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The Ringer-Verse

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
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

Ringer-Verse Recommends: October 2024

Before you put on your costume, put on the latest edition of 'Ringer-Verse Recommends'! Join the 'Ringer-Verse' and 'House of R' crews as they hand out Halloween treats of tasty nerd-culture content in the latest installment of their monthly mini-pod about fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Charles Holmes, Zach Kr...

Oct 30, 202431 min

Is ‘Venom 3’ Unwatchable? Plus, the Worst Year in Superhero Movies | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to talk all things ‘Venom 3: the Last Dance’ (08:56). They give you their Midnight Meter on the newest Sony film before discussing whether 2024 was the worst year for superhero movies in recent history (35:15). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Special Guests: Daniel Chin and Kai Grady Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...

Oct 26, 20241 hr 9 min

Is ‘The Penguin’ FINALLY a Comic Book Show? Plus, 'Agatha' Ep. 7 | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to bring you the latest from ‘The Penguin’ (12:56) and ‘Agatha All Along’ (51:02). They then dive into the latest nerd news: the removal of 'Blade’ from the Marvel 2025 calendar (1:11:49). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 25, 20242 hr 38 min

Is ‘The Penguin’ Living Up to the Hype? Plus, ‘Agatha’ Episode 6 Reactions | The Midnight Boys

The Boys return to Gotham, digging into Episode 4 of ‘The Penguin’ (09:34), then they stop over in Eastview to discuss Episode 6 of ‘Agatha All Along’ (1:12:05). They ponder whether ‘The Penguin’ is living up to the hype, discuss the biomechanics of Vision being a father, and decide Steve’s cartoon doppelgängers. Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more...

Oct 18, 20242 hr 50 min

“Y’all Yelled About It” Plus a Comic Book Check-in With Kerm | Mint Edition

Y’all yelled about it, and we heard you! Today, Jomi and Steve will dive into a few of the many shows and movies in the world of fandom that you have suggested we watch, including ‘From,’ ’Slow Horses,’ and ‘The Wild Robot.’ Later, producer Kerm joins to discuss some of our favorite recently released comic books! Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 17, 20241 hr 22 min

‘Alien: Isolation’ Turns 10, ‘Tomb Raider’ Returns, and ‘Metaphor: ReFantazio’ Gets GOTY Buzz | Button Mash

Ben and Justin Charity tiptoe through the halls of Sevastopol to discuss the 10-year anniversary of ‘Alien: Isolation’ and their experiences with the cult classic. Then they bring on Andy Kelly, author of ‘Perfect Organism: An Alien: Isolation Companion,’ to discuss the game’s legacy, horror credentials, innovative AI system, and impact on ‘Alien,’ as well as what they hope to see from the newly announced ‘Isolation’ sequel (15:49). After that, Ben and Charity talk about Netflix and Amazon’s big...

Oct 11, 20242 hr 51 min

‘Agatha’ Episode 5 and ‘Penguin’ Episode 3 Reactions, Plus DC Casting News | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to give you their thoughts on the newest episodes from both Disney+’s ‘Agatha All Along’ and Max’s ‘The Penguin’ (38:39). But first, the crew discusses the latest casting news from the DC ‘Green Lantern’ show, as well as colorism in casting (12:24). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...

Oct 11, 20242 hr 57 min

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to give you their thoughts on the highly anticipated ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ (05:12). Then they check in on ‘Agatha All Along’ and ‘The Penguin’ (52:47). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 05, 20242 hr 51 min

Here Comes the Pitch: Villain Movie Edition | Mint Edition

Jomi and Steve are joined by the beloved Jessica Clemons for another edition of Here Comes the Pitch! This time around, in honor of the latest installments of ‘Joker’ and ‘Venom’ set to hit theaters, the gang is pitching their best villain movie. Get cozy in your supervillain lair and press play as the hijinks ensue. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Jessica Clemens Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...

Oct 02, 20241 hr 27 min

Ringer-Verse Recommends: September 2024

The leaves are dropping, and so is the latest edition of Ringer-Verse Recommends! Join the Ringer-Verse and House of R crews as they grab their rakes, sweep up scattered releases, and jump into piles of nerd-culture content in the latest installment of their monthly mini-pod about fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes,...

Oct 01, 202434 min

‘The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’ Reactions | Button Mash

Ben summons Justin Charity for a spoiler-free but in-depth discussion about Nintendo’s new ‘The Legend of Zelda’ release for Switch, ‘Echoes of Wisdom.’ After they give their high-level capsule reviews of the game, they catch up on some recent news, including the teaser for ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, the announcement of (and trailer for) ‘Ghost of Yotei,’ the delay of ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows,’ and Nintendo’s lawsuit against ‘Palworld’ maker Pocket Pair (6:00). After that, they describe their e...

Sep 27, 20242 hr 37 min

'Agatha All Along' Episode 3 Reactions and Revisiting ‘Joker’ | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back, with the exception of Charles “Opt-outimus Prime,” to give you their thoughts on the latest episode of Disney+’s ‘Agatha All Along’ (12:25). Then everyone joins in to discuss ‘Joker’ in anticipation of the sequel next week (42:18). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 26, 20242 hr 42 min

'Transformers One' and The State of the Franchise | Mint Edition

Autobots roll out! Jomi and Steve are back to discuss 'Transformers One' and how it stacks up in the Transformers movie franchise rankings. For those who haven't seen the movie, don't worry! We kick things off with a spoiler free review. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 21, 202455 min

‘Agatha All Along’ and ‘The Penguin’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to give you their impressions, literally, of HBO's and Disney+’s newest shows, ‘The Penguin’ (07:42) and ‘Agatha All Along’ (49:56), respectively. Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 20, 20242 hr 32 min

The Whitest Movies Draft | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are here to draft the whitest movies of all time, divided into six categories: superhero, comedy, action, sci-fi, Oscar, and wild card (04:24). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 20242 hr 59 min

‘Astro Bot’ Is Brilliant, ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ Is Killer, and ‘Concord’ Is Conquered | Button Mash

Button Mash becomes Bot-ton Mash as Ben, Jess, and Steve celebrate the release of near-perfect PlayStation platformer ‘Astro Bot’ and explain why the game is both a bold leap forward and a relic of an earlier era. Then they break down what the record sales success of ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ and the flop of ‘Concord’ (49:00) say about the industry, assess their appetites for the PS5 Pro and mid-generation console upgrades (1:09:55), and share takeaways from several trailers for upcoming video game m...

Sep 10, 20242 hr 42 min

‘Terminator Zero’ and our Most Wanted Anime Adaptations | Mint Edition

Jomi and Steve are back and ready to dive in to 'Terminator Zero.' The guys share their instant reactions to the new Netflix series, before presenting their top five ideas for anime adaptations they would like to see. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 06, 20241 hr 6 min

Is 'Outlaws' the 'Star Wars' Story You're Looking For? | Button Mash

Ben, Jomi, and Arjuna discuss their experiences with Ubisoft’s ‘Star Wars: Outlaws.’ They break down the big-budget title’s gameplay, graphics, and performance, as well as its open-world structure, and its portrayal of the ‘Star Wars’ universe. They then critique the broad strokes of the story (6:40), before dipping briefly (and with warnings!) into spoiler territory (1:11:20). After the spoiler section, they reflect on lessons learned from ‘Outlaws,’ assess where it ranks among ‘Star Wars’ game...

Sep 06, 20242 hr 52 min

George R.R. Martin Sends Shots, Midnight Mailbag | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to answer all of your burning nerd-verse questions with a new Midnight Mailbag (42:32), but first they dive into the latest Nerd News: George R. R. Martin’s response to the differences from the books to the TV show in ‘House of the Dragon’ (07:56). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, and Jomi Adeniran Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 05, 20242 hr 49 min

Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2024

The dog days are over, but Ringer-Verse Recommends goes on! Listen in as the Ringer-Verse and ‘House of R’ crews search the recomm-ends of the earth for hidden nerd-culture gems. They then return with the latest installment of their monthly mini-pod about their fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Van, Lathan, Charles Holmes, Joanna Robinson, J...

Aug 31, 202431 min

The Midnight Resurrections | The Midnight Boys

The Midnight Boys are here to discuss all things canceled, from Van’s hot takes to shows they think deserve a second chance. Each of the boys goes through the top four shows that they think deserve a TV resurrection (09:13). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, and Jomi Adeniran Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 28, 20241 hr 15 min

State of the Nerd Union 2024 Edition | The Midnight Boys

Join the boys as they go over how the nerd-verse is currently fairing in the summer of 2024. They first cover this year’s additions to the ‘Star Wars,’ DC, MCU, ‘Game of Thrones’ IPs. Then they discuss The Acolyte's cancellation (11:18), what ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ means for Marvel’s future content (52:03), and Van’s desire for more ‘Game of Thrones’ spinoffs (1:15:54). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jonathan Kermah Additional Pro...

Aug 22, 20242 hr 43 min

‘Alien: Romulus’ and ‘Watchmen: Chapter I’ Instant Reactions | Mint Edition

Jomi and Steve are joined by Daniel Chin to dive into the latest in fandom. First, they take the pod to outer space when reacting to ‘Alien: Romulus’ (05:00), and then the guys jump into the animated world of ‘Watchmen: Chapter I’ as they break down the latest iteration of the franchise (45:00). Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Daniel Chin Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 19, 20241 hr 8 min

‘Borderlands’ Bombed. What Went Wrong? | Button Mash

Haven’t seen ‘Borderlands,’ the latest video game movie? You have chosen wisely. Ben, Rob Mahoney, and Matt James chose poorly, and they’re here to report on the brand-new box office flop. They begin by bantering about the demise of Game Informer and the end of the era of video game magazines (6:00). Then they review ‘Borderlands’ (16:00) and discuss how it got made (36:00) and why it became a debacle that snapped a streak of strong game adaptations (44:24). They conclude by weighing whether ‘Bo...

Aug 12, 20241 hr 14 min

D23 Reactions, ‘Umbrella Academy’ Finale, and ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ | Mint Edition

Steve and Jomi take this pod on the road with live reactions from D23 in Anaheim, California (03:06)! Then, the guys are joined by Jessica Clemons to discuss their grievances with the final season of 'Umbrella Academy' (43:52). Later, listen as the trio dive into ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ with their instant reactions (86:42). Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Jessica Clemons Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal and Steve Ahlman Lea...

Aug 10, 20242 hr 50 min

'The Last Jedi' Debate

Van and Jo sit down to discuss and debate one of the most divisive films in 'Star Wars' canon! They break down key story decisions and settle the debate of whether or not 'The Last Jedi' is a good movie! Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Van Lathan Production: Arjuna Ramgopal, John Richter, Jonathan Frias, Cory McConnell Social: Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 08, 20241 hr 9 min

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2, Episode 8 Reactions | The Midnight Boys

As this season of ‘House of the Dragon’ concludes, the Midnight Boys are here to wig out about the season finale (05:00)! From Rhaenyra's final confrontation to the new dragonriders to the mud-wrestling pirates, the boys will give you their hot takes and their Midnight Meter for the season as a whole! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Jade Whaley and Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Aug 06, 20241 hr 17 min

‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Reaction and Favorite Animated Batman | Mint Edition

Steve and Jomi return from the streets of Gotham to talk about the first season of ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ on Amazon Prime. They discuss the series production trouble before eventually landing at Prime, the return of a more detective-style Batman, as well the performances of the voice cast (03:42). They then get into their favorite characters from the show’s first season, whether it’s fair to compare this series to the animated series from the early 90s, predictions for Season 2, and more thing...

Aug 02, 202456 min

Ringer-Verse Recommends: July 2024

Is that 'Ringer-Verse Recommends' music?! Sweet summer recommendation seekers, listen in as the 'Ringer-Verse' and 'House of R' crews close out a jam-packed July with the latest installment of their monthly mini-pod about their fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Charles Holmes, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, Arjuna Ramgopal, Stev...

Jul 31, 202430 min

'Star Wars Outlaws' Hands-on Preview | Button Mash

Ben and Jomi form a found family for a spoiler-free preview of one of the biggest games of the rest of the year: Ubisoft’s ‘Star Wars Outlaws.’ First they discuss the strengths of 'Star Wars' games, the state of the 'Star Wars' gaming landscape, and the interactive future of the franchise. (3:57) Then they share their impressions after four hours with ‘Outlaws,’ including what they liked, what concerned them, and what they’re looking forward to finding out (27:22). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Jom...

Jul 30, 20241 hr 28 min