Jason Kelce delivered an exuberant introduction for Taylor Swift on the ‘New Heights’ podcast, prompting Swift to humorously remark that ‘his soul has left his body’ from the effort. The August 13 episode featured Swift’s first appearance on the Kelce brothers’ show, highlighting the intersection of sports and pop culture.
**Who**: The key figures are Jason Kelce (retired NFL center and podcast co-host), Taylor Swift (global music icon), and Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Swift’s partner). Jason’s animated hosting contrasted with Travis’ more subdued presence during the episode.
**What**: The viral moment occurred during a preview clip where Jason passionately introduced Swift, listing her accolades while correcting her hometown inaccuracies (‘That’s bull**t, she is from Reading, Pennsylvania!’). His energetic delivery culminated in physical exhaustion, with Swift joking about his ‘soul leaving his body’ and Jason quipping about cramping.
**When**: The episode premiered on August 13, 2025, at 7 PM EST. Filming occurred recently, though the exact recording date wasn’t disclosed. The CNN article analyzing the moment was published earlier the same day.
**Where**: The interaction took place on the ‘New Heights’ podcast, streamed live on YouTube with simultaneous coverage on CNN.com. The podcast is famously recorded in the Kelce brothers’ hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
**Why**: Swift appeared as the ‘most requested guest’ in the podcast’s history, capitalizing on public fascination with her relationship with Travis Kelce. Jason’s over-the-top introduction reflected both genuine fandom and the show’s signature humor, intentionally amplifying the episode’s entertainment value.
**How**: Jason meticulously prepared Swift’s introduction, shouting her Grammy achievements and NFL-linked statistics (noting her ’19 wins, 2 AFC titles and a Super Bowl’ since dating Travis). His performance blurred lines between sincerity and comedy, with Swift playfully acknowledging his ’47 seconds’ of screaming. The segment showcased Jason’s transition from athlete to entertainer.
**Impact**: The moment instantly went viral across social media, with clips highlighting Jason’s physical commitment. It reinforces the cultural resonance of the Kelce-Swift nexus, demonstrating how sports personalities increasingly influence entertainment spheres. Media analysts note it may set new benchmarks for celebrity podcast appearances.
**What’s Next**: Full episode analytics will gauge audience reach, while industry observers anticipate more high-profile guests on ‘New Heights.’ Jason Kelce’s comedic timing suggests potential entertainment ventures beyond sports commentary. Swift’s team may leverage the exposure ahead of her upcoming album release.