

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

Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 43min
The Pats Grow Up, Nobody Believes in the Jags, the Bears are a Sports Movie, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a comedian and sports betting enthusiast, joins Bill Simmons to dive into the thrilling Week 16 NFL action. They rave about Drake Maye's clutch performance and the Patriots' surprising comeback against the Ravens. The duo debates the AFC landscape, championing Trevor Lawrence's explosive play as the Jaguars thrive. They also dissect the Bears' miraculous late-game heroics and share laughs over their fantasy league mishaps. Plus, they react to the recent Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul fight, blending sports insights with entertaining anecdotes.

136 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 24min
A Seahawks-Rams WTF Classic, an NBA Six-Pack, and Week 16 NFL Picks With Peter Schrager
Peter Schrager, a seasoned sports media analyst from ESPN and The Ringer, dives into the thrilling Seahawks-Rams OT game, unpacking its wild moments and pivotal decisions. He explores the implications of the Rams' stunning loss and the Seahawks' road resilience. The discussion moves to the NBA, with Peter spotlighting the Clippers' woes and previewing the must-watch Christmas schedule, including potential highlights like Spurs-Thunder. Schrager also evaluates the playoff landscape and champions the idea of Seattle and Vancouver as fresh sites for the NBA Finals.

149 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 52min
A Knicks Title, "Whaddya Do?" NBA Teams, the QB Pyramid, and a CFB Playoff Primer With Zach Lowe and Todd McShay
Zach Lowe, a veteran NBA writer for The Ringer, discusses the Knicks' thrilling victory in the NBA Cup, alongside intriguing conversations about young rising teams like the Spurs and Thunder. They analyze potential trades and roster dilemmas for NBA teams. On the football side, Todd McShay, a college football analyst, presents his quarterback pyramid while evaluating NFL QBs, including the impressive performances of Justin Herbert and CJ Stroud. He also dives into the upcoming college football playoffs and debates the need for playoff expansion.

99 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 46min
Oh No Mahomes, Burrow’s Funk, Old Man Rivers, Denver’s Hot Streak, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a comedian and gambling aficionado, joins Bill to dissect an exciting Week 15 in the NFL. They dive into the ramifications of Patrick Mahomes' torn ACL on the Chiefs' future and analyze the surging Broncos led by standout Bo Nix. The duo examines the playoff picture, highlighting the Texans as a potential wild card threat and discussing Joe Burrow's struggles with the Bengals. Finally, they share parenting tales, touching on holiday logistics and the importance of health transparency in families.

104 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 2h 6min
The Fall of the Chiefs (Maybe), SGA Superstar Tips, the Wildes-Greeny Feud, and Week 15 Picks
Nick Wright, a sharp-witted sports commentator from FS1, joins the discussion to dissect SGA's dazzling rise in the NBA and whether anyone can halt OKC's momentum. He debates Patrick Mahomes' NFL standing and the Chiefs' unexpected decline, drawing parallels to Tom Brady's struggles. Joe House adds his betting savvy, revealing picks for Week 15 and where the Chiefs must improve. The banter flows from hot player debates to cheeky media feuds, ensuring a lively mix of sports analysis and gambling insights!

222 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 45min
An NBA Power Poll, the Surprise Celtics, the Queen Conundrum, and Fake Trades Galore With Rob Mahoney
Rob Mahoney, a keen basketball analyst known for his detailed NBA insights, joins the discussion to dissect current power rankings. They delve into the surprising rise of the Celtics and Jalen Brown's standout season. The pair also explore the Clippers’ trade possibilities, debate the future of teams like Chicago and Indiana, and ponder hypothetical trades like Giannis for Paolo. Listeners get a glimpse of young teams making waves and the intriguing implications of the current NBA landscape.

131 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 49min
The Chiefs Are Done, Pittsburgh Hates Us, Lamar Is Missing, Guess the Lines, and Some NBA Stuff With Cousin Sal
Join comedian Cousin Sal, a beloved Ringer collaborator known for his sharp sports insight, as he dives deep with Bill Simmons! They tackle the potential end of the Chiefs’ dynasty after their loss to the Texans and dissect Andy Reid’s controversial fourth-down calls. The duo assesses Lamar Jackson's recent struggles and explores the playoff landscape in the AFC. They also share parenting stories that will resonate with many, before making predictions for upcoming NFL matches. Don't miss their fun banter on sports and life!

115 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 3h 28min
An NBA Six-Pack, Netflix’s WBD Pursuit, NFL Picks, and John Cena Finally Stops By, With Joe House and Matt Belloni
Joe House, a Senior writer at The Ringer, shares his keen NBA insights, diving into Shea Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP candidacy and potential trades for Giannis. Media reporter Matt Belloni discusses the implications of Warner Bros. Discovery's potential sale, highlighting interest from Netflix and Paramount. John Cena, wrestling superstar and actor, reflects on his WWE journey, injury struggles, and plans for retirement, emphasizing the art of storytelling and the importance of mentoring in the industry.

153 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 2h 37min
Giannis Trade Advice, Duncan Vs. Kobe, Ohtani Vs. the Babe, the Frugal-ish Yankees, and Life After ‘First Take’ With Max Kellerman
In a lively discussion, Max Kellerman, a renowned sports commentator and boxing analyst, shares insights on the struggling Clippers and Anthony Davis's trade prospects. He and Bill Simmons dive into potential Giannis trade scenarios, with intriguing teams like San Antonio and Atlanta in the mix. The duo also debates the merits of aging stars versus younger talent, while comparing the legacies of Kobe, Curry, and LeBron. Plus, they tackle the current state of the Yankees and compare Shohei Ohtani's achievements to Babe Ruth's historic feats.

71 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 2h 5min
The Rejuvenated Cowboys, Most Desperate NFL Teams, Lane Kiffin’s LSU Move, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal, Todd McShay, and Van Lathan
Cousin Sal, a comedic podcast collaborator, joins to recap an exciting Broncos win and highlights the most depressed NFL fanbases. Todd McShay, ESPN draft analyst, and Van Lathan, passionate LSU supporter, dive into Lane Kiffin's controversial move from Ole Miss to LSU. They discuss the significance of this coaching shift and the advantages LSU holds. The trio also reflects on the chaos in college football, touching on NIL issues and fan reactions, making for a lively and insightful conversation.


