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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 6, 2025 • 2h
‘Metroid Prime 4,’ ‘Marvel Cosmic Invasion,’ and ‘Five Nights at Freddy's 2’ Reactions | Button Mash
Join games journalist Giovanni Colantonio, known for his deep dives on titles like Metroid Prime 4, as he explores the game's intriguing blend of new and recycled mechanics. He evaluates its design and placement in Nintendo's legacy. Entertainment writer Jessica Clemons shares her insights on Marvel Cosmic Invasion's co-op challenges and nostalgic beat-'em-up vibes while highlighting the necessity of multiplayer play. The duo also critiques the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 film, discussing its faithfulness to the game and casting choices.
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 43min
Wakandans at Thanksgiving? It’s Time for a Midnight Mailbag! | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into a lively mailbag segment, tackling everything from favorite comic-book entry points to reassessing Yoda's leadership. They humorously discuss who they'd invite to a holiday meal from the nerd-verse, like the Wakandans and X-Men. Listeners get a kick out of hilarious 'what ifs' involving famous casts and iconic betrayals. Plus, there's a playful nod to Jomie's cookie controversy while they riff on fandom's evolution in today's world. Expect plenty of laughs and nerdy insights!
Nov 28, 2025 • 56min
'Zootopia 2' and Disney Sequels | Mint Edition
Join Jessica Clemons, a passionate writer and cultural commentator, as she shares her insights on the much-anticipated sequel, 'Zootopia 2'. The discussion delves into the film's humor, emotional depth, and character dynamics, particularly the evolving relationship between Judy and Nick. They explore new storylines, like the reptile arc and standout performances, including Ki Hoi Kwan's role. A broader conversation on Disney's sequel strategies reveals challenges and comparisons to other animated films, highlighting what it takes to resonate with audiences today.
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 31min
White Girl Movies Draft | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into a fun draft of iconic white girl movies, categorizing favorites into fantasy, rom-com, drama, and more. From the cultural significance of 'Mean Girls' to the nostalgic charm of 'You've Got Mail,' they discuss the impact of each pick. 'Twilight' and 'The Devil Wears Prada' spark lively debates, while 'Pitch Perfect' brings a musical twist. With heartfelt memories of films like 'The Princess Diaries' and unexpected choices like 'Gone Girl,' they reminisce about the movies that shaped generations.
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: November 2025 (Featuring 'It: Welcome to Derry')
Zach Dionne, a Stephen King expert and writer, joins the discussion to delve into 'It: Welcome to Derry' and the overwhelming presence of King adaptations in Hollywood. They explore the show's craft, the thrilling danger of revealing Pennywise's origins, and the balance of horror aesthetics. Dionne shares insights on adapting King's vast work, emphasizing fidelity and the unique voice of filmmakers. They also rank upcoming adaptations for 2025 and unveil underrated gems worth watching, all while celebrating King's lasting legacy in film and TV.
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 21min
Speedrunning the Surprise Steam Sensations of 2025 | Button Mash
Join Simon Carless, founder of GameDiscoverCo, and Morgan Park from PC Gamer as they dive into the surprising successes of lesser-known Steam titles like 'R.E.P.O.' and 'Schedule I.' They explore how games go viral and the factors that influence their popularity, from metrics to community buzz. Discover the creative mechanics behind hits like 'Peak' and the unexpected depth of 'Escape From Duckov.' With insights on discoverability and the evolving gaming landscape, this discussion paints a vivid picture of 2025's gaming scene.
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 26min
'Wicked: For Good' Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into the new film, discussing its ambitious musical numbers and the blending with the original Wizard of Oz. They share chaotic screener experiences and critique its pacing and tonal shifts. Conversations highlight the emotional stakes, especially Nessa's arc, and the strong chemistry between the lead characters. The portrayal of classic characters raises eyebrows, while racial allegories prompt deeper analysis. Ultimately, they debate the film's flaws, its moral ambiguity, and predictions for box office success.
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 24min
The Online Shooters Shoot-Out: ‘Battlefield’ vs. ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘ARC Raiders’ | Button Mash
Join Kotaku's Claire Jackson, an expert in multiplayer shooters, and Zack Zwiezen, a games industry correspondent, as they dive into the latest Game Awards nominations and the heated competition among 'Battlefield 6,' 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7,' and 'ARC Raiders.' They dissect the evolution of indie gaming, the defining features of extraction shooters, and the role of AI in game development. With insights on player accessibility and design philosophies, Claire and Zack argue about which title could dominate the market and share tips for mastering 'ARC Raiders.'
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 32min
Brainiac in ‘Superman 2’? Plus ‘Running Man’ Reactions! | The Midnight Boys
Dive into a lively discussion about the cult classic 'The Running Man' with sharp critiques on its tone and casting. The hosts weigh in on Glenn Powell's star potential amidst debates about Edgar Wright’s directorial choices. They also tackle exciting nerd news, revealing Brainiac as the next Superman villain. A playful conversation on the best rappers-turned-actors leads to some spirited ranking debates that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy a blend of humor and pop culture insights as they navigate the cinematic landscape!
9 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 2h 36min
'Dispatch' Deep Dive, and the PS5/Xbox Series Turn Five | Button Mash
Jomi Adeniran, a Ringer staff writer, shares his candid experiences with the game 'Dispatch,' exploring its emotional rollercoasters and player choices. Nick Herman, creative director at Ad Hoc Studio, reveals behind-the-scenes insights into the game's development, including its unexpected fan reactions. Pierre Shorette, narrative director, discusses the intricacies of storytelling and player agency. Finally, Stephen Totillo analyses the five-year mark of the PS5 and Xbox Series, highlighting industry trends and why this generation feels underwhelming despite strong game offerings.
