

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 28, 2023 • 54min
The Best NBA Player Belt, Part 1: Post-Giannis Collapse With Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre
Rob Mahoney, a writer for The Ringer, and Wosny Lambre, a contributor to the same outlet, dive into the Bucks' surprising playoff collapse and its implications for their future. They discuss the thrilling competition for the Best NBA Player Championship Belt, analyzing player legacies and the importance of postseason performance. The duo examines how players like Giannis and Butler are reshaping the narrative around greatness in the league, spotlighting standout playoff performances and strategies that could define the playoffs ahead.

Apr 26, 2023 • 2h 8min
NFL Draft Questions, a Celtics Choke, Butler’s Crazy Career and a Nut Punch Draft With Ben Solak, Danny Kelly, Joe House and Dave Jacoby
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons recaps the Celtics’ Game 5 loss to the Hawks (0:53), before he is joined by Ben Solak and Danny Kelly of ‘The Ringer NFL Draft Show’ to discuss the Aaron Rodgers trade, what the Texans will do with their two first-round picks, QB bust potential, trade-back teams, top prospects, and more (5:54). Then Bill talks with David Jacoby and Joe House about Jimmy Butler’s historic performance vs. the Bucks in Game 4, Lakers-Grizzlies, Round 2 anticipation, the surging Knicks, and more (1:04:01).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Ben Solak, Danny Kelly, Joe House and Dave JacobyProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 24, 2023 • 1h 57min
Knicks Fever, Kawhi Problems, Draymond’s Defense, and Phoenix’s Ceiling With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his keen insights, joins to dissect the latest NBA playoff drama. They kick off with the Knicks' stunning 3-1 lead over the Cavaliers and ponder the shaken dynamics in the Eastern Conference. The conversation shifts to the intriguing Warriors and Kings series, spotlighting Draymond's defensive prowess. They also dive into Kawhi Leonard's injuries impacting the Clippers and speculate on the Suns' playoff ceiling. Lively debates on player reputations and officiating standards add a humorous twist to the analysis.

Apr 21, 2023 • 1h 46min
Westbrook’s Resurrection, Curry’s Rally and The GOAT TV Shows With Rob Mahoney and Andy Greenwald
Rob Mahoney, a savvy NBA writer for The Ringer, discusses Russell Westbrook's impressive revival with the Clippers and the Suns' reliance on star players like Durant and Booker amidst playoff pressures. Meanwhile, Andy Greenwald, co-host of The Watch, offers insights into the finale of HBO's 'Succession,' debating its place among TV's greatest shows. They also explore the storytelling dynamics of iconic series, touching on character development and the impact of narrative choices.

Apr 19, 2023 • 2h 16min
Phoenix Rallies, GSW Needs CPR, Trae’s Stock Plummets and the Lakers’ Highway Widens With J. Kyle Mann and Haralabos Voulgaris
J. Kyle Mann, a savvy sports analyst from The Ringer, and Haralabos Voulgaris, a seasoned sports gambler, break down the NBA playoffs with razor-sharp insights. They discuss the Suns' narrow win over the Clippers and the Warriors' precarious position following Draymond Green’s suspension. Trae Young's disappointing performance sparks debates about trade options, while the Kings challenge the Warriors' dominance. The duo also explores playoff strategies and the impact of key player performances, revealing the unpredictable nature of postseason basketball.

Apr 17, 2023 • 2h 1min
A Lakers Revival, KD vs. Kawhi, GSW-Kings Bliss, and An NBA Weekend Recap With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst from The Ringer, joins to share his take on the thrill of the NBA playoffs. They dive into the surprising performance of the 'Zombie Heat' in Milwaukee and Russell Westbrook's impact in the Clippers' win. The discussion shifts to the Lakers' resurgence, featuring player highlights like Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Russillo also analyzes the Warriors-Kings showdown and the psychological matchups between stars Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant, revealing the unpredictable nature of this playoff season.

Apr 14, 2023 • 1h 53min
Most Intriguing NBA Playoff Storylines With Brian Windhorst, Plus a Boston Check-In With Bill’s Dad
Brian Windhorst, ESPN's NBA reporter known for his keen analysis, discusses the most captivating playoff storylines, such as the future of the Warriors and the next steps for the Tatum-Brown duo. He considers the pivotal moments facing teams like the 76ers and Hawks. Bill's Dad joins in to share his insights on Boston's sports scene, reflecting on the Bruins' historic season and the struggles of the Red Sox while highlighting the playoff-bound Celtics' prospects. It's a lively mix of NBA drama and local sports passion!

Apr 12, 2023 • 1h 50min
The Lakers Escape and Miami Flops With Kevin O’Connor, Plus Wesley Morris on ‘Air,’ ‘Succession,’ and Ben Affleck’s Unique Career
Kevin O’Connor, an NBA writer for The Ringer, shares insights on the Lakers' thrilling play-in victory over the Timberwolves and their playoff hopes against the Grizzlies. He also examines the Heat’s disappointing performance against the Hawks. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Wesley Morris dives into the nostalgia of the film 'Air' while dissecting Ben Affleck's unique Hollywood journey. The conversation further explores the complexity of modern storytelling in shows like 'Succession,' shedding light on character development and industry challenges.

Apr 10, 2023 • 2h 3min
Gobert Game 2.0, Dallas’s Shame, and Our 2023 NBA Awards With Ryen Russillo
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Timberwolves sending Rudy Gobert home mid-game after he punched teammate Kyle Anderson, as well as the Lakers' updated playoff path (4:13). Then, they discuss the Mavericks punting on the 2023 playoffs and how this season affects Luka's legacy (24:45). They also talk finalized NBA standings, play-in games, and most fun first-round series (48:39) before debating some last-minute NBA awards and making All-NBA arguments before the ballots are due (1:14:14).Host: Bill SimmonsGuest: Ryen RussilloProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2023 • 1h 33min
The KD Trade Revisited, Plus Scenes From the Masters With Joe House, Dave Chang, and Nathan Hubbard
Joe House, a seasoned contributor at The Ringer, joins chef and restaurateur Dave Chang and sports analyst Nathan Hubbard for a lively discussion. They explore the pressure on the Suns post-KD trade and ponder whether load management is diluting the MVP narrative. Shifting from basketball to Augusta, they share firsthand experiences from the Masters, touch on Tiger Woods' struggles, and dissect Brooks Koepka’s strong start. With humor and insight, they consider which players might shake up the leaderboard as the tournament unfolds.