KSR Podcast Episode Summary

Title: KSR
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Episode: 2025-05-09 - Hour 1
Release Date: May 9, 2025

1. Introduction and Local Promotions

The episode kicks off with promotional segments advertising local businesses and services. Ryan Lemond introduces a T-Mobile promotion, highlighting their extensive 5G network and attractive switching incentives:

Ryan Lemond [00:00]: "T Mobile stats are as impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network."

Matt Jones follows with an advertisement for Dutch, a virtual veterinary service:

Matt Jones [00:30]: "With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year-round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care."

Additionally, Mario promotes Comedy Off Broadway in Lexington, listing upcoming performances and encouraging listeners to attend:

Mario [01:00]: "Comedy Up Broadway in Lexington welcomes Ginger Billy May 9th through the 11th... Don't miss Rocky Dale Davis May 23rd and 24th."

2. Event Coverage at Kentucky Skin Care Center

The hosts transition to covering a live event at the Kentucky Skin Care Center in Owensboro. Matt Jones sets the scene, expressing excitement about the packed house despite the chilly weather:

Matt Jones [01:27]: "Look at everybody here in Owensboro. What a great, great turnout this morning in May."

The conversation shifts to personal experiences with facials, adding a lighthearted and relatable touch:

Ryan Lemond [04:01]: "Crystal gave me my facial. It was wonderful. My first I've ever had. And I'm going to get more and more and more."

Shannon The Dude, a guest at the event, shares his positive experience:

Shannon The Dude [24:53]: "It was awesome. You should definitely do it... I feel like I'm glowing right now."

3. Major News Segment: Election of the New Pope

A significant portion of the episode delves into the recent election of the new Pope, described humorously by the hosts:

Mario [05:18]: "The new Pope was picked right after the show. First American Pope of all time... his name is just Bob."

They discuss the surprise nature of the election, noting the Pope’s Chicago origins and light-heartedly questioning his anonymity:

Drew Franklin [07:10]: "We're reading the candidates and it's Pizza Balla and Pietro. And then we just end up with Bob."

The hosts reflect on the emotional impact of the conclave, despite some skepticism about the ceremonial aspects:

Mario [08:19]: "I actually thought it was a really kind of powerful thing. All those people standing there... they just want to feel a part of what's going on."

Ryan Lemond emphasizes the communal and historical significance:

Ryan Lemond [09:17]: "It's kind of powerful when you see... they just want to feel a part of what's going on."

The segment concludes with humorous speculation about insider knowledge influencing the election outcomes:

Mario [10:22]: "There was somebody that bet $15,000 on him and ended up winning like $175,000... they had some insider trading."

4. Expansion of UK Football Playoffs

The discussion shifts to UK football, focusing on the impending expansion of the playoffs from the current format to a 16-team structure:

Mario [07:55]: "The playoff committee has decided to probably go to 16 teams. Not next year, but the year after... if you are in the top six in the SEC, you can have a chance at the playoffs."

Drew Franklin expresses optimism about Kentucky potentially making the playoffs for the first time:

Drew Franklin [12:42]: "I think Kentucky could make the playoff... It’s absolutely a possibility."

The hosts debate the implications of the expanded playoffs, considering whether it devalues the regular season:

Ryan Lemond [14:01]: "We kind of like tournaments. We like season-ending tournaments and by expanding it, we just get more opportunity to have good games."

Mario concurs, appreciating the increased excitement and opportunities for emerging teams:

Mario [14:10]: "I think we're a culture that likes tournaments. So why not make as big a tournament as you can let as me."

They acknowledge the positive impact on Kentucky’s football prospects, suggesting that a successful season could place UK in playoff contention:

Mario [13:46]: "I think that's great news... we might say see a year that we're in that playing game to get to play for a playoff."

5. Controversy Surrounding Bill Belichick’s Girlfriend

A contentious topic arises with the ban of Bill Belichick's girlfriend from team practices:

Ryan Lemond [18:17]: "It's something that absolutely needed to be done. It had become a circus and it was more about her and him than him in the football program."

Mario draws parallels with historical anecdotes from UK sports:

Mario [19:45]: "I would like to know... has there ever been in your UK lore a wife or girlfriend that the university kind of had to say, hey, maybe we don't need you to be as around or as visible."

The conversation explores the potential impacts of such bans on team dynamics and public perception:

Drew Franklin [21:05]: "With all the criticism he's gotten... does he look in the mirror and he's like, maybe I am male. Little caught up in this."

6. NBA Draft Speculations: Otega’s Future

The hosts analyze the situation surrounding player Otega's potential entry into the NBA draft:

Drew Franklin [25:04]: "I'm making sure he's all in on the process... It sounds like he's making sure he's all in on the process and trying to... it's like if he were picked... he might have to return."

Mario discusses the financial and strategic implications for Kentucky if Otega decides to stay:

Mario [26:27]: "If he's going to go through the NBA process, he has to say I want to be in the NBA draft... I think with the pros... he's going to be back."

Shannon The Dude adds perspective on the broader impact of draft rules on players' decisions:

Shannon The Dude [29:45]: "With that kind of money, you could get whoever you really want out there in the portal... he has to show."

The discussion highlights the balance between player ambition and team strategy:

Mario [30:12]: "Unless he's consistently shooting, he's not gonna get picked... he has to show."

7. UK Football Team’s Future and Coaching

The conversation shifts to the performance and future of the UK football team under coach Mark Stoops:

Mario [31:32]: "If he goes 2 and 10, it's over. There's no planning for the future."

Shannon The Dude questions the expectations placed on the team and coach:

Shannon The Dude [32:12]: "They won't tolerate that. I don't."

Drew Franklin emphasizes the necessity for the team to secure bowl games to maintain support:

Drew Franklin [35:44]: "He’s got to get to a bowl game... if he goes to a 10, it's over."

Mario critiques the strategic roster additions, explaining the challenges UK faces compared to powerhouse programs:

Mario [33:24]: "When you see us get a kid, appreciate the call... we're not going to be able to go get a star to be our fifth-string wide receiver."

8. Community and Local News Highlights

The hosts cover various local news stories, including the cancellation of pickleball courts in Joe Crease Park due to community opposition:

Ryan Lemond [38:42]: "Mayor Craig Greenberg just announced they are pulling the project that there will be no pickleball courts thanks to community outrage in Louisville."

They commend the community’s activism and its impact on local developments:

Mario [39:07]: "Community rises up, and they end up stopping a development that they didn't want."

Additionally, a humorous anecdote is shared about a Kentucky mother who accidentally ordered 70,000 lollipops ("dum dum suckers") online:

Ryan Lemond [40:35]: "Her child ordered $70,000 dum dum suckers off of Amazon and she came home and there were 70,000 suckers on her porch."

The hosts discuss the logistical and humorous aspects of managing such an unexpected delivery:

Mario [41:20]: "How in the world did the kid do that?"

9. Listener Engagement and Fun Segments

Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts engage in light-hearted conversations about coincidental travel experiences during major events:

Mario [42:27]: "I was in Madrid last summer when Spain won the World Cup... got to dance in the streets with the Spanish people all night."

They also share personal plans and anecdotes, fostering a sense of community among listeners:

Drew Franklin [43:04]: "I'm going to D.C. next weekend... I'll be part of that next weekend."

10. Closing Remarks and Final Promotions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts continue to promote local businesses and services, emphasizing community support and health:

Mario [37:16]: "They sell out everywhere... cornbreadhemp.com promo code, KSR, 30% off."

Shannon The Dude reiterates the importance of skin cancer awareness:

Shannon The Dude [25:11]: "Everyone should get checked for skin cancer. Early detection is key."

The episode concludes with acknowledgments of the supportive audience and a reminder of upcoming events and promotions.

Key Takeaways:

• Local Community Engagement: The hosts emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses and being involved in community decisions, as seen in the cancellation of the pickleball courts.

• Sports Focus: Significant attention is given to UK football’s potential playoff expansion and its implications for the team’s future, alongside discussions on player decisions affecting team dynamics.

• Humor and Relatability: The hosts maintain an engaging and humorous tone throughout, making the podcast both informative and entertaining.

• Health and Wellness: Promotions and discussions around services like Dutch veterinary care and skin cancer screenings highlight the podcast’s commitment to community well-being.

• Listener Connection: Personal anecdotes and listener-centric stories foster a strong connection with the audience, ensuring the content remains relatable and engaging.

This episode of KSR successfully blends sports analysis, local news, community stories, and lighthearted humor, providing listeners with a comprehensive and engaging overview of current events and topics of interest in Kentucky.