

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

133 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 56min
The Best College QBs With Todd McShay. Plus, the Irresistible Jags, the Resistible Steelers, and NFL Week 4 Picks With Joe House
Todd McShay, a longtime college football analyst, shares his insights on top college quarterbacks, evaluating prospects like Dante Moore and Arch Manning. He discusses the finer points of players' performances and expectations. Joe House joins to dissect the NFL landscape, offering betting strategies and picks for Week 4, while analyzing key matchups like Chiefs vs. Ravens. They even dive into the Ryder Cup, outlining betting angles and intriguing pairings to consider. It's a must-listen for football fans and bettors!

124 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 59min
A Rockets Gut Punch, Expectations for the Celtics and Pacers, and a Vegas Tourism Slump With Zach Lowe, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan
Zach Lowe, a veteran NBA reporter, dives into the impact of Fred VanVleet's injury on the Rockets' title chances. He discusses potential trade options and Houston's draft assets. Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan bring their expertise to explore the current slump in Las Vegas tourism, analyzing shifts in gambling habits and rising costs. The conversation delves into how these changes might transform the famed city's landscape, as well as conversing about the Celtics' and Pacers' prospects for the upcoming season.

130 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 44min
Are the Chargers for Real? Plus: the Tommy Boy Titans, a New York Swoon, Throwback Pats PTSD, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal.
Cousin Sal, a sharp sports bettor and Ringer contributor, joins to dive into the chaos of Week 3 in the NFL. They analyze the Chargers' potential as Super Bowl contenders and discuss surprising team performances—including the Colts' hot start and the Patriots' troubling collapse. Sal and Bill also guess Week 4 lines and examine the betting landscape for upcoming matchups. Plus, they share family stories in Parent Corner, offering a humorous take on life and parenting amidst the football frenzy.

167 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Kimmel Situation. Plus, "Can the Chiefs Really Go 0-3?" and More Week 3 Gambling Questions With Joe House
Joining Bill Simmons is Joe House, a prominent NFL analyst from The Ringer. They dive into ABC's recent decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air, debating censorship and corporate powers. The duo shifts gears to Week 3 NFL betting, discussing trends, the Chiefs' surprising struggles, and exploiting overreactions in the market. House shares his top betting picks, including the Cowboys and Jaguars, while also predicting the implications of the Clippers' ownership investigation on the NBA landscape.

238 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 47min
Winning QBs and Football Nerds With Mina Kimes, Plus Robert Redford’s Incredible Career With Brian Koppelman
Mina Kimes, ESPN analyst known for her NFL insights, delves into evolving football strategies, including the rise of two tight end offenses and standout quarterback performances. The discussion spans team dynamics, playoff potential, and the challenges of parenting during football season. Brian Koppelman, acclaimed screenwriter behind 'Billions,' pays tribute to Robert Redford, exploring his iconic roles and influence on cinema while reflecting on the legacy of sports films and the impact of streaming changes.

111 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 56min
Cincy Fails Burrow, the Boring Eagles, Guess the Lines, and Crawford’s Brilliance With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a comedy writer and podcast personality, joins the discussion with insights on NFL Week 2 highs and lows. They explore fan disappointment, ranking the most downtrodden teams, particularly the Bengals. Sal shares funny anecdotes about parenting amid the chaos of football season and dives into the buzz surrounding the Crawford vs. Canelo fight, highlighting Crawford's rising star power. The conversation wraps up with light-hearted banter on betting strategies and predictions for the upcoming games.

97 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 48min
The Juggernaut Packers, Realistic Clippers Punishments, and Week 2 NFL Picks With Joe House, Jason Concepcion, and Chris Ryan
Joe House, a savvy sports commentator from The Ringer, joins forces with pop culture aficionado Jason Concepcion and sports analyst Chris Ryan. They dive into the intense NFL matchup between the Commanders and Packers, dissecting key injuries and player performances. The trio also tackles the implications of the Clippers' scandal, discussing realistic punishments for the team. With thrilling predictions for Week 2 of the NFL, they explore betting strategies amidst the excitement of the season, offering a blend of sports analysis and entertainment.

123 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 2h 4min
Arch Manning, NFL Announcers, a New Deal for 'PTI', the Ballmer Scandal, and a Crawford-Canelo Megafight With Van Lathan Jr., Bryan Curtis, and Chris Mannix
Van Lathan Jr., a media personality known for his sharp cultural insights, joins media reporter Bryan Curtis and boxing analyst Chris Mannix for a lively conversation. They dive into the rise of college football star Arch Manning and the pressures of young athletes. The discussion shifts to the Steve Ballmer scandal in the NBA, exploring its implications. Finally, they analyze the upcoming Crawford-Canelo megafight, debating styles, strategies, and legacies in boxing while reflecting on the evolving landscape of sports media.

157 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 32min
A Classic Josh-Vs.-Lamar Battle, the Week 1 Panic Meter, Guess the Lines and Parent Corner With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal joins the conversation, bringing his signature humor and insights from his extensive NFL experience. They reflect on Week 1 chaos, dissecting standout teams and surprising performances while strategizing for Week 2 bets. Sal shares hilarious parenting stories about his daughter's clever 'clothing thefts' that resonate with any parent. The banter continues as they delve into thrilling matchups, with lively debates on MVP odds and the unpredictable nature of football outcomes, delivering laughs alongside expert analysis.

88 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 39min
Eagles Spit Takes, Week 1 NFL Picks, and a Possible Clippers Scandal With Joe House
Joe House, a betting expert and Ringer staffer, joins to dissect the thrilling Eagles-Cowboys game, pointing out standout players and pivotal moments. They also share their Week 1 NFL picks, optimizing betting strategies while humorously debating team performances. The conversation takes a turn as they explore a potential scandal involving the Clippers, raising eyebrows about financial misconduct in the NBA. Expect laughs, insights, and plenty of betting tips as they navigate the exhilarating landscape of sports!


