KSR Podcast Episode Summary: July 24, 2025 – Hour 2

Presented by iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

In the second hour of the July 24, 2025 episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), hosts Matt Jones and Shannon, along with their co-hosts Billy and the Stockton Mortgage Representative, delve into a variety of engaging topics ranging from sports insights and listener interactions to humorous anecdotes and reflections on pop culture events. This detailed summary captures the essence of the discussions, notable quotes, and key takeaways from the episode.

1. Listener Questions and Podcast Takeover Discussion

The hour kicks off with Shannon addressing listener questions sent via text. One notable inquiry pertains to "Pardon My Take," a prominent sports podcast, with a listener asking, "Matt, when is the Pardon My Take takeover on KSR?" ([02:15]). Shannon entertains the idea of collaborating with the Pardon My Take team, possibly even broadcasting from Chicago, highlighting the show's popularity and potential for crossover events.

Shannon: “I may be thinking about going up to Chicago and doing the show with them.”

The discussion underscores the significance of "Pardon My Take" in the sports podcasting landscape, with Shannon expressing surprise that the main show wasn't listed among Time magazine's top podcasts, despite its high ranking in the sports category.

Shannon: “They are one of the most important sports podcasts. It would have been on the list.”

2. Country Boy Opening and Gravel Mishap

Billy recounts a humorous incident from a recent event at the Country Boy opening. While enjoying golf simulators and socializing, Billy and Shannon encountered a situation where Billy's two-door vehicle ended up atop a sizeable gravel pile, creating a makeshift mountain.

Billy: “He managed to get his two-door vehicle on top of this gravel mountain.”

Despite initial concerns about potential damage, the group banded together to push the car off the gravel pile successfully.

Shannon: “Somebody may be on the top of it. How did he get up there?”

Billy: “We made a group decision to do it anyway... We got him out of it.”

The story adds a lighthearted and relatable moment to the episode, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts.

3. KSR Bar Launch and Upcoming Events

Shannon provides exciting updates about the upcoming launch of the new KSR bar. Plans include a fan wing test event on August 21st, with the hosts promising exclusive experiences for listeners. The bar is undergoing renovations, including a new floor and an exterior mural featuring former UK players.

Shannon: “We're painting a mural on that brick on the outside. Think of former UK players.”

Billy adds that the mural painting is progressing well, enhancing the bar’s aesthetic appeal.

Billy: “We've seen that. You saw just in there yesterday. Looks really good.”

4. South Park Creators' Renewal and Mockery of Paramount

A significant segment revolves around the South Park creators' recent $1.45 billion renewal deal with Paramount. Shannon praises the creators for their bold move to release a cartoon mocking Paramount immediately after finalizing the deal, likening it to giving a "middle finger" to the corporation.

Shannon: “They waited till they signed it, and then put out a cartoon that clearly they had already done. Making fun of Paramount... that's awesome.”

Matt Jones reflects on the implications of this move, suggesting that Paramount has little choice but to accept the creative independence granted by the contract.

Matt Jones: “What are they gonna do about it now? They've already got the deal. They just have to eat it.”

5. Listener Interaction: Hot Dog vs. Usain Bolt Debate

A playful debate ensues when listener Michael poses a hypothetical challenge: "Who would win if you have to eat a whole hot dog and then run a hundred meters dash – Joey Chestnut or Usain Bolt?" ([12:35]).

Stockton Mortgage Representative: “Joey Chestnut is going to devour that dog in like a second and then finish the race in like 13, 14 seconds.”

Matt Jones: “I think Bolt still wins because we don't know how fast he can eat a hot dog.”

The discussion highlights the hosts' camaraderie and their ability to entertain fun, speculative scenarios, engaging listeners in lighthearted sports banter.

6. McDonald's Quality Decline Rant

Shannon passionately addresses her frustration with the declining quality of McDonald's restaurants, attributing the downturn to a group she refers to as "MC Tribe."

Shannon: “The quality of a lot of Lexington McDonald's has fallen off a cliff... McTribe is ruining these restaurants.”

She shares a positive experience at a well-run McDonald's on Harrodsburg Road, contrasting it with others, and urges listeners to support quality establishments.

Shannon: “I go to the Harrodsburg Road McDonald's, pull up, get my Diet Coke, get my little breakfast muffin. The owner is working, comes to the window and thanks me.”

7. Hulk Hogan's Passing and Wrestling Legacy

A poignant moment arises when listener Billy announces the passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.

Billy: “TMZ says wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died.”

The hosts reflect on Hulk Hogan's immense impact on wrestling and pop culture, reminiscing about his iconic moments and enduring legacy.

Shannon: “When you're thinking wrestling, the biggest of all time, it's him... he was a pop culture icon.”

Matt Jones: “Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler. He was like a pop culture icon. Rest in peace, Hulkster.”

8. Additional Listener Stories and Interactions

Throughout the episode, various listeners share their experiences and anecdotes:

• Michael shares a heartwarming story about Chris Lofton unexpectedly picking up the tab for everyone at a bar, highlighting acts of kindness.

  Michael: “Chris had picked up the tab for everybody sitting at the bar, quietly left. Never said anything about it.”

• Fred praises local eateries, recommending places like Josie's at the Breakfast Bar, Cottage Cafe, and Fiesta Mexico, contributing to the community-centric vibe of the show.

  Michael: “Could you recommend some good places to eat?”

  Shannon: “Cottage Cafe on Main Street. They’re not that bad.”

9. Future Plans and Show Enhancements

The hosts discuss future initiatives to enhance listener engagement, including potential reality show concepts and improving the KSR bar with features like Coke offerings.

Michael: “I propose that we have a crossover reality show with the Gilded Age concept and the Love Island concept.”

Shannon: “That would be awesome. Climbing up and down the social ladder in the setting of the Gilded Age.”

These discussions illustrate the hosts' commitment to evolving the show and fostering a dynamic listener experience.

10. Closing Remarks and Tribute

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reiterate their condolences for Hulk Hogan and honor his contributions to wrestling and entertainment.

Shannon: “Rest in peace to my man. Hulk Hogan.”

Matt Jones: “Absolutely. RIP Hulkster.”

The episode concludes with upbeat banter and reflections on cherished memories, leaving listeners with a sense of community and shared appreciation for both sports and cultural icons.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon [02:15]: “We may do it a little differently this year. I may be thinking about going up to Chicago and doing the show with them.”

• Shannon [03:35]: “They are one of the most listened to shows all summer.”

• Billy [05:11]: “He needs a professional. But we made a group decision to do it anyway.”

• Shannon [09:00]: “Wait till you sign the contract and then crush them right after it.”

• Shannon [12:05]: “I think Bertha's kind of hot.”

• Billy [32:00]: “Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler. He was like a pop culture icon.”

• Shannon [25:36]: “Rest in peace to my man. Hulk Hogan.”

This episode of KSR encapsulates the vibrant blend of sports analysis, listener engagement, and personal stories that define the show's appeal. From lighthearted debates and heartfelt tributes to community-centric discussions and future plans, Matt Jones and the KSR crew deliver an engaging and memorable hour for their audience.