Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 1 Summary

Episode Air Date: September 9, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin, Shannon Dawson
Location: Live in Lebanon, Kentucky at the Cornbread Hemp Farm

Episode Overview

This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio is a lively on-location broadcast from the Cornbread Hemp Farm. The KSR crew tackles several major topics with their usual blend of humor and insight, centering around new developments in UK athletics facilities, changes in the basketball and football programs, the ongoing controversy around hemp legalization, and the ever-popular subject of game day atmosphere at Kentucky football games. The episode is marked by playful banter, local color, and passionate debate about the state of Kentucky sports and fandom culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cornbread Hemp Farm & Kentucky’s Hemp Industry

[01:00–04:03]

• The crew opens from the Cornbread Hemp Farm in Lebanon, lauding the region for its beauty and the farm’s role in Kentucky’s burgeoning hemp industry.
• Matt Jones highlights Cornbread Hemp as the fastest-growing business in Kentucky, noting their advocacy in Washington, D.C. to keep hemp products legal.
• Discussion about Senator Mitch McConnell's controversial proposed legislation that could ban certain CBD products:

  “Mitch McConnell has introduced language to the Senate that would make these full spectrum flower only CBD plants illegal in all 50 states… If Mitch McConnell ruins that on his way out the door, I’m going to be upset.” — Matt Jones [03:17]

• The group jokes with “Mitch McConnell” (Ryan’s impersonation), poking fun at politics and the issue’s bipartisan relevance.

2. UK Basketball’s New Practice Facility Announcement

[04:37–13:19]

• Live coverage and reaction to the news that UK Athletics is moving forward with a brand-new, state-of-the-art basketball practice facility—a project long desired but previously delayed.
• Facility to be a joint venture with UK Healthcare, including a rehab/orthopedics clinic, aiming to be the “nicest college basketball practice facility in America.”

  “The goal is to have the nicest college basketball practice facility in America.” — Matt Jones [06:43]

• The current plan is for the men’s team to get the new building, women’s basketball and volleyball to use current facilities.
• Discussion on why the plan is happening now—notably after John Calipari’s departure.

  “It’s got to drive [Calipari] crazy that the moment he leaves, they are able to get it done.” — Matt Jones [06:58]

• Host analysis of the impact of Mark Pope as new coach, donors’ renewed enthusiasm, and how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals tie into the project.
  • “Make no mistake about it, this is happening because Mark Pope is now your head coach. This would not have happened if John Calipari was still here.” — Ryan Lemond [10:58]

3. Facility Funding, Logistics, and the Band’s Fate

[25:33–27:32]

• Inside info (from a listener with “pretty good information”) on the facility’s likely location: off Cooper Drive, across from Commonwealth Stadium, connecting to the Nutter Training facility.
• No new dorms for players; many already living off-campus due to outdated amenities.
• UK Healthcare’s surge in hospital revenue funds much of the project, partly out of nonprofit requirements.
  • “They literally have to find ways to spend the money because it can’t be given to shareholders.” — Matt Jones [26:34]
• Sacrifices include losing a practice field used by the band—sparking humorous but genuine concern for the “band geeks.”

4. Football Talk: QB Situation & Coaching Gripes

[18:27–22:28]

• Analysis of head coach Mark Stoops’ cryptic handling of the quarterback starter due to Calzada’s potential injury; expectation is Cutter Bowley will start.
  • “If you have to gamesmanship Eastern Kentucky, you got bigger problems.” — Matt Jones [19:09]
  • “Calzada didn’t practice yesterday… I think you gotta prepare and think that Cutter’s gonna be your guy.” — Ryan Lemond [19:58]
• Discussion of repeated coaching and operational errors. Frustration with “organizational issues, clock management issues” that have plagued the program for years.
  • “We could go back to a random podcast from 10 years ago… and be talking about the same thing.” — Drew Franklin [21:10]
• Open critique of offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan and Stoops’ handling of the offense:
  • “It is hard to think of a scenario… Mark Stoops and Bush Hamdan will be on the staff next year together.”—Matt Jones [21:27]

5. Atmosphere at Kroger Field: The Stadium Music Debate

[27:50–38:58]

• A passionate and detailed breakdown of the stadium experience—particularly complaints about the music playlist and lack of energy during games.
  • Fans and hosts ridicule the repeated playing of The Outfield’s “Your Love” at football games:
    • “There are songs that are great songs, but they’re not right in the specific situation… for football, this isn’t it.” — Drew Franklin [39:00]
• Discussion about the disconnect between university decision-makers and the average fan (particularly referencing Mitch Barnhart/administration).
  • “If that sound system can be better and you’re turning it down, then the only people you’re listening to are the old people who give a lot of money, who don’t want it to be as loud.” — Matt Jones [32:58]
• Calls for more situational and energetic in-game hosting, crowd engagement, and embracing newer music that resonates with students and younger fans.
  • “I go to Reds games, Shannon, there’s never a moment… where it’s silent.” — Matt Jones [34:17]
  • “At every moment, they either play music… there’s a game, a Kiss cam… there’s never a moment where they’re not giving you stuff.” — Matt Jones [34:23]
  • Critique of the “Blue-White” chant: instructs half the stadium to be quiet during key moments.

    “The premise of the Blue-White chant is you have a stadium full of people… and you are instructing half of them to shut up.” — Matt Jones [35:18]

6. Banter, Listener Calls, and Local Color

[22:41–25:24; 23:10–24:48]

• Entertaining calls from listeners, including travel tales about South Africa and safaris.
• Local praise for Cedarwood’s country ham biscuits and the pride of Lebanon as “the country ham capital of the world.”
  • “If you want good country ham, you gotta come to Lebanon.” — Drew Franklin [25:33]

7. Speculation on Stoops’ Future and Possible UK Football Hires

[42:44–45:16]

• A caller questions Mark Stoops’ fit and wonders if Kentucky should consider an “offensive-minded” coach, mentioning Sonny Dykes.
• Matt Jones lays out the likely future scenario:

  “If Mark Stoops were gone at the end of the year, the head coach will either be John Sumrall or Brad White. That’s just what it’ll be…” — Matt Jones [44:54]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the rapid turnaround and Calipari’s frustration:
  “It’s got to drive [Calipari] crazy that the moment he leaves, they are able to get it done.” — Matt Jones [06:58]

• On the true cause for the facility finally moving forward:
  “Make no mistake about it, this is happening because Mark Pope is now your head coach…” — Ryan Lemond [10:58]

• On Kentucky’s fan/music debate:
  “If that sound system can be better and you’re turning it down, then the only people you’re listening to are old people who give a lot of money. I’m not saying their opinion shouldn’t matter—there’s a counter opinion, right?” — Matt Jones [32:58]

• Classic KSR banter:
  “If you're not trying to be negative… Four and eight, I think, for what we got going this year.” — Caller Lee [23:10]

• On stadium traditions:
  “The premise of the Blue White chant is… you’re instructing half of them to shut up.” — Matt Jones [35:18]

• On the future of UK football coaching if Stoops leaves:
  “The head coach will either be John Sumrall or Brad White. That’s just what it’ll be.” — Matt Jones [44:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:00 – Ads, show open, and live remote setup
• 01:00–04:03 – Cornbread Hemp and Kentucky hemp industry politics
• 04:37–13:19 – UK basketball practice facility announcement, history, and funding
• 13:19–14:43 – Basketball player height “growth,” poking fun at roster reporting
• 18:27–22:28 – UK football QB situation and coaching critiques
• 25:33–27:32 – Facility location, band concerns, and UK Healthcare funding
• 27:50–38:58 – In-depth stadium atmosphere/music debate
• 42:44–45:16 – Stoops’ future and coaching search speculation

Final Takeaways

• UK Athletics is committing significant resources toward basketball, with new leadership and the NIL era making things possible after Calipari’s exit.
• The football program faces ongoing scrutiny for operational struggles, with fans anxious for a refreshed approach and better in-game experiences.
• The relationship between university decisions and ordinary Kentucky fans remains a central topic, especially around issues of game day atmosphere and engagement.
• As always, the KSR crew delivers a blend of sharp analysis, deep local flavor, and humorous rapport that keeps Kentucky fans informed and entertained.

For further engagement, listeners are encouraged to join live shows, call in, and send their own suggestions for improving the Kentucky game day experience.