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
18 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 2h 51min
'Back to the Future' Turns 40, and Our Top Time-Travel Moments
Celebrating 40 years of a beloved classic, the hosts dive into the cultural impact of the franchise and the casting saga involving Marty McFly, from Eric Stoltz to Michael J. Fox. They reflect on memorable quotes, fashion choices, and the film's unique blend of humor and emotional depth. Listeners are treated to a discussion on the most iconic time travel moments in cinema, with plenty of nostalgia thrown in. Plus, they tackle quirky character dynamics and even cheeky themes related to the movie's legacy!
10 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 50min
'Squid Game' Season 3, Episodes 4-6 Reactions
The hosts break down the thrilling final three episodes of 'Squid Game' Season 3, dissecting the climactic final game and an unexpected cameo. They debate on which character's death was the most impactful and whether the CGI baby was a step too far. The conversation flows into entertaining ideas for new games in an American adaptation, mixing humor with nostalgia. Character complexities are explored, particularly Myung-gi's emotional journey, highlighting the depth and moral ambiguities present in the series.
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 47min
'Squid Game' Season 3, Episodes 1-3 Reactions
Dive into the thrilling chaos of 'Squid Game' Season 3 as the hosts dissect the emotional weight and complex character dynamics of the first three episodes. Highlights include their favorite characters and the most shocking deaths, paired with a critique of the VIP portrayal and missed social commentaries. They also explore moral choices faced by players, revealing the intricate relationship between guilt and vengeance. Plus, a sneak peek reaction to the 'Project Hail Mary' trailer adds an extra layer of excitement!
17 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 2h 18min
‘Stranger Things’ Season 1 Revisited
Dive back into Hawkins, Indiana, as the hosts reminisce about their first experiences with 'Stranger Things' Season 1. They dish out superlatives, from the most important friendship to the scariest moments. Expect laughs while they highlight the show's clever use of '80s nostalgia and memorable music. Insights into character dynamics, emotional depth, and the impact of visual storytelling make this rewatch a delightful trip. And don't miss their take on fan-favorite moments and theories that could shape the future!
Jun 25, 2025 • 2h 25min
‘28 Years Later’ and Our Zombie Survival Team
Dive into a lively discussion about '28 Years Later' and what makes this film tick. The hosts analyze its box office success and tease future franchise developments. They hilariously rank 'fuckable' zombies and share insights on emotional family dynamics in post-apocalyptic narratives. There's a playful exercise assembling an ultimate zombie survival team. Listen as they explore the intersection of horror and romance in zombie lore, and reflect on how these stories mirror real-life challenges.
Jun 19, 2025 • 2h 39min
Our 10 Favorite Speeches of the Century (So Far)
Dive into a curated countdown of the century's most powerful speeches across sci-fi and fantasy! Discover emotional confrontations from 'Game of Thrones' and introspective moments in 'The Dark Knight.' The hosts grapple with nostalgia and personal connections, analyzing how these words of wisdom resonate with audiences. They examine Captain America’s moral dilemmas, Mr. Echo’s reflections on life, and the weighty themes of identity in 'Dune.' Expect a mix of humor and heartfelt insights that showcase the enduring impact of impactful rhetoric.
8 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 2h 16min
'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 39min
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 44min
‘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 56min
‘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!
