The "New Heights" podcast, hosted by Super Bowl champions Travis and Jason Kelce, has cemented its status as a global media powerhouse in 2025. What began as a simple project for two football-playing brothers—dubbed the "Big Yeti" (Travis) and "Fat Batman" (Jason)—to discuss the NFL and their lives has exploded into a cultural phenomenon that transcends sports, capturing the attention of millions worldwide, from hardcore football fans to casual listeners drawn in by their infectious chemistry and candid personalities. As of late 2025, the show continues to dominate podcast charts, proving that the Kelce brothers’ blend of high-level sports analysis and down-to-earth humor is a winning formula.
This article dives deep into the latest and most current happenings on the New Heights show, highlighting the biggest recent episodes, the most surprising celebrity guests, and the key reasons why the podcast remains essential listening for anyone tracking the intersection of sports, pop culture, and media. We’ll explore the recent, fresh content that keeps the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the former Philadelphia Eagles center at the top of the podcasting world.
Travis Kelce: Biography, Profile, and The "Big Yeti" Persona
Travis Michael Kelce, born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio, has established one of the most decorated careers for a tight end in NFL history. His profile extends far beyond the gridiron, making him a central figure in American popular culture.
- Full Name: Travis Michael Kelce
- Nickname: Big Yeti (on the podcast), Swelce (a portmanteau with Taylor Swift)
- Date of Birth: October 5, 1989 (Age 36 in late 2025)
- Hometown: Westlake, Ohio
- College: University of Cincinnati
- NFL Draft: 2013, 3rd Round (63rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs
- Current Team: Kansas City Chiefs (Tight End)
- Career Highlights: Multiple Super Bowl championships with the Chiefs, numerous Pro Bowl selections, multiple First-team All-Pro selections, and holds the NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons by a tight end.
- Brother/Co-host: Jason Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles Center)
- Podcast: New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment and distributed by Wondery.
Kelce’s on-field success is legendary, but his off-field charisma, coupled with his high-profile relationship, has amplified his media footprint. The podcast, co-hosted with his older brother Jason Kelce, is the primary vehicle for his "Big Yeti" persona—a blend of goofy charm, brutal honesty, and genuine passion for life and football.
The 7 Biggest Reasons 'New Heights' Dominates the Podcast Charts in 2025
The success of the New Heights podcast is not accidental. It’s a carefully crafted, yet seemingly effortless, blend of unique access, celebrity power, and authentic brotherly rivalry. The following points highlight why the show continues to be Spotify’s number one sports show for 2025 and a consistent top-ranked podcast across all genres in Q2 2025.
1. Unfiltered, Insider NFL Access and Analysis
Unlike traditional sports commentary, New Heights offers true "next-level in-season access" from two players who are actively in the league (or just recently retired, in Jason’s case). In the December 2025 episodes, for instance, the brothers offered candid, fresh perspectives on the season's ongoing "Chiefs and Eagles Frustrations," giving listeners a genuine look behind the curtain of a struggling team's locker room and the mental toll of the NFL season.
2. The "Kelce Hygiene" and Personal Banter
The show's massive appeal lies in its willingness to pivot from high-stakes football to utterly mundane and hilarious personal topics. The December 10, 2025, episode, for example, featured a segment on "Kelce Hygiene," where the brothers debated their personal care routines and habits. This kind of lighthearted, relatable banter—discussing everything from "PB&Js to UFOs"—is what transforms the show from a sports podcast into a genuine lifestyle and comedy hit.
3. High-Profile Celebrity and Media Guests
The podcast’s rising cultural status has allowed it to attract A-list non-sports guests, significantly broadening its audience. Recent high-profile guests have included late-night host Jimmy Fallon, as well as renowned sports broadcasters Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson, demonstrating the show's pull across different media landscapes.
4. The Taylor Swift Effect and Pop Culture Crossovers
While the hosts rarely dwell on their personal lives, Travis Kelce's relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift has been an undeniable catalyst for massive audience growth. Mentions of her music, attending her concerts, or even gushing over her use of "big words" on the show have caused listenership to skyrocket, bringing in a massive demographic that might never have listened to an NFL podcast otherwise.
5. The Spotify Wrapped 2025 Deep Dive
A perfect example of the show's timely and engaging content was the December 2025 episode where the Kelce brothers opened up about their personal Spotify Wrapped lists for 2025. This segment provided a fun, relatable glimpse into their off-field lives and musical tastes, generating significant media buzz and social media engagement right as the year concluded.
6. The Brotherly Dynamic and Authentic Chemistry
The core of the show is the authentic, often-combative, yet deeply loving relationship between the two brothers. Jason Kelce’s thoughtful, philosophical "Fat Batman" contrasts perfectly with Travis’s boisterous, freewheeling "Big Yeti." Their disagreements, inside jokes, and genuine respect for each other create a consistently engaging and emotionally resonant listening experience that feels more like eavesdropping on a family conversation than a scripted show.
7. Seamless Integration of Fan Engagement
The New Heights show excels at making the audience feel like a part of the conversation. They frequently read out fan mail, address listener questions, and incorporate fan-given nicknames, such as "Big Yeti" and "Fat Batman," into their daily lexicon. This direct feedback loop fosters a fiercely loyal community, turning casual listeners into dedicated members of the "92%ers" (a reference to their jersey numbers).
The Future of the Kelce Media Empire
The success of the New Heights podcast has paved the way for a broader Kelce media empire. The show itself is a masterclass in modern sports media, blending traditional analysis with viral, shareable moments. The production quality, facilitated by their partnership with Wondery and Wave Sports + Entertainment, is top-tier, ensuring a polished product whether you listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch the full episodes on YouTube.
As Travis Kelce continues his record-setting career with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jason Kelce transitions into new media opportunities post-retirement, their collective topical authority is only growing. The podcast is no longer just a side project; it is a major media entity that dictates headlines and sets trends. The ability of the Kelce brothers to attract massive audiences—from discussing the intricacies of a tight end's route running to debating the merits of Philip Rivers' potential return to the NFL—proves their unique power to bridge the gap between niche sports content and mainstream entertainment.
The show's ongoing evolution, its willingness to tackle sensitive or silly topics, and the hosts' unwavering authenticity ensure that New Heights will remain at the pinnacle of podcasting for the foreseeable future. By consistently delivering fresh, high-quality content that answers the curiosity of millions, Travis and Jason Kelce have redefined what a sports podcast can be.
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