Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (July 11, 2025)

Host: Ryan Lemon
Guests: Drew, Billy, Shannon
Sponsors: CNS Pools, Commonwealth Causes, T.J. Smith Law Office, Shady Rays

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Ryan Lemon welcoming listeners to his home in Masterson Station, highlighting today's special event: the KSR Safe Summer Driving Tour sponsored by CNS Pools. As the crew settles in, Ryan introduces the main attraction of the day—a high-stakes Donut Challenge aimed at raising funds for charity.

2. The Donut Challenge: $10,000 for Charity

a. Challenge Overview and Sponsorship

Ryan explains the challenge: he aims to eat ten thick and heavy donuts from Jeff's Donuts within fifteen minutes to win $5,000 for his chosen charity. Impressively, Commonwealth Causes has pledged to match the funds raised, doubling the potential donation to $10,000.

Ryan Lemon [05:58]: "Commonwealth Causes contacted me this morning said they want Ryan to be able to take the money so they don't want him to feel guilty about it."

b. Crew Reactions and Strategy Discussion

The crew—Drew, Billy, and Shannon—express varying degrees of skepticism and support. They discuss strategies inspired by competitive eaters like Joey Chestnut, emphasizing the importance of pace and water intake.

Shannon [07:02]: "I think smashing is going to help you too, to help get through that but I think your mouth is going to tap out before your stomach does."

c. Setting Up the Challenge

Ryan provides logistical details, including social media streaming plans and the presence of a medic to ensure safety. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as the challenge begins.

Ryan Lemon [10:41]: "You can give him some words of advice we will take the ten thirty break come back and then we'll do it all in one second."

3. The Challenge in Action

a. Initial Phase (0-5 Minutes)

The challenge starts with Ryan aggressively “smashing” two donuts at a time, aiming to maximize efficiency. The crew monitors his pace, noting early successes followed by slowing momentum.

Ryan Lemon [27:13]: "Here we go you can watch it on stream we'll do our best to narrate it I'm gonna count you down three two one go for ten thousand dollars."

b. Mid-Challenge Struggles (5-15 Minutes)

As time progresses, Ryan begins to struggle with the density and thickness of the donuts. Despite initial confidence, he faces physical limitations, leading to visible discomfort and slowed progress.

Shannon [31:00]: "Three and a half don't yeah three."

c. Nearing the Finish (15 Minutes)

With minutes remaining, Ryan contemplates tapping out but perseveres until he ultimately completes eight and a half donuts before succumbing to the challenge's demands.

Ryan Lemon [40:35]: "These donuts are so dense and thick it was like a softball trying to cram it in my mouth."

4. Post-Challenge Reactions and Reflections

a. Crew Feedback

Post-challenge, the crew expresses mixed feelings—pride in Ryan's effort and disappointment over not reaching the ten-donut goal. They discuss the physical toll and the effectiveness of their strategies.

Drew [42:58]: "I realized this is a mistake did you really so thick man those."

b. Audience Engagement

Ryan acknowledges the audience's support throughout the challenge, highlighting positive feedback from social media streams and expressing gratitude towards sponsors and Commonwealth Causes for their generous contributions.

Ryan Lemon [44:35]: "When Dante came and started screaming that seemed to give you some extra energy I could see the best friend energy there one hundred percent."

c. Outcome and Charity Donation

Although Ryan didn't achieve the full ten donuts, Commonwealth Causes honored their pledge, ensuring $5,000 was donated to his chosen charity, reflecting the community's support and the event's success despite the personal challenge falling short.

Ryan Lemon [45:24]: "Commonwealth Causes is still gonna donate five thousand dollars to your check nevertheless so we'll break come back hour number two's."

5. Discussion on UK Ticket Price Increases

Transitioning from the challenge, the crew delves into the significant rise in University of Kentucky (UK) ticket prices—students now paying $345 per season, up from $200, and faculty and staff losing previous discounts.

a. Impact on Students and Faculty

The increase is perceived as burdensome for students, stripping away a longstanding benefit and potentially affecting attendance and support.

Billy [19:57]: "Yeah I mean you're nearly doubling it to them right between seasons so no I don't like it at all basically."

b. Broader Implications for Ticket Pricing

The crew debates the inevitability of such price hikes in the sports industry, acknowledging that while upper arena seats remain profitable, accessibility for students diminishes.

Shannon [20:50]: "I think the theory probably is that raise while a big raise on paper it's still a relatively affordable game whereas like the people that sit in the upper arena how much more can you make their tickets and they still come and they get great seats."

c. Personal Anecdotes and Community Impact

Drew shares a positive note about UK maintaining benefits for his children, despite broader cuts, highlighting mixed sentiments within the community.

Drew [21:15]: "Two things one I really really appreciate UK doing this right when my kids about to enroll in UK that makes me so happy that's true."

6. Closing Remarks and Transition to Next Segment

As the first hour concludes, Ryan emphasizes the day's events' success, acknowledging both the challenges faced and the community's resilience. The episode transitions to promotional segments for upcoming segments and sponsors, setting the stage for the continuing day's activities.

Ryan Lemon [45:36]: "You can go to saksoffifth.com or a Saks Off Fifth store near you for up to seventy percent off every day."

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Lemon [05:58]: "Commonwealth Causes contacted me this morning said they want Ryan to be able to take the money so they don't want him to feel guilty about it."

• Shannon [07:02]: "I think smashing is going to help you too, to help get through that but I think your mouth is going to tap out before your stomach does."

• Ryan Lemon [27:13]: "Here we go you can watch it on stream we'll do our best to narrate it I'm gonna count you down three two one go for ten thousand dollars."

• Ryan Lemon [40:35]: "These donuts are so dense and thick it was like a softball trying to cram it in my mouth."

Conclusion

This episode of KSR showcases a blend of high-energy challenges, community engagement, and candid discussions on relevant local issues. From the intense donut-eating contest aimed at raising significant charity funds to the critical conversation on rising sports ticket prices, Ryan Lemon and the KSR crew deliver an engaging and multifaceted listening experience for their audience.