KSR - Hour 1 Episode Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host: Matt Jones and the KSR Crew
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

Introduction

On May 6, 2025, Matt Jones and the KSR crew took their listeners on a lively journey from Kentucky to Scottsdale, Arizona. The episode captures their experiences at a prominent sports and entertainment event, interactions with celebrities, updates on the University of Kentucky (UK) sports teams, and engaging conversations with their audience.

Trip to Scottsdale: Travel Plans and Challenges

Matt Jones kicks off the episode by detailing the crew's travel plans to Scottsdale. The team discusses the logistical challenges of late-night travel and the anticipation of attending a significant event in Arizona.

Quotes:

• Matt Jones [02:35]: "These guys are getting on a plane and going back this afternoon. I'm going back on Thursday. All of us will be in Owensboro on Friday."
• Matt Jones [02:54]: "We all got to be there late, but that's okay. You may hear in my voice a little bit of struggle because we're all pretty tired."

Event Highlights: Red Carpet and Celebrity Interactions

The core of the episode revolves around the crew's attendance at a red-carpet event in Scottsdale. They recount their interactions with notable personalities, including NFL star Larry Fitzgerald and actor Jerry O'Connell Jr.

Key Interactions:

• Larry Fitzgerald: Mario attempts to get a photo with the esteemed wide receiver, but due to timing, Larry directs the crew to another photographer.

  • Mario [03:55]: "They were out for you last night."

• Jerry O'Connell Jr.: Matt shares an amusing anecdote about mistakenly attributing O'Connell Jr.'s role in "Lost Boys" instead of "Stand By Me," leading to a friendly conversation about sports.

  • Matt Jones [06:23]: "He did not have to do this. He pulled Mario aside. Matt went in. I just took a few steps away, just a few."

Team Updates: Addition of Reese Potter

The crew provides updates on the UK sports team, highlighting the addition of Reese Potter, a promising athlete from Lexington Catholic High School. They discuss his potential impact on the team's dynamics and future prospects.

Discussion Points:

• Reese Potter's Recruitment: Potter replaces Travis Perry and is considered a valuable bench player with the potential to develop further.

  • Listener [28:20]: "He is our new player. Do you like the addition for the roster?"
  • Matt Jones [29:03]: "He can step out, shoot the three."

• Potential Team Impact: The crew expresses optimism about the team's depth and the integration of local talent into the roster.

  • Mario [28:55]: "He can shoot a little bit too, you know."

Listener Engagement: Calls and Recommendations

Engaging with their audience, the KSR crew takes several calls from listeners who share restaurant recommendations, personal experiences, and inspirations drawn from the crew's activities.

Notable Exchanges:

• Restaurant Suggestions:

  • Listener Jacob [32:01]: "Great restaurant options in Scottsdale... Ocean 44 Francine or Cafe Monarch."

• Inspiration for Acting:

  • Jacob [32:12]: "Drew's acting experience inspired me to sign up and I auditioned this weekend for a play later this summer at the Lexington Children's Theater."

NIL Discussions: Listener Inquiry on Jaden Quadens

A thoughtful segment features a listener named John posing questions about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, specifically concerning UK player Jaden Quadens and the implications of such deals on team commitments and player motivation.

Key Points Addressed:

• NIL Structure and Obligations:

  • Matt Jones [41:00]: "Do the players have to play to get paid? Because there are no rules. The deal can be structured however the two parties agree."

• Player Commitment Assurance:

  • Matt Jones [43:03]: "If he ends up coming, takes the money, doesn't play, then I'll reserve the right to criticize."

• Insurance Policies for NIL Deals:

  • Matt Jones [42:41]: "Do they have an insurance policy? I don't know. I would assume, yeah, because most businesses do."

Additional Highlights: Interactions with Gilly and Chris Brickley

The crew shares memorable interactions with Gilly, a renowned Black podcast star, who provided mentorship and valuable advice to Mario. They also discuss an encounter with Chris Brickley, a former UofL player known for training NBA athletes, highlighting varying responses based on past team rivalries.

Quotes:

• Gilly's Advice:

  • Mario [19:18]: "He said, 'Be known in the state... value is the key. Make sure you provide value.'"

• Chris Brickley Interaction:

  • Matt Jones [46:48]: "He was completely nice, but it was clear that's a dude who knows KSR from when we were at our."

Wrap-Up: Reflections on the Scottsdale Trip

Concluding the episode, the crew reflects on their Scottsdale trip, expressing gratitude for the unforgettable experiences, the support of sponsors like DraftKings, and the camaraderie within the team. They also tease upcoming discussions and interactions for future episodes.

Final Thoughts:

• Matt Jones [33:22]: "You have such a positive outlook and such a positive energy. Like you, Shannon. He'll sit there and pump you up."
• Drew Franklin [39:34]: "Couldn't bring any KSR pillows with you. I mean, come on."

Conclusion

The May 6th episode of KSR offers listeners an engaging blend of personal anecdotes, sports team updates, insightful discussions on NIL, and meaningful interactions with both celebrities and fans. Matt Jones and the KSR crew successfully create a relatable and entertaining narrative, ensuring that even listeners who weren't present get a comprehensive view of the day's events and their implications for the UK community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Matt Jones [02:35]: "These guys are getting on a plane and going back this afternoon. I'm going back on Thursday."
• Matt Jones [06:23]: "He did not have to do this. He pulled Mario aside."
• Mario [19:18]: "He said, 'Be known in the state... value is the key.'"
• Matt Jones [43:03]: "If he ends up coming, takes the money, doesn't play, then I'll reserve the right to criticize."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the KSR episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the discussions, insights, and experiences shared by Matt Jones and the crew.