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
17 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 47min
'The Last of Us' Season 2 Finale Reactions, Plus 'Doomsday' Delay News
Reactions flood in for the explosive season finale of a popular post-apocalyptic series, with discussions on character dynamics and the narrative's emotional weight. The debate gets heated as frustrations arise over character portrayals, particularly surrounding Ellie and Jesse. Additionally, delays in a major Avengers film ignite chatter about the future of superhero cinema, especially with rising costs impacting fans. Lively banter intertwines analysis and nostalgia, leaving listeners both entertained and eager for what's next.
10 snips
May 23, 2025 • 58min
‘Murderbot' Check-in, Episodes 1-3 | Mint Edition
Join Jomi and Steve as they dive into the quirky world of 'Murderbot,' discussing its blend of humor and deeper themes around identity. They explore the dynamics of relationships within the series, including the complexities of non-monogamy. The duo also analyzes the portrayal of fictional evil corporations in media, reflecting on moral dilemmas and resource allure. Lastly, they touch on the latest in fandom news, including buzz around 'Avatar' and 'Hunger Games' adaptations. It's a lively mix of sci-fi insights and pop culture!
May 22, 2025 • 1h 36min
'The Last of Us' Season 2, Episode 6: The Gamer Guide. Plus, the Game's Guitarist! | Button Mash
Chris Rondinella, a talented musician who performed iconic songs in 'The Last of Us Part II,' joins the discussion to dive deep into the emotional connections created through music in the series. The hosts dissect the latest episode, analyzing its narrative choices and the evolution of Joel and Ellie's father-daughter relationship. They explore the challenges of adapting the game's emotional depth to screen and the impact of various storytelling techniques, speculating on the thrilling season finale ahead.
May 20, 2025 • 1h 46min
‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ Reactions and ‘Andor’ Writer Tom Bissell | Button Mash
Join Tom Bissell, a renowned video game writer known for his work on 'Andor' and 'Uncharted', alongside Steve Ahlman and Matt James, as they dive into dynamic discussions about 'Doom: The Dark Ages.' They explore the intricate evolution and gameplay mechanics of the Doom franchise, debating its balance between tradition and innovation. Bissell shares insights from the 'Andor' writers' room, shedding light on crafting cohesive narratives and the unique challenges of storytelling across media. Their banter is filled with passion, humor, and deep fandom!
May 19, 2025 • 1h 34min
'The Last of Us' Episode 6 Reactions, Plus 'Superman' and 'Ironheart' Trailers
The hosts dive deep into Joel and Ellie's complex father-daughter bond in the latest from 'The Last of Us.' They reflect on the emotional stakes of love, loss, and tough choices within a post-apocalyptic world. Lively discussions about the trailers for 'Superman' and 'Ironheart' reveal excitement mixed with skepticism. The conversation also touches on typecasting in Hollywood and the challenges of aging in sports, blending humor and meaningful commentary on relationships—both romantic and familial.
May 15, 2025 • 1h 35min
'The Last of Us' Season 2, Episode 5: The Gamer Guide, and Animating 'TLOU2' | Button Mash
Almudena Soria Sancho, lead animator at Wildflower Interactive and former Naughty Dog animator, shares her insights on the adaptation of 'The Last of Us.' She discusses the challenges of bringing Stalkers and other infected to life, emphasizing the importance of performance capture. The conversation delves into the creative differences between film and video games and the emotional weight of character development in the series, highlighting her excitement for the remainder of the season and the upcoming narrative arcs.
11 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 55min
Was 'Andor' a Perfect 'Star Wars' Show? ‘Andor’ Season 2 Finale Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive deep into the emotional impact of 'Andor's' finale, exploring themes of hope and sacrifice. They humorously debate character dynamics, tying them to real-world implications of ambition and power. A lively character showdown compares favorites from the Star Wars universe, while playful comparisons link 'Andor' characters to NBA players. Throughout, the discussion balances intense narrative reflections with light-hearted banter, capturing the show's unique gritty charm and its significance in the broader saga.
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 • 36min
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 • 58min
'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.
