Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (May 13, 2025)

Introduction KSR, hosted by Matt Jones alongside the crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), delivered its latest edition on May 13, 2025. Broadcasting daily from 10 AM to noon, the show remains a cornerstone for UK sports enthusiasts, providing in-depth analysis, engaging conversations, and the latest updates in the realm of Kentucky sports.

1. Show Kickoff and New Offerings

Matt Jones opened the show from the KS Bar and Grill in Lexington, hinting at exciting new developments.
[02:05] Matt Jones: "Today, Ryan, we are debuting at KS Bar a new catfish."

Ryan Lemond expressed enthusiasm about the upgrade:
[02:53] Ryan Lemond: "A new catfish. Our catfish here is like really, really high quality."

The introduction of the premium catfish at the bar set a convivial tone for the episode, emphasizing community engagement and local culinary delights.

2. Special Guests and Community Involvement

The show welcomed four young listeners from Augusta, Kentucky—Grayson, Hayden, Will, and Nolan—who participated as part of a school project aimed at understanding radio show dynamics.

Drew Franklin humorously remarked on the boys' trip:
[03:54] Drew Franklin: "This just seems like a boys trip. My field trips were to nerdy museums and stuff, but these..."

The interaction highlighted the show's commitment to involving young fans and fostering a connection between the station and the local youth.

3. Discussion on Catfish Quality and Local Fisheries

Matt Jones and Ryan Lemond delved into the specifics of the new catfish offering, discussing its origin and quality. Matt shared insights about the catfish sources:
[05:30] Matt Jones: "We've got catfish from Angel Mounds, a massive Native American burial site in Kentucky."

This segment emphasized the blend of local heritage with contemporary offerings, showcasing the station's deep roots in the community.

4. Listener Call-In: Opinions on Zipper Merges and Marriage Predictions

Matt recounted a listener's perspective on traffic management:
[07:55] Matt Jones: "He said the problem is we don't do true zipper merges... That's not how a zipper works."

The crew appreciated the constructive critique, as Drew humorously added:
[07:57] Drew Franklin: "Only the selfish people go to the front."

Shifting gears, the conversation turned personal as listeners speculated about Ryan Lemond's future:
[08:16] Drew Franklin: "Everybody was agreeing with us that Ryan is going to get married within the next few minutes."

Shannon humorously noted her preference for destination weddings, adding light-hearted banter to the discussion.

5. Upcoming Press Conference with Mark Pope

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Mark Pope's upcoming press conference regarding the UK basketball roster. Matt expressed optimism about the roster completion:
[09:48] Matt Jones: "That says to me, Drew, that Pope's roster is finished."

Drew shared his anticipation and desire for insights into Pope's player selection strategy:
[10:08] Drew Franklin: "I really just want to hear him go player by player and get an understanding of why he went after him."

The hosts anticipated positive news, especially concerning the return of key players like Ortega and the addition of promising talents such as Jalen Rowe.

6. Travis Perry's Departure and Its Impact

A heated segment emerged around the departure of Travis Perry from the UK team. Matt voiced his disapproval:
[17:47] Matt Jones: "Matt, the whole Travis Perry thing ticks me off. He's a Kentucky legend, and he should never have left here."

Drew offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging Perry's legacy while emphasizing the importance of personal advancement:
[21:06] Drew Franklin: "It's a win for Travis Perry and it could be a win for Pope. They don't have to have the pressure of feeling like they have to play him."

The conversation underscored the complexities athletes face in balancing loyalty with career growth, especially in the evolving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape.

7. Season Ticket Concerns and Future of UK Football

A listener raised concerns about an unusually high number of available season tickets, prompting a discussion on the future attendance of UK football games.

Matt shared a listener’s observation:
[33:13] Matt Jones: "They showed me and Ryan the amount of seats that were open was staggering."

Ryan voiced his worries about declining attendance:
[34:29] Ryan Lemond: "I honestly am worried about attendance. Our team hasn't won a home football game in two years."

Drew echoed these concerns, forecasting a challenging season ahead:
[35:05] Drew Franklin: "I think it's going to be ugly. It doesn't help that we've seen people complain about parking and ticket prices."

The hosts concluded that the lackluster performance and poor marketing could further dampen fan engagement, emphasizing the need for a turnaround to restore enthusiasm.

8. Light-Hearted Moments and Listener Interactions

Throughout the episode, the hosts engaged in humorous exchanges and responded to listeners' quirky comments. Notably, a call from Cody, the head coach of the Muhlenberg County High School fishing team, celebrating their third consecutive state championship, added a fun element to the show.

Matt congratulated the team:
[31:07] Matt Jones: "That's awesome. Congratulations to Muhlenberg County!"

Drew humorously linked the success to the KS Bar's new catfish:
[32:02] Drew Franklin: "We should actually consider that maybe an NIL opportunity. Go out and find us some fish. We'll fry it up."

These interactions showcased the show's versatility, blending serious sports discussions with community-driven stories and humor.

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the show neared its conclusion, the hosts reflected on the challenges facing UK sports, particularly football and basketball, emphasizing the need for strategic marketing and community engagement to rejuvenate fan interest.

Matt criticized the basketball program's marketing efforts:
[43:33] Matt Jones: "That's a failure in marketing your product. It just is."

The episode wrapped up with a call to action for listeners to engage with local events and support UK sports teams, reinforcing the station's commitment to fostering a strong sports community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [07:55] Matt Jones: "People have strong opinions on whether or not you can zipper merge... That's not how a zipper works."

• [08:16] Drew Franklin: "Everybody was agreeing with us that Ryan is going to get married within the next few minutes."

• [17:47] Matt Jones: "Travis Perry's dad was a coach and he has a very strong presence."

• [21:06] Drew Franklin: "If he's going to get more money, more playing time, that's a win for Travis Perry and it could be a win for Pope."

• [33:13] Matt Jones: "The amount of seats that were open was staggering."

• [43:33] Matt Jones: "He should have been the face of the program. Right. He should have been the guy that had everybody excited because he had such a great personality."

Conclusion

This episode of KSR seamlessly blended in-depth sports analysis with community stories and light-hearted banter, maintaining its reputation as a comprehensive source for UK sports news and discussions. From unveiling new offerings at the KS Bar and Grill to tackling pressing issues like season ticket sales and player movements, the show provided listeners with a thorough overview of the current sports landscape in Kentucky. The hosts' engaging conversations and listener interactions ensured a dynamic and informative listening experience for both regulars and newcomers alike.