

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

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 46min
The NFC Mega-North, New York’s Big Month, Middle-Seat Doug, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular on the show known for his sharp wit and sports analysis, joins the conversation to dive into the highs and lows of NFL week six. They laugh about the struggles of New York sports teams while dissecting playoff prospects, particularly within the NFC North. The dynamic duo discusses injuries affecting key players and share humorous insights on fantasy football triumphs and woes. They also make predictions for the upcoming NFL games, blending comedy with sharp sports analysis throughout the chat.

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 56min
Jets Coaching Hilarity, Mets Magic, Watson’s Nadir, and Week 6 Picks With Peter Schrager and Sean Fennessey
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Sean Fennessey and Peter Schrager to discuss the Jets firing HC Robert Saleh five weeks into the season (1:09), then look back on the history of Jets head coaches and talk a little Mets postseason bliss (28:15). Then Bill asks Peter some burning NFL questions, like "Why won't the Browns bench Deshaun Watson?" and "Why didn't the Patriots start Drake Maye last week?" (58:21). Finally, they run through the weekend's slate of games (1:27:39) and make their Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 6 (1:45:12).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Peter Schrager and Sean FennesseyProducer: Kyle CrichtonThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 40min
The Longest NFL Day Ever, Cowboys Fever, Incompetence Galore, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular with a knack for sports betting and humor, joins Bill Simmons to dissect an exhilarating NFL day. They delve into the Cowboys' dramatic win against the Steelers and critique the struggling Patriots. The duo analyzes standout performances from teams like the Ravens and discusses rookie quarterbacks and their impact. With a humorous take, they also host an Incompetency Draft and guess the betting lines for the upcoming week, adding a touch of comic relief to their analysis of the unpredictable NFL landscape.

Oct 4, 2024 • 2h 14min
America’s NBA MVP Drought, Rookie Receiver Mania, and Million Dollar Picks With Kirk Goldsberry, Danny Heifetz, and Joe House
Kirk Goldsberry, an NBA trends expert, discusses his top five insights as the season approaches, from evolving player dynamics to the resurgence of physicality in play. Fantasy football analyst Danny Heifetz shares his picks for distressed players who could be worth trading. NFL commentator Joe House dives into the rookie receiver impact in the NFL, breaking down top talents and game strategies while making Million Dollar Picks for the upcoming week. The trio combines sports analysis with entertaining banter, perfect for fans of both leagues.

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 39min
NBA Media Day BS Watch, Towns Trade Redux, Remembering Mutombo, and NFL Quarter-Mark Trends With Rob Mahoney and Anthony Dabbundo
Rob Mahoney, an NBA writer for The Ringer known for his insightful analysis, joins to discuss the recent trade sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. They dive into the complexities of team dynamics and how this move impacts both teams. Mahoney also reflects on the legacy of Dikembe Mutombo, highlighting his defensive prowess and charitable work. Later, Anthony Dabbundo, host of The Ringer Gambling Show, breaks down NFL trends after a quarter of the season, focusing on quarterback performances and implications for betting strategies.

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 52min
Baltimore’s Back, Washington Has Arrived, KC Is Houdini, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a seasoned sports betting commentator, joins to dissect the Ravens' stunning victory over the Bills and the Chiefs' surprising win streak. They also explore Jayden Daniels' stellar performance in recent games and debate the state of the NFC East. Expect insights on fantasy football dilemmas and the unpredictable nature of the season. They wrap up with a humorous take on NFL Week 5 betting lines and share personal anecdotes, blending sports analysis with playful banter.

Sep 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
A Shocking Knicks/Wolves Trade, KAT Predictions and the NPBA Is Here With Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers, a seasoned NBA player, joins to dissect the shocking trade that sends Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. He dives into the implications of this move for both teams, particularly how it reshapes the Knicks' strategy. Rivers shares insights on the pressures faced by athletes in New York and the complexities of team dynamics. He reflects on the evolving culture of the NBA, touching on the emotional aspects of trades and how they affect performance and fan expectations. It's a deep dive into the highs and lows of professional basketball.

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 60min
The A’s Leave Oakland, ESPN’s Latest Shocker, and Million-Dollar Picks With Logan Murdock, Bryan Curtis, and Joe House
Logan Murdock, a writer for The Ringer covering the Oakland A's, reflects on the team's emotional farewell from Oakland and the implications of losing such a significant franchise. Bryan Curtis, editor at large for The Ringer, discusses ESPN's recent layoffs and their impact on the sports media landscape. Meanwhile, Joe House shares insights on NFL betting strategies, revealing his Million-Dollar Picks for an exciting week ahead. The conversation also touches on the complexities of sports ownership and community identity.

4 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 54min
Biggest NFL Bummers, JaydenMania, Hot Food Takes, and ‘Mr. McMahon’ With Sheil Kapadia, Dave Chang, and David Shoemaker
Sheil Kapadia, an NFL writer for The Ringer, dives into the Eagles' rocky season and shares his top five NFL bummers so far. Chef Dave Chang discusses the thrill of Jayden Daniels' performance, explores food rivalries like Joey Chestnut vs. Kobayashi, and shares hot culinary takes. Meanwhile, David Shoemaker provides an insider's perspective on crafting the Netflix documentary 'Mr. McMahon,' shedding light on the complexities of wrestling's legacy. The mix of sports insights and culinary debates makes for an engaging listen!

4 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 51min
A Steelers/Vikings Party Crash, Miami’s Vice, the Blackjack Browns, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a savvy sports commentator known for his sharp NFL insights, joins to dissect the recent Chiefs win and the standings of the Steelers and Vikings. They fiercely debate which 2023 playoff teams are in jeopardy and predict the outcomes of upcoming matchups. The duo also shares lighthearted banter, including a fun discussion on unconventional s'mores. As they guess the betting lines for Week 4, the conversation seamlessly blends analysis and humor, keeping listeners engaged with every twist and turn.