KSR - Hour 1: February 5, 2026

Podcast: Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR)
Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Billy
Date: February 5, 2026
Episode Theme: The KSR crew broadcasts live from San Francisco, soaking in the spectacle of NFL Super Bowl Radio Row, reflecting on their whirlwind experiences, unique guest encounters, and the lighter side of sports media life.

Episode Overview

This hour of KSR is an energetic, behind-the-scenes look at the Radio Row media environment in San Francisco leading up to the Super Bowl. Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, and Billy recount their favorite moments, run into notable sports personalities, and revel in Kentucky pride amid national attention. The team shifts effortlessly between sports commentary, personal anecdotes, and playful banter, capturing the excitement (and absurdities) of being part of one of the sports media’s busiest weeks of the year.

Key Discussion Points & Notable Moments

1. Radio Row: The Ultimate Sports Media Experience

Timestamps: 03:02–07:35

• The team describes the sensory overload of Radio Row, where major networks (ESPN, CBS, Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, etc.) and big-name personalities (Pat McAfee, Stephen A. Smith, Katie Nolan, Shannon Sharpe, FIFA reps) all converge in close quarters.
• Matt reflects on KSR's place among the heavy hitters:

  "There's Pat McAfee. There's ESPN Radio... There's Matt and Drew and Billy. Why are we there? There's no reason for us to be there." (04:28, Matt Jones)

• Humorous observations on set design and feeling "handsome" under broadcast studio lighting.

  "It's amazing what lighting can do. I felt handsome for the first time in my life." (05:43, Matt Jones)

• Encounters with TV and podcast celebrities, including the cast of "Workaholics," Lisa Vanderpump, and anticipation about Martha Stewart's appearance.

2. Star-Studded Guest List & Noteworthy Interviews

Timestamps: 07:36–12:00

• The hosts gush about the big names interviewed:
  • Terrell Davis
  • Mike Golic
  • Sean Alexander
  • Stevie Johnson (unexpected highlight, see below)
  • "Bussin With The Boys" crew
  • Bryce Young ("If I had $150,000..." song moment, 08:27)
• True Kentucky pride: The surprise Stevie Johnson impromptu interview, complete with a shared passion for Kentucky and a live recitation of his rap from university days:

  "He remembered the whole thing and did it right there with Drew chipping in throughout. I don't know what's more impressive, that he remembered it or that you remembered it." (11:01, Matt Jones)

• Memorable quote:

  "My man was walking around with a Kentucky hat in his Bills hat, which shows he loves Kentucky. Who does that, right?" (10:08, Matt Jones)

3. Kindness & Surprises from Athletes

Timestamps: 08:52–09:41

• Reflection on how unexpectedly kind and gracious the NFL guests were, lingering to chat off-air and treating the KSR hosts like peers.

  "That was my biggest takeaway, was how nice all those people were..." (08:52, Matt Jones)

  • Drew shares the story of Bryce Young taking a personal photo for Drew's Panthers-fan friend Manny.

4. The ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) Encounter

Timestamps: 15:31–24:32

• A truly bizarre Radio Row moment: the crew is approached by an ICE officer hauling a giant briefcase of counterfeit Super Bowl merchandise.
• Matt is recognized from his Netflix show "Wrestlers."
• The ICE officers display the seized goods (fake Lombardi Trophy, Patrick Mahomes jerseys) and encourage the hosts to pose for photos.

  "So then he hands us, Shannon, this fake super bowl trophy. Drew and Billy and I pose with it..." (22:08, Matt Jones)

• "ICE" even asks KSR to tag the agency on social media when posting the pic!

  "He wants me to hold up a fake super bowl trophy and go, 'Thanks, ICE.'" (22:20, Matt Jones)

• The crew debates whether the encounter was a prank, ultimately affirming its authenticity based on sheer numbers and lapel pins.

5. Spontaneous Sports Stories & Embarrassing Moments

Timestamps: 17:17–19:23; 37:29–40:41

• Tony Dungy confuses Drew for Jeff Saturday, engaging in some very awkward shirt tugging.

  "Tony Dungy came and pulled on Drew's... shirt like a little child meeting his hero." (18:19, Matt Jones) "We had a full conversation with our eyes." (19:14, Drew Franklin)

• Drew’s bathroom run-in with Derrick Henry:

  "I look, and it’s Derrick Henry. It’s just me and him there against the wall... this is the one place in this entire venue where I don’t think I can speak to him." (38:12, Drew Franklin)

• The code of bathroom etiquette prevails—no words exchanged, but memories remain.

6. KSR Crew Antics & Workplace Camaraderie

Timestamps: 27:25–35:37

• Billy's infamous reversible quarter zip and digital business card mishaps (including a failed scan and double-back effort).
• Matt and Drew's observation of Billy’s day:
  • Billy missed networking with ESPN execs because he was glued to the Kentucky basketball game on his phone, shouting encouragement and letting out a "Bang!"
  • Tom Hart repeatedly referenced Billy on-air, including the quarter zip, business card, and more.

    "After adult, are you serious? He brought up lather, which I can't believe he said on national television. That was in honor of Ryan falling for stuff on Facebook." (32:36, Matt Jones)

• Reflection on gratitude and appreciating opportunities, as Matt encourages everyone to "enjoy your blessings."

  "If you get to the point in anything in life that something cool and you're like, I don't care anymore, then you shouldn't be doing it." (34:27, Matt Jones)

7. Lighter Side: Crushes, Starstruck Moments, and Vibes

Timestamps: 40:41–44:06

• Mario’s not-so-secret crush on sports media personality Kay Adams, and how starstruck he was seeing her up close.
• The plan for Mario to finally meet Kay Adams, with the crew offering to facilitate (with possible help from DeMarcus Cousins).
• The crew’s ongoing competition to keep up with Mario’s style.

Notable Quotes

• “It's amazing what lighting can do. I felt handsome for the first time in my life.” (05:43, Matt Jones)
• “He remembered the whole thing and did it right there with Drew chipping in throughout. I don't know what's more impressive, that he remembered it or that you remembered it.” (11:01, Matt Jones)
• “He had a Kentucky hat in his Bills hat, which shows he loves Kentucky. Who does that, right?” (10:08, Matt Jones)
• “That was my biggest takeaway, was how nice all those people were...” (08:52, Matt Jones)
• “Tony Dungy came and pulled on Drew's... shirt like a little child meeting his hero.” (18:19, Matt Jones)
• “He wants me to hold up a fake super bowl trophy and go, 'Thanks, ICE.'” (22:20, Matt Jones)
• “If you get to the point in anything in life that something cool and you're like, I don't care anymore, then you shouldn't be doing it.” (34:27, Matt Jones)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Radio Row scene/set-up: 03:02–07:35
• Favorite guests & Stevie Johnson moment: 07:36–11:17
• Bryce Young & athlete kindness: 08:52–09:41
• ICE and fake trophies: 15:31–24:32
• Tony Dungy encounter: 17:17–19:23
• Reversible quarter zip debacle: 27:25–29:47
• Billy gets roasted by Tom Hart: 32:14–33:11
• Derrick Henry restroom encounter: 37:29–40:41
• Mario’s crush on Kay Adams: 40:41–44:06

Overall Tone

The episode is vibrant, irreverent, and fun, with the crew often poking fun at themselves and finding joy in the surreal mash-up of big-league sports media and Kentucky pride. There’s a feeling of gratitude, humor, and awe at being in the thick of things during the Super Bowl’s media circus.

For New Listeners

If you’ve never listened to KSR before, this episode offers a perfect introduction: a winning blend of playful friendship, unscripted sports storytelling, and Kentucky-centric loyalty, all served up with a hearty dose of humility and laughter.

Skip to:

• 03:02 for Radio Row stories
• 07:36 for their favorite superstar moments
• 15:31 for the surreal ICE encounter
• 32:14 for Billy’s unexpected TV fame
• 37:29 for bathroom etiquette with NFL stars
• 40:41 for the crew’s lighter, more personal moments