

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 5, 2021 • 2h 9min
The Case for Tompa and Million-Dollar Picks With Peter Schrager. Plus: Casey Affleck on Sports Movies.
Peter Schrager, an NFL Network reporter known for his insightful analysis, discusses the NFL quarterback carousel, trade strategies, and his predictions for the Super Bowl. He shares his thoughts on the pivotal roles of key players and the tactical advantages leading up to the big game. Joining him is Casey Affleck, an Oscar-winning actor, who reminisces about his film career, favorite sports movies, and the unique stories behind them. Together, they explore the intersection of sports and cinema, capturing both nostalgia and excitement.

Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 42min
Brooklyn Bliss, Draymond’s Dip, and CJ McCollum Stops By
CJ McCollum, the Trail Blazers' sharpshooter, shares insights on his long tenure in Portland and the bond he's built with Damian Lillard. He dives into the unique challenges of the NBA bubble and the impact of injuries on team dynamics. McCollum sheds light on the ever-evolving relationship between basketball and media, along with the importance of adaptability as a player ages. His reflections on playoff experiences and the camaraderie fostered during tough times make for a compelling conversation.

Feb 1, 2021 • 1h 53min
Best Super Bowl Props, Plus Sal-a-Palooza 2021 With Cousin Sal and Surprise Guests
Join talent manager James Babydoll Dixon, sports betting strategist Daniel Callison, and die-hard Patriots fan Kevin Hench in a lively discussion filled with Super Bowl insights. They explore bizarre prop bets, including the likelihood of safeties scoring first. Sal Iacono's new book sparks humorous anecdotes about the gambling world, while personal stories reveal camaraderie and nostalgia. They even debate Tom Brady’s legacy versus emerging stars, blending betting strategies with light-hearted banter woven throughout their entertaining storytelling.

Jan 29, 2021 • 2h 1min
Best Beal Trades, the GameStop Scandal, and Super Bowl Talk With Joe House, Andrew Ross Sorkin, and Jamal Adams
Joe House, a contributor to The Ringer, shares insights on potential trades for Bradley Beal as the Wizards face a tough season. Andrew Ross Sorkin offers an analysis of the GameStop phenomenon, discussing its chaos on Wall Street and implications for retail investors. NFL strong safety Jamal Adams reflects on his career, the evolution of tackling in the league, and shares thoughts on Super Bowl predictions. The conversation mixes sports drama with market turbulence, making for an engaging talk.

Jan 27, 2021 • 1h 52min
Best NBA Unicorns, Plus Sports Card Boom 3.0 With Kevin O’Connor and Mike Gioseffi
Kevin O’Connor, a sharp NBA analyst from The Ringer, joins Mike Gioseffi, co-host of the Sports Cards Nonsense podcast, to dive into the fascinating world of 'unicorns' in the NBA. They discuss iconic players like LeBron, Giannis, and Jokic, exploring their unique skill sets and impact on the game. The conversation then shifts to the booming sports card market, dissecting its rapid transformation and rising popularity fueled by the pandemic. They highlight how nostalgia and strategic collecting are reshaping the landscape for enthusiasts and investors alike.

Jan 25, 2021 • 1h 36min
The Mahomes-Brady Bowl, Conflicted Pats Fans, and Playoff Rodgers With Cousin Sal
Chris Ryan, co-host of The Ringer NBA Show, joins to dive into thrilling NFL playoff matchups, particularly focusing on Tom Brady’s historic Super Bowl journey and the Chiefs' exciting victory over the Bills. They analyze the intriguing betting lines and personal stakes linked to the upcoming Super Bowl LV. Shifting gears, they dive into early NBA season happenings, spotlighting players like Kevin Durant and Collin Sexton, while also making predictions for awards and navigating the emotional landscape of sports betting.

Jan 22, 2021 • 1h 44min
Jimmy Kimmel, Plus Red-Hot Million Dollar Picks With Peter Schrager
Jimmy Kimmel, the comedic host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", shares entertaining insights on parenting, memorable pranks, and the evolving landscape of political comedy post-Trump. NFL analyst Peter Schrager discusses high-stakes playoff predictions, betting strategies, and key player impacts as the Chiefs and Bills clash. They dive into recent game performances, including the intriguing dynamics of the Buccaneers and Packers. Get ready for a blend of humor, sports analysis, and unexpected anecdotes that keep listeners engaged!

Jan 19, 2021 • 2h 8min
Brooklyn’s Ceiling, Brady vs. Boston Fans, 'The Bachelor,' and Taylor Swift With Jackie MacMullan and Nora Princiotti
Jackie MacMullan, a veteran sports journalist, and Nora Princiotti, a talented writer for The Ringer, join for an engaging discussion. They analyze the explosive potential of the Kevin Durant and James Harden duo for the Nets. MacMullan dives into the Nets’ thrilling victory over the Bucks while revealing trade talks and the struggles of 'hopeless' NBA teams. Princiotti transitions to Tom Brady's complicated relationship with Boston fans and covers the latest season of 'The Bachelor' and the cultural impact of Taylor Swift's evolving music.

Jan 18, 2021 • 1h 23min
The Henne Game, Brady Over Brees, Most Fun Super Bowl Possibilities, and Round 3 Lines With Cousin Sal
Join in as the hosts break down the thrilling Chiefs-Browns matchup and the Buccaneers' victory over the Saints. They dive into the strategic challenges facing quarterbacks and share some hilarious betting anecdotes. The conversation flows into the contrasting dynamics of aging legends versus rising stars in the Super Bowl. Plus, get insights on the recent playoff performances, speculative bets for upcoming games, and some lighthearted family adventures that mix nostalgia with gaming humor.

Jan 15, 2021 • 1h 28min
Harden Trade 2.0, Brady’s Big Chance, and NFL Playoff Picks With Peter Schrager
Joining the conversation is Peter Schrager, an NFL analyst for Fox and NFL Network renowned for his insightful takes on football. The duo dives into the implications of the James Harden trade and its effects on NBA dynamics. They analyze the upcoming NFL playoff matchups, focusing on underdog teams like the Rams and Browns. Schrager shares intriguing insights on betting strategies and the significance of player conditions. They also dissect Tom Brady's unconventional sleep habits and their impact on performance, adding a unique twist to the football discussion.