The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer

About

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.

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1322 episodes

The Chiefs Escape (Again), 2024 NFL Zags, and Million-Dollar Picks Return With Peter Schrager and Joe House

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Peter Schrager of NFL Network and Fox Sports to discuss the Chiefs narrowly surviving the Ravens in the incredible NFL season opener (3:01). They then talk about the loaded Jets roster, the bad-vibes 49ers, Jaguars optimism (23:25), their biggest "zags" on the 2024-25 season, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick on TV, and more (43:52). Finally, Bill is joined by Joe House to make the Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 1 (1:21:05). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Peter Schrager and Joe House Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

2h 5m
Sep 06
Charles Barkley on the New NFL Season, NBA Sleepers, Caitlin’s Detractors, and TV Networks Screwing Things Up

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Charles Barkley to discuss their excitement for the NFL season, the new chips on Jaylen Brown's and Jayson Tatum's shoulders (1:20), feelings on the 2023-24 NBA season, a retooled Western Conference, 2024-25 NBA sleeper teams, NBA player movement (22:53), WNBA discourse, stories from Barkley's career, the uncertain future of 'Inside the NBA,' and more (52:19)! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Charles Barkley Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 39m
Sep 04
Guess the Lines (Year 18!) and Favorite NFL Futures With Cousin Sal

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to run through their favorite futures bets for the 2024-25 NFL season (2:39) before guessing the lines for NFL Week 1 (49:52). Then they close the show with Parent Corner (1:22:09). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Cousin Sal Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 38m
Sep 02
The Annual NFC Over/Unders With Cousin Sal

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to run through the expected win totals of every NFC team and make their over/under picks. NFC East (2:04) NFC North (25:52) NFC South (46:44) NFC West (1:02:54) Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Cousin Sal Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 27m
Aug 29
The Annual AFC Over/Unders With Cousin Sal

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to run through the expected win totals of every AFC team and make their over/under picks. AFC East (2:09) AFC North (30:12) AFC South (51:30) AFC West (1:08:41) Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Cousin Sal Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 37m
Aug 28
The My Guy Fantasy Football Draft, Plus Adam Sandler and Josh Safdie | With Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly, and Craig Horlbeck

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly, and Craig Horlbeck of ‘The Ringer Fantasy Football Show’ for the third annual My Guy Fantasy Football Draft, during which they identify NFL players who fit unique categories on draft day (1:39). Then Bill talks with Adam Sandler and Josh Safdie about Adam's new Netflix comedy special, 'Adam Sandler: Love You,' aging out of pickup basketball games, the making of 'Uncut Gems,' collecting sports memorabilia, iconic comics like Rodney Dangerfield and Norm Macdonald, SNL's upcoming 50th anniversary, and more (1:34:53). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Adam Sandler, Josh Safdie, Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly and Craig Horlbeck Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

2h 51m
Aug 26
Favorite 2024 NFL Storylines With Kyle Brandt, Sheil Kapadia, Steven Ruiz and Kevin Clark

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kyle Brandt to discuss his five most fascinating NFL head coaches (1:52), then Sheil Kapadia tells Bill his five most fascinating NFL defenses (29:58). Next Bill talks with Steven Ruiz about his five hottest NFL takes for the upcoming season (57:16), followed by Kevin Clark's five most watchable NFL offenses (1:23:38). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Kyle Brandt, Sheil Kapadia, Steven Ruiz, and Kevin Clark Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 54m
Aug 23
Bezos and the Celtics, Crown Jewel Franchise Rankings, Best Airplane Shows, Olympics Takeaways, and NFL Stadium Futures With Chuck Klosterman

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chuck Klosterman to discuss the recent Olympics (2:28) before introducing a new segment called Things I Thought We'd Be Better at by 2024, covering air travel, solving murders, boxing, recycling, and building stadiums (34:27). They also talk about the "crown jewel" sports franchises, a potential new owner of the Boston Celtics, and more (1:24:50). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Chuck Klosterman Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2h 8m
Aug 19
Steph Saves America With Doc Rivers, Plus Five Favorite Fantasy Football Targets With Craig Horlbeck and Joe House

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers to discuss Team USA beating France in the gold medal game, Steph Curry's incredible shooting performance, LeBron's brilliant play style, the unsung Olympic hero Devin Booker, the uber-exciting Serbia-USA matchup, an encouraging Victor Wembanyama showcase, and more (1:56). Then Bill talks with Joe House and Craig Horlbeck about their five favorite fantasy football targets for the 2024-25 season (59:21). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Doc Rivers, Joe House, and Craig Horlbeck Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 44m
Aug 11
Team USA Survives, Plus Five Favorite NFL Futures With Joe House, Rob Mahoney, and Anthony Dabbundo

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House and Rob Mahoney to discuss Team USA's narrow escape against Serbia, Steph Curry having a game, Joel Embiid's Olympic moment, LeBron's brilliance, another Jayson Tatum DNP, France's semifinal victory over Germany, and a look ahead at the gold medal game between USA and France (1:19). Then, Bill and House talk with Anthony Dabbundo about his five favorite NFL futures bets with the season starting in just a month (57:17). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House, Rob Mahoney, and Anthony Dabbundo Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 54m
Aug 08
An Olympic Hoops Four-Game Marathon of Fun With Rob Mahoney

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss all of the Olympic men's basketball quarterfinal games as well as their favorite Team USA lineups, Steph Curry's Olympic struggles, the semifinal matchups (USA-Serbia and France-Germany), gold-medal game predictions, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Rob Mahoney Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 42m
Aug 07
The Future of Everything With Derek Thompson, Plus Olympics Hoops Bets With Joe House

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss their gambling strategy for Olympic basketball. They find some value in gold medal odds as well as their favorite Team USA prop bets (2:17). Next, Bill is joined by Derek Thompson for another edition of The Future of Everything, where they discuss their predictions for the future of politics (28:41), tech (40:58), sports (1:11:17), and culture (1:31:34). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House and Derek Thompson Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 52m
Jul 26
Biden Drops Out, a USA Hoops Six-Pack, and ‘Heat 2’ Ideas With Bryan Curtis, Tara Palmeri, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Bryan Curtis and Puck’s Tara Palmeri to discuss President Joe Biden’s sudden announcement that he’s no longer running for reelection (02:11). They dive into what’s next for the Democratic party, whether Vice President Kamala Harris will become the next candidate, Biden’s crumbling inner circle, how Donald Trump’s campaign could shift, and so much more. Next, Bill does a six-pack NBA observation that includes his thoughts on Team USA, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and more (42:43). Also, Bill is joined by The Ringer's own Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan to discuss some of their ideas for ‘Heat 2’ (01:11:04). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Bryan Curtis, Tara Palmeri, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan Producers: Steve Ceruti and Jessie Lopez  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 33m
Jul 21
An NBA Summer Movement Review With Ryen Russillo

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to share their thoughts on the NBA offseason thus far. They discuss DeMar DeRozan winding up with the Kings (3:00), what will happen with Lauri Markkanen (19:54), and the Sixers signing Paul George (48:32). Plus, Ceruti joins to preview the Olympic basketball rosters (103:42). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Steve Ceruti and Mike Wargon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2h 8m
Jul 08
The Celtics Sale, USMNT’s Flop, Lakers Hail Marys, and 'The Bear' Season 3 With Rob Stone and Van Lathan

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons updates his NBA tier list after the latest free agent moves and then discusses what he thinks Danny Ainge’s plan is with Lauri Markkanen, why the CBA is broken, and the thought process behind Wyc Grousbeck’s decision to sell his stake in the Celtics (02:06). Next, Bill is joined by Fox Sports’ Rob Stone to discuss the disappointing USMNT loss to Uruguay, debate whether Christian Pulisic is good enough to be the best player on a team, talk about the lost opportunities to capitalize on soccer interest in the country, and more (31:39). Bill is also joined by Van Lathan, and they talk through the drafting of Bronny James, the hope they have for 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' to be decent, what will happen with Joe Biden, the Kendrick Lamar–Drake beef, and their thoughts on Season 3 of FX’s 'The Bear' (55:24). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Rob Stone and Van Lathan Producers: Steve Ceruti and Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 53m
Jul 03
Paul George Leaves L.A., GSW’s Murky Future, Day One Reactions, and Half-Baked Ideas With Kevin Wildes

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Wildes of FS1 to discuss the beginning of NBA free agency, including the report that Paul George will leave the Clippers and that the 76ers are front-runners for his next team (1:34). Plus, the end of the Klay Thompson era in Golden State (25:45), Chris Paul joins Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, Dejounte Murray is traded to the Pelicans (45:54), the Nuggets' malaise, Knicks hype, and more (1:07:41). They close the show with some Half-Baked Ideas (1:19:27). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Kevin Wildes Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 40m
Jul 01
Part 2: NBA Draft Winners, Losers, and More Losers With Ryen Russillo

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to react to Round 1 of the NBA draft, including the Frenchmen leading the draft, Reed Sheppard to Houston, the Timberwolves moving up for Rob Dillingham, Dalton Knecht falling to the Lakers at no. 17, Zach Edey making the lottery, the Spurs getting their guard, questionable moves from the Pistons and Trail Blazers, a steal for the 76ers, telecast notes, Bill getting his guy at no. 30, and much more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 14m
Jun 27
NBA Draftapalooza Part 1: A Massive Knicks Trade With Ryen Russillo

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the massive trade sending Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, what the 2024 Mavericks signal about the state of the NBA, the recent Kevin Durant trade buzz, NBA draft speculation, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 10m
Jun 26
NBA Draft Red Flags, Edey Sleeper Watch, and a UFC 303 Breakdown With Kevin O’Connor, J. Kyle Mann, and Ariel Helwani

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor and J. Kyle Mann to discuss an incredibly ambiguous NBA draft; they discuss the range of opinions on foreign prospects Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher, Reed Sheppard's ceiling, why Rob Dillingham is the most interesting player in the draft, why Zach Edey belongs in the NBA, "slide guys," and much more (2:07). Then Bill talks with Ariel Helwani about how the UFC has become Bill's third-favorite sport, the upcoming UFC 303, "Should we give up on Conor McGregor?," and more (1:03:51). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Kevin O’Connor, J. Kyle Mann, and Ariel Helwani Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 52m
Jun 25
Atlanta’s Options, PG-13’s Future, Advice for GSW, Edmonton’s Comeback, and the Karen Read Trial With Ryen Russillo

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Paul George trade buzz, what they would do if they were the Warriors (2:08), the trade value of the Hawks' first overall draft pick, best fits for the lottery players (23:34), the Josh Giddey–Alex Caruso trade, advice for the Bulls and Pistons (56:03), all-time GM draft performances, NHL finals Game 7, the Karen Read trial (1:18:36), and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2h 3m
Jun 24
The 12 Remaining NBA Questions With Rob Mahoney and Chris Ryan

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney to unload a ton of NBA Finals big-picture thoughts. They talk about how the Finals MVP seemed to eclipse the Celtics' title and a truly weird postseason (1:33); Jaylen Brown's ascension, Kristaps Porzingis's image rehab, and NBA awards tweaks (20:27); what's next for Jayson Tatum, and which team could "crash the playoff party" next season (43:30); whether this was the Mavericks' big chance and "Kyrie Irving: over/under/properly rated?" Plus, Lakers vs. Celtics franchise legacy, and more (1:06:21)! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 42m
Jun 20
The Celtics Win Banner 18 With Bill’s Dad

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his Dad after watching the Celtics win their 18th NBA title from TD Garden. They relive some key moments from Game 5, give Joe Mazzulla his flowers, litigate the Finals MVP, rank this title in Boston sports history, wonder what's next for the Celtics, and more. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Bill's Dad Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 4m
Jun 18
Part 2: A Mavs-Celts Breakdown, Philly’s Summer Plans, and a Lakers Competency Check-In With Ryen Russillo

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss whether the Mavs found something in Game 4 of the Finals, or if the Celtics just sucked. Plus how nervous is Bill heading into Game 5? Then, they chat about why the Lakers haven’t hired a coach yet, and play a game of "What Would You Do?" if they were running the Sixers and Bulls. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 20m
Jun 17
Part 1: The Legacy Episode, the Next Kyrie, and White Boy Summer With Ryen Russillo

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the history of sports legacy "reassessments," NBA players who can change their legacies over the next few seasons, Reed Sheppard NBA draft thoughts, and more. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 18m
Jun 16
Celtics on the Brink With Doc Rivers

The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares some solo Celtics reactions (0:34) before he is joined by Bucks coach Doc Rivers to discuss taking over in Milwaukee midway through the season, a wacky Eastern Conference postseason (6:42), the Celtics taking Game 3 in Dallas, NBA stories, and more (23:17). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Doc Rivers Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 18m
Jun 13
KP’s Hurt, Dallas Is Alive, Lakers Misconceptions, the Caitlin Content Machine, and Big Fight Bill With Chris Mannix

The Ringer's Bill Simmons runs through six sports topics, including Warner's NBA rights fiasco, the Caitlin Clark media frenzy, the Lakers' coaching search, and more (1:43). Then, Bill is joined by SI's Chris Mannix to discuss Kristaps Porzingis's injury and whether it opens the door for the Mavericks (28:38), key adjustments for Jayson Tatum, Game 3 predictions (46:04), and some boxing talk (1:15:17). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Chris Mannix Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 35m
Jun 12
Boston Wins Game 2, Plus NBA Draft Stuff, Nets/Hawks Advice, and the Next Lakers Coach With Ryen Russillo

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Celtics' Game 2 win vs. the Mavericks, more Tatum struggles, Jrue Holiday's brilliance, Kyrie's slump, the keys to keep Dallas's hope alive, series predictions, and more (1:25). Then Bill and Ryen talk about the puzzling 2024 NBA draft (1:05:18), get into Jimmy Butler's uncertain future (1:24:30), and offer up offseason advice and fake trades for the Hawks and Nets (1:33:42). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

2h 28m
Jun 10
Boston’s Big Game 1 Win: Takeaways From Row 3 With Bill’s Dad

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his Dad to discuss being inside TD Garden for the Celtics' Game 1 win over the Mavericks in the NBA Finals. They discuss the impact of Kristaps Porzingis's return, Boston's defense, the Mavs' lineups, Jayson Tatum's struggles, Game 2 predictions, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Bill's Dad Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 1m
Jun 07
The NBA Finals Gambling Preview With Cousin Sal and Joe House

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal and Joe House to discuss betting angles for the Celtics-Mavericks Finals series, favorite bets, predictions, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Cousin Sal and Joe House Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 17m
Jun 05
Part 2: Barkley’s Future, TNT’s Possible Past, and 2024 NBA Media Trends With Ryen Russillo and Bryan Curtis

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Bryan Curtis to discuss NBA Finals narratives, the state of modern sports studio shows and broadcasts, the future of 'Inside the NBA,' NBA schedule debates, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Ryen Russillo and Bryan Curtis Producer: Kyle Crichton The 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

1h 22m
Jun 03