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
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Episodes777

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Jun 23, 2021 · 1 hr
'Loki' Ep. 3: Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
Van and Charles return to touch on the world of nerd news and talk about the latest 'Suicide Squad' trailer as well as the upcoming chapter in the Transformers franchise (04:49). They then give their instant reactions to the third episode of 'Loki,' titled "Lamentis" (14:07). They also discuss the importance of a major character reveal and how it can positively affect the MCU (40:28). 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 18, 2021 · 1 hr 41 min
'Loki' Ep. 2: Analysis, Themes, and Theories
Mallory Rubin is joined by Joanna Robinson of Vanity Fair to discuss the key themes and ideas brought to the table during "The Variant," the exciting second episode of 'Loki' (04:00). They also dive into their favorite theories of what this season could bring in the coming episodes. Then, Mal and Joanna are joined by Jomi Adeniran to answer your mailbag questions! (88:51) Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Joanna Robinson 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 16, 2021 · 59 min
'Loki' Ep. 2: Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
Van and Charles come back to talk about the major events of and give their knee-jerk reactions to Episode 2 of 'Loki' on Disney+ (03:45). They debate some of the ins and outs of time travel in the MCU as well as comment on the continued dynamic between Mobius and Loki. Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Engineer: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 16, 2021 · 13 min
Tom Hiddleston and the 'Loki' Team on Challenging a God Who Knows Everything
The Ringer-Verse presents a special audio feature written by Charles Holmes for The Ringer. In it, he talks to Tom Hiddleston and the creative team behind 'Loki' to discover how they’re charting the next phase of the God of Mischief’s story. You can read Charles's article here at theringer.com. Produced by: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 11, 2021 · 1 hr 31 min
'Loki' Ep. 1: Analysis, Themes, and Theories
Mallory Rubin is joined by Musa Okwonga to discuss the key ideas that shaped the exhilarating series premiere of 'Loki.' They also discuss what makes the God of Mischief such a consistently compelling character and how the multiverse might impact the MCU (04:28). Then, Mal and Jomi Adeniran dive into your mailbag questions! (75:29) Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Musa Okwonga 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 9, 2021 · 52 min
‘Loki’ Ep. 1: Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The wait is over—‘Loki’ is finally here! Charles and Van share their instant thoughts and reactions to the epic season premiere (04:48). They also talk about some of the newest MCU characters the show introduces and how well it can carry the story over the rest of the season (25:44). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 2, 2021 · 2 hr 6 min
The Versies: An Awards Show for the MCU
As the next part of Phase 4 of the MCU is upon us, Mal, Charles, and Van take us though the first-ever "Versies" awards given out to achievements in the MCU over the years! They are also joined by illustrious guest presenters like Chris Ryan, Musa Okwonga, Sean Fennessey, and more to present and crown the awards for "Best Broke Boy" (08:09), "Best Character Arc" (47:43), "Best Villain Monologue," (96:45) and so much more. Hosts: Mallory Rubin, Charles Holmes, Van Lathan Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min
Luke vs. Obi-Wan Midnight Court, J.J. Abrams, and the Case for 'Superman & Lois' | The Midnight Boys
Van and Charles are on a 'Star Wars'-themed episode where they discuss the latest news of J.J. Abrams talking about the troubles of the latest 'Star Wars' trilogy (03:25). They then head to Midnight Court to decide who is the better Jedi, Luke Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi (17:57). All before Van makes the case to Charles about why he should watch 'Superman & Lois' (56:44). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Guest: Ben Lindbergh Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 25, 2021 · 1 hr 55 min
The Best of Batman With Sean Fennessey
In anticipation of the newest Matt Reeves-helmed 'The Batman' film, Mal is joined by The Ringer's Sean Fennessey to talk about the best of Batman across film and hand out their own personal superlatives for all things Bat (15:14)! They break down their favorite Batman performance (39:20), best Batmobile (66:21), best villain (72:23), and many more. Host: Mallory Rubin Guest: Sean Fennessey Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 24, 2021 · 36 min
'Eternals' Teaser Trailer Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
Van and Charles ride to give their instant thoughts on the new teaser trailer for Marvel's 'Eternals,' directed by Chloé Zhao (02:13). They discuss whether or not audiences will be ready for a more thought-provoking sci-fi tale with this latest movie (19:23). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2021 · 53 min
'Black Panther' Midnight Court, 'Army of the Dead', and Nerd News | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys discuss the recent news regarding a new Batman animated series and how it might stack up alongside the rest of the animated DC universe (03:09). Then Charles and Van head back to Midnight Court to present their cases on whether or not 'Black Panther' is a top-five MCU film (11:57), all before they give their thoughts on Zack Snyder's latest film 'Army of the Dead' (45:49). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 20, 2021 · 58 min
Jason Mantzoukas Part 2: Mantzoukas Recommends!
In the second part of a two-part chat, Mal and Jason Mantzoukas discuss the wealth of animated gems Jason has enjoyed during quarantine, including ‘Wolfwalkers,’ ‘Hilda,’ ‘City of Ghosts,’ and ‘Harley Quinn.’ They also discuss ‘Letterkenny,’ Jason’s reading recommendations, and more! Host: Mallory Rubin Guest: Jason Mantzoukas Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 18, 2021 · 1 hr 40 min
Jason Mantzoukas Part 1: ‘Invincible,’ Star Wars, MCU Excitement, and More
In the first part of a two-part chat, actor and friend of The Ringer Jason Mantzoukas enters The Ringer-Verse to talk with Mal about his work on the breakout show 'Invincible' and what it’s like to work with such captivating source material (07:38). They also discuss the latest Star Wars spinoff 'The Bad Batch,' what they hope to see from 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 (46:57), and their anticipation for 'Loki' and 'Black Widow.' Host: Mallory Rubin Guest: Jason Mantzoukas Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2021 · 47 min
Armchair CEO: Fixing the DC Cinematic Universe | The Midnight Boys
After the news of Zach Snyder revealing that Warner Bros. will not be continuing his take on the Justice League (04:28), Van and Charles ride off to play a game of "Armchair CEO" to see what they would do if they were in charge of the DC cinematic universe (09:43). They also figure out what they would do with the current slate of DC films and who they would cast in their dream DC projects (22:16). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 11, 2021 · 1 hr 32 min
Mal's Summer Hype Mailbag
The Ringer's Chris Ryan joins Mal for this special mailbag episode answering your fandom questions for the summer and beyond. They weigh in on the future of Disney+'s 'Bad Batch' (05:19), the upcoming season of 'Stranger Things' (39:15), and A24's 'The Green Knight' (63:37). Later Miles Surrey joins to talk about 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage' (78:34). Host: Mallory Rubin Guest: Chris Ryan, Jomi Adeniran, Miles Surrey, Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 8, 2021 · 1 hr 4 min
Finding Superman, Defending 'Age of Ultron', and Mark Millar 'Jupiter's Legacy' Interview | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys are back and here to react to the latest news and stories from around the Ringer-Verse! They comment on WB's search for a Black Superman, who they would want to see in the roll, and the legacy of Chadwick Boseman (03:15). Then they head to Midnight Court to present their arguments on which is the better film, 'The Avengers' or 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' (29:20), all before talking with comics legend Mark Millar about his newest Netflix show based on his comic 'Jupiter's Legacy' (44:15). You can read more about Mark Millar in Charles's story for The Ringer. Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Guest: Mark Millar Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 4, 2021 · 1 hr 46 min
'The Bad Batch’ Premiere Hype and 'Star Wars' Spinoffs
Mallory Rubin is joined by Ben Lindbergh of The Ringer to dive into the premiere of 'The Bad Batch,' the newest entry in the 'Star Wars' canon. Mal and Ben discuss where 'The Clone Wars' has taken us and why fans should be excited about this new spinoff (04:08). Later, they also talk about their five favorite canonical connections from this premiere and the broader 'Star Wars' story (52:33). Host: Mallory Rubin Guest: Ben Lindbergh Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 30, 2021 · 1 hr
'Invincible' Finale Instant Reactions and Season Awards
The Midnight Boys suit up to give their instant reactions to the jaw-dropping season finale of 'Invincible' and their thoughts on the show as a whole. They make the case for why this show stands out from the typical superhero fare and why it is worth your attention if you haven't seen it already (04:30). Then they get into what they thought of the season's final episode (14:24) before giving out a handful of awards, including Best Fight and Best Side Character (45:24). Hosts: Van Lathan and Charles Holmes Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 27, 2021 · 2 hr 7 min
'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' Season Awards and Finale Analysis
Mallory Rubin is joined by Midnight Boy (and Academy Award winner) Van Lathan to talk about the finale of 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.' They share their thoughts and feelings about the finale and the season as a whole (05:31). They also react to news that the next 'Captain America' film is in development (31:10) before giving out season superlatives and answering your questions! Host: Mallory Rubin Guests: Van Lathan and Jomi Adeniran Producer: Steve Ahlman Production: Arjuna Ramgopal and TD St. Matthew-Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 25, 2021 · 52 min
'Mortal Kombat' (2021) | Instant Reactions
Van Lathan is joined by Shea Serrano to give their thoughts and reactions to the film 'Mortal Kombat'. They discuss the legacy of the classic video game franchise, its cultural impact, and how much they love the original 1995 film (01:40). They then break down the reboot of the famous franchise and find what they loved the most in this blood-soaked action fest (14:36). Host: Van Lathan & Shea Serrano Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices