

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

12 snips
May 24, 2024 • 1h 45min
A Tatum/Brown Convo, Indy in Trouble, Kyrie’s Revival, and Best Defenses Ever With Rob Mahoney, Chris Ryan, and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas
Join Chris Ryan, a sports writer and podcaster for The Ringer, alongside Rob Mahoney, a keen basketball analyst, and Isiah Thomas, legendary NBA Hall of Famer, as they discuss the Celtics' playoff surge amid Tyrese Haliburton's injury woes. They explore Jason Tatum's evolution, the unique player dynamics of Kyrie Irving, and reminisce about the Pistons' 'Bad Boys' era. With insights on NBA defenses and coaching changes, this conversation reveals the heart of playoff basketball and its shifting landscape.

May 22, 2024 • 2h 19min
The Celtics Steal Game 1 With Kevin O’Connor, plus Wesley Morris on NYC’s NBA Revival, ‘Challengers’ Nit-Picks, and Worst Sports Movie Endings
Kevin O'Connor, a basketball writer for The Ringer, shares insights on the Celtics' thrilling Game 1 overtime win against the Pacers, analyzing key strategies and player performances. Wesley Morris, a critic for The New York Times, discusses the vibrant NYC sports scene and the evolving narratives around athletes. They also critique the new film 'Challengers', exploring its themes of love and rivalry, alongside a humorous analysis of the worst movie endings in sports history. Expect a mix of sports and cinematic exploration!

4 snips
May 20, 2024 • 1h 4min
Part 2: Minnesota Knocks Out Denver (Good God!!!) With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a renowned sports analyst known for his sharp insights, joins Bill Simmons to dissect the Timberwolves' historic Game 7 comeback against the Nuggets. They delve into key player performances and the impact of teamwork in high-stakes moments. The duo also previews the upcoming Timberwolves-Mavericks matchup, discusses the implications of a boxing showdown between Usyk and Fury, and shares anecdotes about the evolving landscape of the NBA draft. Get ready for a mix of humor, strategy, and a deep dive into sports dynamics!

5 snips
May 20, 2024 • 1h 21min
Part 1: Indy Crushes at MSG, Knicks Summer Targets, Dallas Delivers, and OKC’s Fatal Flaw With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst renowned for his basketball insights, joins the conversation to dissect the thrilling Game 7 between the Pacers and Knicks. He highlights the Pacers’ impressive performance, discusses the impact of injuries on the Knicks, and delves into trade strategies that could reshape team dynamics. The talk also covers the Mavericks' nail-biting victory over the Thunder, focusing on pivotal plays and coaching decisions. Russillo's expertise brings clarity to the competitive landscape of the playoffs and what lies ahead for key teams.

11 snips
May 17, 2024 • 1h 41min
Nuggets-Wolves Game 7 Legacy Check, OKC’s Big Issue, an NFL Complaint, and Boston’s Eight-Year Run With Rob Mahoney and Chris Ryan
Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney, writers for The Ringer, dive deep into the playoff dynamics of the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves showdown. They discuss Nikola Jokic's impressive playoff stats and how critical Game 7 will shape legacies. The duo also touches on the Oklahoma City Thunder's struggles, touching on potential trades and team psychology. Additionally, they explore the nostalgia of NFL fandom and the Celtics' strong playoff positioning, delivering a mix of sharp analysis and lighthearted banter.

4 snips
May 15, 2024 • 2h 11min
The Joker’s Revenge, Brunson Runs Amok and an NFL Over/Under Check-In With Justin Termine and Michael Lombardi
Bill Simmons chats with Justin Termine about Nikola Jokic's stellar performance and the NFL schedule release. They are later joined by Michael Lombardi to discuss favorite win totals bets and teams poised for a down season in the NFL.

6 snips
May 13, 2024 • 2h 3min
The Undertaker Nuggets, the Knicks on Fumes, OKC’s Playoff Education and an NBA Lottery Snoozer With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst from The Ringer, joins the conversation to dissect the recent twists in the NBA playoffs. They delve into the Nuggets' remarkable comeback against the Timberwolves and the surprising outcomes impacting teams like the Knicks and Pacers. The talk takes an exciting turn as they explore the latest NBA Lottery surprises and potential trades. Additionally, they highlight Kyrie Irving's playoff resurgence and consider the implications of draft strategies on team dynamics. It's a thrilling blend of analytics and insider perspectives!

6 snips
May 10, 2024 • 1h 35min
The Frustrating Celtics, One-Leg Luka, the Depleted Knicks, and Scapegoat Vogel With Joe House and Big Wos
Joe House, a sports analyst from The Ringer, and Wosny Lambre, another insightful contributor, join the discussion to dissect the Celtics' disheartening performance against the Cavaliers. They dive into Luka Dončić's impact despite his knee issues and highlight the youthful vigor of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The duo also reflects on the implications of Frank Vogel's firing and its potential ripple effects across the league, while humorously analyzing current coaching dynamics and playoff pressures.

14 snips
May 8, 2024 • 1h 54min
What If the T-Wolves Sweep Denver? Plus, the NBA’s Media Deal and Freshman-Year College Lessons With Ethan Sherwood Strauss and Zoe Simmons.
Ethan Sherwood Strauss, a basketball analyst known for his sharp insights, joins Bill Simmons to analyze potential scenarios if the Timberwolves sweep the Nuggets. They discuss rising star Anthony Edwards and the implications of a new NBA media deal amidst changing viewership dynamics. Zoe Simmons shares her freshman college experiences, reflecting on personal growth, friendships, and navigating relationships. The conversation highlights the unique challenges college students face in their social lives and the evolving landscape of basketball today.

May 6, 2024 • 2h 4min
Part 2: The Incredible Brady Roast, plus Round 2 Picks, and the Murky Deion/Heat/Lakers Futures With Ryen Russillo and Van Lathan
Ryen Russillo, a seasoned basketball analyst, and Van Lathan, a sharp commentator on sports and culture, dive into juicy sports topics. They dissect the hilarious highlights of the Tom Brady roast, sharing laughs over its unpredictable humor. Expect insightful analysis on the upcoming NBA playoffs, including potential strategies for the Thunder-Mavs and Knicks-Pacers matchups. Van brings heat discussing the Miami Heat's future with Jimmy Butler, the Lakers' current struggles, and the challenge of balancing player legacies, especially between LeBron and Kobe.