2026-01-14- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 2

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Matt Jones, with the KSR Crew
Main Theme:
A wide-ranging discussion of Kentucky sports news, fan engagement, AI & social media controversy, nostalgia for classic music icons, and reflection on the show’s community dynamic. The episode is characteristically light-hearted, mixing UK basketball analysis, listener interactions, humorous tangents, and social topics.

---

1. Show Decisions & Viral Content Debate

Timestamps: 01:35–04:38, 17:58–19:18, 42:48–43:50

• The crew discusses an ongoing poll about whether Mario should travel with Bob and Jamestown to cover a seminar in Bellbrook.
• Matt sets high stakes:
  • “If it gets to 90 [percent], then Mario will go... If it’s less, then maybe not.” ([03:38])
  • Mario is hesitant, but the team debates the value of “content” and going viral.
  • Ryan is praised for being “willing to do things... because he knows content is king. He slept in the bar for five days...” ([18:26])
• The poll fluctuates between 80–90% support, with the decision deferred to Mario:
  • “I’m going to put the ball in your court... You have to decide by tomorrow.” ([43:02])

---

2. Reading, Cognitive Health, and Reluctance to Read

Timestamps: 04:38–07:02, 39:47–40:39

• Matt shares his ranked list of 52 books read last year and tries to persuade Ryan to try reading or audiobooks for brain health.
• Notable moment:
  • Matt: “There are studies that say reading is one of the best ways to keep Alzheimer's away and dementia...” ([05:26])
  • Ryan: “Probably not. I'd rather take my afternoon nap than sit and read a book.” ([05:22])
• The crew admits audiobooks are more appealing, with Matt gently ribbing his co-hosts for their aversion to reading, joking about calling them up to read to them.
• Matt explains how he fits in reading:
  • “I read during times where people just stare off or look at their phone. Sometimes, I’m reading a book.” ([40:38])

---

3. Listener Backlash, Interviews & Media Ethics

Timestamps: 07:02–11:17

• Matt addresses backlash over a recent Vince interview (presumably with a rival coach/staff):
  • “I took a lot of heat for the Vince interview... the responses were about 50/50.”
  • Matt’s response: “If you don’t like it, turn it off. Like a light switch.” ([09:07])
  • The team reflects on media responsibility when interviewing controversial figures and notes the difference between good-faith criticism and kneejerk outrage.
  • “If they’re mad about it, they did not listen. They just saw something, posted that Vince was on KSR...” ([08:28])
• Matt self-reflects on handling caller questions, admitting he was too harsh to a previous caller but stands by the Vince interview.

---

4. AI ‘Deepfake’ Images & Social Media Law

Timestamps: 11:30–15:03

• Matt brings up AI-generated fake nudes on Twitter/X and Grok, stating Elon Musk allows the technology, which other platforms ban.
• Panel unanimous:
  • “There’s no way that can be the right thing to do. He could do it with females, children...” - Ryan ([12:44])
  • “You can’t just have a world where... I could just go up to someone I know in the real world and turn them into something...” - Drew ([12:55])
• Matt supports bipartisan Congressional efforts to ban such AI use:
  • “I give the people in Congress credit. The first vote was unanimous. No one voted against it. Good, good.” ([14:37])
• Discussion of AI misinformation, fake news accounts, and risks of AI being used for both serious harm and daily confusion.

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5. Basketball Roster Moves & NIL Talk

Timestamps: 15:08–16:58, 29:57–35:15

• Listener questions address Kentucky’s point guard issues, referencing transfers, recruiting misses, and current injuries.
• Matt breaks down roster decisions: Perry left, Lewis and Low’s roles, and which point guard was targeted.
• NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) debate:
  • Callers voice concern over star players “shutting it down” midseason to preserve draft status and maximize NIL earnings.
  • Matt points out this is not unique to NIL era, referencing pre-NIL decisions by elite freshmen.
  • Matt: “I would actually blame UK for that. The fact that we don’t know these guys is more about their marketing...” ([33:23])

---

6. Classic Music Icons: Barry Manilow & Wayne Newton

Timestamps: 19:59–29:42, 36:00–39:44

• Lighthearted segment on the enduring popularity of Barry Manilow and Wayne Newton, juxtaposing their legendary status against how few of their songs the crew can actually recognize.
• Memorable quote:
  • Matt: “He might be the biggest artist I’ve known throughout my life that I don’t know what he sings.” ([22:35])
• The crew tries to name Manilow’s hits, only landing on "Copacabana" and a few others with effort, then compares with Wayne Newton’s catalog.
• Surprise trivia:
  • Drew: “Barry Manilow wrote nearly all his songs, except for ‘I Write the Songs’ – he didn’t write that one.” ([28:18])
• They discover Manilow’s extensive jingle-writing (State Farm, Band-Aid, McDonald’s, etc.) and joke he might just play ad jingles live.
  • “Does he just come to Rupp Arena and sing those?” ([38:32])

---

7. Call-Ins & Community Interaction

Timestamps: Throughout, notably 15:08–16:58, 29:57–35:15, 39:47–43:04

• Callers provide insight, questions, and personal stories:
  • Sean asks about NIL, injuries, and playing time strategy for UK basketball.
  • Terry gives a light-hearted jibe: “If you’re considering going to that [Barry Manilow] concert, you might as well go ahead and turn your man card in right now.” ([23:53])
  • Noah calls to congratulate Drew on impending fatherhood, giving heartfelt advice about singing to his baby ([28:44])
  • Cole in Kansas voices conflict about adjusting to NIL and draft-status players not playing, wishing for a deeper connection with players.
• Matt uses these moments to dig into larger questions of fan experience, player marketing, and nostalgia.

---

8. Predictions for Kentucky vs. LSU

Timestamps: 41:04–42:48

• Each host shares game predictions — all pick Kentucky to win but expect a close game, cautioning against betting the spread.
• “I probably wouldn’t pick them to cover...” - Matt ([42:26])

---

9. Quotable & Memorable Moments

• On content: “Ryan knows content is key. So Ryan will do things that other people won’t do because he knows content is king. He slept in the bar for five days.” ([18:26])
• On haters: “If you don’t like it, turn it off. Like a light switch.” ([09:07])
• On reading: “There are studies that say reading sure is one of the best ways to keep Alzheimer’s away and dementia...” ([05:26])
• On nostalgia: “He might be the biggest artist that I’ve known throughout my life that I don’t know what he sings.” ([22:35])

---

Episode Takeaways

• KSR’s identity is a mix of Kentucky sports talk, irreverent humor, pop culture nostalgia, and community vibe — valuing audience engagement and live reactions above all.
• Recurring themes: The pursuit of “content,” skepticism toward social media and AI shenanigans, affection for show traditions, and a solid appreciation for the quirks of both hosts and callers.
• Episode highlight: The full-cast exploration of forgotten pop standards, the ethics of media in the NIL era, and lively open debate on show stunts.

---

For listeners:
If you missed this hour, you missed both timely UK sports commentary and the warmth, weirdness, and wit that make KSR unique. From fan polls to faded crooners, from AI outrage to NIL analysis and reading challenges, this episode feels as much like a lively coffee shop as a radio show.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

Welcome to our two of Kentucky sports radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[A]

Welcome back our number two Kentucky Sports Radio 859-280-2287. Okay, so had some conversations during the break. It is right now 89 11. Yes, there have been a couple of motions. All right, motion one is we need like universal approval. So we're going to make the number 90, not 80. No, no. If you get 90%, you still have a chance to win this. At 80 you've already lost. At 90 you still have a chance. Now I'm also let you make a case. Get on the microphone like I'm in court, get down to the mic. Are you excited about the idea of going with Bob and Jamestown to Bellbrook? I'm honestly not excited at all. I don't really know but I want. Look, can I give you the case of why it might be good? Yeah. You could get content that could go mega viral. You could get some crazy alien kook to say something and it'll Go far beyond Kentucky. This could be like Mario in the. In a spotlight. Plus, think about the content. Content? Dayton. How far is Dayton from here? Three hours.

[B]

Not in that far.

[A]

Yeah. So you're talking two hours and a half? I'm guaranteed to get some viral content. Well, I mean, I can't guarantee it, but I would think you got a very good chance with all these alien people.

[B]

What if they won't let.

[A]

What if he breaks news? What if this is the moment, Shannon, where we find out there are aliens?

[C]

I'm hoping it happens. That's why I just voted Marius.

[A]

Mario might be the only part media there.

[B]

Well, what if they don't allow him to record anything in the seminar?

[A]

All the better. You try to do it, we try to make it. I'm still voting no. Okay, you're going to vote no. But what if it's yes? Okay. Would you be more excited if Drew went with you?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. So he's still got it. Any of y' all go with me? I would be more excited. All right, so this is going to be up to the people. Drew Franklin on Twitter. We have 46 minutes left. As of this moment, it is 8,911.

[B]

It's been hovering around that 90 a lot.

[A]

If it gets to 9, if it's 90 at the end of the hour, he'll go. If it's less than I have to say the. You know, this is a super, super majority because it's going to be a lot to go. And if it's 90, then Mario will go, and then maybe Drew will maybe not. Might send Olivia. I'm sure she would love be there, although unavailable. Okay, well, so it's just you. You know, I want to go.

[D]

It's during the Tennessee game. I can't not watch the game.

[A]

It's only during the first half. Yeah, but I'm sure they'll have it all at Tennessee, so he's already backing out. So this is you. This is you. We'll see what happens. My mom says she voted no. My other friend. A lot of my friends have said they voted yes twice. One person logged in on their wife's account and voted yes. Why do you have your wife's Twitter account? No information. All right, couple things. Ryan. I released my top 52 books in order last night.

[B]

Saw that.

[A]

Spent a lot of time on that ranking. Probably way more time than needed to be, but I wanted to make sure I thought it was precise.

[B]

Ranked them from your favorite to your.

[A]

Favorite to my least favorite. My top 10. I hope people Read. They're very, very good. What are the chances you read any of the 52?

[B]

Absolutely, positively zero.

[A]

Do you just have. Do you have just no interest in, like, what if it was an audiobook?

[B]

Better chance of that.

[A]

So why not? You know, there's a story just this week that no one reads, and that reading. And they were kind of saying some of the problems with societies that no one reads because you don't read other people's views and you don't, like, turn your brain off and sort of, you know, try to contemplate. Do you want to do any of those things?

[B]

Probably not. I'd rather take my afternoon nap and sit and read a book in the afternoon.

[A]

But, you know, they. There are studies that say reading sure is one of the best ways to keep Alzheimer's away and dementia.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

That. Especially at your age, as you start to get elderly.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

If you read, you engage your brain and it is you. Are you. There's literally a connection in having less degrees of dementia and Alzheimer's. Wouldn't that be a reason to read?

[B]

Well, if the book maybe catches my attention, like, One in Fun. You know, I read the Aaron Torres book. One in Fun. Mitch, please. You know, okay, but cut to the chase.

[A]

But I would think, though, that Alzheimer dimension thing would really be something that, like, would encourage you to do it.

[B]

Not there yet.

[D]

I like that you said there are studies that show. And he went, sure you didn't finish yourself.

[C]

There's also studies that show that not picking your nose will not have you.

[A]

No, I mean, that's actually not true. There are there. There are a lot. There are many studies that say that, you know, some people can't. Like, that happens anyway. But that just like eating healthy gives you a better chance of living longer, using your brain in active forms that require thought, whether it be reading or whether it be working or whatever gives you a better chance to keep that. It makes sense. Like, if you keep. It's like a muscle, Shannon. If you work out, you're more likely to keep your muscles strong. If you work your brain out, it's more likely to keep your brain strong.

[C]

I'm with you, but I think I'm Team Ryan on this. I'm not reading any books. Maybe the audiobook version of it.

[A]

All right.

[C]

If you read it to me, I'll listen. Will you call me and just read it to me?

[A]

I just. I'm just trying to help you to. Okay. But apparently you can't be helped. You cannot be helped. Yesterday after the show, Drew, we took A lot of. I took a lot of heat for the Vince interview. Also had a lot of people positive about it. The responses were about 50, 50 great, 50, 50 bad. Generally, that means the silent majority is usually in favor. So that means, I think more people were in favor than it gets. But the ones that were against it were very against it. And we're saying, you know, we were traitors. We were all these things. I went back and listened. I think if you listen, I have no idea why anyone get upset, but I think a lot of people that got upset didn't listen at all. They just got upset at the theory of it and then we're mad.

[D]

There are a few people that were like, I just genuinely hate that man so much and I'll hear his voice. All right, whatever. You hate him. I get it. But the people were there. Like, you gave him a platform. We recruit. What recruit is going to pick?

[A]

I mean, Driver. Do you think Seneca Driver is sitting there trying to decide whether to go to school? First of all, he's not in class and he's listening to ksr and he was like, you know what? Both these teams are offering me money. Both of these teams are offering me a chance to play football. You know, Matt, put Vince on ksr. That's going to be the difference? Of course not. That's ludicrous.

[B]

The people who complained did not hear the interview. If you heard it, it was a lot of back and forth between you guys. You're needling him, he's needling you. It had nothing to do with the recruiting of athletes for competition. Kentucky and Louisville, they just. If they're mad about it, they did not listen. They just hauled something, posted that Vince was on ksr. Why are you having him on? Well, you didn't listen to the whole context. You called him on a spur of a moment.

[D]

And respectfully, to Vince, did he really say anything that made Louisville any look any better? Like, he didn't say anything that I.

[A]

Think, if anything, I think anything with the word lost a player and he said he missed Lexington. I would say, if anything, it did.

[D]

More harm to Vince, even though I'm glad to hear from him.

[A]

Yeah, I just. I. The like, it's entertainment. I'm shocked when people get mad. My. I need to just get to the point, Shannon, that my answer when people ask is don't listen. Yeah, turn it off. Turn it off. Like a light switch. I mean, just turn it off. You don't like that I talk about liberals. Turn it off. You don't like that I Say that Pope is good or Pope is bad, Just turn it off. But people just, I think, prefer to be angry.

[C]

He's still our friend. I mean, it's like if you had a friend and then they went to Louisville, you would still maybe root against them and hope they lose, but you can still be their friend in real life.

[A]

And you're not gonna take their phone call. We called him, but, you know, our phone call.

[C]

He took our phone off to do that.

[A]

Yes.

[D]

And we called him because we're watching him in real time retweeting things and.

[A]

Yeah, so I didn't understand that at all.

[B]

A lot of pushback, though.

[A]

Well, I normally. I understand the pushback, and sometimes I, like, reflect on it and go, okay, maybe we. Because I'll give an example. The guy that called yesterday and he asked about Nil, why JMI hadn't had what that. Yeah, I probably. A couple people like you jumped on that guy. I went back and listened. I did kind of jump on that guy. That's not his fault. I shouldn't have done that. So sometimes I'll reflect and go, yeah, I kind of jumped on that guy. I get asked that question 50 times a day, but he doesn't know that.

[C]

Yeah, very Mitch Barnhart answer review, by the way.

[A]

Probably what he said.

[C]

I get asked this question all the.

[A]

Time, and he probably does. And so there is a part where that's probably a my bad, my bad, whatever his name was. I may have jumped on you a little. I have no regrets about having Vince on.

[B]

No, it was entertaining.

[A]

And if there was another situation where something like that were happening, you know, some people don't remember the early days of this where when somebody would criticize Cal, I'd bring them on to go at him about it.

[B]

True.

[A]

Right? And you go. You're giving Dan dockage platform. No, I'm yelling at him. Right? That's what. That's what you do.

[D]

And I'm doing a radio show that's entertaining 10 hours a week.

[A]

So, you know, you got to do what you got to do. 859280, Cats quickly question about a bill that's before the house.

[B]

All of these segments.

[A]

Okay. Elon, the worst person, I think, in the world, Musk.

[B]

I've heard of him.

[A]

He has allowed his Grok thing to take pictures on Twitter, and he will allow his AI thing to then turn you nude. Have you not seen this?

[C]

No, no.

[A]

This. This is happening. Or in a bikini or like. Like, you can take someone's picture now, say at Grok do this, and it has been allowing it to do it. And it's weird and it's creepy, and it, in my opinion, should be illegal. Most other platforms do not allow their AI to be used like this, but Elon has allowed it, although maybe this makes him change his mind. Congress put forth a bill yesterday, bipartisan Republicans and Democrats, agreeing to ban this, to not allow AI to create basically fake nudes of people. Do you agree with that bill?

[B]

Yes, 100%. That's what I say. What. When does it fall underneath pornography that's deemed illegal?

[A]

Pornography is illegal.

[B]

Pornography is legal on the social media platform.

[A]

Pornography is legal anywhere. If people want to do it, it's off.

[B]

I. There's no way that can be the right thing to do. He could do it with females, children. I mean, there's too many bad things about it.

[A]

So you would bet you would ban it. I agree.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Would you?

[D]

I agree, and I don't really know how to articulate it. Something with privacy, probably. But you can't just have a world where, sure, celebrities. That's already happening, but, like, I could just go up to someone I know in the real world and turn them into something that they.

[A]

Well, that's what people are doing.

[D]

I know. That's what I'm saying.

[A]

That cannot live in a world where that's allowed.

[E]

There.

[A]

There's, like, a lot of prominent, like, female athletes, et cetera, that. That people are doing that to. Now, granted, it's not. I think the other side says, well, it's not really them. But then again, the point, Shannon, is people don't know. Yeah, right. Think about how many people fall for AI. There is a college basketball account called Scott Hughes, cbb, who puts out fake stories, and they get people every time and, like, get real reporters. They put out this story last day that St. John's GM was fired for giving a million dollars to Andrew Cuomo's campaign. Completely fake. I had 50 people send me this and go, can you believe it?

[E]

There's one.

[A]

It's fake.

[D]

There's one that's based in Knoxville. I think his last name is West. He just constantly puts out fake stuff, and people fall for every single.

[A]

People fall for it all the time. And that doesn't even count the old people on Facebook that fall for anything.

[D]

It had one on the pre show yesterday. I heard that call.

[C]

What was that?

[D]

The guy about Pope and Mississippi State clearly fell for an AI oh, yeah.

[A]

Facebook story.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

The scary thing is, like, this is just the beginning of AI. Wait till it gets really good.

[A]

You know, I agree. I mean, so that's why I think you have to ban it. And I don't think it's a First amendment thing. Like, it's not real. It's not people's speech. You're allowing electronic bots to just manipulate. They're not people. Right. And that's part of why I can't stand Elon is he's just cackling, laughing about it.

[B]

True.

[A]

Like I give the people in Congress credit. It was a unanimous. The first vote was unanimous. No one voted against it. Good, good. Like, I can't believe anybody would. Except of course Elon, who seems like a human, like an AI bot to me as it is.

[D]

And people think about like celebrities. I mean, if like Taylor Swift or someone, you'd be like, that's, that's what I'm saying. You could do that to the, to someone you work with and pass around the office.

[A]

Yeah, it's. Aw, yeah, it's awful. Sean, Go ahead, Sean.

[E]

Hey, now you are talking about that, the bot thing. I wonder if they can sue X or Grok or whatever for name, image and likeness.

[A]

That's a good question. I don't know.

[E]

Maybe love the new coast to coast AM format, but I had two basketball things. One, if Peyton's can't go full strength the rest of the season, personally I think they may be better off just to let him rest because the, everything being in flux all the time, I think is worse than just saying, okay, this is what we got. Now we got to figure out how to make it work. And then you may be right several times, several times that, you know, Pope made the mistake of not getting another point guard. And I, and I do think we need another point guard, but I wonder how much of that was. If I remember right, Travis Perry decided to leave later than earlier in the port.

[A]

Yeah, I don't think that was it. I don't think that was it. They, they, they wanted him to stay, but I don't think they saw him as the point guard. I thought they thought they were going to get a Kaden Lewis. Then that fell through and he was the big decommission. And I think that was the big one. I appreciate the call. And then they thought, well, we'll get by with Aberdeen or Jasper and it just hasn't.

[D]

And Lewis just said back to back 20 point games at Villanova. That wasn't fun to watch.

[A]

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[B]

That's it.

[D]

Lewis was going to be the sophomore starter. They were getting Dent who had one year, but Low had two, and Lewis is like, wait, I thought I was the second year.

[A]

Exactly right. That's how that went. That's a good memory. We'll take a break. Be right back. KSR lines and times with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app is a podcast designed for hunters and fishermen to enjoy success.

[E]

I like the idea of, like, hey, put me on a big deer. You know, hey, there's a big deer out here. He's doing this. Be looking for this deer. But I also love doing it on my own. I love going out there and saying, running my cameras. I love patterning the deer. I like showing up at the right time, checking the wind, knowing what stand.

[A]

I need to be in.

[E]

And then whenever it all comes together and it happens, that's the most satisfying thing ever. So when you do it on your own, it's like, I then can hang my hat. But if I had somebody say, hey, pull up on these dots and catch them right here and you're gonna win. And then when I go in, it's like, yeah, it's cool. I won the tournament. The ultimate goal is done. But it's like, dude, I. When you find them and you make them bite, that's the problem.

[A]

I love it.

[B]

Listen to lines and tines with Spencer.

[A]

Graves on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts, I don't know what you did, Mario, but there people are starting to flip. 86:14 with 20 minutes to go.

[B]

A lot of votes coming in for Mario.

[A]

Well, I mean, we may make it 80%. Yeah.

[D]

10 minutes.

[C]

Raise the bar a little too early.

[A]

I don't know. I honestly don't know how you would want to do it. I mean, I think it actually has a chance to be really good content. That's the one thing that separate one. One thing that I always. I always take up for Ryan. Ryan knows content is key. So Ryan will do things that other people won't do because he knows content is king. He slept in the bar for five days. So even when Ryan drives me absolutely insane, which will happen about once Every two or three months. And I want to, you know, throw a thousand pies in his face. I do remember that at his core, he knows content is king and he's willing to do things right. Drew is as well. Shannon a little less so. But then he does things like the 50 mile walk, which was great. Content. Did I hear, by the way, did you come back to the Rumble?

[C]

I did, yeah. First time in seven months.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[D]

Nice.

[A]

Why didn't you tell us?

[C]

That was a surprise.

[A]

Oh, we could have told me.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

I would have stopped by, everybody.

[C]

Yeah, but it was. It was cool, though.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, good. Yeah. Are you returning that is up to.

[C]

The owners of ovw. You know how you do.

[A]

Did you. Did you throw it?

[C]

Well, here's the thing. I. I came out like I was going to get in, and then I go, I'm not getting in.

[A]

He is.

[C]

And I pointed to Mount Kadeem. So he came out in my place.

[A]

Oh. Oh, okay. Gotcha. Good.

[D]

You all like a thing now.

[A]

Is that like a Daniel, by the way, was in cash. Looks. Looks good.

[B]

Was he in the rumble?

[A]

I'm hearing through the grapevine he may be about to.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Like, really get going in the next. So I hope so, because I think he can be. He can be really good. Shan, you're a music person. Yeah. I know who Barry Barry Manilow is, and I've heard Barry Manilow his name my entire life. I saw he's playing Rupp arena in May for his final ever tour. I was a little surprised Barry Manilow could play rubbery.

[C]

Me too.

[A]

Are you surprised?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, are they going to curtain off the upper arena and only.

[A]

I don't know. I'm not sure. But here's my question. I feel like I've known the name Barry Manilow my entire life, but without looking it up. And I intentionally didn't look it up. Yeah, I'm not sure I know a Barry Manilow song.

[B]

That's probably no one of them.

[A]

What is a Barry Manilow song?

[B]

Is it there? Copa? Copacaban.

[A]

So that's a Barry Manilow song. Okay, I do know that song. I thought that was like Julio Iglesias. So that's Barry Manila.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Are there any other Barry Manilow songs I would know?

[B]

I bet there's some you would recognize. He had some really big hits and like.

[A]

Like what?

[B]

I can't think of the name.

[A]

So they can't be that big.

[B]

I don't listen to Barry Manilow on a daily basis.

[A]

Well, I don't either. That's my point.

[B]

He's got to be in his 80s and he's still performing.

[A]

Shannon, do you know a Barry Manilow?

[C]

So I don't think I do. I mean, does he do one for me? I go, oh, yeah, yeah, that's him, but I couldn't tell you.

[A]

Do you know of Merryman?

[E]

I do.

[D]

Not very familiar with the name. He almost is like, in pop. Like in their movies. Where is he in Austin Powers? They mentioned that. Maybe I'm familiar with him, but I cannot. No, that's Burt background. So, like, just regardless, don't know.

[C]

So, like in our system, we have three Barry Manilow songs, but they're all Christmas songs.

[A]

All right, I'm gonna read you the top ones that come up on Apple.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Copacabana. There you go. Can't smile without you don't know that song. Do you know it?

[B]

I've heard that song, Mandy. Oh, yeah, That's a big one.

[A]

How's it go?

[B]

Mandy. You kiss me and smile when you. I'm saying. And I'm saying Mandy Content King sounds really good.

[A]

Yeah. He knows I write the songs.

[B]

I write the songs that make the whole world sing.

[C]

Knows a lot of them.

[D]

See, this is going.

[B]

He was popular when I was younger.

[C]

People like Ryan.

[A]

I make it through the rain.

[B]

I don't recognize that one weekend in New England. That sounds to me about. I can't think how it goes.

[A]

See, I. Okay, so of these, the only one I know I know is Copacabana. I've heard of I Write the Songs, but I wouldn't know how it went.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So my point is, he might be the biggest artist that I've known throughout my life that I don't know what he sings. Because anyone else that's big enough that they've had a 40 year career, I feel like I know some of their songs. I don't. I don't know him, but I've heard of him my whole life.

[D]

Sure.

[B]

He had a big. Didn't. It wasn't at Vegas, like a standing show in Vegas for like, years and years and years.

[A]

I don't know. But can you think of a bigger musical artist with a lesser known musical catalog than Barry Manilow?

[C]

Well, if I said to you Tony.

[A]

Bennett, I don't know a song off the top of my head, but I know I've heard Tony Bennett sing a million times. And if you started telling me some, I think I would know.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I would.

[D]

Lady Gaga.

[A]

I've heard Tony Bennett. Like, I think I even had that duets album or Whatever.

[D]

Yeah, I have a different take on this. Did you say it's his last tour?

[A]

Last tour.

[D]

If they retire Barry Manilow before Tayshawn Prince interrupt Arena, I'm going to lose it. I was there for John Michael Montgomery. It was a cool moment. He's up there with the judge.

[A]

They're not going to hang up. Barry retire more concerts before Tayshawn and.

[D]

Bogans are up there.

[A]

They're not doing that. Terry in Shepherdsville. Go ahead.

[E]

If you're considering going to that concert, you might as well go ahead and turn your man card in right now.

[A]

Well, I'm not going. I just didn't know.

[E]

Yeah. Okay. I want a lineup thought and then a Jason little thought real quick.

[A]

Got a minute? Yeah.

[E]

I wish Chandler or Noah were good because then that would change. But because I don't want Aberdeen to start under any circumstance because I think the less he plays, the fewer mistakes he makes, the longer he's out there, he makes more mistakes. But having said that, I would go Johnson. I would go Johnson away Aberdeen, Williams and Marino. I wouldn't start Yellow Dick, but we'll see how that works. And. And low real quick. And this is nothing personal against Jalen. I'm sure he's a great kid, but this happened in football a couple times. What I'm going to be upset about with him, he gets the surgery, he rehabs and then goes to the transfer portal. I'm not going to like that.

[A]

But it also might be UK that does. I don't know if it will or not, but may or may not be Jalen. I hope he comes back. I left my heart in San Francisco the way you look tonight Fly me to the moon. I know all of those Tony bit songs. We'll be right back. TJ Smith, personal injury attorney.

[B]

Call tj.

[A]

He'll make him pay.

[C]

Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones. It's a horrible song and it's the most well known.

[B]

Yeah, his most.

[A]

And it's like when I think of horrible songs. This is on the list.

[C]

Let me give you another one that you made.

[A]

Sounds like Weird Al. Just his voice.

[C]

Yeah, he does.

[A]

Doesn't that sound like Weird Al doing a parody? Yeah, I'm okay. What are you gonna say? Do I know another one.

[C]

So what about Wayne Newton? He's about the same age.

[A]

Okay. But I feel like there's a lot of Wayne Newton songs I would know. But let me. Let me pull up his list and see. So this is. Again, this would just be the top songs for Wayne Newton on Apple Music. Let's see. Wayne Newton probably Viva Las Vegas. Yes. So I've definitely heard of his.

[C]

Or. I don't know if that's a cover.

[A]

I feel like that in that Elvis.

[B]

I thought it was Elvis.

[C]

I don't know who wrote it first.

[A]

Well, now, look at this, doctor. Okay. Red roses for a blue lady. Daddy, don't walk so fast. That can't be one of his big songs. Daddy don't walk.

[C]

We'll play that one next.

[A]

That can be it. Daddy, don't walk. Walk so fast. Donkey. What you say donkey?

[B]

Don.

[A]

Okay, I know. Strangers in the night. I know that song. You're right. Wayne Newton maybe doesn't have much big either.

[E]

Right.

[C]

But he's. Or was used in Vegas. He played Bourbon and Beyond last year.

[A]

I can't believe the second white Newton was at Bourbon and Beyond. Yeah. How is Daddy, don't you walk so fast Play that. There's no way that that can't be. I've never even heard of that.

[B]

It got played a lot back in the day.

[A]

It was. Is he talking about his dad?

[B]

His daddy, don't you walk so fast.

[D]

His dad leaving him. Just trying to keep up.

[A]

Turn it up. Just second. This has got to be terrible. Is he singing on the perspective of a woman?

[B]

This is him when he was younger.

[A]

But whose daddy?

[B]

His dad.

[C]

His dad.

[A]

Oh, you think it's about his actual dad?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, then it's just sad.

[C]

Yeah, right.

[D]

That's what I'm saying. He's leaving.

[C]

His dad is leaving.

[B]

I think he's trying to keep up with dad and following his footsteps, leaving his life.

[A]

Oh, oh, he's not leaving him. He's just like trying to walk in his shoes.

[D]

No, he's leaving him. I have the. It says right here the singer is leaving his family after falling out of love with his wife. When the daughter tries to catch up, saying, daddy, don't walk so fast.

[A]

Wow.

[E]

Wow.

[A]

And this is the second biggest Wayne Newton song.

[D]

It does say it makes him change his mind about ending his marriage. So there's a happy ending if we.

[C]

Stay till the another two minutes before we get to the ending.

[A]

By the way, Barry Manilow's fans are known as fanilos. That's great.

[C]

I think Ryan's a fan of low.

[B]

That just came out like Christmas.

[A]

Here's an interesting fact from my friend Sam. Barry Manilow wrote nearly all of his songs, with one exception. The song I write. The songs. He didn't write that one. Was he trolling that's actually really funny.

[B]

That is funny.

[A]

Good trivia question, Noah. Go ahead, Noah.

[C]

Oh, sorry. Hang on. I gotta get the Barry Banalo stuff off here.

[E]

Hey, Matt, thank you for taking my call. This is Wednesday, Noah.

[A]

Oh, hey there, Wings. By the way, it is Wednesday Dollar Wings today and for the game tonight. Go ahead.

[E]

Yes, sir. This is specifically for Drew. I know I'm a little bit late on the party for it, but I want to say for you, Drew, congratulations for you and Abby. I myself am about to be a girl dad this month as well. So we're really excited as well for it. And I can tell you it's gonna be most wonderful and amazing thing. I remember hearing you, Drew, talking before just about like the surrealness of like now actually being able to feel the baby and everything through all that. One thing that I have that I've done has been problem that will literally make any grown man cry for it is next time that you feel from a feel the baby with that. I don't care if you got a good voice or not. You could be singing a lullaby, Hamilton or whatnot. Sing to your baby and you are going to feel that wonderful little girl jumping up inside of you like nothing else.

[A]

Daddy, don't you walk away from me. You got the song. Nice to talk to you, sir. Cole in Kansas. Go ahead, Cole.

[E]

Yeah, so I have a question about. Just get your thoughts on Nil stuff for a bit. I don't mind a lot of the Nil things at all. I actually think it's good. The one thing I have a hard time with, with Nil is this little phenomenon that happened before, but happening now is. And that is like Jaden Quaintance. The idea that he and I'm in Kansas. So it's happening with Darren Peterson here. They play really well and draft stock rises and so then if I, you know, if I was their agent, I'd be like, shut it down. Don't play anymore. I actually think that makes sense.

[A]

Well, Darren Peterson played last night. He played last night. I mean, the only. The only acquaintance is. Is hurt. At least that's what we think. I don't want to say he's not playing until he does it. There have been some rumors about Mikhail Brown at Louisville. I don't know if that's true or not. So it's hard for me to say I. Here's the thing though. That happened before Nil. That happened with Shade and sharp. These top 10 guys deciding I'm top 10. And I don't know if I Should play happened before Nil. I actually think Darren Peterson specifically. It would be true about Mikhail Brown. It would be true about Jaden Quaint. If they don't play. That's not cousin in Il they. People were doing that before elite freshmen. I think nil is really more for the older guys in college, if that makes sense. I think these. These one and doners were doing this stuff before.

[E]

I completely agree. It's just, I guess for me, my relationship with college basketball is nil is a lot to get used to. Right. And so I'm. And I'm for it. And I'm working to like, understand the dynamics. This aspect that. Yes, like, I mean, you're right. It's happened before. The aspect of like the NBA draft I actually think is more taxing on me as a fan. Where.

[A]

But I don't. But let me ask you a question, because I don't think you're alone in that, Cole. But let me ask you a question. Like, here's the way I look at it. I was listening to Chuck Klosterman talk about the NFL and he said he's got a new book coming out and he said that the reason the NFL is so successful is that ultimately people are cheering for teams rather than players. So the players are much more anonymous in the NFL, but it. And they switch. But it doesn't really matter because you cheer for the Steelers no matter who's on the Steelers. Right.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And as Jerry Seinfeld would say, you're ultimately just cheering for laundry. For me, if that part of it wears you out, which I understand why it would. Why wouldn't you just say, I'm going to start cheering for the team when I have the roster and I will cheer for them this year and then whatever is the roster next year, I will cheer for them as well. Like I always say to people about the portal, if the portal wears you out, just don't pay attention to it. And then when the game start, just worry about it then, like, why not just do that? Cole.

[E]

I think it goes back to a little bit that you used to talk about with the one and done thing and the way Kentucky kind of marketed the players. I want to have relationships with the players. I want to get to know this a little bit. I'm not saying I like, you know, be best friends, you know, everything about them, but there is an ass. I don't know why that is actually. But I do feel a phenomenon of like, I do want to know the players. I want to know who they are. I Want to know who I'm cheering for? Part of that, I think, is also because basketball, I can see their faces.

[A]

Well, that's a big deal. No, there's no doubt that with basketball it's easier because you can see their faces. But again, I would argue. Okay. I felt like I knew who John Wall was and Brandon Knight and DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. And even last year I felt like I knew who Kobe, Bray and Lamont. But I mean, they're here just a year, but I still feel like I know them. I think sometimes we don't feel like we know some of these guys, but I would actually blame UK for that. Like, the fact that we don't know these guys is more about their marketing. Because when the one and done dudes were here, I feel like Cal marketed them pretty well and I knew what Anthony Davis was like and I kind of knew the twins. And so I think that's more of an issue of how we're marketing these guys than the fact that they're only here a year.

[E]

Yeah, it's more just like it's in my head when a. When a really good player shuts it down. I don't. I know this is like so niche, but it's like, I don't want to have to think about, oh, this, this person is like, could be shutting it down to their NBA draft stuff.

[A]

I get that. No, I get that. I appreciate the call. That is exhausting. I can guarantee you. Well, besides Dwayne Jaden Quaint's none of our other guys gonna be shutting it down for the draft because they're not good enough to be in the draft. If Jaden Quaint does not play here, I think it will frustrate people. And I will understand that for the same reason Shade and Sharp did. But I get the sense that that's not going to happen. We'll see.

[D]

And his situation's unique. The NBA isn't sold on him yet. Like Brown, these other guys already had their games already stamped. I'm going to be a lottery pick. I could shut down Quaint's. They're kind of conflicted. They have that second half of St. John's but then Bellarmine, he doesn't play that well now. The knees swelling up again and he.

[A]

Had injured last year. So, like, if he needs to prove.

[D]

That he probably a long run of games and look good, he still has a lot to show.

[A]

Hey. Attention bourbon lovers. Kick off the new year with Commonwealth causes January bourbon raffle. The next ultimate bourbon collection drawing will take place on January 29th and feature an incredible $20,000 lineup. It's got the Pappy van Winkle vertical, but there's also other prizes, including a Weller vertical Blanton's eight bottle letter set and a Rock Hill farms bottle. What's rock Hill farm spot?

[B]

Don't know.

[D]

Good bourbon at KSBAR.

[A]

It's good. Big prizes. Several winners go to commonwealth causes.org that's commonwealth causes.org we'll take a break. Be right back. We'll get the results. Does Mario have to go with Bob? That's next. Is this supposed to be Wayne Newton?

[C]

It is Wayne Newton. Not supposed to be. It is, but this is a woman.

[B]

No, it's not him. This is him when he was younger.

[A]

That's a man.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

No, it is.

[B]

It's definitely Wayne Newton.

[A]

That does not sound like there's no. That's not a man.

[B]

Yeah, it is.

[E]

It is.

[B]

That's him. That's what he used to sound like.

[A]

That's Wayne Newton.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

Wow. Man. All these people I've heard of over the years who knew that's Wayne Newton there. Okay. That freaks me out almost as much as go look at a picture of Willie Nelson when he was, like, 25.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Have you ever seen, like, when he got started?

[B]

No.

[A]

Google, like, Willie Nelson first album, and look at his album cover.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

First of all, in some ways, he looks older than he does now, but he has, like, none of the hair. Like. Like, he doesn't even look like the same human being. But this is not a man. It is.

[B]

That's not Willie Nelson.

[A]

That's what I'm saying. It'll freak you out. Like, sometimes on the old. I've seen it sometimes on the old country station, One of his first songs will come out, and, you know, the album pops up on your screen.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And I'm like, my goodness, Willie Nelson.

[D]

Looked like that before he found the lettuce.

[A]

Huh. He does look a little bit like Tyler children. Yeah.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Unbelievable. One person writes. Matt, my. My fiance is attending another institution in the SEC for grad school. We. We try listening to their sports show, and they're unlistenable. There's no sports show in America more entertaining than ksr. Thank you very much. And you're right. Most sports radio is awful. I've finally found one sports radio show I can tolerate sometimes.

[B]

KSR pre show.

[C]

Not even that. We're not even on that list.

[A]

Stop it. That was not that. I think that's good.

[D]

He's counting that with this.

[A]

Yeah. That's part of the family. That's. That's Rich Eisen.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It now comes on like, when this is over and I can tolerate it.

[B]

Some I like because they do. They tiptoe outside the sports world.

[A]

That's the only reason I can. Yep. I can. I can kind of do it now. You said there are other Barry Manilow.

[D]

I found an underground collection that you will recognize.

[A]

All of them. Okay.

[D]

How about like a Good Neighbor? State Farm is there.

[A]

Oh, he did do a lot of ad jingles. He did that.

[D]

He did Band Aid. I'm stuck on Band Aid because Band Aid stuck on Me. He did kfc, Grab a Bucket of Chicken. He did Pepsi, feeling free and McDonald's. You deserve a break today. He did.

[A]

You deserve a break. All of them.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Well, no Barry Metal. So does he just come to the Rupp arena and sing those?

[D]

I hope so. He will sell one more ticket if that's the case.

[B]

Apparently he sings like a melody of all of them together.

[D]

Really?

[A]

No. He really does that?

[B]

Yeah, he used to. Wow. He also did the American Bandstand. I'm on Bandstand.

[A]

I know that song because we sang it when we did a. We did a play when I was in he like middle school where we sang all songs from the 50s and 60s and we did that. I danced on stage during that. He did Dr. Pepper. Be a Pepper.

[D]

Does he just do every song?

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Now that is amazing.

[B]

That is pretty cool.

[A]

I do like this. It's gonna be my Shady Raised tweet of the day, which is not a thing. But you can go to shadyrayshadyrays.com they've got great sunglasses, great protection. They also, if you have the best lost and replacement thing and it's great sunglasses created here in Kentucky. Shady Ray. Shadyrays.com One in Lexington, one in Louisville. If you have sunglasses, you should get Shady Rays. One person writes, Matt, the Barry Manilow concert should start at 4 because his audience is 65 to 90 and they need to be in bed before dark.

[B]

That is true. I looked it up. He's. He's 82 years old. So, like, all his fans are our parents and they stay up late.

[A]

Jim, go ahead. Jim.

[E]

Hey, man, what's up? A couple of things here and I'll hang up and listen. 1. How do you. Where do you find time to read 52 books in a year? And the second question is, is tonight's game do they just Kentucky cover and is it a high score and match or a battle it out defensive game?

[A]

All Right. For your first question, I generally try to read something every day. Now, part of it is, look, I don't have kids, so that gives you like the time. You guys are like rustling around all your snot nose kids. I might be reading. I also do multiple things. So like when Kentucky plays tonight, during the commercial breaks, I will read. So like, and we've, we've laughed about me reading at Reds games.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So like I read during times where people just stare off or look at their phone. Sometimes I'm like reading a book. Part of it's just because my brain, I can't turn it off too often. The second thing about the covering. Let's just go ahead and make our DraftKings pick. Appreciate the call. Go to DraftKings.com promo code KSR. Bet five. Get $300. Do the Cats win and cover the three and a half? Shannon, I'll let you go first.

[C]

Yeah, Cats win, but I'm not convinced they win by three and a half. I'm going to say it's going to be really close. Maybe like a last second shot. I think Kentucky wins, though.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

It's still four and a half right now. I'm looking at it on our favorite website, DraftKings. That's too many for me. Even though I think we can win playing on the road and that building. We've lost two straight there, even though that was a different regime. I think it'll be a close game, but Kentucky hangs on.

[B]

Yeah, I think it's a rock fight again and a kind of an ugly game to watch. I think it's going to get repeat. So I got Kentucky 72 to 70.

[A]

Mario, are you going to pick four against Kentucky? Oh, that's bad.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I wanted you to pick them to win, to lose.

[D]

You've been hot.

[A]

You've been, you're. Oh, and two when you pick against us. Yeah, I got Kentucky winning. Now I might have to pick lsu.

[D]

The fade, Mario.

[A]

Yeah, I don't know. I mean, I think this is. The Mississippi State game was a must win. This is pretty close to a must win. It's also like, if you want to do anything, you got to win tonight. I mean, I think you got to win tonight and then, then you could lose Saturday, Tennessee, you'd be all right.

[D]

We're looking at last place in the conference.

[A]

I think. I think bottom line, you got to either win tonight or Saturday at Tennessee. And this is a lot easier.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So. Because we can't win in Knoxville every single year, although we keep doing it.

[B]

I Watched them last night. They can score. They put up a lot of points.

[A]

I should have lost. They probably should have lost that game. They were at home. Yeah, they. They probably should have lost. I'll pick Kentucky to win, but I'm kind of with you all. I probably wouldn't pick them to cover Mario. 85, 15, you should go. Which is of course less than 90, but it's more than 80. It's actually right in the middle.

[D]

So you go for the first hour. Easy enough. Drive separate.

[A]

So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to give you the opportunity to think about it, all right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because the crowd didn't get you to 90, but they did get you over to 80.

[C]

If Kentucky, you got to go.

[A]

I'm going to put the ball in your court. When do I have to decide by? You have to decide by tomorrow. So if people want to talk into it at Mario Maitland, if they want to talk you out of it, I'm not going to force you to go. But I do think it would be a great decision. And it is. Like, are you about that content? I am about the content. Like, I mean, you're looking at. Look at your elder statesman there. That man takes his shirt off all the time. Goes through a table. He lived in a jail. He goes through a table. He's gotten chopped on air by the star of Tulsa King.

[C]

He tried to eat 20 donuts.

[A]

He tried to eat 20 donuts. I want you to think about all the things he's done and the way he's broken his body. Body for this show. That is true. You're convincing me.

[E]

You're.

[A]

So now you have to decide tonight. Are you willing to get in a car and do the hardest thing possible, which is spend time with Bob and Jamestown? That's what you have to decide between now and tomorrow. I'll think about it. Pregame show starts at 4:30. Kentucky and LSU go watch the game at KS Bar. We'll be back at 4:30. We'll see you later. It's Kentucky Sports Radio.