

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

Dec 7, 2021 • 1h 40min
The Smashmouth Pats, NBA Chatter, and ‘Succession’ Predictions With Ryen Russillo
Join Ryen Russillo, a contributor to The Ringer known for his sharp sports and pop culture insights, as he dives into the recent Patriots victory over the Bills, discussing playoff implications. The chat heats up with Scottie Pippen's critique of Michael Jordan and a look at NBA team dynamics, including the Lakers' woes. Ryen also shares compelling predictions about HBO’s 'Succession,' analyzing the gripping and tumultuous relationship between Logan and Kendall Roy, and what it means for the series' thrilling narrative.

Dec 6, 2021 • 1h 46min
Brazen Ravens, Evil Vikings, Minshew Mania, and NBA Trades After Dark With Cousin Sal and Kevin O’Connor
Cousin Sal brings his sports betting savvy and humor, dissecting the Ravens' heartbreaking defeat to the Steelers and celebrating Gardner Minshew's impressive performance with the Eagles. He and Bill also cover the playoff landscape and the struggles of underdog teams. Then, Kevin O’Connor weighs in with his sharp NBA analysis, discussing potential trades for the Portland Trail Blazers and the evolving dynamics around stars like Damian Lillard. The banter flows with a mix of laughter, insight, and some intriguing trade propositions.

Dec 2, 2021 • 2h 21min
Rodgers for MVP, Pats-Bills, and an Iconic Beatles Documentary With Peter Schrager and Chuck Klosterman
Peter Schrager, an expert NFL analyst from the NFL Network, joins for a lively discussion on why Aaron Rodgers is the front-runner for MVP and the struggles of the Rams. They dive into NFL betting strategies for upcoming matchups and the Chiefs’ recent performance. The conversation shifts to Chuck Klosterman, who shares insights on Peter Jackson's transformative Beatles documentary, revealing the band's internal dynamics and relationships during their peak. It's a blend of sports savvy and music history that captivates!

Dec 1, 2021 • 1h 56min
Suns-Warriors, Anthony Edwards, LSU’s Big Hire, and a Kenny G Interview | With Wosny Lambre, Van Lathan, and Kenny G
Wosny Lambre, a basketball commentator for The Ringer, dives into the Suns' stunning victory over the Warriors while analyzing the Western Conference's playoff dynamics. Alongside Van Lathan, they discuss LSU's coaching changes and new strategies. The conversation shifts gears with Grammy-winning musician Kenny G, who shares insights about his upcoming HBO documentary and his reflections on fame, music, and the ongoing debate about jazz legends. Expect humor, sports analysis, and musical musings!

Nov 29, 2021 • 1h 46min
A Bizarre NFL MVP Race and NBA Trade Ideas With Cousin Sal and Kevin O’Connor
Cousin Sal, a sports betting expert known for his humor, joins basketball analyst Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer. They dive into the confusing current NFL MVP race, highlighting the lack of standout candidates. Sal shares insights on struggling teams and fascinating player performances while discussing humorous Thanksgiving anecdotes. Transitioning to the NBA, O'Connor analyzes potential trade scenarios, including Ben Simmons and rookie talents, emphasizing the complexities of team strategies. Their banter blends sports expertise with lighthearted moments.

Nov 24, 2021 • 1h 44min
The Perfect Luka Team, Panic-Trade Candidates, Chicago’s Ceiling, and Crypto Myths With Haralabos Voulgaris
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.

Nov 23, 2021 • 2h 13min
Pats-Eagles Super Bowl Plans and Thanksgiving Picks With Peter Schrager, and HBO’s Remarkable History With James Andrew Miller
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.

Nov 22, 2021 • 1h 27min
Jonathan Taylor Day, Minnesota Un-chokes, KC’s Back, and More Week 11 Weirdness With Cousin Sal
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.

Nov 18, 2021 • 2h 15min
The "Eff-You" Warriors, 2021 NFL Draft Mistakes, and Million-Dollar Picks With Marcus Thompson, Peter Schrager, and Danny Kelly
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.

Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 59min
The Cinderella Wizards, AFC East Intrigue, and the 'Rocky IV' Director’s Cut With Joe House, Chris Vernon, Warren Sharp, and Gus Ramsey
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.