everything."
• Drew Franklin (15:23): "That could be your handling gets a little better."

D. Predictions for Rising Stars (21:06 – 22:53)

The hosts predict emerging talents who could replicate last year’s surprising performances.

• Drew Franklin (21:09): "I think the surprise next year for me is going to be the kid from Tulane, Cam Williams."
• Ryan Lemond (22:07): "I still think Colin Chandler is going to blow people away next year."

E. Defensive Improvements and Versatility (22:53 – 41:43)

Focus on the team's enhanced defensive capabilities and positional flexibility, attributing these improvements to Coach Pope's strategies.

• Matt Jones (18:02): "Much better defensively. Like, we got like five guys who can guard."
• Ryan Lemond (20:30): "Diabate, he was guarding a lot of the smaller twos and threes at Alabama."

4. Listener Calls and Community Engagement (41:43 – 37:03)

A. Pickleball and Bamboo Socks Enthusiasm (41:43 – 33:46)

A humorous segment arises from discussions about pickleball and the surprising discovery of bamboo socks, which spark excitement among the hosts and listeners.

• Matt Jones (28:58): "They have bamboo socks, which are the best socks of my life."
• Ryan Lemond (29:05): "I want to try them now."

B. Coaching Updates: Sean Woods and Scott County (36:02 – 37:06)

Updates on Sean Woods’ return to coaching at Scott County receive positive reactions.

• Ryan Lemond (36:02): "I'm just glad he's back in coaching. That's his passion."
• Drew Franklin (36:17): "Scott County, they were one of the premier high schools in the state for Billy Hicks."

C. Kentucky Derby and Local Sports (31:24 – 33:08)

Discussion about the Kentucky Derby, including listener’s favorite horses and the integration of local sports events into the community spirit.

• Caller Roy (31:38): "I think he's gonna do something."
• Drew Franklin (33:02): "Race for the Crown. All six episodes are up for getting you in the Kentucky Derby spirit."

5. Product Highlights and Sponsorships (33:46 – 35:09)

Promotion of Cornbread Hemp’s new pure-infused seltzer is enthusiastically discussed, highlighting its flavors and health benefits.

• Matt Jones (33:31): "Cornbread Hemp has launched their first pure infused seltzer."
• Ryan Lemond (34:27): "I had the raspberry limeade. It was good."

Additionally, the benefits of bamboo socks are reiterated, with mentions of Bombas and their charitable initiatives.

• Matt Jones (35:09): "They give one pair to the homeless."
• Drew Franklin (35:22): "I wear Bombas. That's their big thing."

6. Closing Discussions and Final Thoughts (35:09 – End)

The hosts reflect on the integration of entertainment within sports broadcasting, referencing Lee Corso’s philosophy about sports being a vehicle for entertainment.

• Matt Jones (41:53): "This radio show is in the entertainment business. UK sports is the vehicle."

They wrap up by acknowledging the diverse interests of their listeners, from bamboo socks to high-stakes sports discussions, emphasizing the show's role in blending sports updates with engaging community conversations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Jones (01:14): "What do you do on Earth Day? Plant a tree."
• Ryan Lemond (05:55): "Pope Shadrach, Meshak, and Abednego would be good for you."
• Matt Jones (07:22): "Jeff Goodman says Kentucky has spent more money on their roster than any team in the country, over $10 million."
• Matt Jones (13:13): "We got at least one and maybe two of everything."
• Drew Franklin (21:09): "I think the surprise next year for me is going to be the kid from Tulane, Cam Williams."
• Matt Jones (28:58): "They have bamboo socks, which are the best socks of my life."
• Matt Jones (35:09): "They give one pair to the homeless."
• Matt Jones (41:53): "This radio show is in the entertainment business. UK sports is the vehicle."

Conclusion

This episode of KSR, hosted by Matt Jones and his team, offers a comprehensive blend of serious sports analysis and lighthearted community interactions. From discussing the implications of the Pope’s passing to deep dives into Kentucky basketball's recruitment and NIL strategies, the hosts provide valuable insights for enthusiasts. Additionally, segments on bamboo socks and local events like the Kentucky Derby add an engaging and relatable dimension to the show, making it a well-rounded listen for sports and community fans alike.