A quick update about the lack of an episode and how I'm doing following the tornado that ripped through St. Louis on Friday. Thanks for your patience. We'll talk soon.By Empty Checking with Derek Brink

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons reacts to Game 2 of the WCF between the Timberwolves and the Thunder (2:25). Then, Bill is joined by comedian and late-night host Jon Stewart to talk about the Knicks, his beginnings as a comedian, and ‘The Jon Stewart Show’ on MTV (14:56). Finally, they discuss the evolution of late-night hosts, returning to hosting, auth…

Bill Simmons is joined by Zach Lowe to react to Game 1 of the WCF between the Thunder and Timberwolves (5:23). Then, Bill talks with Ariel Helwani and Sean Fennessey about the Knicks’ playoff run and their excitement for the new MMA film ‘The Smashing Machine,’ directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (54:35). Finally, Ben Th…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to react to the Thunder’s blowout Game 7 win against the Nuggets (2:21). Then, Bill and Ryen discuss trade scenarios and what they would do with the assets of the semifinal losers (33:08). Finally, they discuss the Knicks knocking the Celtics out of the playoffs, the Eastern Conference finals mat…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to react to Thunder-Nuggets Game 6 and preview a must-win Game 7 on Sunday (2:06). Then, they discuss whether or not the Celtics have a chance to take Game 6 against the Knicks (35:12). Finally, they talk about the Timberwolves and their chances in the WCF (51:39). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Rob Mah…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by David Jacoby to react to the Celtics taking Game 5 against the Knicks and Jayson Tatum’s injury (3:42). Then, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert joins to discuss where the league is, Caitlin Clark, and much more (01:09:16). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: David Jacoby and Cathy Engelbert Producers: Chia Hao Tat and …

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by J. Kyle Mann and Joe House to react to the Celtics losing Game 4 against the Knicks after Jayson Tatum went down with an injury (1:44). Then, they discuss the NBA draft lottery and the Mavericks landing pick no. 1 (13:45). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: J. Kyle Mann and Joe House Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduard…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to react to Game 4 between the Cavaliers and Pacers (2:15). Then, they talk Thunder-Nuggets Game 4 before breaking down the rest of the playoff games over the weekend (37:13). Finally, they go through the NBA Lottery Karma Rankings (01:47:06). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Ch…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Wosny Lambre and Joe House to react to Warriors-Timberwolves Game 2, and to preview Cavs-Pacers Game 3 (2:19). Then, they craft a pyramid of the best NBA playoff guys, and more (24:24). Finally, Bill’s dad joins to discuss the Celtics as they face an uphill battle against the Knicks (01:02:34). Host: Bill Simm…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Zach Lowe to react to the Knicks-Celtics and Nuggets-OKC playoff games on Monday (2:53). Then, Bill and Zach discuss the careers of Karl Anthony-Towns and Kristaps Porzingis (49:39). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Zach Lowe Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo This episode is brought to you by Degree Deodoran…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to react to all the NBA playoff games over the weekend and more (2:03)! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo #ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! michelobultra.com/courtside ENJOY RESPONSIBLY ©️ 2025 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, MICHELOB ULTRA®️ LIGHT…

In this episode, I talk about my new (used) car for a long time and then also about seeing Paul Simon for a while, too! That's it! Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com email: [email protected] Time Index: (As a side note, all songs are from my album "Grounds" which is celebrating it's 20th birthday…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to react to the Knicks-Pistons and Nuggets-Clippers playoff matchups on Thursday (2:22). Then, Bill talks with Joanna Robinson about TV shows in 2025 (48:24). Finally, legendary sportswriter Bob Ryan joins to talk about Anthony Edwards, the Celtics, and more! (01:27:00) Host: Bill Simmons Guests: R…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to react to Tuesday's NBA playoff games, discuss Giannis’s future, and more (3:28). Then, Bill chats with Zach Lowe about Draymond Green and his unique career with the Warriors (53:03). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Zach Lowe and Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Conor N…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to react to all the NBA playoff games over the weekend (3:02). Then, Van Lathan Jr. joins to talk Game 4 of the Lakers-Timberwolves series, and Shedeur Sanders finally getting drafted in the fifth round by the Browns (01:17:32). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Van Lathan Jr. and Ryen Russillo Producer…

Sorry there hasn't been a new episode. Stuff has been busy. Working on it. Thanks for your patience!By Empty Checking with Derek Brink

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons reacts to the NFL Draft before being joined by Steve Ceruti and Van Lathan (2:08). Then, Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney hops on to talk Thunder-Grizzlies, Nuggets-Clippers, and other NBA playoffs matchups (48:55). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Chris Ryan, Rob Mahoney and Van Lathan Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Stev…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons talks about going to Game 2 of the playoff series between the Lakers and the Timberwolves (2:29). Then, Bill is joined by Zach Lowe to discuss what-ifs regarding Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers' matchup with the Nuggets (17:56). Finally, Bill talks all things NFL draft with Peter Schrager (01:03:00). Host: Bill Simmons Gues…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to react (and possibly overreact) to all the NBA Playoff games (2:18). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Chris Sutton, and Steve Ceruti #ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! michelobultra.com/courtside ENJOY RESPONSIBLY ©️ 2025 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, MICHELOB U…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney and Chris Ryan to talk about the playoff matchups they’re most excited about before they discuss their NBA awards picks (2:45). Then, Brian Windhorst joins to discuss Luka, international basketball, LeBron, and much more (1:22:09). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Rob Mahoney, Chris Ryan, and Brian Windh…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to react to the Grizzlies-Warriors/Hawks-Magic play-in games before discussing shooting stats and NBA awards (2:10). Then, Bill chats with WWE president Nick Khan about the future of wrestling and more (56:59). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Nick Khan Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Je…

In this episode, I talk about music from Matt Berry, Mumford & Sons, Elton John & Brandi Carlile, and Coheed & Cambria. (Lots of "&" bands!) I also touch on the movie Empire Records (super hot topical!) and the latest episode of Doctor Who. It's a little shorter than a typical episode, but no less fun! Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo right after Rory McIlroy’s wild win at the Masters to discuss Rory finally getting the monkey off his back and the ridiculous pressure that comes with the sport of golf (2:22). Next, they break down the final day of the NBA regular season, discussing whether they believe in the Clippers, the Warr…

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the Grizzlies' significant loss to the Timberwolves as the regular season comes down to the wire, and the most fun first round western conference matchups, and Luka Doncic returning to Dallas with the Lakers (2:16). Then Bill, House and Nathan Hubbard discuss Round 1 of the Masters, the to…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is in Augusta, Georgia, and he is joined by Joe House to discuss the Nuggets’ shocking decision to fire longtime head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with a week left in the regular season (2:16). Next, Cousin Sal joins Bill and House to peruse some NBA playoff and NFL draft odds (23:51). Then, Bill, …

IT HAS BEEN WAY TOO LONG!!! It's nice to be doing episodes again! In this one, I'm talking about a bunch of music that I haven't talked about yet, from Post Malone (surprise!), Patterson Hood, Jason Isbell, Rufus Wainwright, Bob Mould, Japanese Breakfast, and My Morning Jacket. It's a fun return to form, and I hope you dig it! So dig it! Blog: http…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Duke’s Final Four collapse vs. Houston, Cooper Flagg the NBA prospect, and Walter Clayton Jr.’s incredible performance vs. Auburn (2:29). Then they run through their extensive list of annual Made-Up NBA Awards (32:46). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Kyle Crichton, C…

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss what they learned from the Warriors' 123-116 road win vs. the Lakers, and a contentious race at the middle of the Western Conference standings, followed by some 'White Lotus' finale predictions (2:59). Then, Bill talks with Kevin Wildes about myriad sports topics (42:29), before unwrappi…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Zach Lowe to discuss some NBA happenings that occurred during Zach’s podcast hiatus, including the Luka trade, the Suns, 76ers, and Mavericks’ disappointing season, and more (2:31). Then they talk about Monday’s Rockets-Lakers game (29:44) and discuss the 25 most intriguing characters heading into the NBA play…

TL;DR - Some good things happened and you'll get a new episode within the week! Thank you for your patience!By Empty Checking with Derek Brink

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Chris Vernon to discuss the Grizzlies firing head coach Taylor Jenkins in the final stretch of the regular season (3:05), and Western Conference contenders (41:20).Then, Bill and Ryen wonder if they should be taking the Pistons seriously; the Pacers as a playoff threat, Bucks postseason conce…

Surprise! The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to guess the win totals for every NFL team by division for the 2025-26 season, closing the show with Parent Corner! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Cousin Sal Producers: Kyle Crichton and Chia Hao Tat Order Michelob ULTRA today, available on Doordash! ENJOY RESPONSIBLY © 2025 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, MIC…

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Callie Curry to discuss some basketball updates about Seth Curry, Doc Rivers, and Stephen Curry (2:34), before discussing 'The Bachelor' franchise approaching an existential crisis, the fundamental problems with the show, potential fixes, and more (23:55). Next, Bill is joined by Tate Frazier and J. Kyle Mann …

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Bulls shocking the Lakers on Saturday night and reexamine the 2024 NBA draft class (4:01). Then they discuss the Cavaliers' four-game losing streak and wonder whether Donovan Mitchell could lose his first-team All-NBA spot to Anthony Edwards (35:43). Finally, they discuss their big…

Just a quick update on where I've been and why! new episodes soon!!By Empty Checking with Derek Brink

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons talks about seeing Luka Doncic in person and the unique buzz he is able to bring to a Lakers arena (0:00). Next, Bill talks with Todd McShay about his NFL Mock Draft 2.0, piecing together the puzzle of the top four picks, Abdul Carter vs. Travis Hunter, a really good RB class, top 10 predictions, and more (11:48). Finally,…

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Derek Thompson for another edition of The Future of Everything, during which they discuss Derek and Ezra Klein’s new book ‘Abundance,’ before sharing their predictions for the future of politics, tech, sports, and culture. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Derek Thompson Producers: Kyle Crichton and Chia Hao Tat This …

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the continued disaster that is the Phoenix Suns' season, what Kevin Durant's trade options will be this summer, and whether Devin Booker should be untouchable (03:02). Then, they play a game of "I Just Don't Have An Answer" for a few NBA questions, including whether the Nuggets are act…

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to discuss the Timberwolves' late-season surge, exciting Western Conference Round 1 playoff possibilities (2:26), the Thunder beating the Celtics for the second time this season (28:33), and Bill and Kirk's pitch to completely revitalize the NBA (51:10). Finally, Bill talks with his dad about b…

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Heifetz, Craig Horlbeck, and Danny Kelly to discuss Aaron Rodgers, who appears to be choosing between the Steelers and the Giants, and what the Jets' and Raiders' QB additions may say about their first-round draft decisions (2:30). Then they give out the NFL free agency awards (21:55)! Host Bill Simmons …

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Thunder's 127-103 win over the Nuggets on Sunday, OKC's improvement from last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's incredible statistical season (2:06), Saturday's big Lakers-Celtics showdown, LeBron's late-game injury, Al Horford's impressive defensive performance, a solidified first…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House and Wosny Lambre to marvel at how well the Luka Doncic and Jimmy Butler trades have worked out for the Lakers and Warriors, respectively, and argue about whether the Cavaliers should be the favorite to win the Eastern Conference (2:46), before commencing the annual NBA Worst Contracts Draft (23:56). …

The Ringer's Bill Simmons sympathizes with Mavericks fans after the report that Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL (0:00), before he is joined Peter Schrager to discuss the NFL combine, Matt Stafford remaining with the Rams, Aaron Rodgers’s next team, several QB-desperate teams, possible scenarios at the top of the N…

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the 76ers’ arduous journey to retaining their first-round draft pick, the unknown ceiling of the new-look Lakers (15:26), criticizing NBA player criticism, what it means to be the “face of the league” (32:59), biggest red flags for every NBA title contender, how the Celtics match up wi…

Can you believe we're at episode #200?!? Very appropriate that it should be a Fab 15, and that the list should be "Songs with Numbers in Their Titles!" Sometimes things just line up. As always, your Papa Dave and Uncle Derek are bringing you the goods! This is a fun and somewhat concise talk, and I think you'll love it. Check it out! Blog: http://e…

In anticipation of the upcoming HBO documentary 'Celtics City', Bill reveals his 15 greatest Celtics ever (0:51), before talking with J. Kyle Mann about Cooper Flagg as an NBA prospect, a clear top three of NBA title contenders have emerged, a more fun league post-trade deadline, the 2024-25 rookie class, and more (10:27). Finally, Bill talks with …

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons reacts to the Lakers and Mavericks' first meeting since the massive Luka Doncic trade (0:00), before talking with Sheil Kapadia about next season's Super Bowl contenders, Matt Stafford’s future, teams desperate for a QB, free agent buzz, top-10 draft projections, and much more (10:25). Finally, Bill sits down with ‘White L…

NBA Sundays are back! The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Celtics' 118-105 win over the Knicks (3:45), before hitting the biggest NBA subplots for the remaining regular season, including: the massively intriguing Lakers, the late-bloomer Warriors (27:49), the perplexing Timberwolves, the despondent Suns, and the outw…

It's a Grantland reunion! The Ringer's Bill Simmons is LIVE in Austin, Texas, and he is joined by Shea Serrano, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey to hit a myriad of topics before drafting a basketball team of movie characters. Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Shea Serrano, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey Producers: Kyle Crichton, Chia Hao Tat, and Steve Ceru…

In this episode I talk about music from Guided By Voices, Loudon Wainwright III, and the Twin Peaks soundtrack, then my recent viewing of (sigh) Cop Out and the SNL 50th Anniversary show. Then I talk about and play a new guitar I bought for a little bit. There's something for...well not everybody...but some people! Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking…