Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 1

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Matt Jones with Shannon, Drew, and Ryan
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

Episode Overview

In this lively and humorous episode, the KSR crew, led by Matt Jones, navigates a rainy Lexington morning amid the “bosses in town” atmosphere, discussing everything from workplace fashion faux pas and handshake etiquette to the recent explosion of Publix grocery stores in Kentucky. The group analyzes UK basketball’s new starting lineup following a significant player injury and delves into memorable local establishments soon to be replaced by new development. Rounding out this hour is the comedic fan-favorite Bob from Jamestown, who pitches an alien-themed road trip to Ohio, prompting an enthusiastic poll about sending Mario along for the adventure.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Rainy Day Nerves and Boss Visits

[01:06–02:58]

• The crew pokes fun at each other’s attire with the iHeart bosses in town, creating a light sense of workplace anxiety.
• Mario’s obliviousness to the bosses’ presence and Ryan’s insistence that his “skin-tight Nike shirt” is boss-appropriate set the comedic tone.

2. Handshake Etiquette Dilemma

[02:58–06:59]

• Matt expresses strong opinions against aggressive handshakes, calling them “overcompensating” and preferring fist bumps, reflecting changing norms post-COVID.
• Quote (Matt, 03:00): “If someone shakes my hand with a hard grip and doesn’t smile... 93% chance I wouldn’t like that person.”
• Crew members share awkward handshake stories, including political finger-pulls and Mario’s “limp handshake.”
• General group consensus: Move towards fist bumps for hygiene and social comfort.

3. Lexington’s Rapid Development and Publix Mania

[06:50–11:51]

• Matt’s surprise at the Palomar area’s development since his last visit; hyperbolically references a “Taj Mahal” springing up.
• First impressions of Publix after years of hype: “Very bright, I think that’s the secret. That’s why people like it.”
• Discussion of “Pub subs,” their supposed appeal, and comparisons to other chains like Subway.
• Publix coming soon to the Mid City Mall in Louisville, prompting nostalgia for now-closed landmarks like Baxter Theater and Comedy Caravan.
• Quote (Matt, 09:29): “Never thought about going to Publix. Now there’ll be one right out my door. And I’m excited…”
• Conversation about parking and traffic woes as grocery stores replace cemeteries ("when do we get to the point everybody just gets rid of cemetery for a Publix?").

4. Basketball: New Lineup & Team Uncertainty

[12:25–14:59]

• With Jalen Lowe out for the year, coach Mark Pope introduces a new starting lineup featuring Cam Williams and surprising choice Yellowvich over Diabate.
• Shannon and Ryan speculate that Pope isn’t happy with Diabate, possibly due to on-court disputes.
• Quote (Matt, 13:00): “Two things this tells me: number one, Mark Pope still doesn’t know what to do with this team... and number two, it’s clear he’s not happy with Mo Diabate.”
• Current expectations have shifted from championship aspirations to simply “making the tournament” after key injuries.

5. NIL Payments and Paying College Athletes

[19:53–21:04]

• Caller asks how college athletes’ compensation is structured. Matt explains payments are now often staggered, with the last payment coming after bowl games to incentivize participation.
• Complications noted with some schools not making final payments, harming future recruiting.

6. Nostalgia for Mid City Mall and Local Landmarks

[17:30–19:47]

• Matt shares memories about the soon-to-be-demolished Mid City Mall: movie marathons, working from the library, hot yoga, and the jazzercise era.
• Regret expressed for the loss of local character to make way for the incoming Publix.

7. Community Poll: Should Mario Roadtrip to Alien Convention?

[36:34–44:12+]

• Lively call from Bob in Jamestown, who details a UFO/alien event in Bellbrook, Ohio at a church across from the library.
• Matt suggests sending Mario to the event with Bob; crew starts a poll: “Should Mario go to Bellbrook, OH to learn about ghosts and aliens with Bob?”
• Overwhelming support from listeners: poll hovers around 94–95% “Yes,” despite Mario’s (and his defenders’) hesitance.
• Quote (Matt, 36:34): “I’m willing to acknowledge: best Bob in Jamestown call of all time, right there. Ever. Without question.”

8. UK Basketball: Team Outlook and Fan Sentiment

[23:14–24:30]

• Listener Adam offers a silver lining: injured Jalen Lowe’s absence could mean more playing time for Jasper Johnson, potentially aiding retention and next year’s recruiting.
• Crew agrees current goal is “just make the tournament,” a far cry from preseason optimism.
• Quote (Shannon, 23:57): “Not a game on the schedule... I’m serious, not a single game on the schedule [I feel confident about].”

9. Final Segments: Call-ins & Cincinnati Basketball Bag Protest

[39:01–41:41]

• Brief segue into Cincinnati basketball's protest by fans planning to wear bags on their heads out of frustration with the coach.
• The crew debates if it’s a “bad look,” with Drew quipping, “It might be an improvement for some of these people.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Matt Jones, on handshakes ([03:00]):
  “If someone shakes my hand with a hard grip and doesn’t smile... 93% chance I wouldn’t like that person.”

• Ryan ([13:31]):
  “He’s going back to the offense that he wants to run with that stretch four guy that can shoot… Yellowvich gives him the lineup he wants.”

• Matt, about Publix ([09:29]):
  “Never thought about going to Publix. Now there’ll be one right out my door. And I’m excited…”

• Matt, on the poll to send Mario with Bob ([36:34]):
  “I’m willing to acknowledge: best Bob in Jamestown call of all time, right there. Ever. Without question.”

• Shannon, on basketball optimism ([23:57]):
  “Not a game on the schedule... I’m serious, not a single game on the schedule [I feel confident about].”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bosses in Town/Nervous Vibes: 01:06–02:58
• Handshake Discussion: 02:58–06:59
• Lexington Development/Publix: 06:50–11:51
• UK Basketball Lineup Drama: 12:25–14:59
• Nostalgia for Local Landmarks: 17:30–19:47
• NIL/Pay Structure for Athletes: 19:53–21:04
• Basketball Expectations Bombs: 23:14–24:30
• UK Starting Five Debate: 30:02–32:13
• Bob from Jamestown – Alien Convention: 32:33–38:00
• Listener Poll, Mario’s Roadtrip: 36:34–44:12
• Cincinnati Basketball Bag Protest: 39:01–41:41

Closing Thoughts

Hour 1 is classic KSR: part locker-room banter, part Kentucky basketball therapy, part community call-in “variety show.” It’s shaped by sharp, self-deprecating humor and a natural, rambling localism—from gripes about parking near the new Publix to conspiratorial chat about classified alien encounters in Ohio. Nostalgia and anxiety about basketball blend with stories about handshakes, fashion, and local icons. By the end, the team’s hopes for UK basketball are somewhere between pragmatism and gallows humor, and Mario’s fate as Bob’s UFO sidekick looks sealed by overwhelming popular demand.