

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

Feb 18, 2022 • 1h 23min
Sleeping on Jokic, Marveling at Phoenix, and Wondering About Porzingis With Bob Voulgaris
Haralabos Voulgaris, a former NBA executive and analytics expert, dives into the Mavericks' departure from Kristaps Porzingis and the frightening rise of the Suns. He discusses shifts in NBA team strategies over the last two decades, including small-ball trends and the evolving role of centers. Voulgaris also provides insights on the MVP-caliber season of Nikola Jokic and analyzes potential playoff scenarios. The conversation takes a turn toward modern finance with thoughts on Bitcoin and NFTs, blending sports with investment trends.

Feb 15, 2022 • 1h 57min
Stafford’s HOF Case, Brady Rumors, the Broken Oscars, and Cody Rhodes/WWE Angles With Kevin Clark, Sean Fennessey, and David Shoemaker
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss some post–Super Bowl narratives, including the Matt Stafford Hall of Fame debate, whether the Bengals will be back in the Super Bowl anytime soon, rumors about Rams head coach Sean McVay stepping away, speculation on Tom Brady's future, and more (1:54). Then Bill talks with Sean Fennessey about the upcoming Oscars, the waning award-show audience, how adding more categories would help the broadcast, their award predictions, and more (45:59). Finally Bill talks with David Shoemaker about news of Cody Rhodes's shocking departure from AEW and speculated return to WWE before Bill and David lay out their idea of what Rhodes's first few months back at the WWE should look like (1:23:46).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Kevin Clark, Sean Fennessey, and David ShoemakerProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 14, 2022 • 1h 21min
The Super Bowl 56 Recap Show With Cousin Sal
The hosts dive into the Rams' nail-biting Super Bowl win, discussing the pivotal moments and injuries that shaped the game. Cooper Kupp's MVP performance steals the spotlight, while they reflect on the offensive struggles of both teams. The chaotic fan experience is unpacked, revealing surprising turnout and ticket mishaps. Betting insights add another layer, with humorous anecdotes about good and bad wagers. A lively conversation about the halftime show and family dynamics brings a light-hearted touch to the excitement surrounding the big game.

Feb 10, 2022 • 1h 7min
Part 4: Trade Deadline Winners and Losers With Kevin O’Connor, Rob Mahoney, J. Kyle Mann, and Wosny Lambre
Kevin O’Connor, a keen NBA analyst from The Ringer, teams up with Rob Mahoney and J. Kyle Mann, along with Wosny Lambre, to dissect the latest trade deadline twists. They evaluate the winners and losers, diving deep into Russell Westbrook’s rocky fit with the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks’ strategic moves. The conversation also highlights the 76ers' chemistry post-Harden trade and reflects on the weak 2015 NBA draft. Expect riveting analyses on team dynamics and intriguing insights on the playoff race as they unpack pivotal trades.

Feb 10, 2022 • 45min
Part 3: The NBA’s Merry-Go-Round Era With Wosny Lambre, Kevin O’Connor, and J Kyle Mann
Kevin O’Connor, a sharp analyst from The Ringer, discusses the Lakers' quiet offseason and its impact on LeBron's future. Wosny Lambre shares insights into the Knicks' struggles with trades and player development. J Kyle Mann highlights the evolving NBA dynamics and the significance of player empowerment. They tackle the paradox of modern fan engagement and hope in a deeper league, questioning if the 'merry-go-round' era truly resonates with fans while exploring coaching challenges and team strategies.

Feb 10, 2022 • 39min
Part 2: The Perfect LeBron Trade With Chris Ryan, Kevin O’Connor, Wosny Lambre
Join Chris Ryan, a sports and pop culture writer, and Wosny Lambre, an NBA analyst, as they dive deep into the current NBA trade frenzy. They analyze the James Harden trade's impact on the Sixers and debate whether he can regain his top form. The surprising Porzingis deal to the Wizards stirs conversation about team dynamics with Luka Doncic. Tune in for hot takes on how roster changes, like the Celtics’ moves, influence team strategies and the broader implications for this season's playoff chase!

Feb 10, 2022 • 48min
Part 1: Harden-for-Simmons Finally Happens! With Chris Ryan, Kevin O’Connor, and Rob Mahoney
Chris Ryan, Kevin O’Connor, and Rob Mahoney from The Ringer dive deep into the seismic trade of James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. They dissect the impact on team dynamics, especially with Joel Embiid, and analyze how this reshapes the Eastern Conference landscape. The trio also reflects on Harden's previous stint with the Nets and the complications of creating a super team. Fans can expect insightful discussions on playoff predictions and how these trades influence NBA rivalries.

Feb 8, 2022 • 1h 55min
Two Big NBA Deals Plus a Super Bowl Mega-Gambling Preview With Cousin Sal and Peter Schrager
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on two significant NBA trades: the Kings trading Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson to the Pacers for Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, and a 2027 second-round pick; and the Pelicans trading Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Didi Louzada, and draft picks to the Trial Blazers for CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell (2:06). Then Bill is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Bengals' improbable postseason run before kicking around a TON of Super Bowl prop bets (15:54). Then Bill is joined by NFL Network's Peter Schrager to make the case for both the Bengals and Rams to win Super Bowl 56 and discuss likely narratives following a Super Bowl win for either team (58:44) before making the Million-Dollar Picks in a last-ditch effort to come away with a winning gambling season (1:37:42).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Cousin Sal and Peter SchragerProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 7, 2022 • 1h 33min
Harden-Simmons Trade Watch: Day 427, Plus More Deadline Buzz With Kevin O’Connor and Jackie MacMullan
Jackie MacMullan, a veteran basketball writer, and Kevin O’Connor, a savvy NBA analyst, dive into the swirling trade rumors surrounding Ben Simmons and James Harden as the deadline approaches. They dissect the potential impacts of these trades on team dynamics, especially for the 76ers and Nets. The duo also discusses intriguing moves like Caris LeVert to the Cavaliers and the Pelicans eyeing CJ McCollum, while analyzing the rising Grizzlies and the ever-evolving landscape of player relationships in the league.

Feb 3, 2022 • 2h
"One Trade Away" NBA Teams With Rob Mahoney, MLB Doldrums With Mike Schur, Plus Bill’s Dad With a Boston Sports Update
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss teams who may be "one trade away" from seriously improving their season, including the Grizzlies, Cavaliers, Celtics, Mavericks, 76ers, Hornets, and more (1:16). Then Bill talks with writer, producer, and loyal baseball fan Mike Schur about the Baseball Hall of Fame induction debates, the MLB lockout remaining unresolved as spring training approaches, Mike's pitch on how former players mired in PED controversy can still make the Hall of Fame, and more (56:01). Finally, Bill is joined by his dad to discuss Boston sports, including the Celtics, Tom Brady's retirement, the future of the Patriots, and more (1:26:54).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Rob Mahoney, Mike Schur, Bill's DadProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices