

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 23, 2022 • 1h 60min
The Wiggins Game, Curry’s Quest, the Miami Bullyballers, and Fake Ayton Trades With Ryen Russillo
Bill Simmons chats with Ryen Russillo, a knowledgeable sports analyst and podcast co-host, about the thrilling NBA playoffs. They dissect Andrew Wiggins' transformation with the Warriors and Steph Curry's pursuit of his sixth Finals appearance. The duo analyzes the Celtics' physical struggles against the Heat and teases upcoming potential midseason tournaments. They also dive into the buzzing trade rumors surrounding DeAndre Ayton and the shifting competitive dynamics within the league, making for a lively discussion!

May 20, 2022 • 1h 56min
A Boston Boomerang, Butler the Superstar, a Yankees Revival, and NFL Schedule Lessons With Haralabos Voulgaris, Warren Sharp, and JackO
Haralabos Voulgaris, a sharp basketball analyst, shares insights on the Celtics' playoff performance, highlighting key player impacts and team adjustments. Warren Sharp, a football analytics expert, discusses the 2022 NFL schedule, analyzing team advantages and potential sleeper picks. JackO, a sports commentator known for his baseball expertise, sparks excitement over the Yankees' impressive start to the season and the revitalization of Aaron Judge, weaving nostalgia with hopes for the team's future.

May 18, 2022 • 1h 30min
Butler Busts Boston, Plus 2022 Lottery Overreactions With Kevin O’Connor, Ryen Russillo and J. Kyle Mann
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O’Connor, Ryen Russillo, and J. Kyle Mann to discuss the Heat’s Game 1 win over the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals, Jimmy Butler’s excellent performance, the Celtics’ pitiful third quarter, series predictions, and more (1:56). Then they discuss the NBA draft lottery selection, what the Orlando Magic should do with the first overall pick, the best fit for the Thunder at no. 2, where the talent drop-off is in the first round, fake trades, and more (28:45).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Kevin O’Connor, Ryen Russillo, and J. Kyle MannProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 16, 2022 • 1h 19min
Part 2: Luka Shines and Phoenix Collapses (and Then Some) With Ryen Russillo
Join Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst from The Ringer, as he breaks down the Phoenix Suns' shocking collapse in Game 7 against the Mavericks and explores what it means for their future. The duo analyzes Luka Dončić's impressive performances, his rising status in the league, and the implications for potential trades. They also discuss the challenges facing star players like James Harden and dive into the psychological pressures of playoffs, shedding light on what it takes to succeed under such scrutiny.

May 16, 2022 • 1h 9min
Part 1: Boston Prevails in 7 With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst, joins Bill Simmons to unpack the thrilling Game 7 where the Celtics triumphed over the Bucks. They dive into Jayson Tatum's rise as a top player and debate potential adjustments the Bucks could have made. Bill reveals his superstitions about watching the game, while they explore the emotional rollercoaster of being a Celtics fan. The discussion also looks ahead to the upcoming Boston-Miami matchup, analyzing team dynamics and the mental edge from past encounters.

May 13, 2022 • 1h 42min
Philly Implodes, Apex Giannis vs. Apex LeBron, and the Worst Celtics Losses Ever | With Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney
Chris Ryan, a sports and pop culture writer for The Ringer, and Rob Mahoney, an NBA analysis expert, dive into the shocking playoff exit of the 76ers and the uncertain future surrounding James Harden. They explore the fierce rivalry dynamics between the East and West, spotlighting teams like the Bucks and Grizzlies. The duo also reflects on unforgettable playoff moments and the painful history of the Celtics, sharing personal accounts of their most heart-wrenching losses, all while drawing connections between sports and broader cultural narratives.

May 11, 2022 • 1h 35min
Phoenix Takes Charge, Brady’s TV Gig, and a Celts-Bucks Classic With Jonathan Tjarks, Bryan Curtis and Chris Mannix
Jonathan Tjarks, an NBA analyst at The Ringer, dives into the Mavericks' playoff challenges against the Suns, spotlighting Luka Doncic's critical impact. Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated breaks down the Celtics-Bucks clash, calling Boston's Game 4 win pivotal for their future. He also touches on Canelo Alvarez's surprising loss. Finally, Bryan Curtis discusses Tom Brady's upcoming move to Fox, exploring the challenges he's set to face transitioning from the field to commentary. It's an engaging mix of basketball insights and media dynamics!

May 9, 2022 • 1h 55min
Harden Goes Undertaker, a Wide-Open West, Tatum’s Biggest Test, and More NBA Overreactions With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst for The Ringer, shares his insights on the intense dynamics of the current NBA playoffs. He dives into the surprising performance of the 76ers and debates the closely contested Suns-Mavericks series. The contrasting styles of the youthful Grizzlies and experienced Warriors are examined, alongside key standouts like Giannis in the Bucks-Celtics matchup. Russillo also reflects on the polarizing reputations of stars like Luka Doncic and Ja Morant, making for a captivating and engaging conversation for basketball fans.

May 6, 2022 • 2h 8min
NBA Playoff Character Awards With Chris Ryan and Tyler Parker. Plus Jackie MacMullan on Celts-Bucks, and Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament
Chris Ryan, a Contributor to The Ringer, and Tyler Parker, an NBA analysis expert, dive into their favorite NBA playoff characters, sparking lively debates. Jackie MacMullan, a seasoned sports journalist, analyzes the intense Celtics-Bucks series, discussing Giannis’s impact and coaching challenges. Musician Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam reflects on balancing solo work with band commitments and shares insights on the Utah Jazz's struggles and the grunge scene's legacy, blending sports with rock and roll nostalgia.

May 4, 2022 • 1h 57min
Ja Goes Off, Kerr Gets Mad, and Boston Survives With Haralabos Voulgaris and J. Kyle Mann, Plus Short QBs and a Draft Recap With Peter Schrager
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Haralabos Voulgaris and J. Kyle Mann to discuss Ja Morant’s 47-point performance in the Grizzlies’ Game 2 win vs. the Warriors, potential adjustments for the Warriors, and Gary Payton II’s injury (1:33), before recapping the Celtics’ Game 2 victory over the Bucks, Giannis Antentokounmpo looking awesome even during an off game, series predictions, and more (29:34). Finally, Bill talks with NFL Network’s Peter Schrager about his biggest takeaways from the 2022 NFL draft. They also discuss the A.J. Brown trade, what is going to happen to Baker Mayfield, division-winner odds, and more (57:43).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Haralabos Voulgaris, J. Kyle Mann, and Peter SchragerProducers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices