KSR Podcast Episode Summary: April 30, 2025 - Hour 1
Produced by iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Hosted by Matt Jones, Ryan Lemon, Shannon "The Dude" The Dude, and Drew Franklin
1. Welcome and Local Highlights [01:05 – 01:48]
Matt Jones kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to the final day of the first third of 2025 on Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR). He promotes the KS Bar and Grill's special offer of $1 wings available for lunch and dinner, encouraging local patrons to visit and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
2. Trivia Competition Recap [01:48 – 06:19]
The hosts delve into the KSR Trivia competition, highlighting Ryan Lemon's team, named "Shannon," which secured second place. The trivia focused on the top 10 highest-grossing live-action comedy movies of all time, with notable mentions including The Hangover, Wedding Crashers, and Home Alone.
Ryan Lemon proudly shares, “We got two correct answers and were only one short of winning last night.” He commends the show's new twist allowing participants to circle one question per round for double points, which Shannon's team effectively utilized to their advantage.
Drew Franklin adds, “I think you look dressed up. You don't have whatever that was there,” referring to the team's performance and strategy during the trivia rounds.
3. Playful Banter and Audience Interaction [06:19 – 09:34]
The conversation shifts to a viral video featuring Pat Kelsey and Kenny McPeak engaging in a friendly rivalry by throwing "L's" up and down during a photo session. The hosts humorously debate the appropriateness of such gestures in public settings.
Ryan Lemon emphasizes the playful nature, stating, “Playful banter on a rivalry like that, I'm all for it.”
Shannon The Dude adds a nuanced perspective, “I'm not going to run up in his face like some obnoxious fan and go yells, down. But if he's doing the L's up right next to me, then you can do the L's down.”
4. Sponsorships and Promotions [09:34 – 16:04]
Throughout the episode, the hosts briefly acknowledge sponsors, including Avision Auto Glass and T.J. Smith Law Office, ensuring listeners are aware of valuable local services. They also promote Simply Joking, encouraging listeners to purchase shares in a local horse and informing them about enrollment codes and exclusive offers.
5. Ask Anything Wednesday Segment [16:04 – 38:54]
Listeners participate in the Ask Anything Wednesday segment, where they call in with diverse questions:
a. Listener Call from Jeff [29:08 – 31:21]
Jeff, a recent graduate from William and Mary, seeks advice for a cross-country bike trip to raise funds for the Ullman Foundation, which supports young adults with cancer. Matt Jones recommends scenic routes through northeast Kentucky, suggesting stops in Olive Hill, Paintsville, and Mount Sterling, and encourages Jeff to visit KS Bar during his journey.
b. Discussion on UK Campus Changes [31:21 – 33:43]
The hosts reflect on the evolving landscape of the University of Kentucky (UK) campus, noting significant developments and the addition of the Memorial Coliseum statue honoring war heroes from each county.
Drew Franklin remarks, “I don't recognize campus anymore. It's so brand new.”
c. Call from Jordan on Athletic Department and Branding [39:15 – 42:08]
Jordan inquires about the possibility of UK switching from Nike to another brand and the future of the athletics department.
Matt Jones responds, “Almost certainly no, unless they get an offer of money that makes it to where you have to do it.”
The discussion highlights Nike's stronghold on major basketball programs and the improbability of UK altering their branding partnership without compelling incentives.
d. Incident with a UK Coach Attempting to Call In [36:40 – 38:54]
Matt Jones shares an anecdote about a UK coach attempting to call into the show to express frustration post-game, comparing it to a recent incident where a Buffalo Bills GM confronted the host.
Ryan Lemon comments, “They all know the narrative in the media.”
6. College Athletics and Employment Status [39:27 – 42:08]
Continuing the discussion on athletics, Matt Jones addresses the future of college sports as businesses, emphasizing the potential shift towards treating athletes as employees to manage finances and legalities more effectively.
Matt Jones states, “College athletics is the only sport, it's the only entity in the world where we want to treat people like employees and not call them employees.”
7. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes [42:08 – End]
Matt Jones wraps up the episode by highlighting upcoming episodes and encouraging listeners to stay engaged with KSR for more insightful discussions on Kentucky sports and beyond.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Ryan Lemon [05:15]: “I'm very proud. We did a parade last night on Main Street, signed some autographs, took some pictures.”
- Matt Jones [09:28]: “We are here at KS Bar for Wednesday. It's Kentucky Sports Radio.”
- Shannon The Dude [08:50]: “I'm not going to run up in his face like some obnoxious fan and go yells, down.”
- Matt Jones [40:40]: “We just got to see legal battles continue into the future.”
Conclusion
This episode of KSR offers a vibrant mix of local sports trivia, listener interactions, and in-depth discussions on the evolving landscape of college athletics. The hosts maintain an engaging and personable tone, fostering a sense of community among Kentucky sports enthusiasts. Whether discussing friendly rivalries, supporting local initiatives, or debating the future of athletic departments, KSR provides valuable insights and entertainment for its audience.