

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 5, 2023 • 1h 53min
Masters Story Lines and Fun Food Arguments With Dave Chang, Joe House, and Nathan Hubbard. Plus, Jason Isbell’s First BS Interview!
Join musician Jason Isbell, famed for his introspective lyrics and showcased in HBO's documentary, and renowned chef Dave Chang, who revolutionized dining with Momofuku, as they dive into life’s pleasures. They share laughter over food debates, reminisce about Tiger Woods at the Masters, reveal personal inspirations behind songwriting, and discuss the authenticity challenges of music documentaries. Their dynamic banter seamlessly blends the worlds of culinary delights and emotional artistry, making for a captivating listener experience.

Apr 3, 2023 • 2h 15min
NBA Playoff Chaos, the Positionless Awards Problem, Caitlin Clark vs. LSU, and Inexplicable NBA Stories With Ryen Russillo and Van Lathan
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and basketball expert, joins Van Lathan, a commentator and writer known for his cultural insights. They dive into the NBA playoff chaos, dissecting the Bucks' surge and the Mavericks' struggles. The discussion also touches on the evolution of women's basketball, spotlighting Caitlin Clark's influence after LSU’s championship win. Additionally, they explore the complexities of an upcoming positionless All-NBA team, raising intriguing questions about fairness and player classification in the MVP race.

Mar 31, 2023 • 1h 36min
Celts-Bucks Lessons, L.A.'s Looming Playoff Palooza, and Best ‘WrestleMania 39’ Story Lines With Rob Mahoney, David Shoemaker, and Kazeem Famuyide
Rob Mahoney, a writer for The Ringer, dives into the Celtics' recent sweeping victory over the Bucks, discussing player dynamics and the MVP race. Meanwhile, David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide bring the excitement of WrestleMania 39 to life, analyzing key matches like Omos vs. Brock Lesnar and Logan Paul's surprising wrestling journey. The trio also explores evolving playoff narratives in both the NBA and WWE, highlighting the thrill of rivalries and the intense competition expected as the playoffs approach.

Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 53min
The Lamar Sweepstakes With Mallory Rubin. Plus, Half-Baked Ideas With Kevin Wildes.
Mallory Rubin, a writer for The Ringer and NFL expert, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, discussing potential trade scenarios and his QB ranking. Kevin Wildes from Fox Sports joins the conversation, pondering the Patriots' interest in Jackson and the dynamic between Bill Belichick and ownership. They also have a lively segment on 'Half-Baked Ideas,' sharing humorous and impractical concepts that spark creativity and laughter. It's a mix of serious sports analysis and light-hearted fun!

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 58min
A Mavs Tailspin, Luka’s Future, LeBron’s Feet, and Playoff Seed Dodgeball With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a renowned sports analyst from The Ringer, joins to dissect the Dallas Mavericks' panic mode and the urgent pressure on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to perform. They explore strategies for building around Doncic, while also predicting playoff fates for the Lakers and discussing the Grizzlies' resurgence. Further, they delve into the MVP race and the playoff implications of team dynamics. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on March Madness and the humorous side of balancing friendships within the hectic sports world.

Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 38min
Most Fun NFL Offseason Story Lines With Mina Kimes and Danny Kelly, Plus West Play-In Roulette With Michael Pina
In a lively discussion, ESPN's Mina Kimes shares her brilliant insights on the NFL offseason, spotlighting the Panthers' no. 1 draft pick and the Aaron Rodgers saga. Danny Kelly adds depth with thoughts on the Lions aiming for NFC North dominance and the Seahawks' draft strategies. Transitioning to the NBA, Michael Pina dives into Karl Anthony Towns's return and the intriguing Western Conference play-in matchups. The conversation blends humor with sharp analysis, making it a must-listen for sports fans.

Mar 22, 2023 • 1h 46min
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on Four Decades of Friendship and Movies. Plus, Logan Murdock on the Jaylen Brown Saga.
In this lively discussion, acclaimed actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reflect on their four-decade friendship and the journey of their creative partnership. They share hilarious anecdotes about pranks and living together, and delve into their new film, 'Air.' Writer Logan Murdock offers insights into Jaylen Brown's pivotal role within the Celtics, exploring personal challenges and team dynamics. The trio also discusses the impact of fame and the importance of genuine friendships amidst public scrutiny, blending humor and nostalgia throughout.

Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 51min
An NBA Title Mystery, a ‘Historic Scoring” Dilemma, Atlanta’s Woes and March Madness with Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer, joins the conversation to crack open the thrilling unpredictability of the current NBA season. They dissect the title race, examining potential frontrunners like the Milwaukee Bucks. The duo dives into astonishing player performances and debates historical scoring metrics. They also analyze the Atlanta Hawks' struggles after a shocking game against the Spurs, and wrap up with some fiery insights on the madness of March, highlighting unexpected tournament twists.

Mar 17, 2023 • 1h 49min
Curry vs. Rodgers, Plus Drafting the Worst NBA Contracts With Joe House and Wosny Lambre
Join Joe House, an NBA expert and contributor at The Ringer, and Wosny Lambre, another sharp analyst from the same platform, as they draft the 21 worst NBA contracts of 2023. They dive into the success of Steph Curry and ponder the Warriors' playoff hopes. Expect lively banter on overpaid stars like Ben Simmons and the challenges tied to hefty salaries. They also discuss how team culture can shift as contracts weigh heavily on both players and franchises in a constantly evolving league.

Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 55min
The NBA Center Revolution, March Madness Picks, and the WWE’s Gambling Idea With Kevin O’Connor, Tate Frazier, and Brian Gewirtz
Kevin O’Connor, an NBA analyst from The Ringer, shares insights on the Nuggets' struggles and the evolving role of centers in basketball. Tate Frazier, a March Madness expert, dives into betting strategies and compelling tournament narratives. Finally, Brian Gewirtz, former WWE head writer, discusses the intriguing prospect of gambling on wrestling, the challenges of secrecy in storylines, and shares wild tales from his past in the WWE. It's an engaging mix of sports insights and behind-the-scenes storytelling!