Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) - Hour 1 Summary Release Date: July 18, 2025

Hosts: Ryan Lemond, Shannon "The Dude," Drew Franklin
Presented by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

1. Opening Discussions and Coach Mark Stoops' SEC Media Days Remarks

The episode kicks off with Ryan Lemond welcoming listeners to the Friday edition of Kentucky Sports Radio. The primary focus quickly shifts to Mark Stoops, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats football team, particularly his recent remarks during SEC Media Days.

• Mark Stoops' Stance on "Motivated" Meme:

  Timestamp [05:59]
  Drew Franklin notes that Stoops expressed frustration over the pervasive "motivated" meme circulating since spring. Stoops addressed media members directly, stating, “I’ll play along and let the media have their fun and take their shots, and that’s cool with me.” ([06:01])

  Shannon "The Dude" interprets Stoops' comments as a sign of high motivation, suggesting that being "motivated" leads to him being "ticked off" at times, showcasing his dedication to the team's performance ([06:09]).

• Reaction and Fan Sentiment:

  Timestamp [07:25]
  Ryan reflects on Stoops' urgency and determination to overcome last year's shortcomings, emphasizing a "fourth and one mentality" that underscores the team's focus and resilience ([07:45]).

2. SEC Media Days Backpack Controversy

A significant segment addresses the controversy surrounding the digital-number backpacks showcased during SEC Media Days.

• Backpack Design and Perception:

  Timestamp [10:24]
  Drew Franklin criticizes the backpacks, describing them as "very unserious" and reminiscent of elementary school accessories. The discussion reveals that all teams received similar backpacks, but Kentucky was specifically highlighted, leading to teasing from rival fan bases ([18:04]).

  Ryan elaborates that the SEC may have intentionally singled out Kentucky by featuring their backpacks last, sparking mockery from other teams’ supporters ([18:30]).

• Apology to Players:

  Timestamp [18:46]
  Drew apologizes to Stoops and his team, acknowledging that the SEC’s actions were not intended to target them specifically. The hosts humorously blame various sports media personalities for perpetuating the teasing ([19:08]).

3. Heartwarming Stories and Community Engagement

The hosts shift to more uplifting news involving the Kentucky football team’s community efforts.

• Coach Stoops and Team’s Volunteer Work:

  Timestamp [19:25]
  Ryan highlights how Coach Stoops and several players spent time with special Olympic children, engaging in activities that showcase the team's compassionate side. This segment emphasizes the players' dedication beyond the field ([19:57]).

• Scott Mitchell’s Heroic Act:

  Timestamp [20:37]
  The conversation turns to Scott Mitchell, a former UK football player, who heroically chased down an arsonist in California. Mitchell's courageous actions prevented potential wildfires, earning him national recognition and praise from Coach Stoops ([21:13]-[22:23]).

4. Archie Goodwin’s Revealing Interview

A pivotal moment in the episode centers around Archie Goodwin, a former UK football player, who opens up about his experiences during his time with the team.

• Goodwin’s Emotional Disclosure:

  Timestamp [22:15]
  Drew praises Goodwin's candidness, noting, “He was doing his own podcast... I loved every minute of hearing from him.” Goodwin articulates the challenges he faced, providing insight into the team dynamics and his personal struggles ([23:13]-[25:25]).

• Impact on Fans and Narratives:

  Shannon agrees that Goodwin's transparency offers valuable perspective and may lead to more behind-the-scenes stories emerging, fostering a deeper understanding among fans ([24:48]).

5. Special Guest: NFL Player Landon Young

The latter half features an engaging interview with Landon Young, a standout NFL player from the Kentucky Wildcats.

• Landon’s Career and Farm Life:

  Timestamp [26:06]-[30:11]
  Landon reflects on his transition from UK to the New Orleans Saints, discussing his love for farming and maintaining his Kentucky roots despite his professional commitments. He shares anecdotes about his early aspirations, including rodeo dreams ([28:55]-[30:11]).

• Thoughts on UK’s Offensive Line Legacy:

  Timestamp [31:58]-[35:11]
  Landon emphasizes the importance of unity within the offensive line, attributing past successes to strong camaraderie and collective pride. He outlines efforts to restore this legacy, highlighting the cultural and strategic changes implemented ([33:28]-[35:11]).

6. Listener Interaction and Current Events

The show incorporates listener calls, bringing forth community sentiments and additional topics of interest.

• ESPYS and Late Show Cancellation:

  Timestamp [39:04]-[43:38]
  The hosts discuss recent events like Shane Gillis' performance at the ESPYs and the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Opinions vary, with some finding Gillis’ humor entertaining while others are indifferent or critical of the show's cancellation ([39:04]-[43:38]).

• Listener Marcia’s Comments:

  Timestamp [44:11]-[45:43]
  Marcia shares her excitement for the upcoming TBT game, appreciating the presence of former players actively participating in matches. The hosts encourage her enthusiasm and extend their support ([44:11]-[45:43]).

7. Upcoming Segments and Conclusion

The episode concludes with teasers for future segments, including an upcoming appearance by Aiden Laros, Kentucky's punter, promising further insights into the team's dynamics and player profiles.

• Wild Eggs Contest:

  Timestamp [14:33]-[15:32]
  The hosts announce a contest where listeners can win a $100 Wild Eggs gift card by locating Josiah, Ryan’s son, who is working at the restaurant. This playful segment engages the audience and adds a light-hearted end to the show ([14:33]-[15:32]).

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Stoops on "Motivation":
  “I’ll play along and let the media have their fun and take their shots, and that’s cool with me.” ([06:01])

• Scott Mitchell on Heroism:
  “I didn’t know I still had it.” ([21:48])

• Archie Goodwin on Personal Struggles:
  “I finally got to explain why it didn’t work out the way I wanted to.” ([23:19])

• Landon Young on Team Unity:
  “We were out there having fun, you know, having competitions between each other and everything like that...if you fail, everyone’s going to fail together.” ([31:58])

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio provides a blend of critical analysis, heartfelt stories, and community engagement. From dissecting Coach Stoops' challenges with media narratives to celebrating player heroism and candid personal revelations, the hosts offer a comprehensive look into the current state and legacy of Kentucky sports. The inclusion of special guests like Landon Young adds depth, fostering a connection between fans and the athletes who represent them.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for more in-depth discussions, interviews, and interactive segments in future episodes.