5 Shocking Reasons Why The New Heights Podcast Is Still Dominating In 2025 (Post-Retirement)
Launched in 2022, the podcast, produced by Wondery, quickly captured the attention of "92%ers" (the show's dedicated fanbase) by offering unprecedented, inside access to the lives of two Super Bowl champions. As of late 2025, the show boasts nearly 2.5 million subscribers on YouTube alone, proving that the Kelce brothers’ chemistry is a winning formula both on and off the field.
The Kelce Brothers: Full Biography and Career Highlights
The foundation of the New Heights podcast's success is the unparalleled careers of its hosts. Both brothers attended the University of Cincinnati and have since become two of the most dominant players at their respective positions in NFL history, leading to their unique "Super Bowl champions" perspective.
Jason Kelce (The Retired Center, "Fat Batman")
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles (Retired 2025)
- Position: Center
- NFL Draft: 2011, 6th Round (193rd overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Super Bowl Wins: 1 (Super Bowl LII in 2018, defeating the New England Patriots).
- Career Highlights: Considered one of the greatest centers in NFL history; holds the Eagles' franchise record for consecutive starts. His retirement speech was a major news event in early 2025.
- Nickname: "Fat Batman" (Self-proclaimed).
- Family: Married to Kylie Kelce, who has been a popular guest on the podcast.
Travis Kelce (The Star Tight End, "Big Yeti")
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
- Position: Tight End
- NFL Draft: 2013, 3rd Round (63rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Super Bowl Wins: 3 (Super Bowl LIV in 2020, Super Bowl LVII in 2023, and Super Bowl LVIII in 2024).
- Career Highlights: Record-setting tight end; surpassed Jerry Rice for the most career playoff receptions in NFL history during the 2023 season. A nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-team All-Pro.
- Nickname: "Big Yeti" (Self-proclaimed).
- Pop Culture Note: His high-profile relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift has significantly amplified the podcast's reach across pop culture and global audiences.
The Top 5 Factors Driving New Heights’ Unprecedented Success in 2025
The podcast’s continued dominance is not accidental. It is a result of strategic content, timely news coverage, and the brothers' unique brand of authenticity. The show has successfully navigated the transition from being an "in-season" show to a year-round media powerhouse.
1. Major Industry Awards and Critical Acclaim
The 2025 awards season cemented New Heights as a media giant, not just a successful athlete side-project. In March 2025, the show won the prestigious Best Sports Podcast award at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. This was followed by a win for Best Sports Audio of the Year. The podcast was also nominated for a 2025 Webby Award for Best Video Series, showcasing its strength across both audio and visual platforms.
These accolades prove that the show’s production quality, combined with the hosts' conversational style, resonates deeply with listeners and industry critics alike. The awards also give the podcast significant topical authority in the sports media landscape.
2. The 'Taylor Swift' Effect and Pop Culture Crossover
While the podcast is fundamentally about football, its massive crossover appeal is undeniable. The relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift has drawn millions of new listeners—many of whom have never watched an NFL game—to the show.
The episode featuring a "Swift Debrief" and other timely discussions related to the pop star's presence at Chiefs games became some of the most-watched and most-listened-to episodes of 2025. One such episode landed at #3 on Apple's list of the best podcast episodes of 2025, demonstrating the show's power to drive massive cultural conversation.
3. Jason Kelce's Retirement: A Content Goldmine
Jason Kelce’s retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles in early 2025 was a pivotal moment for the podcast. Instead of slowing down, the show gained a new, compelling narrative. Jason’s post-career transition provides fresh, relatable content on life after the NFL.
His new role allows him to speak more freely about the league, offer unfiltered analysis, and dedicate more time to the show's production. This shift has transformed the podcast's dynamic from two active players to one active player and one highly respected, recently retired veteran, providing a broader, more insightful perspective on NFL news and headlines.
4. Authentic, Unfiltered Brotherly Banter
At its core, New Heights is a show about two brothers who endlessly rag on each other, a universal experience that listeners connect with. Their playful arguments over everything from football strategy to mundane topics like PB&Js, UFOs, and whether *Home Alone* is a "Top 5 Christmas Movie" are key to the show’s charm.
The show's segments, such as "No Dumb Questions" and their weekly game breakdowns, are delivered with a level of honesty and humor that's rare in professional sports media. This authenticity is what keeps the "92%ers" returning week after week, making the show feel more like a casual conversation than a highly produced media product.
5. The Power of High-Profile Guest Appearances
Beyond the Kelce family (including frequent appearances by Kylie Kelce), the podcast leverages the brothers’ network to secure A-list guests who bring massive viewership. Recent guests have included other NFL legends and major celebrities.
For example, the episode featuring actor Jason Sudeikis (of Ted Lasso fame) discussing topics like scoring on LeBron James and behind-the-scenes stories, demonstrates the show's ability to attract guests from outside the sports world, further expanding its pop culture footprint and topical reach. This blend of sports and celebrity ensures the podcast remains a constant fixture in the weekly media cycle.
What’s Next for New Heights?
With Jason Kelce officially retired, the podcast is poised to evolve into an even more versatile media platform. The freedom from the weekly Eagles schedule means Jason can travel more, potentially hosting live shows or on-location segments, such as his recent appearance at a Kansas City tailgate.
The show’s success in 2025 is a testament to the fact that their appeal goes far beyond the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. It is a powerhouse of sports commentary, pop culture analysis, and genuine family dynamic that promises to keep it at the top of the charts for the foreseeable future, continuing to deliver next-level access and hilarious debates to its millions of fans.
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