February 20 · 41 min
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TV & Film
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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February 16 · 1 hr 17 min‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to dive into the most recent episode of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! They discuss Dunk’s character evolution so far, draw comparisons to other ‘Game of Thrones’ shows, and contemplate who is worthy of wielding Mjolnir. (0:00) Intro (5:09) Spoilers ahead (7:30) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 reactions (1:05:59) Outro (1:12:36) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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February 13 · 1 hr 29 minFebruary Games Blowout, Plus State of Play Reactions | Button Mash
Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman speedrun the month's major gaming news and releases. In Patch Notes, they break down HBO's 'Baldur's Gate' adaptation, layoffs for developers of struggling free-to-play games 'Highguard' and '2XKO,' Sony's latest bid for live-service success with 'Horizon Hunters Gathering,' and the highlights of February's PS5 State of Play. Then, in the Minigames section, they share spoiler-free impressions of six recently released games: 'Nioh 3,' Dragon Quest VII Reimagined,' 'Romeo is a Dead Man,' 'Mewgenics,' 'Mario Tennis Fever,' and 'Reanimal,' featuring thoughts on the state of Switch 2 and the debut of a new segment, Only in Video Games. Email us at ringerversegaming@gmail.com! Intro (0:00) Patch Notes (2:00) 'Baldur’s Gate' Adaptation (2:22) Layoffs (14:25) 'Horizon Hunters Gathering' (26:32) State of Play (34:10) Minigames (44:41) 'Nioh 3' (45:38) 'Dragon Quest 7' (49:34) 'Romeo Is a Dead Man' (53:31) 'Mewgenics' (59:31) 'Mario Tennis Fever' (1:05:21) 'Reanimal' (1:18:44) Outro (1:26:16) 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
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February 7 · 1 hr 28 min‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they start off the episode by jumping back into the great lightsaber debate. Then they dive into ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4, starting with a look at Baelor as a character. (0:00) Intro (18:52) Spoilers ahead (20:44) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 reactions (1:21:32) Outro (1:24:29) Post Credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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February 5 · 1 hr 57 min‘Fallout’ Season 2 Finale Reactions (and Interviews!) | Button Mash
Welcome to the Wasteland—and farewell, for now! Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan reunite, hug, and hold hands as they discuss the eighth and last episode of 'Fallout' Season 2, "The Strip." First, they share their thoughts on what a season finale should accomplish and whether they found "The Strip" satisfying. Then they catch up with the core characters one more time, break down the hardest-hitting emotional moments, and discuss several loose ends before speculating on the direction of the series in Season 3. After that, Ben chats with 'Fallout' cocreator and co-showrunner Geneva Robertson-Dworet about the finale and the future of the show. Finally, Ben brings on the lead creative designer of 'Fallout: New Vegas,' Obsidian Entertainment creative director John Gonzalez, to talk about how the show handled its source material, the potential and peril of game adaptations, and the finer points of storytelling in open-world games. Email us at ringerversegaming@gmail.com! Intro (0:00) Review of the finale (2:14) The Ghoul and House (15:20) Coop and Barb (23:27) Maximus (26:58) Lucy and Hank (35:20) The Vaulties (56:13) Post-credits scene (1:02:37) Interview with Geneva Robertson-Dworet (1:11:19) Interview with John Gonzalez (1:21:20) Outro (1:54:11) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Van Lathan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, and John Gonzalez Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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February 4 · 1 hr 21 min‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re diving into ‘Game of Thrones’ lore in this episode! They touch on Egg’s family lineage while also contemplating what each of them would’ve done if they were in Dunk’s shoes. (0:00) Intro (6:16) Spoilers ahead (8:10) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 reactions (1:09:12) Outro (1:13:11) Post Credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Ringer-Verse Recommends: January 2026 (Featuring ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’)
New year, new recommendations! First, Ben and Daniel Chin suppress their rage and bloodlust long enough to discuss the sequel to '28 Years Later,' focusing on the franchise's unpredictable appeal, what makes the new movie so special, and (in a clearly indicated closing spoiler section) what they'd be excited to see in the final film of the trilogy. After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts, friends, and listeners salute unsung releases to cap off another monthly roundup of 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: Daniel Chin, Steve Ahlman, Arjuna Ramgopowell, Devon Renaldo, and Matt James Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 30 · 1 hr 39 minJanuary Gems and Horror Adaptations (With Markiplier!) | Button Mash
Who says the year is starting slowly? In Patch Notes, Ben and Matt break down the release of hot-button free-to-play shooter 'Highguard,' the latest signs of decline at Ubisoft, and highlights from Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct. Then they go on a Side Quest to discuss Matt's panic purchase of a gaming PC before reaching their Main Quest: spoiler-free recommendations for four indie gems from January (their Game of the Young Year, 'Cairn,' plus 'Mio: Memories in Orbit,' 'TR-49,' and 'Perfect Tides: Station to Station'). After that, they play Mash or Pass with new big-screen adaptation 'Return to Silent Hill.' Finally, Ben brings on gaming YouTube legend Markiplier to discuss his horror adaptation: the self-financed film ‘Iron Lung.’ Email us at ringerversegaming@gmail.com! Patch Notes: ‘Highguard' launch, Ubisoft restructuring and Xbox (4:06) Side Quest: Matt James is a PC gamer! (22:08) Main Quest: January Gems (26:32) 'Cairn' (28:53) 'Mio: Memories in Orbit' (40:45) 'TR-49' (43:53) Perfect Tides: ’Station to Station' (45:41) Mash or Pass: 'Return to Silent Hill' (49:03) The Markiplier Interview (01:02:31) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Matt James and Markiplier Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 29 · 1 hr 24 min‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 7 Reactions | Button Mash
You always end up back where you started … and this week Van Lathan ends up back on Button Mash as he and Ben Lindbergh break down the penultimate episode of ‘Fallout’ Season 2, “The Handoff.” After sharing their overall review, they consider Steph’s backstory, catch up with the core characters, and assess how several storylines could come together in the finale. Along the way, they contemplate Canadian heritage, the Ghoul’s accent, and whom they would want with them on a Wasteland journey. Intro (0:00) Reactions to “The Handoff” (6:00) The Ghoul’s Accent (14:47) Steph’s Backstory (18:06) Betty and Other Wild Cards (26:48) Lucy and Hank (37:46) Coop, Maximus and Thaddeus (52:43) Outro (1:20:02) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Van Lathan Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 28 · 1 hr 50 min'Wonder Man’ Season 1 Reactions & Trailers Nerd News | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re excited to talk about Marvel’s newest installment in the MCU, ‘Wonder Man.’ Then they dive into several of the newest nerd-verse trailers including ‘Odyssey’, ‘Super Mario’, ’Supergirl’, and ‘Masters of the Universe.’ (0:00) Intro (1:54) Trailers Nerd News (40:49) Spoilers Ahead (43:04) Instant reactions to ‘Wonder Man’ Season 1 (1:41:24) Midnight Meter (1:45:57) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 26 · 1 hr 22 min‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re excited to talk about all things Dunk and Egg! They dive into Episode 2 of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' explore character dynamics so far in the show, and maybe even hit a few tangents along the way. (0:00) Intro (5:46) Spoilers Ahead (7:45) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2 Reactions (1:09:13) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 22 · 1 hr 29 minFallout’ Season 2, Episode 6 Reactions | Button Mash
Sharpened pencils down! Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin discuss the momentous, if somewhat scattered, sixth episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Other Player." After sharing their overall review, they recap and dissect each of the (many!) main plot threads and character developments, break down the story revelations, and greet a new guest star with a crucial connection to ‘Fallout’ lore. They also scrutinize a mini–musical number, speculate about what could be coming in the final two episodes, and react to the announcement of a 'Fallout' reality series. Intro (0:00) ‘Fallout’ Episode 6 review (1:25) Barb and Coop (3:48) The Ghoul (26:42) Lucy and Hank (43:42) Maximus and Thaddeus (1:00:30) The Vault dwellers (1:08:38) 'Fallout Shelter' reaction (1:20:40) Outro (1:26:05) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Daniel Chin Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 19 · 1 hr 31 min‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Premiere Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re here to dive back into the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe. They discuss the highly anticipated first episode of the new series ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.’ Then they jump into a little Nerd News from George R. R. Martin himself. (0:00) Intro (5:54) Spoilers Ahead (7:28) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 1 Reactions (1:12:34) Nerd News (1:27:47) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Chris Thomas, Jade Whaley, and Aleya Zenieris Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 15 · 1 hr 28 min‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 5 Reactions | Button Mash
We need to talk! Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin discuss the strong fifth episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Wrangler." After sharing their overall review, they recap and dissect each of the main plot threads and character developments, break down the story revelations, and assess the connections to ‘Fallout’ lore. They also examine the mystery of who ended the world and probe that puzzle’s implications for the rest of the series. Intro (0:00) Overall review of the episode (1:46) Hank catch-up (5:32) What’s new with Norm (13:02) Lucy and the Ghoul (27:05) Coop and House (53:20) Outro (1:25:23) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Daniel Chin Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 15 · 1 hr 32 minTop ‘Game of Thrones' Crash-Outs | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re here to give you the best primer for 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms': the best ‘Game of Thrones’ crash-outs. But before they get to that, they give you a bit of Nerd News, with Sebastian Stan joining ‘The Batman Part II.’ (0:00) Intro (16:58) Nerd News (37:23) ‘Game of Thrones’ crash-outs (1:28:21) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 8 · 1 hr 33 min‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 4 Reactions | Button Mash
Viva New Vegas! Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin climb into their T-45 armor to analyze the fourth episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Demon in the Snow." After sharing their overall takes on the episode, they check in on the Vault dwellers, Maximus and the Brotherhood, and Coop/the Ghoul and Lucy and examine how the show's core characters and factions are reacting to the stress of wasteland life. They also reflect on the Brotherhood's lax security, the deathclaw design, and 'Fallout' lore revelations before discussing what they'd like to see in the second half of the season. Finally, Ben talks to Joe Sanabria, the lead artist for 'Fallout: New Vegas,' about bringing the game's look to life, how the Strip translated to TV, and how 'New Vegas' would be different if it were made (or remade) today. Intro (0:00) ‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 4 reactions (2:55) Vault dwellers recap (5:27) Maximus and the Brotherhood (19:45) Coop/the Ghoul and Lucy (33:58) Interview with Joe Sanabria (1:01:11) Outro (1:29:42) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Daniel Chin and Joe Sanabria Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 8 · 1 hr 50 minAvengers Doomsday Teasers + Over/Unders of 2026 | The Midnight Boys
It’s 2026 and the Midnight Boys are back! The guys react to the Avengers: Doomsday teasers before getting into their predictions for the box office, critical success and more on all things fandom in 2026. Intro (0:00) Nerd News - Avengers: Doomsday Teasers (03:15) Over/Unders of 2026 (13:41) Outro (01:47:11)Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Jon Jones and Jade WhaleyAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 6 · 1 hr 44 minOur Most Anticipated Video Games of 2026 | Button Mash
Ben, Matt James, and Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier start a new save file for 2026! First they sum up the subjects they think will define the year, from 'Grand Theft Auto VI' to the Steam Machine to rising prices to anti-AI sentiments. Then they select their most anticipated games of 2026 in several categories and wrap up with big-picture predictions. Intro (0:00) Big questions about the year (3:45) Most anticipated games (35:34) 2026 predictions (1:29:12) Outro (1:41:42) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Jason Schreier Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 1 · 1 hr 12 min‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 3 Reactions | Button Mash
Hot dawg! Ben and Van Lathan suit up to discuss the lore-stuffed third episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Profligate." After sharing their overall review, they check in on Lucy, Coop/The Ghoul, and Maximus, and examine how the episode's themes and plot lines tie together. They also reflect on the merits of talking to dogs, compare and contrast crucifixion methods, break down bathroom conversation etiquette, bemoan anti-ghoul discrimination, and more. Intro (0:00) ‘Fallout’ Episode 3 recap (6:32) Outro (1:08:27) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Van Lathan Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 51 minBest Movies and TV of 2025: Midnight Mulligans | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back for their end-of-the-year review of all things nerd-verse and their Midnight Mulligans rankings! (10:13) 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew' (13:56) 'Wicked' Part 1 (18:04) 'Captain America: Brave New World' (34:17) 'Daredevil: Born Again' (34:58) 'Sinners' (38:34) 'Thunderbolts*' (40:22) 'Andor' Season 2 (40:53) 'The Last of Us' Season 2 (55:43) 'Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning' (58:03) 'Ballerina' (59:58) 'Ironheart' (1:03:19) 'Jurassic World Rebirth' (1:05:37) 'F1' (1:08:15) 'Superman' (1:13:21) 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (1:17:37) 'Alien: Earth' (1:18:59) 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' (1:25:36) 'One Battle After Another' (1:41:36) 'Peacemaker' Season 2 (1:41:43) 'Gen V' Season 2 (1:44:26) 'Predator: Badlands' (1:44:55) 'The Running Man' (1:45:04) 'Wicked: For Good' Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Chris Thomas, Jade Whaley, Aleya Zenieris, and Sarah Reddy Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices