Podcast Title: KSR
Host/Creators: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Episode: 2025-06-30 - KSR - Hour 2
Release Date: June 30, 2025
1. Verifying Dave Parker’s Legendary Home Run
Timestamp: 01:43 – 02:17
The episode kicks off with Ryan Lemond addressing a listener’s query about the accuracy of a story involving Dave Parker. Billy Rutledge confirms the legitimacy of Ryan’s account, citing MLB.com as the source:
“I'm going to say Ryan was correct here. This is from MLB.com the story goes, while in the minor leagues, Parker hit a home run in West Virginia that landed in a coal car on a passing train. The ball was eventually picked up 150 miles away in Columbus, Ohio when the train stopped.”
— Billy Rutledge [01:43]
Matt Jones swiftly corroborates the facts, leading Ryan to confidently mark the story as true:
“Ryan 1 for 750 on True Story on the board. He is exactly right. He is on the board.”
— Ryan Lemond [02:05]
2. Navigating a Slow Sports News Weekend
Timestamp: 02:17 – 07:33
Ryan Lemond shares his recent challenges hosting solo segments on national radio during an unusually slow weekend for sports news. With no major NFL, NBA, or hockey events, Ryan was tasked with filling time on short notice:
“With 20 minutes notice they say to me, go on national radio, do not one, but two segments completely by yourself with no prep... I'm like, I don't have anything to talk about.”
— Ryan Lemond [02:17]
He recounts his attempts to discuss popular figures like Shohei Ohtani and the Mets’ struggles but finds the topics lacking substance:
“If somebody told you do 12 minutes in a row on Shohei Ohtani, there's...”
— Ryan Lemond [04:42]
Billy Rutledge echoes Ryan’s sentiment, sympathizing with the difficulty of engaging content:
“I think my producers weren't thrilled. But... it's one of the harder moments.”
— Ryan Lemond [06:05]
Ultimately, Ryan resorts to humorously mocking underwhelming ESPN headlines, though he admits it didn’t resonate well with producers:
“I just did this intro where I'm like, sports stinks right now... making fun of ESPN.”
— Ryan Lemond [06:42]
3. Kentucky Basketball Team’s Bonding Trip to Kings Island
Timestamp: 07:33 – 12:17
Shifting focus, the hosts delve into the Kentucky basketball team’s recent team-building trip to Kings Island amusement park. Matt Jones highlights the importance of such trips for team cohesion:
“We've been running their jocks off for the last couple of weeks in this training session. They need a little break.”
— Matt Jones [08:38]
The conversation turns to favorite roller coasters, with a nostalgic look back at classic rides like the Vortex and Beast:
“The Beast is a 141 foot drop and you go 64 miles per hour... it's wooden.”
— Ryan Lemond [10:24]
Billy Rutledge adds historical context, mentioning now-defunct rides and current attractions:
“Diamondback, Mystic Timbers, Orion, Invertego, Flight of Fear, Banshee...”
— Billy Rutledge [09:52]
They also discuss the absence of team member Pope on the trip, explaining his commitment to supporting Jasper Johnson’s participation in Team USA in Switzerland:
“Pope was not there because he went to Switzerland to watch Jasper Johnson play for Team USA.”
— Ryan Lemond [11:01]
Matt expresses pride in Pope’s dedication and Jasper’s opportunities:
“A kid from right here in our backyard... speaks volumes what they think of him.”
— Matt Jones [11:35]
4. Celebrating the Somerset Daredevil Jump Event
Timestamp: 12:17 – 16:52
A caller, Keith, introduces himself as the executive director of Summer Night Cruise Incorporated and discusses the successful Somerset Daredevil Jump event, which featured legendary actor and singer John Schneider:
“We're celebrating our 25 years of doing events... it was substantial money.”
— Keith [14:33]
Ryan lauds the event's success, noting its wide-reaching publicity and the impressive turnout of over 30,000 attendees:
“We're hearing from Australia and Europe... 30,000 plus.”
— Keith [15:14]
The hosts express amazement at John Schneider's involvement and the scale of the event, with Matt humorously remarking on Schneider’s age:
“John Schneider was there. He actually did a concert the Friday night before...”
— Ryan Lemond [16:38]
5. EA Sports Revives College Basketball Video Game
Timestamp: 24:29 – 27:12
Excitement builds as Ryan announces EA Sports’ decision to bring back a college basketball video game after a 15-year hiatus:
“EA Sports has announced they are bringing back the college basketball video game after 15 years...”
— Ryan Lemond [24:30]
A caller, Mario, shares his enthusiasm, reminiscing about playing the game with his brothers and eagerly anticipating its return:
“That's what we did all the time... made my day.”
— Mario [25:23]
Ryan highlights the significance of this comeback, recognizing the nostalgic value for long-time fans:
“It's exciting... John Wall was the last one. So it'll be like, we can play with the 2015 Kentucky team...”
— Ryan Lemond [26:23]
Billy adds humor, noting Mario’s exuberant reaction:
“I can't even emphasize how excited Mario was... literally was jumping up and down.”
— Matt Jones [27:12]
6. Social Media and Networking on LinkedIn
Timestamp: 27:12 – 33:33
Ryan shifts the conversation to a personal anecdote about connecting with former law school classmates on LinkedIn. He reflects on the differing career paths of his peers compared to his own journey into sports radio:
“It's fascinating... one of them is the CEO of the Milwaukee Brewers.”
— Ryan Lemond [30:49]
Matt humorously critiques Ryan’s LinkedIn profile, suggesting a more professional image:
“You don't have a picture? You don’t have any friends on... it's completely blank.”
— Ryan Lemond [28:37]
This segues into a broader discussion about the pressures of maintaining a professional online presence and the varied paths alumni have taken since graduation.
7. Listener Interaction and Host Reflections
Timestamp: 33:33 – 35:59
A caller, Zach, compliments Ryan on his skills as a solo radio host, particularly his rants during solo segments:
“Your rants, which typically happen only when you're solo... one of your best skills as a host.”
— Zach [33:37]
Ryan reflects on his own limitations in engaging with certain sports topics, expressing a preference for discussing areas he is passionate about, such as Kentucky sports:
“I just can't do that because I know I'm full of it. If I know I'm full of it, then the listeners have to know I'm full of it.”
— Ryan Lemond [35:08]
8. Conclusion and Upcoming Shows
Timestamp: 43:32 – 43:51
As the episode wraps up, Ryan announces his upcoming absence due to travel and teases future shows featuring additional in-studio guests:
“Tomorrow I won't be here. Ryan's going to have a number of people in studio with you.”
— Ryan Lemond [43:32]
Matt encourages listeners to check out previous episodes, and the hosts sign off with enthusiasm for the Kentucky sports community:
“This has been Kentucky Sports Radio. Go Cats.”
— Ryan Lemond [43:51]
Key Takeaways:
- Dave Parker’s Home Run: Confirmation and storytelling about Parker's remarkable home run in the minor leagues.
- Hosting Challenges: Insights into the difficulties of filling radio segments during slow sports news periods and the creative, albeit risky, approaches taken.
- Team Building: The Kentucky basketball team’s trip to Kings Island exemplifies the importance of team bonding and relaxation after intense training.
- Somerset Daredevil Jump: A successful, high-attendance event featuring John Schneider highlights the community’s vibrant sports and entertainment scene.
- College Basketball Video Game Revival: EA Sports’ return to college basketball video games rekindles nostalgia and excitement among long-time fans.
- Professional Networking: Ryan’s reflections on LinkedIn showcase the diverse career trajectories of alumni and the personal growth that comes from unexpected paths.
- Listener Engagement: Positive feedback from listeners underscores the value of authentic and passionate hosting in sports radio.
Notable Quotes:
-
“If you don't believe me, I'm on ESPN.com page, and I'm going to tell you what the top eight stories in America are.”
— Ryan Lemond [06:05] -
“He's playing with the dudes who will be the best freshman in the country this year.”
— Ryan Lemond [11:53] -
“Sometimes the best things that happen to you in life are unexpected.”
— Ryan Lemond [41:14]
This episode of KSR Masterfully blends local sports enthusiasm with personal stories and community events, providing listeners with an engaging and comprehensive overview of the Kentucky sports landscape and beyond.