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. 'Mint Edition': Steve, Jomi, and Jessica Clemons gather every other week to share their unique takes on the movies and shows that are animating the fandom. 'Button Mash': Ben Lindbergh and Jessica discuss the latest in the world of video games, from headline-making new releases, to industry trends, to game swaps and nostalgic re-plays. 'Splash Page': Jessica breaks down the latest Easter eggs and theories from all of your favorite content. Not sure if that was a Mephisto reference in the latest 'Loki' episode? Wondering what exactly that post-credits scene means? Eager to know how a new trailer sets up your most anticipated release of the season? Jessica will answer all of those questions and more in her video podcasts. Follow the new House of R feed for deep dives from Mal and Jo!
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Networks:
The Ringer
Description:
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. 'Mint Edition': Steve, Jomi, and Jessica Clemons gather every other week to share their unique takes on the movies and shows that are animating the fandom. 'Button Mash': Ben Lindbergh and Jessica discuss the latest in the world of video games, from headline-making new releases, to industry trends, to game swaps and nostalgic re-plays. 'Splash Page': Jessica breaks down the latest Easter eggs and theories from all of your favorite content. Not sure if that was a Mephisto reference in the latest 'Loki' episode? Wondering what exactly that post-credits scene means? Eager to know how a new trailer sets up your most anticipated release of the season? Jessica will answer all of those questions and more in her video podcasts. Follow the new House of R feed for deep dives from Mal and Jo!
Language:
English
Website:
https://www.theringer.com
Episodes
‘Gen V’ Season 2 Finale Reactions | The Midnight Boys
10/22/2025
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
Duration:01:20:13
The October Gaming Gauntlet and a ‘Majora’s Mask’ 25th Anniversary Replay | Button Mash
10/17/2025
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 LindberghGuests: Matt James and Arjuna RamgopowellProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:33:53
Greatest Crash-Outs in MCU History, Plus NYCC News | The Midnight Boys
10/15/2025
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, 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
Duration:01:27:42
‘Tron: Ares’ and the IP Failures to Launch | Mint Edition
10/14/2025
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 AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:09:09
‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Finale and the ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Trailer Reactions | The Midnight Boys
10/10/2025
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
Duration:02:15:13
The Shocking EA Sale and ‘Ghost of Yotei’ Reactions | Button Mash
10/6/2025
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
Duration:01:27:40
One Demon Slayer After Another | The Midnight Boys
10/2/2025
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 AhlmanProducers: Chris Thomas, Jade Whaley, and Jamie YukichAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:02:39:26
Ringer-Verse Recommends: September 2025 (Featuring 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds')
9/30/2025
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
Duration:00:59:20
'Marvel Zombies' Deep Dive | Mint Edition
9/29/2025
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 AhlmanGuest: Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:00:08
‘Hades II,’ ‘Silent Hill f,’ and ‘Wolverine’ Trailer Reactions | Button Mash
9/26/2025
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 LindberghGuest: Rob Mahoney and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:34:44
The 'Mandalorian and Grogu’ Trailer and 'Alien: Earth’ Finale Reactions
9/24/2025
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 AhlmanProducers: Chris Thomas, Jon Jones and Isaiah BlakelyAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:33:14
Big Game Adaptations, 'Borderlands 4,' and 'Silksong' Revisited | Button Mash
9/19/2025
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 LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:19:21
'Gen V' Season 2 Premiere Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
9/17/2025
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
Duration:01:10:54
Here Comes the Pitch: Award Show Bait | Mint Edition
9/15/2025
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 AhlmanGuest: Rob MahoneyProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:24:46
'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 4 and 'Alien: Earth' Episodes 5 and 6 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
9/11/2025
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
Duration:01:28:26
'Hollow Knight: Silksong' In-Progress Impressions | Button Mash
9/9/2025
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 LindberghGuest: Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:16:34
Big Comics Catch-Up: ‘Spider-Man '94‘ Comic Release, ‘Absolute Batman,’ and More
9/5/2025
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 AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:04:01
Mantle Wars, James Gunn Nerd News, and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 3 | The Midnight Boys
9/4/2025
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
Duration:02:34:03
Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2025 (Featuring 'Foundation')
8/31/2025
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. 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
Duration:00:54:51
'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' and 'Twisted Metal' Season 2 | Button Mash
8/29/2025
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 LindberghGuest: Steve Ahlman, Matt James and Michael Jonathan SmithProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:44:32