The Bill Simmons Podcast

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Malcolm Gladwell on ways to fix track and field (3:00), how sports doping has changed over the years (10:00), Michael Phelps’s status as one of the world’s biggest athletes (29:00), and what the NBA can learn from FIBA (41:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on acclaimed author James Andrew Miller to discuss his new book, 'Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood's Creative Artists Agency'; Ari Emanuel and power struggles within agencies (23:00); the CAA connection to LeBron's 'Decision' special (36:00); the importance of live events in television (51:00); and the highs and lows of the John Skipper era (56:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Chris Ryan to discuss Team USA basketball's struggles against Australia (12:00). Then, ‘AGW’ writers Joel Solomon and Travon Free join to give their final thoughts on A-Rod (32:25). Finally, 'Roast Battle' runner-up Sarah Tiana and ‘AGW’ writer Pat Barker discuss the artistry behind the roast (54:00) and Blake Griffin's comedic chops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by six-time MTV 'Challenge' champion Johnny Bananas to discuss his decision to get revenge against Sarah (6:00), T.J. and the crew's reaction to his money grab (17:00), NBA comparisons to 'Challenge' stars (28:00), mastering the first-night toast (48:00), and Bananas's next challenge: his own show (1:04:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and 'ShackHouse' cohost Joe House talk MLB trade deadline (3:00), Westbrook's big decision (5:00), and whether the PGA Championship needs an identity change (19:00). Then, Bill's longtime buddy JackO weighs in on the DNC (40:00) and whether the Yankees should fold for 2016 (58:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Cousin Sal for an emergency summer bet proposal to curse Donald Trump's presidential chances. Then 'Any Given Wednesday' writer Brendan Lynch joins (27:05) for another edition of his internet deep dives. Finally, Bill's buddy JackO gives his final thoughts on the Republican National Convention (52:00), breaks down Trump's tirade, and predicts Hillary vs. Trump debate scenarios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This bonus 'Bill Simmons Podcast' includes extra material from the first four episodes of 'Any Given Wednesday,' including interviews with Charles Barkley (2:15), Ben Affleck (15:30), Malcolm Gladwell and Mark Cuban (24:00), Bill Hader (36:45), Joe Rogan (41:00), Anthony Anderson and Chris Bosh (49:30), and Aaron Rodgers (56:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons calls up his buddy JackO for an emergency quickie bonus podcast to discuss Day 1 of the Republican National Convention, how Donald Trump wound up a presidential candidate, and what to make of Melania Trump's speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on his dad to discuss Tom Brady bailing on Deflategate (6:00) and the current feelings in Boston on the Red Sox's recent trade for Drew Pomeranz and on Celtics draft pick Jaylen Brown's inability to finish around the basket. Then, 'New York Times' critic at large Wesley Morris talks pitfalls of the summer movie scene (26:00), the relevance of 'Good Times' today (35:00), Blake Lively's shallow character in 'The Shallows' (52:00), and how to deal with the tragedies poisoning our times (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on longtime pal Joe House to discuss Dwyane Wade's decision to sign with the Bulls, star players ending careers with different teams (17:00), the battle for Al Horford (22:00), the Knicks' plan for the future (32:00), OKC's new look and next move (40:00), debunking Kevin Durant's "weakness" (48:00), 'The Decision' vs. KD's self-determination (57:00), and House's impending eat-off against Danny Chau (1:06:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss the first official day of NBA free agency, Durant's window with Golden State (10:00), Curry's "superstar" durability (24:00), Dwight's next destination (32:00), the most tortured NBA franchises (40:00), Miami's ability to avoid disaster (50:00), the Celtics' FA scenarios (56:00), and the Thon Maker age conspiracy (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Joe House to break down the 2016 NBA draft, OKC's Oladipo theft (8:00), Thon Maker to the Bucks (19:00), the Celtics and Jaylen Brown (24:00), the Knicks' uncanny knack (34:00), and the NBA Finals and LeBron passing Larry Bird (45:00). Then, Orlando native and Ringer staff writer Kevin Clark joins (52:00) to discuss the Magic's bizarre move. They conclude by discussing Orlando’s response to its tragic mass shooting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on two-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA All-Defensive team honoree Jimmy Butler to discuss being a late-blooming draft steal, Tom Thibodeau's raw deal with the Bulls (15:00), guarding LeBron vs. guarding Steph (22:00), the importance of the 3-pointer (29:00), his personal beefs (35:00), dispelling trade rumors (46:00), and playing for Team USA in Rio (52:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on 3 'Any Given Wednesday' writers to discuss Stephen Curry's Finals no-show (so far), Kevin Love's trade value (16:00), 2016 Team USA options (28:00), J.R. technical foul goading strategies for Draymond (37:00) and Brendan's fetish for bizarre internet deep dives (52:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell to discuss Rick Barry's free throw mechanics, GSW's reinvention of the wheel (14:00), expanding the pool of NBA stars (23:00), Kevin Durant's next destination (30:00), Steph Curry's brand and cheap contract (35:00), Muhammad Ali's era and surviving the 1960s (43:00), LeBron James's ridiculous training regimen (1:01:00), and the Carmelo Anthony-Kevin Love trade potential (1:04:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on longtime buddy Joe House to talk about Bill's trip to Oakland for Game 5, the ceiling of OKC-GSW, the meaning of 73-9 if Golden State loses, the Russell Westbrook-Stephen Curry battle, Kevin Durant's steady rise up the pyramid, and Bill's bold Game 6 prediction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and one of the world's most prolific NBA bettors, Haralabos Voulgaris, on OKC-GSW, OKC's dominance on the boards (18:00), Golden State's possible adjustments (25:00), Steven Adams vs. James Harden (34:00), LeBron's durability and rim protector role (44:00), Tom Thibodeau and the Wolves (49:00), and Joe Lacob's braggadocious profile backfiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons with charity: water's founder, Scott Harrison, on his foundation's goal of solving the global water crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Joe House celebrate Episode 100 by discussing last night's Thunder-Warriors game, the NBA salary cap and contract extensions (18:00), and the NBA draft lottery (25:00). Then, JackO joins to talk Trump and the Yankees (35:00), and House closes with thoughts on D.C. sports (56:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes comedian and 'Any Given Wednesday' writer Travon Free to break down the Thunder's athletic advantage, Westbrook's alpha-dog mentality (14:00), the Spurs’ championship runs (17:00), playing high school basketball with Tyson Chandler (21:00), Curry's clean image (28:00), Steven Adams's bruiser status (32:00), losing to Tennessee in the NCAA tournament while playing for Long Beach State (40:00), Westbrook vs. Curry (51:00), LeBron's subtweets (55:00), and predictions for the NBA Finals (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Craig Kilborn talks about his lifelong love of basketball and the Timberwolves, as well as his time at ESPN, Comedy Central and CBS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on world-renowned chef David Chang to discuss the beginning of Noodle Bar, Momofuku's move to D.C. (12:00), "selective competitiveness" with critics (18:00), the Redskins’ and Clippers’ tragic flaws (26:00), the Pats' professionalism (31:00), hanging with John McEnroe (33:00), the best chef-inspired films (40:00), Five Guys vs. In-N-Out Burger (50:00), Chang's golf aspirations (1:05:00), and his greatest sports moment: Linsanity (1:10:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Michael Rapaport to discuss Harvey Keitel's 'Cop Land' advice, the Knicks and David Blatt (13:00), Prince's "stickman" credentials (17:00), MJ's fashion sense (25:00), LeBron's teammate potential (31:00), Cavs-GSW (40:00), Dwight Howard's next stop (46:00), Dr. J's legacy (50:00), Matt Dillon's longevity (1:03:00), and 'Rocky' revisited (1:06:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by billionaire investor and ‘Shark Tank’ star Chris Sacca to discuss Google's profit ceiling (8:00), Twitter's lack of innovation (20:00), YouTube vs. Google Videos (28:00), the genesis of Uber (38:00), the e-sports revolution or lack thereof (46:00), Snapchat's success (1:01:00), Mark Cuban and 'Shark Tank' (1:11:00), and the future of live video at sporting events (1:16:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks to Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele about their new film, 'Keanu'; writing comedy sketches (20:00); the state of edgy improv (37:00); and impersonating President Obama (53:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks to Chuck Klosterman about Prince as one of the most prolific musicians of his era, and they revisit the film 'Purple Rain.' Wesley Morris comes on to share his memories of the artist, and ponders what other musicians we’ll mourn when they die (36:00). Plus, Joe House calls in to talk about the NBA playoffs (55:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons chats with comedian Louis C.K. about owning his own show ('Horace and Pete'), battling the stigma of "being broke" (18:00), internet headline culture (28:00), the creative decisions behind 'Horace and Pete' (35:00), the 'Golden Globes' with Jessica Lange (45:00), Garry Shandling's silent impact (52:00), the economy of outrage (1:02:00), and the future of his FX hit, 'Louie' (1:10:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons preps for the NBA playoffs with Haralabob, who calls in from an undisclosed location to discuss GSW's historic regular season, the Cavs’ upset potential (8:00), the Thunder's incompetence (15:00), OKC's crunch-time lineup (26:00), Kobe's 60-point finale (32:00), stopping GSW (37:00), a gentler Popovich (45:00), and sixth man Blake Griffin (50:00). Then, The Ringer's Katie Baker joins (57:45) to break down the NHL playoff picture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes world-champion Warriors forward Draymond Green to discuss 73 wins, GSW's management of playing time (8:00), their "lucky" 2015 championship (12:00), Curry's added edge (16:00), the Game 7 loss to LAC (19:00), the proposed Klay Thompson–Kevin Love trade (28:00), Magic’s mentorship (38:30), Curry's confidence (41:00), and defying the Pats’ undefeated curse (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons submits his All-NBA 2016 selections, with help from Joe House. Topics include: Karl-Anthony Towns's ROY campaign, Pop vs. Kerr (11:00), Draymond's DPOY credentials (15:00), C.J. McCollum's breakout season (20:00), Bill's All-NBA First Team (25:00), CP3 vs. Isiah Thomas (34:00), LeBron's season by the numbers (39:00), the Gervin-Curry scoring mark (45:00), Bill's All-NBA Second Team (49:00), Harden's drop-off (52:00), Bill's All-NBA Third Team (54:00), Curry's uncontested MVP candidacy (59:30), and an NHL playoff preview (1:03:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons eulogizes “The Process,” then brings on NBC’s Willie Geist to discuss the 2008 election vs. the 2016 election (16:30), how Cruz's campaign seems rational compared to Trump’s (20:15), the lack of late-night political takedowns (27:00), Trump's cable-TV success (30:00), and Geist’s new show, 'Sunday Today With Willie Geist.' Then, JackO calls in to discuss the promise for the Pinstripes (39:00), UConn's dominance (48:00), Trump's difficulty in grabbing the nomination (51:30), and LeBron's bizarre run in Cleveland with the RNC ahead (58:00). Finally, Bill's son stops by to recap the highlights of ‘WrestleMania’ (1:06:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Chuck Klosterman to respond to Monday night's wild NCAA championship game, rank all-time Final Four moments (11:30), discuss the singularity of collegiate success (26:00), break down Celtics-GSW (30:00), go over the NYT’s Joe Lacob story (36:00), and have the pro-chance vs. pro-karma argument (42:00). Then, David Shoemaker joins to announce he's joining The Ringer and break down all things ‘WrestleMania’ (53:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House and Shackelford are joined by Bill Simmons to break down the state of Tiger Woods's career, favorable Masters odds (16:00), and Mickelson's moment in Augusta. Then, House and Shackelford list their "greenroom guys" to watch this week (31:00), map out the best prop bets (40:00), and wrap up with a Masters-inspired Speed Round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Diana Taurasi to discuss her WNBA return from Russia, UConn's dominance (6:00), the stupidity of lowering the rims (13:00), GSW's selflessness (16:30), playing pickup with Westbrook and Draymond (21:00), and the struggling Lakers and D'Angelo Russell (30:00). Then, The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman break down the Russell scandal (38:10), NBA coaches/players on the move (53:00), and the 2016 'Sources Say' MVPs (1:06:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Keith Olbermann to discuss "the never-ending state of stupidity" in politics, learning to compromise in America (19:30), the impact of social media on cable news (25:00), baseball’s future (32:30), Pedro's peak All-Star Game performance (42:40), how to fix 'SportsCenter' (54:15), and modern sports news (1:00:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-at-large Bryan Curtis hosts a feature podcast examining the media element of the Trial of the Century. Guests include HBO’s Jim Lampley, former New York Times TV writer Bill Carter, and ‘Inside Edition’ correspondent Jim Moret, who covered the trial for CNN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to wrap up the Elite Eight weekend, Buddy Hield's rise on draft boards (10:00), Ingram vs. Simmons (15:00), the NHL playoff picture (22:00), Connor McDavid's rookie season (27:00), and GSW's historic season (32:00). Then, Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald join to discuss the Smashing Pumpkins reunion (38:30), greatest 'SNL' performances (52:00), and 'Girls' (1:00:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons pays tribute to the life of Garry Shandling. Then, David Duchovny joins to discuss NY vs. Boston, Curry's relatable game (18:00), Starks's dunk near Jordan (23:30), 'White Men Can’t Jump' auditions (26:00), 'The Larry Sanders Show' (33:00), Shandling's "nonchalant talent" (40:00), 'The X-Files' (48:00), the Knicks' future (1:02:00), and Dustin Hoffman's JumboTron behavior (1:10:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes 30 for 30 director and Mandalay Sports Media co-chairman Mike Tollin to discuss Ben Simmons and the state of Philly sports (11:00), 'The White Shadow' (18:00), Bill's idea for 'Varsity Blues 2’ (27:00), GSW's winning culture (32:30), MLB Opening Day (38:00), the Clippers’ chances (48:30), the death of the USFL (59:00), and his greatest meeting ever, with Donald Trump (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to make sense of March Madness, top NBA prospects in the tournament (11:00), Buddy Hield's balls (14:00), the Pelicans shutting down A.D. (18:00), Spurs-GSW (22:00), Kawhi's athleticism (27:00), and House's new podcast with Geoff Shackelford, 'ShackHouse' (33:00). Then, Sports Illustrated's Michael McCann joins to discuss lessons from Deflategate (38:00), Goodell the sheriff (43:00), Gawker vs. Hulk Hogan (47:00), Erin Andrews (56:00), and the NCAA paying players (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Fox Sports’s Jay Glazer to discuss the current NFL landscape, the secret to the 2007 Giants (12:00), UFC vs. NFL (17:00), the original NFL Insider (29:00), picking a fight with Peyton Manning (44:00), NFL lockout scoop (50:00), his relationship with Roger Goodell (55:00), interning with Mike and the Mad Dog (1:02:00), and Gronk's new show (1:08:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes fellow HBOer Jim Lampley to discuss his Mount Rushmore of boxing, Mike Tyson's self-awareness (24:00), the current top fighters (30:00), Floyd Mayweather's legacy (35:00), boxing vs. UFC (41:00), concussions in boxing (52:00), the burden of being the first sideline reporter (1:00:00), and all things Howard Cosell (1:06:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes old friend Chuck Klosterman to discuss March Madness, Ben Simmons's ceiling (8:00), capricious LeBron fandom (18:30), Curry's apex (29:00), a GSW–Kevin Love trade (37:00), moving the 3-point line (44:00), and Kobe's farewell (50:00). Then, Jonathan Abrams joins to promote his new book, 'Boys Among Men: How the Prep-to-Pro Generation Redefined the NBA and Sparked a Basketball Revolution' (1:05:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Jon Favreau, former director of speechwriting for President Obama, to break down the 2016 primaries, Donald Trump's lack of a speechwriter (10:00), and this season’s WWF-style debate format (21:00). Then, Dan Pfeiffer, former senior adviser to Obama for strategy and communications, joins to discuss Ted Cruz's lack of likability (26:30), advising the Trump campaign (31:00), the Obama-Clinton Cabinet dynamic (39:00), Obama’s post-presidency (45:00), flaws in media coverage (50:00), and the impact of technology on the political landscape (1:05:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Joe House to discuss Holy Cross's Patriot League championship, March Madness (12:00), Durant-Celtics (17:00), Cleveland's bad body language (29:00), the Pistons-Cavs mismatch (36:00), and the resurgence of Dougie McBuckets (41:00). Then, NFL Films' Greg Cosell joins to discuss top free-agent signings (47:00), Osweiler bolting the Broncos (52:00), the Panthers' SB50 problems (59:00), Peyton to L.A. (1:08:00), and Brady's non-pass to Gronk (1:10:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports to discuss the desire for a Rousey-Holm rematch, UFC's growth (15:00), a Deflategate update (27:00), Goodell vs. Brady (30:30), the NFL's narrative (34:00), and Peyton Manning's legacy (44:00). Then, Bill's dad joins to pick the Pats' scariest QB matchup (54:00), say goodbye to Peyton Manning (1:00:00), consider Holy Cross's NCAA hopes (1:07:00), and break down the Celtics' stretch run (1:12:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy cohost to discuss the TV Championship Belt, the Netflix model (12:00), the prestige dramas 'Vinyl' and 'Billions' (19:00), and 'Better Call Saul' (28:00), and celebrate the work of Courtney B. Vance on 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Ringer editor-at-large Bryan Curtis to discuss the future of studio shows, the biggest problem with the political media (10:00), the "insider" model (19:00), the importance of scoops (24:00), locker-room access (31:00), underproducing TV and radio (40:00), the return of Rick Reilly (43:00), OKC and the media (50:00), and Steph Curry's magnetic similarities with Magic (54:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to break down Saturday's GSW-OKC matchup and Curry's game winner (6:00), defend LeBron's '09-'15 run (10:30), discuss Curry's defense (16:00), and debate whether Steph entertains on an MJ or Bird level (24:00). Then, friend and former Grantlander Kirk Goldsberry joins to talk about three-point-line possibilities (36:00), Curry's ridiculous range (48:00), Kevin Love's anachronistic game (56:00), and whether the NBA should expand the courts (1:00:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Cousin Sal to talk the Oscars, Sly Stallone's speech and Tony Burton's death (7:00), and land best Oscar bets (22:00). Then, Pulitzer Prize winner Wesley Morris discusses the importance of Chris Rock's Oscar monologue (30:00), Alicia Vikander's ascent (38:00), Damon vs. Leo (49:00), and post-Oscar narratives (53:00). Finally, original Grantlander Robert Mays reports from the NFL combine (57:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices