Podcast Summary: New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce - EP 137

Episode Title: Sanders’ Drop, Gorilla Fights and Ben Affleck on Accountant 2, Damon’s Abs and Catching with Brady
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Wondery
Guests: Ben Affleck

1. NFL Draft Analysis

Chiefs’ Draft Strategy

Jason and Travis kick off the episode with an in-depth analysis of the Kansas City Chiefs' recent draft choices. They focus on the selection of Josh Simmons, the Chiefs' 32nd overall pick in the first round—a move they consider a significant steal due to Simmons' impressive performance on tape despite his patella tendon injury.

• Travis Kelsey (09:06): "This could be unbelievable value if he comes back from the knee injury."
• Jason Kelsey (10:11): "The defense is very close to being unbelievable... they've needed to revamp a little bit of that."

Eagles’ Draft Picks

Transitioning to the Philadelphia Eagles, the brothers discuss the team’s strategic selections, highlighting the trade-up to acquire Jihad Campbell from Alabama. They commend the Eagles for consistently finding value in their draft picks, especially in positions like linebacker and safety.

• Jason Kelsey (16:05): "The Eagles have done a great job of just picking really good players for value picks."
• Travis Kelsey (16:33): "She is somebody's mother... Donna Kelsey is joining us for a Mother's Day special."

Shadar Sanders' Draft Drop

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Shadar Sanders, a top quarterback prospect who slid to the fifth round despite projections placing him in the first round. Jason and Travis explore the possible reasons behind his draft position, debating whether it was due to character concerns or other factors.

• Travis Kelsey (23:53): "I feel like this is going to be such a fresh start for him."
• Jason Kelsey (28:05): "Teams just do not think the potential of Shadar Sanders panning out at the next level is high enough to warrant an earlier pick."

They delve into the challenges teams face when evaluating quarterback potential, emphasizing the unpredictability of draft outcomes.

Character Concerns and Player Evaluations

The brothers draw parallels between Shadar Sanders’ situation and Jason’s own drafting experiences, particularly addressing character concerns that have historically impacted player selections.

• Travis Kelsey (30:19): "Character concerns fell into the sixth round."
• Jason Kelsey (30:25): "I've heard he's an asshole... loses his temper all the time."

They humorously critique Sanders' draft placement while advocating for giving talented players the opportunity to prove themselves.

2. Special Interview with Ben Affleck

The highlight of this episode is an engaging interview with acclaimed actor, director, and producer Ben Affleck, who discusses his upcoming film "The Accountant 2."

Portraying Characters on the Spectrum

Ben delves into his portrayal of a character on the autism spectrum, sharing insights on the research and personal connections that informed his performance. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and empathy in representing such characters.

• Ben Affleck (39:51): "I really wanted to bring that humanity up."
• Jason Kelsey (39:50): "My wife works with kids on the spectrum... you do so well."

Themes of Brotherhood and Friendship

Affleck explores the recurring themes of brotherhood and friendship in his films, drawing parallels to his own experiences and the dynamics within a football team. He reflects on how these relationships shape personal growth and resilience.

• Ben Affleck (44:56): "That's a theme that's really meaningful to me."
• Jason Kelsey (44:56): "Yes, absolutely."

Insights on Success and Personal Growth

The conversation shifts to the nature of success, resilience, and the importance of continuous self-improvement—both in acting and in sports. Ben relates his experiences in the film industry to the rigorous demands of professional football.

• Ben Affleck (55:59): "There's definitely a flow state with act, with sports..."
• Travis Kelsey (60:42): "Every great player that I know is the right amount of insecure."

Fun Anecdotes and Shared Experiences

The interview takes a light-hearted turn as Ben shares amusing stories from his interactions with football legends like Tom Brady. The camaraderie between the guests adds a personal touch to the discussion.

• Ben Affleck (77:00): "I caught it... he's like, I'm gonna blow this dude."
• Travis Kelsey (81:38): "We hung out with Chandler Parsons and Blake Griffin... Andrew Santino was a stick."

3. Personal Stories and Fun Segments

Golf Tournament Adventures

Jason and Travis recount their experiences at the Justin Timberlake 8am Golf Tournament in Las Vegas, highlighting their interactions with celebrities and fellow athletes. They share humorous moments, including their struggles with putting and enjoying karaoke sessions.

• Jason Kelsey (93:27): "Playing with a bunch of the coolest people on the planet."
• Travis Kelsey (96:17): "They make you feel good about it."

No Dumb Questions Segment

Wrapping up the content, the hosts engage in the "No Dumb Questions" segment, addressing a quirky debate on whether 100 guys could defeat a gorilla in hand-to-hand combat. Their humorous banter underscores the lighthearted nature of the show.

• Jason Kelsey (99:05): "Humans don't fight hand to hand... we use tools."
• Travis Kelsey (99:18): "They're 20 times stronger than us. That's why it's a dumb question."

4. Upcoming Episodes and Announcements

As the episode concludes, Jason and Travis tease upcoming content, including a special Mother’s Day episode featuring Donna Kelsey. They encourage listeners to subscribe and follow their social media for more updates and exclusive content.

• Travis Kelsey (100:43): "Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify today."
• Jason Kelsey (103:04): "Complete honor, man. This was awesome."

Notable Quotes:

• Travis Kelsey (09:06): "This could be unbelievable value if he comes back from the knee injury."
• Jason Kelsey (16:05): "The Eagles have done a great job of just picking really good players for value picks."
• Ben Affleck (39:51): "I really wanted to bring that humanity up."
• Jason Kelsey (28:05): "Teams just do not think the potential of Shadar Sanders panning out at the next level is high enough to warrant an earlier pick."
• Travis Kelsey (60:42): "Every great player that I know is the right amount of insecure."

Conclusion:

Episode 137 of "New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce" offers a compelling blend of professional sports analysis and celebrity insight. Through their candid discussions on the NFL draft and an enlightening interview with Ben Affleck, the Kelce brothers provide listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining look into the intersections of sports, film, and personal growth. The episode is enriched with humor, heartfelt moments, and expert commentary, making it a must-listen for both football enthusiasts and fans of engaging storytelling.