The Bill Simmons Podcast

Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer, teams up with Wesley Morris, a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic from The New York Times. They dive into the financial complexities surrounding the NBA, including player salaries, the upcoming draft, and potential team expansions. The conversation shifts to entertainment as Morris shares critiques of notable films and series like 'The Queen’s Gambit' and 'On the Rocks,' celebrating performances and exploring the evolution of storytelling in modern television.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss NFL Week 8, including the Steelers winning another intense showdown with the Ravens, Dalvin Cook and the Vikings running over the Packers, Bengals-Titans, Cam Newton’s crunch-time fumble in the Patriots' loss to the Bills, Eagles-Cowboys, Rams-Dolphins, another crushing Chargers loss, mid-season MVPs, and more (2:00), before guessing the NFL lines for Week 9 (57:00). They close out the show with Parent Corner (1:23:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joining the conversation are Bakari Sellers, a CNN political commentator and host of his own podcast, and Harry Enten, a CNN political analyst known for his data-driven insights. They dive into the upcoming 2020 election, discussing key swing states, voter behavior, and the influence of celebrity endorsements on turnout. The duo reflects on Biden's campaign strategies amidst the pandemic, unraveling the impact of changing voter dynamics and how athletes are increasingly becoming political voices. It's an engaging blend of politics and sports!

Featuring CC Sabathia, a former MLB pitcher known for his powerful arm and postseason legacy, and Kevin O’Connor, an insightful NBA Draft analyst, this discussion covers a range of topics. They dissect the controversial decision to pull Blake Snell during the World Series and celebrate Mookie Betts' electrifying impact on the Dodgers. O’Connor dives into the complexities of the NBA draft landscape, exploring potential trades and evaluating top prospects. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of team finances and what it means for franchises moving forward.

This week, the conversation heats up around the dramatic decline of the Patriots and Cowboys. The hosts dive into the thrilling performances of rookie quarterbacks and dissect NFL power rankings. Expect lively debates on the playoff prospects for the Cardinals and a critical look at struggling teams like the Saints and Falcons. The episode also touches on nostalgic family movie nights, complete with hilarious parenting challenges, and wraps up with predictions for upcoming NFL matchups that promise plenty of excitement.

Howie Long, a Super Bowl champion and NFL analyst, joins to discuss the equilibrium found by Tom Brady's Buccaneers, Dak Prescott's injury woes, and the perplexing performances of the Packers. He shares captivating old-school NFL stories and insights into his post-football acting career. Peter Schrager, known for his sharp predictions, joins in to analyze the NFC East battle and LeVeon Bell's impact on the Chiefs, before the hosts wrap up with Bill’s million-dollar picks for the upcoming week. It's a lively dive into the current NFL landscape!

Jackie MacMullan, a veteran sports journalist, shares her insights on the upcoming NBA season and the challenges teams face in countering the Lakers' dominance. Rembert Browne dives into the heartbreak of Atlanta sports, proposing a 'sports curse' after the Braves’ latest loss. JackO adds humor by reflecting on the Yankees' postseason failures and the quirky dynamics of fandom, while touching on the upcoming presidential election and its unpredictable twists. The conversation blends sports, culture, and camaraderie seamlessly.

The hosts dive into the emotional rollercoaster of playoff baseball, spotlighting the Dodgers and Braves while poking fun at team dynamics. They analyze the surprises of the NFL season, including unexpected team performances and the struggles of veteran quarterbacks. The conversation highlights fan anxieties, particularly surrounding the Jets and Giants, as they chase a promising draft pick. Wrapping up, they share humorous parenting anecdotes, revealing the challenges of raising kids during a pandemic amidst the chaos of sports and online shopping.

Russell Wilson, Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, shares insights on his rookie season, the legendary 'Legion of Boom,' and the mental strategies that drive elite athletes. He discusses the rivalry with the Patriots and the potential of DK Metcalf. Joining him is Cooper Raiff, a talented filmmaker behind 'Sh*thouse,' who talks about crafting authentic stories in indie film and the challenges of working with a minimal budget. The conversation wraps up with NFL picks and betting strategies, adding a sporty twist to the creative discussions.

Jared Dudley, a former NBA player and 2020 champion with the Lakers, joins Ryen Russillo to discuss life inside the NBA bubble. They share hilarious and challenging experiences, from food struggles to team bonding rituals. The conversation dives into memorable LeBron stories, the Lakers’ management decisions, and emerging young talent. They also speculate on 2021 free agency, discussing how teams can compete with the champions. Listeners get a peek into the dynamics of player relationships and the legacy of legends like LeBron and Jordan.