Podcast Summary: Interrupted by Matt Jones – Episode 17 with Mina Kimes

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Hosts:

• Matt Jones – Kentucky Sports Radio Host, iHeartPodcasts
• Guest: Mina Kimes – ESPN Analyst and Host of NFL Live

1. Introduction and Welcome

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones introducing Mina Kimes, an esteemed ESPN analyst known for her work on NFL Live. The camaraderie between Matt and Mina is evident as they reminisce about their first conversation during the COVID-19 pandemic and express mutual admiration for each other's work.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Jones [01:44]: "Mina is nice to have you on."

2. Mina Kimes’ Role at ESPN and NFL Live

Mina elaborates on her tenure at ESPN, highlighting the longevity and stability of NFL Live, which has remained consistent for five to six years—a rarity in the dynamic sports media industry. She emphasizes the strong relationships within the team, including colleagues like Dan Orlovsky, Laura Rutledge, and Marcus Spears.

Notable Quote:

• Mina Kimes [02:41]: "We are very lucky that NFL Live, which is my main show, ESPN, has stayed together now for five, six years, which is pretty rare in our industry."

3. Experiences at the ESPN Campus in Bristol, Connecticut

The discussion shifts to life on the ESPN campus in Bristol. Mina shares a memorable anecdote from her first day at ESPN, where she got lost on campus and was unexpectedly approached by former NFL player Jerome Bettis, creating a surreal experience reminiscent of a SportsCenter commercial.

Notable Quote:

• Mina Kimes [05:12]: "I couldn't figure out where I was... And then I felt someone tap me on the back and say, excuse me, miss, you look lost. And it was Jerome Bettis."

4. Evolution of ESPN’s Sports Shows and Culture

Matt and Mina delve into the evolving culture at ESPN, noting the shift towards more personality-driven content. Mina points out that despite these changes, NFL Live retains a "nerdy" approach, focusing on in-depth analysis without talking down to viewers.

Notable Quote:

• Mina Kimes [08:49]: "We really respect our viewers and don't talk down to them."

5. Sophistication of NFL Fans and Content Depth

The conversation highlights the intellectual engagement of NFL fans, who are well-versed in complex aspects of the game like restructuring and advanced statistics. Mina argues that this sophistication necessitates a higher level of discourse in NFL-related content compared to other sports.

Notable Quote:

• Mina Kimes [09:42]: "NFL fans are scary smart now."

6. Analysis of Key NFL Teams and Players

Mina provides her insights on several NFL teams, with a particular focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and the Chicago Bears. She discusses player performances, team strategies, and potential improvements for the upcoming season.

Key Points:

• Kansas City Chiefs: Despite a worse record, Mina believes the Chiefs are a stronger team due to their point differential and coaching under Andy Reid.

  Quote:

  • Mina Kimes [11:37]: "They need another answer versus Travis Kelsey... I'm actually very optimistic about the Chiefs."

• Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen: Mina commends both quarterbacks for their impact on the league and their ability to elevate their teams.

  Quote:

  • Mina Kimes [24:00]: "Josh Allen’s going to bulldoze you. Lamar Jackson's just the most... unbelievable."

• Chicago Bears: She expresses cautious optimism about the Bears' offensive line improvements and anticipates significant advancements primarily from their defense under new coordinator Dennis Allen.

  Quote:

  • Mina Kimes [28:35]: "The defense is going to show some significant improvement this year."

7. Mina Kimes’ Television Podcast: Viewer Discretion

Mina introduces her television podcast, "Viewer Discretion," where she and her co-hosts discuss various TV shows. She mentions upcoming episodes covering reality shows like "Perfect Match" and the new "Alien" series, as well as her excitement for "Chief of War."

Notable Quote:

• Mina Kimes [43:36]: "We're doing the season of Perfect Match next week... and then I'm gonna talk about Chief of War."

8. Favorite TV Shows and Recommendations

The duo shares their favorite TV dramas and comedies, offering Mina’s top picks which include "The Leftovers," "Halt and Catch Fire," "Patriot," and "Veep." Mina praises "Veep" for its sharp humor and character development.

Notable Quotes:

• Mina Kimes [44:29]: "I love the show 'Halt and Catch Fire.' It gets better as it goes on."
• Mina Kimes [48:10]: "Veep is one of the funniest shows."

9. Handling Misrepresentation and Public Criticism

Mina discusses the challenges of dealing with misrepresentation and public attacks, particularly on social media. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal integrity and not engaging with baseless criticisms, advocating for focusing on meaningful interactions rather than online negativity.

Notable Quote:

• Mina Kimes [49:43]: "It bothers me not to be attacked, but to be misrepresented."

10. Personal Stories and Relationships at ESPN

Matt shares a heartfelt story about his early days at ESPN, detailing how he and Dan Orlovsky bonded over mutual nervousness and supported each other, leading to a lasting friendship. Mina reflects on their shared experiences and the strong foundation of their professional relationship.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Jones [55:06]: "I had never been on ESPN. Dan had never been on radio... we had a blast."
• Mina Kimes [57:00]: "Dan is literally like a brother to me at this point."

11. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Matt and Mina expressing their appreciation for each other's work and looking forward to future collaborations. Mina reiterates her excitement about participating in more conversations during the NFL season and beyond.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Jones [59:32]: "Thanks. Appreciate it."
• Mina Kimes [59:28]: "Gilded Age. You and me, dude."

Conclusion

Episode 17 of "Interrupted by Matt Jones" offers an engaging conversation between Matt Jones and Mina Kimes, delving deep into the intricacies of NFL analysis, the evolving landscape of sports media at ESPN, and personal anecdotes that highlight their professional and personal bonds. Mina Kimes provides thoughtful insights into team dynamics, player performances, and the sophisticated nature of NFL fandom, while also sharing her passion for television and handling public scrutiny with grace.

Total Duration Covered: Approximately 59 minutes