

The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
Episodes
Mentioned books

69 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 49min
Niners Magic, Schlitt Happens, a Red Sox Postmortem, the Seahawks Ceiling, and Week 5 NFL Picks With Kevin Hench and Joe House
Kevin Hench, a sharp sports commentator and Red Sox analyst, joins to dissect the team's playoff exit, focusing on key defensive errors and managerial decisions. Joe House, a Ringer writer and NFL expert, shares insights on Week 5 betting strategies and MVP odds. They debate the futures of various NFL teams while highlighting intriguing matchups and potential upsets. Plus, early thoughts on NBA betting futures spark discussion about the Celtics and emerging players like Victor Wembanyama.

73 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 46min
A Sox-Yanks Nail-Biter, Intriguing NBA Story Lines, and Five Biggest Fantasy Football Story Lines With Bill’s Dad, Michael Pina, and Craig Horlbeck
Bill’s Dad joins in with his long-time Red Sox fandom to analyze a nail-biting Red Sox-Yankees playoff game. Michael Pina, an NBA analyst, discusses key preseason storylines and intriguing player developments, like potential trades and team outlooks. Craig Horlbeck shares his memorable experience at an NFL game in Ireland and dives into the top fantasy football headlines, from rookie struggles to unexpected standout players. This episode is packed with passionate sports debates and crucial insights for fans!

136 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 50min
A Goofy Cowboys Tie, the Reeling Ravens, a Crazy Sports Weekend, Guess the Lines, Mets Sadness, and Sox-Yanks With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a renowned comedian and sports betting expert, joins to dissect the nail-biting Cowboys-Packers overtime game, debating the merits of new overtime rules. They highlight standout NFL teams and discuss the Ravens' defensive struggles. The conversation swings to unexpected quarterback performances and a deep dive into the Mets' crumbling season before shifting to Ryder Cup excitement and parenting challenges around team loyalties. Lastly, they brainstorm upcoming matchups and line predictions for Week 5.

153 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 56min
The Best College QBs With Todd McShay. Plus, the Irresistible Jags, the Resistible Steelers, and NFL Week 4 Picks With Joe House
Todd McShay, a longtime college football analyst, shares his insights on top college quarterbacks, evaluating prospects like Dante Moore and Arch Manning. He discusses the finer points of players' performances and expectations. Joe House joins to dissect the NFL landscape, offering betting strategies and picks for Week 4, while analyzing key matchups like Chiefs vs. Ravens. They even dive into the Ryder Cup, outlining betting angles and intriguing pairings to consider. It's a must-listen for football fans and bettors!

137 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 59min
A Rockets Gut Punch, Expectations for the Celtics and Pacers, and a Vegas Tourism Slump With Zach Lowe, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan
Zach Lowe, a veteran NBA reporter, dives into the impact of Fred VanVleet's injury on the Rockets' title chances. He discusses potential trade options and Houston's draft assets. Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan bring their expertise to explore the current slump in Las Vegas tourism, analyzing shifts in gambling habits and rising costs. The conversation delves into how these changes might transform the famed city's landscape, as well as conversing about the Celtics' and Pacers' prospects for the upcoming season.

140 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 44min
Are the Chargers for Real? Plus: the Tommy Boy Titans, a New York Swoon, Throwback Pats PTSD, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal.
Cousin Sal, a sharp sports bettor and Ringer contributor, joins to dive into the chaos of Week 3 in the NFL. They analyze the Chargers' potential as Super Bowl contenders and discuss surprising team performances—including the Colts' hot start and the Patriots' troubling collapse. Sal and Bill also guess Week 4 lines and examine the betting landscape for upcoming matchups. Plus, they share family stories in Parent Corner, offering a humorous take on life and parenting amidst the football frenzy.

179 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Kimmel Situation. Plus, "Can the Chiefs Really Go 0-3?" and More Week 3 Gambling Questions With Joe House
Joining Bill Simmons is Joe House, a prominent NFL analyst from The Ringer. They dive into ABC's recent decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air, debating censorship and corporate powers. The duo shifts gears to Week 3 NFL betting, discussing trends, the Chiefs' surprising struggles, and exploiting overreactions in the market. House shares his top betting picks, including the Cowboys and Jaguars, while also predicting the implications of the Clippers' ownership investigation on the NBA landscape.

257 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 47min
Winning QBs and Football Nerds With Mina Kimes, Plus Robert Redford’s Incredible Career With Brian Koppelman
Mina Kimes, ESPN analyst known for her NFL insights, delves into evolving football strategies, including the rise of two tight end offenses and standout quarterback performances. The discussion spans team dynamics, playoff potential, and the challenges of parenting during football season. Brian Koppelman, acclaimed screenwriter behind 'Billions,' pays tribute to Robert Redford, exploring his iconic roles and influence on cinema while reflecting on the legacy of sports films and the impact of streaming changes.

121 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 56min
Cincy Fails Burrow, the Boring Eagles, Guess the Lines, and Crawford’s Brilliance With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a comedy writer and podcast personality, joins the discussion with insights on NFL Week 2 highs and lows. They explore fan disappointment, ranking the most downtrodden teams, particularly the Bengals. Sal shares funny anecdotes about parenting amid the chaos of football season and dives into the buzz surrounding the Crawford vs. Canelo fight, highlighting Crawford's rising star power. The conversation wraps up with light-hearted banter on betting strategies and predictions for the upcoming games.

107 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 48min
The Juggernaut Packers, Realistic Clippers Punishments, and Week 2 NFL Picks With Joe House, Jason Concepcion, and Chris Ryan
Joe House, a savvy sports commentator from The Ringer, joins forces with pop culture aficionado Jason Concepcion and sports analyst Chris Ryan. They dive into the intense NFL matchup between the Commanders and Packers, dissecting key injuries and player performances. The trio also tackles the implications of the Clippers' scandal, discussing realistic punishments for the team. With thrilling predictions for Week 2 of the NFL, they explore betting strategies amidst the excitement of the season, offering a blend of sports analysis and entertainment.