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!

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

777 episodes
Updated Yesterday
Explicit

Episodes777

Newest first

Aug 24, 2021 · 33 min
'Spider-Man: No Way Home' Trailer Reaction
Van and Mal open The House of Midnight and give their instant reactions to the 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' trailer. Host: Mallory Rubin and Van Lathan Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 21, 2021 · 2 hr 23 min
‘What If…?’ Episode 2 Analysis, ‘The Bad Batch’ Theorizing, ‘Eternals’ Trailer Hype, and More With Jason Mantzoukas!
Mantzoukas returns to the Ringer-Verse to chat with Mal about the outstanding second episode of ‘What If…?’ (9:03) and to break down the role ‘The Bad Batch’ plays in the 'Star Wars' universe (1:00:10). Then, Mal and Mantzoukas look ahead to the releases that they’re anticipating most (1:52:50), from ‘Star Wars: Visions’ to ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ and ‘Eternals’ and beyond. Finally, Mantzoukas Recommends returns (2:02:00), as he shares the stories he’s been enjoying recently, including ‘Infinity Train.’ Host: Mallory Rubin Guest: Jason Mantzoukas Producer: Isaac Lee Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 18, 2021 · 1 hr 26 min
‘What If ... ?’ Episode 2 Instant Reactions and Animation 4-on-4 | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys take a dive into the second episode of Marvel’s ‘What If ... ?’ series and weigh in on what would happen if T’Challa were to become Starlord (03:51). They also dive into nerd news about some controversy surrounding ‘Shang Chi’ and discuss the newest trailer for ‘Star Wars Visions’ (33:05). Then Jomi and Steve join in for a game 4-on-4 talking about their favorite animated media (45:53). Hosts: Charles Holmes and Van Lathan Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 13, 2021 · 2 hr 21 min
'What If...?' Premiere and 'The Bad Batch' Finale Analysis
Mallory Rubin is joined by Ben Lindberg of The Ringer to talk about the season premiere of Marvel's 'What If...?' They discuss what they think of the concept of the show as a whole (04:38) before talking about the debut episode and the introduction of Captain Carter into the MCU (36:15). Then they share their thoughts on the season finale of 'The Bad Batch' (69:52) along with personally grading key aspects of the show's first season (101:12). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Ben Lindberg Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 11, 2021 · 1 hr 17 min
"What If... ?" Episode 1 Instant Reactions and Video Game Movie 3-on-3 | The Midnight Boys
The MCU multiverse opens up in the form of the Disney+ series "What If... ?" and the Midnight Boys are here to give their instant reactions to the premiere episode (04:50). Van and Charles discuss the storyline of Peggy Carter as the first Avenger and what they liked about her turn in the role (19:35). Then they are joined by Jomi and Steve to play a game of "3-on-3", discussing the best in video game movies (42:35). Hosts: Charles Holmes and Van Lathan Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 10, 2021 · 2 hr 12 min
‘The Suicide Squad’ Spoilers Reaction | Movie Monday
The Midnight Boys, Van Lathan and Charles Holmes, are joined by Mallory Rubin to discuss the latest DCEU film, ‘The Suicide Squad,’ directed by James Gunn. They talk about some of their favorite characters and what they brought to this action-packed superhero film (04:24). They also give out their awards for their favorite action scene, favorite joke, movie MVP, and more (87:52). Hosts: Charles Holmes, Van Lathan, and Mallory Rubin Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 6, 2021 · 1 hr 27 min
"The Green Knight" Exit Survey
Mallory is joined by The Ringer's Andrew Gruttadaro to discuss their love for the latest fantasy adventure 'The Green Knight' by taking a look at The Ringer's exit survey (09:45). They discuss their favorite characters, outfits, and fantastical elements of this medieval tale. Later, they show love to the Netflix series 'Outer Banks' and debate if it's actually a superhero tale (77:06). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Andrew Gruttadaro Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 4, 2021 · 1 hr 17 min
"What If... ?" Predictions, Scarlett's Lawsuit, and the On-Screen Marvel Draft | The Midnight Boys
Charles and Van discuss the latest news in the world of fandom and give their take on Marvel's "What If ... ?" being canon (05:21) and discuss Scarlett Johansson's recent lawsuit with Disney over the release of 'Black Widow' (12:50). Then they are joined by Jomi to conduct the On-screen Marvel Draft (25:29). Host: Charles Holmes and Van Lathan Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 30, 2021 · 1 hr 39 min
Inside ‘Loki’ Season 1 With Head Writer Michael Waldron. Plus: Summer Reading Recommendations!
Mal is joined by ‘Loki’ head writer and creator Michael Waldron to discuss how the thrilling finale came to be, the show’s MCU-altering choices, and more (03:15). Then, Ringer staff writer Zach Kram joins to share his summer reading recommendations for ‘Loki’ fans interested in discovering more time travel stories (38:47). And then, author and humorist Simon Rich joins to discuss his wonderful new short story collection, ‘New Teeth’ (65:43). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Michael Waldron, Zach Kram, Simon Rich Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 28, 2021 · 1 hr 20 min
Spider-Man Trailer Predictions, DC on HBO Max, and the Super Villain Draft | The Midnight Boys
Van and Charles return to discuss all the latest and greatest in the world of fandom! Van shares his thoughts on the 'Loki' finale (09:31) and dives into the latest nerd news (22:51). Then they are joined by Jomi to draft the best super villains across all of fandom (38:57). Host: Charles Holmes and Van Lathan Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 16, 2021 · 2 hr 37 min
‘Loki’ Ep. 6: Finale Analysis, Themes, and Theories. Plus, Season Awards!
Mallory Rubin is joined by The Ringer's Rob Mahoney to discuss the explosive season finale of 'Loki.' They look back on the success of the first season as a whole and consider its place among some of the best entries in the MCU (03:24). Then they break down the shocking reveal and the great performances that surround it (37:35). Later, they hand out awards for the season (123:16) and Mal is joined by Jomi to answer your mailbag questions (147:10). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Rob Mahoney Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 15, 2021 · 1 hr 30 min
'Loki' Ep. 6 Instant Reactions Featuring Musa Okwonga | The Midnight Boys
Charles Holmes is joined by 'Stadio' cohost and "Guardian of the Galaxy Brain" Musa Okwonga to talk about the explosive season finale of 'Loki' (03:05). They also discuss Mobius, theories they have going forward, and what they would like to see in the MCU's future (45:41) Host: Charles Holmes Guest: Musa Okwonga Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 13, 2021 · 2 hr 25 min
‘Black Widow’ Analysis and Mailbag | Mallory Rubin Featuring Joanna Robinson
Mallory Rubin is joined by Vanity Fair senior writer Joanna Robinson to usher in Phase 4 of the MCU with 'Black Widow'! They dive into the themes and characters of the long-anticipated blockbuster (05:15). They also dive into the mystery of the villain Taskmaster and the themes of family (56:42). Later they are joined by Jomi to answer your mailbag questions (134:39). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Joanna Robinson Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 10, 2021 · 1 hr 20 min
'Black Widow' Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
Charles Holmes is joined by Open Mike Eagle to discuss their instant thoughts on the newest entry of the MCU's Phase 4, 'Black Widow' (16:15). They also discuss some of the MVP's and favorite scenes of this film, and where they would like to see the MCU go from here (54:54). Host: Charles Holmes Guest: Open Mike Eagle Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 9, 2021 · 1 hr 51 min
‘Loki’ Ep. 5: Analysis, Themes, and Theories
Mal is joined by The Ringer's David Shoemaker to break down the outstanding fifth episode of ‘Loki,’ "Journey Into Mystery," by delving into the theme of change, what we saw from our various Loki variants, the 'Lost' reference and Marvel Easter eggs, and more (04:45). The Ringer's Daniel Chin then joins to explain Alioth's comics history, and then Mal, David, and Daniel make their predictions for the finale's eventual Big Bad reveal (84:49). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: David Shoemaker and Daniel Chin Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 7, 2021 · 57 min
'Loki' Ep. 5 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
Charles is joined by Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman to discuss their immediate thoughts, reactions, and theories about the penultimate episode of this season of 'Loki.' They talk about how this episode stacks up against the other penultimate MCU TV episodes and what they loved about it (06:08). They also discuss the evolution of the bond between Loki and Sylvie and how this may end come the final episode (26:13). Host: Charles Holmes Guests: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel and Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 2, 2021 · 2 hr 6 min
‘Loki’ Ep. 4: Analysis, Themes, and Theories
Mal is joined by Rolling Stone chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall to talk about the monumental fourth episode of ‘Loki,’ entitled “Nexus Event” (03:36). They discuss Mobius and the discovery he makes in this episode (55:05) as well as what may be the driving force behind the Time-Keepers (74:59). Then Mal joins Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin to answer your mailbag questions (111:48). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Alan Sepinwall, Daniel Chin, and Jomi Adeniran Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 30, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min
'Loki' Ep. 4: Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys ride again to talk about their instant reactions to the latest, explosive episode of 'Loki' (02:44). They talk about the shocking revelations that occurred and how the connection between Loki and Sylvie has become very consequential for the rest of the season (24:04). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 28, 2021 · 1 hr 14 min
‘Fast 9’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
Van and Charles rejoin for a special look at the latest entry in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, ‘F9.’ They discuss their initial reactions, how it affects the greater franchise (03:19), and the epic return of Han (32:28). They close by giving out their own superlatives for the series, "The Fasties" (55:25). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 26, 2021 · 1 hr 56 min
Five Biggest 'Loki' Midseason Questions. Plus, Head Writer Michael Waldron!
Mal and The Ringer's Rob Mahoney break down the themes in 'Loki' Episode 3 and the biggest questions to ponder heading into the season's second half (09:14). They also dive into your mailbag questions with Jomi (49:31). Then, 'Loki' head writer and creator Michael Waldron joins to chat about his influences, the chemistry among the cast, the differences between TV and movies, and more (77:55). Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Michael Waldron, Rob Mahoney, and Jomi Adeniran Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices