The Bill Simmons Podcast

Haralabos Voulgaris, a former professional gambler and basketball analyst, shares his insights into crafting the perfect team around Luka Doncic. He discusses the Chicago Bulls' current dynamics and their championship potential, advocating for key roster enhancements. The conversation also dives into NBA trade strategies and highlights potential panic-trade candidates. Additionally, Voulgaris offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of cryptocurrency and sports, challenging conventional financial norms.

Peter Schrager, an NFL Network analyst, shares his insights on Thanksgiving's NFL matchups and makes daring betting picks for Week 12. He highlights underdog teams like the Browns and Lions, providing strategies for savvy bettors. Meanwhile, James Andrew Miller, an author known for his exploration of HBO's legacy, delves into the network's cultural impact and behind-the-scenes challenges, including the evolution of iconic shows like 'The Sopranos' and the leadership dynamics that shaped HBO's history.

Cousin Sal, a regular sports commentator, joins in for a lively discussion on Jonathan Taylor's historic performance and the thrilling Chargers-Steelers shootout. They analyze the Cowboys-Chiefs and Bills-Colts matchups, dissect the Packers' loss to the Vikings, and debate potential Super Bowl contenders. With lighthearted predictions for NFL Week 12, the duo wraps up with humorous insights on parenting in the Parent Corner, blending sports analysis with personal anecdotes that keep listeners entertained.

Marcus Thompson is a writer for The Athletic with a deep understanding of the Golden State Warriors. He shares insights on the team's impressive run and young star performances. Peter Schrager, an NFL analyst, reflects on the 2021 draft, discussing standout players and mistakes made by teams, especially concerning quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson. Danny Kelly joins in to analyze betting strategies for upcoming games, highlighting intriguing matchups and Million-Dollar Picks, keeping the conversation engaging and humorous throughout.

Join Joe House, a sports analysis guru from The Ringer, along with Chris Vernon, the Memphis Grizzlies analyst, and esteemed football expert Warren Sharp, as they explore the Wizards' surprising rise in the Eastern Conference. They dissect the NBA's player trade dynamics surrounding Ben Simmons and the 76ers. Shifting gears, Warren discusses why the NFL still lacks a clear top team this season, while Gus Ramsey shares fresh takes on the 'Rocky IV' director's cut, revealing how it deepens the story and nostalgia.

Cousin Sal, a regular sports commentator, joins the discussion to dissect the Patriots' triumphant win over the Browns and the surprising loss of the Buccaneers. They hilariously analyze the rocky return of Russell Wilson and the dynamics unfolding in several other NFL matchups. Sal shares his personal betting anecdotes, and the duo plays a fun guessing game about NFL lines for Week 11. They wrap up with amusing parenting tales that provide a light-hearted contrast to the gritty world of sports.

Joined by Jonathan Tjarks, an NBA expert from The Ringer, the conversation dives into Paul George's MVP-worthy performance with the Clippers and Coach Ty Lue's strategic brilliance. They also explore the Mavericks' struggles and rookie sensations. Later, NFL insider Peter Schrager discusses Odell Beckham Jr.'s bold move to the Rams and the high-stakes matchups ahead, including the implications of Baker Mayfield’s contract talks and the unpredictable NFL post-Super Bowl dynamics.

Jackie MacMullan, a veteran sports journalist renowned for her NBA insights, joins Kevin Wildes, an FS1 personality and former contributor to ESPN, to dive into the NBA's latest controversies. They discuss Russell Westbrook's struggles with adapting to the Lakers, Ben Simmons' trade rumors, and the fallout from the scandal involving Suns owner Robert Sarver. The conversation also touches on the evolution of sports commentary and wraps up with a playful segment on whimsical ‘Half-Baked Ideas’ that entertain and spark creativity.

Cousin Sal, a regular sports analyst known for his comedic insights, joins the conversation for a lively discussion about recent NFL drama. They dissect the surprise losses of the Bills and the challenges faced by the Chiefs without Aaron Rodgers. The hosts dive into the implications of key games like Cowboys vs. Broncos, and Vikings vs. Ravens, alongside some hilarious lines guessing for the upcoming week. They also touch on personal anecdotes about family and the influence of fantasy football on their viewing experiences.

In a captivating conversation, Tom Hanks, an iconic actor and filmmaker known for classics like 'Forrest Gump' and 'Cast Away,' shares fascinating insights from his career. He reflects on the evolution of Hollywood comedy in the 1980s and his experiences with talented co-stars like Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio. Hanks discusses the emotional challenges of portraying complex characters and the nostalgia tied to his films. He even shares a touching baseball memory, highlighting the personal connections he's made through storytelling.