Episode Summary: Jason Sudeikis on Future of Ted Lasso, Scoring on LeBron, Behind the Scenes at SNL50 & More | Ep 129

Date Released: March 14, 2025

Hosts: Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce
Guest: Jason Sudeikis
Podcast: New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Producer: Wondery

1. Episode Overview

In Episode 129 of "New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce," hosts Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce welcome renowned actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis. The episode delves deep into Jason Sudeikis's illustrious career, exploring the genesis and evolution of the beloved character Ted Lasso, his tenure at "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), experiences with Second City in Las Vegas, and his insights into blending sports with comedy. Additionally, the conversation touches on personal anecdotes, charity endeavors, and future projects, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into Sudeikis's multifaceted life.

2. Guest Introduction: Jason Sudeikis [04:07]

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic introduction of Jason Sudeikis, highlighting his achievements:

"He's a four-time Emmy winner, a fifth-grade CYO championship-winning basketball player, known for his nine seasons on SNL, and starring in the Emmy-award-winning show, Ted Lasso."
— Jason Kelce [04:07]

Notable Quote:

"Ted Lasso as a coach is like the perfect temperament."
— Jason Kelce [01:35]

3. The Creation and Inspiration Behind Ted Lasso [07:25]

Jason Sudeikis provides an in-depth look into the origins of Ted Lasso:

"We wrote a pilot script that sat for a few years, but eventually, with the help of Bill Lawrence, we brought it to life. Ted Lasso was inspired by a blend of various mentors and coaches from my life, aiming to create a character that embodies positivity and leadership."
— Jason Sudeikis [09:00]

Key Points:

• Initial Concept: Originated from a 2013 NBC Sports ad campaign for the Premier League, where Sudeikis played an American football coach in a soccer setting.
• Character Development: Inspired by coaches like Mike Ditka and John Wooden, combining their intensity with a softer, more approachable demeanor.
• Evolution: The character was refined over several years before finally resonating with audiences, leading to the creation of the Ted Lasso show.

Notable Quote:

"Ted is the best version of myself that I don't always have access to."
— Jason Sudeikis [14:40]

4. Jason's Tenure at SNL and Relationships with Cast & Crew [07:35]

Jason Sudeikis recounts his transformative years at SNL:

"I spent ten years at SNL, writing and performing. Working alongside legends like Tina Fey, Bill Hader, and Fred Armisen was both challenging and rewarding. The collaborative environment honed my comedic skills and deepened my appreciation for ensemble work."
— Jason Sudeikis [35:09]

Key Points:

• Writing and Performing: Sudeikis wrote for the first two years before fully immersing himself in performing, balancing both roles.
• Collaborative Creativity: Emphasized the importance of the "yes, and" philosophy in improv, fostering a supportive atmosphere.
• Memorable Sketches: Highlighted favorite sketches like "Potato Chip" and the challenges of getting sketches aired.

Notable Quote:

"Improv is like team sports; it's about listening, supporting, and bringing out the best in each other."
— Jason Sudeikis [29:49]

5. Improv and Second City in Las Vegas [25:00]

The conversation shifts to Sudeikis's early improv experiences:

"Joining Second City in Las Vegas was a pivotal moment. The rigorous practice, adapting to a transient audience, and pushing creative boundaries prepared me for future roles. The energy in Vegas was unique, blending sports enthusiasm with comedic flair."
— Jason Sudeikis [25:00]

Key Points:

• Transition from Kansas City: Moved from local comedy sports shows to the national stage with Second City.
• Challenges in Vegas: Navigating a transient audience, limited resources, and the high-stakes environment of Las Vegas entertainment.
• Networking and Growth: Established connections that later influenced his career trajectory, including auditions and collaborations.

Notable Quote:

"Living in Vegas and performing at Second City taught me resilience and the art of spontaneous creativity."
— Jason Sudeikis [27:19]

6. Blending Sports with Comedy [37:48]

Travis and Jason Kelce draw parallels between team sports and ensemble comedy:

"Just like in football, where camaraderie and teamwork are essential, improv relies on the same principles. It's about trusting your teammates and building off each other's energy."
— Travis Kelce [37:48]

Key Points:

• Camaraderie: Both fields thrive on strong relationships and mutual support.
• Team Dynamics: Importance of understanding roles, whether on the field or on stage.
• Leadership Qualities: Drawing inspiration from coaches like Ted Lasso to foster positive environments.

Notable Quote:

"There's a direct correlation between being a good teammate in sports and an effective ensemble member in comedy."
— Jason Sudeikis [37:48]

7. Charity and Community Involvement [62:34]

Jason Sudeikis highlights his commitment to philanthropy:

"Through Thunder Gong and Big Slick, we've been able to raise significant funds for Children's Mercy Hospital and Steps of Faith, helping amputees gain access to prosthetics and support."
— Jason Sudeikis [66:11]

Key Points:

• Big Slick: An annual charity concert supporting Children's Mercy Hospital, featuring performances from notable artists and comedians.
• Thunder Gong: A nonprofit initiative co-founded by Sudeikis and Billy Brimblecombe, focused on providing prosthetics to amputees in need.
• Community Support: Emphasized the overwhelming support from Kansas City and the broader community in these endeavors.

Notable Quote:

"Every $500 donation can help someone walk again. It's about giving back and making a tangible difference."
— Jason Sudeikis [66:19]

8. Personal Anecdotes and Stories [38:24]

The trio shares lighthearted and humorous stories from their personal lives:

"Remember when Jason got his voodoo doll during the game? That backfired spectacularly!"
— Travis Kelce [60:41]

Key Points:

• Childhood Memories: Recounting middle school wrestling matches and the discovery of deodorant.
• SNL Experiences: Memorable moments at SNL, including interacting with legends like Tina Fey and participating in iconic sketches.
• Family Bonding: The brothers' playful banter and shared experiences highlight their close relationship.

Notable Quote:

"It's the truth. That shit's real."
— Jason Sudeikis [21:38]

9. Future Projects and Season Four of Ted Lasso [18:05]

Discussion turns to the future of "Ted Lasso":

"Season four is officially in the works. We're exploring new facets of the story, ensuring that the characters continue to evolve and resonate with audiences."
— Jason Sudeikis [18:10]

Key Points:

• Expansion of Storylines: Delving deeper into character development and introducing new plot elements.
• Balancing Act: Maintaining the show's core positive messaging while introducing fresh challenges.
• Fan Expectations: Acknowledging the strong fanbase and their desire for more content.

Notable Quote:

"Ted Lasso was born out of a genuine desire to showcase the best version of a coach—someone who forgives, motivates, and unites."
— Jason Sudeikis [15:12]

10. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks [79:40]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and guest reflect on their shared journeys and the intersections of their careers:

"It's been a blast having you on, Jason. Your insights bridge the gap between sports and comedy in the most entertaining ways."
— Travis Kelce [79:40]

Key Points:

• Mutual Respect: The Kelce brothers express their admiration for Sudeikis's work and character.
• Continued Collaboration: Hints at future collaborations and ongoing support for each other's endeavors.
• Appreciation for Fans: Acknowledgment of the listeners' support and encouragement to continue engaging with the podcast.

Notable Quote:

"We're reaching new heights together, blending our worlds of sports and entertainment."
— Travis Kelce [62:09]

Conclusion

Episode 129 of "New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce" offers an engaging and comprehensive conversation with Jason Sudeikis, unraveling the layers behind one of television's most endearing characters, Ted Lasso. Through candid discussions, personal stories, and insightful reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Sudeikis's creative process, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and his dedication to philanthropy. The episode masterfully intertwines the worlds of sports and comedy, showcasing the universal themes of teamwork, leadership, and community support.

Highlighted Quotes:

• "Ted Lasso as a coach is like the perfect temperament." — Jason Kelce [01:35]
• "Ted is the best version of myself that I don't always have access to." — Jason Sudeikis [14:40]
• "Improv is like team sports; it's about listening, supporting, and bringing out the best in each other." — Jason Sudeikis [29:49]
• "Every $500 donation can help someone walk again. It's about giving back and making a tangible difference." — Jason Sudeikis [66:19]
• "We're reaching new heights together, blending our worlds of sports and entertainment." — Travis Kelce [62:09]

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content-rich segments of the episode, excluding advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections, as per the provided instructions.