

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

52 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 33min
A Bad QB Draft, Josh Wins Multi-view MVP, Philly’s the NFC Shot Caller, and Guess the Lines with Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a seasoned sports betting expert, joins to dissect a chaotic day in the NFL. They dive into the Week 15 Bad QB Draft, critiquing lackluster performances from Tua and others. The conversation shifts to standout games like Jaguars vs. Jets and the implications for teams in the playoff race. As they guess the lines for Week 16, humor and insights blend seamlessly. The show wraps up with a heartwarming Parent Corner, where family and sports collide with amusing anecdotes.

82 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 2h 13min
An NBA Six-Pack, Belichick to UNC, and Million-Dollar Picks
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons cracks open an NBA six-pack of topics, including possible Jimmy Butler trades, next year out-of-nowhere contenders, an NBA rules tweak, and more (2:58). Then Bill is joined by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham to discuss Bill Belichick becoming the next head football coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, why Belichick didn’t wait around for an NFL opening, how his philosophy might translate to the college game, and more (25:02). Finally, Bill talks with Joe House about some NBA Cup odds and the NFL weekend slate (1:21:13), before making the Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 15 (1:59:29).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Seth Wickersham and Joe HouseProducers Kyle Crichton and Chia Hao TatThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 2h 4min
OKC’s Revenge, NBA Cup Nitpicks, and NFL Season Fun Grades with David Jacoby, Kirk Goldsberry, Kyle Brandt, and Craig Horlbeck
David Jacoby, contributing sports analyst at The Ringer, joins basketball expert Kirk Goldsberry, NFL personality Kyle Brandt, and journalist Craig Horlbeck for a lively discussion. They dive into the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominance in the NBA Cup and analyze the implications of the new CBA rules on trades. The conversation shifts to the NFL, comparing quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen while assessing the playoff prospects of struggling teams like the Jets and Steelers. They also highlight impressive rookies and dissect the challenges facing various franchises this season.

70 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 40min
Soto’s a Met, KC Doinks It Up, Bleakest NFL Franchises, Rams-Bills Bliss, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular commentator known for his sharp sports insights, joins the discussion to touch on Juan Soto's big move to the Mets and KC's nail-biting win over the Chargers. The conversation heats up with a breakdown of the game between the Rams and Bills, reflecting on quarterback dynamics and team strategies. They also dive into the bleak state of struggling NFL franchises like the Bears and Raiders. To wrap things up, Sal shares betting predictions for upcoming matchups and the challenges of being a sports fan and parent.

41 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 2h 24min
The Aggro Lions, the Sleeper-ish Hawks, Million-Dollar Picks, and Jesse Ventura on His Surprise WWE Return
Joe House, a sports and gambling expert from The Ringer, shares his insights on the Lions' exciting matchup against the Packers and the intriguing Bengals' and Ravens' games this week. Meanwhile, Jesse Ventura, the iconic former wrestler and Minnesota governor, opens up about his unexpected return to WWE, his days on set with legendary films like 'Predator', and the challenges of navigating politics and celebrity life. Their conversation blends sports analysis with nostalgic reflections, making for an engaging discussion.

75 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 59min
A Jokic Fest, the Worry Scale, Rather Have, and Favorite Movie Girlfriends LIVE From Denver With Ryen Russillo
Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his sharp insights, joins for an engaging discussion live from Denver. They celebrate Nikola Jokic's incredible performance and the Nuggets’ recent NBA victory. The conversation touches on NBA biases, a new Worry Scale for teams, and a playful sports-themed 'would you rather.' Ryen shares his top five movie girlfriends, leading to nostalgic reflections. The duo also debates the greatest basketball players across decades while examining evolving player dynamics, making for a lively and entertaining dialogue.

63 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 41min
True Super Bowl Contenders, RIP Niners, Savior Penix, and the End for Rodgers (But Not for Russ) with Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a sports commentator known for his sharp insights, joins the discussion to analyze the NFL landscape. They dissect Josh Allen's MVP chances and the struggles of the 49ers this season. The duo provides a lively critique of several games, including the Ravens and Eagles showdown. They also explore Russell Wilson's resurgence and speculate on the league's worst head coach. Wrapping up, they share predictions for the upcoming games, leaving listeners with plenty to think about.

97 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 2h 41min
A Holiday Check-in on Anything and Everything With Chuck Klosterman
Chuck Klosterman, a sharp-witted author and journalist, dives into a whirlwind of topics. He discusses the evolving landscape of college sports, including the new playoff system and its implications. Klosterman analyzes the shifting public perception of celebrity and modern NBA superstardom. The conversation also touches on political intricacies, media influence on elections, and the timeless appeal of 'The Sopranos.' With a blend of nostalgia and keen insight, Klosterman offers a fresh lens on sports and culture.

13 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 49min
Saquon’s Big Night, a Vegas Savior Idea, Wobbly Washington, Surging Seattle, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Bill Simmons welcomes Cousin Sal, a renowned sports analyst and gambling expert. They dive into the Eagles' crushing win over the Rams and the frantic Cowboys-Commanders finish. The duo debates Sam Darnold's capabilities, the fluctuating playoff landscape, and if the Buccaneers can snatch the NFC South. They also guess the betting lines for NFL Week 13 and share light-hearted anecdotes in Parent Corner. Their combo of sharp insights and humor makes for an entertaining listen.

Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 31min
Part 2: The 76ers Fell Apart, Embiid’s Next Five Years, and Week 12 NFL Picks With Chris Ryan and Joe House
Bill Simmons chats with Chris Ryan, a Philadelphia sports aficionado and co-host of the Rewatchables at The Ringer, and Joe House, a savvy sports analyst known for his Million-Dollar Picks. They dissect the 76ers' current turmoil and the impacts of Joel Embiid's health, pondering if redemption is possible. The trio also dives into NFL Week 12 predictions, analyzing matchups and betting strategies. Their banter dances between sports insights and Thanksgiving pie nostalgia, making for an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion.