Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) — Hour 1 (August 27, 2025)

Host: Matt Jones

Co-hosts: Ryan Lemond, Shannon, Noah

Episode Overview

The KSR team broadcasts live from KSBar & Grill on “Wings Day,” discussing Kentucky sports, the highly publicized engagement of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, the evolution of NIL at UK Athletics, and some lighter local topics. The show’s tone is lively, conversational, and infused with Kentucky pride, humor, and banter among the hosts.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. KSBar & Grill Reopening & “Wings Day”

Timestamps: [02:52] – [04:18]

Celebrating day two of KSBar’s reopening, with special $1 wings from 11AM to close.
Weather is unusually cool for late August, creating “perfect football weather” for Kentucky’s upcoming first game of the season.
- Matt Jones: “We got into the 40s last night... it was the 16th coldest night in August history in Lexington.”
- Hoodie and shorts have apparently become Lexington’s new seasonal fashion, inspired by Matt.

2. Pickleball Feud – Drew vs. Shannon

Timestamps: [04:26] – [05:47]

Drew (Noah) and Shannon have a competitive pickleball match scheduled, stemming from on-air taunts.
After their singles face-off, the duo is teaming up against two listeners.
- Shannon: “I don’t like to lose at anything.” [05:07]
- Matt Jones: “Should you team up first and then play each other?” [05:09]
- The segment highlights friendly intra-team rivalries and their competitive personalities.

3. Matt Jones Breaks Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement on ESPN Radio

Timestamps: [06:09] – [14:39]

Matt narrates his experience breaking the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce engagement live on national ESPN Radio, humorously reflecting on being the bearer of celebrity news to millions.
- Matt Jones: “Women, mostly, going, I can’t believe I found out Taylor Swift was engaged from Matt Jones.” [08:11]
The team riff on celebrity weddings, comparing the Kelce-Swift nuptials to a royal event.
- Matt Jones: “Will this be the biggest American wedding since when?” [11:18]
- Ryan Lemond: “The closest the United States has had to a royal wedding is when John F. Kennedy married Jackie Onassis.” [11:45]
Discussion ensues on the scale of the Swift-Kelce wedding, what gifts to give, and if the group would watch if it was televised live.
- Matt Jones: “I would argue this will be the biggest wedding of our lifetime. I think probably so.” [12:51]
- Noah: “If Taylor married a random guy off the street, it would still be one of the biggest weddings we've ever seen.” [14:47]

Notable Audience Interaction

Matt polls the crowd: “If it was live on TV at like 6 o’clock on a Saturday and you had nothing else to do, would you turn and watch the wedding?” [13:37]
The consensus is most people would tune in, if only to see the guest list and spectacle.

4. “Royal Weddings” of UK Sports

Timestamps: [16:02] – [17:15]

Segue to the “biggest Big Blue wedding of all time” — Vince Marrow’s, described as a “who’s who” of Kentucky athletics with all major UK football figures and donors present, but notably excluding basketball coach John Calipari.
- Noah: “Mark Stoops was a groomsman… little bitty Mark Stoops right in the middle.” [16:50]

5. Talent Rankings — Kentucky Football’s Raw Talent Analysis

Timestamps: [17:31] – [27:12]

Matt introduces a new ranking system that lists Kentucky as having the 27th most talented roster in the country, according to “metrics” that go beyond traditional recruiting rankings.
- Ryan guesses: 71
  Noah guesses: 41
  Shannon guesses: 45
  Actual: 27 (Louisville is 40th)
- Matt Jones: “In the ACC, we would have the third most talent… in the Big 12, second most. But in the SEC, we’re only 14th.” [23:01]
Discussion on how Kentucky’s true challenge is the strength of SEC competition.
- Matt Jones: “It’s almost like we’re not as bad as we think we are, but it may not matter…” [23:18]
- Noah: “It shows the most when you play Louisville and teams outside the SEC in the trenches.” [26:04]
Reflection on how Kentucky often beats “more hyped” Louisville teams due to superior talent in the trenches, regardless of record.

6. New UK-BBN NIL Partnership Announcement

Timestamps: [28:56] – [39:23]

Breaking news: UK and JMI formally announce a new BBN NIL partnership, impacting how Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) deals are brokered for athletes.
- UK will now be the “point of contact” for players’ NIL opportunities, using an official portal but still allowing athletes to pursue independent deals.
- JMI will function as the organization responsible for guaranteeing and facilitating these deals.
- Matt Jones: “UK Athletics and JMI are in a lot of ways now the same thing. And I don’t love that… but this is the way it’s going to be.” [35:02]
- The system’s success will be judged on whether it keeps UK competitive in recruiting.
- Concerns are raised about the risk of integrating JMI so deeply into the athletic department's critical revenue and recruiting stream.

Analogies and Skepticism

Matt Jones: “JMI is kind of our GM now. When we don’t get a player, sometimes it might not be Mark Pope or Mark Stoops’ fault anymore…” [38:09]
Previous ad hoc collective reportedly did an “amazing job,” leading to some reluctance about the transition.

7. Bourbon Giveaway from Commonwealth Causes

Timestamps: [39:19] – [39:41]

The Commonwealth Causes Bourbon Raffle boasts a $20K+ lineup, including rare bottles. Proceeds help charitable efforts.

8. Quick-Hit Topics & Audience Q&A

Timestamps: [43:40] – [51:29]

Ryan gets emotional during the filming of a national TV commercial, reminiscing about a personal moment returning from Boston.
- Ryan Lemond: “Just brought it all back… when I got back from Boston and saw my son, I just broke down.” [44:20]
Matt highlights Coach Mark Pope’s recent team-building outing to Kentucky’s Red River Gorge and Miguel’s Pizza. The hosts joke about the best pizza places in Kentucky, giving love to Miguel’s and the Louisville eatery The Post.
Brief banter on Dairy Queen’s 85th birthday, with nostalgic recollections and jokes about the state of fast food service.
Matt shares a TikTok ranking of “most/least likely Kentucky towns for, let’s say, a no-strings-attached experience,” with Newport, Richmond, and Morehead at the “top.”
- Shannon (about Mount Washington at the bottom of the list): “We’re wholesome in Mount Washington. Nobody’s got teeth. Nobody wants hanky panky with somebody with no teeth.” [49:31]
Listener Kelly calls offering mental health advice, advocating for therapy to combat loneliness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I can’t believe I found out Taylor Swift was engaged from Matt Jones.” — Matt Jones, channeling listener reaction [08:11]
On celebrity weddings: “If Taylor married a random guy off the street, it would still be one of the biggest weddings we've ever seen.” — Noah [14:47]
On UK’s talent pool: “If we played in the ACC, we would have the third most talent… but in the SEC, we’re only 14th.” — Matt Jones [23:01]
On NIL & new partnership: “JMI is kind of our GM now. When we don’t get a player, sometimes it might not be Mark Pope or Mark Stoops’ fault anymore.” — Matt Jones [38:09]
On emotional commercial shoot: “When I got back from Boston and saw my son, I just broke down. That made me break down again in front of the camera.” — Ryan Lemond [44:20]

Segment Timestamps

[02:52] — Start of live show from KSBar, Wings Day promo, weather chat
[04:26] — Pickleball feud: Drew vs. Shannon
[06:09] — Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce engagement news and analysis
[16:02] — “Royal Weddings” at UK: Vince Marrow’s wedding story
[17:31] — Kentucky Football raw talent ranking discussion
[28:56] — UK, JMI, and BBN NIL partnership announcement & analysis
[39:19] — Commonwealth Causes Bourbon Raffle promo
[43:40] — Ryan’s emotional commercial story, audience pizza talk
[44:20] — Red River Gorge, Miguel’s Pizza, best pizza in KY discussion
[46:41] — Dairy Queen 85th birthday, Kentucky local banter
[48:24] — TikTok’s “hanky panky” town list, lighthearted debate
[50:34] — Caller on mental health, therapy encouragement

Final Thoughts

This episode expertly blends Kentucky sports news with wide-ranging pop culture, witty banter, and local color. Insightful reporting on UK’s NIL future and player talent rankings is intermixed with entertaining commentary on celebrity culture and small-town life. The show’s warm, irreverent tone and rapport between hosts make even passing segments highly engaging. A must-listen for Kentucky fans and those interested in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) — Hour 1 (August 27, 2025)

Host: Matt Jones

Co-hosts: Ryan Lemond, Shannon, Noah

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. KSBar & Grill Reopening & “Wings Day”

Timestamps: [02:52] – [04:18]

Celebrating day two of KSBar’s reopening, with special $1 wings from 11AM to close.
Weather is unusually cool for late August, creating “perfect football weather” for Kentucky’s upcoming first game of the season.
- Matt Jones: “We got into the 40s last night... it was the 16th coldest night in August history in Lexington.”
- Hoodie and shorts have apparently become Lexington’s new seasonal fashion, inspired by Matt.

2. Pickleball Feud – Drew vs. Shannon

Timestamps: [04:26] – [05:47]

Drew (Noah) and Shannon have a competitive pickleball match scheduled, stemming from on-air taunts.
After their singles face-off, the duo is teaming up against two listeners.
- Shannon: “I don’t like to lose at anything.” [05:07]
- Matt Jones: “Should you team up first and then play each other?” [05:09]
- The segment highlights friendly intra-team rivalries and their competitive personalities.

3. Matt Jones Breaks Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement on ESPN Radio

Timestamps: [06:09] – [14:39]

Matt narrates his experience breaking the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce engagement live on national ESPN Radio, humorously reflecting on being the bearer of celebrity news to millions.
- Matt Jones: “Women, mostly, going, I can’t believe I found out Taylor Swift was engaged from Matt Jones.” [08:11]
The team riff on celebrity weddings, comparing the Kelce-Swift nuptials to a royal event.
- Matt Jones: “Will this be the biggest American wedding since when?” [11:18]
- Ryan Lemond: “The closest the United States has had to a royal wedding is when John F. Kennedy married Jackie Onassis.” [11:45]
Discussion ensues on the scale of the Swift-Kelce wedding, what gifts to give, and if the group would watch if it was televised live.
- Matt Jones: “I would argue this will be the biggest wedding of our lifetime. I think probably so.” [12:51]
- Noah: “If Taylor married a random guy off the street, it would still be one of the biggest weddings we've ever seen.” [14:47]

Notable Audience Interaction

Matt polls the crowd: “If it was live on TV at like 6 o’clock on a Saturday and you had nothing else to do, would you turn and watch the wedding?” [13:37]
The consensus is most people would tune in, if only to see the guest list and spectacle.

4. “Royal Weddings” of UK Sports

Timestamps: [16:02] – [17:15]

Segue to the “biggest Big Blue wedding of all time” — Vince Marrow’s, described as a “who’s who” of Kentucky athletics with all major UK football figures and donors present, but notably excluding basketball coach John Calipari.
- Noah: “Mark Stoops was a groomsman… little bitty Mark Stoops right in the middle.” [16:50]

5. Talent Rankings — Kentucky Football’s Raw Talent Analysis

Timestamps: [17:31] – [27:12]

Matt introduces a new ranking system that lists Kentucky as having the 27th most talented roster in the country, according to “metrics” that go beyond traditional recruiting rankings.
- Ryan guesses: 71
  Noah guesses: 41
  Shannon guesses: 45
  Actual: 27 (Louisville is 40th)
- Matt Jones: “In the ACC, we would have the third most talent… in the Big 12, second most. But in the SEC, we’re only 14th.” [23:01]
Discussion on how Kentucky’s true challenge is the strength of SEC competition.
- Matt Jones: “It’s almost like we’re not as bad as we think we are, but it may not matter…” [23:18]
- Noah: “It shows the most when you play Louisville and teams outside the SEC in the trenches.” [26:04]
Reflection on how Kentucky often beats “more hyped” Louisville teams due to superior talent in the trenches, regardless of record.

6. New UK-BBN NIL Partnership Announcement

Timestamps: [28:56] – [39:23]

Breaking news: UK and JMI formally announce a new BBN NIL partnership, impacting how Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) deals are brokered for athletes.
- UK will now be the “point of contact” for players’ NIL opportunities, using an official portal but still allowing athletes to pursue independent deals.
- JMI will function as the organization responsible for guaranteeing and facilitating these deals.
- Matt Jones: “UK Athletics and JMI are in a lot of ways now the same thing. And I don’t love that… but this is the way it’s going to be.” [35:02]
- The system’s success will be judged on whether it keeps UK competitive in recruiting.
- Concerns are raised about the risk of integrating JMI so deeply into the athletic department's critical revenue and recruiting stream.

Analogies and Skepticism

Matt Jones: “JMI is kind of our GM now. When we don’t get a player, sometimes it might not be Mark Pope or Mark Stoops’ fault anymore…” [38:09]
Previous ad hoc collective reportedly did an “amazing job,” leading to some reluctance about the transition.

7. Bourbon Giveaway from Commonwealth Causes

Timestamps: [39:19] – [39:41]

The Commonwealth Causes Bourbon Raffle boasts a $20K+ lineup, including rare bottles. Proceeds help charitable efforts.

8. Quick-Hit Topics & Audience Q&A

Timestamps: [43:40] – [51:29]

Ryan gets emotional during the filming of a national TV commercial, reminiscing about a personal moment returning from Boston.
- Ryan Lemond: “Just brought it all back… when I got back from Boston and saw my son, I just broke down.” [44:20]
Matt highlights Coach Mark Pope’s recent team-building outing to Kentucky’s Red River Gorge and Miguel’s Pizza. The hosts joke about the best pizza places in Kentucky, giving love to Miguel’s and the Louisville eatery The Post.
Brief banter on Dairy Queen’s 85th birthday, with nostalgic recollections and jokes about the state of fast food service.
Matt shares a TikTok ranking of “most/least likely Kentucky towns for, let’s say, a no-strings-attached experience,” with Newport, Richmond, and Morehead at the “top.”
- Shannon (about Mount Washington at the bottom of the list): “We’re wholesome in Mount Washington. Nobody’s got teeth. Nobody wants hanky panky with somebody with no teeth.” [49:31]
Listener Kelly calls offering mental health advice, advocating for therapy to combat loneliness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I can’t believe I found out Taylor Swift was engaged from Matt Jones.” — Matt Jones, channeling listener reaction [08:11]
On celebrity weddings: “If Taylor married a random guy off the street, it would still be one of the biggest weddings we've ever seen.” — Noah [14:47]
On UK’s talent pool: “If we played in the ACC, we would have the third most talent… but in the SEC, we’re only 14th.” — Matt Jones [23:01]
On NIL & new partnership: “JMI is kind of our GM now. When we don’t get a player, sometimes it might not be Mark Pope or Mark Stoops’ fault anymore.” — Matt Jones [38:09]
On emotional commercial shoot: “When I got back from Boston and saw my son, I just broke down. That made me break down again in front of the camera.” — Ryan Lemond [44:20]

Segment Timestamps

[02:52] — Start of live show from KSBar, Wings Day promo, weather chat
[04:26] — Pickleball feud: Drew vs. Shannon
[06:09] — Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce engagement news and analysis
[16:02] — “Royal Weddings” at UK: Vince Marrow’s wedding story
[17:31] — Kentucky Football raw talent ranking discussion
[28:56] — UK, JMI, and BBN NIL partnership announcement & analysis
[39:19] — Commonwealth Causes Bourbon Raffle promo
[43:40] — Ryan’s emotional commercial story, audience pizza talk
[44:20] — Red River Gorge, Miguel’s Pizza, best pizza in KY discussion
[46:41] — Dairy Queen 85th birthday, Kentucky local banter
[48:24] — TikTok’s “hanky panky” town list, lighthearted debate
[50:34] — Caller on mental health, therapy encouragement

2025-08-27- KSR - Hour 1

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Summary

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) — Hour 1 (August 27, 2025)

Host: Matt Jones

Co-hosts: Ryan Lemond, Shannon, Noah

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. KSBar & Grill Reopening & “Wings Day”

2. Pickleball Feud – Drew vs. Shannon

3. Matt Jones Breaks Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement on ESPN Radio

Notable Audience Interaction

4. “Royal Weddings” of UK Sports

5. Talent Rankings — Kentucky Football’s Raw Talent Analysis

6. New UK-BBN NIL Partnership Announcement

Analogies and Skepticism

7. Bourbon Giveaway from Commonwealth Causes

8. Quick-Hit Topics & Audience Q&A

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Final Thoughts

Summary

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) — Hour 1 (August 27, 2025)

Host: Matt Jones

Co-hosts: Ryan Lemond, Shannon, Noah

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. KSBar & Grill Reopening & “Wings Day”

2. Pickleball Feud – Drew vs. Shannon

3. Matt Jones Breaks Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement on ESPN Radio

Notable Audience Interaction

4. “Royal Weddings” of UK Sports

5. Talent Rankings — Kentucky Football’s Raw Talent Analysis

6. New UK-BBN NIL Partnership Announcement

Analogies and Skepticism

7. Bourbon Giveaway from Commonwealth Causes

8. Quick-Hit Topics & Audience Q&A

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Segment Timestamps

Final Thoughts