The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss a hard-fought Lakers win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Lakers' role players stepping up, Jimmy Butler’s ascension to a “top-10 guy,” superb defensive play by Anthony Davis, LeBron’s command of the series and what a fourth NBA title will do for his legacy, Anthony Davis contract speculation, and more. Then Bill is joined by author Chuck Klosterman to remember the late Eddie Van Halen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss Jimmy Butler willing the Heat to a win over the Lakers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. They also recap NFL Week 4, including the Cowboys' 49-38 loss to the Browns, Panthers-Cardinals, Joe Burrow vs. “the spread,” Bills-Raiders, Giants-Rams, Tom Brady throwing five TDs in a win over the Chargers, Bears-Colts, and more before guessing the NFL lines for Week 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN’s Stugotz of 'The Dan Le Batard Show' to discuss the Miami Heat’s rough start to the NBA Finals, the Heat’s depleted roster, Finals MVP speculation, the city of Miami’s relationship with LeBron James, another sad NY Jets season, and more. Then Bill brings in Joe House to make some NFL Million Dollar Picks. Finally, Bill talks with The Ringer’s Mallory Rubin and Nora Princiotti about the NFL season, including the Ravens' struggles against the Chiefs last week, the chip on Aaron Rodgers's shoulder, playoff sleeper teams, the NFL's COVID-19 protocol, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his NBA Finals pick (2:20) before he's joined by renowned sports journalist Jackie MacMullan to discuss the Clippers and Doc Rivers parting ways, the Clippers' playoffs collapse, the Celtics' playoffs exit, enticing NBA Finals story lines, and more (6:00). Then Bill talks with World Series champion CC Sabathia about the MLB playoffs, the New York Yankees taking care of business against the Cleveland Indians, World Series predictions, the age-old question of restructuring the MLB season, NBA Finals, NFL excitement, and more (1:10:14). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Celtics getting bounced out of the playoffs, a Heat-Lakers NBA Finals, finals gambling odds, and more (2:03). Then they discuss Sunday's NFL slate, including the Saints' loss to the Packers, the Patriots pulling out a win over the Raiders, the 3-0 Chicago Bears, Bills-Rams, Cowboys-Seahawks, the disappointing Eagles-Bengals tie, Lions-Cardinals, and more (14:08). They then guess the NFL lines for Week 4 (57:05) and share another edition of Parent Corner (1:26:54). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Lakers win over the Nuggets in game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, officiating LeBron James, the Celtics struggling vs the Heat's zone defense, a defining moment for Tyler Herro, James Harden trade rumors and more (2:29). Finally Bill bounces his Million Dollar NFL Picks off of Ryen (1:26:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the Nuggets' comeback win in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals vs. the Lakers, as well as the player combination of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and where it ranks among the historic NBA duos (3:04). Then he is joined by Showtime’s Desus Nice and The Kid Mero to discuss NYC during the pandemic; New York sports; the NBA playoffs; MLB, adjusting to doing ‘Desus & Mero’ from home; interviewing late-night icon David Letterman; their new book, ‘God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons From the Bronx’; and more (24:45). Finally Bill talks with actor Jeff Daniels about some of his past work including ‘Terms of Endearment,’ ‘Speed,’ ‘Dumb and Dumber,’ and ‘The Newsroom’; Jim Carrey’s comedy run in the mid-'90s; performing on and off Broadway; his new two-part Showtime miniseries ‘The Comey Rule’; and more (1:15:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss a nail-biter between the Seahawks and the Patriots, a miracle comeback by the Cowboys against the Falcons, the Chief’s overtime win vs. the Chargers led by rookie QB Justin Herbert, an injury-plagued NFL Sunday, another Vikings collapse, Buccaneers-Panthers, the 2-0 Chicago Bears, cross-off teams, and more (2:30), before guessing the NFL lines for Week 3 (56:18). Then they briefly discuss the NBA conference finals (1:21:35), before closing with Parent Corner (1:33:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by sports media legend Jackie MacMullan to discuss the Heat winning another close Eastern Conference finals game against the Celtics to bring the series to 2-0, the construction of the Miami Heat, the tenacious Denver Nuggets, the brilliance of Nikola Jokic, where the Clippers went wrong, how the 2020 NBA playoffs will be viewed historically, sports reporting in 2020, Jackie's advice to young journalists, and more (3:40). Then Bill gives out some Million Dollar Picks for this weekend's slate of NFL games (1:13:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Clippers collapse in game seven of of the Western Conference Semifinals vs. the Nuggets, where this game ranks among historic playoff collapses, how the Nuggets match up with the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, panic Clippers trades and more (2:55). Then Bill and Ryen talk about the Heat beating the Celtics in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, what Rockets should do next, and more (1:20:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Cowboys' gut-wrenching loss to the Rams, no-fan football, trouble in Tompa Bay, gambling disasters, the Bears' comeback win, Cam Newton's Patriots debut, the savvy Cardinals, and more (1:55), before guessing the NFL lines for Week 2 (54:48). Finally, Bill and Sal close out with another edition of Parent Corner (1:24:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on Lakers-Rockets and the NFL season opener in which the Chiefs rolled the Texans, before kicking off Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 1 (3:35). Then Bill is joined by Raja Bell to discuss the Celtics-Raptors series, Game 6, the Raptors' effective defense, the Heat awaiting their opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals, Brooklyn Nets new head coach Steve Nash, and more (34:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on Lakers-Rockets and Celtics-Raptors (2:53) before he is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss Bill’s favorite storylines heading into the NFL season (17:22). Then they kick off their FOURTEENTH season of Guess the Lines and guess the NFL lines for Week 1. Finally, Parent Corner returns (1:05:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Bucks’ playoff turmoil, whether Giannis will re-sign with the Bucks, the Heat’s rising playoffs expectations, Clippers-Nuggets, Raptors-Celtics, Steve Nash as the Nets head coach, Bill’s son Ben’s first-ever fantasy football draft, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons reacts to the Raptors' last-second victory over the Boston Celtics to bring the series to 2-1, as well as the Rockets' Game 7 against the Thunder (1:13). Then Bill is joined by 3x NBA champion and Miami Heat member Andre Iguodala to discuss joining the Heat in February of 2020; playing with teammates like Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler; the toughest NBA players he ever had to guard; pausing the playoffs and the large player meeting that followed; and the U.S. Open, PGA Tour, and more (15:38). Then Bill talks with Bakari Sellers and Van Lathan about the 2020 presidential election, fighting for social justice in America, the coronavirus pandemic, and more (1:06:20). Finally, Bill remembers the great Tom Seaver by reading an essay he wrote about him in 2001 titled "Do I Have Anything Left?" (2:05:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with Joe House about the Utah Jazz exiting the NBA playoffs in a Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets, James Harden's "disappearance" during Rockets-Thunder Game 6, and the monumental stakes for Houston in the upcoming Game 7. Plus: Celtics-Raptors, the Heat giving the Bucks trouble, and more (1:25). Then Bill is joined by ESPN's fantasy football guru, Matthew Berry, to gear up for the start of the NFL season. They talk top skill-position players, strategies for snake drafts and auctions, stack-worthy NFL offenses, stay-aways, sleepers, and more (50:08). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the stunning Jamal Murray performance that has forced a Nuggets-Jazz Game 7, NBA players’ strides in working toward social justice, the Mavericks’ playoff exit on a hopeful note for next season, Lakers Round 2 speculation, broadcast gripes, the Celtics beating the Raptors in Game 1 of the semifinals, Rockets-Thunder, how the Heat match up with the Bucks, a Parent Corner preview, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons sat down with actor Chadwick Boseman to talk about sports movies, making biopics, '42,' 'Draft Day,' 'Black Panther,' '21 Bridges,' NFL, NBA, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by civil rights activist and podcaster DeRay Mckesson to discuss the great strides made by Campaign Zero in police reform, the NBA players’ decision to pause the playoffs in wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake, how NBA teams could make the greatest impact in their own cities, and more (5:50). Then Bill talks with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and DAZN about journalism and media rules in the NBA bubble, Wednesday's meeting with NBA players and coaches, and more (34:20). Finally, Bill talks with L.A. Sparks forward and ESPN radio host Chiney Ogwumike about key subplots as we approach the WNBA playoffs, some heartwarming Kobe Bryant stories, the Clippers' new stadium in Inglewood, the challenges of hosting a live radio/TV show, and more (1:06:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Raja Bell and Logan Murdock react to the Clippers’ merciless win over the Mavericks, some heated exchanges on the court, Paul George’s postgame comments about being “checked out” in the bubble, the Nuggets pulling out a win vs. the Jazz, and more (2:18). Then Bill Simmons talks with The Ringer’s Jonathan Tjarks about the Thunder-Rockets Round 1 playoff series, what the 76ers should be looking to do next, the Nuggets-Jazz series, 2021 NBA draft prospects, and more (38:35). Finally, Bill is joined by ‘SNL’ royalty and TV host Seth Meyers to talk about running a late-night show during the pandemic, his 13 seasons at ‘SNL,’ going back to host the show, NFL excitement, the passing of their friend and colleague Maura Mandt, and more (1:28:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Luka Doncic and the Mavericks' win over the Clippers, tying the series at 2-2; the 76ers getting swept by the Celtics in another disappointing playoff exit; the Jazz working toward upsetting the Nuggets with another win; Round 2 speculations; teams that should be looking to trade in the offseason; Quarantine Corner; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Raja Bell, Ryen Russillo, and Kevin O’Connor discuss Tuesday first few days of NBA playoff basketball, and some of the top draft prospects, before reacting to the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery (4:35). Then talks with The Ringer’s Nora Princiotti about the approaching 2021 NFL season, how empty NFL stadiums could affect on field play, the “battle” for the Patriots starting QB position, the live music void in the pandemic, music documentaries and more (1:34:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House fresh off of the Lakers' Round 1 loss to the Trail Blazers. They also discuss Bucks-Magic, Celtics-76ers, Heat-Pacers, Rockets-Thunder, Game 2 gambling odds, and more (1:55). Then Bill is joined by WWE legend turned executive, "The King of Kings" Triple H to discuss how the WWE adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic so quickly, the impact fans have on pro wrestling, unveiling 'WWE ThunderDome,' working closely with Vince McMahon, searching for the next WWE superstars, and more (52:54). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the NBA’s delightful play-in game format for the bottom NBA playoff seeds (2:30). Then Bill shares his list of the 25 most intriguing people in the 2020 NBA playoffs (21:03). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Raja Bell to discuss the ferocity of Damian Lillard’s game, stories from playing with Allen Iverson and Steve Nash, what a Lakers–Trail Blazers Round 1 playoff series would look like, searching for consistency from Joel Embiid, and much more (3:43). Then Bill talks with his buddy JackO about the MLB, Giancarlo Stanton’s recent hamstring injury, Jose Altuve’s hitting slump, the St. Louis Cardinals’ troubles with positive COVID-19 tests, and more. They also discuss Joe Biden’s selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate for the 2020 presidential election (1:06:07). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss an unprecedented NFL season, the NFL draft, college coaches potentially signing on as consultants, the possibility of regular-season games during the week, a fundamental change to “home-field advantage,” and more (3:05). Then Bill is joined by actor and cannabis farmer Jim Belushi to discuss his new show on Discovery Channel, ‘Growing Belushi,’ as well as Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit that works to secure the release of nonviolent offenders currently serving time for possession of cannabis. They also discuss tortured Chicago sports fandom in the 1970s; Jim’s career as an actor on projects like 'SNL,' ‘About Last Night,’ and ‘According to Jim’; Jim's brother, John Belushi; ‘The Blues Brothers'; and forming friendships with John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Steve Martin, and more (38:40). Finally Bill talks with his dad about the state of Boston sports; the Patriots' new QB, Cam Newton; a subpar start to the Red Sox season; and a hopeful outlook for the Celtics as they head into the NBA playoffs (1:24:08). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the increasingly grim outlook for college football in 2020 (2:20) and Collin Morikawa winning the PGA championship (18:10). They also discuss the excellent play of Luka Doncic, the red-hot Phoenix Suns, the unlucky 76ers, the Pelicans' breakdown, the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard’s comments toward Paul George and Patrick Beverley, and more (35:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the surging Trail Blazers, who beat the Nuggets and Rockets in their last two games. They also discuss “wild-card guys,” including Michael Porter Jr., Fred VanVleet, Zach Collins, and Deandre Ayton; the disappointing Mavericks; the PGA Championship in San Francisco; and more (2:15). Finally Bill talks with comedian and actor Hannibal Buress about his new comedy special ‘Miami Nights,’ his decision to release it on YouTube, Bill's and Hannibal’s glory days of gambling, the NBA restart, and more (57:43). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons talks with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr about the NBA restart, the evolution of basketball, the Warriors' (much needed) break from the NBA playoffs, scouting for the NBA draft during the pandemic, the NBA’s focus on social justice, reminiscing on his time with the Chicago Bulls after watching ‘The Last Dance,’ and more (5:00). Then Bill is joined by Nathan Hubbard to discuss the PGA Tour and the upcoming PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, as well as Taylor Swift's new album 'Folklore' and the USA's eventual return to stadiums and live events (1:14:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons reunites with Ryen Russillo to talk NBA bubble basketball! They share some of the notable differences between traditional NBA games and bubble games; discuss Rockets-Bucks, Celtics–Trail Blazers, Pacers-76ers, and Lakers-Raptors; and answer the question "Who is the third-best team in the West?" Plus: the wild-card 76ers, the most fun playoffs matchups, sleeper teams, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the NBA restart, including Lakers-Clippers, Pelicans-Jazz, the NBA broadcast, NBA awards, and more (4:40). Next he talks with NFL Network's Kyle Brandt about his new Ringer podcast '10 Questions With Kyle Brandt,' the seemingly precarious 2020 NFL season, Brandt's time on 'The Real World: Chicago,' the golden age of MTV's 'The Challenge,' the evolution of reality TV, his recent two-hour interview with Aaron Rodgers, nostalgic NFL talk, and more (35:05). Finally Bill talks with his daughter, Zoe Simmons, about teen culture during quarantine (1:41:06). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco of the ‘R2C2’ podcast to discuss MLB's shaky start to the season with multiple Miami Marlins players testing positive for COVID-19, how some of the concerns surrounding baseball can also be applied to the NFL, getting ready for the NBA restart, sports broadcasts during the pandemic, Ryan and CC’s dream podcast guests, and more (2:10). Then Bill talks with Jason Gay of The Wall Street Journal about some of the challenges the NFL will face for the 2020 season, how New York City has adapted to COVID-19, pandemic parenting, and the passing of Jason’s friend and TV icon, Regis Philbin (53:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal and Joe House to preview the upcoming NBA season including NBA MVP, playoff seeding odds, underdogs to win the title, pandemic-specific prop bets, and championship favorites. Later, they get into the upcoming golf majors and break down their favorite players before closing the show with a new edition of Parent Corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by actor, comedian, and writer Andy Samberg to talk about his new movie ‘Palm Springs’ on Hulu, his time on ‘SNL,’ and the role YouTube played in The Lonely Island’s success. Later they talk about scary movies, Andy’s Bay Area sports allegiance, video games, and quarantine (3:02). Then Bill is joined by journalist James Andrew Miller to talk about the sixth chapter in his podcast ‘Origins: Almost Famous Turns Twenty,’ including behind-the-scenes stories, casting what-ifs, interviews with the cast, the movie's cultural impact, and more. Finally, they discuss the current state of sports media and what the future holds (62:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter to talk about the upcoming 2020 Celtics postseason, the Westbrook-Durant era in Oklahoma City, and his time on the Knicks and Trail Blazers (3:10) Later, Kanter opens up about fighting for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Turkey (49:55). Then Johnny Bananas joins the show fresh off establishing his legacy as 'The Challenge' GOAT after winning 'The Challenge: Madness.' They discuss this past season, conspiracy theories, the best season of all time, and ideas for the future of the show (1:08:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Yahoo senior NBA reporter Chris Haynes from inside the NBA bubble in Orlando to give us the scoop on how things are going. They discuss how the league has been administering the quarantine inside the bubble, why players decided it was in their best interest to play, Chris’s start in journalism, and covering the Cavaliers and Warriors during their rivalry (3:15). Then Bill talks with the director of the new HBO documentary ‘Showbiz Kids,’ Alex Winter, about his life as a child actor, the stigma associated with the profession, Hollywood in the ’80s, and what he learned from making the documentary (1:09:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN’s Mina Kimes to discuss a new look for the Patriots with Cam Newton at the helm, some teams that probably should have tried to sign Newton, great NFL head coaches, uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 NFL season, and more (2:54). Then Bill talks with his old friend JackO to discuss the MLB’s plans for a shortened 2020-21 season, the gripping reboot of ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ on Netflix, and more (39:54). Finally Bill talks with actor Peter Gallagher about ‘The OC’ and Sandy Cohen as an iconic TV dad, some of his past films including ‘The Player,’ ‘While You Were Sleeping,' and ‘Sex, Lies, and Videotape,’ as well as some of his current work including ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,’ ‘Grace and Frankie,’ and his new film, ‘Palm Springs’ (1:28:04). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by NBA insider Shams Charania to discuss the NBA restart, its implications for the 2021 salary cap, journalism in the Orlando bubble, and more (4:17). Then Bill talks with former editor in chief of The Hollywood Reporter, Matthew Belloni, about the short-form video platform Quibi, some of its missteps, and ways it could rally back (54:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by two-time NBA champion and sports commentator Kenny "The Jet" Smith to discuss what makes 'Inside the NBA' so authentic, stories from the 1994 and 1995 Finals runs, Hakeem Olajuwon, ESPN's 'The Last Dance,' and more (3:10). Next, Bill talks with actor, producer, and writer Will Ferrell about quarantine family time; youth soccer; HBO's 'Succession'; LAFC; his new Netflix film, 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'; and more (48:05)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Patriots signing QB Cam Newton to a one-year deal (2:09) before revisiting a defining moment in 2010: LeBron James and ‘The Decision’ (50:56). Finally they look at the 2010 NBA draft and discuss some of its subplots, draft comedy, and NBA legends before redrafting the top 14 lottery picks (1:16:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by actor Don Cheadle to discuss some of his iconic films, including 'Boogie Nights,' 'Out of Sight,' 'Crash,' and 'Hotel Rwanda,' playing Sammy Davis Jr. in HBO's 'The Rat Pack,' Black actors and storytellers in Hollywood, working on TV and films during the pandemic, his Showtime series 'Black Monday,' and more (6:00). Then Bill talks with actor Rob Lowe about joining the podcast world with his new podcast, ‘Literally! With Rob Lowe,’ Hollywood in the 1980s, the Brat Pack, some of his films including 'The Outsiders,' 'St. Elmo's Fire,' 'About Last Night,' 'Tommy Boy,' and more. Rob also shares stories from his time following the Showtime Lakers (59:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to talk about their early years in podcasts and radio, respectively (3:10). Then they revisit the 2008 NBA draft and discuss some of its subplots, draft comedy, and NBA legends before redrafting the top 14 lottery picks (40:33). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by NBA veteran and New Orleans Pelican JJ Redick to discuss some of the challenges of staying NBA-ready during the pandemic, the benefits of regimented training and recovery, thoughts on the “Orlando bubble,” LeBron’s gravitas among NBA players, the playoffs format, and more (1:44). Then Bill talks with screenwriter and former entertainment journalist Cord Jefferson about the social significance of HBO’s ‘Watchmen’ and its "second impact," his time at Gawker, the grind of late-night TV, working with television titans like Damon Lindelof (‘Watchmen’) and Mike Schur (‘The Good Place’), elevating the superhero genre, and more (42:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his old friend JackO to discuss the grim outlook for the 2020 MLB season and the ESPN 30-for-30 'Long Gone Summer' (2:45). Then Bill is joined by Grammy-winning rapper, actor, and entrepreneur LL Cool J to discuss historical hip-hop, the Rock the Bells brand, Kobe Bryant, Lakers greats, the original GOAT, set stories from 'Any Given Sunday,' and more (44:13). Finally, in an excerpt from the 'Flying Coach' podcast, Steve Kerr and Pete Carroll talk with NBA champion and coach Doc Rivers about growing up in Chicago, dealing with racism, and sharing stories with the Clippers team during the Donald Sterling scandal (1:30:24). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks about the concerns some players are having about the return of the NBA, and some of the parallels to 1968 (1:55). Then Bill and Ryen Russillo revisit the 2007 NBA draft and discuss some of its subplots, draft comedy, and NBA legends before redrafting the top 14 lottery picks (18:52). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by sports analyst and former NBA player Jalen Rose to discuss More Than a Vote, a nonprofit organization championing voting rights created by LeBron James, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jalen, and other current and former pro basketball players (2:10). Then Bill, Chris Ryan, and Joe House revisit the 2006 NBA draft and discuss some of its subplots, comedy, and legends before redrafting the top 14 lottery picks (33:55). Finally, Bill talks to writer-director Judd Apatow to discuss family life in quarantine; directing his daughter in his new film, ‘The King of Staten Island’; working with Pete Davidson and Steve Buscemi; early-2000s comedies; casting movies; and more (1:56:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by attorney, author, and political commentator Bakari Sellers to discuss the "perfect storm" that mobilized the current Black Lives Matter movement; people and organizations making statements, including Roger Goodell, LeBron James, and Patrick Mahomes; some history behind the civil rights movement; the political climate leading up to the 2020 presidential election; Bakari's book, 'My Vanishing Country'; and more (1:55). Then Bill talks with stand-up comedian, writer, and actor Bill Burr to discuss the pre–Super Bowl football era, the unwritten rule book in hockey known as "the code," taking a break from stand-up during the pandemic, his new movie 'The King of Staten Island,' working with Judd Apatow and Pete Davidson, and more (49:19). 'My Vanishing Country' by Bakari Sellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by World Series champion CC Sabathia to discuss his experience at the protests in Brooklyn, the moment he realized the nation was ignited by the killing of George Floyd, and the platforms today's athletes have and their ability to speak out against injustice. They also discuss CC's time with the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians, including the 2007 ALCS, watching LeBron James play high school sports in Cleveland, the incomparable Mariano Rivera, the 2009 World Series, bench-clearing brawls, how athletes may be affected by moving the start date of their season, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by civil rights activist and podcaster DeRay Mckesson to discuss a plan he and his team at Campaign Zero have been working on to systematically reform police departments to combat police brutality. They discuss how the use of recently obtained data, education, and smart solutions can help bring about these changes (3:45). Then, Steve Kerr and Pete Carroll are joined by San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich to have a conversation about the state of our nation, how we got here as a country, our absence of leadership, and how we can take action to grow and bring about change following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer (46:17). Here are links to resources that DeRay recommends podcast listeners explore: joincampaignzero.org policescorecard.org checkthepolice.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the recent protests, both nationwide and in L.A., after the death of George Floyd while in police custody (1:45). They then speculate on salvaging the 2019-20 NBA season (41:45) and revisit the 2005 NBA draft and discuss some of its subplots, draft comedy, and NBA legends before redrafting the top 14 lottery picks (1:04:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices