

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

Dec 1, 2021 • 1h 56min
Suns-Warriors, Anthony Edwards, LSU’s Big Hire, and a Kenny G Interview | With Wosny Lambre, Van Lathan, and Kenny G
Wosny Lambre, a basketball commentator for The Ringer, dives into the Suns' stunning victory over the Warriors while analyzing the Western Conference's playoff dynamics. Alongside Van Lathan, they discuss LSU's coaching changes and new strategies. The conversation shifts gears with Grammy-winning musician Kenny G, who shares insights about his upcoming HBO documentary and his reflections on fame, music, and the ongoing debate about jazz legends. Expect humor, sports analysis, and musical musings!

Nov 29, 2021 • 1h 46min
A Bizarre NFL MVP Race and NBA Trade Ideas With Cousin Sal and Kevin O’Connor
Cousin Sal, a sports betting expert known for his humor, joins basketball analyst Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer. They dive into the confusing current NFL MVP race, highlighting the lack of standout candidates. Sal shares insights on struggling teams and fascinating player performances while discussing humorous Thanksgiving anecdotes. Transitioning to the NBA, O'Connor analyzes potential trade scenarios, including Ben Simmons and rookie talents, emphasizing the complexities of team strategies. Their banter blends sports expertise with lighthearted moments.

Nov 24, 2021 • 1h 44min
The Perfect Luka Team, Panic-Trade Candidates, Chicago’s Ceiling, and Crypto Myths With Haralabos Voulgaris
Haralabos Voulgaris, a former professional gambler and basketball analyst, shares his insights into crafting the perfect team around Luka Doncic. He discusses the Chicago Bulls' current dynamics and their championship potential, advocating for key roster enhancements. The conversation also dives into NBA trade strategies and highlights potential panic-trade candidates. Additionally, Voulgaris offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of cryptocurrency and sports, challenging conventional financial norms.

Nov 23, 2021 • 2h 13min
Pats-Eagles Super Bowl Plans and Thanksgiving Picks With Peter Schrager, and HBO’s Remarkable History With James Andrew Miller
Peter Schrager, an NFL Network analyst, shares his insights on Thanksgiving's NFL matchups and makes daring betting picks for Week 12. He highlights underdog teams like the Browns and Lions, providing strategies for savvy bettors. Meanwhile, James Andrew Miller, an author known for his exploration of HBO's legacy, delves into the network's cultural impact and behind-the-scenes challenges, including the evolution of iconic shows like 'The Sopranos' and the leadership dynamics that shaped HBO's history.

Nov 22, 2021 • 1h 27min
Jonathan Taylor Day, Minnesota Un-chokes, KC’s Back, and More Week 11 Weirdness With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular sports commentator, joins in for a lively discussion on Jonathan Taylor's historic performance and the thrilling Chargers-Steelers shootout. They analyze the Cowboys-Chiefs and Bills-Colts matchups, dissect the Packers' loss to the Vikings, and debate potential Super Bowl contenders. With lighthearted predictions for NFL Week 12, the duo wraps up with humorous insights on parenting in the Parent Corner, blending sports analysis with personal anecdotes that keep listeners entertained.

Nov 18, 2021 • 2h 15min
The "Eff-You" Warriors, 2021 NFL Draft Mistakes, and Million-Dollar Picks With Marcus Thompson, Peter Schrager, and Danny Kelly
Marcus Thompson is a writer for The Athletic with a deep understanding of the Golden State Warriors. He shares insights on the team's impressive run and young star performances. Peter Schrager, an NFL analyst, reflects on the 2021 draft, discussing standout players and mistakes made by teams, especially concerning quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson. Danny Kelly joins in to analyze betting strategies for upcoming games, highlighting intriguing matchups and Million-Dollar Picks, keeping the conversation engaging and humorous throughout.

Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 59min
The Cinderella Wizards, AFC East Intrigue, and the 'Rocky IV' Director’s Cut With Joe House, Chris Vernon, Warren Sharp, and Gus Ramsey
Join Joe House, a sports analysis guru from The Ringer, along with Chris Vernon, the Memphis Grizzlies analyst, and esteemed football expert Warren Sharp, as they explore the Wizards' surprising rise in the Eastern Conference. They dissect the NBA's player trade dynamics surrounding Ben Simmons and the 76ers. Shifting gears, Warren discusses why the NFL still lacks a clear top team this season, while Gus Ramsey shares fresh takes on the 'Rocky IV' director's cut, revealing how it deepens the story and nostalgia.

Nov 15, 2021 • 1h 31min
Here Come the Pats! Plus: The “What’s Wrong?” Game, Taylor vs. Jake, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Cousin Sal, a regular sports commentator, joins the discussion to dissect the Patriots' triumphant win over the Browns and the surprising loss of the Buccaneers. They hilariously analyze the rocky return of Russell Wilson and the dynamics unfolding in several other NFL matchups. Sal shares his personal betting anecdotes, and the duo plays a fun guessing game about NFL lines for Week 11. They wrap up with amusing parenting tales that provide a light-hearted contrast to the gritty world of sports.

Nov 12, 2021 • 1h 45min
Paul George’s MVP Run, the Kooky West, Odell to L.A., and Baker vs. Belichick With Jonathan Tjarks and Peter Schrager
Joined by Jonathan Tjarks, an NBA expert from The Ringer, the conversation dives into Paul George's MVP-worthy performance with the Clippers and Coach Ty Lue's strategic brilliance. They also explore the Mavericks' struggles and rookie sensations. Later, NFL insider Peter Schrager discusses Odell Beckham Jr.'s bold move to the Rams and the high-stakes matchups ahead, including the implications of Baker Mayfield’s contract talks and the unpredictable NFL post-Super Bowl dynamics.

Nov 10, 2021 • 1h 60min
Westbrook’s Slide, the Phoenix Fallout, Celtics Rumors, and Half-Baked Ideas With Jackie MacMullan and Kevin Wildes
Jackie MacMullan, a veteran sports journalist renowned for her NBA insights, joins Kevin Wildes, an FS1 personality and former contributor to ESPN, to dive into the NBA's latest controversies. They discuss Russell Westbrook's struggles with adapting to the Lakers, Ben Simmons' trade rumors, and the fallout from the scandal involving Suns owner Robert Sarver. The conversation also touches on the evolution of sports commentary and wraps up with a playful segment on whimsical ‘Half-Baked Ideas’ that entertain and spark creativity.


