The Bill Simmons Podcast

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons unveils his plan to save the NBA calendar, appreciates the excellence of Brooks Koepka, and talks about the recent Dan Le Batard situation at ESPN (2:24). Then Bill sits down with actor Kevin Bacon to talk about his long career in Hollywood (38:29). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O’Connor to discuss Chris Paul’s future in Oklahoma City, NBA summer league takeaways, Kawhi’s two-year deal, and more (1:55). Then Bill sits down with Chris Ryan and Amanda Dobbins to discuss Netflix’s regression, the looming streaming war, summer TV, and more (58:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN’s Zach Lowe to discuss Russell Westbrook's trade to the Rockets, Chris Paul's future on the Thunder, NBA pre-agency, the top 10 NBA players, specialization vs. generalization, 2019-20 MVP speculation, a Western Conference preview, consequences of trading future draft picks, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons reacts to Russell Westbrook being traded for CP3 and picks (2:22). Then, Bill is joined by Cousin Sal to talk NBA future bets, Wimbledon, Parent Corner, and more (23:24). Finally, Bill sits down with actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani to discuss stand-up comedy, 'Wrestlemania,' getting older, horror movies, deep fakes, 'Silicon Valley,' 'The Big Sick,' his new film 'Stuber' with Dave Bautista, Netflix, and more (1:06:27). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to talk about Russell Westbrook trade rumors, his current value, best fits, and more (4:50). Then Bill and House connect with Shea Serrano to discuss the mastermind Kawhi Leonard, how his decision affected other teams, the the 2019-20 Western Conference, 'Hobbs & Shaw,' heist movies, and more (47:50). Finally Bill and House discuss their recent trip to Vegas for NBA summer league, casino gripes, Death Valley, and [SPOILERS] HBO's most shocking show to date: 'Euphoria' (1:24:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by SI's Chris Mannix to discuss Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to the LA Clippers, OKC's massive trade haul, a new favorite in the Western Conference, what’s next for Russell Westbrook, the Lakers’ roster additions, and more (5:44). Then Bill talks with the NYT's Marc Stein about Lakers vs. Clippers, the "swipe-right" generation of basketball players, and more (1:14:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Kawhi Leonard's options, best fits, and undetectable motivations. They talk D'Angelo Russell's addition to the Warriors , the Brooklyn free-agency sweep, the Knicks' misfortunes, the 76ers' exciting starting five, the Celtics adding Enes Kanter, Jimmy Butler to the Heat, Hassan Whiteside to the Trailblazers, mailbag questions, Gym Corner, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to recap a wild Day 1 of NBA free agency, including the Brooklyn Nets acquiring Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan and swapping D'Angelo Russell for Kevin Durant, another miss for the Knicks, Al Horford to the 76ers, the Orlando Magic's new roster, Malcolm Brogdon to the Pacers, JJ Redick on the Pelicans, Jimmy Butler to Miami(?), the improved Utah Jazz, Kawhi Leonard's best landing spot, best available free agents, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss how Kemba Walker would fit into the Celtics' roster, the Hornets' salary mess, Kawhi Leonard as the most confusing free agent in recent NBA history, how Kevin Durant's next decision could play out, whether or not "tampering" is a real thing anymore, more Lakers trades, the Rockets focusing on Jimmy Butler, teams in the West that are one move away from being contenders, sleeper free agents, mailbag questions, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Marc Stein of The New York Times to discuss NBA free agency and how, outside of two guys, no one is really sure where these players will end up. They speculate about landing spots for Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Al Horford, D'Angelo Russell, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, and more (2:25). Then Bill calls up his dad to say farewell to Kyrie Irving one last time and briefly discuss the Celtics' draft (1:00:00). Finally, Bill sits down with actor Michael K. Williams to discuss his new limited series on Netflix, 'When They See Us,' based on the true story of the Central Park Five; becoming one of HBO's most iconic characters, Omar Little; plus 'The Night Of,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' New York City gentrification, and much more (1:21:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons sits down with actor Bill Hader to talk 'Barry,' blending comedy and drama, the NBA Finals, sports-talk shows, and more (2:00). Then Bill talks with rapper/actor Common about 'John Wick,' playing a hitman in multiple movies, rappers crossing over into acting, Chicago, the NBA, Celebrity All-Star games, Kanye West, and more (43:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to rehash the Pelicans-Lakers trade and point out the winners and losers of the 2019 NBA draft (2:37). Then Bill sits down with the king of Yacht Rock, Michael McDonald, to discuss playing with Steely Dan, his time with the Doobie Brothers, heartbreak songs, his solo career, his summer tour with Chaka Khan, and more (1:25:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Bryan Curtis to discuss the changes in the NBA from 2010 to 2019, starting with "The Decision," Twitter, media access, player movement, and more (4:10). Then Bill sits down with his old friend and fantasy baseball team co-owner Kevin Hench to discuss Kyrie Irving "ghosting" the Celtics, the Chris Paul trade-request rumor, the Stanley Cup Final, fantasy baseball misery, Patriots 2019-20 predictions, and more (44:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the massive trade between the Pelicans and the Lakers, who won the trade, what the Lakers need now, how Zion Williamson will fit with the new Pelicans roster, Klutch Sports, and more (1:35). Then they discuss Kevin Durant's future, the possibility of the Warriors retaining him, New York basketball courting him (1:26:55), mailbag questions, Gym Corner, and more (1:53:57). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons recaps Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Toronto's first ever NBA title, Golden State's injuries, Toronto's sound game plan, what Kevin Durant's next year may look like, and more (1:45). Then Bill sits down with actor Adam Scott to talk about the first year of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'; making 'Step Brothers,' 'Party Down,' and 'Big Little Lies'; the end of 'Game of Thrones', Hollywood stories; and more (48:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to recap a roller coaster of a Game 5, KD’s injury, Kawhi’s impressive play, a depleted Warriors bench, a dangerous Raptors squad, Game 6 implications, how KD’s injury may affect free agency, Gym Corner, the Stanley Cup final, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to recap game 4 of the NBA Finals, Kawhi’s historic playoff run, game 5 predictions, NBA Summer moves, and more (2:05). Then Bill sits down with boxing heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. to talk about his exhilarating fight with Anthony Joshua, his fight prep, the rematch, and more (1:02:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to recap Game 3 of the NBA Finals, examine the argument for "rest," brand the Kawhi trade an all-timer, answer mailbag questions, revisit Gym Corner, give out Finals predictions, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by author Chuck Klosterman to revel in NBA Finals story lines and subplots, compare commissioners David Stern and Adam Silver, and more (2:25). Then, they discuss high school track star Matthew Boling (1:03:50), 'Fleabag' Season 2, and outraged 'Game of Thrones' fans (1:20:08). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss Game 2 takeaways and Game 3 questions in the NBA Finals (3:15). Then Bill talks to Kevin Clark about Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua's stunning loss, and the rematch people already want (41:48). Finally Bill calls up his old friend JackO to talk Red Sox struggles, the flourishing Yankees, 2020 election speculations, and more (1:13:43). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House immediately after the Toronto Raptors beat the Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals to discuss what went wrong for the Warriors, what went right for the Raptors, Game 2 speculation, and more (3:00). Then Bill sits down with Mallory Rubin a week and a half removed from the end of 'Game of Thrones' to discuss the ending of the show one final time (35:45). Finally, Bill talks with David Shoemaker about AEW as a competitor to WWE, their successful 'Double or Nothing' PPV, poaching superstars, what a new weekly wrestling show could mean for the WWE, and more (1:12:38). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Toronto Raptors winning four consecutive games to win the Eastern Conference finals, Kawhi Leonard's enormous performance, what happened to the Bucks, and more (1:50). They talk NBA Finals subplots, MVP odds and narratives (1:02:55), answer mailbag questions, and address yet another situation coming from the Lakers' camp (1:45:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks to discuss the All-NBA teams, the Warriors with and without KD, Bucks-Raptors, what's sure to be a wild NBA offseason, fake trades, and more (4:45). Then Bill sits down with David Epstein, author of 'Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World,' to talk about the benefits of delaying specialization in young athletes, looking at training and practicing differently, testing for talent, PEDs, HGH, and more (1:09:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to talk Bucks-Raptors Game 4 (2:25), the Warriors sweeping the Trail Blazers without Kevin Durant (39:50), Magic Johnson's comments about the Lakers front office (1:32:30), and one final edition of [SPOILERS] 'Throne Game' (1:50:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to talk Bucks-Raptors Game 3, the Warriors-Trail Blazers series, NBA Finals odds (2:19), the PGA Championship, WWE's 'Money in the Bank,' Parent Corner (48:50), and Throne Game [SPOILERS] for the 'Game of Thrones' series finale (1:09:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the NBA lottery draw, (unlikely) options for Zion, whether anyone can trade for Anthony Davis, fake trades, and a PGA Tour check-in (4:25). Then Bill sits down with DJ, record producer, and host of Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio, Zane Lowe, to discuss the rise and fall of music platforms, parenthood, Zane's music journey, and more. They talk indie rock, hip-hop, pop, yacht rock, and more (46:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo for The Ringer's 2019 NBA draft lottery show. They talk about draft karma, team needs leading up to the lottery, and cover some winners and losers after the picks are set (4:15). Then Bill calls up his old friend and diehard Knicks fan Brian Koppelman to discuss his thoughts about the Knicks likely missing out on Zion Williamson with the third overall pick (1:37:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to sum up Round 2 of the NBA playoffs. They talk Raptors-76ers, Kawhi's awesome shot, Embiid's minutes, what the 76ers will look like next year, and more. They discuss Nuggets–Trail Blazers, CJ McCollum's big night, and players Denver might attract next season. They recap Rockets-Warriors, another tough break for Harden, the Warriors without KD, and more (2:25). Then they answer some mailbag questions (1:19:30) before revisiting Throne Game [SPOILERS] for 'Game of Thrones' Season 8, Episode 5 (1:37:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his dad to talk about the Rockets letting another playoff game slip through their fingers and the end of the Celtics' season (2:50). Then they are joined by longtime Celtics radio play-by-play announcer Sean Grande to reexamine Boston's season, where it went wrong, and why it couldn't be fixed (25:30). Finally Bill sits down with comedian Anthony Jeselnik to discuss edgy tweets, comedy roasts, gambling, sports, Jesilnik's new Netflix comedy special 'Fire in the Maternity Ward,' and more (1:00:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons sits down with Joe House and Ryen Russillo to talk 76ers-Raptors, Joel Embiid's inconsistency, Ben Simmons's struggles, and what the 76ers might look like next season. They also talk Warriors-Rockets—including Eric Gordon's impact and the Warriors' depleted bench—Celtics-Bucks, and more (2:45). Then they answer some mailbag questions and guess Magic Johnson tweets (1:08:00), before revisiting Throne Game with Ryen [SPOILERS] for 'Game of Thrones' Season 8, Episode 4 (1:30:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by his longtime pal Joe House to discuss every NBA playoff matchup, with topics including Jaylen Brown’s value vs. Jayson Tatum’s, the Rockets' struggles, Denver’s persistence, and more. They also ask what Ben Simmons is doing and what is happening to Steph Curry (3:05). Then, Bill and House recap [SPOILERS] 'Game of Thrones' Season 8, Episode 4 (1:35:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ringer staff writer Dan Devine to talk about Round 2 of the NBA playoffs including the Rockets' struggles against the Warriors, Playoff Harden, the Rockets no. 2 guy, Kevin Durant's impact, the 76ers battling back against the Raptors, and more (3:35). Then, Bill talks with Shea Serrano about the upcoming film 'John Wick 3,' and the ending of [SPOILERS] 'Cobra Kai' Season 2 (1:12:54). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by sportswriter and 'Around the Horn' costar Jackie MacMullan to tell some incredible NBA stories about the past and present, the shift in sports reporting, the NBA playoffs, the 3-point revolution, and more (2:35). Then Bill talks with MLB Network host and DAZN boxing play-by-play announcer Brian Kenny about the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs fight, boxing's return to the spotlight, why there are so many boxing titles, all-time boxing matches, an MLB check-in, and more (1:15:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Spurs' playoff exit, Rockets-Warriors, Bucks-Celtics, Blazers-Nuggets, and more. They talk about the surge in players complaining about the referees and Kawhi Leonard and his impressive performance against the 76ers; they share the latest Gym Corner, answer mailbag questions (3:30), and [SPOILERS] recap 'Game of Thrones' Season 8, Episode 3 (1:45:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his dad after Round 1 of the NFL draft to discuss the Giants' curious sixth overall pick, the Redskins' picking up Dwayne Haskins Jr., and other draft moves before they pay homage to the late John Havlicek (2:30). Then Bill sits down with Showtime's Desus and Mero to talk New York sports, NBA playoffs, fans vs. players, Coachella, making a TV show, Twitter beef, and more (37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by actor Ralph Macchio to discuss his career, his first break in 'Eight Is Enough,' working with the star-studded cast of 'The Outsiders,' his meteoric rise in the 'The Karate Kid,' and a delightful return to that world in 'Cobra Kai.' They also talk '80s movies, the NHL, MLB, and more (3:39). Then Bill sits down with writer Michael Lewis to talk about 'Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game,' how baseball has changed, being a sports parent, the state of the NBA, 'Moneyball,' 'The Blind Side', Michael's new podcast, and more (49:44). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the best NBA player matchups in the playoffs so far, the Thunder’s loss to the Trailblazers, Russell Westbrook's impact on Oklahoma City, 76ers-Nets, changing up the postgame locker room press model, round two playoff hopes, and more (4:15). Then Bill and Ryen answer some mailbag questions about Tiger Woods, NBA conspiracies among others (1:32:32), followed by Gym Corner (1:42:15) and a [SPOILERS] 'Game of Thrones' recap of season 8, episode 2 (1:50:24). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Daryl Morey to discuss the Rockets' impressive start to the NBA playoffs, James Harden's progression, the 3-point revolution, and more (2:48). Then, Bill runs through the Patriots' 2019 schedule, some NFL over/unders, and things to watch out for this weekend in the NBA playoffs (29:07). Finally, Bill sits down with TMZ's Van Lathan and writer Rembert Browne to talk about Nipsey Hussle, his legacy, how he's inspired today's cultural leaders to uplift their communities, and more (37:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor to talk about the Warriors blowing a 31-point lead at home to the Clippers (1:50). Then Bill sits down with comedian and host of 'The Daily Show,' Trevor Noah, to talk about the state of the "talk show" platform, the rise of digital media, taking over 'The Daily Show' in 2015, learning from Jon Stewart, sports, some of their favorite interviews, outrage culture, Trevor's new podcast, and more (26:43). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryan Russillo to discuss Tiger Woods’ return to glory after winning the 2019 Masters (3:54). Then Bill and Ryen recap game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs; Including a shaky start for the Raptors, the Nuggets loss to the Spurs, a bad matchup for the 76ers, and more (36:25), followed by some mailbag questions, Gym Corner (1:34:09), and a [SPOILER ALERT] recap of 'Game of Thrones' season 8, episode 1 (1:53:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons sits down with Ryen Russillo at the end of another wild NBA regular season to hand out the MVP award and make their picks for All-NBA teams, playoff upsets, gambling odds, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by SI's Chris Mannix to discuss Magic Johnson's impromptu resignation as the Lakers' president of basketball operations (4:05). Then Bill talks with Stugotz of 'The Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz' about the tortured NY sports fan bases, Dwyane Wade's retirement, the NBA playoffs, and more (56:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons recaps his weekend at NXT and 'WrestleMania 35' in New York with his son Ben (2:55). Then, Bill is joined by Marc Stein of The New York Times to discuss Dirk Nowitzki's career as one of the best power forwards to ever play the game (11:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the Wizards firing Ernie Grunfeld, a revitalized Gordon Hayward, MVP check-in and more (4:53). Then Bill sits down with Chris Ryan and Colin Farrell to talk about Farrell's meteoric rise in the early 2000s, sports movies, accent work, and some of Farrell's movies, including 'In Bruges,' 'Total Recall,' 'Minority Report,' and 'Miami Vice' (57:00). Finally, Bill talks with his son, Ben, to preview 'WrestleMania 35' (1:47:18). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his good friend and former boss John Skipper, current executive chairman of DAZN, to discuss their time together at ESPN in the 2000s. They discuss ESPN the Magazine, acquiring television rights, Mobile ESPN, '30 for 30,' Grantland, Bill's departure from ESPN, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to talk Zion Williamson's optimal NBA team, Dwyane Wade's farewell tour, playoff check-in, the Thunder's dismal stretch of games, mailbag, Gym Corner, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Bill Hader to talk HBO's new season of "Barry", SNL stories, favorite films, getting old, the NBA and more (4:40) Then, for the first time EVER, Bill calls up *** ***, to tell some incredible stories (1:19:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to talk Bryce Harper, the 2019 Masters, golf story lines, the NBA, and more (6:25). Then Bill calls up JackO to talk MLB, early MVP bets, March Madness, James Dolan, 2020 presidential odds, and more (53:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Rob Gronkowski's retirement, Duke almost losing in March Madness, Trae Young vs. Luka Doncic for ROY, Harden vs. Giannis for MVP, NBA playoff matchups, mailbag questions, "Gym Corner," and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ben Stiller to discuss his new Showtime series 'Escape at Dannemora,' and making films including 'Reality Bites,' 'The Cable Guy,' 'Something About Mary,' 'Meet The Parents,' and 'Zoolander.' They talk about the difficulty of pursuing comedy in 2019, tortured Knicks fandom, and more (3:50). Then Bill calls up his dad to discuss Joel Embiid's dominance, the Celtics' playoffs hopes, the Patriots' free agency, and more (1:28:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices