The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Jackie MacMullan to discuss the end of the NBA regular season, the upcoming NBA Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, the rudderless Boston Celtics, the “We Believe” Warriors 2.0, NBA awards, and more (3:20). Then Bill talks with Warren Sharp about the winners and losers of the NFL 2021 season schedule release, some futures bets, and more (1:11:00). Finally Bill talks with actor-director Andrew McCarthy about his new book ‘Brat: An ’80s Story’; some of his early films, including ‘Class,’ ‘Heaven Help Us,’ ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ ‘Pretty in Pink,’ ‘Weekend at Bernie’s,’ and more. They discuss “The Brat Pack,” 1980s Hollywood stories, working with legendary director John Hughes, and more (1:45:00). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Jackie MacMullan, Warren Sharp, Andrew McCarthy Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Wosny Lambre to discuss the new generation of NBA stars, fans of teams vs. fans of players, favorite and least favorite NBA players, and more (2:45). Then Bill talks with The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson about the U.S. COVID-19 vaccine rollout, American vaccine hesitancy, returning to pre-COVID-19 normalcy, the CDC, and more (51:00). Finally Bill talks with legendary actress-producer Sharon Stone about her new book, 'The Beauty of Living Twice'; some of her past films including 'Basic Instinct,' 'Total Recall,' 'The Specialist,' and 'Casino'; working with Hollywood royalty like Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Martin Scorsese, and Michael Douglas; making documentary films; and more (1:26:00). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Sharon Stone, Wosny Lambre, Derek Thompson Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss NBA playoff seeding and Round 1 sleeper teams (2:45), Russell Westbrook tying Oscar Robertson’s record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history (26:00), All-NBA teams and a stats deep dive (47:00), the best “unbreakable” NBA records (1:07:00), burning NBA questions, and more (1:34:45). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons runs through the biggest subplots to watch heading into the NBA playoffs (2:45) before talking to three-time World Series champion baseball executive Theo Epstein about bringing the Boston Red Sox their first World Series win since 1918, bringing the Chicago Cubs their first World Series win in more than 100 years, Red Sox fans vs. Cubs fans, MLB's strikeout epidemic, experimenting with making changes to baseball, and more (31:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor and J. Kyle Mann to discuss Nikola Jokic's MVP-caliber play, his presence on the court, the Nuggets' playoff hopes without Jamal Murray, the era of positionless basketball, and more (2:50). Then Bill talks with CNN's Jake Tapper about what it was like to cover political news in the past year-plus, covering non-Trump topics on 'The Lead With Jake Tapper,' moderating both Democratic and Republican presidential candidate debates, mega-panel TV shows, his new novel 'The Devil May Dance,' and more (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks' statement win against the Brooklyn Nets, how the Lakers' seeding could shake things up for Round 1, scariest possible first-round playoff exits, All-NBA teams, news of Aaron Rodgers not wanting to return to the Packers for the 2021 NFL season leaking hours before the NFL draft, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Warren Sharp of NBC Sports and Sharp Football Analysis to discuss an exciting first round of the NFL draft. They discuss the 49ers drafting Trey Lance third overall, the Bears trading up to draft Justin Fields, the Falcons’ savvy move drafting TE Kyle Pitts with the fourth pick, the Patriots securing QB Mac Jones, the Vikings' great first round, Ja’Marr Chase to the Bengals, the Aaron Rodgers news surfacing just hours before the draft began, and much more (3:50)! Then Bill talks with his dad and his longtime pal and fellow Patriots fan Kevin Hench about QB Mac Jones falling to the Patriots with the 15th pick (53:30). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Warren Sharp, Kevin Hench, and Bill's Dad Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Fox and NFL Network's Peter Schrager to discuss the upcoming NFL draft including what the 49ers will do with the third overall pick, rumors of quarterback Justin Fields sliding, the Bengals choosing between a top wide receiver and a (possibly) generational offensive lineman, trying to get a read on the Patriots, NFL draft prop bets, and more (3:30). Then Bill talks with civil rights activist and podcaster DeRay Mckesson about continuing the fight for police reform in the United States. They discuss the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, police departments that have reformed their policies with the 8 Can't Wait campaign, some of the challenges to reforming police policy, informative statistics, and more (1:01:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons talks with Joe House about Russell Westbrook’s revival and the surging Wizards, Eastern Conference play-in game scenarios, the disappointing Celtics season, the Porzingis problem in Dallas, the baffling Pelicans, potential playoff scenarios, Finals odds, and All-NBA lineups (2:12). Then Bill talks with Wesley Morris from The New York Times to break down the 93rd Academy Awards, including whether the production was a success, why the ratings were down, the state of movies, Anthony Hopkins winning the Oscar for Best Actor, Chadwick Boseman’s legacy, Frances McDormand’s astounding career, and more (62:08). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House and Wesley Morris Producer: Craig Horlbeck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by J. Kyle Mann to discuss the Knicks’ win streak, the superb play of Julius Randle, playoff scenarios, and more (3:20). Then Bill talks with UFC president Dana White about his 20 years with the company, how the sport has grown, historically great UFC fighters, how the pandemic's Fight Island came to be, inking a deal with ESPN+, incorporating gambling across major sports, Conor McGregor’s upcoming fight, and more (47:30). Finally Bill talks with ESPN’s David Jacoby about the finale of MTV’s 'The Challenge: Double Agents,' where CT and Amber finished in first place, as well as Bill's million-dollar idea for next season (1:50:00). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Dana White, J. Kyle Mann, David Jacoby Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Logan Murdock and The Athletic's Marcus Thompson to discuss Steph Curry's incredible stretch of basketball, the parallels between Steph's current season and Kobe Bryant's 2006 season, sports dynasties, NBA playoffs sleeper teams, the postseason play-in games, Draymond Green stories, and more (2:30). Then Bill talks with The Ringer's Chris Ryan about the potential European "Super League," including who proposed it, why certain teams are involved, the potential fallout if ratified, and much more (1:19:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss this recent stretch of NBA games without superstars like Kevin Durant, James Harden, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler. They also talk about updated MVP rankings, best subplots for the play-in games, the most fun NBA playoff matchups, Stephen Curry’s incredible season, 2021 NFL draft quarterbacks, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Warren Sharp to discuss quarterback Justin Fields's draft stock seemingly dropping, what the 49ers will do with the third pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Dolphins' win-win situation with the sixth pick, NFL draft prop bets, future bets, the NFL Hall of Fame, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Jackie MacMullan to discuss the "grind" of being three-quarters through the NBA season, Jamal Murray's injury, the Phoenix Suns, Rajon Rondo's impact on the Clippers, updated MVP candidates, the 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss the 2021 Masters Tournament (7:45) and the upcoming NFL draft (39:15). Then Bill talks with David Shoemaker immediately after the conclusion of 'WrestleMania 37'; they discuss the decision to split the event into two days, Bad Bunny’s excellent performance, a riveting match between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair, Roman Reigns retaining his belt, and more (58:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the title-contending Phoenix Suns (3:00) before talking with WWE's chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon about the importance of the first 'WrestleMania,' the star power of the WWE Women’s Division, Andre the Giant stories, the upcoming 'WrestleMania 37,' what it’s like working for Vince McMahon, the future of WWE, and much more (27:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Kelly to discuss the Jets trading QB Sam Darnold to the Panthers, as well as who wants to trade for the Dolphins’ sixth overall pick, who’s at the top of Danny’s mock draft board, and more (3:00). Then Bill talks with Joe House about his favorite bets for the upcoming Masters Tournament (40:15). Finally Bill is joined by actor and comedian David Alan Grier to discuss working with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence on the film ‘Boomerang’; some awesome stories from ‘In Living Color’; David’s new series on Netflix with Jamie Foxx, ‘Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!’; and much more (1:06:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Stanford beating Arizona in the women’s NCAA championship, Jalen Suggs’s dagger 3-point shot to defeat UCLA in the men's Final Four, a great year for college basketball, NCAA changing transfer rules, Gonzaga vs. Baylor, and more (2:50). They also take a hard look at Rookie of the Year candidates, potential playoff seeding for the Lakers, Eastern Conference sleepers, and more (38:10). Finally they discuss Ryen’s trip to Mexico, and more non-sports-related stuff (1:37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with new Ringer addition John Jastremski about New York sports including the start of (a full-length) baseball season, the competent New York Knicks, the juggernaut Brooklyn Nets, the upcoming NFL draft, the Jets and Sam Darnold, and Giants fans' hopes with Saquon Barkley's return. They also discuss the NCAA tournament heading into the Final Four and more (9:30). Then Bill is joined by actor and comedian Kenan Thompson to discuss his new NBC sitcom, 'Kenan'; getting into acting as a child; the revival of Kenan's hometown of Atlanta; some of his favorite moments from 'SNL'; and more (1:09:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Raja Bell to discuss how they feel about trade deadline deals after the weekend, the bizarre NBA buyout rules, Andre Drummond’s fit on the Lakers, James Harden’s MVP run, Blake Griffin’s potential resurgence on the Nets, Aaron Gordon on the Nuggets, and their picks to make the NBA Finals (2:45). Then, Bill’s friend and die-hard Boston sports fan Kevin Hench joins the show to discuss the state of Boston sports (79:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices