

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

Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 36min
A Cowboys Pity Party, Tank-a-Belichick, Brock Purdy’s Ascent, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a savvy sports analyst known for his betting insights, joins for a lively discussion. They dive into the 49ers' impressive win over the Cowboys and the Patriots' ongoing struggles. The pair also analyze key NFL matchups and speculate on MVP candidates while keeping the tone light and humorous. Expect intriguing betting tips and a comical take on the unpredictable nature of football. Sal shares relatable anecdotes about youth sports and parenting, adding a personal touch to their sports banter.

Oct 6, 2023 • 1h 32min
Westbrook Vs. Harden, Belichick’s Next Move, the Kelce-Swift Distraction, and Million-Dollar Picks | with Peter Schrager
Peter Schrager, NFL Network and Fox Sports analyst, joins Bill Simmons to discuss topics such as the disappointing Giants, slow-start Bengals, new-low Patriots, MVP McCaffrey, and the surprisingly exciting Texans. They also analyze the contrasting styles of Westbrook and Harden and dive into NFL game previews and betting strategies.

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 31min
Part 2: Zach Wilson’s Alive, Belichick’s in Trouble, Buffalo’s Cruising, and Week 5 Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a beloved sports betting expert known for his sharp wit, joins the discussion to dissect recent NFL action. They humorously analyze the Chiefs' nail-biter against the Jets and the Cowboys' rout of the Patriots. Sal shares insights on struggling quarterbacks like Zach Wilson and Mac Jones, while also diving into betting lines for Week 5. The lighthearted banter touches on the unpredictability of coaching decisions, celebrity relationships, and even a nostalgic nod to personal prom memories.

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 3min
Part 1: Boston Gets Jrue Holiday With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a acclaimed sports analyst and co-host of 'The Ringer NBA Show,' joins for an insightful discussion on Jrue Holiday's trade to the Boston Celtics. They dissect how Holiday’s presence could bolster the Celtics’ playoff ambitions and analyze the evolving dynamics in the Eastern Conference. The conversation dives into franchise expectations, the rising pressures on star players, and the impact of ongoing trade speculations, including drama around James Harden and the 76ers. It's a deep dive into the NBA landscape as teams prepare for the new season.

Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 47min
A Dame Trade Deep Dive With Ben Thompson, Plus Seth Meyers and Million-Dollar Picks
Ben Thompson, a business and tech analyst and die-hard Milwaukee Bucks fan, dives into the recent blockbuster trade of Damian Lillard to the Bucks, analyzing its impact on team dynamics and championship aspirations. He discusses player strategies and the evolving NBA landscape. Later, late-night host Seth Meyers shares nostalgic stories from his SNL days and his experiences during the writers' strike, offering a behind-the-scenes look at comedy's challenges today. The conversation is a blend of sports analysis and entertainment insights.

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 42min
The Dame Trade Hostage Crisis, a Lethal Browns D, and Miami’s Speed and Motion Apex With Wosny Lambre and Michael Lombardi
Wosny Lambre, a basketball analyst at The Ringer, dives into the trade buzz surrounding Damian Lillard, highlighting the Raptors as potential frontrunners and discussing speculative trade scenarios involving key players. Meanwhile, NFL expert Michael Lombardi breaks down the Cleveland Browns' formidable defense, likening it to legendary teams, and analyzes the Miami Dolphins' dynamic offense, emphasizing innovative player motion. The conversation showcases both basketball trade intricacies and the excitement of upcoming NFL matchups.

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 46min
A Dallas Letdown, Taylor Swift’s KC Date, Cleveland’s Crazy D, Chicago’s Agony, and Week 4 Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a sports commentator and betting expert, joins to dissect the Cowboys' surprising loss and the Dolphins' explosive victory. They delve into Cleveland's impressive defense and Chicago's coaching struggles, offering humorous takes on NFL rivalries. Nathan Hubbard, who analyzes sports and pop culture, shares insights on the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship and its impact on celebrity culture in the NFL. The conversation wraps up with predictions for upcoming games and witty reflections on gambling trends.

Sep 22, 2023 • 1h 53min
A 2023 NFL Re-Draft, Deion’s Next School, the 76ers Soap Opera, and Week 3 Picks With Danny Kelly, Van Lathan, and Howard Beck
Danny Kelly, a writer for The Ringer known for his NFL insights, joins to re-draft the top NFL rookies, spotlighting talents like CJ Stroud and B. John Robinson. Van Lathan shares his thoughts on college coaching dynamics, with a keen eye on Deion Sanders potentially shaking things up. Howard Beck delves into the NBA landscape, discussing trade tensions with players like James Harden and reflecting on his experiences covering Kobe Bryant. The conversation intertwines football fervor with basketball intrigue, making for a riveting listen!

Sep 20, 2023 • 2h 3min
Austin Rivers on NBA Vet Life, QB Arguments With Steven Ruiz, and Canceling 'Winning Time' With Chris Ryan
Austin Rivers, an NBA veteran who offers deep insights from his career, shares his experiences hunting for a new contract and the complexities of modern player movement. He discusses the impact of AAU culture on youth development and plays into the challenges young players face. Steven Ruiz dives into the intricacies of NFL quarterback evaluations, while Chris Ryan critiques HBO's 'Winning Time,' discussing its cancellation and what it reveals about the challenges of sports narratives in media. It's a compelling mix of basketball, football, and pop culture!

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 44min
The Floundering Pats, Lamar’s Big Day, the Struggling Wilsons, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular sports betting expert known for his sharp wit, joins to dissect the latest NFL dramas. They dive into the Patriots' disappointing performance against the Dolphins and the quarterback struggles across the league. Lamar Jackson's standout game against the Bengals gets attention, while discussions on betting insights spark humor. They also playfully guess the lines for Week 3, analyzing team dynamics and touching on personal anecdotes, making it a blend of sports analysis and laughs.