KSR Podcast Episode Summary

Title: KSR
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Episode: 2025-05-07 - Hour 1
Release Date: May 7, 2025

1. Introduction and Show Setup

Host Matt Jones kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to Kentucky Sports Radio for Wednesday, May 7th. He introduces the show's interactive segment, "Ask Anything Wednesday," encouraging listeners to call in with questions about UK basketball, football, or general topics related to life and the show.

2. Recap of the Golf Trip

The episode delves into the recent golf trip undertaken by Drew Franklin and Ryan Lemond. Drew shares details about the smooth flight back from Cincinnati despite a late arrival time, mentioning that Mario accompanied him, resulting in a slightly winded but enjoyable trip.

Drew Franklin [02:26]:
"Smooth flight, no complications... it was still a fun trip."

Matt Jones praises Drew's golf performance at TPC Scottsdale, comparing his highlight-worthy play to Nolan Ryan's legendary skills.

Matt Jones [03:07]:
"You would have thought Drew was a young Arnold Palmer out there... he was firing at pins, making birdies."

Drew reveals he shot an impressive 80, attributing his success to staying loose and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the course. They discuss the unique experience of playing on a desert course without the usual stadium bleachers, which made the game feel more casual and less intense.

Drew Franklin [05:21]:
"That was honestly the best I’ve probably played since high school."

Conversely, Shannon The Dude shares his struggles with the same golf course due to a broken wrist and tendonitis, resulting in a less stellar performance. The conversation highlights the contrasting experiences and underscores the camaraderie among the hosts.

3. Visit to an Arizona Diamondbacks Game

Matt recounts his visit to The Diamondbacks' game against the Mets, sharing his excitement about seeing familiar faces and observing the unique aspects of the stadium.

Matt Jones [13:08]:
"They actually... The Diamondbacks won the game. I got to see my boy, Haney O, getting up to bat. I got to say his name, and that with all those syllables, that was fun."

The discussion shifts to the Diamondbacks' bobblehead race featuring legendary players like Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez. Matt and Ryan engage in a playful debate about the participants and their significance to the team.

Matt Jones [15:14]:
"Randy Johnson was in there. He won the race... Luis Gonzalez was in it. That's two."

Drew humorously mentions less familiar players, adding to the light-hearted banter about team history and memorabilia.

4. Early Kentucky vs. Louisville Game Announcement

Breaking news is shared about the Kentucky vs. Louisville basketball game being scheduled for an unusually early date: November 11th. This marks the earliest the rivalry game has ever been held, stirring mixed reactions among the hosts.

Matt Jones [17:18]:
"It will be before the Louisville football game. That's crazy, isn't it?"

Ryan Lemond expresses his disapproval of the early scheduling, citing conflicts with college football and the transfer portal era, which makes team cohesion in early-season games challenging.

Ryan Lemond [18:24]:
"I don’t like it at all. It just seems so odd and awkward."

Drew Franklin echoes these sentiments, adding personal disappointment as the game coincides with his wedding anniversary.

Drew Franklin [19:08]:
"It's my wedding anniversary... I should be out celebrating."

The hosts speculate on the reasons behind the scheduling, suggesting it might be to secure a prime ESPN broadcast slot amidst the congested college football season.

5. Ask Anything Wednesday Segment

a. Caller: Patrick Patrick inquires about the finalization of UK’s non-conference basketball schedule, especially in light of Purdue’s recent schedule announcements and the early Louisville game.

Matt Jones [22:35]:
"It's the next one to two weeks... just take your calls."

Drew Franklin anticipates Purdue as the most likely big opponent, while Matt outlines potential other high-profile games such as against Michigan State and Indiana.

b. Caller: Sherry Sherry asks about the relationship between Calipari and Jacob Toppin, referencing past team turmoil.

Matt Jones [30:20]:
"I never heard Jacob being a reason for the turmoil... Oscar was just a different dude."

Drew adds that Toppin faced mental health issues during a challenging season, while also discussing Oscar Shephard’s popular yet potentially divisive presence on the team.

c. Caller: Shane from Grayson Shane poses a hypothetical question about trusting AI to control critical infrastructure like airplanes.

Ryan Lemond [32:55]:
"I wouldn’t, but I will note that... I would always want to have a human able to take over."

Shannon The Dude emphasizes the importance of human oversight to prevent potential catastrophic failures, sharing concerns about security vulnerabilities.

Shannon The Dude [33:57]:
"If you told me it was all AI, yeah, that would make me nervous... It’s scary."

6. Discussion on Conclave 2025 (Pope Election)

The hosts transition to a light-hearted discussion about the upcoming Conclave to elect a new Pope, influenced by a recent movie depiction.

Matt and Drew reveal their bets on potential candidates, with humorously creative names and scenarios.

Matt Jones [39:54]:
"I think I'm going to pick Luis and Tego... His last name's really... Which is a cool."

Drew introduces a fictional candidate, “Mateo Zuppy” (Pizza Balla), adding a comedic twist to the conversation.

Shannon The Dude [42:27]:
"He rides a bike instead of the Popemobile. That's my Pope right there."

The segment highlights the camaraderie and playful rapport among the hosts, blending current events with entertaining speculation.

7. Conclusion

As the episode nears its end, Matt encourages listeners to participate in "Ask Anything Wednesday" and hints at upcoming discussions in the next hour. The hosts continue to engage in friendly banter, maintaining the show's lively and interactive atmosphere.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Drew Franklin [02:26]:
  "Smooth flight, no complications... it was still a fun trip."

• Matt Jones [03:07]:
  "You would have thought Drew was a young Arnold Palmer out there... he was firing at pins, making birdies."

• Matt Jones [17:18]:
  "It will be before the Louisville football game. That's crazy, isn't it?"

• Ryan Lemond [18:24]:
  "I don’t like it at all. It just seems so odd and awkward."

• Drew Franklin [19:08]:
  "It's my wedding anniversary... I should be out celebrating."

• Ryan Lemond [32:55]:
  "I wouldn’t, but I will note that... I would always want to have a human able to take over."

• Shannon The Dude [33:57]:
  "If you told me it was all AI, yeah, that would make me nervous... It’s scary."

• Shannon The Dude [42:27]:
  "He rides a bike instead of the Popemobile. That's my Pope right there."

This episode of KSR offers a blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, listener interaction, and light-hearted discussions, making it a comprehensive and engaging listen for fans of Kentucky sports and beyond.