Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (July 2, 2025)

Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), this episode delivers a comprehensive overview of local Kentucky (UK) news, sports insights, and community events. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Local Community Events

Comedy Off Broadway in Lexington

• Event Highlights: Matt Jones announces the upcoming performances at Comedy Off Broadway in Lexington, featuring notable comedians such as D. Ray Davis, Last Comic Standing champion John Heffron, and Kentucky native Joe Deuce.

  Matt Jones [02:00]: "Comedy Off Broadway opened in downtown Lexington in 1987 and they're still bringing the best in stand-up comedy to the area 38 years later."

High Bramble Park Harness Racing Grand Opening

• Introduction of High Bramble Park: Matt introduces listeners to the new harness racing track in Woodford County, highlighting its recent construction and grand opening as part of the Woodford County Fair.

  Matt Jones [02:00]: "Welcome, everyone. It is Kentucky Sports Radio. I am Matt Jones here in Woodford County, Kentucky, just outside of Versailles at the new High Bramble Park."

• Event Details: The park features 28 races scheduled for the grand opening on July 5th, along with gourmet food trucks, inflatables for kids, and performances by local Kentucky artists.

  Matt Jones [05:16]: "They have 28 races. That's a lot of races."

2. University of Kentucky (UK) Sports Updates

Introduction of Jesser to UK Basketball Team

• Jesser's Role and Impact: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the addition of Jesser, a 26-year-old YouTube star with 31 million followers, to the UK alumni basketball team. The hosts debate his potential impact on the team's performance and fan engagement.

  Matt Jones [08:38]: "Yesterday I get these little news alerts on my phone and a news alert comes that says YouTube basketball sensation Jesser to join LA Familiar for the TBT tournament."

• Audience Reception: Co-host Mario expresses excitement about Jesser's involvement, emphasizing his appeal to younger fans and the potential for increased exposure.

  Mario [09:39]: "I think it's a great addition. People are gonna be in those seats."

• Skepticism and Expectations: Another co-host, Ryan, along with listener interactions, express skepticism about Jesser's basketball prowess compared to seasoned players, leading to humorous bets about his performance.

  Matt Jones [32:20]: "I'll tell you who's good. I don't want him to be good. Kid going to Louisville's good."

3. Financial Strategies for UK Athletics

Mitch Barnhart's Interview Insights

• Revenue Generation: Matt Jones discusses insights from Mitch Barnhart's interview with CBS, focusing on UK Athletics' strategy to raise $20.5 million in revenue through public-private partnerships instead of increasing ticket prices.

  Matt Jones [21:00]: "Barnhart says public-private partnerships will be really important for us. We're going to take the area around our football stadium and create relationships with local businesses."

• Development Plans: The plan includes developing hotel, motel, lodging, restaurants, and shopping around the football stadium to generate funds and support the athletic programs.

  Matt Jones [21:00]: "They can partner and make it happen around the football stadium. There also can be restaurants and shopping."

• Community Feedback: The hosts express mixed reactions, acknowledging the necessity of the moves while lamenting the impact on traditional fan experiences like tailgating.

  Co-host [22:37]: "Fans are just taking more of our tailgate space away as more, you know, more and more of it just keeps disappearing."

4. Listener Interactions and Questions

Fan Questions and Discussions

• Attire for Kentucky Gonzaga Game: Listener Kelly inquires about wearing a hoodie with a checkerboard emblem to a Kentucky Gonzaga game, leading to a light-hearted debate on team spirit versus appearance.

  Kelly [26:24]: "I'm planning on wearing a hoodie down there, but the hoodie has the checkerboard emblem on it."

• Football Team and Bowl Game Prospects: Dallas asks about the football team's chances of making a bowl game, sparking a discussion on team performance and player contributions.

  Dallas [44:54]: "Do you think the football team is going to make a bowl game this year?"

5. University of Kentucky Basketball Lineup and Player Performance

Starting Five Predictions and Player Analysis

• Lineup Debates: The hosts delve into potential starting lineups for the UK basketball team, analyzing player strengths and recent performances. They discuss the roles of players like Jasper Johnson, Denzel Aberdeen, Muhammad Diabate, and Brandon Garrison.

  Matt Jones [46:02]: "I watched Jasper Johnson a little bit in the Team USA. I still think he's going to be really good."

• Player Development: Emphasis is placed on player development through training programs, with expectations for improved performances in upcoming games.

  Co-host [47:59]: "He's going to get better and better. He's going to get bigger and stronger."

• Comparative Analysis: The conversation includes comparisons to past UK stars, highlighting the potential for current players to make significant impacts.

  Matt Jones [48:37]: "That Brown kid, he's the best player on Team USA and he'll be the best freshman Louisville's had since Purvis Ellison."

6. Breaking News Segment

Verdict in Diddy’s Federal Charges

• Legal Outcomes: Matt Jones briefly covers the news that Diddy was found guilty on two of five federal charges related to prostitution, noting the dismissal of more severe charges.

  Matt Jones [29:36]: "P Diddy found guilty on two of the five counts in his federal charges."

• Implications: The discussion highlights the reduced severity of the verdict compared to potential maximum penalties.

  Matt Jones [30:21]: "He's in jail. That's a... could have been a lot worse."

7. Cincinnati Reds Performance Review

Chase Burns and Team Success

• Player Performance: The hosts review Chase Burns' poor performance in a recent game, discussing the implications for his future with the team.

  Matt Jones [41:08]: "He didn't have a good game. Only got one out the entire game."

• Team Prospects: There’s deliberation on the Reds' season prospects, emphasizing the importance of winning upcoming games to maintain positions within the team.

  Matt Jones [41:05]: "We can't lose them both. I might have to be back out on the Reds."

8. Reflections and Personal Anecdotes

Memories and Personal Stories

• Jimmy Swaggart Tribute: Matt shares a personal story about Jimmy Swaggart, expressing mixed feelings about his legacy and impact.

  Matt Jones [43:31]: "Rest in peace to Jimmy Swaggart. He had a very checkered history, but he also said the line... 'I have sinned against you, my Lord.'"

• Grandmother’s Memory: Recounting a childhood memory involving his grandmother and Jimmy Swaggart, Matt adds a personal touch to the conversation.

  Matt Jones [44:07]: "My grandma was very... she asked me when I was a little kid, do you think Jimmy Swaggart did that?"

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

Final Thoughts and Promotional Announcements

• Ticket Pricing Update: Matt mentions a recent increase in ticket prices for UK football and basketball, expressing concerns about its impact on fan attendance.

  Matt Jones [27:10]: "Fake David Beckham just let me know that UK raised their prices on football and basketball tickets today."

• Encouragement to Attend Local Events: The hosts encourage listeners to attend local events like the High Bramble Park grand opening, emphasizing community support.

  Matt Jones [39:31]: "Hope folks come out and enjoy this new facility in the Lexington area."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Jones on High Bramble Park:

  "You can come join us today... it's on Pains Mill Road just past the Bluegrass Parkway." [04:18]

• Mario on Jesser’s Impact:

  "I think it’s a great addition... People are gonna be in those seats." [09:39]

• Matt Jones on UK's Financial Strategy:

  "We are going to create a commercial situation that basically funds these increased costs of UK athletics." [21:00]

• Listener Kelly on Team Attire:

  "If you saw the rest of my attire, you would know I've never really shied away from looking like a dork." [26:40]

• Matt Jones Reflecting on Michigan Swaggart:

  "Rest in peace to Jimmy Swagger... 'I have sinned against you, my Lord.'" [43:57]

Conclusion

This episode of KSR - Hour 1 provides listeners with a blend of local entertainment updates, in-depth discussions on University of Kentucky sports developments, financial strategies for athletic programs, and engaging interactions with the community. Matt Jones and the KSR crew offer insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of UK athletics, the integration of new talents like Jesser, and the financial maneuvers necessary to sustain competitive sports programs. Additionally, the hosts' personal anecdotes and listener engagements add a relatable and community-focused dimension to the show.