In the ever-evolving world of podcasting, where countless voices vie for attention, one dynamic duo has emerged as a dominant force: Travis and Jason Kelce.

Known as the Kelce Brothers, they have not only secured their place in NFL history but have also taken the podcasting world by storm with their show, New Heights. Recently, Spotify revealed that New Heights has become the top sports podcast globally, as well as the top sports and American football podcast in the United States.

This incredible achievement is no accident. It reflects the Kelce Brothers’ undeniable charm, engaging content, and the strong connection they have with their audience.

Their meteoric rise was foreshadowed by a prediction made by sports media commentator Jimmy Traina. A year ago, Traina named New Heights as the podcast of the year for 2022 in an SI.com year-in-review article, a bold statement for a show still in its early stages at the time.

The podcast’s popularity surged when the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Travis Kelce, faced the Philadelphia Eagles, where Jason Kelce plays, in the Super Bowl. The subsequent 2023 NFL season, along with Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, catapulted New Heights into global prominence. While Spotify has not released specific monthly data, Traina speculates that the podcast’s global dominance is largely driven by the curiosity of Swift’s passionate fan base, known as “Swifties,” who have expanded the podcast’s reach.

Travis Kelce himself acknowledged the impact of his relationship with Swift, noting that her influence extends well beyond the music industry and into every facet of popular culture. He expressed gratitude for the support from Swift’s fan base, which has brought a new and exciting dynamic to the podcast, contributing significantly to its global success.

As the Kelce Brothers celebrate their podcasting triumph, the landscape of football ratings has also seen notable shifts. The recent holiday weekend featured historic viewership for the Michigan-Ohio State game and an overtime thriller between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the first-ever Black Friday NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets saw a dip in viewership, underscoring the ebb and flow of audience engagement in the football world.

In other sports media news, ESPN and TNT are set to collaborate on the NBA’s in-season tournament semifinals, creating a crossover event featuring well-known broadcasters like Reggie Miller, Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Doc Rivers, Kevin Harlan, and Candace Parker. This collaboration highlights the interconnected nature of sports media and the growing appeal of crossover events.

Meanwhile, in college football, the “Bad Beats” segment remains a fan favorite, offering a look at the heartbreaks and near misses that define the sport. As the college football season winds down, fans prepare to bid farewell to another emotional roller coaster of a year.

On a different note, Howard Stern recently posed an intriguing question to Eagles superfan Bradley Cooper: Would he prefer an Eagles Super Bowl victory or a Best Actor Academy Award for his upcoming movie? This dilemma captures the essence of every sports enthusiast’s dreams beyond the field.

Looking ahead, the anticipation builds for the next episode of SI Media with Jimmy Traina, where veteran sports broadcaster Mike Tirico will share his insights. This promises to be another engaging installment of Traina’s show, adding further depth to the world of sports media.

In an exclusive segment of New Heights, Travis and Jason Kelce took a moment to reflect on the impact of Travis’s relationship with Taylor Swift. They discussed how the Swifties have embraced the podcast, contributing to its unprecedented global success. Travis Kelce humorously noted that Taylor’s influence is “incredible,” bringing a new dimension to their conversations and expanding their listenership in ways they never imagined.

The Kelce Brothers’ New Heights podcast is a testament to the power of sports, entertainment, and podcasting, showcasing how a connection with a global celebrity can transform a digital platform into a worldwide sensation.