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!
Recent Episodes
20 episodes‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and ‘Dune: Part Three’ Trailer Reactions! | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and boy, are they excited about the recent trailer drops! First, they dive into the trailer for the next installment of Tom Holland’s 'Spider-Man' series: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’ Then, they discuss the ‘Dune: Part Three’ trailer and go over all of the new additions to the cast. Plus, they look at plot changes from the books in the first two parts of the ‘Dune’ series. (0:00) Intro (7:21) ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ trailer reaction (46:37) ‘Dune: Part Three’ trailer reaction (1:32:32) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Crimson Desert’ Is Like Everything Else and Nothing Else | Button Mash
It’s real … but is it spectacular? Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman gather to discuss one of the most ambitious, most anticipated, and most enigmatic games of the year, open-world action-adventure epic ‘Crimson Desert.’ They begin by breaking down why the game remained mysterious until its release, whether it lives up to the huge hype, how it incorporates some of the best aspects of other open-world classics, and some of its perplexing problems, along with their disagreements about the game, their shared wonder at its visuals and scale, and their sense of its significance. Then they predict the game’s Metacritic rating, share their own personal scores, and pass along some non-spoilery tips and tricks to ease the early hours. Email us at [email protected]! Intro (0:00)First reactions to ‘Crimson Desert’ (2:00)Predictions and tips (1:21:24)Outro (1:27:35) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The 2026 Versies Awards | House of Midnight
House of R and The Midnight Boys team up to bring you the 2026 Versies Awards and celebrate all the highs and lows of fandom content from 2025. Intro (00:00) Best Visuals (04:52) Best Line (12:35) Best Character (19:19) Saddest Moment (26:10) Best Music (34:15) Best New Character (42:35) Best Director (49:03) Best Showrunner (53:28) Best Movie Performance (56:48) Best Show Performance (01:02:14) Best Movie (01:14:29) Best Show (01:21:13) Hosts: Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, Joanna Robinson, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zeneris, Carlos Chirigoba Editors: Jamie Yukich, Stefano Sanchez, John Richter Editorial: Craig Gaines, Helena Hunt, Jack McCluskey Graphics: Neil Francisco Studio Production: Jacob Cornett, Kevin Cureghian, Chris Thomas, Chris Wohlers Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Sinners’ Recast and ‘Lanterns’ Trailer Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re recasting ‘Sinners’! But before they dive into that, they’re giving you their thoughts on the new trailer for HBO Max’s ‘Lanterns.’ (0:00) Intro (10:16) Nerd News: ‘Lanterns’ trailer (30:27) ‘Sinners’ recast Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are 'Marathon' and 'Pokémon Pokopia' What Sony and Nintendo Needed? | Button Mash
Gotta ’cast ’em all! First, Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman form a fireteam to discuss Bungie’s long-awaited extraction shooter ‘Marathon.’ They forecast whether it’ll fare more like hit ‘ARC Raiders’ or flop ‘Highguard,’ examine the stakes for Sony’s big bets on Bungie and live-service games, and react to a possible revival of the PlayStation/Xbox console wars, followed by a “Rage Quit” rant about the backlash to promotional photos for video game adaptations such as ‘God of War.’ Then Ben brings on Charles Pulliam-Moore from The Verge to discuss the delights of Pokémon life-sim spinoff ‘Pokopia,’ its significance for Switch 2, and the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary, evolution, and future, plus a second “Rage Quit” about the Trump administration coopting video games like ‘Pokopia’ to make memes. Email us at [email protected]! Intro (0:00) ‘Marathon’ first impressions (3:35) Live service games discussion (39:11) Are the PlayStation/Xbox console wars back? (43:56) Rage quit! (48:32 ) First thoughts on 'Pokémon Pokopia’ (57:08) Switch 2 discussion (1:19:25) The future of Pokémon (1:22:16) Rage quit vs. Trump (1:35:12) Outro (1:46:23) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Steve Ahlman, and Charles Pulliam-Moore Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Armchair CEO: Paramount and Warner Bros. | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and this time they’re stepping into the role of CEO to discuss the projects they’d be green-lighting and IP moves they’d be making if they were at the helm of the Paramount–Warner Bros. megadeal. (00:05) Intro(12:45) Armchair CEO(1:16:48) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Jamie and Devon BaroldiAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ringer-Verse Recommends: February 2026 (Featuring ‘Frieren’ and a Massive Month for Anime)
Short month, long episode! First, Ben Lindbergh and Charles Holmes extoll the virtues of one of their favorite fantasy stories, the anime series ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey's End,’ touching on its themes, influences, and characters, as well as why it makes a great gateway show for non-anime fans. They also discuss some other highlights of a peak period for anime (including ‘Journal With Witch’ and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’), preview a few coming attractions, and take a detour with discussion of ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.’ After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts, friends, and listeners salute unsung releases to top off another monthly roundup of 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. Intro (00:00) ‘Frieren’ (03:04) ‘Journal With Witch’ (25:34) ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (37:15) Van's recommendation (50:15) Steve's recommendation (51:55) Miles's recommendation (54:37) Daniel's recommendation (56:21) Devon's recommendation (58:30) Arjuna's recommendation (59:32) Matt's recommendation (61:29) Listener nomination (69:03) Recap of picks (71:13) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Devon Renaldo, Daniel Chin, Miles Surry, Arjuna Ramgopowell, Matt James, Steve Ahlman Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
'Resident Evil Requiem' Reactions | Button Mash
Ben, Matt James, and Joshua Rivera team up to take on one of the most anticipated video games of the year: 'Resident Evil Requiem,' the ninth mainline entry in the 30-year-old survival-horror franchise. First, they analyze the significance of Sony's shocking closure of Bluepoint Games, and an Xbox leadership shake-up. Then they compare their 'Resident Evil' histories, have an in-depth (but spoiler-free) discussion about how 'Requiem' weaves together different strands of the series, and offer their final verdicts on the game. Email us at [email protected]! Intro (0:00) Patch Notes (3:00) Bluepoint Closure (3:30) Xbox Leadership Changes (10:40) First Thoughts on ‘Resident Evil Requiem’ (29:11) Mash or Pass? (1:10:50) Outro (1:16:00) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Matt James and Joshua Rivera Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Black TV Draft | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and drafting the best Black TV shows of all time! From 'A Different World' to 'In Living Color' to 'Scandal,' they build their teams across five categories: sitcom, pre-'90s classic, UPN, Shondaland, and wild card. Who will come out on top? (00:00) Intro(14:48) The Black TV Draft(1:50:00) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Jamie Yukich, Aleya Zenieris and Devon BaroldiAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 1 Finale Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to dive into the highly anticipated Season 1 finale of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! (0:00) Intro (8:09) Spoilers ahead (9:50) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 1 finale reactions (41:14) Midnight Meter (1:00:39) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
'The Legend of Zelda' 40th Anniversary Draft | Button Mash
Hey! Listen! Ben Lindbergh gets together with three fellow 'Legend of Zelda' lovers—Mothership co-founder Maddy Myers, The Guardian games editor Keza MacDonald, and New York Times reporter Zachary Small—to celebrate the franchise’s 40th birthday. First, Ben, Zachary, and Maddy ask Keza questions about Nintendo and ‘Zelda’ inspired by her new book about the history of Nintendo, ‘Super Nintendo.’ Then, they each share their origin stories as ‘Zelda’ players, and the ‘Zelda’ games they have personal soft spots for. After that, they draft their favorite Links, world maps, items, bosses, dungeons, songs, and companion characters from across the series. Email us at [email protected]! Guest intros (00:00)Questions for Keza (11:11)Draft rules (41:27)Beginning of draft (45:34)Draft recap (1:37:29)Goodbyes (1:41:43) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Keza MacDonald, Maddy Myers, and Zachary SmallProducer: Chris SuttonAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 and ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Trailer Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re giving you a mid-week surprise pod on two trailers that the nerd-verse is buzzing about: ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, and ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu.' They sneak a bit of ‘Toy Story 5’ in there, too. (0:00) Intro (00:59) ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Trailer (18:05) ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Trailer (22:09) ‘Toy Story 5’ Trailer (28:07) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to dive into the most recent episode of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! They discuss Dunk’s character evolution so far, draw comparisons to other ‘Game of Thrones’ shows, and contemplate who is worthy of wielding Mjolnir. (0:00) Intro (5:09) Spoilers ahead (7:30) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 reactions (1:05:59) Outro (1:12:36) 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
February Games Blowout, Plus State of Play Reactions | Button Mash
Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman speedrun the month's major gaming news and releases. In Patch Notes, they break down HBO's 'Baldur's Gate' adaptation, layoffs for developers of struggling free-to-play games 'Highguard' and '2XKO,' Sony's latest bid for live-service success with 'Horizon Hunters Gathering,' and the highlights of February's PS5 State of Play. Then, in the Minigames section, they share spoiler-free impressions of six recently released games: 'Nioh 3,' Dragon Quest VII Reimagined,' 'Romeo is a Dead Man,' 'Mewgenics,' 'Mario Tennis Fever,' and 'Reanimal,' featuring thoughts on the state of Switch 2 and the debut of a new segment, Only in Video Games.Email us at [email protected]!Intro (0:00)Patch Notes (2:00)'Baldur’s Gate' Adaptation (2:22)Layoffs (14:25)'Horizon Hunters Gathering' (26:32)State of Play (34:10)Minigames (44:41)'Nioh 3' (45:38)'Dragon Quest 7' (49:34)'Romeo Is a Dead Man' (53:31)'Mewgenics' (59:31)'Mario Tennis Fever' (1:05:21)'Reanimal' (1:18:44)Outro (1:26:16)Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they start off the episode by jumping back into the great lightsaber debate. Then they dive into ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4, starting with a look at Baelor as a character. (0:00) Intro (18:52) Spoilers ahead (20:44) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 reactions (1:21:32) Outro (1:24:29) Post Credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Fallout’ Season 2 Finale Reactions (and Interviews!) | Button Mash
Welcome to the Wasteland—and farewell, for now! Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan reunite, hug, and hold hands as they discuss the eighth and last episode of 'Fallout' Season 2, "The Strip." First, they share their thoughts on what a season finale should accomplish and whether they found "The Strip" satisfying. Then they catch up with the core characters one more time, break down the hardest-hitting emotional moments, and discuss several loose ends before speculating on the direction of the series in Season 3. After that, Ben chats with 'Fallout' cocreator and co-showrunner Geneva Robertson-Dworet about the finale and the future of the show. Finally, Ben brings on the lead creative designer of 'Fallout: New Vegas,' Obsidian Entertainment creative director John Gonzalez, to talk about how the show handled its source material, the potential and peril of game adaptations, and the finer points of storytelling in open-world games. Email us at [email protected]! Intro (0:00)Review of the finale (2:14)The Ghoul and House (15:20)Coop and Barb (23:27)Maximus (26:58)Lucy and Hank (35:20)The Vaulties (56:13)Post-credits scene (1:02:37)Interview with Geneva Robertson-Dworet (1:11:19)Interview with John Gonzalez (1:21:20)Outro (1:54:11) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Van Lathan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, and John GonzalezProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re diving into ‘Game of Thrones’ lore in this episode! They touch on Egg’s family lineage while also contemplating what each of them would’ve done if they were in Dunk’s shoes. (0:00) Intro (6:16) Spoilers ahead (8:10) ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 reactions (1:09:12) Outro (1:13:11) Post Credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ringer-Verse Recommends: January 2026 (Featuring ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’)
New year, new recommendations! First, Ben and Daniel Chin suppress their rage and bloodlust long enough to discuss the sequel to '28 Years Later,' focusing on the franchise's unpredictable appeal, what makes the new movie so special, and (in a clearly indicated closing spoiler section) what they'd be excited to see in the final film of the trilogy. After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts, friends, and listeners salute unsung releases to cap off another monthly roundup of 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: Daniel Chin, Steve Ahlman, Arjuna Ramgopowell, Devon Renaldo, and Matt JamesSenior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
January Gems and Horror Adaptations (With Markiplier!) | Button Mash
Who says the year is starting slowly? In Patch Notes, Ben and Matt break down the release of hot-button free-to-play shooter 'Highguard,' the latest signs of decline at Ubisoft, and highlights from Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct. Then they go on a Side Quest to discuss Matt's panic purchase of a gaming PC before reaching their Main Quest: spoiler-free recommendations for four indie gems from January (their Game of the Young Year, 'Cairn,' plus 'Mio: Memories in Orbit,' 'TR-49,' and 'Perfect Tides: Station to Station'). After that, they play Mash or Pass with new big-screen adaptation 'Return to Silent Hill.' Finally, Ben brings on gaming YouTube legend Markiplier to discuss his horror adaptation: the self-financed film ‘Iron Lung.’ Email us at [email protected]! Patch Notes: ‘Highguard' launch, Ubisoft restructuring and Xbox (4:06) Side Quest: Matt James is a PC gamer! (22:08) Main Quest: January Gems (26:32) 'Cairn' (28:53) 'Mio: Memories in Orbit' (40:45) 'TR-49' (43:53) Perfect Tides: ’Station to Station' (45:41)Mash or Pass: 'Return to Silent Hill' (49:03) The Markiplier Interview (01:02:31) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt James and MarkiplierProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Fallout’ Season 2, Episode 7 Reactions | Button Mash
You always end up back where you started … and this week Van Lathan ends up back on Button Mash as he and Ben Lindbergh break down the penultimate episode of ‘Fallout’ Season 2, “The Handoff.” After sharing their overall review, they consider Steph’s backstory, catch up with the core characters, and assess how several storylines could come together in the finale. Along the way, they contemplate Canadian heritage, the Ghoul’s accent, and whom they would want with them on a Wasteland journey. Intro (0:00)Reactions to “The Handoff” (6:00)The Ghoul’s Accent (14:47)Steph’s Backstory (18:06)Betty and Other Wild Cards (26:48)Lucy and Hank (37:46)Coop, Maximus and Thaddeus (52:43)Outro (1:20:02) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Van LathanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices