Best Leo Allen Podcasts (2024)

1
What If the T-Wolves Sweep Denver? Plus, the NBA’s Media Deal and Freshman-Year College Lessons With Ethan Sherwood Strauss and Zoe Simmons. 1:54:02

11m ago1:54:02

1:54:02

The Ringer's Bill Simmons wonders out loud about a number of scenarios that could happen if the Timberwolves sweep the Nuggets in Round 2 (3:31). Then, Bill is joined by Ethan Sherwood Strauss to discuss the new NBA media deal and post–All-Star break NBA officiating (31:05). Finally, Bill talks with his daughter, Zoe Simmons, who just finished her …

1
Pea Brush 2:53

2h ago2:53

2:53

Robert Frost tells a little tale of nature and gardening for May. Being that it's Frost, there's a sharp observation woven into the story about man and nature. The Parlando Project combines various words (usually literary poetry) with original music in different styles. We've done over 750 of these combinations, and you can hear them and read more …

1
Part 2: The Incredible Brady Roast, plus Round 2 Picks, and the Murky Deion/Heat/Lakers Futures With Ryen Russillo and Van Lathan 2:04:00

3h ago2:04:00

2:04:00

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on Netflix's live roast of Tom Brady (1:29), before he is joined by Ryen Russillo to talk about their expectations for Thunder-Mavs and Knicks-Pacers (17:02). Then, Van Lathan joins to discuss what the Heat should do with Jimmy Butler, whether the Suns should trade a big…

1
Part 1: Mitchell’s Magic Trick, Ant Keeps Climbing, and Minnesota Might Have THE LOOK With Ryen Russillo 1:20:31

9h ago1:20:31

1:20:31

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers eliminating the Magic in Game 7 (1:30), big-picture takeaways for Orlando and Cleveland, a Round 2 Celtics-Cavaliers preview (16:41), Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves stealing Game 1 vs. the Nuggets in Denver (36:0…

1
The Knicks Survive, and Ant vs. Jokic With Rob Mahoney. Plus, Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ament on 34 Years of Pearl Jam. 2:39:36

4d ago2:39:36

2:39:36

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss the Knicks beating the 76ers and advancing to the second round (2:12), the Pacers moving past the Bucks (27:40), Clippers-Mavericks, the upcoming Game 6 between the Magic and Cavaliers, the Nuggets-Timberwolves series, and more (38:11). Then, Bill sits down with Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ame…

1
The Maxey Game, T-Wolves Fans, Underrated NFL Teams, and a Boston Sports Check-In With Sean Fennessey, Nate Tice, and Bill's Dad 2:03:06

5d ago2:03:06

2:03:06

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Sean Fennessey to discuss the way Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers pulled out an incredible Game 5 win over the Knicks and where that game ranks among the most improbable playoff losses in NBA history (2:36). Then Bill is joined by Nate Tice of The Athletic and Yahoo Sports to discuss Anthony Edwards and the Timberw…

1
272: Ben Sidran on Rainmaker 52:03

6d ago52:03

52:03

In a career spanning over fifty years and thirty five records, Ben Sidran has established himself as a philosopher poet. Equally celebrated for his precise, probing writing style as he is for his improvised spoken word jazz raps, he has carved out a truly unique space for himself. The Times of London aptly described Ben as “the world’s first existe…

1
John Sinclair writes 2 poems of Thelonious Monk 2:05

6d ago2:05

2:05

John Sinclair (who died during this National Poetry Month) did a lot of things in his life, generating so many stances and actions that I suspect no one can agree with all of it. But one thing he did throughout his life was write Jazz Poetry, and so for International Jazz Day this year I thought I'd seek out and perform a couple of his poems. The P…

1
Part 2: Ant’s Big Leap, Phoenix in Shambles, and Summer Panic Teams With Ryen Russillo 1:12:24

7d ago1:12:24

1:12:24

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves sweeping the Suns (1:06), Round 2 speculation for Timberwolves-Nuggets, and the Bucks-Pacers series (19:37), before participating in the Panic Playoff Draft (38:53). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: …

1
Part 1: The Brunson Game, a Kyrie-Harden Slugfest, and OKC’s Ceiling With Ryen Russillo 1:23:09

7d ago1:23:09

1:23:09

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Clippers surviving the Mavericks to even up the series at 2-2 (1:45), Jalen Brunson's 47-point performance in the Knicks' win over the 76ers and where Brunson ranks among the best free agent signings of the 21st century (26:57), the Lakers avoiding …

1
The Fairies Have Never a Penny to Spend 2:04

7d ago2:04

2:04

Rose Fyleman wrote charming and popular children's poems in the early 20th century, like this one. I set her poem for performance in a jaunty rock'n'roll trio as I approach the end of my National Poetry Month look-back at poems aimed at children in the first half of the 20th century. The Parlando Project combines various words (mostly literary poet…

1
Dover Beach 3:56

8d ago3:56

3:56

I continue to examine poems from a pair of books of verse meant for the children who grew up to become "The Greatest Generation." This one's not a sunny day holiday for the kids: Matthew Arnold's at the beach, he puts a seashell to his ear, and hears....the future, or perhaps time itself, and it's harrowing. The Parlando Project takes various words…

1
Pippa Passes 1:58

9d ago1:58

1:58

A short Spring poem with a famous ending couplet that seems to be about contentment -- and after all, I found it inside a 1922 book of verse for children I'm looking at for National Poetry Month. In the context of the longer work Browning placed it in, it may not be that simple, but I perform it today as if it was. The Parlando Project combines var…

1
Denver Ends the Lakers, Chet Vs. Paolo, Atlanta’s Penix Envy, and NFL Draft Family Etiquette With J. Kyle Mann and Van Lathan 1:50:06

10d ago1:50:06

1:50:06

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by J. Kyle Mann to discuss the Lakers' drop to 0-3 against the Nuggets before checking in on every NBA playoff series (1:50). Then Bill and Van Lathan talk about Round 1 of the 2024 NFL draft, including the six first-round QBs, the Falcons shocking the world and Kirk Cousins by drafting Michael Penix Jr. eighth, …

1
The Wind 2:03

11d ago2:03

2:03

For National Poetry Month this year I've been looking at poems from a pair of 1920s books of verse for children. Today's selection is a charming poem by Robert Louis Stevenson performed with an electric folk-rock band. The Parlando Project does this, takes words (mostly literary poetry) and combines them with original music. We've done over 750 of …

1
Part 2: Phoenix in Trouble, Dallas Fights Back, a Magical Knicks Moment, and Denver’s Superpower With Kevin O’Connor 1:09:53

12d ago1:09:53

1:09:53

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor to run through Game 2 of Mavericks-Clippers and Bucks-Pacers (1:25), Suns-Timberwolves (22:02), Knicks-76ers, and Lakers-Nuggets (39:40). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Kevin O'Connor Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit …

1
Part 1: NFL Draft Trade Predictions, QB Bust Tendencies, and New England’s Big Moment With Benjamin Solak 1:14:50

12d ago1:14:50

1:14:50

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Benjamin Solak to discuss possible NFL draft trade candidates, including the Patriots, Cardinals, Chargers, Broncos, Titans, and more. They also get into reasons why QBs fail, draft pick speculation, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Benjamin Solak Producer: Kyle Crichton The…

1
NBA Weekend Surprises, Embiid/Kawhi Murkiness, Jokic vs. the All-Timers, and the Presti Letter With Ryen Russillo 2:00:33

14d ago2:00:33

2:00:33

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Thunder surviving the Pelicans in Game 1, their favorite and least favorite Round 1 series so far (1:43), before running through all the weekend's games (20:39). Next, they examine Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard's playoff performances and injury history, Nikola Jokic’s legacy potent…

1
Hills: Children's poetry, but written by a child 2:34

15d ago2:34

2:34

To observe this National Poetry Month I've been diving into a pair of poetry anthologies for children published in the 1922/1923. One poet included in them was an unusual case: Hilda Conkling, a child herself. That this grade-schooler was composing poems that often seemed to share Imagism's approaches intrigued some Modernists. Here's one of her po…

1
Part 2: Sixers-Knicks, Leo-Sinatra, LeBron-Jokic, Kraft-Belichick and Half-Baked Ideas With Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Kevin Wildes 1:42:30

17d ago1:42:30

1:42:30

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey to discuss the highly anticipated 76ers-Knicks playoff series (1:34). Then, Bill talks with Kevin Wildes of FS1 to discuss the Lakers-Nuggets Round 1 playoff series (34:39), ESPN's Bill Belichick story (53:44), and some Half-Baked Ideas (1:17:44). …

1
Part 1: Favorite First-Round NBA Storylines With Rob Mahoney, Plus the Fall of the Warriors With Logan Murdock 1:26:27

17d ago1:26:27

1:26:27

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss first-round NBA playoff matchups (1:25), before playing a game of "What-If" for the playoffs (24:22). Next, Bill talks with Logan Murdock about the Warriors' elimination from the postseason, offseason speculation, and more (49:21). Host: Bill Simmons Gues…

1
The Coromandel Fishers 2:40

18d ago2:40

2:40

Sarojini Naidu's poem of stalwart Bengali fishermen asked to be sung, so I sang it. The author may have had a melody in mind, as she published this in a section of her poetry she called "Folk Songs." Naidu began as a promising poet ("The Nightengale of India") but left verse to for work for women's suffrage and Indian independence. The Parlando Pro…

1
271: Shabaka 1:05:51

20d ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Shabaka Hutchings grew up between the UK and Barbados. He started playing clarinet as a young boy in Barbados and eventually moved back to England to go to music school in the early 2000s. After college he began a period of working furiously on a kaleidoscopic range of projects and became an icon of the new sound of London jazz, which integrated Af…

1
The World Is Too Much With Us 2:04

20d ago2:04

2:04

William Wordsworth's well-known sonnet performed, as the word sonnet means, as a little song. Within the next 24 hour or so, I hope to have more to say about what you may have overlooked in this short poem on the Parlando Project's blog (see below). We've got a lot at the blog celebrating poetry and National Poetry Month. The Parlando Project combi…

1
Part 2: Our NBA Awards Ballots, Eastern Conference Thoughts, the Masters, and UFC 300 With Ryen Russillo 1:39:49

21d ago1:39:49

1:39:49

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Steve Ceruti to break down the remaining playoff matchups, including Magic-Cavs, and talk about whom the Celtics should want in their series (0:47). Next, Bill and Russillo go through their MVP ballots, All-NBA teams, and the rest of their regular-season award…

1
Part 1: A Wild NBA Weekend, Plus a Playoff Preview With Ryen Russillo 1:18:11

21d ago1:18:11

1:18:11

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss all the NBA movement from this weekend, including the Suns' strong finish, the Spurs defeating the Nuggets and changing the Western Conference playoff seeding, the Warriors' best-case scenario, a look at the Clippers-Mavericks matchup, the Knicks solidi…

1
The Minstrel Boy 2:14

24d ago2:14

2:14

For National Poetry Month this year I'm looking at and performing poems found in a pair of 1920s anthologies of verse for children. The Girls of Verse and The Boys Book of Verse. Though "The Minstrel Boy" was included within books of poetry, this poem by Irish poet Thomas Moore was quicky adapted as a song and is best known as such today. Which sav…

1
O.J.’s Dead, NBA Playoff Scenarios, Masters Predictions, and Ohtani’s Crisis With Joe House and Nathan Hubbard 1:30:16

24d ago1:30:16

1:30:16

Joe House to discuss NBA playoff scenarios (15:24). Bill, House, and Nathan Hubbard then discuss Round 1 of the Masters (33:55), and new developments in the Shohei Ohtani gambling investigation (1:01:45). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House and Nathan Hubbard Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.r…

1
Each in His Own Tongue 2:29

26d ago2:29

2:29

Today I read a summary of poet Mary Oliver's approach by poet and critic A. M. Juster. He concluded: "I also think her spirit wanted to write religious poetry, but her mind wouldn't let her." Lo & behold I was working this week on a singable version of this 1906 poem that I found in a collection of verse for children published in the 1920s that I'm…

1
A Masters–NBA Title Crossover, Caitlin’s New World, and the ‘Curb’ Mini Pyramid With Joe House. Plus, Creating ‘3 Body Problem’ With David Benioff, Dan Weiss, and Alexander Woo. 2:19:22

26d ago2:19:22

2:19:22

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss athletes that have raised the profile of a sport and where Caitlin Clark fits into that group (4:05), NBA title contenders paired with Masters contenders (29:01), and Bill's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' mini pyramid (1:09:09). Then Bill is joined by '3 Body Problem' creators David Benioff, Dan W…

1
Sea Fever 2:14

28d ago2:14

2:14

We're celebrating National Poetry Month with musical presentations of poems taken from a gendered pair of 100-year-old anthologies published as The Girls and The Boys Book of Verse. Today's is John Masefield's famous poem of seafaring. The Parlando Project takes words (usually literary poetry) and combines them with original music we write and perf…

1
270: Jose James 1:06:20

1M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Singer Jose James on his new record 1978, his professional and personal journey, the unique demands of being a jazz singer today, why he believes good art should be transformative, how he stays healthy, the creative challenges brought on by happiness and whether or not one needs to suffer in order to make good art. This episode is dedicated to the …

1
The 2024 Made-Up NBA Awards Show With Ryen Russillo 1:51:00

28d ago1:51:00

1:51:00

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the captivating Mavericks, first-round playoff teams, and some All-NBA ballot thoughts (1:07) before presenting some completely fictional Alternate NBA Awards for the 2023-24 NBA season (22:34). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to …

1
There is no Frigate like a Book 2:01

30d ago2:01

2:01

We continue our National Poetry Month feature examination of a pair of century-old children's poetry anthologies with this famous invocation of book-fed imagination. The Parlando Project combines various words (usually literary poetry) with original music in different styles. We've done over 700 of these things, and you can listen to them and find …

1
NBA Trouble Teams, the WR Mini-Pyramid, and the Knicks Can’t Catch a Break With Howard Beck, Sean Fennessey, and Steve Ceruti 1:44:25

1M ago1:44:25

1:44:25

The Ringer's Bill Simmons runs through some NBA and NFL topics, including three NBA teams in trouble, the Jets, and the Stefon Diggs trade, before sharing his NFL WR mini-pyramid with Steve Ceruti (2:24). Then, Bill is joined by Sean Fennessey and Howard Beck to do a Knicks check-in after hearing the news that Julius Randle's injury will keep him o…

1
Piping Down the Valleys Wild 2:33

1M ago2:33

2:33

My feature this National Poetry Month is going to be examination of two 1920's poetry anthologies, one for girls and one for boys. This William Blake poem invoking childhood visions bringing joy was in the opening section of the girl's volume and it seems like an apt poem to set to music and lead off our celebration this month. The Parlando Project…

1
Daniels Vs. Maye and Caitlin Vs. Everybody With Mina Kimes. Plus, a WrestleMania 40 Mega-Preview With Ariel Helwani and David Shoemaker. 2:04:56

1M ago2:04:56

2:04:56

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN's Mina Kimes to compare and contrast QB draft prospects Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. They also discuss clear no. 1 pick Caleb Williams, hopeless 2024-25 NFL teams, the new NFL kickoff rules, March Madness, and more (2:05). Then, Bill talks with David Shoemaker and Ariel Helwani about WrestleMania 40, WW…

1
Everything We Learned This NBA Season, the Worst Owner Pyramid, and a Killer Hoops Weekend With Ryen Russillo 1:58:53

1M ago1:58:53

1:58:53

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Knicks-Thunder, Timberwolves-Bulls, Rockets-Mavericks, and Spurs-Warriors (1:31). Then they play a game of "What did we learn this season?" that covers Jaylen Brown, Victor Wembanyama, Donovan Mitchell, the Suns, the Thunder, and much more (26:27). Finally, they dig into the Timberwolv…

1
Singing at Dusk 2:33

1M ago2:33

2:33

Emmy Hemmings is a forgotten Dada artist, launching the famous Cabaret Voltaire during WWI as am organizer, performer and poet -- yet no one translated her poetry from German until this century. I just got done doing a somewhat free translation of one of her poems, and since Hennings was a performer, it seems fitting to present her work here in the…

1
Whispering Often 1:58

1M ago1:58

1:58

Here's a poem for March, for Spring, and for Easter now turned into a song, The words were written about a hundred years ago by a largely forgotten Midwestern American poet Edwin Ford Piper. This month I wrote music for Piper's words, and today's piece is taken from a demo session where I recorded the freshly made song. The Parlando Project does st…

1
The Timberwolves Mess, Plus the Evolution of 21st Century Sports Docs With ‘The Last Dance’ Director Jason Hehir 1:51:49

1M ago1:51:49

1:51:49

The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the Minnesota Timberwolves sale falling through (2:00). Then, Bill is joined by director-producer Jason Hehir to discuss how the medium of sports documentaries has evolved over the 21st century (14:46) before diving into some of Jason's films, including 'The Fab Five' (31:06), the lost Sacramento Kin…

1
NFL Over/Unders, AD’s Big Night. a Jayden Daniels Report, Gambling Scandals, and Diddy’s Fall With Raheem Palmer and Van Lathan 2:14:14

1M ago2:14:14

2:14:14

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Raheem Palmer to discuss Lakers-Bucks and Pelicans-Thunder, before giving their instant reactions to the newly released NFL win totals for the 2024-25 season (1:31). Next, Bill is joined by Van Lathan to discuss QB prospect Jayden Daniels and how he stacks up against the other top QBs in this draft class (28:1…

1
Cool Tombs 1:56

1M ago1:56

1:56

Poet Carl Sandburg goes gothic-graveyard for this poem about Love & Death. I decided to accompany my performance of it with some new music in my "punk orchestral" style, which means it's short, not-to-fancy, and uses whatever virtual orchestral instruments I can figure out something for them play. The Parlando Project takes various words (usually l…

1
Houston’s Surprise Surge, Best West Futures, and the 2024 Defense Draft With Ryen Russillo 2:01:18

1M ago2:01:18

2:01:18

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Houston Rockets climbing the ranks in the Western Conference (1:35), the Warriors' down year, and Western Conference teams with the brightest futures (21:22). Then, they talk through some Clippers confusion and whether they're ready to believe in the Bucks (48:18), before drafting …

1
Orlando’s Magic, Calipari’s Future, and the Anthony Edwards Experience With Steve Ceruti, Tate Frazier, and Austin Rivers 1:58:19

2M ago1:58:19

1:58:19

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Steve Ceruti to take a serious look at the Magic after handling the Pelicans (2:41). Then, Bill and Ceruti are joined by Tate Frazier to talk through another disappointing tournament exit for John Calipari and Kentucky (21:53). Finally, Bill talks with Austin Rivers about Anthony Edwards becoming the face of y…

1
The Wind Didn't Come from the Orchard Today 3:54

2M ago3:54

3:54

Here's a playful and mysterious Emily Dickinson poem for World Poetry Day. The Parlando Project enlists The LYL Band in this one to create a full-band folk-rock song out of Dickinson's poem. The Parlando Project has done that sort of thing for several years, taking words (usually literary poetry) and combining them with music in different styles. W…

1
Harold and the Purple Crayon: Exploration and Play are Just a Stroke Away 30:29

2M ago30:29

30:29

Harold and the Purple Crayon: Exploration and Play are Just a Stroke Away (ft. Chris Van Allsburg & Brian Pinkney)-Do you remember reading Crockett Johnson's Harold and the Purple Crayon? To his friends and family Crockett was Dave Leisk. You might know him best for the bold purple line that gives shape to the spare illustrations of Harold and Purp…

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