Russillo opens his live show at Gramercy Theatre in New York City with a brief story about attending a Red Sox-Yankees game (0:38). Then, Ryen is joined by NBA All-Star point guard Chris Paul to discuss being traded to the Wizards, his favorite career moments, and his book, Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court (6:15). Finally, Ryen, Ceruti, and Kyle answer some listener-submitted and live Life Advice questions (42:39). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Chris Paul Producers: Steve Cer...
Jun 21, 2023•2 hr 46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russillo is joined by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski to discuss the futures of big NBA names like Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, James Harden, Zion Williamson, Chris Paul, and Kyrie Irving (0:30), as well as the upcoming NBA draft, the craziness of draft day, and more (25:07). Then Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (53:40). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Adrian Wojnarowski Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
Jun 15, 2023•2 hr 38 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Nuggets are NBA champs and Russillo opens with his Tales From the Couch for Game 5 and puts some of what Nikola Jokic did into historical perspective (0:36). Then, he chats with NBA guard and Ringer podcast host Austin Rivers about what it was like to play with Jokic, why he thinks Jamal Murray is a top guard in the West, and what the future holds for this Nuggets core (25:18). Finally, the guys close it out with a recap of Kyle’s wedding and some listener-submitted Life Advice (57:30). Host...
Jun 13, 2023•2 hr 42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch after Game 3 of the NBA Finals (0:35), then he breaks down the news of Chris Paul potentially being waived by the Suns and what this does for the team's future (19:07). Then, Ryen is joined The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor to discuss Victor Wembanyama’s playoff run and the best choice at no. 2, and then they debate the late first-rounders (24:30). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (67:40). Host: Ryen Russillo Guests: Kevin O’C...
Jun 12, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russillo is joined by NBA insider Shams Charania to discuss the report of Kyrie Irving reaching out to LeBron James to gauge his interest in joining the Mavericks, James Harden’s choice between the Rockets and the 76ers, Jaylen Brown’s next contract, Adam Silver's ambiguous comments about Ja Morant, the future of Damian Lillard in Portland, and more (0:41). Then Ryen talks with The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman about NIL’s impact on college football, tampering, whether it can be regulated, and more (...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch after Game 1 of the NBA Finals (0:33) before talking with The Ringer's Wosny Lambre about Nuggets-Heat going mostly as expected, some positive takeaways for Miami, Jokic's dominance of the game while seldom scoring, things to look for in Game 2, and more (14:05). Then, Ryen is joined by 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater to talk about his win at the Billabong Pro Pipeline last year in Oahu, his first experience big-wave surfing, the unprecede...
Jun 02, 2023•2 hr 51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russillo shares his thoughts on the Heat's Game 7 victory over the Celtics, Boston's inability to combat the zone defense, Caleb Martin's incredible series, how special it is that the 8-seed Heat have made the Finals, and more (0:52). Then Ryen is joined by ESPN's Jeff Van Gundy to discuss head coach Erik Spoelstra's impact, why Joe Mazzulla shouldn't be blamed for the Celtics' exit, the NBA coaching carousel, Nuggets-Heat, flops vs. fouls, and much more (20:26)! Then Ryen talks with Andy Cohen ...
May 30, 2023•2 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russillo shares his thoughts on Victor Wembanyama's fit in San Antonio, the Hornets' decision with the second pick, where that will leave Portland at no. 3, James Harden's free agency, and more (0:45). Then Ryen talks with Pelicans guard CJ McCollum about the Nuggets' path to the Finals, what the ceiling is for the Pelicans roster, Zion Williamson, the future for Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers, being the NBPA president, working on the CBA, and more (29:03). Finally Ryen, Ceruti, and Kyle d...
May 25, 2023•2 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russillo shares his Tales From the Couch from the Nuggets series-ending win over the Lakers, a look back on Denver's season, and LeBron's post-game comments hinting at retirement (0:42). Then Ryen is joined by ESPN's Jorge Sedano to discuss their views on the Nuggets now vs. at the beginning of the season, Celtics-Heat Game 4, Boston's struggles in the Miami series, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, NBA Finals predictions, and more (23:01). Then Ryen talks with author Hugh Howey about his 'Silo' series...
May 23, 2023•2 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 49 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 58 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 49 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•3 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•2 hr 32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
