KSR Podcast Episode Summary: June 19, 2025 – "Hour 1"
Hosted by Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), this episode dives into a blend of unique local stories, sports discussions, and engaging banter. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
1. Unique Local Feature: Eric's Pinball Paradise in Independence, Kentucky
Timestamp: 00:36 - 07:00
Ryan Lemon introduces the episode by highlighting a unique local gem in Independence, Kentucky—a suburban home transformed into a pinball enthusiast's haven. Eric Guy, a resident of Independence, has amassed 18 pinball machines and set up a streaming service to broadcast his pinball tournaments.
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Ryan Lemon: "This is why I wanted to go out on the road. Because these are the kind of things Ryan, you don't see in everyday life. A house full of pinball machines." [02:48]
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Drew Franklin adds enthusiasm about the setup, comparing it favorably to traditional arcades: "It's better than the arcades we grew up in." [02:57]
Eric's passion extends beyond mere collection; he hosts major tournaments, attracting participants from around the country, which Matt Jones finds impressive: "He hosts these major tournaments." [04:23]
2. Cincinnati Reds: Recent Performance and Player Highlights
Timestamp: 07:00 - 23:47
The conversation shifts to current sports events, focusing primarily on the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Ryan discusses the Reds' fluctuating performance, recent rain delays, and player dynamics.
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Ryan Lemon shares frustrations about missing out on a half-game behind the wild card: "They cancel the game. With the Reds ahead and now only a half game back from the wild card, A half game." [07:32]
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Drew Franklin humorously laments not receiving an Ellie Bobblehead despite it being Ellie's night: "I didn't get one." [08:38]
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The hosts discuss potential standout players, notably Aaron Judge, whom Ryan eagerly anticipates watching live: "I want to see Aaron Judge. I've seen him in Yankee Stadium, but never seen him." [09:16]
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They also mention other notable players like Nick Lodolo and Andrew Rabbit, affectionately dubbing Rabbit as "Fat Damon" due to his resemblance to Matt Damon. The conversation reflects camaraderie and light teasing among the hosts.
3. Fan Reactions and Social Media Criticism: "Bark at the Park"
Timestamp: 11:00 - 17:06
Addressing community feedback, Ryan discusses backlash from his comments about the "Bark at the Park" event, where dog owners interact at baseball games.
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Ryan Lemon: "People...they just don't like it. ...they saw all of these comments yesterday. This is not an exaggeration." [11:50]
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The hosts explore the balance between accommodating dog owners and maintaining an enjoyable environment for all attendees. Drew shares a touching message from a listener who values his dog as a companion, adding depth to the discussion: "Somebody's a. Their old dog died." [13:12 - 13:46]
4. University of Kentucky Football: Recruiting and Season Prospects
Timestamp: 22:31 - 35:56
A significant portion of the episode delves into University of Kentucky (UK) football, focusing on recruiting strategies, player performances, and season outlook.
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Ryan Lemon discusses the challenges and hopes in recruiting, mentioning players like Isaac Humphreys and potential draft picks: "Jay Bailis said yesterday he thinks Jackson Robinson gets picked." [29:16]
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Matt Jones and Drew Franklin express optimism about recent recruitments, despite previous hurdles: "They have added like five guys in the last couple weeks. They're looking real good with a quarterback from up this way." [25:34]
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The hosts speculate on the possible success of UK football in upcoming seasons, emphasizing the importance of player development and team coherence.
5. Kentucky Soccer Club: Upcoming Home Games and Promotions
Timestamp: 35:27 - 36:09
Ryan promotes an upcoming soccer match for the Kentucky Soccer Club, highlighting special promotions to attract fans.
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Ryan Lemon: "The Lexington Soccer Club fans, you can purchase tickets for the next home game. June 20th. They play Colorado Springs at 7pm $50 beer night." [25:01]
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The promotion includes a special $8.59 ticket offer and mentions the game's televised appearance on ESPN2, aiming to boost attendance and fan engagement.
6. Epic Errors in College Baseball: Arkansas vs. LSU Game
Timestamp: 19:40 - 23:47
A poignant segment covers a critical error by an Arkansas baseball player during a high-stakes game against LSU.
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Ryan Lemon narrates the incident: "They could live to play another play, but because he fell down, they scored. That's got to be in your...in college." [20:31]
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The hosts empathize with the player's predicament, comparing it to infamous sports blunders like Scott Norwood and Bill Buckner: "What's shame about Buckner is he's nearly a Hall of Fame, same level player, and we only know him for that." [21:45]
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They discuss the emotional aftermath for the athlete and the lasting impact of such moments on a player's legacy.
7. Jeff Bezos' Lavish Venice Wedding: A Tale of Excess
Timestamp: 36:10 - 41:49
Transitioning to a broader topic, Ryan shifts focus to Jeff Bezos' extravagant wedding in Venice, highlighting its astronomical expenses and the local community's reaction.
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Ryan Lemon details the costs: "He spent $2.1 million on just housing people... the total cost... is around 25 to 30 million dollars for the wedding." [38:30]
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The discussion critiques Bezos' decision to monopolize local resources, such as purchasing hotels and boats, which disrupts the community: "People in Venice are mad. The shop owners, they're like, there's going to be fewer people here." [40:44]
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Drew Franklin and Matt Jones humorously suggest more humble alternatives for Bezos, like having the wedding at KS Bar, reinforcing the hosts' lighthearted approach even when discussing serious topics.
8. Mike's Landing Event at Sulphur Creek: Upcoming Summer Show
Timestamp: 35:31 - 35:56
The hosts promote an upcoming event at Mike's Landing in Sulphur Creek, encouraging listeners to attend their performances.
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Drew Franklin: "We've been down there two summers in a row. Our third summer in a row. Always have great crowds." [35:38]
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Ryan Lemon expresses excitement: "I'm getting up at the crack of dawn to come see you all tomorrow." [35:46]
9. University of Kentucky Dorm Upgrades: A New Era for Students
Timestamp: 36:52 - 37:51
Matt and Ryan discuss the recent upgrades to UK's dormitories, contrasting them with past student accommodations.
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Ryan Lemon: "They have like a massive fireworks show... It's a different world, Drew, than even when you were there." [37:42]
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Matt Jones humorously reminisces about the old days: "We walked uphill both ways to get to class." [37:36]
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The hosts appreciate the improvements, noting that modern dorms like Trancy now offer better living conditions, enhancing the overall student experience.
10. Light-Hearted Moments and Listener Interactions
Timestamp: 33:00 - 44:01
Throughout the episode, Matt, Ryan, and Drew engage in playful banter, listener interactions, and humorous exchanges.
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Ryan Lemon responds to playful interruptions involving pinball machines: "Mario bumped into the Pulp Fiction game and it gave one of the lines that...Samuel L. Jackson's character says." [35:01]
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The hosts entertain a caller, Nico from North Carolina, with a quirky question about pairing basketball players in football positions, showcasing their quick wit and camaraderie: "We have to have had one. Like back in the 70s and 80s when guys played every sport in high school, there has to be one." [42:30]
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The episode includes humorous takes on advertising segments, such as the repeated T-Mobile ads, which the hosts mockingly reference and integrate into their conversation.
11. Conclusion: Upcoming Plans and Final Remarks
Timestamp: 44:01 - End
As the episode nears its end, the hosts tease future topics, upcoming events, and reflect on the discussions held.
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Ryan Lemon wraps up by highlighting the continuous joy of summer events and the anticipation of attending the Reds game post-episode: "That was nice. And then you come in here and you just would never see this. So it's great." [06:17]
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The hosts sign off with enthusiasm for upcoming shows and events, maintaining an engaging and positive tone.
Notable Quotes:
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Ryan Lemon at [02:48]: "This is why I wanted to go out on the road. Because these are the kind of things Ryan, you don't see in everyday life. A house full of pinball machines."
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Drew Franklin at [02:57]: "It's better than the arcades we grew up in."
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Matt Jones at [35:02]: "We've got some UK basketball stuff I want to talk."
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Ryan Lemon at [21:23]: "And Arkansas cares about baseball, so, I mean, you're good. He's going to be. I don't. I don't know his name, but Arkansas fans are going to, like, his name is going to live in infamy."
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Ryan Lemon at [40:47]: "Why is it always KS Bar? We don't do weddings at KS Bar."
This episode of KSR offers listeners an engaging mix of local interest stories, in-depth sports analysis, and the personable chemistry of its hosts. From celebrating unique hobbies like pinball tournaments to dissecting pivotal sports moments and critiquing high-profile events, Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon deliver a comprehensive and entertaining broadcast for their audience.
