
The Ringer-Verse
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!
Latest episodes

May 12, 2025 • 1h 28min
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 5 Reactions! Plus, X-Men Director News | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive deep into Season 2 of 'The Last of Us,' examining Ellie's complex journey and the emotional dynamics between her and Dina. They passionately discuss character developments and the moral dilemmas faced by Ellie and Joel, exploring themes of revenge and responsibility. The conversation shifts to the impact of character arcs in other narratives, including comparisons with 'Game of Thrones.' In a lighter vein, they speculate on hypothetical Marvel rap collaborations, blending humor with pop culture analysis.

May 10, 2025 • 38min
Taste-Testing Apocalypse Food | Midnight Munchies
Join the hosts on a hilarious culinary adventure as they taste-test apocalypse meals inspired by survival scenarios. From quirkily crafted dishes to bizarre snacks like World War I-era treats, they rank flavors from best to worst with plenty of laughs. The competition heats up as they debate their go-to hot sauces and indulge in decadent 'apocalypse milkshakes.' With nostalgic unboxings of classic snacks and playful banter, this food challenge promises absurdity and camaraderie in the face of culinary chaos!

May 8, 2025 • 60min
'The Last of Us' Season 2, Episode 4: The Gamer Guide | Button Mash
The hosts delve into Seattle in the latest adventures of the series. They discuss significant character changes and pivotal scenes from 'The Last of Us Part II.' A highlight is the emotional complexity surrounding a guitar scene and a beloved character's fate. They explore themes of love, vengeance, and personal moments in a post-apocalyptic world. Speculations about future plot twists and character arcs abound, making for an engaging discussion that captures the intricacies of adaptation and storytelling.

29 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 35min
The Force Arrives on ‘Andor’: Reactions to Season 2, Episodes 7-9 | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into the monumental moments of 'Andor,' discussing character arcs and intense storytelling. They explore the evolving dynamics of rebellion, focusing on Cassian Andor's transformation into a key Rebel figure. The moral complexities of characters like Cyril provide depth, challenging traditional notions of heroism. Humor interlaces critical discussions on race and representation, while the emotional attachments formed in wartime relationships add a unique layer. Lastly, they debate the effectiveness of prequels, comparing 'Andor' with other franchises.

10 snips
May 6, 2025 • 1h 13min
‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ Trailer, Details, and Delay Reactions | Button Mash
Jomi Adeniran, a Ringer-Verse regular, shares his hype over the cinematic 'GTA VI' trailer, capturing the game's vibe and potential. Matt James, also a Ringer-Verse voice, dives into excitement about the story and characters, showcasing the game's rich narrative. Meanwhile, Steve Ahlman offers a critical lens on gameplay and cultural implications, keeping the conversation grounded. They discuss the game's delayed release and its impact on expectations and the industry, while pondering the balance between excitement and skepticism.

May 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
‘Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld’ May the Fourth Reactions | Mint Edition
Matt James, Ringer Deputy Art Lead, joins Jomi and Steve to celebrate Star Wars Day by diving into 'Tales of the Underworld.' They explore Asajj Ventress's captivating character arc, discussing the heist adventure and the complexities of villain portrayals in Star Wars. With humor, they critique recent storytelling techniques while comparing character evolutions to classic narratives. The conversation touches on the challenges of adapting animated tales into live-action formats, all while reflecting on what makes Star Wars truly resonate with fans.

6 snips
May 5, 2025 • 39min
Talking to 'Thunderbolts*' Director Jake Schreier | The Midnight Boys
Jake Schreier, director of 'Thunderbolts', shares his creative journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He dives into the challenges of weaving emotional depth into superhero narratives, highlighting mental health themes and character development. A humorous Waffle House anecdote lightens the discussion on production pressures. Schreier also reflects on the significance of balancing audience expectations with artistic integrity, especially regarding the complex character of Sentry, embodying ambition and despair.

May 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 4 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive deep into Season 2, Episode 4 of the beloved series, analyzing the evolving bond between Ellie and Dina. They tackle heavy themes like indoctrination and moral dilemmas in a post-apocalyptic world, drawing parallels to real-life conflicts. The emotional complexities of relationships and survival are highlighted, mixed with humor and nostalgia. Musical moments add another layer, as they connect character decisions to themes of loyalty and sacrifice. Ultimately, it's a blend of critical insights and entertaining banter that keeps fans engaged.

13 snips
May 2, 2025 • 1h 21min
Reactions to 'Thunderbolts*' | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into their excited reactions to the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, focusing on character dynamics and plot elements. They humorously explore the quirks of superhero life in New York, alongside a lively discussion about the character Sentry and the mixed reactions to Taskmaster. Engaging debates about Marvel matchups and team dynamics keep the energy high, while comparisons to past films add depth to their analysis. Expect insights filled with nostalgia, humor, and a touch of critique!

May 1, 2025 • 1h 13min
'The Last of Us' Season 2, Episode 3: The Gamer Guide | Button Mash
The hosts dive into the emotional intricacies of Episode 3, exploring significant narrative shifts after the intense events of the previous installment. They analyze the differences between the show and the original game, particularly focusing on character development, like Tommy’s choices and the evolving relationship between Ellie and Dina. Speculations about future plotlines and character dynamics add an exciting layer to their discussion, keeping listeners engaged and eager for more.