Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 2
Date: August 20, 2025
Host: Matt Jones & KSR Crew (Shannon, Mario)
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Episode Overview
Theme:
This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio blends the usual Ask Anything Wednesday call-in format with discussion of UK sports, radio show ratings, behind-the-scenes stories, college football rivalries, and listener calls. The tone is conversational and humorous, with hosts riffing on sports topics and embracing KSR’s signature lighthearted banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. KSR Ratings and Show Success
- Overview:
Matt Jones shares recent radio ratings, highlighting the show's incredible local success and thanking loyal listeners.- Lexington: Down 12% from last year (a record Calipari-to-Pope transition period), but still 2nd-best in show history.
- A 30 share with men 18–49 (nationally elite numbers); a 16 share overall—#1 in every demographic.
- Louisville: #1 in the city with a 12 share, even beating all Louisville-focused shows.
- Quote:
“You are knocking it out of the park if you get like an 8—and we had a 30… The numbers now are just stupid. 30% of all radios in Lexington are listening to this show at any given point. That’s crazy.” —Matt Jones [05:04]
2. Matt Jones Interviews Andy Barr – Behind the Scenes
- Insight:
Matt describes a tense but respectful upcoming podcast interview with Congressman Andy Barr, where he pushed for direct answers.- Billy (producer) and Mario were physically tense during the taping.
- Matt emphasizes the importance of challenging politicians and mutual respect in crossing political divides.
- Quote:
“If you don’t interrupt these politicians, they’ll just talk… There’s a back and forth on an issue where I go, yes or no? Can you say this? And he just keeps going and I’m like, yes or no? So I say, so you won’t say yes or no. And the third time I do it, Billy looks at me like, oh.” —Matt Jones [07:07]
3. Player Transfers & Predictions
-
Discussion:
Listener asks for predictions on former UK players Barion Brown and Dane Key at LSU and Nebraska, respectively.- Brown likely to make more impact as a kick returner than wide receiver at LSU.
- Key expects significant looks at Nebraska, provided the QB situation stabilizes.
-
Quotes:
- “I do think [Barion Brown] will be a big kick returner for them… but I looked at an LSU website; they do not have him as a projected starter.” —Matt Jones [11:06]
- “He’s in there. He’s a top two guy… They need [QB] Raiola to take a big jump.” —Shannon [11:51]
4. KSR New Show Rumors & Randall Cobb
- Matt clarifies Randall Cobb won’t co-host the new show, but will be a guest.
- Cobb will appear on “Special Forces”; KSR might host him for an interview.
5. Safari Tips & Travel Talk
- Caller offers practical travel safety and negotiation tips for Matt’s upcoming Africa trip (e.g., claim to be Canadian for better prices, avoid scams at the airport, contact for emergencies).
- Animal safari etiquette: don’t make sudden moves or eye contact with lions.
- “I’ll have to sit on my hands as I’m telling stories so I don’t attract a lion.” —Matt Jones [14:11]
6. Walking & Fitness Inspiration
- Listener credits Matt for inspiring health improvements, leading to weight loss.
- Matt shares motivation for walking, comparing US habits to Europe, details his walking routes, and discusses the benefits over gym workouts.
- “Going to the gym to me feels like going to war… Whereas walking I find pleasant.” —Matt Jones [16:52]
- The crew jokes about weighted vests and their popularity, as well as KSR crew’s “crush” on a mystery vest-wearer at work.
7. Claiming Championships – Auburn and Others
- Auburn’s self-claiming of four more football “national championships” is mocked.
- General cynicism about schools creating retroactive titles (“You don’t just get to claim we won the title. You either won it or you didn’t.” —Matt Jones [22:36])
- Banter about which titles UK should retroactively claim.
8. MLB Runner-on-2nd Extra Innings Rule
- Caller questions fairness of starting extra innings with a runner on second.
- Matt prefers this to marathon games, but jokes it can feel “cheap”; perhaps start with runner on first instead.
9. Best Kentucky NBA Alum in Their Prime
- Discussion on who among recent UK alumni had the best NBA peak:
- “If you’re looking at totality of career, I’d probably say Anthony Davis. But if you’re looking in their prime, who hit the best peak… it’s probably Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].” —Matt Jones [27:16]
10. UK Football – Breathing Techniques and Pete’s Peak Performance
- Light news: Offensive line coach instructs linemen to “breathe through their noses,” borrowed from meditation techniques, to relax and improve oxygenation.
- “If you breathe through your nose out through your mouth, you intentionally extend it for like six seconds… it actually helps.” —Matt Jones [28:55]
- Running gag: KSR’s fascination with Coach Pete and his “lake blob” adventure on a retreat.
11. Apps, Discounts, and GoodRx Mystery
- Hosts debate the proliferation and odd economics of digital discount apps (McDonald's, Clark’s rewards, GoodRx).
- Matt’s bewilderment at GoodRx turning a $380 prescription into a $3 one.
12. Travel & Listener Connection – South Africa Rugby
- Listener (“Pete”) calls from South Africa, apologizes for previous tone and shares elite local rugby dates for Matt’s trip.
- Offers Matt a “talisman” (good luck charm) and to coordinate a viewing spot in Johannesburg.
13. Rumor Control: Anthony Davis Donation Fable
- Caller claims Anthony Davis donated $4 million to UK Athletics—hosts debunk this as a viral Facebook hoax.
14. College Football Rivalry Names
- Quick-fire favorites: Iron Bowl, Egg Bowl, Red River Showdown, Backyard Brawl, “Farmageddon” (Iowa State–Kansas State).
- Humorous contemplation of the silliest/most colorful rivalry nicknames.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Matt Jones on Ratings:
“Now that four and a half is a 30. So we appreciate...” [03:25] - On Political Interviews:
"He did what people in those offices should do, which is sit down, get hard questions." [07:07] - On Safari Safety:
“I should be from Sweden or Canada… I think I want to be Swede.” [13:14] - Weighted Vest Phenomenon:
“Everyone nowadays is wearing the weighted vest. I didn’t know that.” [34:58] - On Faked Donation News:
“The top result on Google is Anthony Davis donates 400 million to Kentucky. And it’s a Facebook group. That's not real.” —Shannon [48:00]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:05] Show opens; Matt recounts recent radio ratings
- [06:16] Andy Barr interview preview; inside look
- [09:03] Caller asks about Barion Brown and Dane Key
- [10:47] Discussion of new show/Randall Cobb
- [12:19] Safari travel tips and Africa safety
- [14:34] Listener inspired by Matt’s walking habit
- [21:08] Auburn “claims” four more football national titles
- [25:02] MLB extra innings rule debate
- [27:03] Best Kentucky NBA alumni discussion
- [28:34] UK Football O-line and “breathe through your nose” tip
- [30:00] Weighted vest trend & office crush story
- [32:32] Baseball trivia: Lou Gehrig’s 1927 RBIs
- [33:30] Top rivalry nicknames in college football
- [42:11] GoodRx pricing mystery
- [42:43] South Africa rugby viewing/“talisman” offer
- [46:41] Debunking Anthony Davis donation rumor
Final Thoughts
KSR Hour 2 delivers the brand’s trademark: genuine UK sports news mixed liberally with offbeat humor, cultural riffs, and interaction with a passionately quirky listener base. Matt and the crew remain unafraid to veer off-topic for a good story, smart back-and-forth, or listener connection—making the show as much community forum as sports talk.
