The Ringer-Verse
The Ringer
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!
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Networks:
The Ringer
Description:
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!
Language:
English
Website:
https://www.theringer.com
Episodes
The Best of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 | The Midnight Boys
7/28/2025
The Midnight Boys are back and recording from San Diego to give you all of the news and reactions from the floor of San Diego Comic-Con. They discuss all of the major panels from Hall H, including 'Project Hail Mary', 'Alien: Earth,' 'Tron: Ares,' and so much more. They also talk about the Ringer-Verse panel and getting to meet all of you at the meet and greet. (1:32) Project Hail Mary (4:12) Alien: Earth (7:10) Tron: Ares (8:41) Predator: Badlands (11:55) Peacemaker (20:03) Charles’ Weeb Weekend Corner (24:20) Coyote vs. Acme (27:00) Star Trek (27:53) Gen V (29:07) The Ringer-Verse Panel Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) owns the SDCC trademarks used in this episode and are used under license. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:40:04
Marvel, DC, or 'Star Wars': Who’s Winning IP in 2025? LIVE at SDCC 2025 | The Ringer-Verse
7/26/2025
The Ringer-Verse takes stock of IP in 2025 live at San Diego Comic-Con. In a busy year, what's been the best and worst in IP so far? San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) owns the SDCC trademarks used in this episode and are used under license. Hosts: Joanna Robinson, Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Eduardo Ocampo and Aleya Zenieris Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:54:39
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
7/25/2025
The Boys are back to give you all of their thoughts on one of the most highly anticipated films of the year: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’ They talk about the newest portrayal of the beloved Fantastic Four characters, give you a bit of comic book context, and dive into questions they had after seeing the film. (0:00) Intro (11:27) Spoilers ahead (13:45) Instant reactions to ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (48:00) Jomi the Explainer Corner (58:05) The villains (1:13:08) Questions about the movie (1:27:02) Doctor Doom and the post-credits (1:35:55) Box office (1:41:11) Midnight Meter (1:43:00) Inaugural movie rankings for the MCU (1:47:30) 'Superman' vs. 'Fantastic Four' (1:49:39) Outro (1:51:27) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:59:28
Who Needs a New 3D ‘Mario’ When We Have ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’? | Button Mash
7/23/2025
Ben Lindbergh and Jessica Clemons begin with a roundup of game adaptation news, covering the ‘Mortal Kombat II’ trailer, Netflix’s live-action ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series, the ‘Legend of Zelda’ casting announcements, and an apparent animated ‘Donkey Kong’ movie. Then they dive deep (both in game and on mic) into new Nintendo masterpiece ‘Donkey Kong Bananza,’ touching on the history of the Donkey Kong character, the lineage of Nintendo 3D platformers, what makes the latest game great, why the Switch 2 sorely needed it, and what’s next for Nintendo and its new, hot-selling system. Intro (0:00)Game adaptation news: 'MKII,' 'Zelda,' 'Assassin’s Creed' (3:30)'Donkey Kong Bananza' reviews (28:34)Outro (1:31:15) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Jess ClemonsProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:36:43
The Comic-Con Hype Meter | Mint Edition
7/22/2025
Junior Mints, lock in—Comic-Con season is here! Steve and Jomi are back with a special San Diego Comic-Con preview, breaking down everything you need to know before the convention kicks off. From 'Tron' to 'Alien: Earth' to 'Peacemaker' to 'Coyote vs. Acme,' they cover what to expect and what they're most excited about. Plus, get a sneak peek at the Ringer-Verse panel and much more. Intro (0:00)Comic-Con preview (6:00)The Ringer-Verse panel (51:32)Outro (54:20) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:00:07
‘Superman’ Q&A with the Midnight Riders! | The Midnight Boys
7/21/2025
The boys are back and they’re here to give you more ‘Superman’ takes but this time, they’re live! The Midnight Riders have questions, and we’re here to answer them! Don’t forget, The Ringer-Verse is going to Comic-Con! We'll be hosting our very own panel at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 24, at Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for all badge holders. We’ll also be holding a meet and greet at Whiskey Girl in the Gaslamp Quarter at 8:30 pm! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:06:47
‘College Football 26’ and the Return of ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,’ Plus Tony Hawk Himself! | Button Mash
7/14/2025
Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan huddle up to discuss ‘EA Sports College Football 26,’ the sequel to last year’s bestselling comeback for the ‘College Football’ franchise, focusing on the depths of Van’s obsession, the series’ transition to an annual release schedule, and whether college basketball games will be the next to return. Then, Ben, Van, and Devon Renaldo discuss ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4,’ the best ‘THPS’ games, and gaming as a gateway to skating (32:50). Finally, Ben catches some air with the titular Tony Hawk, the skating/gaming legend, who weighs in on his ‘THPS’ history and the future of the franchise (62:03). Intro (00:00) ‘EA Sports College Football 26’ (09:30) College basketball games (24:28) ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4’ with Dev and Van (32:50) Interview with Tony Hawk (62:03) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Tony Hawk and Van Lathan Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:22:09
‘Superman’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
7/11/2025
Look up in the sky! The Midnight Boys are here to give their reactions to the long-awaited James Gunn–directed ‘Superman.’ They break down what they loved about the film from Lex Luthor, Krypto, and more. They also speak on how they think this entry can mark the beginning of a new DC Cinematic Universe informed by Gunn’s vision. Will the superhero genre be saved by the Man of Steel? The Midnight Boys are here to find out. Also, The Ringer-Verse is going to Comic-Con! We'll be hosting our very own panel at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 24, at Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for all badge holders. (0:00) Intro (4:44) Comic-Con Announcement! (9:04) Spoilers ahead (11:49) Instant reactions to ‘Superman’ (1:52:18) Midnight Meter (2:03:33) Outro (2:04:12) Post credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:02:14:53
Midnight Court: Superman vs. the Fantastic Four | The Midnight Boys
7/4/2025
The Boys are back in court to debate the two hottest films of the nerd universe in 2025: ‘Superman’ vs. ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’ Here to decide which legal team gave the best argument is the honorable judge Sean Fennessey. (0:00) Intro (2:26) Opening Statements (8:45) Cross-Examination (44:45) Closing Statements (49:03) Verdict Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guest: Sean Fennessey Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:54:50
'Jurassic World' Reactions and 'Ironheart' Finale Reveal | The Midnight Boys
7/3/2025
The Boys are back to give you their reactions to 'Jurassic World: Rebirth', plus their thoughts on the 'Ironheart' season finale. They even sneak in a little bit of fresh Nerd News as well! (0:00) Intro (10:19) Spoilers ahead (11:51) Instant reactions to ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ (50:37) 'Jurassic World' Midnight Meter (1:08:15) Instant reactions to 'Ironheart' Finale (2:15:23) ‘Ironheart’ Midnight Meter (2:16:31) Nerd News (2:21:06) Outro (2:22:50) Post credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:02:28:58
Summer Franchise “Retooling” Draft | Mint Edition
7/1/2025
Jomi and Steve are joined by Daniel Chin and Matthew James for their Summer Franchise “Retooling” Draft! With DC, the MCU, and ‘Jurassic World’ all looking to put their pasts behind them with new films this month, they’ll be taking a look back at the movies that caused these franchises to retool. They’ll each draft one movie from each franchise’s most recent era and one wild card! (00:00) Intro(05:00) Rules(08:24) Round 1(19:15) Round 2(32:23) Round 3(45:12) Round 4(01:03:24) Honorable mentions(01:08:31) Recap Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve AhlmanGuests: Daniel Chin and Matthew JamesProducer: Carlos ChiribogaAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:20:09
Ringer-Verse Recommends: June 2025
6/30/2025
Was June slow? Not so! Let Ringer-Verse Recommends tell you what to know. Sit back and enjoy the show. Join your favorite Ringer-Verse and House of R hosts as they salute unsung nerd culture content in the latest installment of the 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 LindberghGuests: Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Arjuna Ramgopal, Charles Holmes, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Mallory RubinSenior Producer: Steve AhlmanSocial: Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:33:52
‘Death Stranding 2' and the First Half of 2025 in Games | Button Mash
6/27/2025
Ben and Justin Charity have a spoiler-free discussion about Hideo Kojima's acclaimed PlayStation 5 sequel to 2019's 'Death Stranding,' 'Death Standing 2: On the Beach.' Then, after their brief reaction to casting news about the upcoming 'Street Fighter' film, Matt James joins to reflect on the year in gaming. The two construct joint top-10 lists of his and Ben's favorite games of the year so far, as well as their most anticipated games for the rest of 2025. Intro (0:00)‘Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’ Spoiler-Free Impressions (3:53)Reactions to ‘Street Fighter’ Casting News (46:22)Game of the Year So Far + 2025 Hype List (56:05)Outro (1:43:22) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Justin Charity and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:49:00
'Ironheart' Episodes 1-3 and 'Fantastic Four' Final Trailer Reactions | The Midnight Boys
6/26/2025
The Midnight Boys suit up to take on the newest Disney+ show, 'Ironheart,' reacting to the big three-episode premiere and diving into how they think the character of Riri Williams is served in this opening. Later, they take a look at the final trailer for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and debate how strong Johnny can be and how handsome Pedro Pascal really is. (0:00) Intro (6:42) Spoilers ahead (8:35) Instant reactions to 'Ironheart' Episodes 1-3 (1:17:45) Instant reactions to the final 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' trailer (1:49:23) Outro (1:51:34) Post credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:02:02:53
James Gunn vs. Matt Reeves, Plus Superman Mailbag | The Midnight Boys
6/18/2025
The boys are back to answer your call-in questions for all things coming up in the summer of content! They discuss James Gunn, Superman, the new Batman, and much more! They also answer questions like "Is Marvel hiding 'Ironheart'?" and "What are your favorite movies, games, and comics?" Intro (0:00) Spoilers Ahead (11:02) Nerd News (11:35) Mail Bag (24:06) Outro (2:00:13) Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:02:07:18
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Live-Action Debate (Spoilers) and ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’
6/13/2025
The Mint Boys are back, and this time they’re joined by the amazing Jessica Clemons to dive into the 'How to Train Your Dragon' live-action remake! From stunning visuals to emotional beats, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and what this means for the future of live-action adaptations. Heads up: Full spoilers ahead for the remake—skip ahead if you haven’t taken flight yet. They also discuss the exciting 'Predator: Killer of Killers' and what makes the 'Predator' films and lore so enjoyable after all these years. Intro (0:00)Reactions to 'How to Train Your Dragon' (5:15)'Predator: Killer of Killers' deep dive (36:15)Outro (1:2:00) Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve AhlmanGuest: Jessica Clemons Producer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:07:06
'Ballerina' and Reactions to the Final ‘Superman’ Trailer | The Midnight Boys
6/11/2025
The Boys are back to react to the newest release in the 'John Wick' series, ‘Ballerina.’ They then dive into the latest nerd news, the final trailer for the highly anticipated ‘Superman.’ (0:00) Intro (6:31) Spoilers ahead (8:35) Instant reactions to 'Ballerina' (1:25:19) Midnight Meter (1:29:43) Nerd News Minute: new 'Superman' trailer (1:37:59) Outro (1:39:30) Post Credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:45:15
Switch 2, ‘Mario Kart World,’ and Summer Showcase Reactions | Button Mash
6/9/2025
Ben and Matt put down their Pro Controllers long enough to react to a landmark weekend in gaming. First, they discuss the launch of Nintendo’s Switch 2, their at-home experiences with the system, and whether it's worth getting now. Then they share their thoughts on ‘Mario Kart World’—as a sequel to one of the bestselling games of all time, as a reinvention of the franchise, and as a Switch 2 launch title and system seller. Then they break down the top trends and announcements from gaming’s summer showcase season, including PlayStation’s State of Play, Summer Game Fest, the Xbox Games Showcase, and more. Intro (0:00)Reactions to the Switch 2 (2:23)First thoughts on ‘Mario Kart World’ (34:15)Highlights from summer showcase season (55:08)Outro (1:23:37) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:12
The Racist Movie Characters Draft | The Midnight Boys
6/4/2025
The Boys are back to draft the most racist characters in film history, featuring five categories: action, comedy, Oscar, Tarantino, and wild card. (0:00) Intro (16:45) The draft (1:42:53) Outro 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
Duration:01:49:58
‘Elden Ring Nightreign’ Reactions and ‘Elden Ring’ Movie News | Button Mash
6/2/2025
Ben, Matt, and Steve party up for a three-person podcast about a three-player game! First, they discuss what the cancellation of Electronic Arts' Black Panther project portends for the future of superhero games and Triple-A licensed games. Then they have a spoiler-free discussion of FromSoftware's fascinating 'Elden Ring' spinoff experiment, 'Nightreign,' focusing on its difficulty, its genre-spanning appeal, and its technological drawbacks. After that, they react to the news that Alex Garland is writing and directing an A24-produced 'Elden Ring' movie and try to figure out what the adaptation could look like, before honoring 'Mission: Impossible' by identifying other major media properties that historically have been the most underserved by video games. Intro (0:00)Black Panther + Game Cancellations (2:40)Reactions to 'Elden Ring Nightreign' (11:13) 'Elden Ring' Movie Predictions Most Underserved Franchises in Video Games (56:46)Outro (1:16:48) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:22:13