The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Brian Koppelman join John Rambo in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest to wage war against their pursuers as they gear up for ‘First Blood,’ starring Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, and Brian Dennehy.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons takes a young stockbroker named Brian Koppelman under his wing to teach him the tricks of the trade. We take the subway to downtown Manhattan to revisit the 1987 Oliver Stone film ‘Wall Street,’ starring Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, and Martin Sheen.

In the second episode of Season 3, Bill Simmons and Brian Koppelman explain why Julius Erving kept basketball fun before Bird and Magic arrived, why his barely seen ABA seasons added to his legend, why he eventually became an underrated superstar, and where he ranks in Bill’s Hall of Fame Pyramid.

The guys are joined by ‘Billions’ cocreator and showrunner Brian Koppelman to discuss his sports fandom, how playing sports growing up shaped his TV and film career, and the importance of failure. Plus, of course, the plan to bring back ‘Billions.’

Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco

“My ambition was not financial, but a creative ambition toward fulfillment and satisfaction — and to be a better human toward those whom I loved.” – Brian Koppelman

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Brian discuss podcast fandom, and how listening to podcasts is intimate in a way other media is not (2:00); self-improvement and ambition versus fulfillment, and the cultural reach of what Brian has created (11:00); the influence of music, and how a single album or artwork affects you at certain ages or times of your life (22:00); and masculine emotions as they are expressed in music, and writing to music informs your creativity (41:00).

Brian Koppleman (@briankoppelman) is a screenwriter and co-creator / showrunner of the television show Billions. His screenwriting credits include Rounders and Ocean’s Thirteen. He is also the host of The Moment podcast. 

Notable Links:

• Grantland (sports and culture website)
• Bill Simmons (podcaster and sports writer)
• Wesley Morris on podcast fame (Deviate episode)
• Killing Yourself to Live, by Chuck Klosterman (book)
• This Is What They Want (Jimmy Connors documentary)
• “I Contain Multitudes” (2020 Bob Dylan song)
• The Four Hour Workweek, by Tim Ferriss (book)
• Rolf Potts on Travel Tactics (Tim Ferriss podcast episode)
• Seth Godin (business executive)
• Scriptnotes (podcast)
• Ryan Lochte (Olympic swimmer)
• Neil Peart (musician)
• Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road, by Neil Peart (book)
• Tracy Chapman (singer-songwriter)
• Exile in Guyville (Liz Phair album)
• Bright Lights, Big City, by Jay McInerney (novel)
• The Number of the Beast (Iron Maiden album)
• Judas Priest (music artist)
• Stryper (American Christian metal band)
• Spoon River Anthology, by Edger Lee Masters

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.

Writer and director Brian Koppelman discusses his career ups and downs, dealing with fear, and learning to live a meaningful life.

GO PREMIUM: Support the podcast, get ad-free episodes, transcripts, and so much more: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-premium/

Brian Koppelman on Making Art, Francis Ford Coppola, Building Momentum, and More | Brought to you by Helix Sleep and "5-Bullet Friday"

“A lot of growing up is learning to shift the responsibility from the other to the self.” — Brian Koppelman

Brian Koppelman (@briankoppelman) is a screenwriter, novelist, director, producer, and host of The Moment podcast. Prior to his hit show Billions, which he co-created and executive produced (and co-wrote on spec), he was best known as the co-writer of Rounders and Ocean’s Thirteen, as well as a producer of The Illusionist and The Lucky Ones. He has also directed films, such as Solitary Man, starring Michael Douglas.

Consider getting Brian’s The Royale mug (all proceeds go to Food Bank for New York City), and join the community using hashtag #TheRoyale on Twitter when you have your first cup of coffee in the morning. 

Please enjoy! 

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