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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777 episodes
Updated Yesterday
Explicit

Episodes777

Newest first

Jan 16, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
'Daredevil' Trailer Reactions and 'Skeleton Crew' Finale Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys dive into the finale of Disney+’s ‘Skeleton Crew’ (07:45). Then, they give you the latest Nerd News on the newest trailer for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (54:16). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 9, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
‘Skeleton Crew’ Catch-Up and ‘Black Panther’ Casting News | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back to catch you up on the most recent episodes of ‘Skeleton Crew’ (07:49). Then, they give you the latest Nerd News rumors on the recasting of T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’ IP (01:04:44). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Isaiah Blakely, Cory McConnell, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 8, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
Our Most Anticipated Video Games of 2025 | Button Mash
Ben, Jessica Clemons, and Matt James press reset on the gaming calendar and place hype-thetical preorders for the most intriguing releases of the coming year. First they look back at last year’s most anticipated titles to examine how predictable good games actually are. Then they discuss this year’s two biggest tentpoles, ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ and Nintendo’s Switch successor, assessing their excitement for each and the odds of ‘GTA VI’ avoiding a delay (8:30). After that, they preview a stacked February (40:00), select their most anticipated games of 2025 in several categories (29:30), and wrap up with big-picture predictions (1:16:20). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Jessica Clemons and Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 2, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
Casting an All-Black 'Lord of the Rings' | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are ringing in 2025 with a re-cast of the original 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, but with an all-Black cast! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Cory McConnell, Jonathan Kermah, Aleya Zenieris, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 31, 2024 · 1 hr 17 min
Things We Missed in 2024 | Mint Edition
Come and end your year right with Jomi and Steve plus Jessica Clemons looking back at some of the tv shows and movies that we didn’t get a chance to cover on the Ringer-Verse! Anything from ‘The Dragon Prince’ to ‘Wicked’ is in play before this year comes to a close. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Jessica Clemons Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 30, 2024 · 1 hr 40 min
‘Squid Game’ Season 2, ‘What If…?’ Season 3, and Ringer-Verse Recommends: December 2024
Green light! Ben and Daniel Chin discuss the second season of ‘Squid Game,’ focusing on how the streaming phenomenon follows up its first act without the element of surprise, its new spin on the formula from the sensational Season 1, and the future of the franchise. Then, they react to the third and final season of ‘What If…?’, breaking down the highs and lows of the latest set of episodes, how the whole series excelled and disappointed, and its MCU legacy (43:49). Finally, the Ringer-Verse and ‘House of R’ crews give gifts of nerd-culture content in the latest installment of 'Ringer-Verse Recommends,’ their monthly mini-pod about fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode (1: 10: 37). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Daniel Chin, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Steve Ahlman, Jomi Adeniran, Matt James, Arjuna Ramgopal, Van Lathan, and Zach Kram Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 27, 2024 · 2 hr 11 min
BEST Movies and TV of 2024: Midnight Mulligans | The Midnight Boys
The Boys delve into all of the content from 2024 and give you their Midnight Mulligans rankings. Movies: 'Kraven The Hunter' (10:31) 'Madame Web' (14:52) 'Joker: Folie à Deux' (16:04) 'Godzilla vs. Kong' (18:00) 'Venom: The Last Dance' (19:36) 'Gladiator II' (21:56) 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' (27:43) 'Deadpool & Wolverine' (35:38) 'Monkey Man' (49:08) 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' (1:10:51) 'Dune: Part II' (1:12:17) TV Shows: Netflix’s 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (1:18:37) 'The Acolyte' (1:20:04) 'Echo' (1:24:57) 'The Boys' Season 4 (1:28:00) 'Invincible' Season 2 (1:29:13) 'Agatha All Along' (1:31:25) 'The Penguin' (1:34:14) 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 (1:37:22) 'X-Men ’97' (1:41:51) 'Shogun' (1:46:11) Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 23, 2024 · 1 hr 57 min
2024 Games of the Year Draft | Button Mash
Ben, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Justin Charity wrap a podcast present and put it under the tree. First, they name “naughty” and “nice” trends in gaming this year, from high-profile, live-service flops to the decline of console exclusivity (08:55). Then, they celebrate the most unforgettable titles of 2024 by drafting their favorite releases across several categories, including sprawling RPGs, riveting action adventures, and indie darlings (39:20). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Justin Charity Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 20, 2024 · 55 min
'Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Instant Reactions | Mint Edition
Jomi and Steve are joined by Ben Lindbergh to break down the third installment of the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ trilogy. Along the way, the guys discuss what worked for them in the movie and where the film franchise can go from here. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Ben Lindbergh Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 20, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
‘Superman’ 2025 Trailer Reaction | The Midnight Boys
In this special episode, the Boys react to DC’s 2025 ‘Superman’ trailer and delve into the fandom’s reactions so far. Hosts: Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, and Jonathan Kermah Producers: Cory McConnell, Jonathan Kermah, Aleya Zenieris, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 18, 2024 · 56 min
'Skeleton Crew': Is ‘Star Wars’ Back? | The Midnight Boys
The Boys catch up on all things ‘Skeleton Crew,’ giving you their takes on Episodes 3 and 4 (07:39). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Cory McConnell, Jonathan Kermah, Aleya Zenieris, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 18, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min
‘Kraven the Hunter’ and a Farewell to Sony's Spider-Man Villain Films | House of Midnight
It's time for a House of Midnight like no other! The entire Ringer-Verse crew gathers to discuss the bewildering ‘Kraven the Hunter’ and take a look at all the Sony ‘Spider-Man’ films to determine the major takeaways in this wild cinematic universe. Hosts: Van Lathan, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Steve Ahlman, John Richter, Aleya Zenieris, and Cameron Dinwiddie Social: Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 13, 2024 · 1 hr 42 min
'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,' 'Secret Level,' and the Game Awards | Button Mash
Ben, Jomi, and Arjuna begin by discussing the success of the free-to-play hero shooter ‘Marvel Rivals.’ Then they whip through a discussion of ‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’ (2:40), touching on Indy’s checkered history in gaming and how his new adventure improves upon past titles and nails the tone of the franchise. After that, they provide their impressions of Prime Video’s new video game adaptation anthology series, ‘Secret Level’ (48:40), before reconvening to talk about the biggest news and announcements at the Game Awards (1:09:00). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Jomi Adeniran and Arjuna Ramgopal Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 11, 2024 · 1 hr 43 min
2024 Naughty & Nice List: Ryan Reynolds, X-Men ’97, and Star Wars | The Midnight Boys
The Boys fill you in on all things 2024, giving you their naughty and nice list of the year (06:01). Then, they react to breaking ‘Star Wars’ casting news (1:27:43). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Jonathan Kermah Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 6, 2024 · 1 hr 30 min
‘Creature Commandos’ Premiere, Animation Awards, & Interview with ‘Arcane’ co-creator Christian Linke | Mint Edition
Jomi and Steve are joined by Ringer staff writer Daniel Chin for an animation filled episode of Mint Edition! First, the trio gives their reactions to the premiere of the DCEU’s ‘Creature Commandos’ (02:00). Then, they hand out their 2024 Animation Awards while celebrating the year that was in animated film and television (28:00). Later, Jomi interviews Arcane co-creator Christian Linke to discuss the show’s incredible finale and more (1:16:00)! Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Daniel Chin Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 4, 2024 · 1 hr 50 min
The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Draft | Button Mash
Even after 30 years, 'Button Mash' is still not underestimating the power of PlayStation. Join Ben Lindbergh, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Rob Mahoney as they assess the legacy and influence of Sony’s first game console, reminisce about their personal PlayStation experiences, and then draft the best games from the classic system across several categories (33:17). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Rob Mahoney Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 3, 2024 · 1 hr 21 min
'Skeleton Crew' Premiere, Plus a Shameik Moore Crash-Out? | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back to talk about the 'Skeleton Crew' premiere (12:11), including Chuck's and Van’s takes on plucky kids. Then they get into Shameik Moore’s viral tweet from the weekend after the news came out that his costar Hailee Steinfeld was engaged (1:03:34). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Chris Sutton, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 27, 2024 · 32 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: November 2024
It’s always time to give thanks on ‘Ringer-Verse Recommends’! Join the Ringer-Verse and ‘House of R’ crews as they talk turkey about nerd-culture content in the latest installment of their monthly mini-pod about fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Steve Ahlman, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, Matt James, Jonathan Kermah, Arjuna Ramgopal Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 23, 2024 · 1 hr 41 min
Arcane’ Season Two (Part 3) | Mint Edition
Mint-Vember draws to a close as Steve and Jomi dive into the ‘Arcane’ finale while joined by Jessica Clemons! The crew break down all three episodes and celebrate the shows otherworldly animation style as well as ponder the shows impact. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Jessica Clemons Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 22, 2024 · 2 hr 2 min
Was ‘Gladiator II’ Mid? Plus, the LEADING MEN Draft | The Midnight Boys
Chuck returns for fall’s most anticipated film: ‘Gladiator II’ (10:25). The Boys then get into their draft of Hollywood’s Best Leading Men (41:44). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices