

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

86 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 32min
The Chiefs Break Buffalo’s Heart, Philly Rolls, and Guess the SB Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a sports betting expert and comedic regular, joins the conversation for a thrilling recap of the Chiefs' nail-biting playoff win over the Bills and the Eagles' dominance over the Commanders. They dive into the heart-stopping moments and key player performances that defined these games. The duo also playfully guesses the Super Bowl betting lines, while Sal shares his thoughts on NFL fandom and the weight of legacy in quarterbacking. Expect humor, insights, and perhaps some betting strategies for the big game!

54 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 2h 12min
An Official Celtics Funk, Plus Todd McShay and Million-Dollar Picks
Todd McShay, ESPN’s college football and NFL draft expert, joins the discussion about Jayden Daniels’ standout rookie season and the keys to pivotal playoff matchups. They explore the challenges facing the Patriots as they eye the draft, alongside insights into rookie quarterbacks’ struggles in the NFL. Joe House adds his flair as they dive into betting strategies for the conference championship games, highlighting Washington's surprising playoff momentum and making bold Million-Dollar Picks. A lively blend of analysis, humor, and sports insight awaits!

135 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 28min
An NBA Fake-Trade Fiesta With Kevin O’Connor
In a thrilling discussion, Kevin O'Connor, a savvy NBA writer for Yahoo Sports, joins to dissect the frenzy of fake trades leading up to the deadline. They explore the intricacies facing teams like the Mavericks and 76ers, weighing their playoff viability against trade rumors. The duo fires off imaginative trade scenarios involving stars like Bradley Beal and raises the stakes with detailed five-team trades. Insights into young draft talents and strategic moves highlight the exciting dance of team dynamics behind the scenes.

64 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 39min
Baltimore Blows It, Jayden Daniels Grabs It, and More From the NFL's Divisional Round With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal joins to dissect the thrilling NFL Divisional Round, zeroing in on the Bills' victory over the Ravens and the unexpected twists in Texans-Chiefs. They analyze quarterback performances under pressure and the unpredictable nature of playoff games, while humorously critiquing Tom Brady's commentary. The conversation shifts to lively predictions for the conference championships, and they cap it off with relatable stories about parenting challenges and nostalgic pizza adventures, blending sports with everyday hilarity.

81 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 13min
Part 2: Josh Vs. Lamar, Mahomes’s F-You Game, and the Round 2 NFL Mega-Preview With Sheil Kapadia and Joe House
Sheil Kapadia, a sharp NFL analyst from The Ringer, joins Joe House to break down the thrilling Round 2 NFL playoff matchups. They dive into Patrick Mahomes’ prowess and the Chiefs’ strategies while analyzing the Eagles vs. Rams clash and Washington's game plan against Detroit. The hosts discuss quarterback dynamics, focusing on legends like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, plus they share their million-dollar picks and insider betting strategies, making this a must-listen for football fans and wagerers alike!

89 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 2h 5min
Part 1: An NBA Midseason Power Poll, Plus OSU vs. Notre Dame with Joel Anderson and Van Lathan
Joel Anderson, a contributor to The Ringer known for his narrative podcasts, joins insightful analyst Van Lathan to discuss a plethora of hot topics. They dive into the intriguing evolution of sports documentaries and assess the midseason NBA landscape, casting their eyes on underperforming teams and potential trades. The duo also analyzes the upcoming College Football National Championship, debating Notre Dame's standing in American football culture while sharing their favorite aspects of college football for the 2024-25 season.

72 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Vikings Get Rammed, Dallas’s Next Coach, and Bad NFL Owner Habits With Cousin Sal and Peter Schrager
Cousin Sal, a sports betting expert known for his comedic knack, joins NFL insider Peter Schrager to tackle just how the Rams' win reshapes quarterback Sam Darnold's future. They delve into Mike McCarthy's exit from the Cowboys and the wild world of the NFL coaching carousel. From guessing the Rams-Eagles betting line to discussing team dynamics, they unveil coaching dilemmas and the nuances of NFL ownership decisions. Expect insights mingled with humor as they navigate this chaotic coaching landscape!

78 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 27min
Round 1 NFL Reactions With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular on the show known for his sharp sports insights and humor, joins to dissect the wild-card weekend in the NFL. They dive into thrilling games like the Buccaneers-Commanders and Eagles-Packers. With a humorous touch, they explore playoff predictions, rookie quarterback performances, and hot betting strategies. Sal and Bill also discuss the emotional impact of devastating fires in Southern California, creating a thoughtful balance of sports and real-world connections.

68 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Patriots Are Pathetic, Detroit Crushes Minnesota, Plus Wild-Card Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular fixture known for his sharp sports analysis, joins the conversation to dissect the Lions' impressive victory over the Vikings and the implications for the playoffs. They dive into the dismal state of the Patriots, discuss the unfortunate playoffs misses for the Dolphins and Bengals, and reflect on coaching strategies in the league. The duo also gets into Wild-Card Weekend predictions and share personal anecdotes that add a humorous twist to serious sports talk. A lively mix of critique and camaraderie throughout!

56 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 2h 20min
The Feel-Good Knicks, Award Movies, Week 18 Picks, and a Boston Sports Report With Sean Fennessey, Joe House, and Bill’s Dad
Joe House, a sharp sports analyst for The Ringer, joins writer Sean Fennessey and Bill's Dad for an engaging discussion. They break down the Knicks' newfound title contender status and contemplate Aaron Rodgers' future with the Jets. Bill's Dad adds humor with insights on the struggling Boston teams, including the Patriots and Celtics. The trio dives into the latest NBA title odds, NFL playoff scenarios, and even shares their thoughts on this year's award-winning films. A perfect blend of sports enthusiasm and film critique!