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
8 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 2h 18min
'Batman Begins' Turns 20 | Hot Nolan Summer
Dive into the nostalgia of 20 years of 'Batman Begins' as the hosts dissect its lasting impact on the superhero genre. From the quirkiest accents to the most stunning cinematography, they highlight key moments that defined the film. Discover the complexities of fear that shape Bruce Wayne's journey, and laugh along with memorable lines that resonate beyond the screen. They also discuss the portrayal of iconic characters and the emotional depth brought by Alfred, all while teasing upcoming themes to keep fans engaged this summer!
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 41min
The 2025 Summer Hype Meter
Get hyped for an exciting summer filled with nostalgia and fresh content! The hosts dive into anticipated titles like 'Ironheart', 'Peacemaker' Season 2, and thrilling horror films. They explore the resurgence of vampire narratives and the emotional pull of literary releases like 'Katabasis.' The buzz around zombie entertainment reignites past favorites, while trailers for 'Alien: Earth' and 'Fantastic Four' ramp up excitement. Join the playful banter as they share personal stories and film watch party plans!
20 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 45min
‘Ballerina’ and Our 10 Burning 'John Wick' Questions
The hosts dive into the latest film in the John Wick universe, discussing its box office performance and extensive reshoots. They ponder the future of the franchise without Keanu Reeves and explore the connections between 'Ballerina' and the broader Wickverse. Expect digging into timeline continuity issues, the quirks of assassin communities, and a healthy dose of humorous observations about character accents. Finally, they tackle burning questions, including the potential recruitment of child assassins and the overall impact of violent storytelling.
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 58min
‘Mission: Impossible’ Movie Draft
Join Rob Mahoney, a pop culture aficionado, as he teams up with hosts Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson for a thrilling draft of the 'Mission: Impossible' universe. They dive into their picks for the ultimate Ethan Hunt, memorable villains, and fascinating MacGuffins, while engaging in lively debates about character dynamics and iconic stunts. The trio also explores the evolution of Ethan Hunt and ranks the films, blending humor and insight on the franchise's impact in cinema history. Get ready for an entertaining mix of nostalgia and analysis!
12 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
'Andor' Showrunner Tony Gilroy on World-Building, the Ideology of 'Andor,' and Characters He'll Miss Writing For
Tony Gilroy, the brilliant showrunner behind 'Andor' and a key player in the Star Wars universe, shares his creative journey with hosts Mal and Jo. They discuss the art of world-building and the show's deeper ideology, exploring how distinct cultures and emotional dialogues enhance storytelling. Gilroy unpacks character dynamics, particularly the complex relationships between Luthen, Saw, and others. Plus, he reveals what he’ll miss writing about and reflects on the creative challenges faced during production, turning limitations into captivating narratives.
May 30, 2025 • 1h 45min
The 2025 Spring Mailbag
Dive into lively discussions covering a spectrum of topics from R-rated Star Wars movies to the exciting future of Survivor 50. The hosts explore whimsical concepts like a Baltimore Orioles book club, the complexities of survival fashion in 'The Last of Us,' and share recommendations for impactful children's literature. Enjoy humorous banter about gaming culture and the challenges of post-apocalyptic clothing choices. With a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, they tackle fan-favorite questions while fostering a sense of community.
10 snips
May 28, 2025 • 3h 29min
‘Rogue One’ Revisited Through the Lens of ‘Andor’
In this lively discussion, Chris Ryan, a frequent contributor at The Ringer known for his deep dives into 'Andor,' joins hosts Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson. Together, they explore how 'Andor' recontextualizes 'Rogue One,' analyzing character arcs and narrative complexities. The conversation touches on Krennic's pursuit of Galen and the moral ambiguities of the Rebellion, while highlighting the emotional connections and sacrifices central to both works. Expect humor, insightful analysis, and fresh perspectives on beloved Star Wars characters!
May 26, 2025 • 3h 2min
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 7 Deep Dive
Dive into a whirlwind of emotions as the finale unloads shocking deaths and heartfelt confessions. The hosts dissect Ellie's complex relationships, particularly her heart-wrenching moments with Dina. They explore survival strategies in a world overrun by mushroom apocalypse and share humorous musings about Costco memberships. The dynamic between characters captures the essence of love, loyalty, and moral dilemmas. Speculations about future seasons add an intriguing layer, leaving listeners eager for what’s next in this haunting narrative.
14 snips
May 20, 2025 • 3h 5min
'The Last of Us' Season 2, Episode 6 Deep Dive
The podcast dives into a flashback-filled episode of a popular series, unpacking the emotional complexities between Joel and Ellie. Key moments like Eugene's haunting death are discussed alongside the symbolism of a guitar that represents their evolving bond. The hosts explore themes of love, sacrifice, and the interplay of memory within chaotic settings. Humorous debates on trail mix preferences add a lighthearted touch, while the deeper narratives of loss and connection reveal the intricate fabric of character relationships.
23 snips
May 16, 2025 • 3h 52min
‘Andor’ Season 2, Episodes 10-12 Deep Dive
The discussion dives into Dedra's fate and the backstory of Luthen and Kleya. The hosts explore the emotional weight of sacrifice, relationships, and resilience against the Empire. They analyze the intricacies of character dynamics, espionage revelations, and the buildup to 'Rogue One.' Luthen's preparation rituals add a layer of symbolism, while camaraderie amid chaos highlights the importance of personal connections. The tension during a council meeting reveals deep political animosities, setting the stage for a compelling future in the series.
