Summary — New Heights | Ep 157
Travis Cussey & Jason Kelce (Wondery)
Overview
Episode covers Week 4 NFL recaps and reactions, plus locker-room culture, coaching spats, and Jason Kelsey's trip to Ireland. Segments mix game analysis (Chiefs, Eagles, other Week 4 storylines), player- and team-level takes, listener Q&A (“No Dumb Questions”), and off-field anecdotes. Frequent sponsor reads pepper the episode.
Key Points & Main Takeaways
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Chiefs vs. Ravens
- Chiefs (37–20) played an electric, balanced game: passing (Patrick Mahomes), run game, and vertical threat with Xavier Worthy returning.
- Worthy’s speed and playmaking expanded the offense; RPOs and play-action were effective.
- Chiefs defense (Spags) continues to level up; turnovers and pressure were decisive.
- Emotional note: DT Chris Jones played despite attending a family funeral the same day — highlighted as leadership and the game-as-escape theme.
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Eagles (4–0) narrative
- Philadelphia is 4–0 but under heavy external scrutiny because A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley aren’t posting huge box-score numbers.
- A.J. Brown made a public tweet hinting frustration; hosts argue communication between player/coaches/QB is the constructive route, while acknowledging Brown’s right to be upset.
- Team still strong—defense performing well; offense needs tweaks to better utilize top playmakers.
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Week 4 other storylines
- Jaguars beat 49ers (26–12); Jags’ momentum discussed.
- Coach spat: Robert Saleh accused Liam Coen (or his staff) of advanced sign-stealing—hosts skeptical and criticized the signaling practices and the outrage around it.
- Cam Ward (Titans rookie QB) candid press-line quote: “If we’re keeping it a buck, we’re ass.” Hosts liked the raw ownership and candor.
- Cowboys-Packers ended in a tie — hosts dislike ties and floated alternatives (e.g., shorter final tiebreaker, sudden death); discussed Bruce Arians’ unconventional suggestions.
- Jets and other teams: turnover/self-inflicted errors remain a theme (Breece Hall quote highlighted).
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Out of the House: Jason’s Ireland trip
- Jason recounts golf (Ardglass), attending Croke Park NFL game, meeting locals (pub storyteller Eddie), and cultural reflections on storytelling, beer, and community.
- Praises Irish crowd energy — called one of the best international NFL game atmospheres he's seen.
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Light features & listener bits
- No Dumb Question: if you could redesign one part of the human body — suggestions included better smell (dog-level) or arteries that don’t clog.
- “Stamp of the Week” viral college plays, wedding “tush-push” entrance, and other short clips.
- Sponsors and production notes: promotion of past big-guest episodes (Deion Sanders; Leonardo DiCaprio & Benicio Del Toro) and upcoming releases on non-Wednesday dates.
Notable Quotes / Insights
- On player frustration & communication:
- Paraphrase of A.J. Brown’s tweet discussed: “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to—quietly withdraw.” Hosts note Brown’s frustration but emphasize constructive internal communication.
- Cam Ward (Titans rookie QB): “If we’re keeping it a buck, we’re ass.” — praised for ownership.
- Jalen Carter: “I’d rather have a bad game with a dub than six sacks with a loss.” — sparks debate on individual production vs. team winning.
- On football as sanctuary:
- “It’s an escape…sometimes it's just something that you need to get your mind off of the reality of things.” — reflection on why players may play after personal tragedies (in reference to Chris Jones).
Topics Discussed (bullet list)
- Chiefs performance vs. Ravens: Worthy return, Mahomes, run game, defense.
- Chris Jones’ emotional situation and leadership.
- Eagles being 4–0 while managing internal usage/frustration of star players (A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley).
- Sign-stealing allegations / coaching altercations (Saleh vs. Coen).
- Tie game critique (Cowboys–Packers) and proposed overtime ideas.
- Rookie candor (Cam Ward); Jets’ self-inflicted miscues (Breece Hall commentary).
- Jason Kelsey’s Ireland trip: golf, Croke Park NFL game, Irish storytelling, cultural reflections on beer & community.
- Fan etiquette at international games (wearing “wrong” jerseys) — hosts advise owning it.
- Listener Q: redesign the human body (fun, speculative segment).
- Viral clips / “Stamp of the Week” / wedding entrance bits.
Action Items / Recommendations (from hosts’ perspectives)
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Teams & coaches
- Eagles: prioritize clear communication and game-planning to get A.J. Brown & Saquon Barkley more involved; coaches should adapt to utilize top talent.
- Chiefs: build on balanced attack and continue using vertical threats like Worthy to stretch defenses.
- Coaches & players: when frustrated, address concerns internally and constructively—social media puts pressure but in-locker communication is crucial.
- League: consider overtime rule tweaks to reduce ties (hosts propose more decisive tiebreakers).
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For listeners / fans
- If attending international games, wearing a non-local or “wrong” jersey is fine—own it and enjoy the experience.
- Subscribe/follow New Heights on YouTube and socials for bonus clips and off-schedule episodes.
- Recommended past episodes: Deion Sanders; Leonardo DiCaprio & Benicio Del Toro (popular recent drops).
Final Notes
- Episode blends in-depth football analysis with personality-driven anecdotes (travel, culture, humor).
- Hosts emphasize team-first mentality but also defend player competitiveness and the need for communication when usage is inconsistent.
- Jason’s Ireland trip is a standout non-football highlight and provides a cultural lens on sport, storytelling, and beer as communal ritual.
