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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

The 2025 Confidence Pool (Movies Edition) | Mint Edition

Jomi and Steve are ready to kick off Mint Edition’s new year with a look ahead at the long list of movies in 2025! Joined by Daniel Chin, the guys are deciding just how confident they are about movies like ‘Thunderbolts,’ ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,’ ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ and much more. And stay tuned for tomorrow’s television confidence pool episode. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Daniel Chin Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal L...

Jan 17, 20252 hr 42 min

Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Reactions

Ben and Matt James discuss Nintendo's video unveiling of its Switch successor: what was confirmed, what was strongly suggested, and what wasn't mentioned at all. They also discuss Nintendo's promotional approach, how the Switch 2 fits into the larger gaming landscape, their hopes for future reveals, and more. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Matt James Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 202555 min

'Daredevil' Trailer Reactions and 'Skeleton Crew' Finale Reactions | The Midnight Boys

The Boys dive into the finale of Disney+’s ‘Skeleton Crew’ (07:45). Then, they give you the latest Nerd News on the newest trailer for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (54:16). 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

Jan 16, 20251 hr 23 min

‘Skeleton Crew’ Catch-Up and ‘Black Panther’ Casting News | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to catch you up on the most recent episodes of ‘Skeleton Crew’ (07:49). Then, they give you the latest Nerd News rumors on the recasting of T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’ IP (01:04:44). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Isaiah Blakely, Cory McConnell, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 09, 20251 hr 25 min

Our Most Anticipated Video Games of 2025 | Button Mash

Ben, Jessica Clemons, and Matt James press reset on the gaming calendar and place hype-thetical preorders for the most intriguing releases of the coming year. First they look back at last year’s most anticipated titles to examine how predictable good games actually are. Then they discuss this year’s two biggest tentpoles, ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ and Nintendo’s Switch successor, assessing their excitement for each and the odds of ‘GTA VI’ avoiding a delay (8:30). After that, they preview a stacked ...

Jan 08, 20252 hr 35 min

Casting an All-Black 'Lord of the Rings' | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are ringing in 2025 with a re-cast of the original 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, but with an all-Black cast! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Cory McConnell, Jonathan Kermah, Aleya Zenieris, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 02, 20252 hr 34 min

Things We Missed in 2024 | Mint Edition

Come and end your year right with Jomi and Steve plus Jessica Clemons looking back at some of the tv shows and movies that we didn’t get a chance to cover on the Ringer-Verse! Anything from ‘The Dragon Prince’ to ‘Wicked’ is in play before this year comes to a close. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Jessica Clemons Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 31, 20241 hr 18 min

‘Squid Game’ Season 2, ‘What If…?’ Season 3, and Ringer-Verse Recommends: December 2024

Green light! Ben and Daniel Chin discuss the second season of ‘Squid Game,’ focusing on how the streaming phenomenon follows up its first act without the element of surprise, its new spin on the formula from the sensational Season 1, and the future of the franchise. Then, they react to the third and final season of ‘What If…?’, breaking down the highs and lows of the latest set of episodes, how the whole series excelled and disappointed, and its MCU legacy (43:49). Finally, the Ringer-Verse and ...

Dec 30, 20242 hr 43 min

BEST Movies and TV of 2024: Midnight Mulligans | The Midnight Boys

The Boys delve into all of the content from 2024 and give you their Midnight Mulligans rankings. Movies: 'Kraven The Hunter' (10:31) 'Madame Web' (14:52) 'Joker: Folie à Deux' (16:04) 'Godzilla vs. Kong' (18:00) 'Venom: The Last Dance' (19:36) 'Gladiator II' (21:56) 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' (27:43) 'Deadpool & Wolverine' (35:38) 'Monkey Man' (49:08) 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' (1:10:51) 'Dune: Part II' (1:12:17) TV Shows: Netflix’s 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (1:18:37) 'The Acolyte' (1...

Dec 27, 20242 hr 13 min

2024 Games of the Year Draft | Button Mash

Ben, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Justin Charity wrap a podcast present and put it under the tree. First, they name “naughty” and “nice” trends in gaming this year, from high-profile, live-service flops to the decline of console exclusivity (08:55). Then, they celebrate the most unforgettable titles of 2024 by drafting their favorite releases across several categories, including sprawling RPGs, riveting action adventures, and indie darlings (39:20). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Mat...

Dec 23, 20242 hr 59 min

'Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Instant Reactions | Mint Edition

Jomi and Steve are joined by Ben Lindbergh to break down the third installment of the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ trilogy. Along the way, the guys discuss what worked for them in the movie and where the film franchise can go from here. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Ben Lindbergh Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 20, 202458 min

‘Superman’ 2025 Trailer Reaction | The Midnight Boys

In this special episode, the Boys react to DC’s 2025 ‘Superman’ trailer and delve into the fandom’s reactions so far. Hosts: Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, and Jonathan Kermah Producers: Cory McConnell, Jonathan Kermah, Aleya Zenieris, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 20, 20241 hr 4 min

'Skeleton Crew': Is ‘Star Wars’ Back? | The Midnight Boys

The Boys catch up on all things ‘Skeleton Crew,’ giving you their takes on Episodes 3 and 4 (07:39). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Cory McConnell, Jonathan Kermah, Aleya Zenieris, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 18, 202458 min

‘Kraven the Hunter’ and a Farewell to Sony's Spider-Man Villain Films | House of Midnight

It's time for a House of Midnight like no other! The entire Ringer-Verse crew gathers to discuss the bewildering ‘Kraven the Hunter’ and take a look at all the Sony ‘Spider-Man’ films to determine the major takeaways in this wild cinematic universe. Hosts: Van Lathan, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Steve Ahlman, John Richter, Aleya Zenieris, and Cameron Dinwiddie Social: Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 15 min

'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,' 'Secret Level,' and the Game Awards | Button Mash

Ben, Jomi, and Arjuna begin by discussing the success of the free-to-play hero shooter ‘Marvel Rivals.’ Then they whip through a discussion of ‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’ (2:40), touching on Indy’s checkered history in gaming and how his new adventure improves upon past titles and nails the tone of the franchise. After that, they provide their impressions of Prime Video’s new video game adaptation anthology series, ‘Secret Level’ (48:40), before reconvening to talk about the biggest new...

Dec 13, 20242 hr 45 min

2024 Naughty & Nice List: Ryan Reynolds, X-Men ’97, and Star Wars | The Midnight Boys

The Boys fill you in on all things 2024, giving you their naughty and nice list of the year (06:01). Then, they react to breaking ‘Star Wars’ casting news (1:27:43). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Jonathan Kermah Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 11, 20242 hr 46 min

‘Creature Commandos’ Premiere, Animation Awards, & Interview with ‘Arcane’ co-creator Christian Linke | Mint Edition

Jomi and Steve are joined by Ringer staff writer Daniel Chin for an animation filled episode of Mint Edition! First, the trio gives their reactions to the premiere of the DCEU’s ‘Creature Commandos’ (02:00). Then, they hand out their 2024 Animation Awards while celebrating the year that was in animated film and television (28:00). Later, Jomi interviews Arcane co-creator Christian Linke to discuss the show’s incredible finale and more (1:16:00)! Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Danie...

Dec 06, 20242 hr 31 min

The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Draft | Button Mash

Even after 30 years, 'Button Mash' is still not underestimating the power of PlayStation. Join Ben Lindbergh, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Rob Mahoney as they assess the legacy and influence of Sony’s first game console, reminisce about their personal PlayStation experiences, and then draft the best games from the classic system across several categories (33:17). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Rob Mahoney Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna R...

Dec 04, 20242 hr 52 min

'Skeleton Crew' Premiere, Plus a Shameik Moore Crash-Out? | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to talk about the 'Skeleton Crew' premiere (12:11), including Chuck's and Van’s takes on plucky kids. Then they get into Shameik Moore’s viral tweet from the weekend after the news came out that his costar Hailee Steinfeld was engaged (1:03:34). Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Chris Sutton, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 24 min

Ringer-Verse Recommends: November 2024

It’s always time to give thanks on ‘Ringer-Verse Recommends’! Join the Ringer-Verse and ‘House of R’ crews as they talk turkey about 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: Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Steve Ahlman, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, Matt James, Jonathan...

Nov 27, 202435 min

Arcane’ Season Two (Part 3) | Mint Edition

Mint-Vember draws to a close as Steve and Jomi dive into the ‘Arcane’ finale while joined by Jessica Clemons! The crew break down all three episodes and celebrate the shows otherworldly animation style as well as ponder the shows impact. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Jessica Clemons Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 23, 20242 hr 42 min

Was ‘Gladiator II’ Mid? Plus, the LEADING MEN Draft | The Midnight Boys

Chuck returns for fall’s most anticipated film: ‘Gladiator II’ (10:25). The Boys then get into their draft of Hollywood’s Best Leading Men (41:44). 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

Nov 22, 20242 hr 4 min

Twenty Years Ago, Modern Gaming Began With 'Halo 2' and 'Half-Life 2' | Button Mash

Is that Jason Concepcion's music?! Jason joins Ben to discuss the recent nominations for Game of the Year at the Game Awards (5:00) and then celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the most momentous months in gaming history, November 2004 (17:40). Specifically, they reminisce about and analyze the legacies of two classic first-person shooters—'Halo 2' and 'Half-Life 2'—highlighting how they were made, how they improved upon their predecessors, and how they broke creative and technological boun...

Nov 21, 20241 hr 20 min

‘Arcane’ Season Two (Part 2) + Vox Machina Season 3 | Mint Edition

Mint-vember charges on as Jomi and Steve give you more ‘Arcane coverage! The boys are breaking down episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of ‘Arcane’ with a loaded discussion. Stay till the end to hear the guys reactions to the first three episodes of ‘Vox Machina’! Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional production support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 20242 hr 48 min

‘The Penguin’: Instant Classic? Reactions to the ‘Penguin’ Finale | The Midnight Boys

The Boys are back to discuss all things ‘The Penguin’ Season 1 (08:14). They get into the successes of the show and delve more into the inner workings of Gotham. Hosts: Van Lathan, 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

Nov 11, 20241 hr 24 min

‘Arcane’ Season Two (Part 1) | Mint Edition

Jomi and Steve are back for more Mint-vember! The boys are breaking down the first three episodes of Season 2 of ‘Arcane’ like only they know how. Stay till the end to hear the guys awards for the first three episodes. Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional production support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 09, 20242 hr 34 min

'Like a Dragon: Yakuza' and a Recent Release Roundup | Button Mash

From 'Like a Dragon' to 'Dragon Age,' settle in for a supersized ‘Button Mash’ blowout! First, Ben, Brian Phillips, and Matt James discuss which games they would stream to enhance their appeal if they were running for office. Then, they break down Prime Video's latest TV adaptation of a video game franchise, 'Like a Dragon: Yakuza' (14:00), before Ben and Matt recommend several recent releases that are easy to consume, including the latest 'Call of Duty' and a 'Pokémon' mobile sensation (52:00)....

Nov 08, 20242 hr 23 min

Is ‘The Penguin’ Still Good? | The Midnight Boys

The penultimate episode of the highly regarded Max show ‘The Penguin’ is here, and the Boys are ready to give you all of their thoughts and theories (13:55). Hosts: Van Lathan, 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

Nov 05, 20241 hr 17 min

‘Arcane’ Season 1 Recap and ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ Season 5 Premiere | Mint Edition

‘Arcane’ is back and Steve and Jomi are joined by ‘Button Mash’ host Ben Lindbergh to prepare you guys for Season 2 with a recap of Season 1 and a discussion concerning what they loved about the first season (8:03). Then the trio move on to a show they’ve waited a long time to cover, ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’! They go over their thoughts about the beginning of the fifth and final season, as well as what they’ve loved about the show over the years. Hosts: Steve Ahlman and Jomi Adeniran Guest: Ben ...

Nov 02, 20241 hr 25 min

Did ‘Agatha’ Stick the Landing? Plus, ‘Penguin’ E6 Reactions | The Midnight Boys

The season finale of ‘Agatha All Along’ has finally arrived and the Boys are here to break it all down for you (7:46); they then discuss the newest in Gotham with ‘The Penguin’ Episode 6 (56:56). Hosts: Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Isaiah Blakely, and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 01, 20241 hr 28 min