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
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.
10 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
'Predator: Badlands' Reaction | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into 'Predator: Badlands', sharing their immediate reactions and dissecting its fresh take on the iconic franchise. They explore the nuanced portrayal of Yautja culture and the theme of ingenuity over brute strength through the character Deck. Memorable moments include discussions on the lethal setting of Gena and thrilling action sequences. The crew also ranks their favorite 'Predator' films, debating whether 'Prey' holds a candle to the original. Plus, they pitch imaginative crossover ideas that will have fans buzzing!
Nov 1, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: October 2025 (Featuring 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon')
In this lively discussion, critic Katie Doll, who specializes in The Walking Dead franchise, shares her passion for Daryl Dixon and the iconic series. She reflects on the show's rise and decline, praising Angela Kang's impactful reboot and the refreshing setting of Daryl’s spin-off. They analyze season three’s deeper character exploration, particularly Daryl’s trauma, and the unique bond between Daryl and Carol. Plus, listeners get a taste of exciting recommendations, from Star Wars: Visions to a new Katamari game, ensuring a wealth of fall entertainment!
17 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 13min
'Halo' Hits PlayStation, 'Ninja Gaiden 4,' and 'The Outer Worlds 2' | Button Mash
Joining the discussion is Matt James, the Ringer's deputy art director and frequent commentator on gaming trends. He dives into the significance of the multi-platform remake of 'Halo,' exploring what it means for Xbox's future strategy. The duo also shares their impressions of 'Ninja Gaiden 4,' discussing its complex combat and narrative weaknesses, while praising its gameplay depth. Lastly, they highlight the appeal of 'The Outer Worlds 2,' emphasizing its choice-driven adventures and character builds that enhance player engagement.
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
‘The Simpsons’ and the Best Halloween Episodes | Mint Edition
Alan Siegel, a Ringer senior staff writer and author of 'Stupid TV, Be More Funny', joins to discuss the beloved 'Treehouse of Horror' specials. He reminisces about his childhood discovery of The Simpsons, describing its dark humor and cultural impact. They explore the show's evolution, influences from classic TV, and debate how it fits in today's landscape. The conversation wraps up with a lively draft of favorite Halloween episodes, including surprising picks like 'Freaks and Geeks' and 'Stranger Things', celebrating the essence of spooky storytelling.
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 33min
What If the Original 'Star Wars' Trilogy Had an All-Black Cast? | The Midnight Boys
The hosts take a creative plunge, recasting the iconic Star Wars trilogy with an all-Black cast. They debate potential directors and young actors, sharing captivating choices for beloved characters like Luke, Han, and Leia. The conversation gets lively as they explore distinctive voices for Darth Vader and Yoda. They also touch on Star Wars: Visions Season 3, praising its creativity, and express a desire for a bold feature film on Kylo Ren. The passion and humor throughout make for an engaging listening experience!
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 20min
‘Gen V’ Season 2 Finale Reactions | The Midnight Boys
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
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 34min
The October Gaming Gauntlet and a ‘Majora’s Mask’ 25th Anniversary Replay | Button Mash
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
