Jake Gyllenhaal on Picking Roles, Filming in Boston, and Creating Characters (Ep. 265)

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons brings on Cousin Sal to discuss Cowboys-Lions and Dez Byant’s catch of the year (2:00), Derek Carr’s broken leg and the AFC West (8:00), who should be the MVP (24:00), the firing of the Ryan brothers (35:00), Cowboys-Eagles (45:00), the Raiders’ chances with Matt McGloin (55:00), and their Super Bowl predictions (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Dec 20161h 5min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss the best bets for NFL Week 16, Matt Barkley's friskiness (17:00), the best NBA Christmas Day games (24:00), LeBron's extended playing time (28:00), potential Nuggets trade options (32:00), Blake Griffin's injury history (36:00), NBA unicorns throughout history (47:00), Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain (1:02:00), Kareem's sky hook (1:05:00), George Gervin's finger roll (1:08:00), and the best college basketball class in decades (1:12:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 Dec 20161h 19min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Cousin Sal to discuss Pats-Giants trilogy potential (5:00), Broncos offense vs. Broncos defense (10:00), Macho Man Tommy Savage (17:00), the Pats' favorable schedule (23:00), the cold-weather home team theory (35:00), Titans-Jags (40:00), the derailed Vikings defense (45:00), Chip Kelly's work habits (51:00), and football on Christmas Day (55:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Dec 20161h 2min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons leans on FS1's Mike Lombardi to discuss another rout of the Rams (6:00), Bengals-Steelers (10:00), Tom Brady's offensive balance (17:00), the Chiefs' need for turnovers (23:00), and Cowboys-Bucs (26:00). Then, Joe House joins to honor the late, great NBA reporter Craig Sager (33:00), offer up the best NFL picks for Week 15 (42:00), and discuss Chris Berman's betting record (45:00). Finally, The Ringer's Mallory Rubin hops on to give the definitive food delivery app breakdown (1:02:00) and explain why 'Star Wars' continues to be such a cultural phenomenon (1:06:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Dec 20161h 20min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane to discuss his three-year incarceration and 2016 release (5:00), his humble beginnings in Alabama (8:00), what is unique about Atlanta's music scene (15:00), Atlanta's club culture (20:00), his goal of owning the "East Atlanta Hawks" (27:00), collaborating with Malcolm Gladwell (34:00), and Thanksgiving with Falcons receiver Julio Jones (39:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Dec 201649min

Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal discuss Dallas’s lackluster performance (1:20) and wonder if Tony Romo would have done better (5:04). They also review the remaining weeks of the schedule and the emerging playoff picture (8:30), debate penalty revisions (26:35), and talk Odell Beckham Jr. (28:05), Deflategate Part 2 (32:09), fantasy football (40:15), and this year's Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel (53:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 Dec 201659min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Mike Lombardi to gush over their favorite scenes from 'Goodfellas' (6:00) and designate a character for each NFL contender (10:00). Then, Joe House joins (29:00) to discuss watching Kristaps Porzingis in person (33:00), the Boogie trade bandwagon (39:00), the Warriors' unselfish playing style (43:00), the failing Wizards (46:00), and the best bets for Week 14 (50:45). Finally, Bill's dad calls in to discuss the Chris Sale trade (1:00:00) and the panic meter for Pats-Ravens (1:10:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Dec 20161h 18min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Bravo's Andy Cohen to discuss the rise of reality TV (6:00), 'Desperate Housewives' vs. 'Real Housewives' (10:00), the casting process of 'Real Housewives' (15:00), the potential of 'Real Housewives: All-Stars' (20:00), the tag "America's gay best friend" (27:00), Bill's reality show pitch: 'Malibu Little League' (32:00), idolizing Howard Stern's radio model (37:00), the craziest matchups on 'Watch What Happens: Live' (43:00), the Brangelina split (47:00), and escapism after the election (50:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 Dec 20161h 3min