

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

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 50min
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 • 59min
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 58min
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 52min
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 49min
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.

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 60min
A Resurgent Rodgers, Million-Dollar Picks, Hottest Takes, and Fantasy Surprises With Joe House, Steven Ruiz, and Craig Horlbeck
Joe House, a sports analyst at The Ringer, shares insights on the Jets' impressive win over the Patriots, while also discussing upcoming NFL matchups and betting strategies. Steven Ruiz celebrates his accurate Bryce Young prediction and offers his hottest takes from the previous week. Craig Horlbeck dives into the fantasy football landscape, highlighting key player performances and trade targets, as well as the rising value of kickers. Entertaining banter and strategic insights keep the discussions lively and engaging!

12 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 49min
Biggest 2024-25 NBA Concerns With Zach Lowe
Zach Lowe, a prominent ESPN analyst celebrated for his NBA insights, joins the discussion on looming concerns for the 2024-25 season. They delve into the potential pitfalls facing Giannis and the Bucks, ponder Joel Embiid's health, and evaluate the unpredictable Pelicans. The duo also explores Celtics’ dynamics and the playoff implications for the Lakers and Clippers. With insights on trade dynamics, player injuries, and the overall competitive landscape, the conversation is a must-listen for any basketball fan eager for the season ahead.

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 43min
Are Baltimore and Cincy Screwed? Plus, Underdog Weekend, the 0-2 Curse, a Bryce Benching, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular contributor known for his sharp sports analysis and betting insights, joins the discussion to unpack the chaotic NFL landscape. They explore the implications of teams starting 0-2 and reflect on surprising upsets, including the 49ers losing to the Vikings. The duo also dives into betting strategies, critiques questionable coaching decisions, and assesses the playoff prospects of struggling teams. Expect laughter and lively debates as they guess the betting lines for the upcoming week!

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 52min
Tua Again, NFL Week 2 Either/Or, and Million-Dollar Picks With Mike Lombardi and Joe House
In this discussion, Michael Lombardi, a former NFL executive known for his keen player evaluation, shares insights on the Packers' QB situation and the challenges facing the Giants and Jets. Sports analyst Joe House joins in to dive into betting strategies for NFL Week 2. They explore the urgent need for reform in player safety following Tua Tagovailoa's recent head injury. Lombardi and House also analyze potential upsets and provide their favorite picks for the upcoming games, blending expert analysis with engaging banter.

Sep 11, 2024 • 1h 47min
The Jets, 'Rebel Ridge,' a Great 'Sopranos' Doc, and Deion’s Rocky Year Two With Sean Fennessey and Van Lathan
Sean Fennessey, a writer for The Ringer, and Van Lathan, co-host of the Higher Learning podcast, dive into a whirlwind of topics. They dissect the Jets' struggles this season, examine the cultural impact of 'The Sopranos,' and discuss the Netflix film 'Rebel Ridge.' The conversation shifts to Deion Sanders' influence on college football and the dynamics of player movement. Don't miss their insights on the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show and the challenges within sports rivalries.