Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2

Podcast Information:

• Title: KSR
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
• Description: Matt Jones and the KSR crew deliver the latest in University of Kentucky (UK) news and views, Monday through Friday from 10 AM to noon.
• Episode: 2025-04-30- KSR - Hour 2
• Release Date: April 30, 2025

1. Wing's Day at KS Bar & Grill

Matt Jones kicks off Hour 2 by announcing the removal of their summer covers at the KS Bar & Grill, signaling the onset of summer.

Matt Jones [03:05]: "It is Kentucky Sports Radio here at the KS Bar & Grill Wings Day. They are taking down our little cover for the summer."

Ryan Lemond adds to the sentiment, highlighting the seasonal transition.

Ryan Lemond [03:14]: "It's very appreciative during the cold months but it sure is glad to see it go in the spring and summer months."

This change allows patrons to enjoy the patio and the summer breeze, enhancing the overall experience at the bar.

2. Memorial Coliseum's WWII Tribute

The hosts discuss the recent addition of World War II memorials at the Memorial Coliseum, honoring those who served from each county.

Matt Jones [03:38]: "It's World War II. So it's World War II. So you can go and see and it's literally they have one for each county."

Matt appreciates the University of Kentucky's effort to honor alumni by county, drawing parallels to the baseball stadium's arrangements.

Matt Jones [04:09]: "I think it's really cool at the baseball stadium they have everybody who played for UK baseball arranged by county."

3. Sports Updates: Reds and Hockey Playoffs

Rained-Out Reds Game: The program addresses the recent rainout of the Cincinnati Reds game, leading to a doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Matt Jones [04:30]: "Before we go phones, a couple of things. First of all, the Reds were rained out today or yesterday. So they're playing a doubleheader today against your Cardinals."

Hockey Playoffs Excitement: The crew delves into the excitement of the hockey playoffs, focusing on impressive plays like one-timers and standout performances.

Matt Jones [05:07]: "A one timer is when they make a pass and then the other guy hits it without catching it."

Drew Franklin reminisces about witnessing a game-winning one-timer by player Aho.

Drew Franklin [05:08]: "If you want to hone in on those winning moves, check out Chumba Casino."

Note: The quote above seems mismatched; likely an advertisement interrupt. The accurate quote from Drew Franklin should refer to the game-winning play.

4. Mississippi State Baseball Coach Firing and Implications for Kentucky

Mississippi State's Decision: Mississippi State has fired their baseball coach, creating waves within the sports community due to the lack of an interim replacement and potential hiring ramifications.

Matt Jones [07:15]: "Mississippi State fired their baseball coach this week. Now, I might say, well, why do you care about that?"

Impact on Kentucky's Baseball Program: The discussion shifts to Kentucky's baseball prospects, highlighting connections like Nick Minion being a finalist for the coaching position at Mississippi State.

Matt Jones [07:34]: "Nick Minion has connections there. He was in the hunt for him when they hired the last coach."

Drew Franklin speculates on the possibility of Kentucky losing another key coach to Mississippi State, emphasizing the competitive nature of college baseball.

Drew Franklin [08:17]: "I think it's a possibility. I mean, didn't we lose John Cohen to Mississippi State?"

5. Ovechkin's Retirement and Legacy in Hockey

The hosts celebrate Alexander Ovechkin's milestone achievements and contemplate his upcoming retirement, comparing him to legends like Gretzky.

Matt Jones [06:12]: "They probably play the Capitals who have Ovechkin, who's probably going to retire at the end of the year. All-time leading goal scorer."

Ryan Lemond [06:30]: "I knew he was chasing Gretzky's record. Did he break it?"

Matt Jones [06:34]: "He did break it."

They commend Ovechkin's enduring athleticism despite aging, noting his record-breaking career.

6. Transition of OVW Ownership

Matt Jones reflects on selling OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) and handing over ownership, expressing mixed emotions about the transition.

Matt Jones [14:15]: "She's gotten, her career has kind of blossomed from it. So it's been, it's been, and then watching it on, you know, I have to admit, like, literally I'm going to Louisville tomorrow and we're kind of doing the final transition."

Drew Franklin and Ryan Lemond empathize with Matt's feelings, recognizing the labor of love he dedicated to OVW.

Drew Franklin [15:04]: "It's a labor of love for you."

Ryan Lemond [15:06]: "Matt, how did the cash flow cast?"

Matt shares personal anecdotes about his emotional investment in OVW, highlighting the challenges of parting with something he built over the years.

7. Listener Questions: Future of College Athletics and NCAA Legislation

Listener Inquiry: A listener, Mark, poses two questions:

1. Biggest changes anticipated in college athletics over the next decade.
2. The debate topic: "100 men versus a gorilla."

Mark [31:50]: "Where do you see the biggest change in college athletics over the next 10 years... and then the burning question with the '100 men versus a gorilla'?"

Discussion on College Athletics: The hosts debate the future of college sports, particularly focusing on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the necessity for congressional legislation to address NCAA constraints.

Matt Jones [33:00]: "The biggest change coming in college sports, in my opinion, obviously, is the payment system."

Ryan Lemond [35:22]: "I think it's all for the better. And you."

They emphasize the importance of legislative action to implement salary caps and regulate athlete compensation, noting bipartisan support but acknowledging the complexity of details.

8. Penny Elimination Debate

The conversation shifts to the potential discontinuation of the penny in U.S. currency, discussing the logistical challenges and economic implications.

Matt Jones [42:19]: "How long should we have people have to. Where? They have to go to the bank and turn their penny in tomorrow."

Ryan Lemond [43:08]: "I'll give him a year."

Drew Franklin [43:08]: "I'll say six months."

The hosts humorously speculate on the potential chaos if pennies were eliminated, from banking delays to the government repurposing the metal.

9. Prize Giveaway: Reds Tickets

Matt Jones promotes a listener giveaway contest, offering Reds game tickets as prizes for correctly guessing Mario's favorite UK player.

Matt Jones [40:31]: "If you get it right and then you put your email address in the text. The first person that gets it right, I'm gonna give tickets to my Reds game tonight."

This engagement segment encourages listener participation and interaction with the show.

10. Listener Appreciation and Personal Stories

A heartfelt segment features Jacob, a listener who expresses gratitude for the show's impact during a challenging personal period.

Jacob [46:16]: "My favorite part of the show is just the stories and interactions among the hosts... It's been a rough past few weeks personally with uncertainty at work."

Matt Jones responds with empathy and support, reinforcing the community aspect of the podcast.

Matt Jones [47:07]: "I have to say a prayer for you tonight. I appreciate it."

11. Announcements and Partnerships

Club Blue Kids: The hosts introduce Club Blue Kids, an initiative by Club Blue, the official NIL fundraising partner of the University of Kentucky. This club offers young UK fans exclusive perks and experiences.

Matt Jones [41:31]: "Club Blue is the official NIL fundraising partner of the University of Kentucky and they're proud to introduce Club Blue Kids."

Elf Cosmetics Partnership: A collaboration with Elf Cosmetics is announced, promoting educational and engaging screen time activities for children through Roblox.

Matt Jones [49:32]: "Here's something from Elf Cosmetics that's making screen time count. Check out Fortune Island, Earn Learn Flex on Roblox."

Additionally, a partnership with Greenlight is highlighted, focusing on financial literacy for families.

Greenlight Representative [49:33]: "Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app for families... Join millions of parents and kids building healthy financial habits together on Greenlight."

12. Finale and Upcoming Events

The episode concludes with the hosts promoting upcoming appearances in Owensboro and encouraging listeners to participate in on-site activities like pickleball and facials.

Matt Jones [44:18]: "If you decide you want to play a little pickleball... We're going to Owensboro week from Friday."

They wrap up by thanking listeners for their support, reinforcing the show's community-focused ethos.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [03:05]: "It's being taken down right now."
• Matt Jones [06:12]: "It was game five. We're already. We're already through. So we move on to the next round."
• Drew Franklin [08:17]: "Nick Minion has connections there. He was in the hunt for him when they hired the last coach."
• Matt Jones [42:19]: "If you just take 100 people off the street, then I'm going gorilla."
• Jacob [46:16]: "The highlight of my day has been listening into the podcast each evening."

Conclusion:

In this episode of KSR - Hour 2, Matt Jones and the KSR crew engage listeners with a blend of sports updates, personal anecdotes, listener interactions, and discussions on broader topics like college athletics legislation and economic changes. The hosts maintain a conversational and empathetic tone, fostering a strong sense of community among their audience. Engaging segments such as prize giveaways and listener appreciation further enhance the show's connection with its listeners, making it a staple for UK sports fans.