

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

Mar 27, 2024 • 2h 14min
NFL Over/Unders, AD’s Big Night. a Jayden Daniels Report, Gambling Scandals, and Diddy’s Fall With Raheem Palmer and Van Lathan
Raheem Palmer, a sports betting expert from The Ringer, and Van Lathan, a keen sports analyst and commentator, dive into the latest NFL win totals. They dissect the potential impact of coaching changes and player injuries on team success. The discussion also highlights the rise of QB prospect Jayden Daniels, comparing him with other draft candidates. They touch on the fascinating trends in NFL betting, the growing prominence of women's basketball, and the dark side of gambling scandals affecting sports integrity.

Mar 25, 2024 • 2h 1min
Houston’s Surprise Surge, Best West Futures, and the 2024 Defense Draft With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host on The Ringer, joins the discussion with insights on the Houston Rockets' unexpected rise in the Western Conference and the challenges faced by the Warriors. They dive into the best futures for NBA teams and express skepticism about the Clippers and Nets. The dialogue shifts to crafting a top defensive draft, showcasing standout players and their impact on team success. These engaging conversations provide a thrilling look into the dynamics of the evolving NBA landscape.

Mar 22, 2024 • 1h 58min
Orlando’s Magic, Calipari’s Future, and the Anthony Edwards Experience With Steve Ceruti, Tate Frazier, and Austin Rivers
Steve Ceruti, a die-hard Orlando Magic fan and producer for The Ringer, shares insights on the team's promising season. Tate Frazier analyzes John Calipari's disappointing Kentucky tenure, exploring the pressure of tournament expectations. Austin Rivers, former NBA player and host of 'Off Guard,' discusses Anthony Edwards as the new face of young talent and evaluates the playoff potential of Western Conference teams, along with the challenges facing the 76ers. This lively conversation showcases their passion for basketball and sharp insights.

22 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 2h 8min
Best In-Game Dunkers, LeBron Vs. Steph 37.0, Chicago’s New QB Hero, and Building a 2024 Media Company With Jason Goff and Dave Finocchio
Jason Goff is a co-host of The Ringer’s Chicago sports podcast, offering expert insights on local teams. He dives deep into the Chicago Bears' quarterback turmoil, including Justin Fields' trade and the team's hopeful pursuit of Caleb Williams. Dave Finocchio, co-founder of Bleacher Report, shares his journey in the media landscape, contrasting past and present challenges in building engaging platforms. They also discuss the impact of legendary dunkers and innovative approaches to sustainability in media, blending sports culture with environmental consciousness.

7 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 2h 5min
The Maybe-Dangerous Mavs, a Pelicans Climb, LeBron’s All-NBA Case, and NFL Draft Guesses With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sharp sports analyst from The Ringer, joins to discuss Kyrie Irving's dramatic game-winner against the Nuggets. The conversation dives into the Phoenix Suns' roster struggles and the implications of new officiating trends in the NBA. They also explore Tyrese Haliburton's recovery journey, while assessing playoff hopefuls like the Pelicans and Lakers. Wrapping up, they shift gears to dissect upcoming NFL draft prospects, sparking debates about team strategies and potential star QBs.

16 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 53min
The Worst NBA Contracts Draft With Joe House and Big Wos
Join sports analyst Joe House and contributor Wosny Lambre as they dive into the third annual worst NBA contracts draft. They dissect the impact of underperforming stars like Jordan Poole, LeBron James, and Ben Simmons on team strategies. The duo explores the complexities behind NBA contracts, balancing performance with value, and discusses the evolving landscape of player deals, including concerns over LaMelo Ball's extension. Expect humor and keen insights as they evaluate the fate of overvalued players and their teams.

Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 56min
The Cousins Placebo, McCaffrey 2.0, NYJ-DC Optimism, and the Brady-Belichick Era With Sheil Kapadia and Julian Edelman
NFL free agency moves, Kirk Cousins's big deal, AFC East speculation, Julian Edelman on post-retirement football, Belichick stories, Brady connection, favorite QBs and WRs, new Patriots HC, defensive strategies, strategic drafting, various QB evaluations

11 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 53min
The NBA’s 20-Year Shift, a Sneaky Rule Change, LeBron’s Next Deal, and So Long Mac Jones With Ryen Russillo
Bill Simmons chats with Ryen Russillo, a sharp sports analyst known for his keen insights. They dive into the recent shifts in NBA officiating and the implications for team playstyles. The duo analyzes title contenders like the Nuggets and Celtics, discussing their strengths and weaknesses. They also reflect on the evolution of NBA talent over the last two decades. The conversation shifts to LeBron's future with the Lakers and wraps up with thoughts on the end of Mac Jones' era in New England, all sprinkled with humor and expert opinions.

7 snips
Mar 8, 2024 • 2h 14min
Denver’s in Charge, Ant's Unbelievable, Kimmel’s Back, and UFC 299 Storylines With Rob Mahoney, Jimmy Kimmel and Ariel Helwani
Topics include NBA game analysis with standout performances, Oscars mishap discussion, hosting experiences with funny anecdotes, and preview of UFC 299 event with fighter analysis.

24 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 2h 1min
A Celtics Flop, Best Oscar Story Lines, Planning the Olympics, and the Fall of College Sports With Matthew Belloni and Casey Wasserman
Matthew Belloni, a savvy journalist from Puck, and Casey Wasserman, CEO of Wasserman and head of the LA 2028 Olympic Committee, dive into some captivating topics. They dissect the Boston Celtics' playoff potential following their loss to the Cavaliers. The conversation then shifts to Oscar buzz, exploring transformative films like 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie.' Wasserman shares insights on planning for the Olympics, touching on logistics and community benefits, while also addressing the evolving landscape of college sports and its financial dynamics.