Travis Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles star and co-host of the New Heights podcast, recently celebrated a significant milestone for the show. The recognition comes after Taylor Swift appeared on the August 13 episode, announcing her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. The episode has since become the podcast’s most-watched, drawing 13 million views within 24 hours and setting a YouTube record with 1.3 million concurrent livestream viewers. Kelce publicly credited Swift for her contribution to this achievement, calling her “magical.” The milestone marks a new peak in audience engagement for the Kelce brothers’ sports and lifestyle podcast.
Podcast Milestone and Metrics
The New Heights episode featuring Taylor Swift has garnered critical and fan acclaim, being named one of Apple’s Best Podcast Episodes of 2025. This recognition highlights the crossover appeal of the podcast, blending sports, celebrity culture, and lifestyle content. Travis Kelce and his brother Jason co-host the series, which routinely features athletes, entertainers, and cultural icons. Swift’s episode notably drew unprecedented traffic, surpassing previous podcast records in both views and livestream engagement.
Travis Kelce Praises Taylor Swift
During an interview, Travis Kelce expressed his gratitude: “She’s just so magical,” acknowledging Swift’s role in boosting the podcast’s reach. Jason Kelce added humor, saying, “One of them? What is beating that one? Are there other ones up there?” Both brothers emphasized that Swift’s global presence significantly contributed to the episode’s success. The August 13 special also included Swift discussing personal topics such as baking and her relationship, which further engaged the audience.
Audience Engagement and Cultural Influence
The New Heights podcast’s viewership spike demonstrates the growing influence of athlete-led media ventures. By incorporating high-profile guests like Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce’s platform has expanded beyond traditional sports content, reaching pop culture audiences worldwide. This milestone is likely to enhance sponsorship opportunities, attract new listeners, and set benchmarks for future episodes. Analysts note that blending sports and entertainment content has become an effective strategy for athlete-driven media brands.
Podcast Expansion and Future Episodes
Following this milestone, the Kelce brothers plan to continue leveraging high-profile guests to maintain audience growth. Upcoming episodes are expected to feature a mix of athletes and entertainers, while maintaining the show’s sports-centric perspective. Travis Kelce’s engagement with his podcast complements his ongoing professional career, keeping him connected with fans off the field. The team is also exploring new formats and potential livestream expansions to capitalize on the growing listener base.
Sources:
ESPN
247Sports
On3
Billboard
Mandatory.com
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