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.
Recent Episodes
20 episodes‘House of the Dragon' Season 3 Trailer Deep Dive
Mal and Jo aren’t ready to leave Westeros yet! They are back to dive deep into the trailer for ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3!(00:00) Intro(05:43) Opening Snapshot(19:22) Deep dive(01:03:45) Book spoilers!Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonProducers: Carlos Chiriboga, Jon Jones, and Chris ThomasSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 6 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back with Dunk and Egg to dive deep into the final episode of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 1! They talk about the offers from Maekar and Lyonel, the green-apple Fossoways, and some changes from the novella. Plus, they look ahead to the future of the show!(00:00) Intro(05:29) Opening Snapshot(15:30) The Laughing Storm’s offer(50:12) Hard conversations at Baelor’s funeral(01:03:03) Mr. and Mrs. Fossoway, of the green-apple Fossoways(01:11:30) Maekar summons Dunk(01:38:53) Arlan’s final words(01:55:44) Daeron crashes the wake(02:09:02) Egg’s dark night of the silver-haired soul(02:21:54) Dunk counters Maekar’s offer(02:25:25) Sweetfoot returns!(02:29:35) ‘Tales of Dunk and Egg’(02:34:03) Book spoilers!Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonProducers: Carlos Chiriboga and Chris ThomasSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 6 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson are back to break down ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 6, “The Morrow.” They discuss the aftermath from the trial, Dunk and Egg beginning their adventures, and the future of the show. Plus, they talk about the ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 teaser. (00:00) Intro (1:49) CR’s recap (5:08) Favorite moment (12:45) War is coming (18:49) Can this show continue beyond the text? (24:38) Valarr Targaryen reflects on his father’s death (30:10) Egg's future and his Targaryen roots (34:33) Which S1 characters could return for S2? (39:05) Dunk was never knighted (41:38) ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 (48:18) Needle drop at the end of the episode Hosts: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Lighting Director: Sarah Reddy Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 3 Rewatch (Part 2)
Mal and Jo are finally back in the Hellmouth! They continue their ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ rewatch with the second half of Season 3! They talk about the best fights, most dated moments, the best fits, horniest moments, and more!(00:00) Intro(03:08) Mailbag(05:52) Opening Snapshot(01:11:13) SuperlativesHosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonProducer: Carlos ChiribogaSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back with Dunk and Egg to dive deep into the latest episode of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! They talk about the brutality of the trial, the flashback, a shocking death, and much more! (00:00) Intro (03:01) Opening Snapshot (21:09) Pregame Warm-Ups! (47:23) The Trial of Seven Begins (01:13:56) Raiding the Redgrass Field (01:23:57) Rafe Enters the Chat (01:28:30) Dangers on the Road (01:40:31) A Future Planned, a Future Robbed (01:50:40) Is That Ser Arlan’s Music?! (02:11:45) Dunk Versus Aerion (02:26:44) Baelor—"Breakspear"—Falls (02:33:00) Book Spoilers! Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Producers: Carlos Chiriboga and Sarah Reddy Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson are back to break down ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5, “In the Name of the Mother.” They discuss the trial of seven, the flashback to Dunk’s youth, and the most shocking moment of the series so far. (00:00) Intro (1:05) CR’s recap (6:40) Favorite moment (8:20) Thoughts on the flashback (15:10) Young Dunk (20:06) The Redgrass Field Battlefield (25:56) The trial of seven (28:10) When did Baelor get hit? (33:02) Baelor’s big scene (44:51) What will be the aftermath? Hosts: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Lighting Director: Sarah Reddy Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Our 10 Favorite Ships, Sex Scenes, and Seminal Love Stories of the Century (So Far)
Mal and Jo celebrate another Valentine's Day together by pairing their annual V-Day Quickie with the next installment of the Best of the Century (So Far) series. Talk about a hookup! They share their favorite descriptions of love, sex scenes, surprise pairings, and more!(00:00) Intro(05:12) The Rules(10:38) Favorite Couple That We Actually Got(21:21) That's What the FanFic Is For(36:05) Surprise Pairing You Wound up Caring About the Most(43:00) No. 1 Champion Yearner(50:05) Passionate First Kiss(56:27) Hottest Sex Scene(01:05:57) The Sex Scene That Made You a Romantasy Fan(01:20:37) I Have Questions About the Physics(01:38:26) Most Gorgeous Description of Love(01:46:32) Poignant PartingHosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonProducer: Carlos ChiribogaSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back with Dunk and Egg to dive deep into the latest episode of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! They talk about the trial of seven, Raymun getting knighted, and Baelor's decision to join Dunk's side.(00:00) Intro(06:25) Opening Snapshot(17:47) Dunk awaits his judgment(51:46) Baelor gives Egg some tough love(01:13:40) Baelor counsels Dunk(01:36:33) Dunk demands trial by combat. Aerion ups the ante.(01:49:30) The Fossoways side with Dunk(01:58:36) Daeron the Drunken. Daeron the Dreamer.(02:09:29) Dunk, like Jo, is always thinking of puppets(02:16:49) Steely Pate gives Dunk his shield and some encouragement(02:26:57) Dunk meets his side(02:34:24) Ser Steffon (Stevron?) flips(02:38:37) Raymun asks for his knighthood(02:52:25) The seven theory redux(03:01:06) Dunk appeals to the crowd(03:14:29) Baelor Breakspear does his best Oberyn impression(03:25:02) Book spoilers!Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonProducer: Carlos ChiribogaSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson are back to break down ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4, “Seven.” They discuss Daeron’s dream, the teams for the trial of seven, and the knighting of Raymun Fossoway. Plus, did Aerion have a point? (00:00) Intro (1:47) CR’s recap (5:06) Favorite moment (9:25) Did Aerion have a point? (13:24) Daeron’s dream (18:11) Recruiting the teams for the trial (28:14) The knighting of Raymun Fossoway (34:37) Egg and Baelor supporting Dunk Hosts: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Lighting Director: Sarah Reddy Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back with Dunk and Egg to dive deep into the latest episode of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! They talk about Dunk and Egg’s morning routines, the cruelty of Aerion, and the reveal of Egg’s identity.(00:00) Intro(04:49) Opening Snapshot(30:26) Two Tickets to the Egg and Thunder Show, Please!(52:40) Ser Robyn Rhysling and His Walking Stick Interrupt(01:09:33) Morning Chores and Sewing Lessons(01:22:47) Top Chef: Ashford Meadow(01:29:45) The Day’s Jousting Commences(01:45:00) Plummer Reveals His Match-Fixing Scheme(01:53:30) Aerion Brightflame Challenges Ser Humfrey Hardyng(02:09:35) Three-Fingered Alice’s Song(02:17:11) Market Town Prophecies(02:24:58) Raymun Serves Cider and Spills Targ Tea(02:34:50) Aerion Attacks Tanselle. Dunk Responds.(02:51:40) Egg’s Identity Is Revealed(02:58:16) Book Spoilers!Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonProducer: Carlos ChiribogaSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson are back to break down ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3, “The Squire.” They discuss their favorite moments of the episode, Egg’s big reveal, and what it all means going forward. (00:00) Intro (1:20) CR’s Recap (6:30) Favorite Moment (9:37) Is This Show a Hit? (12:17) The Egg Twist (19:56) Aerion Brightflame (25:47) Aegon Targaryen (32:56) Targaryens and Incest (40:24) Alice and Her Three Fingers (43:01) Humfrey Hardyng (46:33) Robyn Rhysling Hosts: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Lighting Director: Sarah Reddy Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The 2026 Hype Draft
Mal and Jo are set to draft their most hyped films, TV shows, and everything in between of 2026! Sean Fennessey and Rob Mahoney also join in to add to the annual chaos that is picking from the best the new year has to offer. (00:00) Intro(03:42) The draft order(06:18) Looking back at the 2025 Hype Draft(12:16) The rules(25:47) Sean’s no. 1 pick(29:14) Mal’s no. 1 pick(32:21) Jo’s no. 1 pick(35:16) Rob’s no. 1 pick(37:39) Rob’s no. 2 pick(42:56) Jo’s no. 2 pick(45:58) Mal’s no. 2 pick(50:36) Sean’s no. 2 pick(52:05) Sean’s no. 3 pick(56:03) Mal’s no. 3 pick(01:01:14) Jo’s no. 3 pick(01:06:30) Rob’s no. 3 pick(01:08:42) Rob’s no. 4 pick(01:11:39) Jo’s no. 4 pick(01:14:59) Mal’s no. 4 pick(01:17:45) Sean’s no. 4 pick(01:21:11) Sean’s no. 5 pick(01:25:03) Mal’s no. 5 pick(01:27:57) Jo’s no. 5 pick(01:29:37) Rob’s no. 5 pick(01:30:39) Honorable mentions Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonGuests: Rob Mahoney and Sean FennesseyProducer: Carlos ChiribogaSocial: Jomi AdeniranAddition Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back with Dunk and Egg to dive deep into the latest episode of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! They talk about Dunk as Ser Arlan’s legacy, the Targaryens' arrival, and the start of the tourney. And, of course, they have plenty of thoughts about THAT Ser Arlan scene. (00:00) Intro (08:12) Opening Snapshot (21:45) Dunk remembers Ser Arlan. Does anyone else? (53:52) Egg gives Dunk a pep talk (58:09) The Targaryens arrive at Ashford (01:06:30) Dunk meets Aerion Brightflame (01:10:22) Dunk meets the Kingsguard (01:21:21) Dunk makes his pitch to Baelor (Maekar is also here) (01:50:09) Puppet shows and shield commissions (02:03:57) Egg has another pep talk for Dunk—but wants one too (02:06:30) Tug-of-war (02:08:40) Dunk seeks an armorer (02:11:51) Dunk says goodbye to Sweetfoot (02:16:35) It’s time for the opening joust (02:24:49) Dunk reflects on Arlan’s legacy and makes a pledge (02:28:13) Book spoilers! Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
The Targaryens have arrived, the tourney has begun, and Talk the Thrones is here to break it all down! Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson react to ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2, “Hard Salt Beef.” They talk about the flashback with Ser Arlan, plus Dunk meeting Baelor and the rest of the Targaryens. And, of course, CR has some thoughts about the Kingsguard. (00:00) Intro (00:54) Programming reminders (2:28) CR’s recap (7:08) Favorite moment of the episode (9:43) Targaryens without their dragons (16:19) Baelor knows ball (19:45) Egg is wise (25:07) The tourney and all its glory (27:23) Prince Valarr and his abilities (28:41) The Kingsguard and their cloaks (34:06) Prince Aerion is kind of a dick (38:39) Puppets and dragons Hosts: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 1 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back in Westeros to dive deep into the latest ‘Game of Thrones’ spinoff series, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! They talk about everything from Dunk’s attempt to enter the tourney, Dunk meeting Egg, and the introduction of the incredible Lyonel Baratheon. (00:00) Intro (09:48) Opening Snapshot (41:12) Dunk Buries Ser Arlan of Pennytree (48:02) Dunk Contemplates His Future (01:05:25) Dunk Meets Egg (and a Mysterious Stranger) At the Inn (01:13:57) Dunk Arrives At Ashford Meadow to Join the Lists (01:28:40) Dunk Seeks Ser Manfred Dondarrion (01:35:24) The Fossoway Apples Enter the Chat (01:42:11) Ser Manfred Really Needs An Alarm Clock (01:44:23) Tanselle Too-Tall Is Not Too Tall For Me (01:50:44) Bonding With Raymun (01:51:50) The Laughing Storm Dances His Way Into the Story (02:12:11) Ser Manfred Rejects Dunk (02:13:39) Dunk Takes on a Squire! (02:23:15) Book Spoilers! Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 1 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
Talk the Thrones is back! There’s a new knight in Westeros and Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson return to break everything down! They talk about their favorite moments and characters so far, where we are in the timeline, and how it all compares to the novella. (00:00) Intro (00:59) Initial Reactions (2:19) CR’s Recap (8:09) Favorite Moment of the Episode (12:58) Book Thoughts (24:05) Where Is This Show in the Timeline? (36:24) Egg’s Performance (38:38) Lyonel Baratheon (43:51) Thoughts on the Whores (48:38) Outro Hosts: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and Joanna Robinson Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 3 Rewatch (Part 1)
Mal and Jo are back in the Hellmouth! They continue their ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ rewatch with the first half of Season 3 (through Episode 12, “Helpless”)! They talk about their favorite episodes, most dated moments, the best fits, how hot Giles is, and more! (00:00) Intro (15:49) Opening Snapshot (52:56) Our Favorites: Season 3, Episode 6, “Band Candy” (01:12:09) Our Favorites: Season 3, Episode 12, “Helpless” (01:33:14) Superlatives Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna RobinsonProducer: Carlos ChiribogaSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
'Stranger Things' Season 5 Finale Deep Dive
Mal and Jo take a trip to Hawkins one last time to dive deep into the ‘Stranger Things’ finale! (00:00) Intro (04:13) Opening Snapshot (28:57) Operation Beanstalk, Part 1: Lab Edition (46:21) Operation Beanstalk, Part 2: Sending Joyce Up That Tower (01:00:51) Operation Beanstalk, Part 3: Time Travel-ish… (01:14:32) A Reminder of Kali’s Powers (01:21:20) Hopper Freaks Out (01:34:14) The Teens (and Joyce) Reach the Abyss (01:40:26) You Know Who Is Running? The Kids. (01:50:28) Meanwhile, Sigh, the Military (02:04:07) Vecna and Henry and One and Will and THE MIND FLAYER (02:19:41) The Party vs. the Mind Flayer (02:35:50) Cue the Prince (02:48:27) 18 Months Later (03:05:40) Dustin Henderson Graduates (03:16:41) Hawkins Forever (03:23:07) Hopper and Joyce Go To Enzo’s (03:25:13) I Want to Believe Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
'Stranger Things' Season 5, Episode 7 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back in the Upside Down to dive deep into Episode 7 of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5, Volume 2! (0:00) Intro (6:10) Opening Snapshot (22:28) "Chapter Seven: The Bridge" (2:16:45) Theory Corner Prepare for one last adventure at Target. Visit target.com/StrangerThings Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin Producer: Oscar De La Luz and Tucker Tashjian Social: Alysha Tsuji Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
'Stranger Things' Season 5, Episodes 5 and 6 Deep Dive
Mal and Jo are back in the Upside Down to dive deep into the first two episodes of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5, Volume 2! (00:00) Intro (04:15) Opening Snapshot (32:54) “Chapter Five: Shock Jock” (01:44:34) “Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz” (02:42:41) Stage Show Script Reader Corner Prepare for one last adventure at Target. Visit target.com/StrangerThings Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Social: Jomi Adeniran Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices