The Ryen Russillo Show

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Jon Gruden on Trevor Lawrence’s Revival, Drake Maye’s Ceiling & Who to Trust in the AFC, Plus CFB Playoff Cinderellas Had No Shot Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Ryen opens with the confusion in the AFC and whether we should believe in teams like the Patriots, Jaguars, and Broncos. Then, he transitions to the first round of the College Football Playoff and why you should be careful what you wish for if you want better games. Next, Super Bowl–winning head coach Jon Gruden stops by to talk about Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and stories from his early coaching days. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for listener-submitted Life Advice, including controversial holiday invites and a guy who might go too far trying to find loopholes in life. RYEN’S OPEN (02:38) NFL Week 16 (10:03) CFB Playoff Round 1 JON GRUDEN (18:00) Who do you like in the AFC? (18:52) Trevor Lawrence’s revival (25:10) Drake Maye / Patriots (28:19) Caleb Williams / Bears (33:54) Seahawks / NFC home-field advantage (44:52) Young Gruden coaching stories LIFE ADVICE (49:15) _ _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _ _ _ Download the Gametime app today and use code RUSSILLO for $20 off your first purchase _ _ _ _ _ _

Seahawks’ Crazy Comeback, David Pollack Previews the CFB Playoff First Round, Plus Actor Josh Duhamel! Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Ryen opens with the Seahawks’ crazy comeback win over the Rams. Then, he previews the four College Football Playoff first-round matchups with David Pollack, including who he likes to win it all. Next, Ryen chats with his friend and actor Josh Duhamel about his show Ransom Canyon, the types of roles he looks for now, living off the grid, and where he’s at with the Vikings. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including how to get better pickup hoops teammates and how to tell your employer you don’t want to relocate. SEAHAWKS / RAMS (2:47) DAVID POLLACK (16:15) Alabama vs. Oklahoma (30:36) Miami vs. Texas A&M (44:29) Ole Miss vs. Tulane (47:25) Oregon vs. JMU (50:54) Title pick JOSH DUHAMEL (1:06:07) Ransom Canyon (1:13:26) Living off the grid (1:28:38) Vikings outlook LIFE ADVICE (1:44:21) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Download the Gametime app today and use code RUSSILLO for $20 off your first purchase _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ https://www.gatlan.com/about/ 15% off your first purchase: Welcome15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Knicks Win the NBA Cup, Plus Brian Windhorst Talks Building Around Wemby, OKC vs. the Prime Warriors & LeBron’s Future Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Ryen opens with the Knicks beating the Spurs in the NBA Cup before chatting with ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst about whether that win proved firing Tom Thibodeau was the right move, how the Spurs plan to build around Wemby, whether this OKC team is better than the prime Warriors, and where he sees LeBron playing next season. Then, the guys close it out with listener-submitted Life Advice and a big show announcement. KNICKS WIN THE NBA CUP (1:38) BRIAN WINDHORST (10:03) Knicks vindicated for firing Thibs? (18:22) Cavs’ problems (25:48) How the Spurs will build around Wemby (35:21) Giannis trade debate (43:30) Lakers’ future (46:35) LeBron’s next team/contract (55:28) OKC vs. the prime Warriors (1:02:29) Nets trading their entire roster debate (1:05:09) Cooper Flagg/LeBron comparison LIFE ADVICE (1:08:00) _ _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ _ Download the Gametime app today and use code RUSSILLO for $20 off your first purchase _ _ _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _ _ _

Mahomes’ Future and the Super Bowl Favorite w/ Matt Ryan, Plus What’s Next for Michigan w/ Bruce Feldman Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Ryen opens with the biggest stories from NFL Week 15, including the Patrick Mahomes injury, believing in the Broncos, and the Bills’ comeback win over the Patriots. Then, he chats with former NFL MVP Matt Ryan about Philip Rivers’ return, whether the Rams are Super Bowl favorites, his favorite young quarterbacks, and more. Next, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman joins to discuss what’s next at Michigan following the Sherrone Moore scandal. Finally, the guys close it out with listener-submitted Life Advice, including a guy whose wife thinks he’s cheating and when you can say you were a professional athlete. NFL WEEK 15 (2:57) Mahomes injury / Chiefs’ future (12:00) Broncos beat the Packers (16:30) Bills’ comeback win over the Patriots MATT RYAN (23:00) Philip Rivers’ return (26:15) Are the Rams Super Bowl favorites? (33:42) Matt’s career: When he felt comfortable playing QB (39:22) Matt’s favorite young QBs (45:35) Jaguars love (49:27) What the Chiefs need to do (51:08) Cowboys–Commanders Christmas game BRUCE FELDMAN (56:47) Sherrone Moore timeline (1:05:06) The next Michigan coach (1:27:16) DJ Lagway transferring LIFE ADVICE (1:30:46) _ _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ _ Shop SKIMS Mens at https://SKIMS.com/ryen #skimspartner _ _ _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _ _ _ Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. _ _ _ _ _ _

Fred Warner on the Niners Staying in the Hunt, Conference Contenders, and the Evolution of the Linebacker. Plus Life Advice Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Ryen is joined by 49ers linebacker Fred Warner to discuss his Week 6 injury, how San Francisco has remained competitive despite losing key players, his favorite linebackers this season, contenders in both the NFC and AFC, dueling with Matthew Stafford, what makes Kyle Shanahan an exceptional coach, and more. Finally, Kyle jumps in for some listener-submitted Life Advice covering some heavy topics. FRED WARNER (2:42) Recovering from his Week 6 injury (9:58) How the 49ers stay competitive through injuries (20:02) Dueling with QBs (26:55) His favorite linebackers this season (29:45) The evolution of the linebacker position (35:02) NFC contenders (41:25) AFC contenders (43:13) Texans defense (46:32) Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen in the open field (48:44) The Kyle Shanahan experience LIFE ADVICE (53:24) _ _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _ _ _ Go to https://12DaysOfGametime.com today for a chance to experience one of these moments! _ _ _ _ _ _

Bane’s Big Night, Revisiting the Trade & More NBA Cup Fun, Plus Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Ryen opens with some NBA thoughts, including the Magic’s comeback win in the NBA Cup led by a massive game from Desmond Bane. He looks back at the trade and why it makes even more sense now. Then, he’s joined by Suns owner Mat Ishbia to discuss the team’s surprising start, what he’s learned from early mistakes, whether he’d do the Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trades again, and the future of Devin Booker. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti jump in for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including whether it’s stealing to take from a lost-and-found box and what age you’d pay to live again. NBA CUP (3:33) Raptors coming back down to earth? (5:20) Fun with lineups (11:07) Bane’s big night in Orlando & revisiting the trade MAT ISHBIA (20:28) The Suns’ surprising start (23:15) Handling criticism (29:48) Would he do the Durant & Beal deals again? (36:09) Challenges of being a new owner (44:02) Hiring head coach Jordan Ott (47:26) Devin Booker’s future LIFE ADVICE (1:04:13) _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _ _

CFB Playoff Complaints, Debates & Predictions w/ Danny Kanell, Plus the Chiefs’ Necessary Reset w/ Mike Sando Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Ryen opens with his thoughts on the College Football Playoff bracket and why we love to complain about the rankings no matter what. Then, Danny Kanell stops by for more playoff discussion, including Notre Dame’s frustration, the Group of 5 problem, and whether Ohio State can bounce back from the Indiana loss. Next, he chats with Mike Sando from The Athletic about the Chiefs needing a reset, the Daniel Jones injury, and whether this is the best Rams team under McVay. Finally, Ryen, Kyle, and Ceruti close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice. IS THE CFB PLAYOFF PROCESS CORRECT? (2:45) DANNY KANELL (17:00) Notre Dame gets left out (32:50) Should Tulane and JMU be in? (39:46) Indiana beats Ohio State (48:54) Who can win it all from the SEC? (57:013) Is Texas Tech a little overrated? MIKE SANDO (1:05:36) Chiefs’ season looks over (1:17:05) Daniel Jones injury (1:19:45) Who to trust in the AFC (1:24:54) Bills beat Bengals (1:31:12) Packers beat Bears (1:40:08) Is this the best Rams team under McVay? LIFE ADVICE (1:45:37) _ _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _ _ _

CFB Championship Weekend Preview w/ Booger McFarland, Plus Commanders LB Von Miller Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Ryen is joined by Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst Booger McFarland for some leftover thoughts on Lane Kiffin to LSU before they preview this weekend’s college football conference title games and talk a little NFL. Then he’s joined by Commanders linebacker Von Miller to discuss his desire to be a GM, what he still wants to accomplish as a player, and whether he’d go No. 1 in a redraft of the 2011 class. Plus, the guys close it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a guy who needs to make the first move with a girl he met and another who wants to convince his girlfriend he should move out with her and move in with his buddies. BOOGER MCFARLAND 2:20 — Lane Kiffin fallout 13:20 — Georgia vs. Alabama 17:42 — Indiana vs. Ohio State 21:05 — What happens if Duke wins the ACC? 26:51 — BYU vs. Texas Tech 28:10 — The Miami/Notre Dame debate 31:43 — Favorite AFC team 34:13 — NFC teams better than the Bears 35:40 — Playing in freezing cold weather VON MILLER 41:40 — Facing his old team, the Broncos 46:57 — Wanting to be a GM after playing 51:44 — Would Von go No. 1 in a 2011 redraft? 1:02:15 — Texas A&M heading to the playoff 1:04:00 — Most impressive teammate 1:08:18 — What he still wants to accomplish as a player LIFE ADVICE 1:10:34 — Life Advice 1:25:52 — “Can I ask my girlfriend if I can move out to live with my friends?” _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ _

Chris Paul Sent Home! Giannis & Anthony Davis Trade Futures w/ Chris Mannix, Plus Vanderbilt HC Clark Lea Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Ryen is joined by Sports Illustrated senior NBA writer Chris Mannix to cover a bunch of topics, including the futures of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, the Eastern Conference hierarchy, and the Clippers sending Chris Paul home. Then, he talks with Vanderbilt head football coach Clark Lea about his team’s case for the College Football Playoff, Diego Pavia’s Heisman candidacy, and more. Finally, the guys wrap up with The Alliance NBA picks and some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a question about punching your brother. CHRIS MANNIX (02:00) Eastern Conference hierarchy (27:03) Are the Mavs shopping Anthony Davis? (43:20) Will Giannis ask for a trade? (52:00) Ja Morant & the Grizzlies mess (56:05) Will Jayson Tatum return this season? (59:00) Chris Paul–Clippers drama CLARK LEA (1:09:02) Challenges at Vanderbilt (1:12:25) Diego Pavia’s Heisman case (1:22:40) From baseball player to football coach (1:30:53) Why Vanderbilt should make the playoff ALLIANCE NBA PICKS (1:34:06) LIFE ADVICE (1:38:32) _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _

The Bills’ Best Shot & the #1-Seed Bears, Plus Joel Klatt on Lane Kiffin to LSU & Fixing the CFB Playoff Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Ryen opens with his biggest takeaways from the NFL weekend, including whether this is the Bills’ best shot to win the AFC. Then, he chats with FOX CFB analyst Joel Klatt about Lane Kiffin to LSU, not believing in the SEC contenders, and his idea to fix the College Football Playoff. Next, Ryen runs through his College Football Top 12 rankings before closing it out with Kyle and Ceruti for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a new friend’s questionable hobby and someone trying to steal Ceruti’s wallet. NFL WEEK 13 (2:32) Bills’ best shot at the AFC? (9:28) #1-seed Bears JOEL KLATT (17:51) Ohio State–Michigan (24:22) Who’s better: Georgia or Oregon? (30:11) Joel fixes the CFB Playoff (39:29) Lane Kiffin to LSU (51:40) SEC contenders not great? (1:11:10) Notre Dame–Miami debate (1:17:20) RYEN’S CFB TOP 12 (1:30:48) LIFE ADVICE _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ Go to Shake Shack and order the Big Shack. Sounds familiar, made different. _ _ _ Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. _ _ _

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