2025-05-22- KSR - Hour 1

Summary

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – May 22, 2025 – Episode Summary

Host: Matt Jones
Co-Hosts: Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin, Shannon "The Dude"
Release Date: May 22, 2025

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1. Welcome and Introduction

[02:02] Shannon The Dude:
"KSR is back, presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones."

Matt Jones opens the show, welcoming listeners to this special Thursday episode from the Lexington studios. He introduces the co-hosts—Ryan, Drew, and Shannon—and outlines the day's agenda, which includes an exclusive interview with Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope.

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2. Exclusive Interview with Mark Pope

[02:07] Matt Jones:
"Today is a big day. We have Mark Pope on for an extended interview that will now run an hour and 15 minutes."

Initially planned for an hour, the interview with Mark Pope was extended to cover more ground, offering listeners comprehensive insights into his coaching philosophy and plans for the upcoming season.

[04:19] Drew Franklin:
"He thought Diabate might be the leader of the team, showing confidence in his players' leadership qualities."

[05:19] Ryan Lemond:
"The last seven to ten minutes really humanize Mark Pope. You hear him talk about helping folks in London and his genuine appreciation for KSR."

Throughout the interview, Mark Pope delves into his strategies for recruiting, scheduling, and building a robust team for next season. He emphasizes the importance of depth, comparing the new team's bench strength to that of the renowned 2015 Kentucky team.

Notable Highlights:

• Leadership Insights:
  [07:36] Ryan Lemond:
  "He thinks Diabate might walk into the locker room and immediately take on a leadership role."

• Player Development:
  [08:03] Matt Jones:
  "Jalen Lowe is the most important player, and Diabate is poised to be a sneaky leader, much like Lamont Butler was last year."

• Interview Dynamics:
  [15:00] Matt Jones:
  "Mark Pope takes social cues well during interviews, wrapping up discussions seamlessly without needing interruptions."

Mark Pope's candid responses reveal his sincere dedication to the team and his community, particularly his efforts in assisting hospitals in London, Kentucky.

---

3. NBA Game Recap: Pacers vs. Knicks Marathon

[19:20] Matt Jones:
"Last night's NBA game was one of the best finishes I've ever seen."

The co-hosts passionately dissect the thrilling game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, which featured a dramatic comeback and an unforgettable final shot.

Key Moments Discussed:

• Fourth Quarter Dominance:
  [19:38] Ryan Lemond:
  "The Eastern Conference playoffs have been unbelievable, and last night's game was an all-time favorite."

• Clutch Performance:
  [20:09] Matt Jones:
  "Niece Smith scored 20 points in the last two and a half minutes, outscoring the Knicks 20 to six."

• Dramatic Final Shot:
  [20:06] Ryan Lemond:
  "Niece Smith had 20 alone in the fourth quarter."

The hosts highlight the intense emotions and strategic plays that made the game a standout event, including a controversial three-point shot by Jalen Brunson that resembled Reggie Miller's iconic gesture.

Memorable Quotes:

• Matt Jones on the Shot:
  [20:09]
  "He could have taken a layup to tie but chose to shoot a three, adding unnecessary drama."

• Drew Franklin on the Pacer's Potential:
  [25:56]
  "Only four teams in history have come back from down seven in the playoffs, and the Pacers are showing they might harness some witchcraft."

Despite the Pacers' near-miraculous effort, concerns remain about their chances in the series, with Drew expressing cautious optimism.

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4. NBA on TNT Show Discussion

[22:50] Matt Jones:
"I think the NBA Show on TNT is the best sports show ever."

The conversation shifts to the hosts' opinions on the NBA Show on TNT, with Matt praising its innovation while criticizing specific personalities like Draymond Green.

Key Points:

• Chemistry Among Hosts:
  [23:08] Matt Jones:
  "Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith have perfect chemistry, unlike Draymond who feels out of place."

• Dislike for Draymond Green:
  [24:21] Matt Jones:
  "Draymond is the least likable sports personality to me."

• Comparison to Charles Barkley:
  [24:49] Drew Franklin:
  "No one else could get away with certain comments, but Charles Barkley can, making him more endearing to audiences."

The hosts lament the inclusion of certain players on sports shows, advocating for more authentic and entertaining personalities that resonate better with viewers.

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5. Upcoming Events and Promotions

[28:50] Matt Jones:
"Tomorrow we're at the Mountain Laurel Festival, Bell Theater in Pineville."

The team discusses various Kentucky festivals, highlighting the Mountain Laurel Festival's unique traditions, including the humorous custom of tossing the event's escort into a lake.

Promotional Highlights:

• Cornbread Hemp Seltzers:
  [25:56] Matt Jones:
  "Cornbread Hemp Seltzers are the rage! Get them during Rail Bird day in our parking lot."

• Commonwealth Horse Ownership:
  [35:06] Matt Jones:
  "Join Commonwealth.com to own a share of So Jaded, our new two-year-old colt making its way to the races."

These segments showcase the show's blend of sports, local culture, and promotional content, offering listeners opportunities to engage with community events and sponsors.

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6. Public Health Issue: Threat to Rural Hospitals

[32:07] Matt Jones:
"I want to highlight the budget bill impacting rural hospitals in Kentucky."

In a poignant segment, Matt Jones addresses the impending budget bill in Washington that threatens the viability of rural hospitals in Kentucky. He emphasizes the critical role Medicaid plays in keeping these hospitals operational, particularly in underserved areas like Pineville.

Key Statements:

• Impact of Medicaid Cuts:
  [32:25] Matt Jones:
  "If the budget bill passes, Pineville Hospital could shut down, severely affecting healthcare access in small towns."

• Call to Action:
  [34:07] Matt Jones:
  "Folks need to follow what's happening with this budget bill. Five of the six Kentucky representatives voted for it, and it could have devastating effects on rural healthcare."

The hosts express personal concern, highlighting the disconnect between benefits some individuals might receive and the dire consequences for vulnerable communities dependent on these hospitals.

[33:56] Ryan Lemond:
"Just hearing you say that makes it sound a little scary."

This segment underscores the show's commitment to addressing serious local issues, urging listeners to stay informed and advocate for their communities.

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7. Closing Remarks and Final Advertisements

Matt Jones wraps up the episode by reminding listeners of the upcoming Mark Pope interview on the podcast and teasing future content related to Memorial Day activities and local festivals.

Final Promotions:

• Sherwin Williams Memorial Day Sale:
  [18:45] Ryan Lemond:
  "Get 30% off paints and stains from May 16th through the 26th."

• Bluegrass Roofing:
  [26:36] Matt Jones:
  "After recent storms, get your roof inspected by Bluegrass Roofing. Use code KSR for 5% off your project."

The episode concludes with a mix of enthusiastic previews for upcoming shows and essential sponsor messages, maintaining the station's blend of sports commentary, community engagement, and local business support.

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Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones on Rural Hospitals:
  *"[33:53] 'When you hear them talk about cutting Medicaid, it sounds good, but the reality is it's going to kill our rural hospitals.'"

• Ryan Lemond on the NBA Game:
  *"[19:38] 'The Eastern Conference playoffs this year have been unbelievable... one of the best finishes I've ever seen.'"

• Drew Franklin on Team Depth:
  *"[13:38] 'It's crazy what they have from one through... the depth is right there with these guys.'"

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Conclusion:

This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio offers a comprehensive look into Kentucky basketball's future with Mark Pope, an unforgettable NBA game recap, candid discussions on sports media personalities, and a heartfelt plea to protect vital rural healthcare facilities. Matt Jones and his co-hosts deliver engaging content that resonates with sports enthusiasts and community-minded listeners alike.

Transcript

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This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Talkspace, the leading virtual therapy provider, is telling everyone let's face it in therapy by talking or texting with a supportive licensed therapist at Talkspace, you can face whatever is holding you back, whether it's mental health symptoms, relationship drama, past trauma, bad habits or another challenge that you need support to work through. It's easy to sign up. Just go to talkspace.com and you'll be paired with a provider typically within 48 hours. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule. Plus, Talkspace is in network with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. Make your mental health a priority and start today. If you're not covered by insurance, get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to talkspace.com and and enter promo code space80. That's S P A C E 80. To match with a licensed therapist today go to talkspace.com and enter promo code space80. Comedy Up Broadway in Lexington welcomes Ginger Billy May 9th through the 11th.

[Matt Jones]

Then from White famous catch Jay Pharoah.

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[Ryan Lemond]

Broadway.

[Shannon The Dude]

This is Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome everyone. It is Kentucky Sports Radio Thursday, May 22nd. I am Matt Jones here on a big day in the Lexington studios. I've got Ryan, I've got Drew Shannon is in Louisville and we will get you through it with the Clark's Puppet Shop phone line. That's 859-280-2287. I don't know if we'll take a call so you all can just chill. Today, a vision auto glass text machine is 772-774-5254. In this dish and sponsored by the D.J. smith Law Office, you call TJL. Make them pay. I gotta stand up. Billy sits so low in this seat. Like, he's like. Like a lone rider during the thing. You gotta stand up. Like, why does he sit?

[Ryan Lemond]

Can. Can Shannon still see you in the camera?

[Matt Jones]

That's all right. He can. He can. Look at my.

[Shannon The Dude]

I can see the stain on.

[Matt Jones]

Right there it is. That was. I don't know what that was. From this morning already have a stain ready to rock. So today's a big day. We have Mark Pope on for. Well, it was going to be an hour, but it ended up being an hour long. So it becomes an hour and 15 minutes on the show after commercials and that. So it will. We're going to start that interview at 10:45. So it will run from 10:45 until the end of the show. Then if you go get on your podcast today, our one will be a shorter hour. It'll just be the first three segments. And then hour two is going to be the whole interview, including parts we had to cut out of this one.

[Ryan Lemond]

Nice.

[Matt Jones]

So there's like 15 minutes of the interview or no, wait a minute. We ended up not cutting any. That's right. That's why we did the extra segment. So nevermind.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

But our two will just be the whole Pope interview uninterrupted. So. So that will be how we do the podcast today. Ryan, you. You were there for the interview yesterday. I mean, not to tease it, but let's. Yeah, let's do a little teasing. What'd you think?

[Ryan Lemond]

It was fantastic. I mean, it really was good. And I'm glad you didn't cut anything out of there because everything he said was really me as a fan. Sitting there listening was awesome. I wanted to hear my coach say a lot of those things.

[Matt Jones]

Billy and I were going to cut, like seven or eight minutes, and then we couldn't figure out what to cut exactly. It feels like everything is something that the radio audience should hear, so I'm just gonna. Gonna let it go.

[Drew Franklin]

I haven't heard much about it. I saw the clips and I got secret. Yeah, well, I got one text from Ryan. He was counting the specials, so that's all I really know is that Pope was using his. His favorite words.

[Matt Jones]

Let me give you some. Just a Couple of highlights. First of all, he talks about a lot. About the player. So. Well, not a lot, but some. About the players on next year's team, but a lot. Ryan, about his philosophy going forward.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

How he's going to schedule, how he's going to recruit. He acknowledged a couple things about last year's team and the building of this one that he's doing differently after having played in a season. The sec. I thought all that stuff was interesting.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. You asked him some questions that I think the fan base has always wondered about themselves. I won't spoil anything, but there's some good questions where you get to hear Pope in depth, how he views things and how he coaches.

[Matt Jones]

He has a little swagger in it. Yeah, right.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Talks about. Also the last. The last six or seven minutes rhyme. Were actually very. You know, he's such a nice guy. We're actually very meaningful to me. He talked about us.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And he talked about what happened in London, and I think it was a very. I definitely didn't want to cut that part, so I. That's kind of why we're doing it the way we are.

[Ryan Lemond]

You're right. Yeah. The last seven to ten minutes is you get to hear Mark Pope as a person, not as a coach. You hear him as a person, and you can tell he's so sincere. What he says about helping folks down at London and then the stuff he said about ksr, I mean, was really kind of meaningful to me.

[Matt Jones]

It was meaningful to me. Now, you know, a little behind the scenes here. We like a little behind the scenes. So surprisingly, knock on wood before we play it here. Surprisingly glitch free. Right. I get there.

[Drew Franklin]

Worried.

[Matt Jones]

I get there. Ryan's got it set up and it's connected. It was almost. Shannon, it was almost two working. You know what I mean?

[Shannon The Dude]

I would call it.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. It was.

[Shannon The Dude]

It was almost like, hey, beautiful working machine.

[Matt Jones]

What's. What's going to go wrong here? Something's going to go wrong. It's too good. Mario had the cameras drew. You know, it looked great, but right when we're about to start, he has the camera at our nipples again. And I said, mario, you've got to raise the camera. I was like, mark Pope is going to be a 6 inches taller to 8 inches taller than I am. And he was like, oh, okay. I don't know what we're going to have to do to get him to not shoot from the guy. Like, I don't know. I don't get it. What does it. What do we have to do with.

[Drew Franklin]

It, I have to defend Mario a little bit. I saw a picture of you where it looked like you were actively trying to get your thigh on camera. You had it. You had it way raised above the table with short shorts on.

[Matt Jones]

I felt like I needed a little thigh to add to the thing.

[Drew Franklin]

It looks like you were like, could I get my thigh in this shot?

[Ryan Lemond]

Behind the scenes again, as we were setting up, Mario and I were anxiously looking for a tablecloth to hide. So you would never. You wouldn't see anybody's thighs underneath the table.

[Matt Jones]

And he and Pope were pants. So I thought we were going to both thigh together, and he did not. Then after it was over, we. You and I asked for a little, I don't know, inside baseball, like, tell me what's. So we can't talk about all that. But one thing he said that I think we can is I said, you know, give me the player that's most important. And then I said, give me the guy to watch out for. Do you think we can say those two?

[Ryan Lemond]

I think you can. That's something I think he would say publicly.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. So he said he thought Diabate.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Is going to be the dude that is going to be, like, sneaky to people, that he might even be the leader of the team, that he has that personality to be like, kind of like Lamont Butler was last year, which I thought was interesting. And then he said, the player that is most important, the one that's like, got to be good, is Jalen Lowe.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And I thought those were two very interesting answers. Right.

[Ryan Lemond]

The Diabot, I think, is one, kind of surprised me. I guess, as a guy, I didn't realize maybe he was that type of person, that type of player, that type of leader.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. He thought he thinks he might walk in the locker room and kind of be the leader.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Immediately.

[Ryan Lemond]

Were you surprised when he said that?

[Matt Jones]

No, because I think that's why you bring in a guy like that. I mean, he could have said that about him or Aberdeen, and I wouldn't have been shocked. Right. Like, I think you got a. I think that makes sense to me, but it'll be interesting to see. You know, I'm a big believer that your leader has to be the best player. And if he believes Diabate is going to be the leader, maybe he will. You know, there's gotta be one of your best players. To me, that even confirms even more he's going to start. Right. Like, you don't say something like that if he's not going to be the.

[Drew Franklin]

One that starts the low thing doesn't surprise me just because depth there. But Diablo, I love hearing that. I thought he would start over yellow Vic, but wasn't sure. But that kind of gives me a little even more assurance he will. And I like hearing that. He'll be a leader. He's been to a final four. I don't think he played much on that Alabama team as a freshman, but he has experience playing on a great team. So hopefully he takes another step forward and can lead those guys.

[Matt Jones]

Ryan sent me a text during the interview, Shannon, that I was making fun of Pope, which I then read to him on the air and called Ryan out on the air because you can't be making fun of Mark Pope. And he was making fun of him. So I just read it on the air and got Mark Pope to respond to Ryan's face.

[Shannon The Dude]

You threw Ryan under the bus on that one?

[Matt Jones]

Directly under the bus because he was making fun of Sir Mark Pope. And so I felt like I had.

[Ryan Lemond]

To say he turned the tray table, made fun of me. You'll hear him kind of get on me a little bit.

[Matt Jones]

Turn the tray table.

[Drew Franklin]

Were you on a plane?

[Ryan Lemond]

Turn the tray table. Yeah.

[Shannon The Dude]

Turn the table you were hiding under.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Shannon The Dude]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Why'd you add the word tray?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know.

[Drew Franklin]

I was in on the. The text he sent you, he sent it to our group. And that's all I knew about the interview. And I thought it must be light hearted if we've got Ryan throwing jabs out.

[Matt Jones]

And we talked to him about the words we think he uses too much.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

Talk to him about Travis Perry.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, that was good.

[Matt Jones]

It was a good. There's a really good little. I mean, he goes into detail on. On Travis Perry and. Yeah. And I, you know, I did. I tried to think, okay, what are the questions? Fans always kept asking me.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And so, you know, I hope everybody enjoys it. And I thank Mark for doing. I mean, he sat with us. They told me we have a hard out at this time. And he sat with us for another 15 minutes and then he talked.

[Ryan Lemond]

Just kind of after the interview was over to sit and talk.

[Matt Jones]

He just sat and talked. So, I mean, like, that's how he is. You. You know how they say when you go to the doctor, don't go at 3 o' clock because you're going to continually get backed up because the day keeps going. That's got to be Mark Pope schedule.

[Ryan Lemond]

Sure.

[Matt Jones]

Right. Because I feel like he does that Drew with everybody. And I think his schedule just will Continually get backed up because he's so nice and he spends extra time with you.

[Drew Franklin]

And he's always doing something. A lot of times not even election. And so I'm Gl. You all got a kind of unlimited time with him and got the long conversation.

[Matt Jones]

Now, we did get a little scoop that we didn't say, but that came out last night without us, which is that Jaden Quaintance is here.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And that he got here early. Like, he wasn't supposed to be here till, like, June 6th or something. And he. I guess he hopped an early flight.

[Ryan Lemond]

Nice.

[Matt Jones]

Probably didn't want to have to go through Newark. Right. And. And now he's here early. And that all of these guys are going to be here this summer. So that's kind of exciting. Drew and you know this future draft talent already in town.

[Drew Franklin]

Yes. On Instagram. He got the Jeff Ruby shoe cake already.

[Matt Jones]

He got the shoe cake the first night.

[Drew Franklin]

Well, he never got an official visit, so they kind of packaged his official visit right before he was rehabbing, everyone else got the royal treatment. He never got it with Pope, so I think they kind of put that on the front end. So he got his shoe cake. Looked like he was having a good time and. Good to hear. He's, you know, rehabbing well and getting closer and closer.

[Ryan Lemond]

See, that's awesome. He's in camp on campus now because he'll get in with these trainers and physical therapy and help him get closer and closer. Get me ready to play.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, no, I think that is. I think that's very good. I think we, you know, we're going to have a group that is going to be more athletic, right?

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, yes.

[Matt Jones]

They're going to be insanely deep. Is this the deepest? I mean, look, the 2015 team is unique in the sense of how big the star power was, but in terms of depth, there's 14 guys on this team, and there are 11 or 12 guys who legitimately go into this season, assuming they're going to play.

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, yeah, for sure.

[Matt Jones]

Is that the most depth?

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Even.

[Drew Franklin]

I mean, the 2015 teams, the deepest ever. But I think this team's end of the bench is a little like the 1314 spot. You have a McDonald's All American, a top 35 recruitment, and Reese Potter played 20 minutes a game for Miami, and he's seven foot one, and he's probably the fourth. We assume those are the last three on the end of the bench. There's probably not been a team that have had those pieces at the very end.

[Matt Jones]

Kentucky will I mean, you have a guy who played 20 minutes a game. Granted, it was in the Mac, but 20 minutes a game, that if I were betting Today is the 14th man.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, that's crazy.

[Drew Franklin]

And a guy that just committed is the 13th man who Duke offered, ranked 35th and still climbing NBA potential. Then Marino and McDonald's all American right in front of them. It's crazy what they have from one through.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, you also have a dude who's going to be a lottery pick who no one projects to start.

[Ryan Lemond]

When does that ever happen?

[Matt Jones]

Well, Devin Booker, but otherwise on that team, I mean, that's, that's kind of it. Like, it's, it's, it's kind of wild. Again, I don't think the top end talent is as good as the top end talent on that 2015 team, but the depth is right there with these.

[Ryan Lemond]

Guys we've already mentioned. And you just look a couple seats over. Well, there's Colin Chandler and Trent Noah, who played a lot of minutes the second half of the season. They're both sitting there positioned like what, 8, 9, 9, 10, somewhere in there.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

On the bench.

[Matt Jones]

Have you ever seen me that quiet?

[Ryan Lemond]

You're a different interviewer when it comes to radio and when it comes to podcasts.

[Matt Jones]

Why do you think that is? Or first of all, what do you mean?

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, like, when you, when you on a podcast, you ask really good questions and then you sit and let the guy give a really good answer. You know, you don't interrupt him at all. Radio show, you like to keep it moving, you know, in and out, keep it moving, keep it moving. So it's a totally different interview format. And that's why when you do your podcast, I think why people like it, because you ask the really good, insightful questions that'll draw a good response from whoever you're talking to.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. And he is not Cal level of going on and on. No, but he does go.

[Ryan Lemond]

He does.

[Matt Jones]

And so, like, there were a couple times that I had to go.

[Ryan Lemond]

I looked at you a couple times.

[Matt Jones]

Couple times where you have to go.

[Ryan Lemond]

All right, wrap it up.

[Matt Jones]

Here we go.

[Ryan Lemond]

Next question, next question.

[Matt Jones]

Now, unlike Cal, he'll let you do it. He takes the social cue. This is a little just behind the scenes. Okay. Between Cal and. Cal will not take a social cue in an interview. You can hint both with your eyes and your sounds. This would be better to move on. He ain't stopping.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay, I got stuff to say.

[Matt Jones]

He's trying to say the train is going, and if you. Sorry Tom Leach. Sorry if you ain't. I decide the train. That's cow Pope says a lot, but he will, he, you know, he will take the social cue of okay, I think I, he, I think we should move to the next thing.

[Drew Franklin]

His train will slow down and zipper merge a little bit while barrel through the floor.

[Matt Jones]

Exactly right. He can look at, I can watch him. He can look at me. And he kind of accepts. Okay, let me go to the next.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, let me wrap this up.

[Matt Jones]

You'll hear it in this thing.

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, sure.

[Matt Jones]

You'll hear it. You'll almost you if you listen, I'll kind of go. And it's then he's like. And he wraps up. I don't need to interrupt him. He can feel that it's time to wrap up.

[Ryan Lemond]

I think that's why it's, it comes across so good with you guys talking to each other, just having a conversation so well.

[Matt Jones]

We will air that at 10:45. We're gonna talk about some other things I am going to have to do because we're running the interview in its entirety. I'm going to have to do the ads all in the first hour. So I apologize for the fact that we are going to be ad tastic. What do you, what do you be.

[Shannon The Dude]

Ad free in the second hour though, so it all balances right?

[Matt Jones]

Ad tastic. Now you're paying your tax now so that it's ad free.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay. For the one for us now?

[Matt Jones]

Well, when I say every. We're still running the commercials, but you won't have the live reads. When you look at the morning mirror in the morning, do you have spots on your skin that worry you? Well, how about the Kentucky skin cancer experts? They will see, let you see a dermatologist and see if you need any treatment. Owensboro, Bowling Green, Franklin and Powderly. They can help cure your skin cancer and give you the best cosmetic result possible. It is a Kentucky skin cancer center. Dr. Skaggs and his staff highly recommend them. 270-842-1999 or visit Kent luckyskincancercenter.com They will treat you like family. We'll take a break. Be right back. What a basketball game last night. It's ksr.

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[Talkspace Advertiser]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Talkspace, the leading virtual therapy provider, is telling everyone let's face it in therapy by talking or texting with a supportive licensed therapist at Talkspace, you can face whatever is holding you back, whether it's mental health symptoms, relationship drama, past trauma, bad habits or a another challenge that you need support to work through. It's easy to sign up. Just go to talkspace.com and you'll be paired with a provider, typically within 48 hours. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule. Plus, Talkspace is in network with most major insurers and most Insured members have a $0 copay. Make your mental health a priority and start today. If you're not covered by insurance, get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to talkspace.com and enter promo code SPACE80. That's S P A CE80 to match with a licensed therapist today, go to talkspace.com and Enter promo code SPACE80.

[Ryan Lemond]

Shop the Sherwin Williams Memorial Day Sale.

[Matt Jones]

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[Ryan Lemond]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Ryan Lemond]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Ryan Lemond]

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[Matt Jones]

Welcome back Techie Sports Radio. So the game last night we do. I mean we're rarely going to just talk about, you know, NBA game, but how could you not? Well, that was one of the better, one of the better NBA games I've ever seen.

[Ryan Lemond]

You know, the Eastern Conference playoffs this year have been unbelievable with the Pacers and the Cavs and then the Knicks and the Celtics. They've been crazy. But that game last night was an all timer. I could not, you know, I'm a Pacers fan. I thought they were done. I could not believe what I saw last night.

[Matt Jones]

It was the last. I mean, they were up for what? 14, two and a. Two and a half minutes ago they were up nine with 51 seconds to go.

[Shannon The Dude]

Out scored. Outscored 20 to six in the last two and a half.

[Ryan Lemond]

Niece Smith had 20 alone in the fourth quarter.

[Shannon The Dude]

He couldn't be stopped.

[Matt Jones]

It was amazing. And then the shot, I mean the drama of the last shot by Halberton. First of all, he could have had a layup to tie. And he pulls out and shoots a three. He had a layup. I mean like he gave up a layup to go shoot. He shoots it. He then does the Reggie Miller choke gesture, which of course has been done in the Garden before. And then it turns out to be a 2. Like the drama of that 10 seconds. I was on the phone with my friend hubby and I couldn't. He wasn't watching the game and I just started yelling and he was like, we're having a conversation here. And I am just screaming because I couldn't believe it.

[Drew Franklin]

It's one of the best finishes I can remember. It's kind of like the step back he hit against the Cavs. He did something a little similar in the earlier round. And then you think it's over. I love the ball bouncing.

[Matt Jones]

It bounced. It bounced higher than the shot clock.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

Like I don't think I've ever seen a shot bounce that high. Period.

[Drew Franklin]

It's weird that the Pacers bench almost knew too. They were celebrating while the ball was still way up in the air. They must had a good angle.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it was. It was what drama. And then the knicks get up four and overtime. I got on DraftKings. Shannon. Seriously?

[Shannon The Dude]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

During the break, before the overtime, I was going to empty my bank account to bet on the Pacers going into overtime.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, they had all the momentum.

[Matt Jones]

They were a two and a half point dog. I couldn't believe it. And then I went and I just had taken my money out to put it to use for the. I moved it for the Derby and the Preakness. And so I'm frantically trying to get a bank transfer in there. And I couldn't get it in because I knew there. I knew there was no way the Knicks were going to win.

[Drew Franklin]

After that I had my whole account on the Knicks. So that was fun. After Money Line too.

[Shannon The Dude]

After he did the choke sign. Like you can't, if you're the Pacers go into overtime and then lose that game. Be mocked forever if you did that.

[Matt Jones]

Dude. And then the. The poor. I mean, I was kind of rooting for the Knicks. The poor Arena Yeah, like those people just look like they all wanted to. To jump off a cliff.

[Shannon The Dude]

Tracy Morgan probably wanted to throw up again. All over the floor.

[Drew Franklin]

They were stunned.

[Ryan Lemond]

You know, Big Carl missed a crucial free throw that came in.

[Matt Jones]

OG who shoots like. They both missed a free throw. Down the stretch, you rarely see an NBA team just collapse. Is. That's one of the five best NBA games I've ever seen. Certainly the last two or three minutes. Right?

[Ryan Lemond]

And the Knicks at home had that big lead late in the game and the let it slip away. They deserve the choke signal.

[Matt Jones]

And then. I'm so excited. Get ready for the best show in sports, which is the NBA show on tnt. The NBA show on tnt. Is it the best sports show ever? I'm being dead serious.

[Ryan Lemond]

You may be right.

[Matt Jones]

I think it's the best sports show ever. The only one. Early pti. I loved PTI in the early days before Wilbourne became more than I can handle. Yeah, but I'm such a Kornheiser guy. And it revolutionized tv. Like, seriously, that whole countdown thing. They started all that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, they did.

[Matt Jones]

And now everybody does it. I mean, hey, Kentucky, we just completely stole the whole thing, Right? So the NBA on TNT show is the best. But the moment I turn on there. Why do they have Draymond on there? Why do you have the best show of all time? Which, by the way, my end in a couple of weeks. I mean, it's supposed to be renewed on espn, but they haven't worked out the. It could end. And you make him sit there.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, he.

[Matt Jones]

Who wants to see him on tv. I feel the same way about him, Drew. I feel when I see people saying Stephen A. Smith is going to be president because everybody wants him to. Who. Who is that person who is sitting around go wanting Stephen A. To be president? Who wants Draymond on tv?

[Drew Franklin]

No, they have perfect chemistry. They don't need him, but they know he'll say something that'll go viral. He'll call somebody out or say something controversial.

[Matt Jones]

Not even entertaining. Those guys are fun. Those guys are funny. Like Shaq and. And. And Charles make fun of each other. And Kenny actually has some insight. Narnie Johnson seems like your dad.

[Drew Franklin]

Like, they're hoping Charles and Draymond will fight on the air because it's. It's good. Clicks.

[Matt Jones]

We're going to get Draymond on TV for, like, the next 25 years, and it's going to drive me crazy. I find him next to Aaron Rodgers. I think he's the least likable sports Personality play.

[Drew Franklin]

I mean, you might get him on tv, too.

[Matt Jones]

Well, you can guarantee I ain't watching that. But I don't even want to watch Dream. Seriously, he is so unlikable to me. Why is he on there?

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, I was going to say, do you think that they're trying to make him the next Charles Barkley, trying to be that guy?

[Matt Jones]

He's not, because Charles Barkley is likable. At the end of the day, Draymond just says stuff. Charles is funny. Like, you want to have a beer with Charles? Do you want to have a beer with Draymond?

[Drew Franklin]

Like, when Charles talks about the women in San Antonio. Okay, you shouldn't say it, but you kind of know he's saying it in jest.

[Matt Jones]

And he can get away with the women in San Antonio. No one else could get away with it. That. Right?

[Ryan Lemond]

Right.

[Matt Jones]

No one else could go on TV and say the women in a city are overweight. But he does, and they actually kind of like him for it. They think it's cute. And they. Women send him video. Like, Draymond would never be able to do that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, that. I have no idea what the producers have and. But I think that's what they think. Draymond can say that crazy stuff like Chuck and be the next Charles Barkley.

[Matt Jones]

Get him off the television. Anyway, I love the game. I thought it was. It was. That was really entertaining. Do you think the Dicks have any chance in the series at all?

[Ryan Lemond]

Not now. I feel like a game like that a lot of times will just take your soul right out of your body.

[Drew Franklin]

I feel like they still win the series. That took a special fourth quarter.

[Matt Jones]

Even though the Pacers got to believe.

[Drew Franklin]

In the pace, they were killing them.

[Ryan Lemond]

You got a Reggie Miller shirt on today. Doing the chokesable. You got to believe in the Pacer.

[Drew Franklin]

Don't count them out. See, the Pacers, only four teams in history have come back from down seven, and there are three of them in this playoffs. I mean, they do have some witchcraft.

[Matt Jones]

Cornbread hemp.com, y' all, if you haven't heard by now, Cornbread Hemp Seltzers are the rage. Everybody loves them. Even when I tell people that I'm doing the ksr, they're like, do you know where to get those? I'll tell you where you can get them. On Rail Bird day, they're going to be selling them in our parking lot. Are they for Rail Bird? Go to Rail Bird. Stop over there.

[Ryan Lemond]

Nice.

[Matt Jones]

That's kind of exciting.

[Ryan Lemond]

It is very.

[Matt Jones]

Cornbread Hemp Dot Com. Choose from your flavors. Raspberry limeade, peach iced tea and more. It's cornbread hemp dot com. We'll take a break. Be right back. KSR TJ Smith, personal injury attorney. Call tj.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

He'll make him pay.

[Shannon The Dude]

Now more of Kentucky sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

What a bizarre song is this. Willie Nelson and who.

[Shannon The Dude]

Maybe Waylon. I think Waylon Jennings maybe did the song originally.

[Matt Jones]

Well, you can find anything. I appreciate that about you. The recent storms have caused damage to your roof, but don't wait to get your roof inspected. Bluegrass roofing free estimates. Family veteran and first responder owned, fully licensed and insured. Bluegrass roofing will come and let you know what you need and how you can fix it. This is the time of year to do it. If you don't want to be the pressure of being told you must replace your roof. Let them help you save thousands. It's Bluegrass roofing. Call and schedule your free inspection. Bluegrassroofingandconsulting.com or 1-800-roof Pro. Remember, use my code KSR for. What is it? 5% off. Is that right? Yes, 5% off the project. Okay, so a couple things. First of all, the Matt Jones podcast Ryan McGee interview went up last night. Tonight at 6 airs the show on WHAS, which will be with Crystal Ball, and then the podcast will be up later. So those episodes give you some Memorial Day weekend listening.

[Ryan Lemond]

Very true. While you're traveling for memorial day.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. McGee and I talked college football and a little. Little racing? Yeah, little racing. It was good. I even got him to talk about something. He goes, I never, ever talk about something political. And then he did. It wasn't.

[Ryan Lemond]

Whoa.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. It wasn't that political, but it was just like. He goes, you got me, Matt Jones. Which is not what I was trying to do. But I love Ryan McGee. And for those of you that like a little racing, he. He tells a couple of really good stories.

[Drew Franklin]

It's what the Matt Jones show will do. He'll talk about anything.

[Matt Jones]

It'll be the smartest coach, college football coach. He knows the dumbest coach, the biggest jerk and the funniest.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's kind of cool.

[Matt Jones]

And he answered all of them. He answered the biggest jerk without even thinking, oh, wow. I thought he was going to have to pause. No pause. He was like, I know the biggest jerk. It's burnt.

[Shannon The Dude]

I'd rather hear the dumbest coach. Like, is he going to call dumb?

[Matt Jones]

Well.

[Drew Franklin]

Any of the categories?

[Matt Jones]

No, no, no, no. But these are all coaches. You'd heard of. Yeah, so. So, yeah, it was a lot of fun. Then tomorrow we're at the Mountain Laurel Festival, but we will be at the Bell Theater in Pineville.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, so Bell Theater in Pineville, which is right there in downtown Pineville. This will be your first time at the Mountain Laurel Festival, one of Kentucky's great fest. I mean, if you're. If you're given the big four or five, what are the best festivals in Kentucky you got? What would you say? Hillbilly days, Court days? I think the Mount Laurel festivals in them. What else are we talking?

[Drew Franklin]

Barbecue festival.

[Matt Jones]

Owensboro Barbecue festival is good. The chicken festival in London. What else?

[Ryan Lemond]

Daniel Boone Festival.

[Matt Jones]

I like that one. That's good. Yeah, I'm partial to the country Kentucky. What are some western. Oh, the ham days in Marion County. I like that one.

[Ryan Lemond]

Sorghum festival festival in Springfield. We've been down there.

[Matt Jones]

What else?

[Ryan Lemond]

I feel like I'm missing apple festivals in. Where's that county?

[Matt Jones]

That's a big one. Apple festival in Casey County. So I've just given you sort of a. A tour of the state. Mount Laurel is kind of the. We all dress up, you know, they have the Mario. They get a student from every college in Kentucky and they have a queen contest where they. Where they bow and they curtsy. And then the winner, they take their escort the dude and throw him in a lake.

[Ryan Lemond]

What a tradition.

[Matt Jones]

They throw him in a lake. In a suit, In a tux.

[Ryan Lemond]

In a tux.

[Matt Jones]

In a tux. They throw him in a lake. Shannon. I think that's a good tradition. They have for like 85 years. Thrown someone in a lake.

[Shannon The Dude]

I want to throw somebody in a lake. Can we throw Ryan out lake tomorrow? I mean, he's jumping the light. Yeah, we can throw you in.

[Matt Jones]

I asked if we could do this show at the Chain Rocks, but they said it might be a little hard to get to before.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, let's just hope and pray that rock is secured up there and won't roll down the mountain.

[Matt Jones]

Destroy while you're in pine.

[Ryan Lemond]

Of course I am going in the.

[Shannon The Dude]

Lake then if that's the case.

[Matt Jones]

I don't think that's very nice of you to make fun of it right before.

[Ryan Lemond]

Can we get into Pineville or the floodgates be closed?

[Matt Jones]

Floodgates are going to be open.

[Ryan Lemond]

All right.

[Matt Jones]

All right. I think it's going to be all. So if you're in the area, you can come to the Bell Theater. We'll be right there in downtown.

[Ryan Lemond]

Be fun. I've never Been. I'm looking forward to it, actually.

[Matt Jones]

Shannon, you and I are going to stay at beautiful Pine Mountain State park tonight. Are you excited about that? Yeah.

[Shannon The Dude]

I didn't know anything.

[Matt Jones]

I think I'm gonna come down. Yeah, I've never. You know, normally I would stay with my parents, but my mom's up at college.

[Ryan Lemond]

My mom's off to school.

[Matt Jones]

You know, I sent her off to college at Wheaton, so she missed. So she. It's tough.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, we have a party at your mom and dad's house tonight then.

[Matt Jones]

But. But Shannon, they. They changed the locks and I don't have a key to the house.

[Shannon The Dude]

Finally locked you out. You can't.

[Matt Jones]

Means I never get to stay up. I mean, my mom would be upset if I stayed at Pine Mountain, and so they're gone. So, like, I can stay up there and. It's beautiful. Shane, are you going to get there in time to, like, see it or you get there in the middle of the night?

[Shannon The Dude]

Well, I got OVW tonight, so I probably won't be leaving till 9 o' clock, which means I won't get there till about midnight. So I'll see it tomorrow morning.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. Well, it is. It's. It's beautiful. So I'm going to go up there and. And look at the beautiful mountains.

[Ryan Lemond]

We stayed there at one point during all of our travels. I don't know why we were there, but we did stay there one time.

[Matt Jones]

We did. I think you're right. All right, so Mark Pope interview comes here in just a minute. I just want to say one quick thing, and I want everybody to. I feel like it's important to say this because it affects our state. And ultimately. I know a lot of people, they don't like when I do this, but. But I want to do it. Folks, you need to follow what's happening right now with this budget bill that's about to be passed in. In Washington. If it's passed, and I think it's going to be, it's going to really, really hurt the hospitals in this state. Rural hospitals. When you hear them talk about cutting Medicaid. Well, that sounds like, oh, that's good. But the problem is if you cut Medicaid, you're going to kill our rural hospitals. Eastern Kentucky Hospital specifically will shut down. The reason those hospitals are able to stay open is because the government gives them Medicaid for people who come in because they don't have the money. A lot of them to. To. To pay for the hospital stuff. When I did my. Mitch, please book I went to all these hospitals where the, where the people who run them are all Trump Republicans. They would all say, oh, they'll never do that. They can't do that. We will close down the budget. The House just passed last night will close probably half of the rural hospitals in Kentucky. Just keep at it. And I would say, like follow it. You know, five of the six Kentucky representatives voted for it. I don't understand why. I do think it can change in the Senate. I hope it does. But this is like I don't bring up individual issues a lot. That's when they're going on. But this is a big one because in places like Pineville, where we're going tomorrow, if this bill passes, Pineville Hospital's in trouble and there's a lot of places like that. And Ryan, I just feel like I need to say that because it's not even about politics to me. Most of the people that are represented by the people that voted for it, this will affect them and they don't even know it. And I feel like they need to.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, just hearing you say that makes it sound a little scary.

[Matt Jones]

It's scary to me. And here's the thing. On a personal level, the bill will help me. I'll get a tax cut. I'll have a lot more money. I don't need it. Those people need it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And that's what makes me sad. On a personal level, this is great. But I would hate it for these places. And I especially felt that feel that way when I think about where I was last week and I think about the care those people got in the moment. What if those hospitals weren't there?

[Ryan Lemond]

That's right. Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

You know, London's hospital probably survive but with these other ones. What if the thing was in a tiny town?

[Ryan Lemond]

Sure.

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. And so that's. I just felt like I wanted to say that today. I'd give a longer explanation but we have a Mark Pope interview and so we have to. Do you know what we have to do? We also want to tell you about Commonwealth causes.

[Ryan Lemond]

Queen of Hearts tonight.

[Matt Jones]

Who?

[Drew Franklin]

Queen of Hearts riding the Queen of Hearts.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, are you going to win it?

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh yeah, I'm going to win it one of these days.

[Matt Jones]

All right, well Commonwealth cause is. We'll tell you that it's a platform. Oh no, I'm sorry. This is Commonwealth markets. This is my Commonwealth horse stuff.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Would you like to be part of owning a horse?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So jaded 23 is a two year old colt from here in Kentucky. It's been I'm actually going to go see this tomorrow. Yeah yes I have a piece of it and so can you you go to comment join Commonwealth.com you can get in to horse ownership at small shares. We did it for the Oaks. Yes horse didn't do great but it's going to run again.

[Ryan Lemond]

Bounce back.

[Matt Jones]

That's right join KS join Commonwealth.com use my code KSR and you can also be entered to win so so jaded is the new two year old that will be making its way. It's a Philly you also have simply joking and others go to so go to join Commonwealth.com and Jaded Nation LLC is the insurer has compensated to share this offering with you this non offer solicitation to invest securities register with the SEC or state authorities being offered under reg CF exemption registration. Please review all materials at Join Commonwealth Mark Pope when we return it's KSR.

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