KSR Podcast Episode Summary: June 23, 2025 – Hour 2

Presented by iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

I. Introduction and KSR Golf Scramble Announcement

Host Matt Jones kicks off Hour 2 of the Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) podcast by announcing the upcoming KSR Golf Scramble for Louisville. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, August 18th. Matt emphasizes the event's exclusivity, highlighting that limited teams are available due to the use of a single course in Louisville.

[03:15] Matt Jones: "When I put it on sale Wednesday in Louisville, there won't be nearly as many teams as there are in Lexington because we're only doing one course. So make sure you get in there."

Listeners are encouraged to gather friends and family to participate, with the purchase of tickets starting the specified date. The scramble promises a fun-filled day coinciding with the onset of the sports season.

II. Matt Jones’ Debate at Roosters Bar

Matt shares an entertaining encounter at Roosters Bar, where he engaged in a debate with two Kentucky fans sporting Kentucky hats. Initially perceived as an argument, the discussion evolved into a meaningful conversation, showcasing Matt's ability to connect even during disagreements.

[15:30] Matt Jones: "He just said something that was objectively false. And I was like, do I want to say something?"

Despite the bartender's intervention, Matt maintained a positive rapport with the fans, turning a potentially heated moment into a valuable exchange.

[20:45] Matt Jones: "We ended up switching subjects and talking about other things. And they were very nice."

This anecdote underscores the podcast's commitment to bridging differing viewpoints and fostering respectful dialogues.

III. Selecting Counties for KSR Show Appearances

In an interactive segment, Matt and his co-host Drew utilize a random number generator to select five counties out of the 120 available in Kentucky. The chosen counties for this episode are Hancock, Rowan, Wayne, Shelby, and Spencer. Residents from these areas are invited to call in and present their cases for KSR to host a live show at their location the following day.

[35:10] Drew: "If you're in one of those five counties, you will be able to call and make the case for us to come to your house tomorrow."

This initiative aims to engage the community, offering listeners a chance to participate directly in the podcast's outreach efforts.

IV. Middlesboro Circle K Polar Pops Sales Analysis

Matt shifts the conversation to a surprising local business statistic, highlighting that Circle K in Middlesboro ranks third in the country for lottery sales and is the top seller of Polar Pops, a popular sugary drink.

[45:00] Matt Jones: "We are number one in the country in sales of Polar Pops."

The discussion dives into the implications of such high sales figures, touching upon environmental concerns related to Styrofoam usage and the impact on dental health due to high sugar content.

[48:25] Co-host: "520,000 Polar Pops a year. Half a million. It's impressive."

Despite the concerns, the high volume sales are portrayed as both a point of pride and a topic for reflection on consumer habits and business practices.

V. Listener Interaction: Humanizing UK Sports Players

A call from Tori brings a heartfelt perspective on the humanity of sports figures, particularly those associated with the University of Kentucky (UK). Tori reflects on her personal experiences, emphasizing that sports personalities are "just human beings trying to figure it out."

[60:50] Tori: "A lot of what goes on up there is just human beings, a lot of them exceptional human beings that can do crazy things."

Matt Jones concurs, highlighting the importance of recognizing the personal challenges and motivations behind athletes and coaches.

[62:30] Matt Jones: "We forget that these are people all the time. You know, we forget that people in huge positions of authority can do that."

This segment encourages listeners to cultivate empathy and understanding towards their favorite sports figures beyond their on-field performances.

VI. University of Kentucky's Women's Basketball Recruitment and Funding Implications

A significant portion of the discussion centers on UK’s recent commitment to two top-10 recruits for the women's basketball team: Savvy Swords from Canada and Madden Greenway from Minnesota. The hosts analyze the potential impact of these commitments on UK’s athletics funding and program distribution.

[75:00] Co-host: "When you're bringing in two top 10 women's recruits from high school, you are putting money into women's basketball."

The conversation delves into the allocation of resources within the athletic department, questioning which sports may experience budget cuts to accommodate these high-profile additions.

[78:20] Matt Jones: "Every decision going forward...has to come from something else."

They also touch upon broader implications for other sports like volleyball and swimming, speculating on potential reductions in team sizes or funding to balance the increased investment in women's basketball.

VII. Listener Concerns on Athlete Visas and Team Eligibility

Jeff, a listener, raises concerns about the eligibility of international players, specifically referencing the "Yellow Bitch" activation—a likely mascot or team initiative—and the challenges posed by visa delays for athletes.

[90:00] Jeff: "Any trepidation on Yellow Bitches activation over here? Eligibility? A little bit worried."

Matt addresses these concerns by acknowledging the broader national issues affecting international student-athletes and assures that Kentucky will strive to support their players through such challenges.

[92:15] Matt Jones: "If you're the coach at one of those sports that doesn't get money and you see what money they donated to the other programs, I mean, you gotta wonder."

This segment highlights the intricate balance between attracting top talent and managing logistical hurdles within collegiate sports programs.

VIII. Wrap-Up and Upcoming Topics

As the episode nears its end, Matt and Drew tease upcoming segments, including Unpopular Opinion Day, scheduled for the following Wednesday. They invite listeners to share their contentious yet thoughtfully argued viewpoints, promising engaging and possibly provocative discussions.

[115:10] Matt Jones: "Do you all need to do your homework. I just made a note. You need to do your homework."

The episode concludes with a reminder of the KSR Golf Scramble and a brief recap of the day's discussions, fostering anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [03:15] Matt Jones: "When I put it on sale Wednesday in Louisville, there won't be nearly as many teams as there are in Lexington because we're only doing one course. So make sure you get in there."

• [15:30] Matt Jones: "He just said something that was objectively false. And I was like, do I want to say something?"

• [35:10] Drew: "If you're in one of those five counties, you will be able to call and make the case for us to come to your house tomorrow."

• [60:50] Tori: "A lot of what goes on up there is just human beings, a lot of them exceptional human beings that can do crazy things."

• [90:00] Jeff: "Any trepidation on Yellow Bitches activation over here? Eligibility? A little bit worried."

This episode of KSR encapsulates a blend of community engagement, insightful sports analysis, and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of current events and discussions within the UK sports landscape. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a casual listener, the topics covered offer a deep dive into the human and logistical elements that shape collegiate athletics.