The Kentucky Dude | 11.13.24

Edition 5

Love what you're reading? Share The Kentucky Dude with 10 other Dudes and get a free Kentucky Dude Sticker Bundle, featuring 4 unique designs to show your Bluegrass State pride! Jump to the details or keep scrolling.

Saddle up, Kentucky Dudes! Welcome to this week's roundup of Bluegrass living.

In case you missed last week’s round-up; give it a read. Now, pour yourself something smooth, kick back, and let's dive into another edition packed with bourbon wisdom, sports thrills, and pure Kentucky gold.

Dad Joke of the Week

What’s the difference between Cooper Flagg and a clock?
(click here for the answer or keep scrolling)  

Family First

Why Learning Your Kid's Hobbies Matters

Shhh... between you and me, I recently started playing video games to connect with my son. It’s a reminder that some of the best parenting moments come from stepping out of our comfort zones and into our children's world. Whether it's mastering Madden or learning TikTok dances, the effort to engage in their interests can create lasting memories. Read on for Why Learning your Kid’s Hobbies Matters (1-minute read, KY Dude Original)

Dad Tip: The "Intentional L" Rule - Once you get decent at their hobby, occasionally lose on purpose—but make it close. Kids need to win, but they also need to know you're trying. A 42-35 loss in Madden is way more engaging than a 63-0 blowout. Plus, the trash talk is more fun when they have to work for the win.

Sports Central

Kentucky Wildcats Face Must-Win Games to Keep Bowl Streak Alive

The Kentucky Wildcats are at a pivotal point this season, with their bowl game streak on the line. To secure a ninth consecutive bowl appearance, the Wildcats must clinch a win in their upcoming games.

This streak, dating back to 2016, is an impressive feat, as only 25% of NCAA Division I teams manage to make it to a bowl game for eight or more consecutive seasons.

With everything on the line this weekend, Kentucky fans are eager to see if their team can rise to the occasion and keep the tradition alive.

Go Big Blue Chants filled the arena as the Wildcats Outmuscle Duke.

Kentucky's men's basketball team delivered a gritty comeback last night, defeating Duke 78-72 in a thrilling matchup. Down by 9 points at halftime, the Wildcats showcased physical defense, tenacious rebounding, and clutch shooting to turn the tide in the second half.

Andrew Carr and Otega Oweh spearheaded the effort, making crucial plays that tightened up Kentucky's defense when it mattered most.

Duke struggled to keep up offensively, and Kentucky's poise in the closing moments sealed the victory—a refreshing change for us fans who haven't seen this level of composure in recent seasons.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Rupp Arena crowd erupted, chanting “Go Big Blue,” capturing the electrifying atmosphere of a memorable night. Could this be a sign that the Kentucky we know is back? #BBN

🏈 Football High School

The Kentucky high school football playoffs are heating up as teams across the state battle for a spot in the championship. With the regional finals set to take place this weekend, here are the top games to watch on Nov 15, 2024, from the 6A, 5A, and 4A:

  1. Class 6A: Simon Kenton vs. St. Xavier – This showdown features two of the most formidable teams in 6A, with St. Xavier aiming to continue their dominance and Simon Kenton looking to pull off the upset. Both teams have been strong contenders throughout the season, making this an exciting and high-stakes match.

  2. Class 5A: Collins vs. Highlands – A regional battle that promises to be intense, with both teams having a history of competitive play in the postseason. Collins will look to knock off the established powerhouse Highlands in what could be a thrilling contest for the region.​

  3. Class 4A: Boyd County vs. Covington Catholic – This game features Covington Catholic’s high-powered offense against Boyd County's stout defense, setting up a classic clash of strengths. With both teams capable of explosive plays, this matchup is one that fans won't want to miss​.

KY Highschool Football Playoff bracket - 1A | 2A | 3A | 4A | 5A | 6A

Bourbon & Brews

Beginner’s Guide to Bourbon Tasting

If you’re new to bourbon, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the many options and unique flavors that fill the glass. Whether you're sipping on a classic Kentucky bourbon or exploring new distilleries, tasting bourbon is an art that anyone can enjoy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to taste bourbon like a pro—without any snobbery—so you can fully appreciate the rich history and complexity that comes with every pour. Read on for a Beginner’s Guide on Bourbon Tasting (2-minute read, KY Dude Original)

Beyond the Borders

A Dude's No-BS Guide to Manscaping

Ever wonder why your back hair grows faster than your 401k? Or why trimming your undercarriage feels like defusing a bomb? Let's talk about manscaping—the grooming topic most men avoid until they absolutely have to deal with it.

Whether you're team Teen Wolf or aspiring to dolphin-smooth status, this guide breaks down the hairy truth about body maintenance. From basic trimming tips to advanced grooming strategies (and why your partner really doesn't want to help Nair your back), we're covering it all. No judgment, just real talk about managing your mane. Read on for a Dude’s No-BS Guide to Manscaping (3-minute read, KY Dude Original)

Man on the Move

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. — Confucius

Transformational change doesn't happen overnight. That promotion you're chasing, the relationship you're building, the body you're sculpting—these mountains seem overwhelming when viewed as a whole.

But every day, you have a choice: carry a stone or stand still. What matters isn't the size of today's progress but the consistency of your effort. The mountain will move, not because you found a shortcut, but because you showed up every day ready to work.

Outdoor Life & Fitness

A reader's son harvested this dandy buck in Hardin County, KY on opening day of rifle season

🦌 Hunting in Kentucky: Scent Control in Creek Bottoms

During the November rut, Kentucky bucks love cruising creek bottoms, especially in the mornings when cooling air pulls your scent downhill.

Instead of setting up directly in the bottom, try positioning your stand about 30-40 yards up on the side ridge. This elevation gives you three advantages: your scent blows over the creek bottom where bucks are traveling, you can spot deer movement from both sides of the creek, and most importantly, you're at the perfect height to catch bucks checking for does along these natural corridors.

Remember: in Kentucky's varied terrain, thermals are your friend if you know how to use them.

💪🏼 Fitness in Kentucky: Fasting Can Transform Your Health

Y'all ever notice how our Kentucky roots teach us about timing? Just like knowing when to plant tobacco or when to NOT bet on Derby Day, timing your meals can be just as strategic.

The ancient practice of fasting isn't just about skipping your morning biscuits and gravy—it's about cellular renewal and longevity. Research from USC shows that a 72-hour fast can trigger a complete regeneration of your immune system, giving your body a fresh start faster than a thoroughbred out the gate.

Meanwhile, studies indicate that regular fasting periods help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and potentially extend lifespan by triggering autophagy—your body's natural cleaning process, like a spring cleaning for your cells.

Daily Fasting Options (Kentucky Style):

  • 16/8: Skip breakfast, first meal at lunch (example: 12pm-8pm, plenty of time for family dinner)

  • 18/6: Late lunch to dinner (example: 2pm-8pm, perfect for those long summer evenings)

  • OMAD: One hearty meal a day (think Sunday dinner portions)

Extended Fasting Options:

  • 24-hour reset (supper to supper)

  • 36-hour cleanse (dinner, skip next day, breakfast)

  • 72-hour immune reset (as long as a Derby weekend, but with medical supervision)

Remember: Start slower than a Kentucky drawl, stay hydrated (not just with bourbon), and consult your doctor before attempting extended fasts.

Dad Joke of the Week: Answer

At least a clock knows how to handle the final seconds! ⏱️😂

Refer Another Dude for Free Stuff

Share The Kentucky Dude with 10 other Dudes and get a free Kentucky Dude Sticker Bundle, featuring 4 unique designs to show your Bluegrass State pride!

You currently have 0 referrals, only 5 away from receiving Kentucky Dude Sticker Bundle.

or copy & past your unique referral link:

Let’s Partner

Put your company in front of thousands of passionate Kentucky men, Get In Touch.