New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: Episode 122 Summary – Will Ferrell on Buddy the Elf, Iconic SNL Auditions & Ron Burgundy's Dating Advice

In Episode 122 of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, released on January 10, 2025, hosts Jason and Travis Kelce welcome the beloved comedian and actor Will Ferrell for an unforgettable conversation. Produced by Wondery, this episode delves into Will’s legendary career, his whimsical stunts as Buddy the Elf, his iconic days on Saturday Night Live (SNL), and offers hilarious relationship advice through his famous characters like Ron Burgundy.

Buddy the Elf and Hilarious Public Stunts

The episode kicks off with Will sharing his playful alter ego, Buddy the Elf. He recounts a memorable experience attending an LA Kings hockey game in full elf costume:

• [04:04] Will Ferrell: “I just like, like, sit there for a period and see how people react. And that was it. So reaction was insane. Like, what is he doing? Is he promoting something?”

Will describes how his unexpected appearance caused confusion and amusement among fans, highlighting his knack for blending humor with everyday events. His close friendship with Shaquille O’Neal adds another layer of fun to these stories:

• [08:25] Will Ferrell: “He gave me the idea. He goes, yeah, just come over. And then that. I escorted him out.”

A Glimpse into Will Ferrell’s SNL Journey

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Will’s time on SNL, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his experiences:

• [10:12] Will Ferrell: “You just have to commit, sketch-wise, to whatever the premise is. Yeah. And just go for it. And if you lock in that way, all the apprehension will just melt away.”

Will reflects on his seven-year tenure on the show, discussing his favorite sketches and the challenges of live television. He emphasizes the importance of commitment and authenticity in comedy, providing valuable insights for aspiring entertainers.

Comedy Advice: Commitment and Authenticity

Will shares his philosophy on performing live and crafting comedy:

• [29:26] Will Ferrell: “You’ve got to commit, sketch-wise, to whatever the premise is. Yeah. And just go for it.”

He advises budding comedians to fully embrace their material and deliver with unwavering confidence. This approach not only builds trust with the audience but also enhances the comedic impact of their performances.

Blending Sports and Entertainment

Throughout the episode, Jason and Travis seamlessly integrate their athletic backgrounds with the world of entertainment. Will's ownership stakes in sports teams and his active participation in various sporting events create a dynamic interplay between sports and comedy:

• [44:16] Will Ferrell: “I have tickets to Lakers every now and then, the Kings, USC football. And somehow in the year that they won the World Series, I went to 0 Dodger games.”

This intersection showcases how passion and teamwork are universal, whether in sports or on a comedy stage.

Audience Interaction: Relationship Advice from Iconic Characters

A standout segment features Will channeling his famous characters to provide relationship advice, adding a humorous twist to common dilemmas:

• [46:47] Will Ferrell (as Ricky Bobby): “You just gotta get yourself into position to look for the checkered flag. Because, I mean, there's only one thing you need to worry about. Because, I mean, if you ain't first, you're last.”

• [48:25] Will Ferrell (as Ron Burgundy): “Of course you take the best friend because you teach that young lady a lesson. You're not going to be some horse's ass.”

These character-driven responses not only entertain but also offer a unique perspective on navigating relationships, blending humor with relatable scenarios.

Lightning Round: Quick-Fire Fun with Will Ferrell

The episode features a lightning round where Will answers rapid-fire questions, revealing amusing anecdotes and personal insights:

• [52:51] Will Ferrell: “Definitely a bank teller. I was a bank teller.”

• [54:19] Will Ferrell: “The secret to being a cool dad, I think, constantly, lovingly make fun of them.”

• [62:44] Will Ferrell: “I'm gonna put Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, and the original cast of Saturday Night Live on my comedy Mount Rushmore.”

These quick snippets provide listeners with a deeper understanding of Will’s personality and his journey in the entertainment industry.

Final Thoughts: Teamwork and Resilience

As the conversation winds down, Will reflects on the parallels between team sports and collaborative efforts in entertainment:

• [69:24] Jason Kelce: “And I think that's similar in terms of, like, getting out there and you worked all off-season. We've put in all these new plays. Let's go out there and see what it looks like.”

• [69:43] Will Ferrell: “It's a team of people. It's a crew of people. I love Saturday Night Live because of the ensemble, because it was like, we all pull for each other.”

These reflections underscore the importance of teamwork, resilience, and mutual support in achieving success, whether on the field or in the studio.

Conclusion

Episode 122 of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce masterfully blends sports, comedy, and personal storytelling. Will Ferrell’s engaging anecdotes, combined with insightful discussions on comedy and teamwork, make this episode a must-listen for fans of both athletics and entertainment. From his playful Buddy the Elf stunts to his invaluable advice for aspiring comedians, Will offers a multifaceted perspective that resonates with listeners across various interests.

This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and humorous moments from the episode, including notable quotes with timestamps for added depth and authenticity.