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
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 28min
The Shocking EA Sale and ‘Ghost of Yotei’ Reactions | Button Mash
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
Oct 2, 2025 • 2h 39min
One Demon Slayer After Another | The Midnight Boys
Dive into the animation magic of 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' as the hosts discuss its theatrical impact and accessibility for newcomers. They dissect the emotional stakes in standout battles and explore whether the film is a cultural game changer. The conversation shifts to 'One Battle After Another,' where critical takes on representation and themes of disillusionment and activism spark engaging debates. Finally, a recap of 'Peacemaker' examines pacing and DC's evolving strategy, making for a lively blend of insights and reactions.
Oct 1, 2025 • 59min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: September 2025 (Featuring 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds')
Joshua Rivera, a prolific pop culture writer, joins the discussion to dive into 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.' He reflects on the show's nostalgic return to classic Trek storytelling, highlighting standout performances and critiquing underdeveloped characters. As they analyze Season 3's tonal shifts and gimmick-heavy episodes, the duo questions the series' alignment with Trek's core ideals. They ponder the future of the franchise, balancing innovation with nostalgia, while celebrating the enduring appeal of Star Trek as a comforting pop culture staple.
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h
'Marvel Zombies' Deep Dive | Mint Edition
In this lively discussion, writer Daniel Chin, known for his sharp insights at The Ringer, joins hosts Jomi and Steve to dissect Marvel Zombies. They delve into the show's animation style and standout action sequences, while debating the blending of humor with gruesome visuals. Daniel highlights Kamala Khan as the emotional anchor and critiques the rushed climax of the series. The trio also explores the challenges of adapting anthology elements into a serialized format, and ponder the enduring appeal of zombie storytelling in today's media landscape.
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 35min
‘Hades II,’ ‘Silent Hill f,’ and ‘Wolverine’ Trailer Reactions | Button Mash
Dive into the captivating world of 'Hades II', where emotional storytelling and innovative roguelike mechanics promise an even richer experience than its predecessor. Explore the chilling rebirth of 'Silent Hill F', with its distinct psychological horror and a new setting in 1960s Japan that deepens the narrative. Finally, get hyped for Insomniac's 'Wolverine' trailer, as the hosts discuss its cinematic influences, gameplay expectations, and the shift from open-world design. A thrilling blend of game insights awaits!
11 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 33min
The 'Mandalorian and Grogu’ Trailer and 'Alien: Earth’ Finale Reactions
The hosts dive into the new trailer for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu,’ sharing mixed feelings about its cinematic scope and nostalgic vibes. They debate Disney’s responses to political pressures and discuss if the trailer feels more like TV than a film. Transitioning to ‘Alien: Earth,’ they critique the finale’s pacing, emotional impact, and character arcs, particularly questioning the portrayal of the xenomorph. The conversation wraps up with rating the finale, touching on the challenges creators face with established franchises.
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 19min
Big Game Adaptations, 'Borderlands 4,' and 'Silksong' Revisited | Button Mash
Join Matt James, Deputy Art Director at The Ringer, and Steve Ahlman, a seasoned commentator on games, as they delve into the latest in gaming culture. They cover the buzz around upcoming adaptations like the 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' and discuss their spoiler-free thoughts on the much-anticipated 'Borderlands 4.' The pair also engage in a spirited debate on the difficulty of 'Hollow Knight: Silksong,' balancing praise for its design with critiques on its challenging gameplay. Get ready for insights and nostalgia!
12 snips
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.
