
House of R
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 35min
'Daredevil: Born Again' Episode 9 Deep Dive
Dive into the thrilling finale of 'Daredevil: Born Again' as the hosts highlight pivotal character arcs, including the return of Frank Castle and the spark brought by Karen. They humorously critique the season's graphic violence and explore the complex moral dilemmas faced by characters. Expect lively banter on future season hopes, character dynamics, and emotional reunions, all while teasing exciting crossovers in the Marvel universe. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, this discussion promises to keep fans engaged and entertained!

18 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 2h 27min
'Yellowjackets' Episode 10 Deep Dive
Dive into the thrilling Season 3 finale as characters grapple with survival and complex dynamics. Mari's journey as 'Pit Girl' is a highlight, showcasing her struggle amidst brutal circumstances. The hosts also unveil themes of memory and perception, questioning the reliability of characters' recollections. With humorous anecdotes about air travel and an insightful look at the dark sides of Ty and Shauna, this discussion balances deep emotional exploration with entertaining commentary on character arcs and pivotal moments.

14 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 2h 3min
'The Last of Us' Season 2 Episode 1 Deep Dive
Dive into the intense world of 'The Last of Us' Season 2, where emotional complexity reigns. Explore Joel's struggles with therapy and the introduction of new characters like Abby. The significance of music adds depth to the narrative while themes of loyalty and community play a central role. A fresh fear emerges with a new infected creature, and our hosts engage in lively banter about mushroom recipes and college football. Get ready for a suspenseful journey full of character evolution and moral dilemmas in a post-apocalyptic landscape!

16 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 2h 18min
‘Black Mirror’ Season 7 and ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Episode 8
Join Ben Lindbergh, a pop culture savant and writer, alongside Daniel Chin, a sharp-eyed editor from The Ringer, as they dissect the complexities of 'Black Mirror' Season 7 and 'Daredevil: Born Again.' They reflect on the emotional weight and innovative storytelling of 'Black Mirror,' while debating the show's nostalgia factor and standout performances. The duo also deep dives into the latest 'Daredevil' offering, analyzing character dynamics and emotional stakes, particularly a pivotal dance floor moment that hints at deeper relationship themes.

Apr 8, 2025 • 2h 47min
'Yellowjackets' Episode 9 Deep Dive
Joined by Jodi Walker, a writer for The Ringer, the discussion dives deep into the penultimate chaos of 'Yellowjackets.' They explore the haunting twists of the past timeline and dissect the present-day murders, unveiling theories for the highly anticipated finale. Themes of survival, trust, and the stark ethical dilemmas faced by the characters take center stage, especially Lottie's unsettling actions. With wit and insight, the conversation predicts how the girls' chilling journey will unfold, making fans eager for what's next.

Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 22min
'Daredevil: Born Again' Episodes 4-7 Superlatives
The hosts dive into midseason superlatives for 'Daredevil: Born Again,' from hottest scenes to laugh-out-loud moments. They explore the intense relationship between Frank Castle and Matt Murdock, mixing deep analysis with clever humor. A captivating love triangle adds emotional depth, portrayed through sharp writing and therapy moments that uncover characters' vulnerabilities. Memorable character dynamics bring a lively debate on favorites, while standout performances build anticipation for future twists in the series. Expect plenty of witty banter and engaging insights!

14 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 59min
'Yellowjackets' Episode 8 Deep Dive
The latest discussion dives deep into character dynamics and emotional trauma in 'Yellowjackets'. Hilary Swank's introduction as Melissa sparks intrigue. The hosts explore the tension within the group both past and present, analyzing dream symbolism and its impact on identity. Key interactions hint at struggles with leadership and validation amidst chaos. The balance of humor and serious themes brings an engaging perspective, while they speculate about future plot developments and character fates.

20 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 11min
The ‘Revenge of the Sith’ Debate
Van Lathan, known for his work on Midnight Boys, joins Joanna Robinson to dive into the fiery debate surrounding 'Revenge of the Sith.' They dissect its legacy, from Anakin's tragic character arc to the strained romance of Anakin and Padmé. The conversation explores emotional themes like love and redemption, critiques the film’s portrayal of female agency, and addresses the impact of Order 66. With humor and insight, they also touch on Jedi ideals and deconstruct the iconic duel, mixing nostalgia with a fresh take on this divisive entry in the Star Wars saga.

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 28min
'Yellowjackets' Episode 7 Deep Dive
Dive into a chilling landscape of survival and morality! The discussion features intense character arcs and haunting themes, including the emotional weight of loss and identity. Expect humor as they explore gruesome snacks and casting choices, alongside clever parallels to nature. Speculations fly regarding Mari's fate while comparing the narrative to reality TV dynamics. They touch on cult-like relationships, trauma, and the psychological struggles of the characters, making it a compelling analysis of both fiction and the human experience.

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 38min
‘Daredevil’ and What We Want From Our Superheroes
Jo has put together a team. A team of Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Sean Fennessey to discuss the status of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ in the wake of its latest episode. Also, they chat about the status of the superhero pop culture space at the present moment, as well as what they believe would be best for it going forward.Host: Joanna RobinsonGuests: Van Lathan, Sean Fennessey, and Chris RyanSenior Producer: Steve AhlmanVideo Supervision: John RichterSocial: Jomi AdeniranAddition Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.