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HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons discusses the world of sports and beyond with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media members, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and other friends and family members who suspiciously always happen to be available.
July 5
Gordon Hayward, Cap Space, and Point Blake
Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss NBA events from the past few days, including the Gordon Hayward signing (2:25), the Paul George trade and the best-case scenario for OKC (10:28), teams’ challenges and advantages with regard to the salary cap (30:10), and the Point Blake L.A. Clippers (50:55).
July 3
Rockets GM Daryl Morey and Music Legend Jimmy Iovine
Daryl Morey discusses Houston’s monster acquisition of Chris Paul, his 12-year Rockets stint, free-agency stories, and ways the NBA should improve its game and yearly calendar. Then, music legend Jimmy Iovine (46:05) remembers his amazing career and talks about his new HBO documentary, ‘The Defiant Ones.’
June 30
Blow Up the Clippers and Free-Agency Primer With Joe House
Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss why the Clippers should hit the reset button (5:00), LeBron’s L.A. suitors (14:00), the end of NBA tampering rules (18:00), Carmelo’s fit in Houston (24:00), Blake Griffin on the Suns (29:00), Kyle Lowry on the Wolves (35:00), Andrew Wiggins’s defensive problems (39:00), Gordon Hayward’s chance to be a Celtic (44:00), Otto Porter Jr.’s market value (52:00), Paul Millsap on the Spurs (58:00), and Andre Iguodala’s impact on the Warriors’ future (1:04:00).
June 27
Judd Apatow on Binge-watching, Stand-up Culture, and ‘The Big Sick’
Bill Simmons is joined by Judd Apatow to discuss the state of American politics (5:00), his attempt to humanize Muslim Americans in The Big Sick (19:00), his return to the stand-up comedy circuit (24:00), the Freaks and Geeks experience in today’s TV landscape (30:30), the binge-watching culture and lack of conversation around shows (38:00), Garry Shandling’s greatest comedic moments (44:00), LeBron’s comedy chops (53:00), the forgotten art of DVD extras (1:02:00), and Ray Romano’s role in The Big Sick (1:09:00).
June 22
Emergency NBA Draft Winners and Losers With Joe House
Bill Simmons brings on longtime friend Joe House to break down the best and worst moments from the 2017 NBA draft.
June 21
NBA Lottery Mock Draft With Kevin O’Connor
Bill Simmons brings on Kevin O’Connor to discuss the Lakers’ decision to cut ties with D’Angelo Russell (5:00), Brooklyn’s best moves (8:00), Dwight Howard on the Hornets (11:00), Kristaps Porzingis’s trade window (16:00), the Celtics’ plan in free agency (21:00), Ben Simmons skipping summer league (27:00), and Josh Jackson declining workouts (30:00). Then, they go through all of the potential draft scenarios and select the best fit for each lottery team in the 2017 NBA draft (34:00).
June 20
Malcolm Gladwell on the NBA Carousel, Billionaire Owners, and Multipurpose Golf Courses
Bill Simmons is joined by Malcolm Gladwell to discuss the ridiculous rate of offseason story lines in the NBA (5:00), LeBron James’s right to act in his own self-interest (13:00), dealing with juggernauts in the NBA (23:00), billionaire owners’ spending habits (33:00), Tiger Woods’s painkiller problem (36:00), trimming the NBA schedule (44:00), Tom Brady’s concussions (53:00), solving the public-use problem for golf courses (1:02:00), and the Bill Maher controversy (1:06:00).
June 19
Fultz to Philly, PG-13 Trades, and What Is Boston Doing?
Bill Simmons brings on Ringer staff writer Kevin O’Connor and executive editor Chris Ryan to make sense of why the Celtics traded back in the stacked 2017 draft. Then, Ringer staff writer Mark Titus joins to discuss who won the trade between the Sixers and Celtics (46:00), Jayson Tatum’s rookie of the year potential (43:00), Luke Kennard’s NBA fit (56:00), Josh Jackson’s desire to win the dunk contest (1:02:00), and NBA draft diaries (1:05:00). Finally, Bill’s dad calls in to give the final verdict on Danny Ainge’s draft record and decide whether the Celtics made the right move to trade the no. 1 pick (1:08:00).
June 16
Will Ferrell on his Favorite Movie, ‘SNL,’ and LeBron on the Lakers
Bill Simmons is joined by Will Ferrell to discuss the NBA Finals (4:00), the cable TV domination of Step Brothers (13:00), the amount of denials before Anchorman was made (19:00), working on Old School while on SNL (26:00), flubbing his first line on SNL (34:00), his favorite SNL sketch (40:00), the modern SNL format with big-name actors (48:00), filming a Lifetime movie with Kristen Wiig (53:00), the way his kids act with Will Ferrell as their dad (1:01:00), Lonzo Ball on the Lakers (1:11:00), and the chance LeBron comes to L.A. (1:15:00).
June 14
Finals MVP Kevin Durant
Bill Simmons reports live from Oakland with 2017 NBA Champion and Finals MVP Kevin Durant to discuss the initial moment right after the confetti fell in Oracle (4:00), running the pick-and-roll with Curry (11:00), David West’s impassioned postgame speech (16:00), the shot in Game 3 (21:00), appreciating LeBron’s journey (26:00), Curry’s high-level play in the playoffs (31:00), Kyrie’s “bag full of tricks” (34:00), Obama’s congratulatory text (39:00), the Warriors free agents this offseason (46:00), building winning habits with the Warriors (55:00), the nonsense of comparing different eras (1:01:00), Rasheed Wallace’s stretch five game (1:05:00), three-on-three in the Olympics (1:16:00), Iguodala’s big Game 5 dunk (1:21:00), McCaw’s bright future (1:24:00), and checking the boxes in a basketball career (1:28:00).
June 10
Saturday Rollin’ NBA Finals Edition With Joe House
Bill Simmons reports live from the road to discuss the NBA Finals with help from his old friend Joe House. Topics include: Cleveland’s historic Game 4 (5:00), Kyrie Irving’s similarities with Isiah Thomas (9:00), Kevin Durant’s place among the greatest forwards in history (14:00), the superteam misconception (21:00), LeBron’s long-term game plan (29:00), Kevin Love on the trade block (37:00), the NBA Finals officiating (42:00), Blake Griffin’s fit in Boston (52:30), pre-draft NBA trades (58:00), the Bad Boy Pistons vs. the 2017 Warriors (1:06:00), and whether the Cavs can come back from down 3–0 (1:11:00).
June 7
NBA Scuttlebutt, LeBron’s Next Move, and Lonzo’s Lakers
Bill Simmons is joined by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor to discuss the many rumors and rumblings surrounding the NBA. Topics include: Jerry West’s interest in the Clippers (5:00), CP3’s no-trade clause (12:00), Lonzo and the Lakers (18:00), possible Kings trade packages (30:30), Isaiah Thomas’s trade potential (39:30), the Paul George situation (47:00), LeBron to the Lakers (55:00), and adjustments for the Cavs in Game 3 (1:05:00).
June 5
James Corden on Returning to London, “Carpool Karaoke,” Elections, and Sports in America
Bill Simmons brings on James Corden to discuss bringing The Late Late Show to London (02:00), moving to America (12:30), starting his show as an unknown (21:30), the development of “Carpool Karaoke” (26:30), the logistics of success within today’s media landscape (30:30), the time he spanked Donald Trump on Broadway (42:00), and improving the election process (45:00). Then they dive into the World Cup (55:00), the popularity of soccer in the U.S. (56:00), Bono’s advice to Chris Martin regarding fame (01:03:00), the importance of television today (01:05:00), and James’s friendship with Adele (01:12:30).
June 2
NBA Finals Overreactions, College Reunions, and Resurgent Yankees
Bill Simmons brings on Kevin O’Connor to discuss their initial reactions from Game 1 of the NBA Finals (5:00), Kevin Durant’s comfort level (13:00), Curry’s Game 7 redemption (19:00), LeBron matching Durant (22:00), and Kevin Hart’s nicknames for the Cavs (27:00). Then, JackO joins to discuss his and Bill’s 25th college reunion this weekend (32:00), Aaron Judge’s absurd upside (46:00), and ways to rekindle the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry (55:00).
May 31
NBA Finals Prediction + Raiders, N.W.A, and the Big 3 With Ice Cube
Bill Simmons makes his 2017 NBA Finals prediction. Then, Ice Cube joins in the studio to discuss collaborating on the 30 for 30 documentary Straight Outta L.A. (23:00), the Lakers-Celtics rivalry in the ’80s (31:00), the growth of N.W.A (40:00), the importance of Boyz n the Hood (49:00), the reason Straight Outta Compton worked (55:00), No Vaseline vs. Hit ’Em Up (1:05:00), and the Big 3 basketball league (1:11:00).
May 30
Tiger, NBA Finals, and Remembering Frank Deford With Joe House and Bryan Curtis
Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House and Bryan Curtis to talk about Tiger Woods’s latest media frenzy (01:30) and make NBA Finals predictions (23:00). Finally, Bill and Bryan take time to remember the late Frank Deford (44:00).
May 25
Chuck Klosterman on Chris Cornell, Superteams, an NFL Rule Change, and Michael Jordan
Bill Simmons is joined by author Chuck Klosterman to discuss the recent passing of Chris Cornell (03:00), the importance of film soundtracks (10:00), if superteams hurt the NBA overall (26:00), LeBron’s legacy (40:00), the NFL’s rule change on celebrations (57:00), and the conspiracy theory on Michael Jordan’s first retirement (65:00).
May 24
Bill Burr on the NHL Playoffs, Kelly Olynyk’s Magic, Chris Farley, and R-Rated Sports
Bill Simmons is joined by comedian Bill Burr to discuss his love for hockey (10:00), the great food in Winnipeg (15:00), the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry (23:00), the major changes at Fenway (34:00), the weirdness of hockey (41:00), Kelly Olynyk’s Game 7 (53:00), Chris Farley’s comedic intensity (1:02:00), the potential for R-rated sports channels (1:17:00), Paul Pierce’s farewell (1:21:00), and Trump’s international tour (1:25:00).
May 22
Celtics Pride, LeBron vs. MJ, and Sacramento Kings Pain With Bill’s Dad and Hasan Minhaj
Bill Simmons brings on his dad to discuss the Celtics’ worst playoff losses (5:00), Isaiah Thomas’s injury (12:00), the free throw differential in the Eastern Conference finals (17:00), Avery Bradley’s magic (21:00), LeBron in Jordan territory (28:00), Kyrie’s improved play vs. Curry (34:00), and Kevin Love’s impact on the series (37:00). Then, Daily Show correspondent Hasan Minhaj joins to give his thoughts on his new Netflix special (42:00), the innovation of comedy specials (50:00), hosting the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner (55:00), the 2002 Western Conference finals (1:00:00), Vivek’s ownership (1:10:00), Kings fans losing Boogie Cousins (1:14:00), Jeremy Lin’s run in New York (1:18:00), the Warriors bandwagon in the Bay (1:24:00), and the Cavs’ lackluster defense (1:27:00).
May 19
May Mega-Mailbag: LeBron, LaVar, Harden, Pop, Dom, and More
Is LeBron a baby? Could Boston trade for Anthony Davis? Is James Harden the Peyton Manning of basketball? Are the Lakers really taking Lonzo? What should Chargers fans do? Why are dogs allowed on airplanes? Earl Woods vs. LaVar? Did karma injure Kawhi? Who is 2017’s Jerome James? Was the Boogie trade good for the Kings? How tall is Dom? What’s the opening scene of a Clippers 30 for 30? Where will CP3’s Clips statue go? Is it OK for Pop to be mean? Is CT one of the greatest Boston athletes ever?
May 17
NBA Draft Lottery Reaction With Mark Titus
Bill Simmons is joined by Mark Titus to break down Tuesday night’s draft lottery (02:00), if Markelle Fultz is definitely going to be a Celtic (11:30), what Lonzo Ball’s draft declaration says about him (15:00), players who could be the second pick (28:00), and Malik Monk’s stock (31:00). Then Titus shares stories about growing up with Gordon Hayward (36:00) and playing on the first team that Brad Stevens ever coached (38:00).
May 16
Wizards Postmortem, the Conference Finals, and the NBA Draft Lottery With Joe House
Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss Game 7 of Celtics-Wizards (02:00), John Wall’s performance in the series (07:00), who Scott Brooks trusted (15:00), a rested LeBron in the Eastern Conference finals (30:00), James Harden and the regular-season MVP vote (34:00), the Western Conference finals without Kawhi Leonard (41:00), and Tuesday night’s fascinating NBA draft lottery (49:30).
May 12
Aziz Ansari on ‘Master of None,’ Hosting ‘SNL,’ and Kanye Studio Session Stories
Bill Simmons is joined by Emmy Award–winning comedian Aziz Ansari to discuss shooting the second season of Master of None in Italy (5:00), taking intense Italian lessons (15:00), directing modern Woody Allen moments (24:00), improvising scenes in auditions (29:30), hosting SNL for the first time (33:00), stand-up at the Comedy Cellar (38:00), living outside the internet outrage cycle (43:00), working with Lorne Michaels (48:00), the untimely passing of Harris Wittels (53:45), shooting the Otis video with Kanye and Jay Z (1:04:00), listening to Kanye albums before their release (1:08:00), Kanye and Jay’s humorous side (1:12:00), the first time meeting Dave Chappelle (1:19:00), and the Girls series finale internet controversy (1:25:00).
May 10
Adam Carolla on ‘Fast 7,’ ‘Fast 8,’ ‘Cobra,’ and ‘Cast Away'
Bill Simmons celebrates 10 years of podcasting by bringing on B.S. Report Hall of Famer Adam Carolla to discuss Sylvester Stallone’s 1980s cop thriller Cobra (9:00), the best ’80s montages (14:00), the lifestyle of liking “bad movies” (28:00), Tom Hanks in Cast Away (33:00), hanging out with Helen Hunt (39:00), the start of the Fast franchise (44:00), the plot holes in Furious 7 (49:00), Vin Diesel’s global lifestyle (1:02:00), Charlize Theron in Fate of the Furious (1:11:00), and the perfect plot for the ninth Fast movie (1:17:00).
May 8
The New Era of Sports Media and the End of ‘The Sports Reporters’
Bill Simmons is joined by Wall Street Journal sports columnist Jason Gay and Ringer editor-at-large Bryan Curtis to discuss the end of ESPN’s The Sports Reporters (5:00), LaVar Ball’s impact on Lonzo Ball’s draft stock (15:00), ESPN’s priorities in today’s media landscape (24:00), ESPN’s attachment to live sports (34:00), the future of ESPN2 (39:00), Adrian Wojnarowski’s rivalry with ESPN (48:00), the ESPN news ticker (55:00), the value of good writing in any medium (1:02:00), and parting shots on The Players’ Tribune (1:07:00).
May 5
Michael Rapaport on NBA Awards, the Knicks, ‘True Romance,’ and Being Banned From ESPN
Bill Simmons brings on Michael Rapaport to discuss the uninspiring NBA playoffs (5:00), the upcoming NBA Awards show (11:00), Kelly Olynyk’s man bun (17:00), Phil Jackson’s problems in New York (26:00), overhyping Hamilton (33:30), Chris Paul’s overrated status (38:00), Ty Lue complaining (41:00), reporter questions for Popovich and Belichick (44:00), LeBron’s ability to avoid injury (49:00), A-Rod’s stickman status (52:00), beefing with Dan Le Batard (1:02:00), and shooting True Romance scenes with Christian Slater (1:13:00).
May 1
Clippers Postmortem, Wiz-Celts, and Round 2 Intrigue With Joe House
Bill Simmons welcomes longtime friend of the show Joe House to discuss the CP3 era in L.A. (5:00), sign-and-trade options for Blake Griffin (18:00), reasons to reassemble the Clippers’ core (21:00), Stockton-CP3 comparisons (29:00), Wizards-Celtics (32:00), Ian Mahinmi’s struggles (38:00), Al Horford’s impact (44:00), the odds of a Warriors sweep (48:00), Gordon Hayward’s free agency (52:00), Raptors-Cavs (58:00), Harden’s sloppiness (1:04:00), Aldridge’s future with the Spurs (1:08:00), and series predictions (1:12:00).
