

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 2, 2022 • 1h 33min
Part 2: Unlucky Embiid, Suns-Mavs, and a State of Sports Media Check-In With Ryen Russillo and Bryan Curtis
Ryen Russillo, a sharp sports analyst known for his insightful commentary, joins Bryan Curtis, Editor-at-large of The Ringer, for a lively discussion. They dive into the impact of Joel Embiid's injuries on the Sixers’ playoff chances and dissect the Suns-Mavs series dynamics. The conversation shifts to the evolution of sports media, examining how social media alters athlete communication and media narratives. They also reflect on the intersection of nostalgia and modern broadcasting, showcasing how commentators have shaped the sports experience.

May 2, 2022 • 1h 12min
Part 1: Overreactions from Celts-Bucks and Grizz-GSW With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer, joins to dissect the dramatic recent playoff games. He breaks down Golden State's thrilling Game 1 victory, the implications of Draymond's ejection, and predicts future outcomes of the series. The discussion turns to the intense Celtics vs. Bucks clash, emphasizing Jrue Holiday's personal stake and Bill's concerns over the Celtics' performance. They explore tactical shifts, standout players like Jordan Poole, and the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball.

Apr 29, 2022 • 1h 46min
Utah’s Finished, NFL Draft Winners, and Philly’s Big Night With Kevin O’Connor, Rob Mahoney, and Benjamin Solak
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O’Connor and Rob Mahoney to discuss the Mavericks’ series-ending win vs. the Jazz, just how much this Jazz team needs to change to be considered a contender, and a look ahead to Mavericks-Suns (1:45). Then Bill talks with Benjamin Solak to discuss the first round of the NFL draft! They discuss the Eagles trading for A.J. Brown, the Jaguars’ no. 1 overall pick, a good Round 1 for the Giants and Jets, QBs sliding, Round 2 predictions, and more (24:25). Finally Bill is rejoined by Rob Mahoney and Kevin O’Connor to discuss the Suns winning their series vs. the Pelicans, the 76ers advancing to Round 2 after their Game 6 win over the Raptors, predictions for Heat-76ers and Celtics-Bucks, and more (56:44).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Kevin O’Connor, Rob Mahoney, and Benjamin SolakProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 27, 2022 • 1h 49min
A Drunk Wolves-Grizz Series, Harden’s Fall, the Sleeper Mavs, and Brooklyn’s Future With Bob Voulgaris and Van Lathan
Haralabos Voulgaris, a basketball analyst known for his betting expertise, joins forces with Van Lathan, an insightful commentator and author. They dive into the thrilling Raptors' comeback and the intense Mavericks-Jazz playoff series. Voulgaris shares sharp insights on defensive strategies and team dynamics, while Lathan discusses the Nets’ uncertain future and his new book, touching on personal growth and resilience. The conversation also navigates social media's evolving landscape under Elon Musk and the complexities of fame in sports.

Apr 25, 2022 • 1h 23min
Part 2: The Frisky Pelicans, CP3 Demons, Trae’s Struggles and Favorite Flip-Flop Guys With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his sharp basketball insights, joins the conversation to dissect the latest NBA playoff drama. He dives into the Suns' recent struggles against the Pelicans, particularly the impact of Devin Booker's hamstring injury. Russillo also shares intriguing thoughts on Zion Williamson's future with New Orleans, explores the evolving dynamics of team rosters, and reflects on the mental health aspects affecting players. Their witty banter adds a light touch to serious analyses of trades and playoff performances.

Apr 25, 2022 • 1h 20min
Part 1: Brooklyn Breaks, Boston’s Startling Ascent, Kyrie’s Bizarre Career, and Saving Denver Basketball With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a prominent sports analyst known for his insights at ESPN and The Ringer, joins Bill Simmons to dive into the current playoff action. They discuss the Celtics' stunning 3-0 lead over the Nets, dissect Kyrie Irving's inconsistent performances, and tackle team dynamics in the league. The duo also analyzes the Nuggets' unexpected Game 4 win and the implications of star player performances on playoff outcomes. With a focus on strategy and player roles, this conversation is a must-listen for basketball fans.

Apr 22, 2022 • 1h 50min
A StruggleFest for Towns and Mitchell, an NFL Skill Position Draft, and a Netflix Crisis With Wosny Lambre, Danny Heifetz, Craig Horlbeck and Mathew Belloni
Big Waz, a passionate sports analyst, joins fantasy football guru Danny Heifetz in a lively discussion. They tackle the NBA playoffs, spotlighting the Grizzlies' thrilling comeback and the Timberwolves' struggles, while also debating Donovan Mitchell's performance. Switching gears, Heifetz reveals the drama behind Deebo Samuel's trade request and they draft the most valuable NFL skill position players. The conversation wraps up with a critical look at CNN Plus's failure and the shifting landscape of streaming services like Netflix.

Apr 20, 2022 • 1h 45min
A Suns-Warriors Flip-Flop, A Sneaky-Bad NFL Draft, and Utah Groundhog Day With Rob Mahoney, Danny Kelly, and Jonathan Tjarks
Rob Mahoney, a seasoned NBA writer for The Ringer, shares insights on the Pelicans' surprising playoff victory over the Suns and discusses Devin Booker's injury impact. Danny Kelly highlights concerns about the upcoming NFL draft, predicting a slide for quarterbacks and unpredictable team strategies. Jonathan Tjarks dives into the Jazz-Mavericks series, analyzing performance dynamics and the significance of Jalen Brunson's standout game. The trio also debates player contributions and playoff strategies, promising an engaging look at both the NBA and NFL landscapes.

Apr 18, 2022 • 1h 15min
Part 2: The Anthony Edwards Thing, 'Sota's Upset Potential, and Two Sides of Rudy Gobert With Ryen Russillo
In this lively discussion, Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst, dives into the excitement surrounding Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves' playoff potential. The conversation highlights standout performances from recent games, particularly how the Phoenix Suns dismantled the Pelicans. Ryen also critiques Rudy Gobert's defensive play, evaluates the Mavericks' challenges, and muses on historical parallels for rising stars. It's a rich blend of analysis, player insights, and the thrill of basketball playoff dynamics.

Apr 18, 2022 • 1h 9min
Part 1: An Epic Celtics Win, Kyrie the Perfect Villain, and Maxey’s Big Leap with Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a contributor at The Ringer known for his sharp sports insights, joins to dissect the thrilling highs and lows of recent playoff games. They analyze Jayson Tatum's buzzer-beater for the Celtics and Kyrie Irving's stellar 39-point performance, highlighting the intense rivalry with Boston fans. The focus shifts to the 76ers and Tyrese Maxey's evolution as a key player, along with strategic implications of the playoff dynamics and upcoming matchups. Their discussion cracks open the excitement and pressure of playoff basketball.