2025-08-21- KSR - Hour 1

Summary

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Kentucky Sports Radio – Hour 1 (August 21, 2025)

Overview

In this emotionally resonant episode, the KSR crew led by Matt Jones focuses less on sports and more on life changes, particularly revolving around Ryan Lemond’s experience moving his son Josiah into college for the first time. The team blends humor, vulnerability, and practical advice as they support Ryan through his first night alone at home, touch on coping with empty-nest syndrome, and sprinkle in key updates about trivia night and UK basketball. The episode masterfully weaves personal storytelling with the usual banter, making it a standout “life” hour for regular listeners.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

[01:44] KS Bar Opening & Football Season Countdown

• Matt kicks off with reminders: 5 days till KS Bar opens, 9 days till Kentucky football’s kickoff.

[02:01 – 02:58] Matt’s Marathon Day

• Matt recounts a “longest day in forever” packed with shows, ESPN appearances, and trivia question writing, ending with passing out in front of “Gilded Age.”
• Quote: “I almost feel like it’s cheating... when you’re riding second... you just respond.” – Matt Jones (03:08)

[03:33 – 13:28] Ryan Moves His Son into UK — Emotional Fallout

• Moving day chaos: Ryan shares the drama of UK’s move-in process, including a heated (but not physical) argument with a security guard over traffic flow. Matt presses for juicy details; Ryan admits to “yelling back” but clarifies there was no real fight.
  • Memorable analogy: Ryan compares it to the “Scotty Scheffler incident.”
• Letting go: Ryan describes the poignant moment dropping Josiah off—holding back tears, receiving a supportive call from his friend Bob at the perfect moment, but ultimately feeling the crushing silence at home.
  • Quote: “I didn’t cry, but I was on the verge.” – Ryan Lemond (06:23)
  • Quote: “That feeling of the house being empty and quiet was awful. Awful.” – Ryan Lemond (07:27)
• Dealing with being alone: Matt and Shannon gently probe Ryan about his discomfort with solitude, teasing and sympathizing in equal measure.
  • Quote: “You have to learn to be at peace with yourself... But you’re enough yourself. Does that make sense?” – Matt Jones (12:10)
  • Quote: “Have you just never spent a night in the room by yourself...?” – Matt Jones (09:05)
  • Quote: “Maybe the first one. I hated it.” – Ryan Lemond (09:17)
• Humor & music: Shannon jokes about playing “All By Myself,” giving comic relief to Ryan’s complaints about an empty house.
• The topic turns into a touching intervention with Matt, Shannon, and listeners offering advice on how to cope and fill the social void.

Emotional Listeners Respond

• [16:14] Matt reads emotional texts from listeners applauding Ryan’s vulnerability.
  • Quote: “It’s emotional and vulnerable. Very few people would be able to share their emotions like this.” – Matt Jones (16:14, reading listener text)
• Listeners suggest routines, physical activity, trivia nights, church, socializing, and “being at peace” as coping strategies.
• Ryan admits: “Trivia last night was the perfect medicine for me.” (18:09)

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[13:43 – 18:26] Coping Ideas & Listener Suggestions

• House sharing / AirBNB comes up, but Ryan just wants visitors, not boarders.
• Matt urges Ryan to “get into a routine” and stay active in the community.

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[19:03 – 19:56] KSR Trivia Night Recap

• 28 teams attended; finals night.
• Ryan’s team came in 25th of 28, narrowly avoiding last thanks to a strong bonus question round.
• Memorable trivia: “What are the most populated cities in America with six or eight letters in their names?” (20:07)
  • Ryan: “We came up short with all the 7-letter cities” (20:13)

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[20:51 – 21:10] KS Bar Food Upgrades

• Matt discusses restaurant improvements, especially the new Noche Linda burger: “I didn’t think our burger before was all that good...This Noche Linda, they killed it.” – Matt Jones (21:10)

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[21:33 – 23:54] Sports Discussion: Mark Pope’s UK Basketball System

• Caller Allen prompts a discussion about which former Kentucky players would thrive in Coach Pope’s system.
• Matt and Ryan note that the system rewards big men who can handle, pass, and shoot.
  • Notable candidates: Antoine Walker, Walter McCarty, Marques Estelle, Eric Daniels, Chuck Hayes (though the last two weren’t shooters).
  • Pope’s system proved different from expectations—less “just bombing threes.”

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[24:07 – 24:56] Listener Support Continues—New Life Chapter

• More motivational texts: “You now have the world at your fingertips for the rest of your life.” – Listener Text (24:33)
• Ryan misses the routine of football weekends and laments the change, but is nudged to see the opportunity ahead.

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[27:31 – 32:54] Callers & UK Volleyball Spotlight

• Jerry suggests “get a good dog,” and draws attention to Athlon ranking UK’s QB Calzada 70th nationally (lowest SEC).
• Discussion on UK’s football roster: Matt thinks this year is deeper, less “high end,” but stronger overall.
• Caller asks about UK volleyball’s ABC matchup against Nebraska—rare network TV exposure.
  • The guys agree: this is great for women’s volleyball.

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[32:54 – 36:20] More Coping Strategies & Dorm Life Jokes

• Suggestion: Go back to school, live in dorms with college-aged son? Ryan jokes, “Take the same classes, sit by him...” (35:23)
• Matt vetoes, urging Ryan to let his son grow and gain freedom.

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[36:55 – 40:19] “Deliver KS Bar” & The Cracker Barrel Controversy

• Suggestion: Ryan could be a KS Bar delivery driver for distraction.
• Debate erupts over Cracker Barrel’s attempt to rebrand—changing classic logo and rustic decor for a modern look.
  • Strong opinions: “It looks like a Denny’s now.” – Shannon (38:26)
  • Matt theorizes Cracker Barrel’s woes are part of a larger “chain sit-down restaurant” decline.

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[41:44 – 43:04] Listener “Auction Off Ryan’s Housemate for a Month” Idea

• Caller Joe proposes live-in auction (screened for safety)—Ryan is game, Matt and Shannon see great content potential.
• Running joke resumes about “yoga girl” and even Halle Berry bidding to be housemates.

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Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “That feeling of the house being empty and quiet was awful. Awful.”
  —Ryan Lemond, 07:27

• “You have to learn to be at peace with yourself. Like, I am enough.”
  —Matt Jones, 12:10

• “Trivia last night was the perfect medicine for me.”
  —Ryan Lemond, 18:09

• “It’s emotional and vulnerable. Very few people would be able to share their emotions like this.”
  —Matt Jones (reading a listener’s message), 16:14

• “Cracker Barrel is a vibe...it doesn’t work for me to take away the old man and the barrel.”
  —Matt Jones, 37:47 / 38:11

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Important Timestamps & Topical Segments

• 01:44 – Show begins; bar & football season countdown
• 03:33 – Ryan’s move-in altercation & emotional aftermath starts
• 07:27 – Ryan on “the empty house” and pain of letting go
• 12:10 – Matt’s “find peace with yourself” advice
• 16:14 – Listener messages on vulnerability
• 19:03 – Trivia night recap
• 20:51 – Bar/restaurant upgrade conversation
• 21:33 – Basketball ‘players for Pope’s system’ discussion
• 24:33 – “Go time, Ryan” motivational text
• 27:31 – Callers on QB rankings, volleyball, and support
• 32:54 – “Dorm with Josiah” jokes, father/son dynamics
• 36:55 – Delivery driving & distraction ideas
• 37:31 – Cracker Barrel logo/decor debate begins
• 41:44 – “Live-in” auction idea

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Tone & Style

The show maintains its hallmark blend of candid, personal storytelling, light ribbing among friends, and interactive community energy. Ryan’s open emotional state makes for a touching and relatable listen—prompting support and a welcome mental health detour from pure sports talk. Matt and Shannon balance humor and empathy, reflecting “Kentucky everyman” perspectives.

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Takeaways for Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• The show is equal parts humorous and heartfelt, centering on the universal experience of kids leaving home and the challenge of filling newfound empty space.
• Ryan’s openness about his struggles resonates with listeners who—and Matt suggests many do—face similar transitions.
• There’s some sports and trivia news: UK basketball roster speculation, trivia finals stories, with plenty of comic relief and community advice scattered throughout.
• Cracker Barrel’s brand changes: a surprisingly heated cultural topic for the crew!
• The show offers collective encouragement for anyone facing big life changes—and reminds you that, like Ryan, you’re far from alone in figuring it out.

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Transcript

[Matt Jones]

Hello, It's Danielle Fishel, Ryder Strong and Will Friedle from Pod Meats World. Does friendly have a taste?

[Ryan Lemond]

If it does, it's probably like hello's peppermint flavored anti plaque and whitening toothpaste.

[Matt Jones]

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[Ryan Lemond]

So say hello to hello with the always cruelty free never tested on animals toothpaste that's made to spread smiles.

[Matt Jones]

Visit helloproducts.com and let hello add some everyday yay into your life.

[Pod Meats World Host]

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[Shannon]

This is Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome everyone Kentucky Sports Radio Thursday, August 21 I am Matt Jones. We are five days away from the opening of KS Bar. We are nine days away from opening kickoff.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's crazy. What happened to the summer?

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. It's a great question. Matt Jones, Ryan Lemon Shan the dude drew is on a bachelor party vacation y Abby's brother his bachelor party so you can give us Shannon Clark's pump and shop phone line 859-280-2287. A Vision Auto Glass text machine is 772-774-5254 in this dish and sponsored by the TJ Smith Law Office. Call TJ. I'll make them pay. Yesterday I was one of the longest days. I think I've had in a long time. Got up in the morning, had to do some stuff for the NFL show. Came and did this show. The moment this show ended, did ESPN from 12 to 3. I had yet to get to write the trivia questions. Oh, my. So I wrote the trivia questions from three to seven, did them at seven, came home and passed out watching the Gilded Age. But. But. Long day, but fun, but. But now. Glad to be here with you today.

[Ryan Lemond]

I'm surprised you still have a voice. That's a lot of talking. It's a lot of yapping.

[Matt Jones]

The good thing on espn, they let me ride shotgun. I didn't have to drive much. It's a much different experience when you do that. Like, it's almost. I almost feel like it's cheating. Like, I feel like y' all should. Especially you ride. Should pay me here. Is it when you're riding second because you just have to, like, respond, why.

[Ryan Lemond]

Do you think I'm still here? I'm just riding your coattails, dude.

[Matt Jones]

On espn, though, I mean, like. And it was a guy named Gabe Neitzel who I do like, but he talks like he. He'll talk.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And so you're just like, hey, whenever you need me, I'm good.

[Ryan Lemond]

Now you know how Shannon and Drew and I feel. We let you go. Just turn you on and let. Stand back and let you go.

[Matt Jones]

There you go. So. All right. So, Shannon, we have to talk about a couple of things. We did trivia last night. I'll come back to that. But yesterday was, of course, the day that Ryan moved Josiah.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Into uk. All right, let's start with this. Word on the street is you almost got in a fight.

[Ryan Lemond]

How do you know this?

[Matt Jones]

I listen. I have a text machine. Everything that happens in Kentucky, I get. I hear everything. The question is just. I don't know what all to believe, but, like, sometimes people. There is not a story that comes out in Kentucky that someone didn't send me on the text machine before. But again, they also put somebody I think sends me things that maybe aren't true, so I can't say them all, but am I correct you almost got in a fight with a security guard?

[Ryan Lemond]

No, not a fight, but security guard yelled at me, and I yelled back. There was some yellow.

[Matt Jones]

Did you yell at a security guard?

[Ryan Lemond]

It was. It was a Scotty Schreffler.

[Matt Jones]

Scotty what?

[Ryan Lemond]

Chef Scheffler incident all over again? Because they had, you know.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. So he's. He is already claiming to be innocent. Yes.

[Ryan Lemond]

Scotty Scheffler you know, the traffic is a nightmare. The parking is a nightmare. It's your. It's your worst situation for you to be in.

[Matt Jones]

I've been over there on move in day. It's terrible.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's awful. So they've got it where all the traffic flows one way, one way in, one way out. They've doing. They're doing the best they can. Well, even though you're going one way, your one way lane is split into two lanes. You know, so I'm in the right lane. I need to be in the left lane. Lady kind of weighs me in. I shouldn't say that. Person. Person. Way. I don't want to give away who I got into a fight with. Person.

[Matt Jones]

So you got a woman. You got in a fight with a female security guard as your son was moving into Cops. It wasn't a fight.

[Ryan Lemond]

It was just yelling. Yelling. I thought the person waved me over where I could get in the other lane. Apparently I was mistaken and she let me know I was in the wrong.

[Matt Jones]

So why did you yell back if you were. If you're now acknowledging you were in the wrong?

[Ryan Lemond]

I just yelled back like, you waved me over there. You told me I could go there. I kind of raised my voice a little bit.

[Matt Jones]

So how was it a Scotty Scheffler situation?

[Ryan Lemond]

Because when, you know, didn't. He was trying to turn left and kind of cut into the lane.

[Shannon]

Yeah, but he got arrested. He didn't get arrested.

[Matt Jones]

You know, get arrested.

[Ryan Lemond]

I did not get arrested.

[Matt Jones]

Was the tension high?

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, my gosh. It was all over that part of campus. Just parking and traffic. You pull up in front of the door, unload, and like within five seconds, like, you gotta get your car out of here. You gotta go park over at Kroger Field. So I had to go all the way over on the other side of Kroger Field by Greg Page Apartments to park and then walk back to the camp.

[Matt Jones]

But you got to unload your stuff.

[Ryan Lemond]

Unload the stuff and then get your car out of there or they're going to beat you up.

[Matt Jones]

So did you cry?

[Ryan Lemond]

I didn't cry, but I was. I was on the verge.

[Matt Jones]

Did he give you a hug?

[Ryan Lemond]

Kind of a little. I'm gonna cry if we start thinking about it.

[Matt Jones]

Well, this is good.

[Ryan Lemond]

We hugged. I said, I love you. I felt it coming. He got out of the car.

[Matt Jones]

So was it just you two?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, at that point.

[Matt Jones]

So you couldn't embarrass him.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's why I stayed in the car. If I.

[Matt Jones]

So you didn't even go in and, like, meet his roommate.

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, yeah. This is like, the third time we've been there.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like that last time. And I'm dropping him off for the last time, like, after lunch. And I felt like he was getting ready to cry. I was getting ready to cry.

[Matt Jones]

So it's tough, man.

[Ryan Lemond]

But my buddy Bob called me at the exact moment, josiah, get out of the car. And Bob made me laugh. So.

[Matt Jones]

All right, so. Well, you're crying right now.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's tough.

[Matt Jones]

So you leave. As you're driving down the road. What do you, like, play a song or something? Like, what are you.

[Ryan Lemond]

No. Bob got me laughing, got me talking about it. It was perfect timing on his call. I don't know how he knew to call me at that exact moment.

[Matt Jones]

All right, so what about last night? Awful.

[Ryan Lemond]

I hated it. I hate it. I hate staying by myself. I don't want to be by myself. I hate it. I hated the empty house. That feeling of that house being empty and quiet was awful. Awful.

[Matt Jones]

So that. It was awful.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes. I hated every second of it.

[Matt Jones]

So what are you going to do? I mean, you can't go live in the dirt.

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Matt Jones]

You know that, right?

[Ryan Lemond]

I could maybe, you know, have slumber parties at my house. You guys can all come over and hang out.

[Matt Jones]

Mario. Spud. Cheers. Are you just. I thought you were gonna play in the arms of an angel.

[Shannon]

No, no, no, no, no, no. This is all by myself. Let's let it play in the background.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

So I don't know how you do it. I don't know how you. How you. You live by yourself. I have never, ever lived by myself and hated it.

[Matt Jones]

What is it you don't like? You don't like being.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's not like being alone. I don't like any fact. I'm there. Nobody's there.

[Matt Jones]

But don't you think it's. It's in some ways good for you to be alone? To, like, be in your own thoughts?

[Ryan Lemond]

No, not at all. I give me my own thoughts in one room while he's screaming at his Xbox in the other room. I mean, it was very.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, this is your existence now.

[Ryan Lemond]

I know, and I hate it. I don't. Like. I'm telling you right now, I don't like it.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. So what are you going to do about it?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know. Be calling yoga girl up.

[Matt Jones]

Would you come over? I mean, they're getting married now. Like, it's clear, Shannon. Like, they're going to get married because you. You're not Going to. You don't want to do this. You don't want to be by yourself.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't.

[Matt Jones]

So, like, what is the part that's worked? Because I'm sure you've had nights by yourself, like, where people are out of town.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So what's the difference?

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, usually, like, when he's out of town, I would go stay with yoga girl.

[Matt Jones]

So do you just not spend any night by yourself?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't.

[Matt Jones]

How do you not spend any night by yourself ever?

[Ryan Lemond]

I always had a kid there or.

[Matt Jones]

But, like, when they went somewhere. Have you just never spent a night in the room by yourself last night?

[Ryan Lemond]

Maybe in the first one. And I hated it. I'm telling you, I couldn't go to sleep. I was. I just didn't like it. I didn't like that feeling. The house felt like it was huge and empty. It is quiet.

[Shannon]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So. Well, you have to do something about this, because I don't want you to be miserable every night. Yeah, like, there's got to be. It's hard for me to get. This is one where I can't even give you advice because for me, it's so natural. Like, when someone stays at my house, I find that weird.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's a party. Max was staying with you?

[Matt Jones]

Well, when Max was staying there, like, I was at the other place a lot. But when we were there together, I'm not. Sometimes. Yeah. I mean, it was like, I like to be able to kind of move around my house, however, and, you know, sometimes he would have people there and I didn't. I would walk downstairs and there'd be like three people in my living room, and I'd be like, oh, this is kind of strange, but. But. So I. I didn't dislike it. It was fine. But, like, that was kind of weird to me to have someone. And when I've dated people that stayed, sometimes I'm like, don't you have somewhere to be? So. So it's hard for me to relate. And I. But. But you have to do this. We're gonna have to figure out a game plan for you.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. You know, I'm so used to, like, four or five friends being over out of the pool. They're all gone to college too. Like, all his friends are.

[Matt Jones]

Your friends are in college.

[Ryan Lemond]

Josiah's friends are just get over friend base.

[Shannon]

Does Matt need to come over for a sleepover to make?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. Will you come over sleepover with me?

[Matt Jones]

No, we can spend. But I would. I mean, I'm glad to. To hang out with you more but we. We do have to think of a strategy for you, because you can't just be sad all the time. This is like, you're either, like, this is your life at this point.

[Shannon]

This is your life.

[Matt Jones]

This is your life. Like, you can't. This is not going to change. And if it does change, it's because your kid, like, didn't find a job or something.

[Ryan Lemond]

And I'm telling you, I don't like it. I don't like it at all.

[Matt Jones]

I know. I can tell.

[Shannon]

Here's what he needs to do. Have another kid.

[Ryan Lemond]

Ah. 59 years old. Have another kid.

[Matt Jones]

Actually, that's not. I mean, that. That's. That's a terrible idea. But it would solve the problem.

[Shannon]

Wouldn't be alone.

[Ryan Lemond]

I felt like we were moving Josiah in yesterday. They're all looking at me. Hey, Josiah, is that your grandpa? No, that's my dad.

[Matt Jones]

Wait till I really feel that way.

[Ryan Lemond]

So, all right, so I was on the phone, yoga girl last night. I'm so. I'm begging her to come over for a sleepover this weekend. Said, please just come over for a sleepover this weekend.

[Matt Jones]

We can't be needy. Women don't like that. You have to. You can't be. You're going to have to have. You still got to be a little bit strong. You can't just become a blob of goo.

[Ryan Lemond]

I am right now. I am right now for sure.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know how you do it. I like this. That's companionship. Knowing somebody is there. Just, you know, Josiah was in his room and I was in my room. Just the fact he was there.

[Matt Jones]

I mean. Okay, I understand, but, like, you should read. You should. Going for walks like you're. You're out amongst people. You don't have to interact with him if you don't want. I mean, go to events. You know, there's a lot of people listening here that live by themselves. You go get. You do things, like trivia last night. Like, you go do things if you want to satisfy that urge. But you also, like, you got. You're gonna have to learn to be at peace with yourself and that. I don't mean to sound all hippie guru, but you have to learn to be at peace with yourself. Like, I am enough. I don't need this person to validate myself. I am enough in and of myself. And you have a million friends. Like, you have a million people that love you. You have a million people that care about you, but you're enough yourself. Does that make sense?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. How long is it going to take for me to get that. Get there?

[Matt Jones]

Well, I don't know that I have strategies because I guess because I was an only child, I kind of felt that way my entire life. I think my mom was good at helping me feel that way. But we are going to have to get you there because, like, I mean, you're not even wanting to spend one night by yourself is a little bit, you know.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, you shook me the other day. My last time on was Tuesday. And you kind of made me realize I have never, ever been by myself. I went straight from college to a roommate. To marriage, to kids. To marriage, to kids. Now I'm by myself. I've never, ever.

[Matt Jones]

People will have a suggestion because you're not the only person that's ever gone through this.

[Ryan Lemond]

I want to come stay at your house. Can I come stay at your house?

[Matt Jones]

No.

[Ryan Lemond]

Max's room's empty.

[Shannon]

Are you afraid of the dark? Like, what's going on here?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. But here's the thing about Max. Max was very considerate. Max cleaned the house.

[Ryan Lemond]

I'll clean it for you. Just let me come stay.

[Matt Jones]

Max was social, so he went out a lot, so I still had the place to myself. A lot. You're not gonna be any of those things. You're gonna have your. You'd have your underwear strewn everywhere like.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like my dogs.

[Shannon]

Well, that's all the dogs gotta come there.

[Matt Jones]

You're. No. So, no, you cannot come to my house now. Second. Did I turn on the radio and hear a commercial Fruit with you for Ala.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes, it's.

[Matt Jones]

Did they know what you used to say?

[Ryan Lemond]

I told them this is the new flavor. It's the paw Paw. I didn't know what a Paw Paw.

[Matt Jones]

Paul Alate Swamp water.

[Ryan Lemond]

It is the original la. I do not like. Do not. I think it's highly overrated.

[Shannon]

And he got an endorsement.

[Matt Jones]

And so what do you say about this one?

[Ryan Lemond]

The Paw Paw drink? I'm not. It's. I'm not just saying. This is actually pretty good. It's actually.

[Matt Jones]

So you told them that you have, on your unpopular opinion day for a decade, said you didn't like Ale Epic Films.

[Ryan Lemond]

Jason Epperson, the film company that put it together. I told him. I said, dude, I don't even like L. A. He goes, you got to try this. That's what we want. It was like a blind.

[Matt Jones]

So you do like papa.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's really good. I didn't know what it was. It was like a blind taste test.

[Matt Jones]

Shannon, if there's ever been proof this man will endorse anything. Anything, Anything on earth. Anything. You know, he's gonna. He's gonna be endorsing Taylor Swift's new album.

[Ryan Lemond]

There's no way. Do you know what a pawpaw is?

[Matt Jones]

A grandfather.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, yes. They're like some sort of fruit.

[Matt Jones]

And you like it.

[Ryan Lemond]

This was good.

[Matt Jones]

Well, why didn't you bring me any? I like all sodas.

[Ryan Lemond]

I'll bring some with you. Maybe I'll bring some for the show to tomorrow.

[Matt Jones]

Bring it tonight to the dinner.

[Ryan Lemond]

All right. If I can find it, I will.

[Matt Jones]

All right. Well, you're going to be all right.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know if I am.

[Matt Jones]

You're going to be all right. I promise. 859-280-2287. This may have to be a show slash intervention for Ryan because he literally spent the first night of his life by himself last night, and I hated.

[Ryan Lemond]

Every second of it.

[Matt Jones]

All right, we'll take a break.

[Shannon]

We'll get through this.

[Matt Jones]

We'll get through this.

[Shannon]

By yourself.

[Matt Jones]

Together.

[Shannon]

No, by yourself.

[Matt Jones]

Kentucky Sports Radio. Yeah. I mean, this is like, they always play that with the adopting pets and things. The text machine is blown up, and I wish you could see it because it's all people, like. Well, it's mostly people saying, like, they feel sorry for you or they're, like, giving tips. I mean, I hope you realize how many people mean love you. One person writes, Matt, the opening segments been the best I've ever heard from Ryan. It's emotional and vulnerable. Very few people would be able to share their emotions like this. I agree with you. Like, that's like, most people try hard and try to act like it doesn't bother, and you don't do that. I think that's part of the reason this isn't just a sports show. That's what the people that don't, they, like, yap about. Stick to four. Like, they don't get it. This is a. This is a personal show. So some people have some suggestions.

[Ryan Lemond]

All right. People have been through it.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. One person says, why don't you set up? And then you could Airbnb a room that would allow you to sometimes have people, although you can't hover on them. But you would enjoy, I think, the interaction of meeting people.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Is that something you think about or. No?

[Ryan Lemond]

I would enjoy if they would come over to visit and then leave. I don't know if I want to Airbnb people. I don't know while I'm in their house with them.

[Matt Jones]

Well, I don't Think that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Just come and talk to me.

[Matt Jones]

So you just want to pay people to come talk to you?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. Just hang out.

[Matt Jones]

No, you can't do that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Hang out in the garage.

[Matt Jones]

No, I'm not allowing you to do that. One person says, ryan, get yourself into a routine. Have regular physical activity. Go to places where you can have social interact. Do you go to church?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

Do you go every Sunday?

[Ryan Lemond]

Try to go every Sunday.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. Is there like a group like, like, like trivia is a good example of a kind of thing. Like, but you. Everyone loves you. Like, you have. You have way more friends than I do.

[Ryan Lemond]

Trivia, Last night was the perfect medicine for me because it's a lot of.

[Matt Jones]

People like on your team, you know, but then even the other people, you kind of peripheral.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. Yeah. That's why it was perfect timing to happen last night. If I just dropped him off, I don't want, like, I don't want him to know I'm breaking down, you know, I got to be still tough. I'm dead.

[Matt Jones]

He knows. Come on.

[Ryan Lemond]

I thought he was gonna cry when he got out of the car. That's what got.

[Matt Jones]

So you said, like, when he got there, he's in the dorm with the football player.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Woodland Glenn, can you not just get away from the football players?

[Ryan Lemond]

I remember going to Dane when Dane was in that dorm. We went in the dorm of the.

[Matt Jones]

Football player and he's on one of the upper floors.

[Ryan Lemond]

Josiah's on the top floor. Yeah. Seven floor.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Well, you don't have to give the exact floor. One person writes, matt, I'm a woman. I would say the yoga girl pack up. She's going to have a month of very difficult 10 days ahead. Shannon. I think that's probably true.

[Shannon]

Yeah. Yeah. He's probably going to be over there with her, staying at her house.

[Matt Jones]

I will say we did trivia last night. 28 teams. It was the finals, so you had to have. These are all people who had come in the top three at some point. So it's the best of the best.

[Ryan Lemond]

Top of the top of the line.

[Matt Jones]

Best of the best, 28 teams. What place do you think Ryan Lemon's team came in? Shin.

[Shannon]

Second to last close 25th.

[Matt Jones]

I read them from 28th to first. Here's what I thought was funny, Shannon. The team that came in 28th, I think they knew before I announced they were going to come in 28th. They got up and left before I read the results.

[Shannon]

Oh, yeah, they already knew.

[Matt Jones]

So I made all the teams yell.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And when I got to 21st team. No one was there. They had gotten up and left because they knew what was coming.

[Shannon]

They didn't. Were not. Did not want to be publicly shamed.

[Matt Jones]

Be the one that was in last. So you came in 25th.

[Ryan Lemond]

We probably. I thought we may have finished last, but we did really well on the bonus question. The last question saved us from being in last place.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I did. Shannon, what are the top most populated cities in America that have either six or eight letters in them? Because you'd be shocked how many cities have seven letters.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Shannon]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

But how few have six or eight? Right. Everyone.

[Ryan Lemond]

We came up seven.

[Matt Jones]

New York has seven. Chicago has seven. Like all these. And you. And you got what, eight of the 10?

[Ryan Lemond]

Of the 10.

[Matt Jones]

That's pretty good, right?

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, thank goodness. Or we may have been the last place team you're talking about.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. All right. Eight, five, nine.

[Ryan Lemond]

I gotta say, this, Shannon, his questions were so hard last night.

[Matt Jones]

I spent a lot of. I mean, it was the finals. I wanted to make it good. Plus, it was the first time the restaurant was open to non people we know, Right?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Of the public. And they will be tonight, too, for the listener dinner.

[Ryan Lemond]

It felt good to have everybody in there, didn't.

[Matt Jones]

It did. And, like, I was so. I get nervous trying this food, Shannon, because, like, you know, we've changed some of it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Shannon]

But we've had it.

[Matt Jones]

But it's. It's different because that's a conversation I may do in the second hour, but, like, some stuff had slipped and we needed to make it better. So now every time I bite into it, I'm like, okay. And I took a bite of that Noche Linda burger.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

We're. It's gonna be.

[Ryan Lemond]

I love it.

[Matt Jones]

I really. I'm not just saying that because I actually didn't think our burger before was all that good. Good. This Noche Linda, we're, like, the only restaurant they serve. They. They killed it. Don't you? Like, Mario was looking and everybody. I think pretty much everybody there agreed. So if you go when we open, that's the thing to try. But you. You're going to be all right. You got me worried over here. Let's go to Gino or Alan. Excuse me.

[Caller]

Alan.

[Matt Jones]

Go ahead, Alan.

[Caller]

Hey, fellas. How you guys doing? Just want to see some positive vibes out there to Ryan, and hopefully he finds peace of mind sooner than later. Just keep your chin up, buddy.

[Ryan Lemond]

Appreciate it.

[Caller]

I wanted to give a thought exercise for you guys. What would you think if Rex Chapman, Travis Ford Tayshawn Prince and name other players would have played in this Pope system and thrive. Now that you've seen one year of his coaching style and.

[Matt Jones]

Well, it's hard for me to ask because what I thought Pope's coaching style was before he got here was a little different last year. Like, it wasn't exactly what I thought. I think one of the things we saw for sure is a big man who's versatile, who could pass would be excellent in this system. So if you had an Amari Williams who could shoot, he might be like first team all American. So who have we had? And I appreciate the call that would have been like that. Who's a. Who's a guy that could have done all the things Amari Williams did but shoot.

[Ryan Lemond]

I felt like Antoine Walker is a guy that can handle the ball, pass the ball, and he could even shoot a little bit.

[Matt Jones]

But he wouldn't have been the five.

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Matt Jones]

But he would have been like a four. Who could have done it? Antoine Walker's actually not a bad call. I like that. Walter McCarty.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes, absolutely. Those guys that can handle the basketball.

[Matt Jones]

As well, Guys Mark Pope played with.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's true.

[Matt Jones]

Right. Like. Yeah. Trying to think, what about somebody like, he's. Well, he wasn't fast, but somebody like Marques Estelle, he.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, Guys like good passer Eric Daniels and Chuck Hayes were both kind of good passers.

[Matt Jones]

And Marques could shoot, especially by the end.

[Ryan Lemond]

Chuck couldn't shoot.

[Matt Jones]

Chuck couldn't shoot. Yeah. Chuckle. I don't know what. I don't know how Chuck would have done in the system. Because you. Your four has to shoot in this.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's right.

[Matt Jones]

So you can't play a four that doesn't shoot. So I don't know if Chuck Hayes actually would have worked in this system. Yeah. Estel sticks to my mind. Maybe other people will have a good idea. But I do think it was different than I thought. I mean, I thought we were just gonna be bombing three.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And it's not exactly like that.

[Ryan Lemond]

I think before the season started, you even said this is a, like a dream offense for like, Antonio Reeves and Kellen Grady. Well, I do think it would have been.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, take a Kobe Braya who could also take his man off the dribble like Anto. Antonio Reeves would have killed it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

With Mark Pope.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

So we'll take a break. 859-280-2287.

[Ryan Lemond]

KSR TJ Smith, personal injury attorney. Call TJ. He'll make him pay.

[Shannon]

Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio, presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

A lot of great comments coming in on here. Suggestions, Shannon. Yeah, some serious, some's not. Here's one. A motivational one text machine. 772-774-5254. Ryan, it's go time. You now have the world at your fingertips for the rest of your life. That's a good attitude. They can do anything. Like it's go time. I mean, think about my mom when she retired, went to seminary.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Now getting a doctor in seminary or doctor in theology. Excuse me, like did that in her 60s, now in her 70s, doing it. Let's go time, Ryan.

[Ryan Lemond]

I hope to get there. I'm not there yet. Every, every weekend for like three or four years was me and him going to a seven on seven tournament or a football camp or making a visit every weekend.

[Matt Jones]

But now you can do what you want to do.

[Ryan Lemond]

I did want to do that. That was fun for me.

[Shannon]

You can still go and watch other kids, I guess, if you want to.

[Matt Jones]

That's right. One person writes. You could go hang out with Bob and Jamestown, become best buddies.

[Shannon]

There you go.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, there's got to be some better options. Your mom sent me a note, a very sweet text by the way. I love her to death.

[Matt Jones]

She's wonderful. One person writes, where was this? Oh, he could become a gamer, Shannon.

[Shannon]

A gamer.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, now you can like interact with people on games. You could do like Call of Duty or something like that.

[Shannon]

Coming up, you can get the new football game.

[Matt Jones]

You can play a game with Korean kids that are 15 from across the world.

[Ryan Lemond]

See, that just makes me think of Josiah again because that's what he did every night. Screaming down the hall or something. Using bad language down the hallway.

[Matt Jones]

What about another week at KS Jail?

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, we probably come up with something better.

[Matt Jones]

Maybe you could do it during the day for show prep.

[Shannon]

There you go. You can go from 0 to 10 minutes.

[Ryan Lemond]

My, my first morning by myself and I walked in here late this morning, so I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

It was also late this morning. So maybe the structure was. Was what helped. 8592802287 by the way, before I go the phones, I got a lot of response, Shannon, from the people about the playground at Gatton Park.

[Shannon]

Oh yeah, it's a death.

[Matt Jones]

There's a video that was done before I said it, but it is Gatton park showing why it's safe. And I think, Shannon, it had to be a preemptive. We know this doesn't look safe video. It's on Instagram.

[Shannon]

I would Love to know their explanation because nothing about that looks.

[Matt Jones]

Their explanation is. We passed two tests. That was the explanation test. You didn't hear. I walked around. I got to. I didn't sneak in. It was open, but then apparently it wasn't supposed to be open. But I walked around and saw it. And I think the park looks amazing. I think the playground looks like. Oh, my goodness, that's scary.

[Shannon]

But they made a.

[Ryan Lemond]

They made a video weeks ago trying to prove that this playground is safe.

[Matt Jones]

Not weeks ago, a couple days ago. I think it's going to be awesome. There's a story in the Herald Leader today about all the features, and I noticed most of them, they focused on the swing and the water and all that. Like, it's a. It is beautiful. It opens Saturday at like noon. And you can start walking around. I'm gonna be looking out to see what the children are doing.

[Shannon]

Whoever approved that playground doesn't like kids. That's it. Like, they got paramedics on standby.

[Matt Jones]

Like eco friendly, but not kids. Great. I mean, it's kid friendly.

[Shannon]

Not at all.

[Matt Jones]

Our environment may thank them, Shannon. But I don't know if the. If the children will. Jerry. Go ahead, Jerry.

[Caller]

Well, first for Ryan. Happened for me. Eventually you'll find somebody special to spend your time with until the Good dog. A good dog can get you through. He's got three, but there you go. But anyway, did you see that article in Athlon a couple days ago where they ranked all the projected starting quarterbacks in college football?

[Matt Jones]

I did not. Let me guess. You're going to say they had Calzada very low.

[Caller]

They had Calzada ranked number 70, the lowest in the SEC. But what was interesting is the Toledo quarterback, they ranked him at number 67.

[Ryan Lemond]

Good.

[Matt Jones]

Well, we don't play. They don't play against each other. They're on different sides of the ball. So we should be. Well, you know, I. Listen, I get it. I can understand why people would have Calzada low. If you look at production, I'm, you know, at this point, we are nine days away from starting. So, like, wringing our hands about it, not him not being good. Like, what's the point at this point? Like, it is what it is. We're going to see what happens in nine days. And I think it's. I think we are going to be better than people think how that translates to wins, Jerry, I don't know.

[Caller]

Well, that's. That's the problem is, I guess that's kind of, you know, this stoops is really. You can make the argument this is the toughest schedule he's faced.

[Matt Jones]

I think you're probably right. I think that's probably true.

[Caller]

And he's got probably, you know, to be fair, this roster they've had in four years and, and so he's got a year.

[Matt Jones]

I think they're. In hindsight, their roster last year was worse. I mean, on paper, did you have guys who on paper could have been really good? Yes. But when you look at production, like just look at the guys we went into the season talking about last year with Dane and Barry on and, and, and. And Van de Griff and then Dionne Walker and Maxwell Harrison, you could make a strong argument that what you thought you were going to get from those five for various reasons, you really only got from Maxwell Hairston.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So, I mean, you know, I think in the end, and I appreciate the call, Jerry, I think this team has a better roster than last year. Maybe not the high end names at the top, but better overall depth.

[Ryan Lemond]

I think our first string guys are that good. I don't know about our depth yet, but I think our first string guys can line up with anybody in the sec.

[Matt Jones]

You think so?

[Ryan Lemond]

I'm going to say that. And you know, but is that if Calzada can find the magic he had when he was at Texas A and M and play like that way. Yeah, well, yeah, that can make a huge difference.

[Matt Jones]

One person says. Matt. Matt. I feel Ryan's pain. My daughter's moving to college on Saturday. Even though it's her second year. It didn't get easier after the first year. Whoa.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't need to hear that.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I don't know that that helped.

[Shannon]

No, it's not.

[Matt Jones]

As far as players that could play in Pope system really well. I think some good people, some good ones said here. I love the pick of. Of Bam.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, that's a great one.

[Matt Jones]

I think actually Bam would be great. Bam was really good with Cal, but I actually think Bam would be great with Pope. Demarcus Cousins.

[Ryan Lemond]

See, we should have.

[Matt Jones]

See, that's a good one because DeMarcus is a pretty good passer. Annie could shoot a little and he's a big reboot. DeMarcus would have been really good. Carl Towns. Yes. Except he wasn't a great passer in college. Although he's become a really good passer in the pros at times.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, Cal didn't let him shoot when he was here.

[Matt Jones]

Patrick Patterson would be a perfect four. Patrick Patterson as a four. Like think of what Ansley Almador did and Andrew Carr and then make a dude who can take it to the rim and play Patterson like it would. If you were to draw up a four in a lab for Mark Pope, you would draw up Patrick Patterson, wouldn't you?

[Ryan Lemond]

I think he would have been. Yeah. Maybe one of the best teams in the best players in America playing Pope system.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I do too. Let's go to Jeff in Tennessee. 859-280-2287.

[Caller]

Jeff, first of all, I want to give a shout out to Joel children, one of my friends. Number two, Orion. I know the stocking Kleenex goes up this time of year, so you probably had five or six boxes. Number three. I wanted to ask you guys about the volleyball team. They play next weekend in Nashville. Play Lipscomb on Saturday. They play Nebraska on TV on ABC Sunday afternoon. How many people you think are going to come up here to watch it? It's going to be a triple letter. Kentucky plays first.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Is that the one where they play? When do they play Nebraska?

[Caller]

Is that that they play Sunday? Sunday afternoon. It's on abc. It doesn't have.

[Matt Jones]

So Kentucky. That is going to be. They are saying and I appreciate spotlights women's volleyball has ever gotten. Is that event. It's in Nashville, I think.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Louisville plays someone and Kentucky, though, plays Nebraska on abc. It's only like the fourth time ever a women's volleyball game has been on, has been on network television. And it's Kentucky and Nebraska Sunday, I believe.

[Ryan Lemond]

Great exposure for both schools and for the sport of women's volleyball, it's kind of becoming more popular. You get these teams going against each other. Could be really fun to watch.

[Matt Jones]

You know, we have a listener who is a big UK volleyball, one of our friends. He tells me this is Craig's second, maybe even first best team.

[Ryan Lemond]

Really?

[Matt Jones]

He thinks that it's just maybe a notch below the national title.

[Ryan Lemond]

Really? Well, Nebraska's always got one of the best teams in the country, so they're going to find out pretty quick where they. Where they stand.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, but I mean they're expecting. I don't know what the crap. They're expecting a massive crowd at the game and then it is on ABC and Kentucky got picked as the opponent. So that's something. Nebraska will be the favorite because Nebraska is always the favorite. But it says something for Kentucky that they're going to be in the game. Right.

[Ryan Lemond]

I want to tune it in and watch a little bit of it and see how they stack up.

[Matt Jones]

What time it was have to see. I'LL have to see what time it is. Is. But very cool. Shady Rays is also very cool. Sunglasses. We were just out there. I now have like four pairs and I have the ones that are the. What do you call it where the sun. Well, no, that's.

[Shannon]

It's where it blocks the sun. That's just called sunglasses.

[Matt Jones]

See, I knew you were gonna.

[Shannon]

That's what they do.

[Matt Jones]

There's a special one. It's called like laser. Anyway, point being Shady Color Rush, if that's. That's it. Color Rush, same thing. Shady Rays independent own company, premium polarized shades. The color Rush, like makes the color really clear and like Wordsmith, it won't get stuck in your hair. The color Rush lenses provide ultimate color enhanced visibility. They have the best lost and broken replacement guarantee. Shady Rays, the guy who started that in Louisville, he might end up being the governor of Kentucky at some point. I'd vote for just based on sunglasses. Go to shady rayshadyrays.com use my code KSR. We'll take a break. Be right back. 859-280-2287. Kentucky Sports Radio. Welcome back, Dougie Sports Radio. Shannon, you say like, I am feeling sympathy for Ryan. It feels like you are not. You are not like, like. Whereas all the listeners are like, I hope Ryan's okay. You're just sitting there cackling like you.

[Shannon]

Always that type of relationship where we can laugh at each other. He laughs at my misfortunes. I laugh at his. I'm here if you need to call me late at night, Ryan, I'm here for you.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean that's another thing. Yeah, the same with me. Like, if you really, like if you get really lonely on some night, you can call, you can come over. As long as go home. You can, you can come over, we can watch a game.

[Ryan Lemond]

Just sit there and hire zero. Oh, I do have a good suggestion from a listener.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Ryan Lemond]

People my age all over the America are going back to school, getting another degree.

[Matt Jones]

I just suggested that. My mom just did that.

[Ryan Lemond]

So I'll do that and live in the dorm right next to Josiah. Not the same room, too old. But I could live. Run the dorm right beside me.

[Matt Jones]

No, you can't live in a dorm. That's, that's, that's weird school.

[Ryan Lemond]

But like take same classes he does. Sit by him in classroom.

[Matt Jones]

All right, now you're, you're. You this. You also have to let him be an adult. He's. He needs, he needs time to, to, to be. You know, these are in my opinion that these Years of college are like the most important years of your life. Even if you don't go to college. Years 18 to 24 really shape who you are as a person. Most of the people that are your lifelong friends 18 to 24 keep some high school friends, but most people, their lifelong friends come right from 18 when you. I don't have kids, but I know people, like when their kids go to school, they become friends with their kids. Parents. Yeah, like their kids, friends, parents. But then when it's like the core group, it tends to be the people you 18, 24. So he's got to have those. Those moments too, to like have that happen for him.

[Ryan Lemond]

I need to admit the last text I got from him was at 10 o' clock last night. He was going to a barn party.

[Matt Jones]

He's already.

[Shannon]

He's already into it. He's already living the college life one day in like two hours later. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

First of all, I'm impressed. He told you.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Like, he didn't. He didn't have to. He didn't even have to tell you.

[Ryan Lemond]

So they're headed to a barn party and I haven't heard from him since.

[Matt Jones]

So somebody suggested this would be good because it'd probably also be good for business. You could, during the first couple weeks were open, you could deliver KS Bar. Like they could like a call, request you and then you could deliver. Probably be good tips for you.

[Ryan Lemond]

It'd be cool to like, for my mind off everything.

[Matt Jones]

Would you? Would you. And you were listening to the Reds. You like doing that?

[Ryan Lemond]

I would. I would probably welcome that.

[Matt Jones]

Maybe on some of the early, like on the Tuesday or Wednesday. Something for you to do.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. Good distraction. Get my mind off things.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. So I actually think that's. That's, you know, that's pretty good. Pretty good suggestion. So the big controversy on, you know, every week or so, Shannon, everybody has to get worked up about something.

[Shannon]

Oh, yeah, right.

[Matt Jones]

Like, we can't just. We can't. Everybody's gotta. Everybody's got something to be angry about. The one now is Cracker Barrel.

[Shannon]

I've seen it.

[Matt Jones]

They changed the Cracker Barrel.

[Shannon]

I'm upset.

[Matt Jones]

Also this one strong feeling. Okay, well, let me explain what happened. If you haven't seen it, the old Cracker Barrel logo, which had the old man sitting next to the barrel.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

You know what I'm saying? And he's sitting there. They now have changed it. They're trying to make a more modern esthetic, which is like. It actually looks pretty boring. It's just like, just Worse that say Cracker Barrel, but it takes the old man in the barrel. Like, I think just from a logo perspective, I think it's a pretty, I think it's a mistake. You're basically taking at a distinct look and changing it. Shannon, you hate it.

[Shannon]

I have less of a problem about the logo change and more of a problem about this renovation that they're doing. Trying to make Cracker Barrel look more modern. It looks toned down. It looks like a Denny's. If I wanted a Denny's, I would go to a Denny's. But they're taking away all of the, I don't know, the nostalgia.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. They're taking away like all the brooms that hang on the wall. Yeah. They're taking all that and they're making it to where it looks more modern. I get it. Like, I, I agree with shit like Cracker Barrel to some extent is it's old, Tommy. That's what it's the whole point. Now, the problem, apparently, is way down, like, they're like, even in Middlesbrough. Remember how you couldn't get in it?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Every time I've been recently. Not the same. Like, it's just not. So I think they're trying to figure out that they're wanting to put Cracker barrels in big cities. Right. They're wanting to put them.

[Ryan Lemond]

They're afraid the current business and they're.

[Matt Jones]

Like, if we just have brooms and, and wittles in there, people won't go.

[Shannon]

But they're still going to put that up on the wall, but in a different way. I mean, I don't know if you've seen the pictures of it.

[Matt Jones]

I saw the pictures. It looked like white walls.

[Shannon]

I need the brown lattice, the brown floors, the oil lamp, you know, the tea game.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I agree with you. I mean, Cracker Barrel is, Cracker Barrel is a vibe. Right? Right.

[Shannon]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

But I also think it's a vibe that, like, if you're wanting to expand your business outside of towns, like, does that vibe work in a city? Because more people live in cities.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Right. So I don't know. I mean, I, I, I'm with Shannon. It doesn't work for me. I think the logo is a mistake. The new logo is so much more boring than the old logo.

[Shannon]

Yeah. I mean, is it supposed to be just. Are they changing it for the sake of changing it?

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. I think they're changing it because their sales have gone way down and they're trying to be better. Well, I think they're trying to figure Out. What do you rejuvenate?

[Shannon]

Let's take the man.

[Ryan Lemond]

And it's clearly not working.

[Matt Jones]

It's really not working. I mean, it's. It's sort of the same problem a lot of companies have. Like, okay, if I do this one thing really well that people like, but as a business, I need to get other people. How do I get other people without making mad the people that already have the hard thing to do?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. The people who love Cracker Barrel still go there twice a month.

[Matt Jones]

But, like the restaurant. Restaurants. Like, that is someone who's in the restaurant business chain. Sit down. Restaurants have never done worse than they're doing now. Right. Because people nowadays either want something really cheap, like fast food.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Or they want a local, a more local or unique experience. The Applebee's of the world, they're just. They're dying. And Cracker Barrel was a little different, but it's still having the same problems. Like, people just don't go. Except for, like, Texas roadhouse places. People just. It's always booming, but people don't go to those places anymore. And I think Cracker Barrel is probably dealing with the same thing because. Because of explanation and costs. Like, people are either going cheap or they're going unique.

[Shannon]

I was there last week.

[Matt Jones]

It's the same thing that's happened to malls, and it's the same thing that sort of. In the 80s and 90s, we all wanted the sameness of America all being the same. And I think that's not true anymore. And it's hurting places like Cracker Barrel.

[Ryan Lemond]

Barrel. Can you think the last time you went to a Cracker Barrel?

[Matt Jones]

Probably with my parents. But even my parents don't go anymore. See, like, when they lost my parents, that's when I knew they were kind of in trouble because my parents used to love it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Especially in a place like Middlesboro. You think that'd be a great place, Joe?

[Matt Jones]

In Philly? Go ahead, Joe.

[Caller]

Solidarity. Solidarity and a suggestion. Ryan, I. I don't. I don't envy you one at one bit. I lived with family, college roommates, two girlfriends over the last 25 years. I can't imagine what you're going through. The last time I went through it, I ended up letting some intern from our company I barely knew live in my house. Suggestion. I think it'd be good for Ryan. Good for show content, good for the community. If you just did auctions for his house for one month and just. You can screen them, make sure they're not an axe murderer and they get to live with Ryan for one month.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, I love it. That would be great for content. I appreciate. I appreciate the call. I gotta go break.

[Ryan Lemond]

Right.

[Matt Jones]

You can auction off to live with ride for a month. First of all, I don't know that anybody would buy that, but if they did, it'd be good content. Shannon. Right? Like they move in.

[Shannon]

Yeah. Goes to the highest bidder, no matter who it is.

[Ryan Lemond]

I always thought Joe and fleas are our best callers. That was the not call of the day.

[Matt Jones]

I like it. I think it's a good idea. I don't know. I don't know how many people would buy.

[Shannon]

Yoga girl might get jealous though.

[Ryan Lemond]

Halle Berry wants to bid the auction.

[Matt Jones]

Stop with Halle Berry. You always say Halle Berry.

[Pod Meats World Host]

Iheart presents the Big three playoffs this Sunday. The remaining four teams battle to make the championship in the most physical, fierce and competitive basketball league in the world. The action starts with the big three Monster Energy celebrity game. Then Dwight Howard and his Ellie Riot take on Montrez Harrell and Dr. J Chicago triplets. The finale will see popular Miami 3 with stars MVP Michael Beasley and Lance Stevenson take on Nancy Lieberman's Dallas power who will make it to the Big Three championship. The no holds barred action starts Sunday at 3pm Eastern, 12 Pacific only on CBS.