

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 24, 2021 • 1h 28min
Part 2: The Panic Battle of LA, Sleeper Memphis, Plus More West Overreactions With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a savvy sports analyst and co-host, dives deep into the playoffs' latest drama. He breaks down the Grizzlies' impressive Game 1 win and the Lakers' struggles against the Suns, highlighting key player dynamics. The conversation shifts to the Clippers' disappointing start versus the Mavericks and the standout performance by Luka. Russillo also shares playoff predictions amidst personal stories about parenting teens, blending sports insights with relatable humor.

May 24, 2021 • 1h 26min
Part 1: Trae Grows Up, MSG’s Revival, Milwaukee’s Must-Win, and a Properly Paid Tobias With Ryen Russillo (and a Sean Fennessey Cameo)
Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst known for his basketball insights, and Sean Fennessey, a writer with a knack for covering the Knicks, dive deep into the NBA playoffs. They dissect the Knicks' heartbreaking loss to the Hawks and analyze Milwaukee's crucial win against Miami. The duo explores Trae Young's impressive growth and its playoff implications, while also discussing fan nostalgia and recent trends in NBA ratings. With sharp commentary, they illuminate the emotional highs and lows of basketball at this thrilling time.

May 21, 2021 • 1h 48min
Is Curry a Pantheon Guy? Plus: Knicks + Lakers Predictions With Dave Jacoby and Alan Yang
David Jacoby, an ESPN personality known for his insights on basketball, joins screenwriter Alan Yang, a lifelong Lakers fan. They debate Stephen Curry's standing among basketball greats and dissect the Knicks' playoff prospects against the Hawks, highlighting their underdog status. Alan shares thrilling tales about the Lakers' win over the Warriors and reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of attending live games. With humor, they also touch on the challenges of parenthood and the evolving landscape of basketball and baseball.

May 19, 2021 • 1h 55min
Tatum’s 50 and PGA Picks With Joe House, Plus Dirk Nowitzki on Jokic, Luka, 2011, and Much More
Joe House, a contributor to The Ringer, and Dirk Nowitzki, the NBA legend and Hall of Famer, dive into the excitement of recent basketball matchups. They discuss Jayson Tatum’s stunning 50-point game and the upcoming Lakers-Warriors showdown. Nowitzki shares insights on the Mavericks' historic 2011 championship, his thoughts on Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic, and the evolution of loyalty in the NBA. They also touch on rivalries and the challenges facing teams in the playoffs, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective on the game.

May 17, 2021 • 1h 26min
Part 2: Tankapalooza 2021, Western Predictions, and All-NBA Picks With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a renowned sports analyst known for his basketball insights, joins Bill Simmons to dissect the latest NBA happenings. They dive into the Clippers’ surprising loss, analyze playoff matchups, and weigh the impact of the play-in tournament on tanking strategies. Russillo and Simmons passionately debate All-NBA selections and MVP candidates while highlighting the enduring legacies of basketball legends. Listeners gain expert predictions on playoff prospects and fascinating insights into the upcoming NBA draft.

May 17, 2021 • 1h 32min
Part 1: Warriors-Lakers, Philly-Brooklyn, Milwaukee’s Burden, and the DOA Celtics With Ryen Russillo
Join sports analyst Ryen Russillo as he dives into the thrilling dynamics of the NBA playoffs. He shares insights on the Lakers and Warriors matchup and evaluates the 76ers' chances in the Eastern Conference. The duo breaks down the MVP debate, spotlighting key players like Curry and Embiid, while also reflecting on the Celtics' struggles. Russillo offers predictions on playoff outcomes and highlights how injuries could shape team dynamics, making for an engaging analysis of this year's playoff landscape.

May 14, 2021 • 2h 39min
A Big NBA Weekend With Jackie MacMullan, NFL Schedule Chicanery With Warren Sharp, and Andrew McCarthy on '80s-Movies Stardom
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Jackie MacMullan to discuss the end of the NBA regular season, the upcoming NBA Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, the rudderless Boston Celtics, the “We Believe” Warriors 2.0, NBA awards, and more (3:20). Then Bill talks with Warren Sharp about the winners and losers of the NFL 2021 season schedule release, some futures bets, and more (1:11:00). Finally Bill talks with actor-director Andrew McCarthy about his new book ‘Brat: An ’80s Story’; some of his early films, including ‘Class,’ ‘Heaven Help Us,’ ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ ‘Pretty in Pink,’ ‘Weekend at Bernie’s,’ and more. They discuss “The Brat Pack,” 1980s Hollywood stories, working with legendary director John Hughes, and more (1:45:00).Host: Bill SimmonsGuest: Jackie MacMullan, Warren Sharp, Andrew McCarthyProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 2021 • 2h 18min
The NBA’s Next Generation With Wosny Lambre, Vaccine Hesitancy With Derek Thompson, and Sharon Stone’s First Appearance
Wosny Lambre, a basketball analyst at The Ringer, dives into the NBA's new stars, discussing fan loyalty shifts from teams to individual players and spotlighting rising icons like Giannis and Luka. Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, explores the complexities of vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic, examining political influences and misinformation. Legendary actress Sharon Stone shares insights from her memoir, reflecting on her iconic film roles and personal transformations, blending Hollywood anecdotes with themes of resilience.

May 10, 2021 • 1h 54min
A Westbrook Debate, NBA Sleepers, Unbreakable Records, and LaMelo Sliding Doors With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a savvy sports analyst known for his astute NBA insights, joins the conversation! They dive into the playoff landscape, discussing potential sleeper teams and key players like Luka Dončić. The duo debates Russell Westbrook’s record-tying triple-doubles and the intricacies of All-NBA selections. They also explore the most unbreakable records in basketball, and whether current stars can challenge them. With humor and deep analysis, Russillo and Simmons tackle the shifts in player dynamics and what the future holds for the league.

May 7, 2021 • 1h 55min
Best NBA Late-Season Story Lines, Plus Theo Epstein’s First Appearance
Theo Epstein, a three-time World Series champion executive, shares insights on transforming the Red Sox and Cubs into champions after decades of waiting. He compares the distinct cultures of Red Sox and Cubs fans, highlighting their emotional journeys. The conversation shifts to baseball's current challenges, including the rise of strikeouts and innovative changes needed for the game to engage modern fans. Epstein also reflects on personal leadership lessons that drove his championship success, emphasizing the importance of resilience in sports.