The Ringer-Verse

The Ringer

The Ringer-Verse is your go-to nexus podcast feed for all things nerd culture and fandom, featuring:

'The Midnight Boys': Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman react to the latest in fandom and share their instant reactions to the newest nerd culture releases, all while bringing the banter every week.

'Button Mash': Ben Lindbergh and company discuss the latest in the world of video games, from headline-making new releases, to industry trends, to game swaps and nostalgic re-plays.

Follow the House of R feed for deep dives from Mal and Jo!

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64 episodes
Avg 1 hr 30 min
English

Episodes 64

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Thursday · 1 hr 48 min
‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ and ‘World of Warcraft: Forever’ Reactions | Button Mash
Ben saddles up on Epona (and his Skyborne Galestrider) to cover a couple of classics that just got fresh coats of paint, ponder the nature of nostalgia, and discuss how to update games that don't leave a lot of room for improvement. First, Ben and Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio review Nintendo's new Switch 2 remake of the all-time great adventure 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.' Then, Gio's Polygon colleague Oli Welsh joins to break down the post-'Ocarina,' pre–'GTA VI' Game of the Year race; explain the new branch of Blizzard's signature MMO, 'World of Warcraft: Forever'; and question whether 'WoW' is truly eternal. (00:00) Intro (13:32) 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' with Giovanni Colantonio (68:13) The GOTY race and 'World of Warcraft' with Oli Welsh Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Giovanni Colantonio and Oli Welsh Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wednesday · 1 hr 6 min
'VisionQuest’ Episode 7 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re excited for the penultimate episode of Season 1 of ‘VisionQuest’! They get into the client and if they are someone we possibly already know from the MCU, and Vision’s journey until now, speculating what his legacy might be in the future! (0:00) Intro (6:22) Spoilers ahead (8:11) ‘VisionQuest’ Episode 7 instant reactions (59:42) Outro (1:02:38) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
November 2 · 1 hr 44 min
‘Phantom Blade Zero’ Reactions and a ‘Call of Duty’ Comeback | Button Mash
Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James discuss ‘GTA VI’ review timing, Ben’s research on how extreme this year’s pre-‘GTA’ gaming blockbuster boss rush has been, and their spoiler-free impressions of acclaimed new action game ‘Phantom Blade Zero.’ Then Ben brings on Kotaku’s Zack Zwiezen to talk about how ‘Battlefield 6’ and ‘ARC Raiders’ have held up one year in, the pressure on ‘Call of Duty’ to bounce back from a down year, whether ‘Modern Warfare 4’ has delivered the goods, Zack’s thoughts on online-shooter sensations ‘Wardogs’ and ‘Deadlock,’ and why Electronic Arts killed BioWare. (00:00) Intro (12:33) 'Phantom Blade Zero' discussion (46:20) 'Call of Duty' and shooters Conversation with Zack Zwiezen Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Steve Ahlman, and Zack Zwiezen Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 30 · 1 hr 55 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: October 2026
On this month’s Recommends, Ben brings back fellow Stephen King and Mike Flanagan enthusiast Zach Dionne to talk about how Flanagan’s new ‘Carrie’ TV series takes a fresh approach to King’s iconic tale. Then they discuss King’s new novel ‘Other Worlds Than These’ and how it functions as a coda to the ‘Talisman’ trilogy and the ‘Dark Tower’ saga. They also get into King sequels they’d like to see, the future of Flanagan’s King adaptations, and three King-ian TV shows that came out (or arrived on Netflix) just in time for Halloween: ‘From’, ‘Below’, and ‘Crystal Lake.’ After that, Ben summons Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin to break down the story, characters, and questionable parenting decisions of the animated TV series ‘Avatar: Seven Havens’, the latest release in a busy 2026 for the ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ franchise. (00:00) Intro (02:58) 'Carrie' talk with Zach (18:55) 'Carrie' spoilers! (69:41) 'Avatar' talk with Daniel and Jomi (91:59) 'Avatar: Seven Heavens' spoilers (01:51:29) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Zach Dionne, Daniel Chin, and Jomi Adeniran Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 28 · 2 hr 13 min
‘Clayface,’ ‘You Can See Everything,’ and the final ‘Dune: Part Three’ Trailer | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and boy do they have content for you! First, they’re tackling DC’s newest film, ‘Clayface.' Then they discuss Nathan Fielder’s buzzing new film, ‘You Can See Everything,’ and they leave you with their thoughts on the last ‘Dune: Part Three’ trailer before the film is released in December! (0:00) Intro (4:41) ‘Clayface’ instant reactions (1:04:27) Midnight Meter: ‘Clayface’ (1:11:52) ‘You Can See Everything’ instant reactions (2:01:05) Midnight Meter: ‘You Can See Everything’ (2:02:42) ‘Dune: Part Three’ trailer instant reactions (2:09:32) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 28 · 1 hr 3 min
'VisionQuest’ Episodes 5-6 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re diving back into ‘VisionQuest’! They discuss the development of Paladin throughout the series so far, debate whether the MCU has reached pinnacle blip fatigue, and talk family reunion drama. (0:00) Intro (5:24) Spoilers ahead (7:44) ‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 3-4 instant reactions (59:33) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 22 · 2 hr 4 min
AI Angst, ‘Final Fantasy Resonance,’ and ‘GTA III’ Turns 25 | Button Mash
Ben and Matt James break down the good, bad, and ugly of gaming’s recent reckoning with AI-driven development, decompilation, and cloning, and assess whether it will fundamentally reshape the medium’s economic and creative model. Then they provide their impressions of the newly released ‘Final Fantasy Resonance’ and ‘Nintendo Switch Sports Resort’ and react in real time to the dissolution of storied studio Bioware. Finally, Ben sets the scene for 'GTA VI' by bringing on The Atlantic’s Jeremy Gordon to reminisce about the October 2001 release of ‘Grand Theft Auto III’ and discuss how it altered the trajectory of open-world gaming and created the ‘GTA’ juggernaut. (0:00) Intro (1:40) AI talk (34:45) 'Final Fantasy Resonance' (46:32) 'Nintendo Switch Sports Resort' (54:08) Follow-ups to last week's pod (57:41) Bioware news (1:01:49) Jeremy Gordon joins the show Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Jeremy Gordon Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 21 · 1 hr 23 min
‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 3-4 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re jumping into the next two episodes of ‘VisionQuest’. They discuss the Vision we knew from ‘Avengers’ versus the Vision we see in this show, rate the kid-pluck level so far, and have a lively debate about the MCU character ethics. (0:00) Intro (7:19) Spoilers ahead (9:56) ‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 3-4 instant reactions (1:19:25) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 15 · 2 hr 21 min
Metroidvania Draft, Spooky-Season Games, and 'Street Fighter' | Button Mash
To live is to pod; to pod is to live! First, Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James react to the latest 'GTA VI' and 'Ocarina of Time' trailers and talk about Ben's hands-on session with the 'Ocarina' remake. Then, they share recommendations for a few recently released games that fit a Halloween theme. After that, they honor the 40th anniversaries of 'Castlevania' and 'Metroid' and the release of 'Castlevania: Belmont's Curse' by bringing on GameSpot's Steve Watts to discuss what "Metroidvania" means, debate whether it's a good name for the genre, review 'Belmont's Curse,' advise a listener on when to look up game solutions, and do a draft of the greatest Metroidvanias across several categories. Finally, Ben and Daniel Chin share their spoiler-free reviews of the big-screen 'Street Fighter' reboot. (00:00) Intro (00:13) 'GTA'/'Ocarina of Time'/spooky-season games (27:42) The Metroidvania Draft (1:54:49) Daniel Chin joins for 'Street Fighter' Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Steve Ahlman, Steve Watts, and Daniel Chin Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Senior Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 14 · 1 hr 18 min
‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 1-2 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re returning to the MCU! They give you all of their thoughts on the first two episodes of ‘VisionQuest,’ diving into the new ensemble cast of Marvel AIs, the return of Ultron, and some of the Marvel Easter eggs we’ve seen so far. (0:00) Intro (7:01) Spoilers ahead (9:57) ‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 1-2 instant reactions (1:11:13) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, Jamie Yukich, and Kevin Cureghian Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 9 · 47 min
NYCC 2026 Recap and Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they are coming to you from New York City! They give you their thoughts on what they’ve seen so far at NYCC 2026, including news from 'Daredevil: Born Again,' 'X-Men '97,' and the DC-Skydance merger. (0:00) Intro (1:53) 'Daredevil: Born Again' (7:40) Marvel panel (19:08) 'X-Men '97' (24:17) 'VisionQuest' (27:34) ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ (29:55) DC and Skydance (44:16) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 9 · 1 hr 28 min
Hollywood's Gaming Adaptation Feeding Frenzy, With Chris Ryan | Button Mash
Ben brings on Chris Ryan, host of The Watch, to discuss whether Hollywood has hit peak gaming adaptation. First, Chris reminisces about his gaming heyday and how his habit lapsed. Then, as Skydance consolidates its Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount IP, Ben and Chris come up with pitches for video game versions of Taylor Sheridan shows. After that, they examine the latest trend in gaming adaptations: bundling a bunch of gaming properties together in package deals. Finally, they talk about 'GTA VI' hype and how the buzz about the game's soundtrack stands out in 2026, and then Ben provides a few updates and impressions about what he's been playing. (0:00) Intro (10:25) Skydance news (17:26) Taylor Sheridan pitches (1:01:33) 'GTA VI' updates (1:25:00) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 5 · 2 hr 5 min
‘Lanterns’ Season 1 Finale Instant Reactions, Plus a Talk With Chris Mundy | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they have new haircuts! With the end of the beloved first season of HBO’s ‘Lanterns,’ the boys are giving you a packed episode! First they discuss their thoughts on the finale and the season as a whole, then they welcome ‘Lanterns’ writer-showrunner–executive producer, Chris Mundy, onto the show! (0:00) Intro (8:16) Spoilers ahead (11:05) ‘Lanterns’ Season 1 finale instant reactions (1:13:49) Midnight Meter (1:21:49) A Chat with Chris Mundy (2:00:17) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guests: Chris Mundy and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Jamie Yukich, Devon Baroldi, and Aleya Zenieris Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 2 · 1 hr 39 min
‘Star Wars: Galactic Racer,’ ‘Ace Combat 8,’ and ‘Gears of War: E-Day’ Reactions | Button Mash
Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman marvel at how many good games are coming out in quick succession and wonder whether this is the best week ever for Button Mash material. Then they share their extensive, spoiler-free impressions (and rankings) of three big, brand-new releases: ‘Star Wars: Galactic Racer,’ ‘Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve,’ and ‘Gears of War: E-Day.’ (0:00) Intro (7:42) ‘Star Wars: Galactic Racer’ (45:04) ‘Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve’ (1:10:37) ‘Gears of War: E-Day’ (1:36:18) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 1 · 19 min
Is Sinestro the Key to Unraveling the Biggest Mystery in 'Lanterns'?
The Ringer's Daniel Chin is here to breakdown Thaal Sinestro in HBO's latest DC series, 'Lanterns.' Starting with the basics, Daniel will dive into who the iconic Green Lantern villain is, what his relationships to key characters are, and what his role could be in the season finale. (00:00) Intro (01:51) Who is Sinestro? (04:40) What is Sinestro’s relationship with Hal Jordan? (09:01) What is Sinestro’s relationship to the Green Lantern Corps? (12:49) Season finale speculation Host: Daniel Chin Producers: Steve Ahlman and Carlos Chiriboga Editor: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 30 · 1 hr 49 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: September 2026
"We do not know when it will be safe to go outside. We only know that day is not this day." That's what Ben Lindbergh says to himself when he's working from home, but not when he's in studio to discuss 'Silo' and other recent nerd-culture releases! On this month's Recommends, Ben brings on Alex Kirshner to make the case for 'Silo' as a series worth sticking with, discuss the explosive end of Season 3, and look ahead to the final season. Then Scott Tobias and Keith Phipps join to talk 'Dark Matter' Season 2, share their all-time tier lists of Apple TV sci-fi series, break down 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Season 4, assess the state of 'Star Trek' as the franchise turns 60, and cover Korean sci-fi epic 'Hope' and, briefly, 'Practical Magic 2.' Finally, Ben recommends 'Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian' and other Disney+ kids' content and muses about the rapid rise and fall of 'The Mandalorian' and live-action 'Star Wars' and MCU streaming series. (00:00) Intro (03:09) Alex joins the show (16:27) 'Silo' spoilers (39:20) Scott and Keith join the show (40:08) Talking 'Dark Matter' (53:00) The Apple TV tier list (72:03) ‘Strange New Worlds’ (81:52) The state of ‘Star Trek’ (89:02) 'Hope' Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Alex Kirshner, Scott Tobias, and Keith Phipps Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 29 · 1 hr 3 min
A Chat With ‘Lanterns’ Writers Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re bringing you a special episode featuring ‘Lanterns’ writers/producers Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guests: Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 28 · 1 hr 22 min
‘Lanterns’ Episode 7 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to jump into the penultimate episode of ‘Lanterns’ Season 1! They discuss the town dynamics of present-day Rushville, John’s relationship with Hal-ogram, and the color spectrum of Lanterns. (0:00) Intro (5:24) Spoilers ahead (7:35) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 7 instant reactions (1:17:53) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 24 · 1 hr 47 min
'Control Resonant,' 'Silent Hill: Townfall,' and 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave' Reactions | Button Mash
Three Button Mashers (Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman) break down three old games and three new games! First, they discuss the steps Blizzard, Bungie, and Microsoft are taking to sustain or restore interest in 'World of Warcraft,' 'Destiny,' and 'Halo,' respectively, and what the announcement of 'World of Warcraft: Forever,' the un-vaulting of legacy 'Destiny 2' content, and the transfer of 'Halo' from Halo Studios to Activision say about the best ways to revitalize beloved but long-in-the-tooth franchises. Then they share their spoiler-free reviews and impressions of Remedy's sequel to 'Control,' 'Control Resonant'; the latest 'Silent Hill' spinoff, 'Townfall'; and Nintendo's new 'Fire Emblem' epic, 'Fortune's Weave.' (0:00) Intro (2:13) Blizzard, Bungie, and Microsoft updates (31:12) 'Control Resonant' (1:06:58) 'Silent Hill: Townfall' (1:26:37) 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave' (1:44:00) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 21 · 1 hr 37 min
‘Lanterns’ Episode 6 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to jump into ‘Lanterns’ Episode 6! They discuss how DC has changed the model with this show and if they’ll be able to keep it up, as well as John’s outfit choices this episode. They finish by providing their current manhunter rankings! (0:00) Intro (6:20) Spoilers ahead (8:22) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 6 instant reactions (1:33:13) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Check out ‘The Comic Shop’ Kickstarter Page! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheyennethegeek/the-comic-shop-a-mockumentary-sitcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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