Podcast Summary: New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce – Episode 130: "Record-Breaking Signings, March Madness Mayhem & A Severance Waffle Party with Ben Stiller"
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Host/Author: Wondery
In Episode 130 of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, the podcast delves deep into the latest happenings in the NFL free agency, touches upon the excitement of March Madness, and features an engaging interview with acclaimed actor and director Ben Stiller. This episode is packed with insightful discussions, humorous banter between the Kelce brothers, and exclusive perspectives from their star-studded guest.
1. Celebrating Awards and NFL Free Agency Insights
[05:19] – [18:51]
The episode kicks off with Jason and Travis expressing their gratitude upon winning the iHeartRadio 2025 Best Sports Podcast award. Jason remarks,
“This award is really just a representation of all you people that tune in each week to listen to us 2 idiots talk about nonsense.”
[05:20]
Transitioning to NFL free agency, the brothers dissect the latest signings and contract negotiations. A standout moment occurs when they analyze the Cincinnati Bengals' record-breaking contracts for wide receivers Jamar Chase and T. Higgins. Jason highlights,
“The salary cap keeps going up. There's a never been done in a year or two years after this.”
[13:09]
They also address social media conflicts among players, specifically spotlighting DeMarcus Lawrence's signing with the Seattle Seahawks and the ensuing Twitter tension:
“What is the point of fighting on Twitter, like, just out in the open for everybody to see?”
[11:02] – [12:06]
2. Introducing Ben Stiller
[21:46] – [22:35]
The hosts warmly welcome Ben Stiller, celebrating his illustrious career with accolades such as 12 Teen Choice Awards, 13 MTV Awards, and an Emmy. Ben expresses his enthusiasm for joining the show:
“Great to be with you guys.”
[22:39]
3. In-Depth Interview with Ben Stiller
[22:36] – [80:43]
A. Exploring 'Heavyweight' and 'Tropic Thunder'
Ben delves into his experiences directing "Heavyweight", discussing the film's exploration of personal struggles and growth. He shares anecdotes about improvisation on set:
“It was really fun to do. We had a great time.”
[25:26]
The conversation shifts to "Tropic Thunder", where Ben discusses the creative process behind controversial characters and the importance of clear comedic intentions:
“As long as you're clear, know where the joke is, you can hear criticism and it can be valid.”
[40:07]
Jason muses humorously about his favorite scenes, referencing an improvised line from "Heavyweight":
“It's my favorite scene in the movie. How you doing? How you doing, Little Tony? Bad.”
[01:48] – [02:14]
B. The Making of 'Severance'
Ben provides exclusive insights into his directorial approach for Apple TV’s "Severance", emphasizing collaboration and the meticulous design of the show's unique settings:
“It's a group effort. And I just, I love the process.”
[67:05]
He recounts the challenges of maintaining the show's surreal and abstract tone, ensuring that humor remains at the core despite the serious undertones:
“The fun of the show is that you have people like Milchick and Cobell for sure, and... you're trying to define, like, does this still feel like the show.”
[75:24]
Ben also touches upon fan theories and the impact of the show's structured release on audience engagement:
“You want the audience to enjoy the show. But everybody seems to have a different way into the show.”
[71:27]
C. Connecting Sports and Filmmaking
The conversation seamlessly intertwines sports and filmmaking, with Ben expressing admiration for the athleticism of actors like Aaron Rodgers:
“He's on another level of the intellectual ability for the game.”
[35:38]
Travis draws parallels between on-field strategies and cinematic storytelling, discussing the importance of physicality and mental fortitude in both realms.
4. March Madness Bracket Challenge and Closing Remarks
[80:43] – [88:42]
As March Madness approaches, Jason and Travis introduce their New Heights Bracket Challenge, sponsored by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. They entertain listeners with humorous takes on filling out brackets, leveraging their unique perspectives despite limited knowledge of college basketball:
“If you think Iowa State would beat Lipscomb, I'm going to go.”
[90:21]
Travis shares his strategy, focusing on team height and physicality:
“They have to be willing to do stupid things... big team mentality.”
[91:00]
The segment is sprinkled with lighthearted banter about Reese's products, maintaining the show's signature humor:
“Reese's Pieces. Fast break. You putting that up there? No, no. Take five.”
[86:42]
Notable Quotes and Insights
-
Jason Kelce on Free Agency:
“Don't be misguided, people.”
[16:49] -
Travis Kelce on Physicality in Football:
“You don't get to just walk down the street and Blindside a guy. Right.”
[37:15] -
Ben Stiller on Directing 'Severance':
“I love the process of it. Because, you know, every day I kind of know what I'm going to be doing.”
[47:05] -
Jason Kelce on Enjoying the Game:
“If you guys are genuinely enjoying being out there and having fun, there's an enthusiasm and an energy that permeates and makes everybody usually perform better.”
[44:05]
Conclusion
Episode 130 of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce masterfully blends the high-energy world of NFL free agency with the creative depths of Hollywood through their conversation with Ben Stiller. Listeners are treated to a nuanced exploration of sports contracts, the filmmaking process, and the intricate parallels between athletic performance and cinematic storytelling. The episode concludes with an interactive March Madness challenge, encouraging audience engagement and continuing the podcast's tradition of insightful, entertaining content.
For those who haven't tuned in, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the intersecting worlds of professional sports and entertainment, all while keeping the conversational and humorous essence that Jason & Travis Kelce are known for.