Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (June 13, 2025)

Host: Matt Jones and Ryan Lemond
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Duration: 2 Hours
Release Date: June 13, 2025

1. Celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones and Ryan Lemond celebrating the United States Army's 250th anniversary in Hamburg. The hosts share personal anecdotes and highlight the significance of this milestone.

• Matt Jones ([02:56]) remarks, “We have had a great time here. Ryan deadlifted 240. We opened up, cut the cake for the 250th birthday.”

• They discuss the benefits of joining the Army, emphasizing educational opportunities and comprehensive insurance packages.

• Matt Jones ([03:29]) lists the benefits: “Full college tuition coverage, scholarships, trade training, full medical, dental, vision, and life insurance even for family members.”

• The hosts acknowledge listeners with Army connections, giving a shout-out to Jacob Browning, an 18-year-old who recently joined the Army ([04:03]).

2. Savannah Bananas: A New Sports Phenomenon

Matt and Ryan delve into the buzz surrounding the Savannah Bananas, a unique baseball team known for their entertaining style.

• Matt Jones ([04:19]) comments, “Savannah Bananas are playing at Great America ballpark and they are sold out. It’s like the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.”

• Ryan Lemond ([05:00]) adds, “They went from selling out minor league stadiums to now selling out major league baseball stadiums.”

• The team’s innovative approach, dubbed “Banana Ball,” involves fan interaction where catching a foul ball results in the player being out ([05:54]).

• Matt Jones ([06:02]) shares his critiques: “I don’t like their stupid dancing umpire... They have a shot clock. It only goes two hours.”

3. University of Kentucky's Athletic Board Announcements

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the University of Kentucky (UK) Athletics Board’s financial and infrastructural decisions.

• Matt Jones ([06:51]) reports, “UK announced they are seeking $131 million for athletic projects. The board granted $71 million, with $50 million under review.”

• Breakdown of allocations:

  • 40 million for football renovations including new suites, updated sound systems, and Wi-Fi ([07:30]).
  • Investments in soccer and softball facilities.

• Ryan Lemond ([07:30]) praises Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart: “UK athletics operates as its own individual body and comes in the black every year.”

• Matt Jones ([08:56]) acknowledges Barnhart’s financial acumen: “Balancing the budget for their athletics budget is pretty impressive.”

4. The Transfer Portal Debate in College Sports

A heated discussion ensues regarding the transfer portal and potential contract changes proposed by Jay Bilkis.

• Matt Jones ([09:02]) cites Jay Bilkis’ prediction: “Players will sign two-year deals, reducing the transfer portal by a third next year.”

• Ryan Lemond ([10:18]) agrees, noting it might introduce more stability: “This might give a little more stability if you sign players to two years.”

• Matt Jones ([11:06]) expresses skepticism: “I think a lot of players are going to opt for one-year deals to maintain flexibility.”

• The conversation highlights the need for schools to employ skilled negotiators: “They need to be business people who understand contracts and negotiation” ([12:05]).

• Matt Jones ([13:16]) lauds UK’s Club Blue negotiator for managing player relations and contracts effectively, contributing to the program’s success.

5. Kentucky vs. Louisville Sports Rivalry

The hosts explore the intense rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville in various sports, particularly focusing on fan loyalty and regional support.

• Matt Jones ([14:15]) discusses Facebook fan pages, noting a significant portion of users favoring "Bob and James" due to familiarity.

• Ryan Lemond ([16:07]) debates player rankings, favoring Anthony Davis and maintaining a healthy respect for Shay (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander).

• Matt Jones ([34:00]) and Ryan Lemond ([36:23]) engage in a spirited exchange about fans cheering for both Kentucky and Louisville teams, ultimately defending loyalty to their respective schools.

6. Current Sports Events and Updates

The hosts provide updates and analyses on various ongoing sporting events, offering their perspectives and predictions.

• NHL Playoffs:

  • Matt Jones ([28:34]) highlights the intense series involving the Edmonton Oilers, describing it as “maybe one of the loudest games in the history of hockey.”

• NBA Finals:

  • Ryan Lemond ([31:09]) shares his support for the Indiana Pacers but predicts Oklahoma City (OKC) will win in six games.

• College World Series:

  • Matt Jones ([31:40]) notes the SEC’s strong representation with two teams (LSU and Arkansas) making it to the final eight.

• US Open Golf:

  • Matt Jones ([32:21]) comments on golfer struggles: “They shoot really bad scores,” referencing poor performances by professionals.

7. Listener Interactions and Calls

The episode features several listener calls, providing personal stories and feedback.

• Caller from Jamestown ([15:15]) reminisces about former players and regrets decisions like trading Cliff Hagen.

• Jared ([43:46]) shares his disappointment with UK fans not supporting Louisville's Vince Merrill, reflecting on personal connections and loyalty.

• Other calls include congratulations, feedback on recent shows, and playful interactions about juggling and tech preferences.

8. Father's Day and Community Acknowledgments

As the episode airs around Father's Day, Matt and Ryan extend greetings and share personal experiences related to fatherhood.

• Ryan Lemond ([48:35]) wishes all fathers a happy Father’s Day and mentions plans to celebrate with his children unless weather disrupts.

• Matt Jones ([49:26]) echoes the sentiment, highlighting the importance of recognizing fathers and expressing gratitude.

9. Promotional Segments

Throughout the episode, minor promotional segments are interspersed, including offers from Noche Linda Farms and Gorilla Bob's. These segments are brief and seamlessly integrated into the conversation.

10. Closing Remarks

The show concludes with final interactions, reinforcing community ties and promoting upcoming events.

• Matt Jones ([51:32]) wraps up by encouraging listeners to support local businesses and sports teams, particularly Murray State in the College World Series.

• Ryan Lemond ([52:03]) reiterates ongoing promotions and thanks listeners for their support.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Jones ([02:56]): “We have had a great time here. Ryan deadlifted 240.”

• Ryan Lemond ([07:30]): “UK athletics operates as its own individual body and comes in the black every year.”

• Matt Jones ([09:02]): “Balancing the budget for their athletics budget is pretty impressive.”

• Matt Jones ([11:06]): “I think a lot of players are going to opt for one-year deals to maintain flexibility.”

• Ryan Lemond ([16:07]): “The other ones? Anthony Davis is definitely a Hall of Famer.”

• Matt Jones ([34:00]): “It might be one of the better high school finals they’ve had in years here.”

• Ryan Lemond ([37:19]): “Do you think players will sign two-year deals willingly?”

Conclusion

This episode of KSR delves deep into the intersection of sports and community, highlighting significant events like the Army's 250th birthday celebration and the innovative rise of the Savannah Bananas. The discussion on the University of Kentucky's athletic finances and the evolving transfer portal underscores the dynamic nature of college sports. Listener interactions add a personal touch, reflecting the passionate sports culture in Kentucky. As Father's Day approaches, the hosts emphasize the importance of family and community, wrapping up with updates on various sports events and local happenings. Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the current sports landscape, enriching listeners with insights and engaging conversations.