The Ringer’s Bill Simmons runs through the biggest subplots to watch heading into the NBA playoffs (2:45) before talking to three-time World Series champion baseball executive Theo Epstein about bringing the Boston Red Sox their first World Series win since 1918, bringing the Chicago Cubs their first World Series win in more than 100 years, Red Sox fans vs. Cubs fans, MLB's strikeout epidemic, experimenting with making changes to baseball, and more (31:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
May 07, 2021•1 hr 55 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor and J. Kyle Mann to discuss Nikola Jokic's MVP-caliber play, his presence on the court, the Nuggets' playoff hopes without Jamal Murray, the era of positionless basketball, and more (2:50). Then Bill talks with CNN's Jake Tapper about what it was like to cover political news in the past year-plus, covering non-Trump topics on 'The Lead With Jake Tapper,' moderating both Democratic and Republican presidential candidate debates, mega-panel TV s...
May 05, 2021•2 hr 1 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks' statement win against the Brooklyn Nets, how the Lakers' seeding could shake things up for Round 1, scariest possible first-round playoff exits, All-NBA teams, news of Aaron Rodgers not wanting to return to the Packers for the 2021 NFL season leaking hours before the NFL draft, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...
May 03, 2021•2 hr 24 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Warren Sharp of NBC Sports and Sharp Football Analysis to discuss an exciting first round of the NFL draft. They discuss the 49ers drafting Trey Lance third overall, the Bears trading up to draft Justin Fields, the Falcons’ savvy move drafting TE Kyle Pitts with the fourth pick, the Patriots securing QB Mac Jones, the Vikings' great first round, Ja’Marr Chase to the Bengals, the Aaron Rodgers news surfacing just hours before the draft began, and much more (...
Apr 30, 2021•1 hr 24 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Fox and NFL Network's Peter Schrager to discuss the upcoming NFL draft including what the 49ers will do with the third overall pick, rumors of quarterback Justin Fields sliding, the Bengals choosing between a top wide receiver and a (possibly) generational offensive lineman, trying to get a read on the Patriots, NFL draft prop bets, and more (3:30). Then Bill talks with civil rights activist and podcaster DeRay Mckesson about continuing the fight for police...
Apr 28, 2021•1 hr 32 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons talks with Joe House about Russell Westbrook’s revival and the surging Wizards, Eastern Conference play-in game scenarios, the disappointing Celtics season, the Porzingis problem in Dallas, the baffling Pelicans, potential playoff scenarios, Finals odds, and All-NBA lineups (2:12). Then Bill talks with Wesley Morris from The New York Times to break down the 93rd Academy Awards, including whether the production was a success, why the ratings were down, the state of movie...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 56 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by J. Kyle Mann to discuss the Knicks’ win streak, the superb play of Julius Randle, playoff scenarios, and more (3:20). Then Bill talks with UFC president Dana White about his 20 years with the company, how the sport has grown, historically great UFC fighters, how the pandemic's Fight Island came to be, inking a deal with ESPN+, incorporating gambling across major sports, Conor McGregor’s upcoming fight, and more (47:30). Finally Bill talks with ESPN’s David ...
Apr 23, 2021•2 hr 7 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Logan Murdock and The Athletic's Marcus Thompson to discuss Steph Curry's incredible stretch of basketball, the parallels between Steph's current season and Kobe Bryant's 2006 season, sports dynasties, NBA playoffs sleeper teams, the postseason play-in games, Draymond Green stories, and more (2:30). Then Bill talks with The Ringer's Chris Ryan about the potential European "Super League," including who proposed it, why certain teams are involved, the potenti...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 44 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss this recent stretch of NBA games without superstars like Kevin Durant, James Harden, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler. They also talk about updated MVP rankings, best subplots for the play-in games, the most fun NBA playoff matchups, Stephen Curry’s incredible season, 2021 NFL draft quarterbacks, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 19, 2021•2 hr
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Warren Sharp to discuss quarterback Justin Fields's draft stock seemingly dropping, what the 49ers will do with the third pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Dolphins' win-win situation with the sixth pick, NFL draft prop bets, future bets, the NFL Hall of Fame, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 12 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Jackie MacMullan to discuss the "grind" of being three-quarters through the NBA season, Jamal Murray's injury, the Phoenix Suns, Rajon Rondo's impact on the Clippers, updated MVP candidates, the 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 7 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss the 2021 Masters Tournament (7:45) and the upcoming NFL draft (39:15). Then Bill talks with David Shoemaker immediately after the conclusion of 'WrestleMania 37'; they discuss the decision to split the event into two days, Bad Bunny’s excellent performance, a riveting match between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair, Roman Reigns retaining his belt, and more (58:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 38 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the title-contending Phoenix Suns (3:00) before talking with WWE's chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon about the importance of the first 'WrestleMania,' the star power of the WWE Women’s Division, Andre the Giant stories, the upcoming 'WrestleMania 37,' what it’s like working for Vince McMahon, the future of WWE, and much more (27:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 09, 2021•1 hr 34 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Kelly to discuss the Jets trading QB Sam Darnold to the Panthers, as well as who wants to trade for the Dolphins’ sixth overall pick, who’s at the top of Danny’s mock draft board, and more (3:00). Then Bill talks with Joe House about his favorite bets for the upcoming Masters Tournament (40:15). Finally Bill is joined by actor and comedian David Alan Grier to discuss working with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence on the film ‘Boomerang’; some awesome s...
Apr 07, 2021•2 hr 9 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Stanford beating Arizona in the women’s NCAA championship, Jalen Suggs’s dagger 3-point shot to defeat UCLA in the men's Final Four, a great year for college basketball, NCAA changing transfer rules, Gonzaga vs. Baylor, and more (2:50). They also take a hard look at Rookie of the Year candidates, potential playoff seeding for the Lakers, Eastern Conference sleepers, and more (38:10). Finally they discuss Ryen’s trip to Mexico, and m...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 59 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with new Ringer addition John Jastremski about New York sports including the start of (a full-length) baseball season, the competent New York Knicks, the juggernaut Brooklyn Nets, the upcoming NFL draft, the Jets and Sam Darnold, and Giants fans' hopes with Saquon Barkley's return. They also discuss the NCAA tournament heading into the Final Four and more (9:30). Then Bill is joined by actor and comedian Kenan Thompson to discuss his new NBC sitcom, 'Kenan'; getti...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 59 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Raja Bell to discuss how they feel about trade deadline deals after the weekend, the bizarre NBA buyout rules, Andre Drummond’s fit on the Lakers, James Harden’s MVP run, Blake Griffin’s potential resurgence on the Nets, Aaron Gordon on the Nuggets, and their picks to make the NBA Finals (2:45). Then, Bill’s friend and die-hard Boston sports fan Kevin Hench joins the show to discuss the state of Boston sports (79:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Mar 30, 2021•1 hr 56 min
In Part 4 of NBA trade deadline coverage on 'The BS Pod,' The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Jackie MacMullan to discuss why the Raptors did not trade Kyle Lowry after all the trade buzz leading up to the deadline. They also revisit the Celtics' additions, the Heat's great day (adding Victor Oladipo and LaMarcus Aldridge), the Clippers trading for Rajon Rondo, Andre Drummond speculation, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 12 min
In Part 3 of the NBA trade deadline coverage on the 'BS Pod,' The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Kevin O'Connor to discuss the final minutes leading up to deadline, including JJ Redick heading to the Mavericks, Victor Oladipo to the Heat, the Celtics trading Daniel Theis to the Bulls for Mo Wagner, buyout candidates, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 25, 2021•42 min
In Part 2 of the NBA trade deadline coverage on the 'BS Pod,' The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Raptors trading Norman Powell to the Trail Blazers for Gary Trent and Rodney Hood. Then Kevin O'Connor joins to discuss the Lakers being surprisingly active, George Hill to the 76ers, Terrance Ferguson to the Knicks, Austin Rivers to the Thunder, no trade for Kyle Lowry, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 25, 2021•38 min
In Part 1 of the NBA trade deadline coverage on the 'BS Pod,' The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Orlando Magic fan Kevin Clark to discuss Orlando's rebuild; the team trading Aaron Gordon to the Nuggets, Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls, and Evan Fournier to the Celtics; how Wendell Carter Jr. will fit in with the Magic; and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 25, 2021•39 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons remembers the late Elgin Baylor (2:50) before talking with The Ringer’s Mirin Fader about her upcoming book ‘Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP’ (19:30). Finally Bill talks with Seven Seven Six founder and Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian to discuss the golden age of pro boxing; technology and sports; the evolving internet; sports trading cards; his wife, Serena Williams; financial literacy; and more (58:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...
Mar 24, 2021•2 hr 7 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss top NBA draft prospect Cade Cunningham after Oklahoma State's loss to Oregon State in the NCAA tournament (2:30), LeBron James's ankle sprain and his unprecedented durability over the years (26:00), updated NBA MVP odds (47:45), the upcoming NBA trade deadline (1:19:00), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 49 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Matt James of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise to discuss his season, expectations vs. reality, dealing with real feelings during a public controversy, being "unplugged" from media and sports while filming, getting back to life after ‘The Bachelor’ and more (2:30). Then Bill talks with Joe House about teams that may be desperate for a trade with the NBA trade deadline approaching, House’s revised NBA MVP bets, the NCAA tournament, Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Washington...
Mar 19, 2021•1 hr 51 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN’s Mina Kimes to discuss the Patriots’ massive free-agency spending, contracts with “voidable years,” the Bears signing QB Andy Dalton, questions surrounding Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson, and more (4:00). Then Bill talks with Chris Ryan about Joel Embiid’s injury, NBA MVP contenders (1:05:30), and the HBO Max show ‘Beartown’ [SPOILERS] (1:18:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 17, 2021•1 hr 37 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Jackie MacMullan to discuss the NBA one year removed from the "Rudy Gobert Game" that paused the NBA season, the stress and fatigue from moving up the start date of the 2020-21 season, All-Star Weekend, NBA trade buzz, and more (2:00). Then Bill talks with Wesley Morris of the New York Times about upcoming Oscar nominations, figuring out what constitutes an "Oscar movie," the disruption of streamers, and more (55:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Mar 12, 2021•2 hr 13 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Bryan Curtis to discuss the media coverage of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in the past couple years, the upcoming massive NFL television rights deal, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey, reexamining sports studio shows after the pandemic, gambling's relationship with sports media, and more (2:40). Then Bill talks with Rachel Lindsay about Season 25 of 'The Bachelor'; reality TV editing; recent missteps from 'The Bachelor' franchise...
Mar 10, 2021•1 hr 56 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss a condensed NBA All-Star Weekend; They talk about the All-Star Game, the 3-point contest, slam dunk contest, along with some All-Star storylines (3:15). Then they discuss Blake Griffin signing with the Nets (46:15), NBA trade deadline predictions (1:04:00), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 08, 2021•1 hr 56 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to revisit the NBA MVP discussion and Joel Embiid. They talk MVP odds and some predictions for after the All-Star break (3:00). Then Bill and House are joined by Nathan Hubbard to discuss Tiger Woods's serious car accident and his future in golf as well as the PGA Tour (40:00). Then Bill and Nathan discuss the new Ringer podcast 'Every Single Album: Taylor Swift' with Nathan and Nora Princiotti, as well as Jay-Z selling Tidal to Square (50:00). Fi...
Mar 05, 2021•1 hr 50 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN's Jackie MacMullan to discuss the Utah Jazz as possible title contenders (3:30), NBA trade rumors (30:30), and a Celtics [panic] segment at the end (1:08:00). Then Bill is joined by his daughter, Zoe, to discuss teen culture one year into the pandemic (1:32:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 01, 2021•2 hr 3 min