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
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Episodes777

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Oct 30, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
‘The Simpsons’ and the Best Halloween Episodes | Mint Edition
Steve and Jomi are joined by ‘Simpsons’ expert and Ringer senior staff writer Alan Siegel to celebrate all things Halloween. They dive into Alan’s book, 'Stupid TV, Be More Funny,' explore the legacy of the “Treehouse of Horror” specials, and wrap up by drafting their favorite Halloween TV episodes. Intro (0:00) “Treehouse of Horror” deep dive (2:28) Halloween TV episodes draft (17:17) Outro (1:06:30) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Alan Siegel Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 30, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
What If the Original 'Star Wars' Trilogy Had an All-Black Cast? | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back with another Black Recast, but this time for the ’Star Wars’ original trilogy of films. They then dive into ‘Star Wars: Visions’ Season 3 and the canceled movie ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’. (0:00) Intro (8:14) ‘Star Wars’ recast (1:11:06) ‘Star Wars: Visions’ Season 3 and ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ (1:26:30) Outro (1:28:02) 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
Oct 22, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
‘Gen V’ Season 2 Finale Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys sit down to break down the season finale of 'Gen V' and talk about their thoughts on the season overall. They talk about the broader implications for the universe of 'The Boys' as it heads into its final season and what they might want to see in the future of this edgy superhero franchise. They also give the season their Midnight Meter rating! (0:00) Intro (11:54) Reactions to ‘Gen V’ Season 2 Finale (1:09:38) Midnight Meter (1:15:09) 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
Oct 17, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min
The October Gaming Gauntlet and a ‘Majora’s Mask’ 25th Anniversary Replay | Button Mash
Ben and Matt James banter about the big launch by ‘Battlefield 6’ and share their spoiler-free impressions of three noteworthy recent releases in an overloaded gaming month: ‘Absolum,’ ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A,’ and ‘Keeper.’ Then Ben and Arjuna Ramgopowell discuss how and why they revisited, and finally completed, an N64 cult classic that has haunted them for a quarter of a century: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask.’ Intro (0:00) New releases: 'Absolum,' ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A,’ and 'Keeper' reviews (2:40) ‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask' revisited (44:20) Outro (1:30:06) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Arjuna Ramgopowell Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 15, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
Greatest Crash-Outs in MCU History, Plus NYCC News | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they are crashing out. They start with reactions to some New York Comic Con news and then discuss the greatest crash-outs in MCU history, and—spoiler—Tony Stark is mentioned a lot. (0:00) Intro (11:01) New York Comic Con Nerd News (28:01) Greatest crash-outs in MCU history (1:18:50) Outro (1:19:56) 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
Oct 14, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
‘Tron: Ares’ and the IP Failures to Launch | Mint Edition
Steve and Jomi jump back into the Grid to discuss ‘Tron: Ares.’ They share their thoughts on Disney’s latest attempt to reboot the neon-drenched franchise (spoilers included), its legacy, and whether the 'Tron' universe ever got the shot it truly deserved. Later on, they dive deep into Hollywood’s long history of “IP failures to launch,” revisiting the blockbuster hopefuls that never quite became franchises—from the 'Divergent' series to 'The Mummy' and everything in between. Intro (0:00) ‘Tron: Ares’ review (5:33) The era of IP failures to launch (37:54) Outro (1:5:46) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 11, 2025 · 2 hr 15 min
‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Finale and the ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Trailer Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back, and they’re serving you all of their thoughts on the ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 finale, and thus their thoughts on James Gunn’s vision for the season's end. They then dive into the trailers of the newest ‘Game of Thrones’ show, ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,’ and the trailer for the upcoming ‘Wonder Man’ show. (0:00) Intro (5:18) Reactions to ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Finale (47:38) Peacemaker Season 2 Midnight Meter (1:02:45) Reactions to ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Trailer (1:20:04) Reactions to ‘Wonder Man’ Trailer Hosts: Van Lathan, 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
Oct 6, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
The Shocking EA Sale and ‘Ghost of Yotei’ Reactions | Button Mash
Ben, Matt James, and Justin Charity break down the bombshell news about Electronic Arts being sold for $55 billion, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass price hike, and the showdown between ‘Battlefield’ and ‘Call of Duty.’ Then Ben, Matt, and Daniel Chin share their spoiler-free reviews of the new spiritual sequel to ‘Ghost of Tsushima,’ the PlayStation 5 exclusive ‘Ghost of Yotei.’ EA is being acquired (01:43) Microsoft Xbox Game Pass price increase (14:04) 'Call of Duty' vs. 'Battlefield' (28:29) 'Ghost of Yotei' reactions (35:58) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Justin Charity, and Daniel Chin Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 2, 2025 · 2 hr 39 min
One Demon Slayer After Another | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys are going to hell, finally sharing their reactions to ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.’ Later, the guys get into ‘One Battle After Another’ and all of the conversation around the Oscar favorite. Finally, the Boys do a quick check-in on ‘Peacemaker.’ Intro (00:00) Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (6:55) One Battle After Another (1:17:47) Peacemaker S2E6 (2:28:13) Outro (2:36:22) Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Chris Thomas, Jade Whaley, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 1, 2025 · 59 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: September 2025 (Featuring 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds')
Hit it! Recommends returns to put a bow on a busy September. First, Ben brings on Ringer contributor Joshua Rivera for a spoiler-free conversation about 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' with an emphasis on the series' appeal, the ups and downs of Season 3, and the state and future of the franchise on both the big and small screens. After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts salute unsung releases to complete another expanded installment of the 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: Joshua Rivera, Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Van Lathan, and Joanna Robinson Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 30, 2025 · 1 hr
'Marvel Zombies' Deep Dive | Mint Edition
This week, Steve and Jomi are joined by Ringer writer Daniel Chin to share their spoiler-filled reactions to Marvel’s latest animated project, ‘Marvel Zombies.’ The trio discusses what worked, highlights the action, and breaks down where the series fell short. Intro (0:00) 'Marvel Zombies' discourse (4:48) Outro (56:50) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Daniel Chin Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 26, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
‘Hades II,’ ‘Silent Hill f,’ and ‘Wolverine’ Trailer Reactions | Button Mash
Ben and Rob Mahoney head back to the House of Hades for an in-depth (but spoiler-free) discussion of ‘Hades II,’ in which they explain how Supergiant’s sequel to ‘Hades’ somehow improves upon its near-perfect predecessor. Then Steve Ahlman arrives to react to ‘Silent Hill f,’ the recent ‘Silent Hill’ series resurgence, and the first trailer for ‘Spider-Man’ maker Insomniac’s next Marvel game, ‘Wolverine.’ Intro (0:00) First Thoughts on 'Hades II' (2:54) 'Silent Hill f' Reactions (50:46) Marvel’s 'Wolverine' Trailer (1:19:14) Outro (1:31:35) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Rob Mahoney and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 25, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min
The 'Mandalorian and Grogu’ Trailer and 'Alien: Earth’ Finale Reactions
The Boys unite in a galaxy far, far away to react to the first ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu' trailer. Later, the guys discuss the finale of ‘Alien: Earth,’ including what the future of the show holds, before giving their Midnight Meter. (00:00) Intro (4:20) ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ (50:39) ‘Alien: Earth’ (1:27:20) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Chris Thomas, Jon Jones and Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 19, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Big Game Adaptations, 'Borderlands 4,' and 'Silksong' Revisited | Button Mash
Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James enter the vault to round up recent news on game adaptations (including 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,' big-screen 'Call of Duty,' and live-action TV series 'Tomb Raider') and share their spoiler-free reviews of Gearbox's 'Borderlands' comeback, 'Borderlands 4.' They close by delivering their final verdicts on the difficulty and quality of 'Hollow Knight: Silksong.' Intro (0:00) 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' and adaptation news (5:37) 'Borderlands 4' reactions (23:23) 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' follow-up (57:39) Outro (1:15:54) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman and Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 17, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
'Gen V' Season 2 Premiere Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back in school at Godolkin University to discuss the brand-new season premiere of 'Gen V.' They discuss why they loved the show last season and what it gets right in these first three new episodes (00:00). They also talk about how the show adapts to the passing of one of its stars, Chance Perdomo. Then they get into the show's new villain and how this story may relate to the final season of 'The Boys.' (0:00) Intro (09:24) Reactions to ‘Gen V’ Season 2 Premiere (1:05:46) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, 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
Sep 16, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
Here Comes the Pitch: Award Show Bait | Mint Edition
Steve and Jomi join forces with Rob Mahoney to laugh, rant, and reflect on this year’s Emmy Awards. They break down the winners and losers, explore why fan favorites like 'The White Lotus' and 'The Bear' may have lost their edge, and predict what might win big next year. Later, they play a round of Here Comes the Pitch, where they share their own ideas for hypothetical shows, movies, and beloved fandom favorites that could earn prestige acclaim. Intro (0:00) Emmys Takeaways (4:00) Here Comes the Pitch (17:00) Outro (1:21:00) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Rob Mahoney Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 12, 2025 · 1 hr 28 min
'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 4 and 'Alien: Earth' Episodes 5 and 6 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back to talk about the newest episodes of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 and ‘Alien: Earth’! They dive into the humanizing of Peacemaker and the different varieties of Xenomorphs we’re seeing in ‘Alien: Earth.’ (0:00) Intro (11:49) Reactions to ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, Episode 4 (45:33) Reactions to ‘Alien: Earth’ Episodes 5 and 6 (1:25:32) 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
Sep 9, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
'Hollow Knight: Silksong' In-Progress Impressions | Button Mash
There's a (silk)song in Ben's heart as he brings on Matt James to share their reactions to one of the most anticipated games of the past several years: 'Hollow Knight: Silksong.' In a largely spoiler-free discussion after roughly 60 combined hours spent exploring the land of Pharloom, they consider what made 'Hollow Knight' and its sequel such sensations, how the hype for 'Silksong' grew, how the new game retains and tweaks the original's formula, whether 'Silksong' is too hard, and whether it lives up to unrestrained expectations. Intro (0:00) 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' Reactions (3:00) Outro (1:13:04) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 6, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Big Comics Catch-Up: ‘Spider-Man '94‘ Comic Release, ‘Absolute Batman,’ and More
Steve and Jomi return for a long-awaited comics catch-up! They dive into ‘Spider-Man ’94’ and share what makes new releases like ‘Exquisite Corpses' and ‘Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum’ stand out. The duo also revisit ‘Absolute Batman’ and other must-reads before closing with their reactions to Amazon’s announcement of a ‘Life Is Strange’ adaptation. Intro (0:00) ‘Spider-Man ’94’ + Comic Book Roundup (6:49) ‘Life Is Strange‘ Adaptation Reactions (54:54) Outro (1:00:45) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 5, 2025 · 2 hr 34 min
Mantle Wars, James Gunn Nerd News, and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 3 | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back to give you the long-awaited Mantle Wars! But first, they talk about the latest Nerd News in the James Gunn universe, and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 3. (0:00) Intro (7:55) Nerd News: James Gunn (30:26) Reactions to ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 3 (47:26) Mantle Wars (2:13:08) Outro (2:14:09) Post Credits 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