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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44 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 28 min
English

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August 8 · 13 min
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at Comic-Con 2026 | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back with more content from SDCC 2026! Van and Charles sit down with the senior curator of the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, Ryan Linkof. They discuss what the definition of “narrative art” is and what Linkof is excited to exhibit at the new museum. Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Guest: Ryan Linkof Producers: Jamie Yukich, Aleya Zenieris, and Carlos Chiriboga Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 8 · 1 hr 48 min
'Big Walk,' 'Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls,' and 'Beast of Reincarnation' Reactions. Plus, the Greatest Gaming Glow-Ups. | Button Mash
Fresh off their exhilarating cooperative playthrough of 'Big Walk,' Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman hit the highlights of a busy week in gaming. (Is there any other kind?) First, a slightly self-loathing Ben comes clean about his purchase of a PS5 Pro. Then they share their impressions and reviews of 'Big Walk,' a co-op puzzler and potential Game of the Year candidate, as well as the long-awaited return of 2D tag-team Marvel fighting in 'Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls' and Pokémon maker Game Freak's new action-RPG, 'Beast of Reincarnation.' Finally, in honor of the 10th anniversary of 'No Man's Sky,' they share their all-time top five games that made major improvements after release, as well as the five games they wish had gotten glow-ups but never did. Intro (0:00) 'Big Walk' (9:00) 'Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls' (37:39 'Beast of Reincarnation' reactions (57:31) Greatest gaming glow-ups (1:13:51) Outro (1:45:27) 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
August 7 · 32 min
‘My Adventures With Superman’ at Comic-Con 2026 | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back with more content from SDCC 2026! Our very own Steve Ahlman sits down with the cast of ‘My Adventures With Superman’ (Ishmel Sahid, Kiana Madeira, Jack Quaid, and Alice Lee) and asks them about the upcoming season. Then Jomi and Steve talk to the showrunners of ‘My Adventures With Superman’ (Jake Wyatt and Brendan Clogher) to hear about what’s next in the 'My Adventures' series! (1:50) Interview with the ‘My Adventures With Superman’ cast (12:25) Interview with the ‘My Adventures With Superman’ showrunners Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guests: Ishmel Sahid, Kiana Madeira, Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, Jake Wyatt, and Brendan Clogher Producers: Jamie Yukich, Aleya Zenieris, and Carlos Chiriboga Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 6 · 56 min
Robert Kirkman and Cody Ziglar at Comic-Con 2026 | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re giving you some San Diego Comic-Con 2026 exclusive content! They first sit down with ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Invincible’ creator, Robert Kirkman. Then they speak to writer Cody Ziglar, who worked on projects like ‘Futurama’, ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, and on the Miles Morales: Spider-Man comic books. (1:45) Interview with Robert Kirkman (30:36) Interview Cody Ziglar Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes Guests: Robert Kirkman and Cody Ziglar Producers: Jamie Yukich, Aleya Zenieris, and Carlos Chiriboga Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 3 · 1 hr 29 min
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 7 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re starting off on a tangent! They eventually give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 7, diving into the math behind the incest in the show and weighing who, if anyone, is fit to rule Westeros. But first, they give you their thoughts on San Diego Comic-Con 2026! (0:00) Intro (24:48) Spoilers ahead (26:52) ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 7 reactions (1:26:49) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 31 · 1 hr 53 min
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re reuniting with Peter Parker and giving you their thoughts on one of the most anticipated movies of the year: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’ They dive into the main plot points of the film (spoiler warning!), Spider-Man’s transformations, Tom Holland’s performance executing them, and the cameos from other Marvel characters in this film. (0:00) Intro (3:59) Spoilers ahead (6:55) ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ instant reactions (1:44:51) Midnight Meter: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (1:49:16) 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
July 30 · 1 hr 52 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: July 2026 (Featuring 'Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender' and a Summer Kids' Blockbuster Battle)
Yip yip! Ben Lindbergh recruits the Ringer-Verse's Team Avatar (Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin) to talk about a busy time for the beloved franchise. First, they discuss the new animated movie 'Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.' Then, they give their impressions of another new release, 'Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game,' before reacting to the trailer for the forthcoming series 'Avatar: Seven Havens.' After that, Ben brings on Ringer colleagues and fellow parents Lindsay Jones and Katie Baker to talk about 'Toy Story 5,' 'Minions & Monsters,' 'Moana,' and other recent and upcoming kids' movies, along with thoughts on restricting screen time, Pixar sequels, live-action Disney adaptations, and more. (00:00) Intro (04:15) Avatar discussion (63:00) The Summer Kids' Blockbuster Battle Host:Ben Lindbergh Guests: Jomi Adeniran, Daniel Chin, Lindsay Jones, and Katie Baker Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 27 · 59 min
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 6 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re starting off in the Riverlands! They give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 6, diving into the decisive battle between Tully, Cole, and Stark; Baela and Alyn’s changing relationship; and the mechanics of ancient dragon eggs. (0:00) Intro (10:05) Spoilers ahead (12:01) ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 6 reactions (55:51) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Nintendo: Power up your play with Nintendo Switch 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 26 · 59 min
Comic-Con 2026 Wrap Up: Marvel, Lanterns, and More | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they are at San Diego Comic-Con 2026! They’re fresh off of the Hall H Marvel panel and here to give you all of the juicy footage drops and announcements! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Carlos Chiriboga, and Jon Jones Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 24 · 1 hr 54 min
'Halo: Campaign Evolved,' 'Splatoon Raiders,' and Steam Machine Reactions | Button Mash
As Master Chief said in 2001 and 2026: "I think we're just getting started." Ben brings on Matt James for a wide-ranging discussion of recent releases. First, inspired by Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' they examine why games aren't typically made, marketed, and analyzed through an auteurist lens like other media and whether that could ever change. Then they break down their experiences with two big-name shooters, original 'Halo' remake 'Halo: Campaign Evolved' and 'Splatoon Raiders,' before sharing their impressions of indie games 'Denshattack!,' 'The Incident at Galley House,' 'Zero Parades: For Dead Spies,' 'Esoteric Ebb,' and 'Tears of Metal,' as well as Netflix's new interactive experiment, 'Unhinged.' Finally, Steve Ahlman joins to describe his experience with Valve's Steam Machine so far. Intro (0:00) Directors discussion (3:27) 'Halo: Campaign Evolved' (23:20) 'Splatoon Raiders' (44:27) 'Denshattack!' and indie game impressions (59:37) Steam Machine reactions (1:31:14:) Outro (1:49:51) 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
July 22 · 1 hr 1 min
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Official Trailer Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re bringing you a special pod to go over the latest news in the MCU: the drop of the official ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ trailer! Plus, they give you all of the info on when and where the Midnight Boys will be at San Diego Comic-Con! (0:00) Intro (6:16) ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ trailer instant reactions (57:46) 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
July 20 · 1 hr 6 min
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 5 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re starting off with the gold cloaks! They give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 5, diving into Criston Cole’s monologue, Helaena’s role in the show right now, and Aegon's and Aemond’s parallel crises. (0:00) Intro (14:38) Spoilers ahead (16:21) ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 5 reactions (1:02:42) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Nintendo: Power up your play with Nintendo Switch 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 17 · 1 hr 42 min
‘The Odyssey’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and today, they’re traveling to Ithaca! They give you all of their thoughts on one of the most anticipated movies of the year, diving into the difficulties in retelling one of the oldest stories, how this was uniquely a Nolan film, and the acting performances in this star-studded film. Then they give you a little Nerd News on ‘The Batman Part II.’ (0:00) Intro (11:35) Spoilers ahead (15:01) ‘The Odyssey’ instant reactions (1:20:15) Midnight Meter: ‘The Odyssey’ (1:22:41) Outro (1:23:31) ‘The Batman Part II’ Nerd News Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jacob Cornett Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 14 · 1 hr 27 min
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 4 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re starting off in Tumbleton! They give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 4, diving into Daemon and Rhaena’s relationship, Rhaenyra’s waning patience, and Ormund Hightower’s schemes with Daeron. (0:00) Intro (19:15) Spoilers ahead (21:02) ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 4 reactions (1:21:17) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell New 2k+ doorbells, coming to your front door Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 10 · 1 hr 32 min
Gaming's First-Half Highlights and Second-Half Hype | Button Mash
Ben brings on Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio and Oli Welsh to sum up the first half of 2026 in gaming and preview the remainder of the year. First, they discuss the odd dynamic of dire industry news coinciding with a glut of great games. Then, they each share their top 10 games of the first half of the year, and break down the differences and similarities among their respective lists. Finally, they assess the up-in-the-air race for Game of the Year, how the timing and rollout of 'Grand Theft Auto VI' could affect its fortunes, the late-summer pileup of pre-'GTA' releases, and their biggest questions about the upcoming calendar. Intro (0:00) Industry news (3:00) Game of the Year picks (16:53) Outro (1:28:20) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Giovanni Colantonio and Oli Welsh Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 9 · 23 min
‘Dune: Part 3’ Official Trailer Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they have a special pod for you today! They’re giving you their immediate reactions to the official ‘Dune: Part 3’ trailer and assess what may come from this epic conclusion of the saga. Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell New 2k+ doorbells, coming to your front door Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 8 · 2 hr
The Death of Disc-Based Gaming and 'Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced' Reactions, With Sean Fennessey | Button Mash
Ben brings on Sean Fennessey, host of The Big Picture and champion of physical media, to discuss Sony's announcement that it's ending production of physical discs for new PlayStation games in 2028. They get into what led to this point; the ramifications for consumers, developers, and publishers; and how the decline of physical media affects cinephiles and gamers alike. Then Matt James joins Ben to analyze Microsoft's Xbox layoff news; review the new 'Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag' remake, 'Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced'; and pick their all-time top five pirate games. Intro (0:00) Sony's big announcement (4:42) 'Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced' review (58:56) Outro (1:57:30) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Sean Fennessey and Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 6 · 1 hr 27 min
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 3 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re so in! They give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 3, diving into the politics of Westeros as it stands, the pressures Rhaenyra is dealing with from every direction, and the reveal of Team Black’s newest opponent on the game board. (0:00) Intro (13:49) Spoilers ahead (15:33) ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 3 reactions (1:13:02) ‘Supergirl’ roundup (1:24:32) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell New 2k+ doorbells, coming to your front door Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 2 · 1 hr 6 min
‘X-Men ’97’ Season 2 Premiere Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to talk all things ‘X-Men ’97’! They dive into how Season 2 of the highly anticipated show has started off and discuss what we might expect from the rest of it. (0:00) Intro (5:04) Spoilers ahead (7:05) ‘X-Men ’97’ Season 2 premiere reactions (1:03:48) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, Jacob Cornett, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell New 2k+ doorbells, coming to your front door Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 30 · 1 hr 33 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: June 2026 (Featuring an Animation Recommendation Roundup)
It’s an animated TV spree! Ben brings on Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, and Daniel Chin to talk about several animated shows that premiered or concluded in June, including ‘My Adventures With Superman,’ ‘The Legend of Vox Machina,’ ‘Adventure Time: Side Quests,’ and ‘Among Us.’ They break down DC’s animation expansion, preview a bunch of Batman shows, and compare and contrast DC and Marvel’s animated efforts. Also, Jomi tees off on and crashes out about Season 2 of Netflix’s live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’ Then, Charles Holmes joins for an anime segment featuring Season 1 of the fantasy series ‘Witch Hat Atelier,’ and Ben closes with a few non-nerd-culture recommendations. (00:00) Intro (02:35) Jomi, Daniel, and Steve join (17:49) 'Joker: Laugh Riot' (21:38) 'Batman: Knightfall' (32:09) 'X-Men 97' (35:24) 'Legend of Vox Machina' (41:21) 'Among Us' (44:26) 'Adventure Time: Side Quests' (53:03) Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (65:48) Charles joins for 'Witch Hat Atelier' (01:35:00) Ben's final recs Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Daniel Chin, and Charles Holmes Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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