

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

May 15, 2023 • 1h 10min
Part 1: TatumPalooza in Boston, Philly’s Blow-It-Up Potential, and Celts-Heat Predictions With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer, joins to dissect Jayson Tatum's phenomenal Game 7 performance for the Celtics against the Sixers. They explore what this loss means for Philadelphia’s future, including potential shake-ups involving Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Doc Rivers. The conversation shifts to preview the upcoming Celtics-Heat showdown, discussing strategic elements and player dynamics that could shape the outcome. It's a deep dive into playoff pressures and team resilience in the NBA.

May 12, 2023 • 1h 28min
Tatum’s No-No-Yes Game, Jokic Runs Amok, KD’s Lost Year, and GSW-LAL Predictions With Kevin Hench and Rob Mahoney
This conversation features Kevin Hench, a passionate Boston sports fan, and Rob Mahoney from The Ringer, delving into the intense Celtics-Sixers series. They dissect Jayson Tatum's thrilling ups and downs, pondering which team faces more pressure. Mahoney sheds light on Nikola Jokic's stellar performance in the Nuggets' victory over the Suns and the Phoenix team's offseason prospects. The duo also predicts the Warriors' chances in a critical Game 7 against the Lakers, alongside thoughts on the Heat’s potential playoff completion against the Knicks.

May 10, 2023 • 1h 26min
A Celtics Rock Bottom, Embiid’s Big Statement, and Golden State at the Crossroads With Kevin O’Connor
Kevin O'Connor, a basketball analyst from The Ringer, joins the conversation to dissect the Celtics' struggles after their Game 5 loss to the 76ers. He highlights the critical decisions facing the team, including player performances and coaching strategies. The chat shifts to the future of the Warriors, exploring potential trade scenarios for stars like Draymond Green. O'Connor also praises Embiid’s MVP journey while contrasting it with Harden’s decline, framing the current landscape of the NBA playoffs and the challenges teams face.

May 8, 2023 • 1h 41min
Part 2: Booker’s Brilliance, Jokic vs. Ishbia, and Best Playoff Guys Right Now With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his sharp basketball insights, joins for a lively discussion. They dive into the thrilling Suns-Nuggets game, highlighting Jokic's impressive 53 points and Booker's steady playoff form. The conversation takes a humorous turn with the incident involving Jokic and Suns owner Ishbia. They also rank the current playoff stars, analyze key matchups like Lakers-Warriors and Knicks-Heat, and explore Bronny James' commitment to USC, touching on family legacies in sports.

May 8, 2023 • 1h 5min
Part 1: Harden Does It Again, Boston’s Issues, and LeBron’s Genius With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sharp sports analyst and co-host known for his basketball insights, dives into the exciting dynamics of recent playoff games. He dissects the Celtics' blunders in a critical matchup against the 76ers and praises James Harden's tenacity in leading Philadelphia to victory. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of NBA studio shows and what fans crave. Furthermore, Russillo sheds light on LeBron James’ remarkable ability to strategically manage his gameplay even at age 38, emphasizing his impact on team dynamics.

May 5, 2023 • 1h 56min
Draymond’s Still Got It, the AD Rollercoaster, the Giannis Clock, and a Rejuvenated Aaron Rodgers With Wosny Lambre and Peter Schrager
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Wosny Lambre to discuss the Warriors' Game 2 blowout win over the Lakers, Anthony Davis's fluctuating performance, Celtics-76ers, Knicks-Heat, the possibility of a sweep in Suns-Nuggets, the Bucks firing head coach Mike Budenholzer, and more (3:33). Then Bill is joined by NFL Network's Peter Schrager to talk NFL draft grades, Aaron Rodgers in New York, AFC East odds, NFC sleepers, and more (53:34).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Peter Schrager and Wosny LambreProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 3, 2023 • 1h 57min
AD Wreaks Havoc With Kevin O’Connor, Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Stops By, Plus Chris Mannix on the Failing Celtics
Join Kevin O’Connor, renowned NBA analyst from The Ringer, and Mat Ishbia, the dynamic owner of the Phoenix Suns, as they delve into the high-stakes world of basketball. Ishbia shares insights on his journey to ownership and the bold Durant trade, while Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated critiques the struggling Celtics after their playoff losses. They explore tactical shifts, player performances, and the emotional rollercoaster of the NBA playoffs. Expect a blend of passion, strategy, and the latest in sports drama!

May 1, 2023 • 1h 32min
Part 2: Suns in Trouble, the Lowry Game, and What Do We Do Now? With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer, joins to dissect the Suns' struggles in the playoffs against the Nuggets. He analyzes key player performances, particularly Jokic and Murray, while contemplating the mental aspects of high-stakes games. The conversation touches on playoff unpredictability, the Knicks vs. Cavaliers matchup, and the role of celebrity influence courtside. Russillo also addresses potential trades for teams like the Hawks and Cavaliers, highlighting the search for crucial third scoring options.

Apr 30, 2023 • 56min
Part 1: The Legend Steph Curry Drops 50 in Game 7 With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst renowned for his insights on ESPN and The Ringer, joins the discussion to break down Steph Curry's phenomenal 50-point game in the playoff showdown against the Kings. They analyze the strategic plays that propelled the Warriors to victory and the pivotal role of players like Kavon Looney. The conversation also delves into Curry's place in the NBA hierarchy, comparing his legacy to that of LeBron James, as they look ahead to the upcoming matchup against the Lakers.

Apr 28, 2023 • 1h 11min
NFL Draft Highlights, Part 2: Celts-Hawks and NBA Weekend Predictions With Sheil Kapadia and Wosny Lambre
Sheil Kapadia, an NFL writer for The Ringer, shares his keen insights on the 2023 NFL Draft, diving into surprises, standout teams, and the future of players like Anthony Richardson. Wosny Lambre, an NBA contributor, discusses the Celtics' playoff victory over the Hawks, highlighting key performance takeaways while strategizing about their next challenges against the Sixers. The interplay between NFL draft strategies and NBA playoff dynamics makes for a captivating analysis of both leagues at a crucial time.