Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 2
Date: November 10, 2025
Host: Matt Jones & KSR Crew
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790
Episode Overview
This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio features lively discussion about the University of Kentucky (UK) football team’s performance, including reactions to their recent victory over Florida, thoughts on Mark Stoops' future as head coach, and debates about what it means to be satisfied with "just okay" results. In the midst of sports talk, the hosts dive into the latest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, notably Chubby Checker's controversial decision to skip his own induction, and share heartwarming stories from Kentucky communities. Regular banter, notable calls from listeners, and a few surprising connections round out a characteristically energetic episode.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. KSR Weekly Events and Announcements
- The show kicks off with KSR’s event schedule:
- Tuesday: Live show at Beer Nose in New Albany—marking the anniversary of their first remote broadcast.
- Tuesday Night: KS Bar watch party for the Louisville game, featuring free Maker's Mark glasses for those who order the special AL8 slushie (05:11).
- Wednesday: Matt hosts trivia at KS Bar.
- Thursday: KS Bar’s first ever karaoke night, with Ryan encouraged to sing “Sylvia” (05:43).
2. Heartwarming Local Story: Heritage Hope Church
- Matt Jones praises a TikTok story where a woman called 26 churches for baby formula; only three offered help, including Heritage Hope Church of God in Somerset, KY. The church's response went viral, netting $100,000 in donations (06:09–08:21).
- Notable Moment: The elderly church member’s “sweetest” phone manner and genuine willingness to help deeply moved the crew.
- Quote:
“The man… was like, honey, I'm sorry to hear that. What kind of flavor could I get you for the baby formula? Sweetest thing in the world.” — Matt Jones (07:04)
- Insight: The story underscores what religion can be at its best: direct, compassionate service.
3. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions
- The group talks about this year’s inductees: Outkast, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, The White Stripes, Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, and Cyndi Lauper (09:40–10:16).
- Debate: Surprise at The White Stripes’ eligibility and the absence of some inductees at the ceremony (Meg White, Chubby Checker).
Chubby Checker Controversy
- Chubby Checker refused to attend, citing preference to perform for fans, but research reveals he had no concert scheduled (11:22–12:34).
- Notable Quote:
“Who's showing up to see Chubby Checker?” — Matt Jones (12:05)
- Hosts humorously list Checker’s twist-centric discography, poking fun at the repetitiveness of his career (13:29–14:47).
- Chubby Checker’s ongoing boycott of the Hall—owed to his belief he should have been an inaugural inductee—found to be the real reason for his absence (22:14–22:38).
- Notable Quote:
Fun Fact:
- Shane Boyd, former UK quarterback, is married to Chubby Checker's daughter, Misty Bass, making Checker his father-in-law (23:34–23:55).
4. UK Football – Reactions & Expectations
- Fans and the crew reflect on the significance of the recent victory over Florida, framing it as a moment of redemption for past disappointments (15:32–16:11).
- Quote:
“I sort of take the Florida game as revenge… we had a 21-point lead, and lost in the fourth quarter. This felt good.” — Jim, Caller (15:35)
- Quote:
- Discussion about what level of performance is acceptable for Kentucky football—should fans be satisfied with “being okay," or is it time to expect more?
- Matt’s position has evolved from contentment to believing a coaching change could eventually be positive, though Stoops’ contract buyout complicates matters (25:22–26:34).
- Quote:
“Would it be better for the program to have a new something?… I think it would be, but I also don’t think you can fire him with a $37 million buyout if he goes to a bowl game.” — Matt Jones (25:32)
- Quote:
- Matt’s position has evolved from contentment to believing a coaching change could eventually be positive, though Stoops’ contract buyout complicates matters (25:22–26:34).
- Acknowledgment of how Stoops has "owned Florida" in recent years, with multiple wins over a traditionally dominant rival (28:13–28:21).
5. UK Basketball – Upcoming Challenges
- Debate on whether UK basketball is more likely to win their early season matchup or football is to beat Louisville (34:58–35:38).
- Conversation about Kentucky fans’ strong representation at away games, especially at Louisville (36:36–36:51).
6. Listener Calls & Community Banter
- Callers chime in with stories about Chubby Checker performances in Kentucky, memories of old UK players, and enthusiasm for upcoming games (37:13–38:32).
- A notable back-and-forth with a texter accusing Matt of being a “fair-weather friend” to Mark Stoops leads to a discussion about the separation needed between personal relationships and professional evaluations (44:50–48:13).
- Quote:
“You do not make decisions on what should be the future of a public institution … by who is your friend.” — Matt Jones (45:06)
- Quote:
7. Pop Culture Sidebars
- Warren Zevon: Matt delighted in Zevon’s induction (with David Letterman’s involvement), noting the odd, dark, and clever nature of Zevon’s songwriting (29:32–31:03).
- Quote:
“I don’t know how many people out there except me and David Letterman are just huge Warren Zevon fans. There can’t be a lot, but it was nice.” — Matt Jones (29:32)
- Quote:
- Jim Carrey: Brief chat about Carrey’s recent acting roles, his tendency to recede from the spotlight, and the excellent Netflix documentary “Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond” (31:12–33:16).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)
-
On Church Kindness:
“He was like, honey, I'm sorry to hear that. What kind of flavor could I get you for the baby formula?”
— Matt Jones (07:04) -
On Chubby Checker Skipping the Hall of Fame:
“You have one hit, and all of a sudden now you act like you’re above the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
— Matt Jones (13:14) -
On UK Football’s Progress:
“We’ve won four of the last five. … The idea that you would have Stoops has … owned Florida.”
— Matt Jones (28:02–28:21) -
Chubby Checker Family Fun Fact:
“Shane Boyd, former Kentucky football player, his father-in-law is Chubby Checker.”
— Shannon (23:52) -
On Performance Standards:
“Would it be better for the program to have a new something? … I think it would be, but I also don’t think you can fire him with a $37 million buyout if he goes to a bowl game.”
— Matt Jones (25:32)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Church Kindness Viral Story: 06:09 – 08:44
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Discussion: 09:40 – 16:10
- Chubby Checker Boycott Details: 22:14 – 23:10
- Shane Boyd/Chubby Checker Connection: 23:32 – 23:55
- UK Football “Being Okay” & Stoops Future: 25:22 – 28:06
- UK vs. Florida Ownership: 28:06 – 28:40
- Warren Zevon & Hall of Fame: 29:32 – 31:03
- Jim Carrey Movies/Documentary: 31:12 – 33:16
- Listener’s Criticism & Response: 44:50 – 48:13
Tone & Style
The conversation is informal, candid, and filled with Kentucky flavor—mixing diehard sports talk, offbeat cultural observations, a bit of local warmth, and plenty of irreverent jokes. Matt Jones’s wit and self-deprecating humor are matched by the opinions and banter of his co-hosts and callers, creating a show that’s as much about community and connection as it is about sports.
Summary for Non-Listeners
This episode is a quintessential slice of Kentucky Sports Radio—part sports analysis, part music-and-culture ramble, crowned with community stories and oddball trivia. It swings from impassioned defense of small-town kindness to irreverent takes on the music world, all woven through the familiar context of UK athletics. Whether you’re a Wildcat diehard or just like the sound of radio hosts riffing on everything from Chubby Checker’s twisting legacy to the life lessons of tenacity in Kentucky football, this show has something to entertain, inform, and occasionally surprise you.
