

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

Oct 21, 2022 • 1h 58min
LeBron’s NBA Hell, PaoloMania, McCaffrey to SF, NFL Rookie Surprises and Week 7 Picks With Ben Solak and Peter Schrager
Benjamin Solak, an NFL Analyst for The Ringer, shares his insights on rookie quarterbacks and upcoming matchups. He and Peter Schrager, an NFL Analyst for NFL Network, discuss the impact of Christian McCaffrey's trade to the 49ers and the complexities of the NFL ownership dynamics following a recent meeting. They touch on the ambiguous state of the NFC West and evaluate the Patriots' quarterback situation. Expect lively debates about key performances and bold predictions for Week 7!

Oct 19, 2022 • 1h 33min
NBA Opening Night Overreactions With Kevin O’Connor, Plus Ryan Fitzpatrick on QB Intangibles and Tom Brady’s Bizarre Season
Kevin O’Connor, a savvy NBA analyst from The Ringer, dissects overreactions to the thrilling Celtics-76ers and Lakers-Warriors matchups on NBA Opening Night. He highlights the Celtics' newfound toughness while questioning the 76ers' defensive woes. Ryan Fitzpatrick, former NFL quarterback and current analyst, shares insights on the striking decline in NFL scoring and Tom Brady’s unexpected struggles this season. The conversation spills into the dynamics of quarterback play and the challenges faced by teams, making for an engaging sports discussion.

Oct 17, 2022 • 1h 31min
Brady’s Grisly Year, Mediocre QBpalooza, the Frisky Pats, and MLB Playoff Fixes With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a beloved voice in sports commentary, joins to unpack the thrilling NFL season. They dive into the Eagles' impressive 6-0 start and the challenges of pinpointing the NFC's second-best team. The duo also critiques struggling quarterbacks like Brady and Rodgers, exploring the shifting landscape of the NFL. Adding to the fun, they discuss the ongoing MLB playoffs and brainstorm potential fixes for postseason formats. Sal spices things up with humorous anecdotes about parenting and dietary quirks, making for an entertaining listen!

Oct 14, 2022 • 2h 13min
A Green Bay Crossroads, a Giant(s) Underdog Story, 'The Redeem Team,' and Million-Dollar Picks | With Benjamin Solak, Peter Schrager, and Joe House
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Benjamin Solak to discuss some of the NFL's aging QBs, Russell Wilson trying to adapt his game to a new team, the Packers attempting to get their season back on track, analytics influencing pivotal in-game decisions, Eagles-Cowboys, and more (3:49). Then Bill talks with Peter Schrager of NFL Network and Fox Sports about some NFL Week 6 matchups, including Giants-Ravens, Saints-Bengals, Seahawks-Cardinals, Patriots-Browns, Buccaneers-Steelers, and Colts-Jaguars (54:46), before making the Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 6 (1:33:45). Finally, Bill Simmons and Joe House discuss the Netflix documentary 'The Redeem Team,' as they remember Team USA in the 2008 Summer Olympics (1:39:50).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Benjamin Solak, Peter Schrager, and Joe HouseProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 12, 2022 • 48min
Part Three: An NBA Skins Draft Plus Award Predictions | With Ryen Russillo and Joe House
Ryen Russillo, a savvy sports analyst, and Joe House, known for his sharp commentary, dive into the exhilarating world of NBA predictions. They engage in a playful draft to choose teams based on anticipated wins and losses, sparking humorous debates. The duo also analyzes potential MVP candidates and various award odds, shedding light on both favorites and underrated players. Their banter is filled with strategic insights and light-hearted fun, making for an engaging discussion that captures the current landscape of basketball.

Oct 12, 2022 • 1h 39min
Part Two: The East—NBA Over/Under Mega Preview | With Ryen Russillo and Joe House
In Part 2 of a three-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Joe House for the annual NBA over/unders. They make their picks for regular-season win totals in the Eastern Conference!Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Ryen Russillo and Joe HouseProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 11, 2022 • 1h 43min
Part One: The West—NBA Over/Under Mega Preview | With Ryen Russillo and Joe House
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his sharp insights, and Joe House, a sports writer specializing in betting analysis, join Bill Simmons for a lively discussion on the NBA's Western Conference. They analyze key teams like the Warriors and Clippers, highlighting player dynamics and management strategies. The Suns face challenges with injuries, while the Kings and Pelicans seek redemption. With expert predictions and betting insights, they explore the competitive landscape and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Oct 10, 2022 • 1h 29min
NFC East Fever, Peak Dumbass Coaches, Bills-Chiefs, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal and Joe House
Cousin Sal, a sports betting expert with a knack for humor, teams up with Joe House, a sharp sports analyst, to dissect the NFL's recent action. They dive into the Cowboys’ unexpected triumph, the Eagles’ challenges, and the Giants’ surprising win in London. The duo shares a hilarious take on questionable coaching decisions and compares betting strategies while guessing the lines for next week’s games. Their banter is a blend of sports insights and light-hearted commentary, making it both informative and entertaining.

5 snips
Oct 6, 2022 • 1h 43min
The Alien from France, Plus Million-Dollar Picks, Bad QBs, and the Sneaky-Scary Niners With Peter Schrager and Ben Solak
The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on top NBA draft prospect Victor Wembanyama after watching two exhibition games against the G League Ignite, as well as where he ranks among the best NBA draft prospects of all time (2:07). Then, Bill is joined by Peter Schrager of NFL Network and Fox Sports to discuss some bad NFL QB play through four weeks, as well as the 49ers' impressive defense, the Rams' slump, and more (22:37). Next, Bill is joined by The Ringer’s Benjamin Solak to discuss some matchups and kick around some NFL bets for Week 5, including: 49ers-Panthers, Bengals-Ravens, Buccaneers-Falcons, Cowboys-Rams, Chargers-Browns, Eagles-Jaguars, Patriots-Lions, and more (1:04:30). Finally, Bill makes the Million-Dollar Picks for Week 5 (1:33:01).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Peter Schrager and Benjamin SolakProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 5, 2022 • 1h 17min
Burning NBA Questions With Zach Lowe
Zach Lowe, ESPN NBA analyst and former Grantland colleague of Bill Simmons, dives into the pressing questions facing the NBA as the 2022-23 season approaches. They scrutinize the 76ers’ chances of success and whether the Celtics missed their title opportunity. The duo examines the playoff prospects for the Nuggets and the evolving dynamics within the Eastern Conference, highlighting critical trades by the Hawks and Cavs. Their insightful banter captures the excitement and unpredictability of a new NBA season.