KSR Podcast Episode Summary Episode: 2025-08-15 - KSR - Hour 1
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Duration: Approximately 36 minutes
Hosts: Drew Franklin, Evan, Ryan Lemon
Location: Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, Kentucky
Sponsors: Kentucky Association of Health Plans, TJ Smith Law Office

1. Opening and Community Engagement

The episode kicks off with Drew Franklin welcoming listeners from the vibrant Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. He highlights the sponsorship from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, promoting a flu shot initiative where the first 250 individuals to receive a vaccination receive a free Kroger gift card.

Drew Franklin [02:33]: "We are here with the Kentucky Association of Health Plans. Folks, if you come in today, even for those of you that are here, you get a flu shot, you get a free Kroger gift card."

Evan shares a light-hearted moment about receiving feedback from long-time listeners, bringing a personal touch to the show.

Evan [02:12]: "That hurts."

2. Mark Pope’s Interview on the Matt Norlander College Basketball Podcast

A significant portion of the episode centers around Mark Pope, the Kentucky basketball coach, and his recent appearance on the Matt Norlander College Basketball Podcast. The hosts delve into the insights shared during that interview, providing listeners with an in-depth analysis.

a. Season Assessment

Drew Franklin discusses Pope's self-evaluation of the previous basketball season.

Mark Pope [05:30]: "I'd give myself a B minus. Ultimately, I didn't succeed because the success here is winning the national championship."

Despite Mark Pope's conservative grading, Ryan Lemon and Evan advocate for a more positive outlook, highlighting the team's impressive victories.

Ryan Lemon [06:09]: "I feel like it's a pretty honest assessment. I would have gone a little higher as a fan of Pope."

b. Highs and Lows of the Season

The conversation shifts to the standout moments of the season, particularly a dramatic comeback against Gonzaga in Seattle.

Mark Pope [07:32]: "When we lost both Kirk Creese and Lamont Butler and were still able to come back and win on what essentially amounted to Gonzaga's home court... that was the first moment I thought, oh, wow, this team could be special."

Evan emphasizes the team's resilience and fighting spirit showcased during that game.

Evan [08:13]: "I knew that this team had a lot of fight. And we saw that multiple times throughout the season, but that was really the first time that we saw it."

c. Player Highlights and Defensive Prowess

Mark Pope praises Drew Otega-Wyatt as potentially the best defender in America, sparking a discussion on his defensive skills and future potential.

Drew Franklin [08:38]: "He believes Drew Otega-Wyatt will be the best defender in America this year."

The hosts express excitement about Otega-Wyatt's development and his contributions to the team.

d. Coaching Philosophy and Adaptation to the Portal Era

A notable highlight is Pope's positive stance on the NCAA transfer portal, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Mark Pope [13:08]: "I love the portal. This is the best time to coach college basketball in history because it's unique. You don't know what's going to happen."

Ryan Lemon concurs, highlighting Pope's adaptability as a key strength.

Ryan Lemon [14:41]: "It's adapt or die. Right? The portal is not going anywhere. So whether or not you like it, you have to figure out how you can get ahead of it."

e. Personal Insights and Quotes

Mark Pope shares personal anecdotes and preferences, adding depth to his character as a coach.

Mark Pope [12:07]: "For me, it's right here. This is your time."

He also reflects on the pressures of being a high-profile coach at Kentucky, describing it as becoming "public property."

Mark Pope [15:33]: "Once you're the coach at Kentucky, you essentially become public property. Your life becomes public property."

3. Listener Interactions and Q&A

The show features engaging interactions with listeners, addressing questions and sharing amusing anecdotes.

a. Impact of Funding on Coaching

Listener Mike inquires about the allocation of funds between football and basketball and its influence on hiring established coaches.

Mike [26:07]: "If, say, Kentucky goes 2 and 10 this year and they decide to part ways with Mark Pope, how much of an impact is the allocation of money between football and basketball going to impact their ability to hire an established coach?"

Drew Franklin explains the complexities involved, referencing the administration's stance on revenue sharing.

Drew Franklin [26:27]: "Mitch has taken the position that we're not going to know how much of the rev share goes to football, how much goes to basketball. I have a fundamental disagreement with him on that."

b. Little League World Series Anecdote

Listener Charlie shares a nostalgic story about the Little League World Series and a local Kentucky player's experience with the Reds.

Charlie [32:00]: "Back in 1971, I was on the first team from Kentucky to represent the state in the Little League World Series..."

The hosts humorously debunk the claim, maintaining a light-hearted tone.

Drew Franklin [33:01]: "They did not. The Reds did not sign a 12-year-old to be their catcher, sir. That can't be true."

4. Upcoming Events and Promotions

The hosts discuss upcoming events, including the Big Three Playoffs, fostering excitement among listeners.

Matt Jones [00:00 & 36:49]: "iHeart presents the Big Three Playoffs this Sunday... Only on CBS."

Additionally, they promote the Kentucky Association of Health Plans flu shot initiative, reiterating its benefits.

Drew Franklin [24:05]: "You can get a flu shot right here. You get a Kroger gift card if you get it..."

5. Fun and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in humorous banter, creating an entertaining atmosphere.

• Drew Franklin and Ryan Lemon joke about appearance and fair activities.

  Ryan Lemon [16:00]: "I have to pay $1200 more dollars just to go talk to a football player."

• They discuss unique fair attractions like the "Something to Crow About" contest, sparking playful speculation.

  Drew Franklin [18:50]: "Like a crow calling contest."

6. Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, the hosts recap key points and express anticipation for upcoming interactions and events.

Drew Franklin [23:11]: "They think Kentucky's culture is back and that they're hearing people in the SEC say they think it'll be better. I was glad to hear that, too."

The episode concludes with engaging discussions about team schedules, fan support, and personal anecdotes, leaving listeners informed and entertained.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Pope on Coaching Pressure:

  "Once you're the coach at Kentucky, you essentially become public property. Your life becomes public property."
  [15:33]

• Drew Franklin on the Transfer Portal:

  "I love the portal. This is the best time to coach college basketball in history because it's unique."
  [13:08]

• Listener Interaction on Roster Costs:

  "In anything I do against Patino, I'm beating him."
  [27:18]

This episode of KSR offers a comprehensive look into the current state of Kentucky sports, insightful analysis of coaching strategies, and engaging interactions with the community. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to the scene, the discussion provides valuable perspectives and plenty of entertainment from the heart of the Kentucky State Fair.