KSR Podcast Episode Summary Episode: 2025-06-25- KSR - Hour 1
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon, Shannon "The Dude"
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

Introduction to Unpopular Opinion Day

In this special edition of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), host Matt Jones reintroduces the popular segment Unpopular Opinion Day, an event paused for two years but eagerly anticipated by both hosts and listeners. This segment invites callers to share their controversial or minority viewpoints related to UK sports or the state of Kentucky, steering clear of political topics to maintain a respectful and engaging environment.

Matt Jones [01:06]:
“Unpopular Opinion Day… you pick an opinion. It can be about UK sports or the state of Kentucky. It has to be unpopular. You are in the minority in this position… no politics.”

Highlighting the Latest Sports Action: Reds Game Recap

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic recap of the recent Reds game, celebrating Chase Burns' remarkable debut performance. Burns struck out the first five batters he faced, a feat not seen since 1960.

Matt Jones [03:37]:
“Chase Burns comes out, strikes out the first five batters. First pitcher since 1960 to strike out the first five batters of his major league career.”

Ryan Lemon [03:55]:
“You had to be excited about what you saw last night.”

The hosts express their excitement over the game, highlighting key moments like Burns' strikeouts and the Reds' comeback in extra innings. They compare it to memorable past performances, emphasizing its significance for the team’s fans.

Unpopular Opinions Segment

Drew Franklin: Ketchup Critique

Drew Franklin sparks the conversation with a contentious stance on ketchup usage, advocating that ketchup should be reserved for children and discouraged for adults in restaurant settings.

Drew Franklin [07:21]:
“I do not think that you should be able to use ketchup over the age of 12 if you ask for ketchup. I think they should also bring you a coloring book and crayons, and you have to sit there like a child and put ketchup on your…”

This opinion ignites a playful debate among the hosts, with some agreeing and others defending their fondness for ketchup.

Shannon "The Dude": Kentucky Football Optimism

Shannon "The Dude" presents an optimistic yet unpopular opinion about the Kentucky football team, asserting that despite general pessimism, the team will achieve six wins this season.

Shannon The Dude [09:09]:
“This year. I think it will happen. I think… I believe this team will get to six wins.”

The proposition challenges the prevailing negative expectations, leading to discussions on potential games that could secure the necessary victories.

Ryan Lemon: TikTok Criticism

Ryan Lemon voices a strong dislike for TikTok, labeling it as "trash" due to its perceived focus on younger demographics and political opinions that don’t align with his interests.

Ryan Lemon [10:55]:
“I think TikTok is trash. I tried to get on it and everybody's… it’s all geared to under 21, 25-year-old people and other people just giving me their political opinions.”

This viewpoint prompts Matt to explore possible reasons for Ryan's negative experience, such as algorithmic content targeting, though Ryan remains firm in his stance.

Matt Jones: Pre- and Post-Game Show Critique

Matt Jones offers a critical perspective on the quality of pregame and postgame shows for University of Kentucky athletics, deeming them "insanely boring" and ineffective in capturing the excitement of the games.

Matt Jones [12:50]:
“The pregame and postgame shows for University of Kentucky athletics are the worst things on the airwaves and have to be fixed. They are insanely boring. They do not capture what it means to get excited for a game and to come down from a game.”

He suggests that these shows suffer from excessive commercials, lack of engaging content, and insufficient interaction with fans, contrasting them with more dynamic broadcasts like those of the Reds and Hurricanes.

Listener Call-Ins and Further Opinions

Additional Callers: Diverse Views

Several callers contribute their own unpopular opinions, ranging from criticisms of specific sports practices to broader cultural observations.

• Caller on Horse Racing:
  Caller [18:14]:
  “Horse racing is not a sport. We treat it like it is and the animals do all the work. I think it is a hobby, but it is not a sport.”

• Caller on Barry Larkin as a Color Analyst:
  Caller [18:29]:
  “Barry Larkin is the worst color analyst in the history of baseball. He is so boring. Jeff Brantley is so much better.”

These opinions facilitate lively discussions among the hosts, who often express agreement or offer counterpoints, enriching the conversation with their diverse perspectives.

Debate on the Kentucky Derby's Significance

A heated debate ensues regarding the Kentucky Derby's portrayal as a major sporting event. While some callers and hosts argue that it has become overly commercialized and narcissistic, others defend its cultural significance and economic impact on Kentucky.

Caller [29:25]:
“It has become just a five-hour TV event where people that are not even from Kentucky come and say, ‘Look at me.’”

Matt Jones [30:08]:
“I think it’s good for the state. The whole nation turns its attention to here. I wish it wasn't quite as aristocratic. I wish there was more for the common person.”

This exchange highlights the tension between traditional cultural values and evolving societal attitudes toward such events.

Concluding Discussions and Final Opinions

As the episode progresses, the hosts touch upon additional unpopular opinions from listeners, including critiques of specific menu items and state symbols. They emphasize the importance of embracing diverse viewpoints while maintaining respect and open dialogue.

Final Caller on Breakfast:
Caller [40:25]:
“Breakfast is overrated. I don't even believe in it.”

The segment wraps up with hosts reflecting on the variety of opinions shared, acknowledging both agreement and respectful disagreement, reinforcing the show's commitment to airing all perspectives without judgment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Jones [01:06]:
  “You pick an opinion. It can be about UK sports or the state of Kentucky. It has to be unpopular.”

• Drew Franklin [07:21]:
  “I do not think that you should be able to use ketchup over the age of 12…”

• Shannon The Dude [09:09]:
  “I believe this team will get to six wins.”

• Ryan Lemon [10:55]:
  “I think TikTok is trash…”

• Matt Jones [12:50]:
  “The pregame and postgame shows… are insanely boring.”

• Caller on Horse Racing [18:14]:
  “Horse racing is not a sport. I think it is a hobby, but it is not a sport.”

• Caller on Barry Larkin [18:29]:
  “Barry Larkin is the worst color analyst in the history of baseball.”

• Caller on Kentucky Derby [29:25]:
  “It has become just a five-hour TV event…”

• Final Caller on Breakfast [40:25]:
  “Breakfast is overrated. I don't even believe in it.”

This episode of KSR delves deep into diverse and often contentious viewpoints, fostering an environment where listeners can hear and reflect on opinions that challenge the status quo. Through spirited discussions and respectful exchanges, Matt Jones and his co-hosts provide an engaging platform for meaningful conversations surrounding UK sports and Kentucky state matters.