Charles Barkley on Conference Finals, Players vs. Criticism, and His Future

Russillo starts with some thoughts on the NFL weekend, including whether the Chiefs or Bucs had the better win and the fact that Drake Maye is looking like the best QB in the 2024 class. Next, he chats with old friend Danny Kanell about Indiana’s massive win over Oregon, whether Penn State made a mistake by firing James Franklin, and the big problem the SEC has before Ryen unveils his latest top 12 rankings. Finally, the guys close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a question about a grandpa gone wild. (0:00) Welcome to the show! (1:52) Are the Chiefs scary again? (5:20) Baker and the Bucs are atop the NFC (7:37) Drake Maye is ridiculous (18:08) Danny Kanell stops by! / Florida State's three straight losses (23:40) Indiana’s biggest win (44:40) Penn State fires James Franklin (51:46) Texas beat Oklahoma (55:44) Ryen’s CFB Top 12 (1:12:40) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Danny Kannel Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Marcelino Ortiz _ _ _ Learn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo starts with a rare fun Giants prime-time game and why he’s still unsure about Jalen Hurts. Then, he and Ceruti talk about the most interesting parts of the latest NBA GM survey. Next, ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington stops by to talk about this weekend's 49ers-Bucs matchup, the banged up Ravens, eventually taking the Jaguars seriously, the surging Colts, and more. And finally, they close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice including marrying a former stripper. (0:00) Welcome to the show! (1:45) The Giants are fun again (14:03) Ceruti talks NBA GM Survey (35:44) Jeff Darlington stops by (37:37) Is Kyle Shanahan the NFL’s most impressive coach? (40:18) Baker’s career turnaround (52:40) The banged up Ravens (1:01:15) McDaniel’s future in Miami (1:11:57:00) What is the Colts’ ceiling? (1:18:22) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Jeff Darlington Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias _ _ _ 15% off $15+ on NFL Gamedays with CODE: GAMEDAY at https://littlecaesars.onelink.me/vc9i/n15m71zn The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo opens with the Giannis-Knicks story and the biggest red flags for the Bucks, even if it’s unlikely to happen. Then, ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan stops by to talk about Aaron Judge saving the Yankees, the disappointing Phillies, and more MLB playoffs. Plus, he sticks around for some Life Advice, including questions about a major hater and a party faux pas. (0:00) Welcome to the show! (1:47) The Giannis-Knicks smoke (14:55) Jeff Passan stops by! (15:17) Aaron Judge saved the Yankees season (23:22) The disappointing Phillies (34:13) How the Brewers got here (45:36) Sneaky rooting for the Mariners (59:13) Life Advice with Passan! Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Jeff Passan Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias _ _ _ This episode is sponsored by State Farm®️. Don’t settle for just any insurance when there’s State Farm. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo starts by giving the Broncos the best win award for their comeback over the Eagles. Plus, he talks about the Cardinals' embarrassment and some fun with the current standings. Then, he chats with The Athletic’s Mike Sando about Baker Mayfield’s rise with the Bucs, Drake Maye and the no longer slept on Patriots, who the most miserable teams are, and the best player they'd trade for Sean McVay. Next, he debuts his college football top 12 playoff rankings before closing it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a question about a wholesome neighbor relationship. (0:00) Welcome to the show! (1:57) Broncos best win (8:03) Cardinals worst loss (13:26) Mike Sando stops by! / Baker and the Bucs (27:48) Drake Maye and the Patriots (31:08) Chargers-Commanders (33:45) NFL Misery Index (51:52) How many players would you trade for McVay? (1:04:03) Ryen's CFB top 12 (1:16:07) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Mike Sando Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias _ _ _ Learn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo opens the show talking about Cam Schlittler’s incredible performance last night to eliminate the Red Sox. Then ESPN’s Kevin Clark stops by to discuss the 49ers' win over the Rams and just how impressive Kyle Shanahan is at maximizing QBs. They also discuss the Eagles' poor stats despite remaining undefeated through four weeks, the upcoming Ravens-Texans matchup, reevaluating the Bucs’ ceiling, the Chargers’ offensive line struggles, and CFB’s marquee matchup: Miami vs. Florida State. Finally, Ryen closes the show with Life Advice! (0:00) Welcome to the Show(2:01) Yankees eliminated the Red Sox(6:25) Kevin Clark joins / Big 49ers win(29:07) The weird 4-0 Eagles(35:17) Texans-Ravens(39:30) What to make of the Bucs(43:50) Chargers-Commanders(46:25) Miami Hurricanes(57:57) Life Advice Host: Ryen RussilloGuest: Kevin ClarkProducers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias_ _ _ _ Chad Powers - New Episodes on Tuesdays on Hulu The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo starts with some baseball talk, getting into why it’s so easy to get hooked on the playoffs. Then, he chats with Fox’s Chris Fallica about who the real contenders are in college football, how he’d rank the SEC right now, why this week is massive for Arch Manning and Texas, and the top stadium atmospheres. Finally, the guys close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a question about being TOO close to your pickup hoops teammate. (0:00) Welcome to the show! (1:35) MLB playoffs (3:33) Red Sox–Yankees (16:06) Chris Fallica stops by! / Who are the real CFB title contenders? (20:04) Should we rule out Penn State? (30:05) Top five SEC teams (35:05) Oregon, Ohio State, and Miami or the field? (54:43) Best CFB stadiums (1:07:15) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Chris Fallica Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias  _ _ _ _  The All-New 2025 Lincoln Navigator® SUV Learn More at Lincoln.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo starts with his best win and worst loss from the NFL weekend and talks through the Ravens' and Packers' struggles and why we need to chill a little on Jaxson Dart’s debut. Then, he chats with Sheil Kapadia about the big questions around Jalen Hurts and the 4-0 Eagles, whether Puka Nacua is a top-three receiver, the Rams' place in the NFC, and more. Next, he recaps the weekend in college football, including the same old Penn State, who he’d have as the no. 1 team in the country, Alabama’s win over Georgia, and more. Finally, the guys close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a question about a guy whose girl won’t stop complaining about her job. (0:00) Welcome to the show! (2:15) Ravens-Chiefs (11:47) Packers-Cowboys (17:08) The Jaxson Dart hype train (23:04) Sheil Kapadia stops by! (31:12) Uncomfortable convos about Jalen Hurts and the 4-0 Eagles (41:04) Puka and the Rams in the NFC (1:05:02) College football talk: Same old Penn State? (1:11:22) Alabama-Georgia (1:14:06) LSU–Ole Miss (1:21:02) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Sheil Kapadia Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias _ _ _ _ Get the new iPhone 17 Pro at Verizon The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo starts with some thoughts on 'Thursday Night Football', including how to judge the start to Marvin Harrison Jr’s career. Plus, can the Texans' season be saved? Shedeur Sanders comments on being ready, and Cam Ward’s struggles. Then Russillo chats with actor Tom Pelphrey about his new hit show “Task”, plus the struggles of being a Giants fan and throwing out the first pitch at the Phillies game. Finally, they close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a ridiculous bedroom setup. (00:00) Welcome to the show! (2:15) TNF: Seahawks-Cardinals / What’s up with Marvin Harrison Jr? (10:58) Sam Darnold looks good again (12:52) Are the Texans done? (16:28) Cam Ward’s struggles (18:13) Shedeur says he’s ready (24:15) Tom Pelphrey joins the show to talk HBO’s 'Task' (47:05) Being a Giants fan (50:11) Throwing out a first pitch at the Phillies game (1:01:36) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Tom Pelphrey Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias _ _ _ Get the new iPhone 17 Pro at Verizon The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is first joined by QB Coach Quincy Avery to discuss the Giants giving Jaxson Dart the starting job, why Caleb Williams's ceiling is still so high, and the disappointing state of some college quarterback prospects, including Arch, Nussmeier, Klubnik, and more. He then chats with pro golfer Michael Kim, fresh off a win at the Open de France, about the Ryder Cup, how hard Bethpage Black is, and the Rory-Bryson beef. Finally, they close the show with some listener-submitted life advice, including too much licking. (0:00) Welcome to the show!(1:50) Quincy Avery stops by(2:10) Jaxson Dart named starter for the Giants(9:22) Biggest surprise QB flop(13:45) Why Caleb Williams’s ceiling is still so high(16:40) Does the 2026 QB class suck?(29:25) Arch Manning trending toward bust?(41:05) Michael Kim stops by(43:55) Ryder Cup preview(55:59) How hard is Bethpage Black?(1:09:47) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guests: Quincy Avery and Michael Kim Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jonathan Frias _ _ _ This episode is sponsored by State Farm®️. Don’t settle for just any insurance when there’s State Farm. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo opens with some NFL Week 3 thoughts, including how the Rams lost to the Eagles, whether the Eagles are the new Chiefs, why Herbert defenders have been so stubborn, and why Caleb Williams is working his way back to being the best QB from the 2024 draft class. Plus, Todd McShay stops by to talk college football, including Indiana being even better this year than last, how scary Miami is, and why John Mateer is his favorite college QB. Finally, they close it out with listener-submitted life advice, including advice for a six-year-old. (0:00) Welcome to the show! (3:18) Eagles come back and stun Rams (9:24) Justin Herbert and the Chargers look great (13:17) Packers' worst loss? (16:32) Is Caleb Williams coming around? (22:25) Is Indiana even better than last year? (30:04) Miami is scary (39:00) Utah-Texas Tech (48:10) Oklahoma and John Mateer (56:33) Life Advice Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Todd McShay Producers: Kyle Crichton, Jonathan Frias, and Steve Ceruti  _ _ _ _ 15% off $15+ on NFL Gamedays with CODE: GAMEDAY at https://littlecaesars.onelink.me/vc9i/n15m71zn The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices