The Bill Simmons Podcast

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on front office guru Mike Lombardi to discuss the stable Vikings (5:00), the hopeless Colts (10:00), Carson Palmer reverting to his mean (13:00), the most talented underachieving teams (23:00), and course-correcting the Sixers' process (31:00). Then, Joe House jumps on the line to help make his top-3 picks for Week 5 (39:00), discuss the NBA MVP odds loopholes (49:30), and run through the over-unders and expectations in the Eastern Conference (55:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' wonder if the Falcons are a contender and if Carolina and Arizona are in trouble (4:00). Then, they guess Week 5 lines (17:30), come up with the week's best teaser, and mull over some 2016 MLB playoff bets (43:30).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons calls Mike Lombardi to talk about what Carolina needs to fix against Atlanta, Josh Gordon's release from the Browns, and more (2:30). Then Joe House joins the show to discuss his picks for Week 4 of the NFL season and what we should be watching for in the Ryder Cup (32:30). Finally, JackO gives his thoughts on David Ortiz retiring and shares how he felt after the first presidential debate (47:30).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Cousin Sal to guess the lines for Week 4. Topics include: Carson Wentz's big week (5:00), Vin Scully's farewell (8:30), the struggling Bengals (17:00), Matthew Stafford's garbage-time magnificence (24:00), Tom Brady's vacation (28:00), the top-tier teams (36:00), Mike Mularkey's coaching record (41:41), Chargers-Saints (49:30), the stout Minnesota defense (56:00), and Ryder Cup best bets (1:01:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on NFL insider Mike Lombardi to discuss Pats-Texans, Brock Osweiler's sustainability (5:00), the top four teams heading into Week 3 (8:00), Green Bay's predictable matchup offense (14:00), Kirk Cousins as a one-year wonder (19:00), the Jets' durability (25:00), and the Pats' 16-0 potential (29:00). Then, Joe House joins (33:30) to offer up his three best NFL bets, break down why the Warriors over-under is so high (48:00), and discuss KD's slighted stance (54:00). Finally, The Ringer's Chris Vernon hops on the line (1:02:30) to give a preview of his podcast plan for the college football and NBA seasons and give out his best bets for the weekend.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Cousin Sal to discuss the Emmys aftermath, Mike McCarthy's 'first coach fired' potential (8:00), Pats-Texans (16:00), Wentz's impressive start (20:00), AP's injury (31:00), trading Gus Bradley for Rex Ryan (38:15), Broncos-Bengals (45:40), conditions at the Coliseum (55:45), Jay Cutler's love life (1:02:00), and reasons to trust the Steelers (1:05:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons celebrates the triumphant return of Mike Lombardi to the pod by discussing Bill Belichick's "born to run" mentality (6:00), the Colts' double-digit deficits (12:00), the Cardinals' sloppiness (17:00), Ryan Tannehill vs. Blake Bortles (20:40), whispers about the Bills and Rex Ryan (25:00), and Tampa Bay's sleeper status (33:00), and then the two rehash the Pats' AFC championship game loss. Then, Joe House joins (37:00) to offer up his three best bets for Week 2 and discuss the decent Cowboys (44:00), Matthew Stafford's engagement level without Megatron (50:00), a healthy Jadeveon Clowney (58:00), and Matt Ryan's trade value (1:02:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal on the 'Any Given Wednesday' set to discuss Week 2 NFL matchups, Al Michaels's double shift (13:00), Bill's Giants-Pats Super Bowl prediction (21:00), RG3's injury bug (28:00), the irrelevant Falcons (36:00), Baby Doll's Emmy prediction (44:00), and Sal's first week on Facebook (52:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss the Broncos-Panthers season opener (10:00), Cam Newton's durability (15:00), and the three best picks for the Sunday NFL slate (20:00). Then, New York magazine writer-at-large Rembert Browne joins to give his thoughts on Donald Glover's 'Atlanta' (30:30) and the tortured history of Atlanta sports (55:00). Finally, Bill's dad joins (1:04:45) to give his final preseason thoughts on the Patriots, Jimmy Garoppolo, and the pulse of the Boston sports scene.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons returns with Cousin Sal to dish out the best bets for Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season. The duo discuss Jameis Winston's breakout in Year 2, the Chiefs' Super Bowl odds, Aaron Rodgers's return to form (19:00), the Browns with Robert Griffin III (31:00), Matt Ryan's elite status (37:00), Russell Wilson's MVP potential (41:00), Captain Gronkowski (51:00), Garoppolo's Pats (56:00), and the need for two Monday Night Football games (1:01:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks to Tony Kornheiser about the evolution of sportswriting (9:00), the Colin Kaepernick controversy (23:30), the mechanics of 15 years of 'PTI' (50:00), and 'The Night Of' (1:03:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal celebrate the 10-year anniversary of them guessing the NFL lines by bringing in Joe House to discuss the Patriots' 12-4 destiny, the Belichick-Hillary parlay of the decade (24:40), Brock Osweiler's hot hand in Houston (33:20), the putrid NFC East (43:50), and Russell Wilson's MVP potential (1:01:00), then wrap up with a roundup of odds and futures (1:05:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Michael Rapaport discuss the NBA's crazy summer, Belichick and Popovich (13:00), Dwight Howard and Boogie Cousins (16:15), KD and the Warriors (26:00), OKC and Westbrook (46:00), Mike's fantasy football obsession (53:30), Robert De Niro (1:02:30), more all-time consummate stickmen (1:12:00), and LeBron's spot in the NBA pantheon (1:17:45)

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Malcolm Gladwell on ways to fix track and field (3:00), how sports doping has changed over the years (10:00), Michael Phelps’s status as one of the world’s biggest athletes (29:00), and what the NBA can learn from FIBA (41:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on acclaimed author James Andrew Miller to discuss his new book, 'Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood's Creative Artists Agency'; Ari Emanuel and power struggles within agencies (23:00); the CAA connection to LeBron's 'Decision' special (36:00); the importance of live events in television (51:00); and the highs and lows of the John Skipper era (56:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Chris Ryan to discuss Team USA basketball's struggles against Australia (12:00). Then, ‘AGW’ writers Joel Solomon and Travon Free join to give their final thoughts on A-Rod (32:25). Finally, 'Roast Battle' runner-up Sarah Tiana and ‘AGW’ writer Pat Barker discuss the artistry behind the roast (54:00) and Blake Griffin's comedic chops.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by six-time MTV 'Challenge' champion Johnny Bananas to discuss his decision to get revenge against Sarah (6:00), T.J. and the crew's reaction to his money grab (17:00), NBA comparisons to 'Challenge' stars (28:00), mastering the first-night toast (48:00), and Bananas's next challenge: his own show (1:04:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and 'ShackHouse' cohost Joe House talk MLB trade deadline (3:00), Westbrook's big decision (5:00), and whether the PGA Championship needs an identity change (19:00). Then, Bill's longtime buddy JackO weighs in on the DNC (40:00) and whether the Yankees should fold for 2016 (58:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Cousin Sal for an emergency summer bet proposal to curse Donald Trump's presidential chances. Then 'Any Given Wednesday' writer Brendan Lynch joins (27:05) for another edition of his internet deep dives. Finally, Bill's buddy JackO gives his final thoughts on the Republican National Convention (52:00), breaks down Trump's tirade, and predicts Hillary vs. Trump debate scenarios.

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This bonus 'Bill Simmons Podcast' includes extra material from the first four episodes of 'Any Given Wednesday,' including interviews with Charles Barkley (2:15), Ben Affleck (15:30), Malcolm Gladwell and Mark Cuban (24:00), Bill Hader (36:45), Joe Rogan (41:00), Anthony Anderson and Chris Bosh (49:30), and Aaron Rodgers (56:30).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons calls up his buddy JackO for an emergency quickie bonus podcast to discuss Day 1 of the Republican National Convention, how Donald Trump wound up a presidential candidate, and what to make of Melania Trump's speech.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on his dad to discuss Tom Brady bailing on Deflategate (6:00) and the current feelings in Boston on the Red Sox's recent trade for Drew Pomeranz and on Celtics draft pick Jaylen Brown's inability to finish around the basket. Then, 'New York Times' critic at large Wesley Morris talks pitfalls of the summer movie scene (26:00), the relevance of 'Good Times' today (35:00), Blake Lively's shallow character in 'The Shallows' (52:00), and how to deal with the tragedies poisoning our times (1:02:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on longtime pal Joe House to discuss Dwyane Wade's decision to sign with the Bulls, star players ending careers with different teams (17:00), the battle for Al Horford (22:00), the Knicks' plan for the future (32:00), OKC's new look and next move (40:00), debunking Kevin Durant's "weakness" (48:00), 'The Decision' vs. KD's self-determination (57:00), and House's impending eat-off against Danny Chau (1:06:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss the first official day of NBA free agency, Durant's window with Golden State (10:00), Curry's "superstar" durability (24:00), Dwight's next destination (32:00), the most tortured NBA franchises (40:00), Miami's ability to avoid disaster (50:00), the Celtics' FA scenarios (56:00), and the Thon Maker age conspiracy (1:01:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Joe House to break down the 2016 NBA draft, OKC's Oladipo theft (8:00), Thon Maker to the Bucks (19:00), the Celtics and Jaylen Brown (24:00), the Knicks' uncanny knack (34:00), and the NBA Finals and LeBron passing Larry Bird (45:00). Then, Orlando native and Ringer staff writer Kevin Clark joins (52:00) to discuss the Magic's bizarre move. They conclude by discussing Orlando’s response to its tragic mass shooting.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on two-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA All-Defensive team honoree Jimmy Butler to discuss being a late-blooming draft steal, Tom Thibodeau's raw deal with the Bulls (15:00), guarding LeBron vs. guarding Steph (22:00), the importance of the 3-pointer (29:00), his personal beefs (35:00), dispelling trade rumors (46:00), and playing for Team USA in Rio (52:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on 3 'Any Given Wednesday' writers to discuss Stephen Curry's Finals no-show (so far), Kevin Love's trade value (16:00), 2016 Team USA options (28:00), J.R. technical foul goading strategies for Draymond (37:00) and Brendan's fetish for bizarre internet deep dives (52:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell to discuss Rick Barry's free throw mechanics, GSW's reinvention of the wheel (14:00), expanding the pool of NBA stars (23:00), Kevin Durant's next destination (30:00), Steph Curry's brand and cheap contract (35:00), Muhammad Ali's era and surviving the 1960s (43:00), LeBron James's ridiculous training regimen (1:01:00), and the Carmelo Anthony-Kevin Love trade potential (1:04:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on longtime buddy Joe House to talk about Bill's trip to Oakland for Game 5, the ceiling of OKC-GSW, the meaning of 73-9 if Golden State loses, the Russell Westbrook-Stephen Curry battle, Kevin Durant's steady rise up the pyramid, and Bill's bold Game 6 prediction.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and one of the world's most prolific NBA bettors, Haralabos Voulgaris, on OKC-GSW, OKC's dominance on the boards (18:00), Golden State's possible adjustments (25:00), Steven Adams vs. James Harden (34:00), LeBron's durability and rim protector role (44:00), Tom Thibodeau and the Wolves (49:00), and Joe Lacob's braggadocious profile backfiring.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons with charity: water's founder, Scott Harrison, on his foundation's goal of solving the global water crisis.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Joe House celebrate Episode 100 by discussing last night's Thunder-Warriors game, the NBA salary cap and contract extensions (18:00), and the NBA draft lottery (25:00). Then, JackO joins to talk Trump and the Yankees (35:00), and House closes with thoughts on D.C. sports (56:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes comedian and 'Any Given Wednesday' writer Travon Free to break down the Thunder's athletic advantage, Westbrook's alpha-dog mentality (14:00), the Spurs’ championship runs (17:00), playing high school basketball with Tyson Chandler (21:00), Curry's clean image (28:00), Steven Adams's bruiser status (32:00), losing to Tennessee in the NCAA tournament while playing for Long Beach State (40:00), Westbrook vs. Curry (51:00), LeBron's subtweets (55:00), and predictions for the NBA Finals (59:00).

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Craig Kilborn talks about his lifelong love of basketball and the Timberwolves, as well as his time at ESPN, Comedy Central and CBS.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on world-renowned chef David Chang to discuss the beginning of Noodle Bar, Momofuku's move to D.C. (12:00), "selective competitiveness" with critics (18:00), the Redskins’ and Clippers’ tragic flaws (26:00), the Pats' professionalism (31:00), hanging with John McEnroe (33:00), the best chef-inspired films (40:00), Five Guys vs. In-N-Out Burger (50:00), Chang's golf aspirations (1:05:00), and his greatest sports moment: Linsanity (1:10:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Michael Rapaport to discuss Harvey Keitel's 'Cop Land' advice, the Knicks and David Blatt (13:00), Prince's "stickman" credentials (17:00), MJ's fashion sense (25:00), LeBron's teammate potential (31:00), Cavs-GSW (40:00), Dwight Howard's next stop (46:00), Dr. J's legacy (50:00), Matt Dillon's longevity (1:03:00), and 'Rocky' revisited (1:06:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by billionaire investor and ‘Shark Tank’ star Chris Sacca to discuss Google's profit ceiling (8:00), Twitter's lack of innovation (20:00), YouTube vs. Google Videos (28:00), the genesis of Uber (38:00), the e-sports revolution or lack thereof (46:00), Snapchat's success (1:01:00), Mark Cuban and 'Shark Tank' (1:11:00), and the future of live video at sporting events (1:16:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks to Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele about their new film, 'Keanu'; writing comedy sketches (20:00); the state of edgy improv (37:00); and impersonating President Obama (53:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks to Chuck Klosterman about Prince as one of the most prolific musicians of his era, and they revisit the film 'Purple Rain.' Wesley Morris comes on to share his memories of the artist, and ponders what other musicians we’ll mourn when they die (36:00). Plus, Joe House calls in to talk about the NBA playoffs (55:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons chats with comedian Louis C.K. about owning his own show ('Horace and Pete'), battling the stigma of "being broke" (18:00), internet headline culture (28:00), the creative decisions behind 'Horace and Pete' (35:00), the 'Golden Globes' with Jessica Lange (45:00), Garry Shandling's silent impact (52:00), the economy of outrage (1:02:00), and the future of his FX hit, 'Louie' (1:10:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons preps for the NBA playoffs with Haralabob, who calls in from an undisclosed location to discuss GSW's historic regular season, the Cavs’ upset potential (8:00), the Thunder's incompetence (15:00), OKC's crunch-time lineup (26:00), Kobe's 60-point finale (32:00), stopping GSW (37:00), a gentler Popovich (45:00), and sixth man Blake Griffin (50:00). Then, The Ringer's Katie Baker joins (57:45) to break down the NHL playoff picture.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes world-champion Warriors forward Draymond Green to discuss 73 wins, GSW's management of playing time (8:00), their "lucky" 2015 championship (12:00), Curry's added edge (16:00), the Game 7 loss to LAC (19:00), the proposed Klay Thompson–Kevin Love trade (28:00), Magic’s mentorship (38:30), Curry's confidence (41:00), and defying the Pats’ undefeated curse (44:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons submits his All-NBA 2016 selections, with help from Joe House. Topics include: Karl-Anthony Towns's ROY campaign, Pop vs. Kerr (11:00), Draymond's DPOY credentials (15:00), C.J. McCollum's breakout season (20:00), Bill's All-NBA First Team (25:00), CP3 vs. Isiah Thomas (34:00), LeBron's season by the numbers (39:00), the Gervin-Curry scoring mark (45:00), Bill's All-NBA Second Team (49:00), Harden's drop-off (52:00), Bill's All-NBA Third Team (54:00), Curry's uncontested MVP candidacy (59:30), and an NHL playoff preview (1:03:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons eulogizes “The Process,” then brings on NBC’s Willie Geist to discuss the 2008 election vs. the 2016 election (16:30), how Cruz's campaign seems rational compared to Trump’s (20:15), the lack of late-night political takedowns (27:00), Trump's cable-TV success (30:00), and Geist’s new show, 'Sunday Today With Willie Geist.' Then, JackO calls in to discuss the promise for the Pinstripes (39:00), UConn's dominance (48:00), Trump's difficulty in grabbing the nomination (51:30), and LeBron's bizarre run in Cleveland with the RNC ahead (58:00). Finally, Bill's son stops by to recap the highlights of ‘WrestleMania’ (1:06:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Chuck Klosterman to respond to Monday night's wild NCAA championship game, rank all-time Final Four moments (11:30), discuss the singularity of collegiate success (26:00), break down Celtics-GSW (30:00), go over the NYT’s Joe Lacob story (36:00), and have the pro-chance vs. pro-karma argument (42:00). Then, David Shoemaker joins to announce he's joining The Ringer and break down all things ‘WrestleMania’ (53:00).

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House and Shackelford are joined by Bill Simmons to break down the state of Tiger Woods's career, favorable Masters odds (16:00), and Mickelson's moment in Augusta. Then, House and Shackelford list their "greenroom guys" to watch this week (31:00), map out the best prop bets (40:00), and wrap up with a Masters-inspired Speed Round.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Diana Taurasi to discuss her WNBA return from Russia, UConn's dominance (6:00), the stupidity of lowering the rims (13:00), GSW's selflessness (16:30), playing pickup with Westbrook and Draymond (21:00), and the struggling Lakers and D'Angelo Russell (30:00). Then, The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman break down the Russell scandal (38:10), NBA coaches/players on the move (53:00), and the 2016 'Sources Say' MVPs (1:06:00).

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons welcomes Keith Olbermann to discuss "the never-ending state of stupidity" in politics, learning to compromise in America (19:30), the impact of social media on cable news (25:00), baseball’s future (32:30), Pedro's peak All-Star Game performance (42:40), how to fix 'SportsCenter' (54:15), and modern sports news (1:00:00).

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Ringer editor-at-large Bryan Curtis hosts a feature podcast examining the media element of the Trial of the Century. Guests include HBO’s Jim Lampley, former New York Times TV writer Bill Carter, and ‘Inside Edition’ correspondent Jim Moret, who covered the trial for CNN.

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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to wrap up the Elite Eight weekend, Buddy Hield's rise on draft boards (10:00), Ingram vs. Simmons (15:00), the NHL playoff picture (22:00), Connor McDavid's rookie season (27:00), and GSW's historic season (32:00). Then, Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald join to discuss the Smashing Pumpkins reunion (38:30), greatest 'SNL' performances (52:00), and 'Girls' (1:00:00).

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