The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Russillo shares his thoughts on Rockets-Thunder Game 6, as well as Kawhi vs. Giannis in the debate for best player in the league (1:26), before talking with ESPN’s Royce Young about the Rockets-Thunder Round 1 series that has now come down to Game 7 (17:44). Then Ryen is joined by The Ringer’s Danny Kelly to discuss fantasy football draft strategies for the first round as well as his top 10 sleepers (37:38). Finally, Russillo answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:03:58). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by The Ringer’s Raja Bell to discuss the NBA players' strike in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, as well as the Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks seemingly finding their playoff groove, stories from Raja's time with the 76ers in 2001 and 2002, NBA playoff speculation, and more (5:37). Then Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (54:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on another early playoff exit for the 76ers, Sam Hinkie, and the Process (2:20), before he is joined by the one and only Craig Kilborn. They discuss Luka Doncic’s stellar playoff performance against the Clippers, Celtics vs. Raptors Round 2 speculations, what the Timberwolves should do with their 2021 no. 1 draft pick, Finals picks, and more. Then, Ryen pitches Craig some 1990s 'SportsCenter' one-liners (11:55). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:00:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on some of the early NBA playoff upsets (2:15) before talking with iconic former NFL QB and FOX NFL analyst Michael Vick about changes in the way coaches and executives view the mobile QB, some of today’s top mobile QBs, including Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Patrick Mahomes, Vick’s time with the Atlanta Falcons, making good use of his time in prison, transitioning back into the NFL and earning his starting spot with the Philadelphia Eagles, and more (18:27). Finally, Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (50:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo reacts to the start of the NBA playoffs, including Magic-Bucks, Celtics-76ers, Clippers-Mavericks, and more (1:32) before he is joined by ESPN's Todd McShay to discuss the uncertainty surrounding college football, the multiple reasons athletes might opt out, how the pandemic has affected NFL scouting, a potential solution for NFL teams looking to gather more information on 2021 draft prospects, and more (11:00). Then Ryen talks with Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry about being in the Orlando bubble, the Mavericks' playoff expectations, his basketball journey, and more (32:47). Finally Russillo answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (55:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on CFB media coverage and the new visitor rules for the NBA bubble in Orlando (1:15), before he is joined by Ohio State men’s basketball head coach Chris Holtmann to discuss whether the 2020 season will be canceled, Big Ten coaches’ plan for the 2021 season, recruiting at Ohio State, and more (18:14). Finally, Russillo shares his would-be NBA awards ballot, and brings back a rebranded segment, Stats to Impress Other People, before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (48:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the dragged-out CFB verdict (1:33) before talking with Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell about the Lakers' underwhelming restart in the Orlando bubble, the need to find their closing rotation, the ways teams are trying to stop Anthony Davis, the idea of "flipping the switch" for the playoffs, and more (14:37). Then Ryen talks with Jovan Buha, Clippers reporter for The Athletic, about the Clippers chasing consistency, the core player group when healthy, the effect Kawhi and Paul George have on each other, the team's potential defensive adjustments, particularly against the Lakers, and more (38:26). Finally Russillo answers a listener-submitted "Life Advice" question (58:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Lakers' loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night and on 76ers-Wizards (1:52) before talking with Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic about college football. The two discuss the new scheduling format for the Power Five conferences—the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and PAC-12—as well as the #WeAreUnited group of college players voicing their concerns, and who may or may not sit out this season (20:07). Finally, Ryen answers a listener-submitted "Life Advice" question (58:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the “We Are United” letter from a group of PAC-12 football players and on the bad arguments on both sides of the player compensation issue (4:20), before talking with the new head coach of Duke women’s basketball, Kara Lawson. The two discuss her journey from playing for legendary coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee, to winning a WNBA title with the Monarchs, to her time with ESPN and her coaching roles with USA Basketball and the Boston Celtics. She talks about working under Brad Stevens, forming bonds with Celtics players like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Marcus Smart, her recruiting pitch for Duke women’s basketball, and more (18:15). Finally Ryen answers a listener-submitted "Life Advice" question (54:58). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on “player lists," more specifically the NFL Top 100 (3:15), before he is joined by longtime NBA referee and head of referee and development training Monty McCutchen. McCutchen tells some stories from his long career as a referee, and the two get into the weeds on flops, charges, and blocking fouls, the values Monty tries to instill in NBA refs, and more (15:04). Then Ryen talks with SI’s Chris Mannix, who is currently in the Orlando bubble awaiting the NBA restart. They discuss some buzz around the Bucks, Clippers, Rockets, 76ers, Celtics, Thunder, and more (52:08). Finally, Ryen talks about Joe Kelly’s eight-game suspension for throwing at Alex Bregman, leading to a melee, before answering a listener-submitted “Life Advice” question (1:21:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Knicks bringing in Tom Thibodeau as head coach (3:03). Then Ryen talks with Mike Sando of ‘The Athletic’ about his 2020 QB tiers, the evaluation process, QBs who made a notable shift in tiers from years past, and more (13:12). Finally Russillo answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (1:02:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo kicks off the show with his takeaways from the first NBA scrimmages (01:00) and the media taking the dramatic angle in covering Mookie Betts’s contract extension (10:00). Then, private basketball coach Drew Hanlen joins the show to discuss his journey from hardworking college basketball player to coaching Bradley Beal (18:00), whether Jayson Tatum can be a top 5 NBA player (31:30), and traveling with Joel Embiid (38:15). The show wraps up with some life advice (01:08:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo goes through Mike Sando’s "QB Tiers" from 2019 (04:45) before ESPN’s Malika Andrews joins the show to discuss the ever-changing NBA bubble (20:00), the arrogance of the Clippers (30:00), the Lakers’ hotel decoration controversy (43:00), Dwight Howard partying (47:00), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo opens the show discussing claimed college football championships (03:00), before former Patriot Willie McGinest joins the show to discuss the transitions from Parcells to Carroll to Belichick (18:15), Cam Newton's potential uses in New England’s offense (28:00), and his work with Julian Edelman for the Be the Change campaign (33:00). Lastly, Russillo gives some Life Advice before signing off (36:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo looks at Cam Newton’s conversation with Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and Todd Gurley about replacing Tom Brady (03:00), before New Zealand Breakers CEO and former NBA player Matt Walsh joins the show to discuss R.J. Hampton’s play in the NBL (12:00), Matt’s time on the Heat with Shaq (21:45), and getting banned from the G League (26:30). Lastly, Russillo wraps up the show with Life Advice (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor to discuss some things we may have forgotten about the NBA in its three-month hiatus that will be interesting to see come playoffs time (1:20). Then Ryen talks with Rebecca Cutter, creator of the Starz series ‘Hightown,' a show about the opioid epidemic and organized crime in Provincetown, Massachusetts. They discuss the show's inception, the process of shopping it around to different studios, the attempt to capture life on the cape, and more (35:00). Finally Ryen answers a listener-submitted 'Life Advice' question (1:00:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on Patrick Mahomes’s massive contract (2:38), before talking with president of Quarterback Takeover, Quincy Avery, about his winding path to training some of the top college and NFL QBs including DeShaun Watson, Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, and more (14:55). Then Ryen debuts a new segment titled “Ryen vs. The Internet” and answers a listener-submitted "Life Advice" question before signing off (51:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by NFL analyst Andy Benoit to discuss the Patriots’ signing of Cam Newton, best NFL defensive players, and Andy’s research on every interception and interceptable pass from the 2019 NFL season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the MLB 60-game season (1:59), before talking with former 3x MLB All-Star pitcher Dan Haren about the format of the 2020 MLB season, the ups and downs that come with being an MLB pitcher, stories from the mound and more (9:39). Finally Russillo answers some listener submitted 'Life Advice' questions (43:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by film producer Basil Iwanyk to discuss his winding path from aspiring basketball player at Villanova to film producer in Hollywood; what, exactly, a producer does; raising money for films; working with Ben Affleck on ‘The Town,’ Keanu Reeves on the ‘John Wick’ franchise, Benicio del Toro on ‘Sicario’; set stories; Hollywood tough guys; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts about the NBA playoffs format and whether he thinks "older" teams will be at a disadvantage (4:10). Next he catches up with his old friend and host of 'SportsCenter' Scott Van Pelt about continuing to produce 'SportsCenter' with almost no live sports; recognizing student athletes with Senior Night;.moving from ESPN HQ in Bristol, CT, back to Washington D.C.; the NBA "Orlando bubble"; MLB misfires; and more (10:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on some of the players' concerns about resuming the NBA season, recalls the 1998 NBA lockout, and wonders whether NBA players could successfully start a league of their own (1:15). Then Ryen is joined by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah to discuss his top prospects for the 2021 NFL draft, as well as some stories from his time as an NFL scout (15:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the new info about the NBA’s return in the “Orlando bubble” (4:30), before talking with Super Bowl 54 champion Mitchell Schwartz about training at home for the 2020 NFL season, offensive lineman being a thankless job at times, transitioning from the Cleveland Browns to the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes as a leader, playing for Andy Reid, and more (16:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on spending my university programs, specifically about coaches’ severance pay (1:35). Then Ryen is joined by writer, sports analyst, and former president of the NFLPA Domonique Foxworth to discuss collective bargaining negotiations; the leverage disparity between the players union and the owners; Domonique’s career path from NFL player, to business graduate, to president of the NFLPA, to COO of the NBAPA, to sports media, and more (16:28). Finally, Domonique addresses Ryen’s comments from last week’s episode of ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’ (42:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by Andy Staples and Bruce Feldman to discuss the important questions surrounding the start of the CFB season, including: protocols, testing, nonconference games, home-and-homes, ticket sales/fan presence, the return of academics, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the rocky negotiations between MLB owners and the players association (1:55), before talking with 12-year MLB infielder Todd Walker to discuss his time on the 2003 Boston Red Sox, becoming fast friends with Pedro Martínez, the tension-filled 2003 ALCS, and their crushing loss to the Yankees in Game 7. Finally, Todd shares his thoughts on the negotiations about how to start this season (20:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on “bad optics” surrounding the return of certain sports (1:13), before he is joined by The Ringer’s Kevin Clark to examine the NFL’s young QBs including Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, Jimmy G, and more (10:00). They also talk about Dak Prescott’s contract ambitions, how the coronavirus pandemic may affect the salary cap, the success of "The Match 2” and the pros and cons of having athletes mic’d up for live sports events, and more (42:57). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares some thoughts on moving houses, Dak Prescott’s contract negotiations, and takeaways from ‘The Last Dance’ (1:40). Then pro golfer Max Homa joins to discuss his 2019 PGA Tour win at the Wells Fargo Championship, the spectrum of golf course vibes, losing and regaining his PGA Tour card, overthinking on the course, people lying about their drive distance, PGA Tour stories, and more (11:44) before they answer some listener-submitted questions (1:02:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell's comments regarding the possibility of players taking a pay-cut for a shortened MLB season (0:55), before he is joined by ESPN's Jeff Passan to discuss the issues surrounding proposed changes to the MLB revenue split in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, health and safety protocols, Baseball's opportunity to gain a new audience, and potential consequences of not reaching an agreement in time (19:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo talks about Scottie Pippen's refusal to check-in during the 1994 playoffs versus the Knicks (3:50), before talking to author of 'American Kingpin,' Nick Bilton, about the Silk Road, an Amazon-style internet marketplace created by Ross Ulbricht that featured illegal drugs and other items. They talk about the rise and fall of the Silk Road, Ulbricht's capture and trial, and more (13:09). Finally Russillo answers some listener-submitted questions (47:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by his old friend and UFC commentator Jon Anik to discuss the logistics of putting together a live television event today; UFC 249 results, including Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan De Castro, Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje; Conor McGregor’s post-fight comments; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by Premier Lacrosse League cofounder and player Paul Rabil to discuss the return of professional lacrosse in the form of a 16-day quarantine tournament (1:20). Then Ryen talks with Bill Simmons and longtime Bullets/Wizards fan Joe House about Game 2 of Round 1 of the 1997 playoffs between the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Bullets (27:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part two of a two-part series, Russillo is joined by former collegiate and pro athletes to run through some of their best recruiting stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo answers some listener-submitted questions about buying a home, switching jobs, balancing sports with relationships, and more (1:12), before talking with The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis about today’s media landscape, how it has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, covering entities like ESPN, starting out as a young journalist, and much more (23:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1 of a two-part series, Russillo is joined by former collegiate and pro athletes to run though some of their best recruiting stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special post-draft episode, Russillo is joined by Chris Long to talk about some of the key takeaways from this year's NFL draft, including Green Bay's QB pick and what it means for Aaron Rodgers, as well as where the other top prospects landed (00:10). Later, Russillo shares what he thinks the aftermath of the draft will mean for teams going forward (41:12). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo examines similarities and differences between the average work environment and that of the pro athlete (1:40) before he is joined by Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer to discuss some 2020 NFL draft prospects, including Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, and more (21:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo talks about the uncertainty surrounding when pro sports will return (1:40) before he is joined by legendary hip-hop DJ and producer DJ Whoo Kid to discuss coming up in Queens, New York, navigating the music industry at a young age, working with Russell Simmons, 50 Cent, G-Unit, Mobb Deep, Eminem, D12, Capone-N-Noreaga, and some incredible stories from the road (8:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo evaluates himself as a roommate (1:45) before he is joined by his old producer Steve Ceruti to discuss having roommates, working in media, and some NBA topics contingent on the 2019-20 season being canceled (14:15). Finally, they answer some listener-submitted mailbag questions, including on navigating office politics, dating coworkers, internet dating, and more (1:00:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo runs through which NBA teams he thinks are really destination jobs for a GM (3:45), before talking with world-renowned jazz trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah about the New Orleans jazz community, touring as a teenager, pushing musical boundaries, and much more (14:30). Finally, Russillo answers some mailbag questions (56:58). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo talks about scandals in sports after watching the HBO documentary 'The Scheme' (2:05) before he is joined by Cleveland Browns center and NFLPA president J.C. Tretter to discuss the election process for president of the players association, the recent CBA, the 2020 NFL season, and more (20:43). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo does a new segment called Worst Take (3:05) before he is joined by the creator of ‘Scrubs’ and cocreator of ‘Cougar Town’ and ‘Spin City,’ Bill Lawrence, to talk about doing stand-up comedy as a young man in L.A. and getting fired from ‘Friends,’ ‘Boy Meets World,’ and other shows before cocreating ‘Spin City.’ They discuss how to get stuff made in Hollywood, the differences between writing your own show and writing on someone else’s, pickup basketball, bad TV show pitches, and more (12:34). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan to revisit the 1998 NBA draft and some of the legends in that draft class, before redrafting the first 15 picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo talks about some free agent QBs including Jameis Winston, Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, and Joe Flacco (3:50). Then Ryen is joined by The Ringer’s Van Lathan to discuss his upcoming podcast with Jemele Hill about ‘The Wire.’ They also discuss their mutual love for LSU, moving to Los Angeles, Van’s time at ‘TMZ’, celebrity stories, and much more (16:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss the Colts' QB situation with Phil Rivers and Jacoby Brissett, as well as trading for DeForest Buckner. They talk Cam Newton and Jameis Winston, and the Chargers; ask, "What are the Patriots going to do?" and "Will Foles end the Trubisky era in Chicago?"; and ponder the market for Jadeveon Clowney, and much more (2:09). Then Ryen talks with ESPN's Seth Wickersham about his article "The story behind the split of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots" (40:13). Finally, Russillo shares a few thoughts about the new Netflix docuseries 'Tiger King' (56:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long and Big Cat of Barstool Sports for the first-ever Music Festival Fantasy Draft (1:30). Then Chris and Ryen discuss Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:10:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by the head coach of the national champion LSU Tigers, Ed Orgeron, to discuss how football operations are affected by COVID-19, revisit LSU's title run, talk about reloading for the 2020 season, and more (7:33). Then Russillo breaks down the salary cap for the NBA and NFL and how it all ties in with CBAs, TV deals, and more (18:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares some thoughts about COVID-19 (1:15) before talking with NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah about the NFL combine, Tua Tagovailoa vs. Joe Burrow, an awesome WR class, some mock draft picks, stories from the war room, and more (15:18). Then Ryen talks to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and 'The Athletic' about COVID-19's effect on college football programs, Jalen Hurts at the NFL combine, prospects who are getting NFL scouts' attention, 2021 draft narratives, and more (38:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo and Borrego discuss the young Hornets’ competitive play, having Michael Jordan as a resource, Borrego’s time playing college ball for San Diego, learning from Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, and more (2:20). Then Ryen briefly discusses Stephen Curry’s return to the Warriors' roster (39:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo hits on five NBA topics including MVP, salary cap, and more (1:50), before talking with Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston about Tom Brady’s looming decision about where he will play in the 2020 NFL season (28:50). Finally Ryen recaps his trip to Park City, Utah (45:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices