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
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
'Gen V' Season 2 Premiere Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Midnight Boys dive into the thrilling premiere of Gen V's second season, highlighting its strong start and beloved characters. They discuss the emotional impact of handling the late Chance Perdomo's departure. The introduction of the new villain Cypher adds fresh intrigue, while sharp political parallels keep the narrative engaging. Fans will also appreciate the return of familiar faces and the show’s blend of grotesque humor and violence. Get ready for a wild ride back at Godolkin University!
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 25min
Here Comes the Pitch: Award Show Bait | Mint Edition
Join a lively discussion about the recent Emmy Awards as the hosts dissect winners and snubs. Discover why fan favorites like 'The White Lotus' stumbled while reflecting on the evolving definition of prestige television. Explore innovative pitching for adaptations of beloved titles like 'Batman Beyond' and 'Firewatch,' blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives. Enjoy spirited debates on casting choices and creative storytelling while delving into the emotional weight of superhero narratives and the complexities of Hollywood adaptations.
4 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 28min
'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 4 and 'Alien: Earth' Episodes 5 and 6 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into the latest twists in 'Peacemaker,' exploring how the character's complexity unfolds. They also discuss the evolution of xenomorphs in 'Alien: Earth,' highlighting the show's ambitious storytelling and character dynamics. Themes of loyalty, corporate manipulation, and the quirky elements of the series spark engaging debates. The analysis of human-xenomorph relationships adds depth to the conversation, questioning perceptions of identity and connection. Humor and insightful reflections make this discussion a must-listen for fans of both series.
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 17min
'Hollow Knight: Silksong' In-Progress Impressions | Button Mash
Matt James, The Ringer's Deputy Art Director, shares his insights after 60 hours with 'Hollow Knight: Silksong.' He discusses the game's nostalgic roots and the immense hype surrounding its release. They explore the balance of challenge and enjoyment, from tough boss fights to the innovative mechanics like fast travel and Hornet's abilities. The conversation also touches on the game's striking art style and strategic pricing that fosters goodwill, showcasing how it builds a vibrant community of players.
Sep 6, 2025 • 1h 4min
Big Comics Catch-Up: ‘Spider-Man '94‘ Comic Release, ‘Absolute Batman,’ and More
Join the hosts as they dive into the vibrant world of comics, spotlighting ‘Spider-Man ’94’ and intriguing new releases like ‘Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum.’ They explore the humorous dynamics between Superman and Batman, while reminiscing about 90s animated favorites. The discussion takes a sharp turn into the ethical dilemmas embedded in comic narratives and scrutinizes artistic styles in recent releases. They even touch on the adaptation of 'Life Is Strange,' merging sports and comics in a lively conversation about character development and cultural significance.
Sep 5, 2025 • 2h 34min
Mantle Wars, James Gunn Nerd News, and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 3 | The Midnight Boys
Dive into the Mantle Wars, where iconic superhero portrayals collide! The discussion explores James Gunn's latest updates in the DC universe, highlighting what's next for 'Peacemaker.' Tune in for a spirited debate on actors who played Batman and Catwoman, examining their unique takes on these beloved characters. The boys also dissect the emotional growth in 'Peacemaker,' revealing how trauma shapes identity. Plus, get ready for fresh insights on Spider-Man and Superman's evolving narratives in cinema!
9 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 55min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2025 (Featuring 'Foundation')
Rany Jazayerli, a doctor of dermatology and former sabermetrician with a flair for storytelling, joins to dive into the adaptation of Isaac Asimov's iconic 'Foundation.' They discuss the challenges of transforming the narrative into a series, emphasizing character arcs and innovative techniques. Rany also highlights a new antagonist, the Mule, and recommends a fresh take on horror cinema. The conversation wraps up with a roundup of exciting media, featuring everything from films to anime, making it a treasure trove for pop culture enthusiasts.
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 45min
'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' and 'Twisted Metal' Season 2 | Button Mash
Matt James, the deputy art lead at The Ringer, dives into the remastered 'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' and the excitement surrounding the second season of 'Twisted Metal.' The hosts discuss the intriguing balance between nostalgia and modernization in gaming, exploring the challenges of remaking a classic and the legacy of Hideo Kojima's narratives. They also shed light on the future of 'Twisted Metal,' sharing behind-the-scenes insights from showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith on character arcs and production dynamics, along with a humorous pitch story.
12 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 24min
'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 2 and ‘Alien: Earth’ Episodes 3 and 4 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dissect Season 2, Episode 2 of 'Peacemaker,' debating its slower pacing and character development while pointing out some weaknesses in the writing. They then dive into the complexities of 'Alien: Earth,' discussing the emotional struggles of characters and the intriguing human-alien dynamics. Humor ensues as they hilariously compare Scrappy-Doo and Kendrick Lamar, exploring childhood nostalgia through their banter. Themes of family, sacrifice, and identity weave through their lively commentary, offering engaging insights for fans.
5 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 34min
'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 1 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The gang dives into the Season 2 premiere of 'Peacemaker,' highlighting John Cena's impressive range as an actor. They explore the show's quirky plot twists, like integrating K-pop demon hunters. The conversation also delves into complex character relationships and moral implications within the superhero genre. Expect some laughs as they analyze chaotic scenes, including a humorous take on an orgy. Finally, they reflect on how this season fits into the broader DC universe, teasing potential character spin-offs.
