

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

Dec 23, 2022 • 1h 59min
The Dolphins’ Sleeper Potential, New York Rivalries, Sunday Ticket’s Future, and Red-Hot Million-Dollar Picks | With Peter Schrager, John Jastremski, and Bryan Curtis
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by John Jastremski and Peter Schrager to discuss the Dolphins being the annual NFL Playoffs sleeper team, along with other sleeper candidates—including the Chargers, Ravens, and Lions—before looking at their favorite underdogs for NFL Week 16 (3:25). Then Bill talks with The Ringer's Bryan Curtis about NFL Sunday Ticket moving to YouTube TV for the 2023-24 NFL season, as well as the three biggest media stories from 2022 (53:51). Next, Bill rejoins John Jastremski to discuss the Mets vs. Yankees offseasons, the Knicks finding their identity, and the Nets playing their best basketball (1:22:32). Finally, Bill celebrates getting out of the red and into the black as he gives out the Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 16 (1:49:56).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Peter Schrager, John Jastremski, and Bryan CurtisProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 21, 2022 • 1h 45min
A Suns Sale, Pivot Trade NBA Teams, and the Future of Belichick and Kraft | With Rob Mahoney and Seth Wickersham
Rob Mahoney, an NBA writer for The Ringer, discusses the $4 billion sale of the Phoenix Suns and what it means for the franchise's direction. He dives into the shifting goals of teams like the Lakers and Knicks after 30 games. Meanwhile, Seth Wickersham, an ESPN reporter renowned for his deep dives into the NFL, reveals the tension between Patriots owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick, speculating on possible changes in leadership amid a tough season. They also touch on the pressures surrounding NFL ownership, particularly Daniel Snyder.

Dec 19, 2022 • 1h 27min
An All-Time-Dumb Pats Loss, Dallas Stumbles, Detroit’s Thriving, and More NFL Weirdness With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular guest known for his sharp sports insights and humor, joins to unpack the NFL's latest chaos. They dissect the Cowboys' shocking overtime loss to the Jaguars and the Patriots' baffling defeat to the Raiders. With lighthearted banter, they explore playoff scenarios, analyze quarterback challenges, and share their fantasy football frustrations. The duo also highlights the decline of legendary coaches like Belichick, reflecting on the unpredictable dynamics of this wild NFL season, all while throwing in a bit of family holiday fun.

Dec 16, 2022 • 1h 57min
Best QB Arguments, Million-Dollar Picks and Malik Monk | With Benjamin Solak, Steven Ruiz, and Peter Schrager
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Benjamin Solak and Steven Ruiz to discuss Tua Tagovailoa's season, Steven's QB rankings, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, favorite Week-15 matchups, and more (2:36). Then Bill talks with Peter Schrager of NFL Network and Fox Sports about the large number of free agent QBs next season, some upcoming NFL matchups (including Falcons-Saints, Titans-Chargers, Jaguars-Cowboys), and more (25:56). Next, Bill gives out the Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 15 (45:39), before talking with Kings shooting guard Malik Monk about his basketball journey, his time at Kentucky, landing on the Kings after playing in Charlotte and Los Angeles, the wide open Western Conference, and more (1:25:33).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Malik Monk, Peter Schrager, Benjamin Solak, and Steven RuizProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 14, 2022 • 1h 52min
The 2023 NBA Trade Value List (Pencil, Not Ink) With Joe House
Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House, a sports analysis contributor at The Ringer, for an engaging dive into the NBA Trade Value List. They humorously discuss the trend of naming trophies after basketball legends and its implications. The duo evaluates player performances, considering stars like Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul, while analyzing emerging talents such as Shaden Sharp. They also assess trade dynamics involving established players and potential moves in the league, providing insights into team strategies and the evolving NBA landscape.

Dec 12, 2022 • 1h 36min
Herbert’s Back, Tampa’s Dead, Carolina’s Alive, Hurts is the MVP, and Week 15 Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a beloved comedic sports analyst, joins the discussion, exploring the implications of the Dolphins' recent loss and the playoff standings. They dive into the Eagles' impressive run and the ongoing MVP race, where Jalen Hurts shines against Patrick Mahomes. The pair humorously dissect Tampa Bay's struggles and Tom Brady's future. They also engage in lively predictions for Week 15 matchups, blending insightful analysis with witty anecdotes on youth sports and holiday shopping strategies.

Dec 9, 2022 • 2h
Utah's Good, the 49ers Aren’t Dead, Nobody Believes in Minnesota, and More—With Michael Pina, Peter Schrager, and Benjamin Solak
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Michael Pina to discuss the Jazz continuing to win games, what the Mavericks are missing, and the Celtics' defense (3:48). Bill talks with Peter Schrager of NFL Network and Fox Sports about the 49ers and why they have a shot at a playoffs run with rookie QB Brock Purdy, before hitting on some upcoming games: Vikings-Lions, Steelers-Ravens, Panthers-Seahawks, and Jets-Bills (32:55). Then Bill is joined by Benjamin Solak to discuss his five biggest NFL matchups for this week including Eagles-Giants, 49ers-Buccaneers, and Dolphins-Chargers (1:16:08). Finally, Bill makes his Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 14 (1:49:21).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Michael Pina, Peter Schrager, and Benjamin SolakProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 6, 2022 • 1h 55min
The Tatum-Brown Thing, AD’s Rejuvenation, Trae’s Troubles, and LIGHT THE BEAM With Ryen Russillo
Joining the conversation is Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer. He dives into the Pelicans' championship hopes and the Suns' strategies for Chris Paul’s health. The duo also grapples with the Hawks' struggles and weighs in on why Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could be a legendary duo, making a case for early All-NBA picks. Plus, they assess Anthony Davis's resurgence and discuss the potential future of the Pacers, all while keeping the vibe light and humorous.

Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 24min
Mr. Irrelevant, Joey B, Mike Lotus, Danny Dimes, Josh McD, and other NFL Winners + Losers With Cousin Sal
Join Cousin Sal, a renowned sports analyst and regular comedic voice, as he breaks down the NFL's hottest topics. He and Bill discuss the Cowboys' commanding victory and the Bengals' success against the Chiefs, while tackling player injuries, especially Lamar Jackson's. The duo dives into the surprising rise of Brock Purdy and debates the aging quarterback dilemma. They also predict NFL Week 14 matchups and share laughs in Parent Corner, proving that sports analysis can be as entertaining as it is insightful.

Dec 2, 2022 • 2h 8min
Could Brady Return to the Pats? Plus: Miami-SF, Cincy-KC, Million-Dollar Picks, and RIP Christine McVie | With Peter Schrager, Benjamin Solak, and Nathan Hubbard
Peter Schrager, an NFL Network reporter, shares insights on Tom Brady's nostalgic potential return to the Patriots and discusses the implications for his legacy. Benjamin Solak analyzes key NFL matchups, highlighting Tua Tagovailoa against Fred Warner and A.J. Brown against the Titans. Nathan Hubbard honors Christine McVie, reflecting on her impact in music and friendships within Fleetwood Mac. The trio also dives into betting strategies and team dynamics, exploring high-stakes games like Bengals versus Chiefs.