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
Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 4min
‘Terminator Zero’ and our Most Wanted Anime Adaptations | Mint Edition
Dive into the exhilarating world of 'Terminator Zero' as the hosts share their fiery reactions to the new Netflix series. They explore the nostalgia-filled depths of the Terminator franchise, balancing action with philosophical themes like AI and humanity. Enjoy a lighthearted critique of cute robot dangers, paired with whimsical debates. Lastly, the guys unleash their wildest dreams for anime adaptations, from 'Tokyo Drift' to Sherlock Holmes, sparking laughter and imaginative storytelling possibilities throughout.
Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 50min
Is 'Outlaws' the 'Star Wars' Story You're Looking For? | Button Mash
The hosts dive into Ubisoft's 'Star Wars: Outlaws', sharing their thrill and disappointments with its open-world structure. They discuss the game's graphics and mechanics, while highlighting the lovable sidekick, Nix. The challenges of stealth gameplay spark humorous critiques on traditional design flaws. Player agency is examined, revealing a lack of meaningful choices. The conversation wraps up with hopes for future 'Star Wars' titles, blending nostalgia and potential as they explore the impact of storytelling in the beloved universe.
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 47min
George R.R. Martin Sends Shots, Midnight Mailbag | The Midnight Boys
In this engaging discussion, celebrated author George R.R. Martin shares his thoughts on the differences between his beloved book series and the TV adaptation of 'House of the Dragon.' He tackles the challenges of maintaining narrative fidelity in adaptations and the evolving landscape of fan expectations. The hosts also dive into audience questions, exploring gaming lore, superhero films, and the future of franchises. With humor and insight, they connect the dots between storytelling, culture, and personal fandom.
Aug 31, 2024 • 29min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2024
Join Van, a hidden nerd-culture aficionado, along with Lathan, a fandom favorites enthusiast, Charles Holmes, a pop culture trendsetter, and Joanna Robinson, a fandom guru, as they explore overlooked gems in entertainment. They dive into the whimsy of the indie game 'Thank Goodness You're Here,' dissect M. Night Shyamalan's mixed reviews for 'Trap,' and recommend sci-fi treasures on Apple TV+. The conversation also highlights the riveting narratives of 'Akane Vanashi' and 'The Mercy of Gods,' ensuring no nerdy stone is left unturned!
Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
The Midnight Resurrections | The Midnight Boys
The hosts passionately debate which canceled shows deserve a second chance, highlighting favorites like 'Young Justice' and 'Lovecraft Country.' They explore the allure of pop culture resurrections, drawing parallels with iconic figures like Superman. Nostalgia runs deep as they revisit 'Justice League Unlimited' and the representation of female heroes in Marvel. Laughter ensues over Terry McGinnis and a quirky Firefly reflection, where burritos and health challenges spark amusing anecdotes. Join them for a lively mix of humor and heartfelt discussions!
Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 41min
State of the Nerd Union 2024 Edition | The Midnight Boys
The guys dive into the vibrant state of the nerd universe, covering the latest from Star Wars, Marvel, and DC. They discuss the unexpected cancellation of 'The Acolyte' and what 'Deadpool & Wolverine' could mean for Marvel's direction. Nostalgia meets speculation as they debate future 'Game of Thrones' spinoffs. They analyze evolving portrayals of Batman and express mixed feelings about upcoming DC projects. The trio navigates character depth in Marvel while pondering the future of 'House of the Dragon' amidst limited source material.
Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 7min
‘Alien: Romulus’ and ‘Watchmen: Chapter I’ Instant Reactions | Mint Edition
Daniel Chin joins Jomi and Steve to unpack the latest in fandom. They react to 'Alien: Romulus,' praising its horror elements and character development while debating the balance between fan service and originality. The trio dives into visuals and action sequences that elevate the franchise. Switching gears, they explore the animated 'Watchmen Chapter I,' expressing mixed feelings about its innovation compared to earlier adaptations. Their lively discussions blend humor with insightful critiques, making for a captivating listen.
Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 12min
‘Borderlands’ Bombed. What Went Wrong? | Button Mash
Rob Mahoney, a video game and pop culture commentator, teams up with analyst Matt James to dissect the recent flop of ‘Borderlands.’ They humorously reflect on the film's disastrous production choices and how it failed to live up to the beloved game. The duo reminisces about the decline of iconic gaming magazines like Game Informer, offering nostalgia for a lost era. They debate whether ‘Borderlands’ is the worst film featuring Oscar winners and get creative with fantasy-casting star-studded adaptation ideas.
Aug 10, 2024 • 1h 48min
D23 Reactions, ‘Umbrella Academy’ Finale, and ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ | Mint Edition
Jessica Clemons, a critic known for her insights into fan-favorite shows, shares her frustrations with the final season of 'Umbrella Academy,' noting the shift from character-driven narratives to a confusing multi-versal plot. The trio also dives into the delightful charm of 'Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' exploring its nostalgic appeal and deeper lore. Their lively discussions touch on upcoming Marvel projects, casting challenges, and the often comical world of adaptations, creating an engaging blend of critique and humor.
Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 7min
'The Last Jedi' Debate
Join the spirited debate over one of the most polarizing films in the Star Wars saga! Discover the evolution of Luke Skywalker and the nuanced relationships between Kylo Ren and Rey. Explore how nostalgia shapes perceptions and the impact of character complexity. Delve into the varying directorial styles of Ryan Johnson and JJ Abrams, and analyze the thematic depth that sets 'The Last Jedi' apart. This discussion unwraps the balance of innovation and tradition in storytelling, challenging fans to rethink their connections to the galaxy far, far away.
