The Bill Simmons Podcast

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by one of the most influential authors of the 21st century, Ta-Nehisi Coates, to discuss the importance of reading (6:00), LeBron's impressive run managing his celebrity status (18:00), the decision to challenge President Obama (28:00), the role of athletes in political protest (34:00), the Colin Kaepernick situation (48:00), the O.J. doc (1:01:00), and the best season of 'The Wire' (1:08:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the loaded NFC wild-card race (5:00), another week of bad beats in the NFL (11:00), Jerry Jones vs. Roger Goodell (20:15), Martellus Bennett's return to New England (28:00), Rams-Vikings (33:00), Ravens-Packers (37:00), Bengals-Broncos (44:00), Bills-Chargers (48:30), Saints-Redskins (54:00), and another edition of "Parent Corner" (1:00:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker to discuss the glaring problems with 'Thursday Night Football' (7:00), the rise of breaking investigative Hollywood stories (28:00), the JFK conspiracy world (34:00), the much-maligned ESPN layoffs (48:00), and announcer shelf lives (1:04:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons offers up his thoughts on the Celtics' win streak (5:00) and Kyrie Irving's newfound love of facilitating his teammates (10:00). Then Dan Patrick of 'The Dan Patrick Show' joins to discuss his role in BS's dismissal from ESPN (27:30), the problems with today's sports coverage (36:00), and Westbrook's situation in OKC (49:30). Then Hillsong pastor and NBA confidant Pastor Carl Lentz joins to lay out how secret NBA scrimmages come about in the summertime (1:08:20).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the lowlights of the NFL weekend (6:00), Sal's fantasy mishaps (14:00), Eagles-Chiefs (24:00), the Cardinals' playoff chances (28:00), the end of Eli Manning (35:00), Steelers-Colts (40:00), Chargers-Jaguars (45:00), Dolphins-Panthers (54:00), and another rousing edition of "Parent Corner" (57:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey and New York Times critic-at-large Wesley Morris to discuss Oscar noms (7:00), Clooney's struggles (23:00), Jennifer Lawrence's missed chances (32:00), the state of Tom Cruise (41:00), and reasons to watch 'The Deuce' (58:30). Then, recently departed ESPNer Tom Haberstroh joins to give his thoughts on the Cavs' lacking defense (112:00) and potential Boogie Cousins trades (1:24:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by publishing power player Janice Min to discuss Us Weekly's heyday (6:00), the increased intimacy of celebrity coverage (14:00), the "Brangelina" coverage (19:00), the relatable act upheld by the Kardashians (25:00), working with Jann Wenner (33:00), the end of the celebrity era as we know it (50:00), revamping The Hollywood Reporter (57:00), and how the Harvey Weinstein saga has flipped Hollywood on its head (1:10:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the never-ending Game 5 of the World Series (5:00), the Texans-Seahawks showdown (15:00), the Pats' trade potential (21:00), the Zombie Browns (30:00), Chiefs-Cowboys (34:00), Rams-Giants (38:30), Broncos-Eagles (43:00), Kirk Cousins's trade value (49:00), DeAndre Hopkins's stake as the best receiver in football (56:00), and another edition of "Parent Corner" (1:01:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by BSMG president Eric Weinberger to discuss the Dodgers' World Series chances (6:00) and the best ballparks in baseball (14:00). Then, actor Miles Teller joins to give his thoughts on filming 'Whiplash' (35:00), what's missing in modern rom-coms (44:00), and the best parts of being in the movie business (55:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by The Ringer's Chris Ryan to discuss the Sixers' injury situation with top pick Markelle Fultz (7:00) and the ways in which the Philly front office is letting its young core down early this season (22:00). Then, Toronto Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri joins (34:40) to give his thoughts on the importance of the NBA draft process and the growth of basketball internationally.

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