House of R
The Ringer
Welcome to ‘House of R,’ where Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson explore your favorite fictional universes with their signature Deep Dives into everything from ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Star Wars,’ ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to Marvel, and beyond. Whether they’re parsing mythology, story themes, and character arcs or tracing influences across decades of fantasy and sci-fi stories, Jo and Mal will be here weekly with Deep Dives into new nerd culture releases, nostalgic revisitations of their favorite tales in fandom, Tropes Course examinations, Hall of Fame inductions, Hype Meters, drafts, mailbags, watch lists, top moments countdowns, recommendations, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 29min
‘Frankenstein’ and ‘The Running Man’
Dive into the cinematic world as the hosts discuss the latest adaptations of 'Frankenstein' and 'The Running Man.' They analyze the horniest moments in Guillermo del Toro's films, celebrating creative visuals and character complexity. The conversation also shifts to Edgar Wright's action sequences, highlighting his unique style and ranking the best. Expect insights on casting decisions, emotional stakes, and a humorous take on some transgressive themes that make these films captivating.
Nov 11, 2025 • 2h 46min
‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 Revisited (Part 2)
Join hosts as they dive into the thrilling conclusion of Season 4, reflecting on iconic moments like Max's emotional sequence and Brenner's chilling speech. They dish out superlatives, discuss romantic arcs, and weigh in on the hilarious highlights from the season. Speculation for Season 5 is rampant, with theories on the hive mind and character fates. Listener theories and memorable quotes spark lively discussions, all while celebrating the nostalgic 80s references that make the show a fan favorite.
Nov 7, 2025 • 3h 4min
Our 10 Favorite Musical Moments of the Century (So Far)
Join the lively discussion as hosts dive into their top musical moments of the century! From the emotional impact of Miguel's heartfelt performance in Coco to the nostalgic duets of Stranger Things, each pick celebrates storytelling through song. Discover the poignant beauty of Kevin and Nora's dance in The Leftovers and the unforgettable energy of Podrick's Jenny Song in Game of Thrones. Their insights on how music enhances narratives will leave you reflecting on your own favorites!
Nov 5, 2025 • 2h 38min
‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 Revisited (Part 1)
Mal and Jo dive deep into the chilling world of Season 4, analyzing its darker themes and the emergence of Vecna as the ultimate villain. They share their reaction to the Season 5 trailer while highlighting Eddie Munson's standout character arc. Emotional moments like Lucas and Max's rekindling and Will and Mike's vulnerability take center stage. The duo also cringes through the series' scariest scenes and funniest moments, all while celebrating nostalgic 80s references that add to the charm. Hold onto your Walkmans for this fun ride!
Oct 28, 2025 • 2h 46min
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 2 Rewatch (Part 2)
The hosts dive into the unforgettable moments of Season 2 of a beloved vampire series! They highlight favorite episodes, from heart-wrenching narratives to unexpected humor. The transformation of Angelus is examined, alongside iconic character dynamics. You'll hear about outrageous fashion choices and memorable guest performances. They also touch on deeper themes like forgiveness and emotional struggles between parents and children. Plus, listen for laughs at low-budget effects and standout quotes that define the essence of this cult classic.
Oct 23, 2025 • 2h 29min
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 2 Rewatch (Part 1)
The hosts dive into the first half of Season 2, revealing their favorite episodes and discussing the show's iconic venues. They analyze the dynamic between Giles and Jenny, and the emotional twists of Buffy and Angel's relationship. Spike and Drusilla's impactful introduction dominates the conversation, while the episode's thematic richness is celebrated. Expect funny moments and a nostalgic look at the challenges of high school life. Their engaging commentary mixes humor with deeper social explorations, making for a captivating discussion!
14 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 2h 32min
Our 10 Favorite Villains of the Century (So Far)
Dive into the thrilling world of villains as the hosts reveal their top 10 picks of the century! From the chilling Midnight Entity of Doctor Who to the morally complex Killmonger of Black Panther, they explore what makes a villain unforgettable. Discussing the likes of Cersei Lannister and Heath Ledger's Joker, they dissect cultural impact and emotional depth. Expect insightful debates on characters like Spike from Buffy and the haunting Dolores Umbridge. They even fire off some rapid-fire honorable mentions, rounding out the conversation on iconic bad guys!
30 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 2h 49min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Trailer Deep Dive
Explore the thrilling first trailer for the new spinoff with an in-depth analysis of its moments. The hosts share insights on the unique perspective of Dunk the Knight, his bond with Egg, and the Targaryens' influence. They discuss the show's low-magic vibe and the engaging storytelling approach. A spoiler-filled section dives into pivotal plot points and character backgrounds, while recommendations drown in the richness of the Dunk and Egg novellas. Get ready for a jousting showdown steeped in history!
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
2025 Halloween Costume Recommendations
Join film critic Chris Ryan, known for his pop culture insights, and culture commentator Charles Holmes as they explore the art of Halloween costumes. They share tips on picking the right costume based on current trends, advising against clichés and political themes. Expect suggestions ranging from deep cuts like characters from 'Andor' and 'Severance' to quirky group costumes mimicking influencers. The discussion also tackles cultural sensitivity, reminding listeners to steer clear of offensive looks, all while emphasizing the joy of committing to a fun Halloween identity!
Oct 3, 2025 • 2h 34min
‘Stranger Things’ Season 3 Revisited
Dive back into Hawkins as the hosts reflect on the highlights of Season 3! They hand out superlatives for everything from the funniest moments to the best character additions. Joyce's tear-jerking flashback and Hopper's heartfelt letter steal the emotional spotlight, while Robin’s witty banter wins hearts. Nostalgia runs high with '80s references, and the summer fair captures the season’s essence beautifully. Plus, tune in for debates over relationships and memorable quotes that keep fans buzzing!
