How I Built This with Guy Raz The Ringer: Bill Simmons
10 snips
Feb 13, 2023 
Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer and former ESPN star, discusses his journey from sports writer to media mogul. He shares the challenges of launching new media projects like '30 for 30' and his transition to entrepreneurship. The conversation also humorously tackles Hall of Fame controversies, reflecting on the complex dynamics of sports and cheating. Simmons highlights the evolution of sports journalism, the rise of podcasting, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling, all while navigating the highs and lows of a competitive industry.
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Early Celtics Connection
- Bill Simmons's dad had Celtics season tickets, starting in the '73-'74 season.
- As a child, Simmons had special access to the court and team, fostering a deep love for the Celtics.
Halberstam's Influence
- David Halberstam's "Breaks of the Game" influenced Simmons's writing style through its in-depth character studies and exploration of the NBA.
- It inspired him to write with similar curiosity and make characters feel relatable.
Discovering Writing
- In a pivotal moment, Simmons's 8th-grade teacher praised his writing and read it to the class.
- This experience sparked Simmons's realization that writing could be his "thing."
