Podcast Summary: KSR Hour 2 – May 23, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: KSR
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
• Description: Matt Jones and the KSR crew bring you the latest in UK news and views Mon.-Fri. from 10 to noon.
• Episode: 5-23-25 KSR Hour 2
• Release Date: May 23, 2025

1. Introduction to Hour Two

[02:16] Matt Jones:
"Welcome to hour two of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones."

As the show transitions into its second hour, Matt Jones sets the stage for an engaging discussion centered around the ongoing Mountain Laurel Festival and various local sports topics.

2. Mountain Laurel Festival Highlights

[02:22] Ryan Lemond:
"Welcome back. Hour number two Kentucky Sports Radio here the Mountain Laurel Festival. Remember the Queen's Coronation tomorrow at Laurel Cove and they also have a parade. You know who the grand marshal the parade is? Ryan?"

Ryan Lemond kicks off the segment by discussing the festivities of the Mountain Laurel Festival, including the upcoming Queen's Coronation and the parade featuring Miss Kentucky, Chapel Tinnius.

[02:52] Shannon The Dude:
"Yeah. Big honor being the grand marshal with all the people we saw in that book that have done it before."

Shannon expresses excitement about serving as the grand marshal, highlighting the honor and tradition associated with the role.

[03:07] Matt Jones:
"I said on the pre show, I'm more of a 94th type of guy when it comes to these things. You know, I want to make sure it's good and established. We've had 93 to make sure this is good."

Matt shares his appreciation for the established nature of the festival, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its quality over the years.

3. Spotlight on Kentucky's Historic Golf Courses

[03:17] Ryan Lemond:
"We have the longest running continuous golf course in Middlesboro in America. You remember that, right?"

Ryan shifts the conversation to Kentucky's rich golfing history, particularly spotlighting the Middlesboro Country Club, which boasts being the oldest continuously running golf course in the United States since its opening in 1887.

[13:01] Shannon The Dude:
"I wouldn't be very good at this."

When asked about favorite public golf courses, Shannon defers, highlighting the challenge of choosing among Kentucky's esteemed courses.

[14:13] Ryan Lemond:
"One person writes, Matt, how did Paul Fine Bomb get famous? I don't know anybody who knows last on television when somebody's."

The discussion further delves into beloved public courses like Dale Hollow and Park Mammoth, with listeners endorsing these venues for their quality and enjoyment.

4. Kentucky Basketball and SEC Athletics

[04:25] Ryan Lemond:
"Now we were. Shannon, thank you very much. We were the least athletic team. People didn't like when I said that last year during the season, but it was true. We were the least athletic team in the SEC."

Ryan critically assesses the previous year's performance of Kentucky's basketball team within the SEC, acknowledging a lack of athleticism compared to competitors like Alabama and Auburn.

[04:58] Shannon The Dude:
"Definitely. They had a great non-conference and then you get to the SEC and Georgia was one of those first games."

Shannon agrees, noting the physical playing style of SEC teams as a wake-up call that necessitated a shift towards recruiting more athletic players.

[05:52] Matt Jones:
"Yeah. And I also like getting, you know, a couple of players already within the SEC in the transfer portal on the roster as well."

Matt highlights positive changes, such as acquiring athletic players from within the SEC, which he believes will strengthen the team's competitiveness.

[22:03] Shannon The Dude:
"Yeah, I mean, we play them a lot in the Champions Classic, but to have that Duke brand in Rupert, that would make it pretty special no matter how they look."

The hosts discuss potential high-profile games for the upcoming season, emphasizing the excitement around matchups with prominent teams like Duke and the strategic advantages of expanded playoff formats.

5. Listener Interactions and Community Stories

[09:20] Caller Jason:
"Matt, love the show. Been listening all in since my daughter was a freshman in the UK, But I was an escort in the Mountain Laurel Festival for Eastern Kentucky University back in 94."

Listeners share personal anecdotes related to the festival and local experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared history among the show's audience.

[32:24] Shannon The Dude:
"We're not complaining."

Engaging with callers, the hosts discuss various community issues, such as parade safety and the tradition of candy throwing, balancing light-hearted banter with thoughtful commentary on local policies.

6. Memorial Day Tributes and Reflections

[35:28] Ryan Lemond:
"Well, here's Sunny. Yes, Sonny was talking about the Colonel. So I appreciate. Appreciate the call. Yeah. Look at you."

As Memorial Day approaches, Ryan shares a personal tribute, reflecting on the significance of the holiday and honoring veterans.

[36:34] Stockton Mortgage Representative:
"Probably everybody sitting here, all of us know somebody that was affected by the war, maybe passed away in the war."

The team collectively acknowledges the sacrifices of service members, encouraging listeners to take a moment to honor those who have served.

7. Upcoming Events and Promotions

[44:36] Stockton Mortgage Representative:
"Rib jam burger sandwich and the bacon jam cheeseburger is awesome."

Promotions for local businesses and upcoming events, such as new menu items at KS Bar and the KSR golf scramble, are highlighted to keep listeners informed and engaged with the community.

[44:40] Ryan Lemond:
"Thank you all very much. Come down here. Enjoy the ceremony. This has been Kentucky Sports Radio. We'll be back Tuesday after Memorial Day."

As the show concludes, hosts invite listeners to participate in local events and thank them for their support, ensuring a warm and connected ending to the episode.

8. Notable Quotes

• Ryan Lemond on Team Athleticism:
  *"[05:25] Ryan Lemond: 'We went from under Cal. We're usually the most athletic to we were the least. I mean we're still good. But it was clear, especially when we played Alabama, Auburn that we just were a notch below them athletically.'"

• Shannon The Dude on SEC Physicality:
  *"[05:13] Shannon The Dude: 'I think that many the others were a wake up call. That's why when the portal opened he was quick to get guys that bring a lot of toughness.'"

• Matt Jones on Team Improvement:
  *"[22:15] Matt Jones: 'Yeah, we got it, though. I, I agree with you in that interview that you had with Pope. We got to get Pope to spice up that rivalry a little bit with Pat Kelce.'"

• Ryan Lemond on Memorial Day:
  "[35:54] Ryan Lemond: 'Who’s up next? Stanley. Stanley. Go ahead, Stanley.'

9. Conclusion

The episode of KSR Hour 2 from May 23, 2025, offers a comprehensive look into Kentucky's vibrant community events, particularly the Mountain Laurel Festival, and delves into the intricacies of the local sports scene, focusing on basketball and SEC dynamics. Through engaging discussions, listener interactions, and heartfelt tributes, Matt Jones and the KSR crew deliver an informative and entertaining hour for their audience.

Note: Advertisements for T-Mobile, Idrotherapy, and Stockton Mortgage were present in the transcript but have been omitted from this summary as per the instructions to exclude non-content sections.