The Bill Simmons Podcast

Ryen Russillo, a renowned sports analyst and podcast co-host, joins the show to dive deep into the NBA landscape. They discuss Zion Williamson's ideal team fit and trade value, comparing him to legends like Kevin Durant. Dwyane Wade’s farewell tour sparks a debate on the authenticity of modern retirements. The duo analyzes the struggling Thunder's playoff prospects and shares amusing gym stories, blending light-hearted humor with serious basketball insights!

Bill Hader, the talented actor and comedian known for his work on Saturday Night Live and HBO's Barry, joins the discussion to share hilarious SNL stories and insights about aging in the industry. He dives deep into the creative process behind Barry and reflects on iconic films that shaped his career. In a surprising twist, a mystery guest appears, adding a personal touch with incredible stories that blend laughter and nostalgia. The conversation flows through the evolution of comedy and the cultural impact of films, creating an engaging blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

JackO, a longtime friend of Bill Simmons, joins the discussion with insights on baseball and beyond. They dive into the MVP race, highlighting potential candidates like Aaron Judge while critiquing team management, especially under the Dolan family's ownership. The conversation flows into March Madness, with reflections on college basketball's evolving strategies. They even touch on the political scene as the 2020 election approaches, mixing playful banter with deep sports analysis for a lively and engaging dialogue.

The conversation kicks off with a nostalgic look at Rob Gronkowski's retirement and its impact on sports. They dive into the thrilling highs and lows of March Madness, contrasting rookie sensations like Zion with the intense MVP showdown between Harden and Giannis. The hosts delve into the complexities of the NBA playoff format, discussing innovations while examining the absurdities of player selections. With amusing anecdotes, they wrap up discussing player development and the emotional rollercoaster of fandom. Basketball insights blend effortlessly with humor!

Ben Stiller, the acclaimed actor and director, shares insights into his career, from 'Tropic Thunder' to 'Escape at Dannemora.' He discusses the challenges of pursuing comedy in today's world, the nostalgic impact of films like 'Reality Bites,' and the cultural evolution of filmmaking. Stiller reflects on his experiences with the Knicks, showcasing the emotional highs and lows of being a fan. Bill Simmons also calls his dad, leading to a lively conversation about basketball playoffs and the Celtics' aspirations.

Join Kevin Clark, a writer for The Ringer focused on NFL analysis, Dave Jacoby, a pop culture expert, and Shea Serrano, known for his sharp sports commentary, as they explore a wild month for the NY Giants and dissect their management missteps. The trio dives into the rivalry between LeBron James and Johnny Bananas, weighing their legacies in sports and entertainment. Lastly, they deliver a critical review of 'Triple Frontier,' analyzing its strengths and shortcomings while infusing humor into their take on streaming cinema.

March Madness ignites fervor as talent acquisition in sports takes the spotlight. The complexities of player trades and roster management are dissected, revealing untapped potential. Explore the intense debates over NCAA seeding and the legacy of iconic players facing Hall of Fame exclusion. Dive into the evolving dynamics of the NBA, from playoff strategies to the valuation of stars like Zion Williamson. The psychology of player performance adds another layer, while humorous anecdotes about gym culture and quirky friendships keep the conversation lively.

Delve into the quirky world of sports journalism and ownership! The hosts reminisce about legendary sportswriters and discuss the evolution of media influenced by social platforms. They share insights on NBA player happiness, touching on historical dissatisfaction and current pressures. Quirky team owners like James Dolan are dissected alongside humorous takes on college sports scandals. The conversation shifts to influential sports literature, offering must-reads that have shaped the industry and storytelling. Expect laughs and lively banter throughout!

Dive into the rise of the Clippers under Steve Ballmer and their rivalry with a struggling Lakers team. Delight in humorous gym stories and entertaining travel mishaps, including unforgettable TSA encounters. Explore NBA trade dynamics, the complexities of contracts, and the impact of generational differences among players. Wrap it all up with playful predictions about the playoffs and insightful fan dynamics. This lively mix of basketball analysis and funny anecdotes guarantees a fun time!

The hosts dive deep into the electrifying Game 6 of the 2016 playoffs, celebrating Klay Thompson's unforgettable performance and dissecting the intense rivalry between Durant and Westbrook. They explore key moments, including Stephen Curry's clutch plays and Kevin Durant's struggles, while sharing humorous what-if scenarios that could've changed NBA history. Nostalgia takes center stage as they discuss the emotional rollercoaster for Thunder fans and reflect on the shifting strategies in modern basketball, particularly the growing influence of three-point shooting.