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
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 29min
‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 5 Reactions | Button Mash
In this engaging conversation, Daniel Chin, a frequent contributor, joins Ben Lindbergh to dive into the intriguing fifth episode of 'Fallout' Season 2. They discuss the thrilling return of Hank and the snake oil salesman, along with Lucy's harrowing confrontation that marks a turning point for her character. The duo explores deep lore connections, including the mystery of who ended the world, and showcases the episode's clever Easter eggs, like the nod to Fisto from New Vegas. Tune in for sharp insights and spirited banter about this must-watch episode!
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 32min
Top ‘Game of Thrones' Crash-Outs | The Midnight Boys
Join the hosts as they dive into the wild world of 'Game of Thrones' crash-outs, highlighting the most shocking missteps from major houses. They analyze Stark blunders, Targaryen controversies, and the infamous Lannister betrayals. The banter is lively, with a detour into Hollywood news featuring Sebastian Stan's potential role in the next Batman film. Expect hilarious anecdotes and heated debates as they crown the ultimate crash-out moments from a series that keeps fans talking.
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 33min
‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 4 Reactions | Button Mash
Join Daniel Chin, a Ringer staff writer and avid gamer, and Joe Sanabria, the lead artist behind Fallout: New Vegas, as they delve into the latest twists of 'Fallout's' second season. They discuss the evolving characters and factions in the wasteland, including Maximus's moral conflict and Lucy's darkening journey. Joe shares insights on translating the game's iconic visuals to the screen, his creative process, and what he'd change if New Vegas were remade. Tune in for a blend of sharp commentary and nostalgic game design memories!
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 51min
Avengers Doomsday Teasers + Over/Unders of 2026 | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into the thrilling teasers for Avengers: Doomsday, analyzing character arcs and emotional stakes. They predict 2026's biggest box office hits, debating potential die-hard casualties and discussing the impact of leaks on Marvel's momentum. The conversation flows into predictions for the DC slate, revealing their thoughts on Supergirl and Clayface, while expressing excitement about Dune's upcoming release. With comical tangents and passionate discussions, they explore fan expectations and cinematic trends for the coming year.
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 45min
Our Most Anticipated Video Games of 2026 | Button Mash
Join investigative reporter Jason Schreier, known for his deep dives into the gaming world, and Matt James, a deputy art lead with insightful takes on the industry, as they discuss the future of gaming in 2026. They explore the release of 'Grand Theft Auto VI' and the potential for delays. The duo debates Xbox's hardware strategy and the implications of rising prices. They also dive into the backlash against AI in game development and highlight their most anticipated titles, including exciting new IPs and remakes.
10 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 12min
‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 3 Reactions | Button Mash
Join cultural commentator Van Lathan as he dives into the lore-packed third installment of Fallout Season 2. He teams up with Ben to dissect character arcs, including Lucy's challenging morality and Coop’s gritty backstory. They banter about the peculiarities of bathroom etiquette and the show's critique of anti-ghoul bias. Also, they tackle the season's deeper themes of hope and cynicism, highlighting the balance between goodness and strength in a post-apocalyptic world. Expect humor, insights, and plenty of Fallout references!
22 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 52min
Best Movies and TV of 2025: Midnight Mulligans | The Midnight Boys
Join the hosts as they delve into 2025's cinematic highlights! They debate 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew' and discuss the cultural impact of 'Wicked.' The reassessment of 'Captain America: Brave New World' sparks a lively conversation on Black representation. Fans won't want to miss the praise for 'Andor' Season 2, deemed a standout, while the thrill of 'F1' earns high marks. 'Mission: Impossible—Final Reckoning' and 'Jurassic World' make the list for their fun escapism, but not all scores shine, especially for 'Peacemaker' Season 2.
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: December 2025 (Featuring ‘Pluribus’)
Van Lathan, a media commentator known for his sharp cultural insights, joins Ben Lindbergh to dissect Vince Gilligan's Apple TV series, Pluribus. They delve into the show's cryptic marketing and how its pilot grabs attention before transitioning into deeper themes. Discussion pivots to the ethical dilemmas of a hive mind society versus individual autonomy, highlighting character Carol's complex journey. They also reflect on Gilligan's bold storytelling choices, narrative patience, and the show's emotional depth that challenges viewers while drawing parallels to classic sci-fi.
11 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 13min
‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 2 Reactions | Button Mash
In this engaging discussion, Daniel Chin, a Ringer staff writer and co-host, joins Ben to delve into the second episode of 'Fallout' Season 2, titled "The Golden Rule." They explore the episode's intriguing settings and character parallels, debating the morality of becoming a ghoul and the chances of surviving a nuclear blast by hiding in a fridge. They also touch on the lore surrounding aliens and the Brotherhood, while reminiscing about iconic moments from New Vegas. Prepare for a mix of humor and deep analysis!
Dec 23, 2025 • 2h 14min
2025 Games of the Year Draft | Button Mash
In this lively discussion, Matt James, Ringer's deputy art lead known for his gaming insights, joins Steve Ahlman, a senior audio producer with a passion for indie trends, and Joshua Rivera, a thoughtful critic offering cultural context on games. They dive into the impressive volume and quality of 2025's releases, share their 'naughty and nice' industry observations, and passionately draft their favorite games across categories. Highlights include Joshua's critique of Xbox strategy, Matt's hopes for Steam Frame, and a nostalgic pick for Final Fantasy Tactics.
