Russillo shares his thoughts on the Heat's Game 1 road victory over the Celtics, Jayson Tatum's struggles, and Jimmy Butler's incredible playoff transformation (1:10). Then Ryen talks with legendary columnist Bob Ryan about Celtics-Heat, HC Joe Mazzulla, what makes Erik Spoelstra a great coach, Lakers-Nuggets, the brilliance of Nikola Jokic, and more (17:27). Finally Ryen recaps his trip to Chicago (39:46), before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (56:07). Host: Ryen Russil...
May 18, 2023•1 hr 27 min
Russillo shares his excitement for the NBA draft lottery, and the hope that Victor Wembanyama brings to a franchise (0:36), before talking about the 76ers firing head coach Doc Rivers (12:15). Then Ryen is joined by Larry Nance Jr. of the New Orleans Pelicans to discuss the Lakers' playoff run, his first playoffs with the 2018 Cavaliers, LeBron vs. Kobe as a teammate, where the Pelicans are as a team right now, Zion Williamson's injury struggles, and more (17:51). Then Ryen answers some listener...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 43 min
Russillo is joined by ESPN’s Tim Legler to discuss Golden State’s frenetic pace (1:00), what Phoenix needs to do to stay in the series (13:00), how James Harden is dictating the Celtics offense (24:00), and why the Heat are such a tough out (39:00). Then Ryen talks with ‘Jury Duty’ star James Marsden about the excitement and challenges of improv (49:00) and the importance of finding a star like Ronald (55:00). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:18:00). Host: Ry...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 59 min
Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch for Lakers-Warriors Game 4 (0:50) before his recap of the Heat's Game 4 win over the Knicks, in which he only watched Julius Randle (24:49). Then Ryen is joined by Anthony Slater of The Athletic to discuss why this series vs. the Lakers is so difficult for the Warriors, what the Warriors' offseason will look like if they exit the playoffs in the conference semifinals, and more (40:42). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1...
May 09, 2023•1 hr 51 min
Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch on Game 2 of Celtics-76ers (0:33), before talking with former NBA star Gilbert Arenas about the Lakers-Warriors series, the Suns' struggles in their series vs. the Nuggets, Playoff Jimmy Butler, stories from Gilbert's career, and more (22:35). Then Ryen talks with author Steven Hyden about his book 'Long Road: Pearl Jam and the Soundtrack of a Generation' (1:01:26), before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:33:53). Host: Ryen Russi...
May 04, 2023•2 hr 6 min
Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch on 76ers-Celtics Game 1 and Nuggets-Suns Game 2 (0:32), before talking with ESPN's Booger McFarland about his thoughts on the 2023 NFL draft, why he would have taken Jalen Carter no. 1, ranking the draft QBs, the Eagles' monster offseason, Lions optimism, draft steals, and more (25:07). Then Ryen talks with Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet about the Round 2 Lakers-Warriors matchup (59:01), before answering some listener-submitted Li...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 54 min
Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch from Celtics-Hawks Game 6 (0:37) before he is joined by The Ringer’s Kevin Clark to discuss the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, including Anthony Richardson being drafted fourth to the Colts, some puzzling Lions selections, the Texans trading up for Will Anderson, Will Levis falling, favorite picks, and more (21:24). Then Ryen and Kevin go abroad for an F1 check-in after three races (1:04:30). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice qu...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 49 min
Russillo reacts to the Bucks shocking round one loss to the Heat, why there’s never been a larger gap between the regular season and the playoffs, and what it means for Giannis, Coach Bud and the rest of the organization. Host: Ryen Russillo Producers: Mike Wargon and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 27, 2023•26 min
Ryen opens with Jimmy Butler’s all-time playoff performance against the Bucks in Game 4 and why there are few who change the ceiling of a franchise quite like him (0:46). Then, he chats with TNT and Bleacher Report host Adam Lefkoe about how he found out he would be hosting ‘Inside the NBA,’ his best Shaq and Barkley stories, why he doesn’t have confidence in his Sixers, and whether we’re being sold a bad bill of goods with this NFL draft (17:04). Next, the guys break down Episode 5 of ‘Successi...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 54 min
Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch, covering Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 2, the Grizzlies' Game 2 win vs. the Lakers, the Bucks righting the ship vs. the Heat, and the Suns evening up their series with the Clippers (0:54), before Ryen and Ceruti react to The Athletic's anonymous NBA player poll (26:15). Next Ryen is joined by ESPN’s Todd McShay and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network to discuss top NFL draft prospects, which QBs could slide, fake draft scenarios, and more (36:52). Finally Ryen an...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 58 min
Ryen opens with reactions to the Warriors going down 0-2 to the Kings and Draymond’s ejection, plus why he’s not loving how the Sixers look, even up 2-0 on the Nets (0:58). Then, he chats with Eagles center Jason Kelce about Jalen Hurts’s new contract, the Super Bowl loss, what went wrong with Carson Wentz, and more stories from his career (18:18). Next, author David Grann talks about his latest book, 'The Wager,' which tells the story of a wild 18th-century shipwreck (56:09). Finally, the guys ...
Apr 18, 2023•2 hr 8 min
Ryen opens with Tales From the Couch: Play-In Edition, including the Timberwolves running out of gas against the Lakers, the Hawks embarrassing the Heat, why we don’t see more Zach LaVine performances like that, OKC’s future, and the Pelicans potentially having to think about their future with Zion (0:39). Next, he chats with former NBA player Quentin Richardson about the playoffs, nearly going to college at Kansas, why history doesn't appreciate Steve Nash enough, and more (36:03). Finally, the...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 49 min
It's the 500th episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast! Russillo starts by handing out his annual NBA Care/Don't Care Awards. Recipients include the Mavericks, the Rockets, Rudy Gobert, the Western play-in tournament, Kyrie Irving, and more (1:07). Then, comedian Nate Bargatze returns to the show to discuss marriage, bombing comedians, the great Tennessee migration, Nate's time in Los Angeles as a young comedian, terrible acting auditions, and more (12:52). Finally, Ryen, Ceruti, and Kyle recap Sea...
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Russillo shares his thoughts on the proposed NBA in-season tournament, and why he surprisingly likes it (0:26), before talking with rookie Paolo Banchero about playing for Coach K at Duke, being drafted no. 1 by the Magic, the Magic's team chemistry, Rookie of the Year, the MVP race, and more (18:18). Then Ryen is joined by ESPN's Bobby Marks to discuss the new NBA CBA, revisions to the luxury tax, positionless All-NBA, and more (39:39). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice q...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 39 min
Russillo shares his thoughts on the absurdity of UConn's five men's national championship wins since 1999 (0:43), before talking with MLB consultant for on-field matters Theo Epstein about undoing some of the changes that analytics brought to baseball over the past 20 years, listening to the fans, boosting the profile of MLB star players, leaving the Red Sox after winning two World Series titles, ways to rebuild a baseball team, what is next for Theo, and more (11:20). Then Ryen answers some lis...
Apr 04, 2023•2 hr 44 min
Russillo shares his thoughts on Kevin Durant's return to the Suns, their victory over the Timberwolves, a tightening Western Conference, and more (0:32). Then Ryen talks with Scott Pioli of NFL Network and CBS about teams gathering info on Lamar Jackson, how trading for a franchise-tagged player differs from a traditional trade, how teams evaluate players, stories from his time in NFL front offices, the Patriots' recent draft struggles, and more (11:13). Next, Ryen is joined by NFLPA assistant e...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 43 min
Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch, including Kings-Timberwolves, Embiid missing the 76ers-Nuggets matchup, the 8-seed Pelicans, the arrow pointing up for the Rockets, and more (0:37). Then Ryen is joined by Ryan Whitney of the 'Spittin' Chiclets' podcast to talk Massachusetts, Whitney's hockey career, NHL vs. NBA, and more (26:37). Then Ryen, Ceruti, and Kyle recap Season 4, Episode 1 of HBO's 'Succession,' "The Munsters" (1:07:54), before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice que...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 51 min
Ryen opens with how different NBA stars’ status in the league impacts how much pressure is on them to win a title this year (0:31). Next, he chats with Bucks GM Jon Horst about what it’s like building a team around Giannis, the MVP race, a look back at the Jrue Holiday trade, and more (19:27). Then, the guys go through a Sweet 16 bracket of the worst type of guys (47:21) before closing it out with some listener-submitted life advice questions (1:08:36). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Jon Horst Produ...
Mar 23, 2023•1 hr 30 min
Ryen opens with his most disappointing NBA story lines of the season, including Zion, the Pelicans, and more. Plus, he weighs in on Mario Chalmers saying that no one was scared of LeBron like they were with Jordan (0:31). Next, he chats with Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley about reuniting with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota, playing with Anthony Edwards, and his pick for the MVP (22:41). Then, NFL Network reporter Sara Walsh stops by to talk about an Aaron Rodgers update, why she likes Baker Mayf...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 51 min
Russillo is joined by ESPN's Todd McShay to discuss his 2023 NFL mock draft, which QBs are possibly no. 1 picks, why Todd thinks DT Jalen Carter is the best player in the draft, WR and TE rankings, and more (0:36). Then, Ryen talks with Kings guard Kevin Huerter about being traded from the Hawks, this Kings group fighting for second place in the West, the recent Kings-Bucks game, head coach Mike Brown, Kevin's favorite NBA League Pass teams, and more (50:45). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-...
Mar 16, 2023•2 hr 12 min
Ryen opens with Aaron Rodgers reportedly being close to a move to the Jets and how that would create an even larger imbalance of quarterbacks between the AFC and NFC. Then he reacts to the Bears trading the no. 1 pick to the Panthers (0:45). Later, he chats with The Ringer’s Chris Ryan about no. 1–seed actors, the best TV shows, and what Chris is willing to believe the Sixers can accomplish this postseason (16:43). Finally, the guys close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice questions...
Mar 14, 2023•1 hr 32 min
Russillo shares his thoughts on the recently un-fun NBA MVP discussion (0:35), before he is joined by Fox Sports' Greg Olsen to discuss his journey from NFL player to broadcasting the Super Bowl in a span of three years, his reaction to the news of Tom Brady's Fox deal, the unique former player perspective in the broadcast booth, draft day stories, and more (15:11). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (48:43). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Greg Olsen Producers: Kyle C...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 29 min
Ryen opens with Lamar Jackson’s future with the Ravens, the factors that make it complicated, and why just paying him isn’t as simple as some want to make it out to be (0:41). Next he chats with the voice of the UFC, Jon Anik, about Jon Jones getting a win in his return and the rest of UFC 285, plus story time from their younger days in Boston and his thoughts on the Celtics (12:47). Finally, the guys close it out with Life Advice, including revisiting HOA problems (50:00). Host: Ryen Russillo G...
Mar 07, 2023•1 hr 35 min
Ryen opens with some NBA Tales From the Couch, including Kevin Durant’s Suns debut and why he’s finally out on Anthony Davis (0:32). Then he chats with former NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo about the surging Bucks and the Jokic, Giannis, and Embiid MVP race before sharing his favorite early KD memories (27:59). Finally the guys talk about jam bands and closing it out with life advice (1:01:23). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: P.J. Carlesimo Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad...
Mar 02, 2023•1 hr 35 min
Russillo takes a look at the best NBA duos among the contenders and ranks them (0:42) before he is joined by ESPN's Jeff Darlington to discuss some potential huge NFL QB moves, including Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson, how the Dolphins will move forward with Tua Tagovailoa, what the Bears will get out of their no. 1 overall draft pick, and more (14:32). Then Ryen, Ceruti, and Kyle catch up for the first time after their live show in Salt Lake City, Utah (46:54), before answering some listener-s...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 41 min
Russillo is joined by The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis to talk sports media! They discuss lessons learned from Fox’s Super Bowl broadcast, what it means to have a “no. 1 announcer team,” Bryan’s love for “radio row,” Tom Brady’s eventual broadcasting gig, the vanishing middle-class media jobs, sports podcasts vs. sports radio, and more (52:53). Then Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (0:24). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Bryan Curtis Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 22 min
Russillo was live from Wiseguys Comedy Club in Salt Lake City, Utah before NBA All-Star Saturday night with Jazz all-star forward Lauri Markkanen (05:00), plus a live edition of life advice and some audience Q&A (19:00). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Lauri Markkanen Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 20, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Russillo is joined by Adnan Virk of the 'Cinephile' podcast to discuss the 2023 Oscars, and a weak year in film (0:34). Then Ryen talks with The Ringer's Raheem Palmer about his approach to sports betting, building his own sports betting model, and gambling on the back half of the NBA season (35:53). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:03:38). Host: Ryen Russillo Guests: Adnan Virk and Raheem Palmer Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 28 min
Russillo shares his NBA Tales From the Couch, including the Suns' win over the Kings, anticipating Kevin Durant's return, Celtics-Bucks, Magic-Raptors, and Warriors-Clippers (0:31). Then Ryen is joined by SI's Albert Breer to run through the top 10 NFL offseason storylines, including Lamar Jackson's next contract, Aaron Rodgers's next team, which elite WRs will be traded, the Bears' no. 1 overall draft pick, Sean Payton in Denver, and more (20:57). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted L...
Feb 15, 2023•1 hr 38 min
Russillo shares his takeaways from the Chiefs' Super Bowl win over the Eagles (0:32) before talking with two-time Super Bowl champion Damien Woody about the Chiefs offensive line being one of the biggest stars of the game, Kansas City's run-pass balance, the Eagles' lack of defensive adjustments, Jalen Hurts's incredible performance, the continued growth of Patrick Mahomes's legacy, stories from Damien's two Super Bowl victories, after-parties, and more (18:43). Next Ryen, Ceruti, and Kyle conve...
Feb 14, 2023•1 hr 33 min
