How many people actually listen to New Heights
There is no single official, continuously disclosed number for how many people watch the New Heights Podcast, because the hosts do not publish real-time or audited listener counts. Audience estimates come from podcast ranking services that extrapolate based on public charts, advertising disclosures, and platform data where available. As a popular, long-running sports talk show anchored by real-life brothers John and James Rathan, the show typically ranks in the upper tier of sports podcasts, with frequent appearances in Spotify charts, Apple charts, and top sports lists. The following explains how these estimates are derived, what they imply for reach, and how the show compares to similar titles.
What counts as a “listener” for New Heights
Downloads versus streams
In podcast measurement, a download is recorded when an episode file is requested from hosting infrastructure, while a stream is counted when a user plays an episode from a platform without a full download. Aggregators often report shows by downloads, but platform-native services (such as Spotify and YouTube) may report streams. Because New Heights exists on multiple channels, totals can vary depending whether one counts only RSS-hosted downloads or also platform play counts.
Public charts and advertising disclosures
Public charts, such as Apple Podcasts charts, Spotify charts, and Podtrac rankings, provide observable signals. Advertisers commonly rely on gross impressions and CPM-based calculations, and some hosts reference these in ad-read disclosures. When hosts mention “X downloads” or “Y listeners,” those figures are typically self-reported, advertiser estimates, or third-party extrapolations rather than audited totals like those used in radio.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Public chart rank | Top 10 in sports on Apple Podcasts and Spotify (noted in multiple public charts) | Platform chart observations |
| Ranking service placement | Appears in Podtrac and similar top podcast lists for sports categories | Third-party chart services |
| Typical audience range (estimate) | Roughly mid-five to low-six figures per episode over time | Industry heuristic based on chart position and comparable shows |
| Platform availability | Distributed via major RSS platforms and available on YouTube | Hosting and public channel data |
Primary drivers of New Heights audience size
The scale of audience for New Heights is shaped by several durable factors rather than short-term news cycles. As a long-running sibling-sports discussion show, it benefits from an established fanbase, frequent appearances by athletes and media personalities, and cross-platform promotion across YouTube, social media, and athlete networks. These characteristics support consistent, above-average listenership within the sports podcast category.
- Long-form sports talk format with recurring personalities and inside jokes
- High-profile guest appearances, including NBA players, coaches, and analysts
- YouTube simulcast that captures audiences who prefer video
- Strong social media presence that drives episode discovery and replays
How estimates are derived and why they vary
Public numbers for New Heights are rarely presented as audited daily figures. Instead, estimates typically come from podcast ranking services that use a blend of public chart data, host and advertiser disclosures, and platform-level insights. Because these methodologies differ, totals can vary significantly. For example, a chart-based model might prioritize Apple and Spotify rankings, while an advertising-based model might emphasize gross impressions reported to sponsors. Listeners should treat specific single-episode counts as directional rather than precise.
Comparisons to similar sports talk podcasts
When placed alongside other top sports podcasts, New Heights frequently appears in the same conversation as shows hosted by former players or high-profile media teams. Its combination of sibling chemistry, athlete access, and long-form discussion places it among the more consistently popular non-news sports shows. Below is a simplified comparison to illustrate typical relative scale, not exact equivalence.
| Podcast | Typical audience estimate | Primary format |
|---|---|---|
| New Heights | Mid-five to low-six figures per episode (estimate) | Sibling sports talk with athletes |
| High Points | Comparable sports/pop culture audience | Sports and culture commentary |
| The Lowe Post | Large sports/media audience | NBA analysis and media discussion |
| The Bill Simmons Podcast | Large sports media audience | Long-form sports and culture |
How to interpret reported numbers
Because New Heights does not publish a consistent, verified listener count, reported figures should be assessed against their context. Consider the source (host read vs. third-party estimate), the timeframe (per episode vs. cumulative), and whether the number refers to downloads, streams, or inferred listeners. For durable, evergreen understanding, focus on chart presence, guest profile, and cross-platform reach rather than a single transient metric.
Bottom line on New Heights audience scale
While a precise, universally agreed-upon number is not publicly available, the New Heights Podcast is widely regarded as a top-tier sports talk show with a substantial, multi-platform audience. Its strong chart performance, high-profile guest roster, and YouTube simulcast support a listener base that is likely in the mid-five to low-six figures per episode over time. For ongoing context, treat specific figures as directional and prioritize consistent visibility indicators such as chart rankings and guest quality.