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 30, 2025 • 1h 43min
‘Mythic Quest’ and Our Favorite Fiction About Video Games, Plus Ashly Burch | Button Mash
Join Jomi Adeniran, a pop culture enthusiast, and Ashly Burch, a prolific voice actor known for roles in Borderlands and Life is Strange, as they delve into the world of 'Mythic Quest.' They discuss the show's unique take on gaming culture, character dynamics, and the emotional storytelling that resonates with all viewers. Ashly shares insights about her dual role as a writer and voice actor, reflecting on industry changes and the growth of video games. Conversations spark nostalgia for the 80s gaming era and the importance of authentic storytelling in today's media landscape.
Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 15min
Midnight Family Court: The Fight for Batman | Midnight Boys
In this entertaining segment, Chris Ryan plays the role of judge in a lighthearted custody battle over Batman, debating whether Matt Reeves or James Gunn deserves creative control. The conversation dives into the implications of this choice, touching on character evolution and audience expectations in the Batman franchise. Later, they get excited about Ryan Coogler's upcoming film 'Sinners', discussing its vampire themes and the challenges of modern trailers revealing too much. It's a fun exploration of cinematic storytelling and fandom.
21 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 34min
Is 'Wicked' Actually Good? | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive deep into 'Wicked,' sharing their animated takes on the film's themes of identity and rebellion. They playfully critique the adaptation's performances and visual elements while dishing out humorous banter. Nostalgic moments lead to reflections on musicals and how they resonate with different generations. The chemistry between Elphaba and Glinda is a highlight, showcasing their unexpected friendship. Amid laughter, they also explore the societal implications of character dynamics and the emotional depths of the story.
Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 17min
The 2025 Confidence Pool (TV Edition) Plus Creature Comandos's Dean Lorey | Mint Edition
Daniel Chin, a pop culture enthusiast, joins showrunner Dean Lorey of 'Creature Commandos' and 'Harley Quinn' fame for a lively discussion. They dive into the 2025 confidence pool, expressing enthusiasm for upcoming series like 'Severance' and 'The Last of Us.' Lorey shares insights on the creative process behind 'Creature Commandos' and the emotional complexities of character arcs. Expect laughter over culinary anecdotes and a thoughtful take on the impact of comic adaptations in a landscape buzzing with anticipation.
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 41min
The 2025 Confidence Pool (Movies Edition) | Mint Edition
Daniel Chin, a film enthusiast and insightful critic, joins hosts Jomi and Steve to dissect the cinematic landscape of 2025. They share their confidence levels on movies like 'Thunderbolts' and 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.' The trio also debates the risks of live-action adaptations and Pixar's latest efforts, while expressing cautious anticipation for the 'Minecraft Movie.' Their lively banter mixes humor with honest critiques, illuminating the complex dynamics shaping the future of film franchises.
Jan 16, 2025 • 53min
Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Reactions
In this discussion, Matt James, the Ringer's deputy art lead and gaming expert, shares insights about the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. He and host Ben Lindbergh dive into the exciting new features and the mixed public response. They discuss the potential for enhanced gaming with mouse functionality and the anticipation surrounding Mario Kart 9, including its innovative 24-player support. The podcast explores the console's place in the gaming landscape and ponders what future updates will bring to the beloved franchise.
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 21min
'Daredevil' Trailer Reactions and 'Skeleton Crew' Finale Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into the finale of 'Skeleton Crew', expressing mixed feelings about character arcs and unresolved plotlines. They explore the newly released 'Daredevil: Born Again' trailer, indulging in nostalgia while analyzing character dynamics like Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk. Humorous takes on social media trends and cultural critiques add flavor to their discussion, while reflections on childhood movie tragedies evoke shared emotional experiences. Get ready for a blend of laughter, insightful commentary, and playful debates on current pop culture!
6 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 23min
‘Skeleton Crew’ Catch-Up and ‘Black Panther’ Casting News | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into the latest episodes of 'Skeleton Crew,' highlighting character development and exciting quests. They also tackle the buzz around the potential recasting of T'Challa in the upcoming 'Black Panther' films, discussing its cultural significance. Expect a mix of humor and thoughtful commentary as they reflect on the storytelling in Star Wars and the broader superhero genre. The conversation touches on audience expectations and the emotional depth missing in recent releases, creating a lively and engaging debate.
5 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 33min
Our Most Anticipated Video Games of 2025 | Button Mash
In this discussion, guest Jessica Clemons, a regular contributor known for her unique takes on fandom culture, teams up with Matt James, Deputy Art Lead at The Ringer and a Path of Exile enthusiast, to delve into the gaming horizon of 2025. They reflect on last year's gaming surprises and dissect the hype surrounding anticipated titles like 'GTA VI' and the new Switch. Their predictions cover a range of upcoming games, exploring the unpredictability of releases and the evolving landscape of gaming adaptations, igniting excitement for future innovations.
12 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 32min
Casting an All-Black 'Lord of the Rings' | The Midnight Boys
Dive into a hilarious reimagining of the 'Lord of the Rings' with an all-Black cast! The hosts explore the importance of representation in fantasy films and propose a playful yet impactful adaptation. From choosing directors like Jordan Peele to casting iconic roles with actors like Idris Elba and Zendaya, their chemistry shines through. Expect laughter as they brainstorm filming locations in Nigeria and debate comedic recasting options for beloved characters like Gollum. It's a lively celebration of diversity in storytelling!
