KSR - Hour 1 Podcast Summary Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Matt Jones
Co-hosts: Drew Franklin & Shannon "The Dude"
Presented by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
1. Welcome and Show Overview [01:00]
Matt Jones kicks off the episode by highlighting the bustling sports calendar ahead:
- Two and a half weeks until the start of football.
- Two weeks before the opening of KS Bar.
- Three and a half weeks until the NFL season begins.
He emphasizes the excitement leading up to the first NFL podcast taping and introduces the various topics slated for discussion.
Matt Jones [01:05]: "We are three and a half weeks from the start of the NFL season...There's a lot going on but today we're here with you."
2. Anecdote: Hosting the Show at an Airbnb in Pittsburgh [01:00 - 05:22]
Matt shares a humorous incident from a recent trip to Pittsburgh for a Reds game and a radio show:
- Issue with Airbnb Checkout: Matt didn't check the checkout time, which was unexpectedly 10 AM instead of the standard noon.
- Unexpected Visitor: Moments before the show, the Airbnb host arrived to find Matt broadcasting a live show from his home.
Matt Jones [02:28]: "I didn't look at the checkout time of the Airbnb. Supposed to be 10."
The crew discusses the challenges of managing rentals while hosting live broadcasts, culminating in a light-hearted recount of their frantic departure to catch a Snoop Dogg concert.
3. Frustrations with Sports Radio Programming [05:22 - 15:53]
The conversation shifts to sports radio preferences:
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Matt's Experience with Alan Cutler: Matt recounts tuning into Alan Cutler's "No Filter" podcast, where Cutler aggressively critiques him and others.
Matt Jones [07:00]: "He gets... no filter."
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Listener Discontent: They discuss how listeners often feel targeted by Cutler's critiques, leading to tension and frustration.
Drew Franklin [11:25]: "When someone has to go, we're an SEC."
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Comparison with Other Sports Shows: The hosts express their preference for KSR's balanced and engaging discussions over the negativity often found in other sports broadcasts.
4. UK Football Quarterback Debate [12:55 - 32:02]
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the quarterback situation for UK football:
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Zach Calzada vs. Cutter Bowley: The hosts debate whether UK should continue investing in Zach Calzada or give Cutter Bowley more opportunities based on recent performances.
Shannon The Dude [31:54]: "Put the best guys that we have out there from the very beginning."
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Pros and Cons: They explore the potential impact of each quarterback on the team's success, considering factors like future prospects and current performance.
Matt Jones [31:38]: "You have to do what's best for the team."
5. Listener Calls and Audience Interaction [22:06 - 43:47]
Engaging with their audience, the hosts take several calls:
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March Madness Feedback: A caller discusses UK’s participation in March Madness, prompting a debate on budgeting and event management.
Caller [22:06]: "What if that's something UK should maybe try again for the future."
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Visit to Tom Petty’s Childhood House: Another caller shares personal experiences visiting Gainesville to see Tom Petty's house, leading to nostalgic conversations about music and sports events.
Caller [24:09]: "I'm going to Gainesville to see the Tom Petty childhood house."
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Controversial Team Video: A listener raises concerns about a video involving UK players, sparking a discussion on team behavior and media portrayal.
Matt Jones [41:23]: "I just don't know that that was the moment being, like, introducing the team."
6. KSR's Dominance in College Sports Radio [43:47 - 46:00]
Matt passionately defends KSR's position as the leading college sports radio show in the country:
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Unmatched Listener Base: Emphasizes that KSR outperforms other local and national shows in traffic and listener engagement.
Matt Jones [44:07]: "There's no college sports team in the United States that has a show as popular as this one."
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Fan Loyalty: Highlights the dedicated Kentucky fan base as a key factor in their success, contrasting it with other states' sports enthusiasm.
Shannon The Dude [46:09]: "There's not another one."
7. Controversial Team Video Discussion [40:15 - 43:47]
The hosts delve deeper into the implications of a controversial team video:
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Public Reaction: They discuss how the video negatively portrays players and the coaching staff's response to it.
Matt Jones [42:39]: "There's a funny video that we cannot possibly share because of the language."
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Impact on Team Morale: Conversations revolve around maintaining team unity and addressing misconduct among players.
8. Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks [35:03 - 43:47]
Wrapping up, Matt promotes upcoming KSR events:
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National Civics Bee: Scheduled for August 21 at the Kentucky State Fair, emphasizing the importance of understanding government and community involvement.
Matt Jones [35:10]: "It's Thursday, August 21, 4 to 6, the Kentucky Civics Bee."
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State Fair Show: KSR will host their annual show at the State Fair, inviting listeners to join and participate in the festivities.
Matt Jones [36:15]: "We will be there Friday for KSR."
He concludes by reinforcing KSR's commitment to providing diverse and engaging sports conversations, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes.
Notable Quotes:
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Matt Jones [01:05]: "We are three and a half weeks from the start of the NFL season...There's a lot going on but today we're here with you."
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Shannon The Dude [31:54]: "Put the best guys that we have out there from the very beginning."
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Matt Jones [44:07]: "There's no college sports team in the United States that has a show as popular as this one."
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Drew Franklin [46:00]: "Think about Indianapolis last year when we played Tennessee. We're not even in our state and they were lined up a block down the road and couldn't get in."
Upcoming Highlights:
- National Civics Bee: August 21, 4-6 PM at the Kentucky State Fair.
- KSR Annual State Fair Show: August 23, 10 AM – Details to be announced.
Stay updated with KSR for more in-depth sports discussions, listener interactions, and exclusive insights into Kentucky's vibrant sports scene.
