5 Major Reveals from Taylor Swift's 'New Heights' Podcast Appearance

Taylor Swift made a highly anticipated debut on the New Heights podcast hosted by Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce on August 13, 2025. This appearance turned out to be the first podcast cameo of the superstar and her reportedly first interview since 2023.

Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, while speaking with Travis Kelce and his brother on their podcast.

They created a relaxed setting where she shared personal and professional insights, surprising both her boyfriend and fans, and generating excitement for her new music.

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5 Crucial reveals from Taylor Swift's New Heights

podcast appearance

1) The announcement of her new album, The Life of a Showgirl

A still from the podcast (image via youtube/@New Heights)

Taylor Swift officially announced her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, during her appearance on New Heights. The album will have 12 tracks, no bonus songs, and follow her folklore-style storytelling. Sabrina Carpenter is the only featured artist, and the producers are Shellback, Max Martin, and Taylor Swift.

Notably, Jack Antonoff did not work on this album, as Swift mentioned she wanted to create something thematically consistent and cohesive.

The album represents a transformative shift from her previous pop sound. Travis Kelce also described it as much more upbeat and funky pop music.

“It’s a lot more upbeat. It’s a lot more fun, pop. […] It’s a complete 180 from the songs on ‘Tortured Poets’.”

The theme focuses on everything happening behind the curtains of her career. This album marks a significant creative transition for Taylor Swift as an artist.

The tracks in the album are as follows:

• The Fate of Ophelia
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Opalite
• Father Figure
• Eldest Daughter
• Ruin the Friendship
• Actually Romantic
• Wi$h Li$t
• Wood
• Cancelled!
• Honey
• The Life of a Showgirl featuring Sabrina Carpenter

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2) Intense creative process during the Eras tour

In her conversation with Travis, Taylor Swift also revealed the exhilarating but exhausting process of creating the new album while touring. She shared how she would fly to Sweden during her three-day breaks from the Eras Tour.

“I would do like three shows in a row. I’d have three days off. I’d fly to Sweden, go back to the tour, and was working on this. I was physically exhausted at this point in the tour, but was so mentally stimulated and excited to be creating.”

Working with Shellback and Max Martin in Sweden also provided her fresh inspiration. Swift also described the challenge of bringing balance between touring and album creation.

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3) Emotional feeling of ownership victory

A still from the game (Image via youtube/@NFL)

One of the most sentimental moments of the podcast was when Taylor Swift discussed regaining her master recordings. She revealed that her brother and mother stepped in to negotiate the deal with Shamrock Holdings. The call from her mother came some time after the Super Bowl in Kansas City.

“A couple months after the Super Bowl in Kansas City, I get a call from my mom. She’s like, ‘You got your music.’ I very dramatically hit the floor for real. Bawling my eyes out, weeping, like ‘Really!?’ I said to myself ‘Go tell Travis in a normal way,’ he was playing video games, and he put his headset down. I was like ‘I got my music back!’ And I was heaving crying. This changed my life.”

Swift described collapsing to the floor when she learned she was getting her music back. After composing herself, she found Travis Kelce playing video games and emotionally shared the news, calling it a life-changing moment that ended her long fight for control over her work.

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4) Behind-the-scenes album details

A still from the podcast (Image via youtube/@New Heights)

Taylor Swift additionally provided some specific insight into the sound and creation of her upcoming album. The record features a unique vibe from the Tortured album.

“It’s a lot more upbeat. It’s a lot more fun pop. […] It’s a complete 180 from the songs on ‘Tortured Poets’ for sure.”

Taylor Swift focused heavily on ensuring every song perfectly fits the theme. She wanted to avoid the trend of adding bonus tracks or extended versions. Moreover, the storytelling elements remain consistent despite the upbeat music. Working along with Shellback and Max Martine provided her with sonic consistency.

Taylor Swift made a deliberate choice to get these producers to maintain the album's vision. The Swedish recording sessions allowed her more focused creative work.

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5) Personal life and relationship insights

A still from a song (Image via youtube/@Taylor Swift)

Swift discussed her relationship with Travis Kelce, sharing private moments, her growing interest in football, and supporting the Kansas City Chiefs. She talked about enjoying quiet time at home, baking, and adapting to life with a pro athlete. She said the NFL community has warmly welcomed her, showing a more relaxed side of the usually private singer.

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Taylor Swift's New Heights podcast appearance delivered unprecedented insights into her creative process, personal life, and emotional journey. The revelations about her new album and master's victory mark significant milestones in her career evolution.