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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Aug 31, 2025 · 54 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2025 (Featuring 'Foundation')
After a brief break, 'Recommends' returns with a revamped format, featuring a conversation between Ben and a guest about one of the month's recommendations! This time, Ben brings on Rany Jazayerli for a spoiler-free focus on sci-fi streaming series 'Foundation,' with an emphasis on the series' strengths, adaptation decisions, latest season, and future. After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts, friends, and listeners salute unsung nerd culture content to complete this 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. (04:35) Foundation Talk (38:21) Weapons (41:35) The Rogue Prince of Persia (42:32) Ruri Rocks (43:12) Dan Da Dan Season 2 (44:08) Herdling (46:11) Listener Recommends with Ben Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Rany Jazayerli, Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Charles Holmes, and Daniel Chin Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 29, 2025 · 1 hr 44 min
'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' and 'Twisted Metal' Season 2 | Button Mash
Ben places a codec call to Steve Ahlman and Matt James to review the new remake of 'Metal Gear Solid 3.' First, they discuss a deluge of upcoming sequels (including 'Hollow Knight: Silksong') and react to the latest indication that the console wars are over, hardware price hikes, and comebacks by two venerable ninja-centric series. Then they discuss how 'MGS3' holds up, how the remake alters the original, and the post-Kojima future of the franchise, before recommending indie gem 'Sword of the Sea.' Finally, Ben has a (mostly spoiler-free) chat with 'Twisted Metal' showrunner/writer Michael Jonathan Smith about how he conceived of the first two seasons, depicting the titular tournament in a bigger-budget Season 2, drawing on 'Twisted Metal' lore, the show's cast and comedic tone, and his vision for a third season. Intro (0:00) 'Metal Gear Solid 3.' Review (23:00) Interview with Michael Jonathan Smith (1:09:13) Outro (1:41:14) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Steve Ahlman, Matt James and Michael Jonathan Smith Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 29, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 2 and ‘Alien: Earth’ Episodes 3 and 4 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back to talk about the newest episodes of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 and ‘Alien: Earth’! They dive into what James Gunn’s weaknesses in ‘Peacemaker’ could be and the many questions ‘Alien: Earth' is asking its audience. Plus, they somehow end up discussing Scrappy vs. Scooby Doo. (0:00) Intro (11:32) Spoilers ahead (13:03) Reactions to ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, Episode 2 (38:30) ‘Alien: Earth’ midseason check-in (1:19:11) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Olivia Crerie Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 22, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 1 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back to talk about the ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 premiere! They discuss John Cena’s acting prowess, what ‘Peacemaker’ means for the James Gunn DC universe, and the plans for the new Justice League. (0:00) Intro (14:35) Spoilers ahead (16:17) Reactions to the ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 premiere (1:27:20) 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
Aug 20, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
K-Pop: Demon Hunters - Songs, Fandom, and Favorites | Mint Edition
Steve and Jomi team up with K-pop stan Jess Clemons to dive into Netflix’s ‘K-pop: Demon Hunters.’ They discuss the film’s explosive popularity, its chart-topping soundtrack, and wrap up by ranking their personal favorite tracks. Intro (0:00) 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' Deep Dive (5:36) Top Tracks Ranked! (52:58) Outro (1:11:42) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Jess Clemons Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 19, 2025 · 1 hr 50 min
The All-Time Mario Games Draft | Button Mash
Ben recruits game journalists (and ex-coworkers) Chris Plante, Maddy Myers, and Joshua Rivera to draft the greatest games featuring Mario, in honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of 'Super Mario Bros.' First, they share their origin stories as Mario gamers, discuss what makes the character so versatile, and speculate on what Nintendo might announce for the franchise's big birthday. Then they select the all-time greatest (and weirdest!) Mario-centric releases across several genres. Intro (0:00) 'Super Mario Bros.' 40th anniversary draft (24:55) Outro (1:47:20) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Chris Plante, Maddy Myers, and Joshua Rivera Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 13, 2025 · 1 hr 49 min
‘Alien: Earth’ First Reactions and an Alien Draft | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back to give you all of their thoughts on FX’s new show: ‘Alien: Earth.’ They then dive into an alien draft, picking their favorite depictions of aliens in media from five categories: human-presenting alien, good alien, bad alien, animated alien, and wild card. (0:00) Intro (10:43) Spoilers ahead (13:10) Reactions to ‘Alien: Earth’ (1:01:42) Alien draft (1:36:20) Alien wars 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
Aug 8, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
The 25 Greatest Games of the Quarter Century | Button Mash
Ben Lindbergh, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, Rob Mahoney, and Daniel Chin press F to pay respects to the finest video games of the 2000s (so far), making five picks per person in a knock-down, drag-out draft of 25 stone-cold classics. Intro (0:00) 25 Greatest Games of the Quarter Century Draft (11:00) Outro (1:43:23) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, Rob Mahoney, and Daniel Chin Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 7, 2025 · 2 hr 21 min
Spider-Man 4, 'X-Men', and Did ‘Fantastic Four’ Flop? | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys are back with a big ol' pod for you after all the Comic-Con madness. They talk about the latest happenings from the set of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and how the excitement is more than palpable for the latest web-slinging adventure. Then, they talk about the box office drop-off from 'Fantastic Four' and whether the casual Marvel viewer is no longer interested. Later, they dive into James Gunn dancing on the grave of Marvel's box office, as well as how Marvel can hope to get the X-Men right. (0:00) Intro (8:54) Nerd News: Spider-Man 4 (33:54) Nerd News: ‘Fantastic Four’ (1:12:17) Nerd News: James Gunn (2:03:33) 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
Aug 1, 2025 · 57 min
'Eyes of Wakanda,' Plus Marvel Animation: Look Back and Look Ahead | Mint Edition
Fresh from San Diego Comic-Con, Steve and Jomi return to break down everything you missed at the convention. They dive into Marvel's latest animated series, 'Eyes of Wakanda,' exploring its storytelling, themes, and what it means for the future of Marvel animation. Plus, they preview what's coming next in the animated universe and tease a special Ringer event you won’t want to miss. Don't miss the Midnight Boys presenting 'Blade' at the Los Feliz 3 on August 25! Get your tickets here: The Midnight Boys Present Blade – 8.25.25 Intro (0:00) ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ Reactions (4:43) Marvel Animation Preview (38:52) Outro (53:10) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 29, 2025 · 38 min
The Best of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys are back and recording from San Diego to give you all of the news and reactions from the floor of San Diego Comic-Con. They discuss all of the major panels from Hall H, including 'Project Hail Mary', 'Alien: Earth,' 'Tron: Ares,' and so much more. They also talk about the Ringer-Verse panel and getting to meet all of you at the meet and greet. (1:32) Project Hail Mary (4:12) Alien: Earth (7:10) Tron: Ares (8:41) Predator: Badlands (11:55) Peacemaker (20:03) Charles’ Weeb Weekend Corner (24:20) Coyote vs. Acme (27:00) Star Trek (27:53) Gen V (29:07) The Ringer-Verse Panel Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) owns the SDCC trademarks used in this episode and are used under license. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 26, 2025 · 52 min
Marvel, DC, or 'Star Wars': Who’s Winning IP in 2025? LIVE at SDCC 2025 | The Ringer-Verse
The Ringer-Verse takes stock of IP in 2025 live at San Diego Comic-Con. In a busy year, what's been the best and worst in IP so far? San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) owns the SDCC trademarks used in this episode and are used under license. Hosts: Joanna Robinson, Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Eduardo Ocampo and Aleya Zenieris Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 25, 2025 · 1 hr 57 min
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back to give you all of their thoughts on one of the most highly anticipated films of the year: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’ They talk about the newest portrayal of the beloved Fantastic Four characters, give you a bit of comic book context, and dive into questions they had after seeing the film. (0:00) Intro (11:27) Spoilers ahead (13:45) Instant reactions to ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (48:00) Jomi the Explainer Corner (58:05) The villains (1:13:08) Questions about the movie (1:27:02) Doctor Doom and the post-credits (1:35:55) Box office (1:41:11) Midnight Meter (1:43:00) Inaugural movie rankings for the MCU (1:47:30) 'Superman' vs. 'Fantastic Four' (1:49:39) Outro (1:51:27) 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
Jul 23, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
Who Needs a New 3D ‘Mario’ When We Have ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’? | Button Mash
Ben Lindbergh and Jessica Clemons begin with a roundup of game adaptation news, covering the ‘Mortal Kombat II’ trailer, Netflix’s live-action ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series, the ‘Legend of Zelda’ casting announcements, and an apparent animated ‘Donkey Kong’ movie. Then they dive deep (both in game and on mic) into new Nintendo masterpiece ‘Donkey Kong Bananza,’ touching on the history of the Donkey Kong character, the lineage of Nintendo 3D platformers, what makes the latest game great, why the Switch 2 sorely needed it, and what’s next for Nintendo and its new, hot-selling system. Intro (0:00) Game adaptation news: 'MKII,' 'Zelda,' 'Assassin’s Creed' (3:30) 'Donkey Kong Bananza' reviews (28:34) Outro (1:31:15) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Jess Clemons Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 22, 2025 · 58 min
The Comic-Con Hype Meter | Mint Edition
Junior Mints, lock in—Comic-Con season is here! Steve and Jomi are back with a special San Diego Comic-Con preview, breaking down everything you need to know before the convention kicks off. From 'Tron' to 'Alien: Earth' to 'Peacemaker' to 'Coyote vs. Acme,' they cover what to expect and what they're most excited about. Plus, get a sneak peek at the Ringer-Verse panel and much more. Intro (0:00) Comic-Con preview (6:00) The Ringer-Verse panel (51:32) Outro (54:20) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 22, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
‘Superman’ Q&A with the Midnight Riders! | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back and they’re here to give you more ‘Superman’ takes but this time, they’re live! The Midnight Riders have questions, and we’re here to answer them! Don’t forget, The Ringer-Verse is going to Comic-Con! We'll be hosting our very own panel at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 24, at Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for all badge holders. We’ll also be holding a meet and greet at Whiskey Girl in the Gaslamp Quarter at 8:30 pm! 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
Jul 14, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
‘College Football 26’ and the Return of ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,’ Plus Tony Hawk Himself! | Button Mash
Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan huddle up to discuss ‘EA Sports College Football 26,’ the sequel to last year’s bestselling comeback for the ‘College Football’ franchise, focusing on the depths of Van’s obsession, the series’ transition to an annual release schedule, and whether college basketball games will be the next to return. Then, Ben, Van, and Devon Renaldo discuss ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4,’ the best ‘THPS’ games, and gaming as a gateway to skating (32:50). Finally, Ben catches some air with the titular Tony Hawk, the skating/gaming legend, who weighs in on his ‘THPS’ history and the future of the franchise (62:03). Intro (00:00) ‘EA Sports College Football 26’ (09:30) College basketball games (24:28) ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4’ with Dev and Van (32:50) Interview with Tony Hawk (62:03) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Tony Hawk and Van Lathan Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 11, 2025 · 2 hr 12 min
‘Superman’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
Look up in the sky! The Midnight Boys are here to give their reactions to the long-awaited James Gunn–directed ‘Superman.’ They break down what they loved about the film from Lex Luthor, Krypto, and more. They also speak on how they think this entry can mark the beginning of a new DC Cinematic Universe informed by Gunn’s vision. Will the superhero genre be saved by the Man of Steel? The Midnight Boys are here to find out. Also, The Ringer-Verse is going to Comic-Con! We'll be hosting our very own panel at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 24, at Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for all badge holders. (0:00) Intro (4:44) Comic-Con Announcement! (9:04) Spoilers ahead (11:49) Instant reactions to ‘Superman’ (1:52:18) Midnight Meter (2:03:33) Outro (2:04:12) 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
Jul 4, 2025 · 52 min
Midnight Court: Superman vs. the Fantastic Four | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back in court to debate the two hottest films of the nerd universe in 2025: ‘Superman’ vs. ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’ Here to decide which legal team gave the best argument is the honorable judge Sean Fennessey. (0:00) Intro (2:26) Opening Statements (8:45) Cross-Examination (44:45) Closing Statements (49:03) Verdict Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guest: Sean Fennessey Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 3, 2025 · 2 hr 26 min
'Jurassic World' Reactions and 'Ironheart' Finale Reveal | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back to give you their reactions to 'Jurassic World: Rebirth', plus their thoughts on the 'Ironheart' season finale. They even sneak in a little bit of fresh Nerd News as well! (0:00) Intro (10:19) Spoilers ahead (11:51) Instant reactions to ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ (50:37) 'Jurassic World' Midnight Meter (1:08:15) Instant reactions to 'Ironheart' Finale (2:15:23) ‘Ironheart’ Midnight Meter (2:16:31) Nerd News (2:21:06) Outro (2:22:50) 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