

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

Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 10min
Part 2: Phoenix in Trouble, Dallas Fights Back, a Magical Knicks Moment, and Denver’s Superpower With Kevin O’Connor
In this episode, Kevin O’Connor, a sharp NBA analyst from The Ringer, dives into the intense playoff action. He discusses the resurgent Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic’s pivotal role in their comeback. The conversation shifts to the Suns' struggles against the Timberwolves, emphasizing the impact of team chemistry. O’Connor also highlights thrilling moments from the Knicks’ playoff games, and the strategic dynamics of the Clippers. The podcast captures the excitement of player performances and trade talks, painting a vivid picture of the ongoing postseason drama.

Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 15min
Part 1: NFL Draft Trade Predictions, QB Bust Tendencies, and New England’s Big Moment With Benjamin Solak
Benjamin Solak, an NFL analyst for The Ringer, dives into the intricacies of the upcoming NFL draft with Bill Simmons. They discuss potential trade scenarios for teams like the Patriots and Cardinals, exploring the strategy and urgency behind these moves. The duo also delves into why quarterbacks experience failure, highlighting factors like leadership and injuries. Additionally, they analyze the evolution of players like Jared Goff and the challenges in evaluating college quarterbacks, shedding light on the unpredictability of draft success.

9 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 2h 1min
NBA Weekend Surprises, Embiid/Kawhi Murkiness, Jokic vs. the All-Timers, and the Presti Letter With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a savvy sports analyst known for his basketball expertise, joins the conversation. They dissect the thrilling Thunder vs. Pelicans clash and share their favorite and least favorite playoff series. The duo delves into Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard's playoff struggles and injury woes. They also ponder Nikola Jokic's legacy in the context of all-time greats like Kobe Bryant. The episode's humor peaks with a funny take on an infamous NBA letter, rounding off a lively discussion on the unpredictable nature of the playoffs.

8 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 1h 43min
Part 2: Sixers-Knicks, Leo-Sinatra, LeBron-Jokic, Kraft-Belichick and Half-Baked Ideas With Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Kevin Wildes
Joining the discussion are Chris Ryan, a sports writer for The Ringer, devoted to analyzing NBA insights; Sean Fennessey, also from The Ringer, known for his keen sports commentary; and Kevin Wildes, an analyst for FS1 with a flair for captivating sports banter. They dive into the electric Sixers-Knicks playoff rivalry, unpack LeBron's legacy and potential playoff impact, and humorously brainstorm Half-Baked Ideas that might revolutionize fan engagement, including quirky ways to assess NFL players and unique officiating improvements.

6 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 1h 26min
Part 1: Favorite First-Round NBA Storylines With Rob Mahoney, Plus the Fall of the Warriors With Logan Murdock
Rob Mahoney, an NBA analyst from The Ringer, discusses the first-round playoff matchups, highlighting surprises like the Celtics' favorable path. He dives into intriguing "What-If" scenarios while dissecting team dynamics. Joining him is Logan Murdock, who reflects on the Golden State Warriors' disappointing postseason and their uncertain future. Amidst roster changes and Klay Thompson's future worries, they ponder the implications for a franchise once at the top. The conversation blends playoff excitement with the sobering reality of team transitions.

Apr 15, 2024 • 1h 40min
Part 2: Our NBA Awards Ballots, Eastern Conference Thoughts, the Masters, and UFC 300 With Ryen Russillo
Sports analyst Ryen Russillo joins Bill Simmons to discuss NBA awards, playoff matchups, and the Masters. They debate MVP ballots, All-NBA teams, and share takeaways from UFC 300. Insights on Celtics' playoff strategy and player performances are highlighted in this engaging sports podcast.

10 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 1h 18min
Part 1: A Wild NBA Weekend, Plus a Playoff Preview With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a renowned sports analyst known for his deep NBA insights, joins for an exciting discussion about crucial playoff dynamics. They dive into the Suns' impressive resurgence and Bradley Beal's impact. The conversation highlights shifting playoff scenarios, including the Nuggets' struggles and the Knicks' surprising rise to the 2-seed. They analyze player fatigue, health concerns, and upcoming matchups, all while sprinkling in humor and personal anecdotes about betting in the NBA. It's an insightful preview of the thrilling playoffs ahead!

Apr 12, 2024 • 1h 30min
O.J.’s Dead, NBA Playoff Scenarios, Masters Predictions, and Ohtani’s Crisis With Joe House and Nathan Hubbard
Joe House, a regular contributor known for his sports insights, and Nathan Hubbard, a member of the Fairway Rollin' team, dive into riveting discussions. They analyze the latest NBA playoff scenarios, exploring team strategies and player health. The conversation shifts to the Masters, highlighting unexpected player performances and the impact of weather conditions. Finally, they tackle the controversy surrounding Shohei Ohtani's gambling investigation, pondering the risks athletes face in high-stakes environments.

23 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 2h 19min
A Masters–NBA Title Crossover, Caitlin’s New World, and the ‘Curb’ Mini Pyramid With Joe House. Plus, Creating ‘3 Body Problem’ With David Benioff, Dan Weiss, and Alexander Woo.
Joining the discussion are Joe House, a keen sports analyst from The Ringer, and accomplished creators of '3 Body Problem'—David Benioff, Dan Weiss, and Alexander Woo. They delve into the rising influence of athletes like Caitlin Clark in basketball and explore the connection between NBA playoff contenders and Masters champions. The conversation shifts to the unique challenges of adapting complex narratives for streaming, highlighting the importance of binge-worthy content in today's viewing culture and the future of entertainment technology.

11 snips
Apr 8, 2024 • 1h 51min
The 2024 Made-Up NBA Awards Show With Ryen Russillo
Sports analyst Ryen Russillo joins the conversation, bringing insights on the thrilling Dallas Mavericks and All-NBA ballot discussions. They dive into whimsical Alternate NBA Awards, including hilarious nods to standout players like Victor Wembanyama and Kyrie Irving. Explore key playoff dynamics, the impact of in-season tournaments on fan engagement, and outlandish critiques of media takes. The playful banter ranges from evaluating emerging talents to the absurdity of drafting Bronny James, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.