

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

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.

4 snips
May 5, 2024 • 1h 21min
Part 1: Mitchell’s Magic Trick, Ant Keeps Climbing, and Minnesota Might Have THE LOOK With Ryen Russillo
Join sports analyst Ryen Russillo as he dives into the thrilling aftermath of Donovan Mitchell's standout performance that led the Cavaliers to eliminate the Magic in a tense Game 7. He explores the strategic implications for both teams and discusses the Celtics-Cavaliers playoff matchup. Russillo also shines a light on the rising star Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves’ surprising success against the Nuggets, making for a captivating insight into the future of these teams.

5 snips
May 3, 2024 • 2h 40min
The Knicks Survive, and Ant vs. Jokic With Rob Mahoney. Plus, Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ament on 34 Years of Pearl Jam.
Rob Mahoney, a basketball expert from The Ringer, discusses the thrilling Knicks vs. 76ers playoff battle and the surprising success of the Indiana Pacers. He offers insights into player performances and the future of several NBA teams. Later, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ament share their creative journey, reflecting on their new album 'Dark Matter' and memories from their early days in Seattle. They also delve into the intersection of music and sports, revealing the camaraderie between musicians and athletes as they navigate their unique challenges.

7 snips
May 1, 2024 • 2h 3min
The Maxey Game, T-Wolves Fans, Underrated NFL Teams, and a Boston Sports Check-In With Sean Fennessey, Nate Tice, and Bill's Dad
In this conversation, Sean Fennessey, a passionate Knicks fan and writer for The Ringer, breaks down the thrilling Game 5 victory by Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers over the Knicks. Nate Tice, a keen football analyst, dives into the promising talent Anthony Edwards and discusses underrated NFL teams post-draft. Finally, Bill's Dad shares insights on the Boston sports scene, focusing on the Celtics' play and the Patriots' prospects. The lively banter and personal anecdotes add a charming touch to the sports analysis.

4 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 12min
Part 2: Ant’s Big Leap, Phoenix in Shambles, and Summer Panic Teams With Ryen Russillo
In this lively discussion, sports analyst Ryen Russillo dives into the impressive rise of Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves' surprising sweep of the Suns. He shares insights on the impending Timberwolves-Nuggets matchup and assesses the Bucks-Pacers series. The conversation heats up during the Panic Playoff Draft, where they evaluate the struggling Suns and coach Frank Vogel's future. Russillo's sharp analysis of player dynamics and playoff pressure brings a captivating perspective to the challenges teams face as the postseason unfolds.

7 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 23min
Part 1: The Brunson Game, a Kyrie-Harden Slugfest, and OKC’s Ceiling With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst for The Ringer, joins the conversation with his deep insight into the NBA. They dive into Jalen Brunson's stunning 47-point playoff performance and its historical significance for the Knicks. The duo analyzes the Clippers' dramatic series against the Mavericks and the Lakers' efforts to stave off a sweep by the Nuggets. Russillo also shares thoughts on free agency dynamics, comparing impactful signings, and discusses team strategies while leaning into the exhilarating uncertainties of playoff basketball.

7 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 50min
Denver Ends the Lakers, Chet Vs. Paolo, Atlanta’s Penix Envy, and NFL Draft Family Etiquette With J. Kyle Mann and Van Lathan
J. Kyle Mann, a basketball guru from The Ringer, and sports commentator Van Lathan dive into the Nuggets' impressive playoff run, contrasting it with the Lakers' struggles. They discuss upcoming young talents like Chet and Paolo, as well as the surprising NFL draft pick of Michael Penix Jr. by the Falcons. The duo also touches on the societal pressures players face during the draft, blending humor with insightful analysis on team strategies and the future landscape of both sports.