

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

Aug 7, 2020 • 1h 45min
Blazermania, the Snakebit Sixers, PGA Championship Notes With Joe House, Plus: Hannibal Buress
Hannibal Buress, the acclaimed comedian and actor known for his stand-up specials, dives into his latest project, 'Miami Nights', discussing its YouTube release and the creative process behind it. He shares hilarious anecdotes about the ups and downs of gambling, providing a candid look at his past glory days. The conversation also touches upon the NBA restart and how the environment has changed in sports and comedy, blending humor with thought-provoking observations on societal issues.

Aug 5, 2020 • 1h 40min
Steve Kerr on Bubble Ball, Golden State’s Gap Year, and ‘The Last Dance.’ Plus: Nathan Hubbard on Golf and Taylor Swift.
Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, shares insights on the unpredictability of the NBA bubble, the need for a break from the playoffs, and the league's evolving stance on social justice. He reminisces about his time with the Bulls after watching 'The Last Dance.' Nathan Hubbard dives into the PGA Tour dynamics and the anticipation for live events, along with a nod to Taylor Swift's latest album. Their conversations blend sports, nostalgia, and the future of entertainment in a post-pandemic world.

Aug 3, 2020 • 1h 58min
Bubble Basketball Revelations, Houston and OKC As Sleepers, and Philly Frustrations With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a savvy sports analyst and co-host, teams up to tackle the unique dynamics of NBA bubble basketball. They dive into the quirks of playing without fans and the competitive edge it brings, especially in matchups like the Rockets’ stunning win over the Bucks. The conversation shifts to the struggling Philadelphia 76ers and their urgent needs for improvement as playoffs loom. They also explore sleeper teams like Oklahoma City, analyzing strategies that could shake up the playoff bracket.

Jul 31, 2020 • 2h 7min
A Memorable NBA Reopening, Plus: Talking NFL With Kyle Brandt
Kyle Brandt, an NFL Network personality and co-host of '10 Questions With Kyle Brandt,' shares insights on the 2020 NFL season and the evolution of reality TV through his own experiences on 'The Real World.' He reminisces about nostalgic NFL moments while discussing the pressures athletes face during the pandemic. Meanwhile, Zoe Simmons offers a teen's perspective on culture during quarantine, reflecting on trends like TikTok and how they're shaping youth interactions. Together, they navigate the intersections of sports and social life in a changing world.

Jul 29, 2020 • 1h 50min
MLB’s Struggles, NBA Asterisks With CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco, and Jason Gay on Pandemic Parenting and Regis Philbin
CC Sabathia, a former MLB pitcher, and Ryan Ruocco, sportscaster and podcast co-host, dive into the shaky start of MLB's season, discussing player testing positive for COVID-19 and the emotional toll on athletes. They explore how the challenges facing baseball mirror those of the NFL. Jason Gay, a sports columnist, shares insights on pandemic parenting and the resilience of New York City, while reflecting on the legacy of TV icon Regis Philbin. The conversation balances humor and candor, offering listeners a unique perspective on sports and life during uncertain times.

Jul 24, 2020 • 1h 37min
The Sleeper Blazers, Best NBA Futures, and LeBron’s Goofy MVP Bandwagon With Cousin Sal and Joe House
The hosts dive into NBA futures, analyzing the playoff prospects of underdog teams like the Trail Blazers. They debate MVP candidates and explore the unique challenges of broadcasting sports without fans. Golf betting strategies and upcoming PGA tournaments spark lively discussions. Parenting during the pandemic brings a humorous angle, showcasing the balance between family life and sports fandom. Expect insights, predictions, and entertaining anecdotes woven throughout.

Jul 22, 2020 • 1h 53min
‘Palm Springs,’ ‘SNL,’ and "I’m on a Boat" With Andy Samberg, Plus ‘Almost Famous’ With Jim Miller
Andy Samberg, the talented actor, comedian, and writer known for his iconic work on Saturday Night Live, dives into his new film 'Palm Springs' and shares insights on how quarantine has reshaped film distribution. He also discusses the comedic pressures during tough times and the evolution of content consumption through platforms like YouTube. Meanwhile, Jim Miller, a journalist with a knack for chronicling pop culture, provides a behind-the-scenes look at 'Almost Famous,' exploring its cultural impact and personal connections to the film.

Jul 17, 2020 • 1h 60min
Enes Kanter and Johnny Bananas
Enes Kanter, former Boston Celtics center and passionate human rights advocate, shares insights on his journey in basketball and activism, particularly in the realm of democracy in Turkey. He reflects on his experiences with the Celtics, Knicks, and Blazers, along with the emotional rollercoaster of player dynamics in Oklahoma City. Joining him is Johnny Bananas, a reality TV icon from MTV’s 'The Challenge', who discusses his legendary status, conspiracy theories, and thoughts on the future of the show, blending humor with strategic gameplay insights.

Jul 14, 2020 • 2h 6min
Inside the NBA Bubble, KD & LeBron, ‘Showbiz Kids’ and River Phoenix With Chris Haynes and Alex Winter
Chris Haynes, Yahoo's senior NBA reporter, shares insider anecdotes from the NBA bubble, discussing the challenges players faced and their motivations to compete during the pandemic. Meanwhile, Alex Winter, director of the HBO documentary 'Showbiz Kids,' delves into the complexities of childhood fame in Hollywood, addressing the psychological toll and societal stigma faced by young actors. The conversation touches on iconic figures like River Phoenix, comparing the pressures of performance in both sports and entertainment.

Jul 10, 2020 • 1h 58min
A Patriots Makeover, 'Unsolved Mysteries,' MLB Foibles and 'The OC' With Mina Kimes, JackO, and Peter Gallagher
Mina Kimes, an insightful ESPN reporter, joins Bill to dissect the New England Patriots’ revival under Cam Newton and the teams that missed out on him. JackO dishes on the MLB's precarious season and the thrilling reboot of 'Unsolved Mysteries.' And actor Peter Gallagher shares nostalgic tales about playing Sandy Cohen on 'The O.C.' along with reflections on his iconic roles in films like 'While You Were Sleeping.' The conversation dives deep into sports, pop culture, and the quirks of human nature, all with a delightful mix of humor.