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.

'Button Mash': Ben Lindbergh and company discuss the latest in the world of video games, from headline-making new releases, to industry trends, to game swaps and nostalgic re-plays.

Follow the House of R feed for deep dives from Mal and Jo!

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46 episodes
Avg 1 hr 29 min
English

Episodes 46

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Thursday · 1 hr 47 min
'Control Resonant,' 'Silent Hill: Townfall,' and 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave' Reactions | Button Mash
Three Button Mashers (Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman) break down three old games and three new games! First, they discuss the steps Blizzard, Bungie, and Microsoft are taking to sustain or restore interest in 'World of Warcraft,' 'Destiny,' and 'Halo,' respectively, and what the announcement of 'World of Warcraft: Forever,' the un-vaulting of legacy 'Destiny 2' content, and the transfer of 'Halo' from Halo Studios to Activision say about the best ways to revitalize beloved but long-in-the-tooth franchises. Then they share their spoiler-free reviews and impressions of Remedy's sequel to 'Control,' 'Control Resonant'; the latest 'Silent Hill' spinoff, 'Townfall'; and Nintendo's new 'Fire Emblem' epic, 'Fortune's Weave.' (0:00) Intro (2:13) Blizzard, Bungie, and Microsoft updates (31:12) 'Control Resonant' (1:06:58) 'Silent Hill: Townfall' (1:26:37) 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave' (1:44:00) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Monday · 1 hr 37 min
‘Lanterns’ Episode 6 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to jump into ‘Lanterns’ Episode 6! They discuss how DC has changed the model with this show and if they’ll be able to keep it up, as well as John’s outfit choices this episode. They finish by providing their current manhunter rankings! (0:00) Intro (6:20) Spoilers ahead (8:22) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 6 instant reactions (1:33:13) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Check out ‘The Comic Shop’ Kickstarter Page! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheyennethegeek/the-comic-shop-a-mockumentary-sitcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 17 · 1 hr 20 min
'Resident Evil' Reactions | Button Mash
Ben, Daniel Chin, and Joshua Rivera team up to break down the new 'Resident Evil' movie reboot, cowritten and directed by Zach Cregger. They discuss how the film compares to Cregger's previous work and the preexisting 'Resident Evil' film franchise, where it falls on the horror-humor spectrum, Cregger's approach to adapting the games, the prerelease fan response, whether the movie is better because it's a franchise film, and their favorite set pieces, gags, and Easter eggs. Then, in a clearly indicated closing spoiler section, they briefly share their thoughts on the ending of the movie. (0:00) Intro (3:13) 'Resident Evil' movie breakdown (1:04:14) Honest thoughts on the ‘Resident Evil’ ending (SPOILERS) (1:14:57) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Daniel Chin and Joshua Rivera Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 14 · 1 hr 32 min
‘Lanterns’ Episode 5 Instant Reactions | Midnight Boys
The Boys return to break down the crazy twists and turns of 'Lanterns' Episode 5, and this time they’re joined by special guest Chris Ryan! The guys and CR give their reactions to the big Manhunter reveal, discuss John’s arc as “The One,” theorize about what else can happen in Rushville now that it’s been largely destroyed, and so much more. Finally, they end the show with an update to their possible Manhunter rankings. (0:00) Intro (6:38) Spoilers ahead (9:35) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 5 instant reactions (1:24:37) Outro (1:27:00) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guest: Chris Ryan Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 12 · 1 hr 16 min
‘Marvel’s Wolverine’ Deep Dive | Midnight Mash
What is this, a crossover episode? Ben brings on (most of) the Midnight Boys for a second, deeper discussion about Insomniac and Sony's new Wolverine video game for PlayStation 5. Ben, Van, Jomi, and Steve share their spoiler-free reviews and react to the lukewarm critical reception, then discuss how the game integrates Logan lore and steers clear of the X-Men, whether the complaints about the game reflect the limitations of Wolverine's character, the contrast with Insomniac's Spider-Man games, the divide between hardcore and casual gamers, and more. (0:00) Intro (1:45) ‘Marvel's Wolverine’ reviews and reactions (1:13:04) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Chris Thomas and Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 10 · 1 hr 44 min
Nintendo Directs, 'Marvel's Wolverine,' and 'The Blood of Dawnwalker' Reactions | Button Mash
Ben, Matt James, and Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio unsheathe their adamantium takes as they tackle the week's biggest gaming stories. First, they break down Nintendo's back-to-back Directs and analyze both what was shown and what wasn't: the new look, hybrid gameplay, and November release date of the 'Ocarina of Time' remake; the exciting announcements and continued absences of some of the company's flagship franchises; the Switch 2's upcoming slate; Nintendo's leak problems, and more. Then they give their spoiler-free reviews of Insomniac's much-anticipated Wolverine adventure and explain the game's prerelease controversies and lukewarm reception. Finally, they share their spoiler-free reviews of the 'Witcher'-esque vampire action RPG 'The Blood of Dawnwalker' and assess where it ranks among the best vampire video games. (0:00) Intro (2:03) Nintendo Directs (35:08) 'Marvel's Wolverine' first thoughts (1:04:03) 'The Blood of Dawnwalker' reviews (1:40:47) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Giovanni Colantonio Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 9 · 2 hr 3 min
RingerQuest: The Encounter at San Veyre!
Wasting no time at all, the chaotic-but-lovable crew of five adventurers pick right back up where they left off in the last episode. Together they investigate who might be behind the assassin master plan, fail to flirt with women, and might even find themselves at a high society ball! (00:32) Campaign recap (1:10) Act 1: Into the Black Rose Tavern (55:16) Act 2: The Concordance Ball (2:00:43) Outro Directed by: Aleya Zenieris and Steve Ahlman Hosted By: Steve Ahlman Featuring: Charles Holmes, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Jomi Adeniran Audio Producer: Devon Baroldi Production Support: Jacob Cornett, Ryan Todd, Chris Thomas, Scott Lee, and Kevin Cureghian Set Design: Jonathan Ratliff Supervising Producer: Arjuna Ramgopowell Video Production and Editing: Aleya Zenieris and Matthew Ciampa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 7 · 1 hr 36 min
‘Lanterns’ Episode 4 Instant Reactions | Midnight Boys
The Boys return to recap yet another banger 'Lanterns' episode. The guys discuss the growing rift between Hal and John, question if the guardians can be racist, examine John’s Oedipus complex, and much more. Finally, they end the show with an update to their possible manhunter rankings. (0:00) Intro (3:23) Spoilers ahead (6:00) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 4 instant reactions (1:32:20) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 4 · 1 hr 35 min
'Onimusha: Way of the Sword' Reactions and Capcom's Career Year | Button Mash
Ben, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Lewis Gordon get together to ask: How does Capcom keep killing it? First, they run down some recent gaming news, including a lackluster Sony State of Play, a 'GTA'-driven bump in console sales, 'Star Wars Zero Company' maker Bit Reactor's furloughed workforce, the backlash to Nvidia's DLSS 5 AI upscaling tech, and two dubious arguments in legal filings by the major console manufacturers. After that, they share their reviews of 'Onimusha: Way of the Sword' and discuss Capcom's incredible run leading up to and throughout 2026, with insights from Lewis's reporting for The Ringer on the company's comeback. Finally, they provide their impressions of two other recent releases, 'Orbitals' and 'Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.' Read Lewis's piece here: https://www.theringer.com/2026/09/03/video-games/how-capcom-cracked-the-code-of-game-development-onimusha-resident-evil-pragmata (0:00) Intro (4:15) Patch Notes (44:35) 'Onimusha: Way of the Sword' reviews (1:03:40) Capcom's comeback (1:13:00) 'Orbitals' and 'Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy' impressions (1:29:00) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Lewis Gordon Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 3 · 1 hr 35 min
Midnight Court: '80s vs. '90s Animated Series With Guest Judge Seth Green! | Midnight Boys
The Boys return to Midnight Court, and this time they’re debating which era of animated shows had the biggest cultural impact: the '80s or the '90s? It’s Van vs. everyone in this trial of wills, and here to decide which team gave the best argument is special guest judge and cartoon expert Seth Green. (1:14) Intro (2:25) Opening statements (9:09) Cross-examination (53:58) Closing statements (1:07:57) Verdict (1:16:00) Interview with Seth Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guest: Seth Green Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 2 · 1 hr 36 min
RingerQuest: The Adventure Continues!
The Ringer-Verse is rolling the dice and jumping right back into its previous campaign! After a long journey, our heroes return to the mansion where it all began and discover that a new threat awaits them. They begin on their adventure by finding out who is after O’Daddy Thibodeaux, but they never forget that (1) it’s about the family they make along the way, (2) we all need a hefty queen, and (3) Mal has dark vision. (2:39) Campaign recap (4:38) Act 1: Return to Belvedere Manor (1:07:48) Act 2: Into Veyrholm (1:38:44) Outro Directed by: Aleya Zenieris and Steve Ahlman Hosted By: Steve Ahlman Featuring: Charles Holmes, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Jomi Adeniran Audio Producer: Devon Baroldi Production Support: Jacob Cornett, Ryan Todd, Chris Thomas, Scott Lee, and Kevin Cureghian Set Design: Jonathan Ratliff Supervising Producer: Arjuna Ramgopowell Video Production and Editing: Aleya Zenieris and Matthew Ciampa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 1 · 1 hr 55 min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2026
Who says the late-summer schedule is slow? First, Ben Lindbergh talks to Ringer contributor Adam Nayman about a trio of recent big-screen releases: 'The End of Oak Street,' 'The Dog Stars,' and 'Coyote vs. Acme.' In addition to those three films, they discuss the summer box office, the year in movies as a whole, and the best live-action and animation hybrid movies. Then, Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin join for an animation roundup as they explore some superhero and 'Star Wars' stories that slipped through the cracks in a month headlined by 'Lanterns,' 'X-Men '97,' and 'Star Wars Zero Company.' They look at 'My Adventures With Superman' Season 3, 'Batman: Caped Crusader' Season 2, 'Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall' and 'Star Wars: Visions Presents—The Ninth Jedi.' Ben concludes with a listener recommendation and a bonus nomination. (0:00) Intro (8:48) ‘The End of Oak Street’ (26:57) ‘The Dog Stars’ (42:03) ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ (58:08) ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Season 3 (1:10:01) ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ (1:16:50) ‘Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall’ (1:29:47) ‘The Ninth Jedi’ (1:47:46) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Adam Nayman, Jomi Adeniran, and Daniel Chin Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Studio Production: Remy Hernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 31 · 1 hr 45 min
‘Lanterns’ Episode 3 Instant Reactions | Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and ‘Lanterns’ is officially picking up speed. The guys discuss the third episode’s handling of John Stewart’s arc, question how the Guardians pick the right kids, examine Bernadette’s agency in her son’s transformation, and debate whether Hal is just a dickhead. (0:00) Intro (13:30) Spoilers ahead (15:27) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 3 instant reactions (1:38:49) Outro (1:40:15) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 27 · 1 hr 11 min
'Grand Theft Auto VI' Extended Look Instant Reactions | Button Mash
Ben, Jason Concepcion, and Jomi Adeniran rendezvous to break down the first official look at 'GTA VI' gameplay via Rockstar's Netflix release of footage from the long-awaited blockbuster. They discuss whether the trailer lived up to the hype, what they learned, and what they're still wondering about with less than three months to go until the game's November 19 release. They also get into gaming's moment in the monocultural spotlight, what a synthesis of 'GTA' and 'Red Dead Redemption' might play like, the recent Cyberleek saga, Rockstar's statement about the leaks, and more. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Jason Concepcion and Jomi Adeniran Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 26 · 1 hr 34 min
'Star Wars Zero Company' Instant Reactions | Button Mash
For the Republic! Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman review the new 'XCOM'-meets-'Star Wars' turn-based tactics game, 'Zero Company.' First, they react to announcements and trailers from Gamescom Opening Night Live, and share Matt's experience with FromSoftware Switch 2 exclusive 'The Duskbloods' during its closed-network test. Then, they have an in-depth, spoiler-free discussion about 'Zero Company,' touching on the nuances of its combat system, how their playthroughs differed, where the game ranks on the pantheon of 'Star Wars' games and stories, the quality of recent 'Star Wars' games versus recent 'Star Wars' TV shows and movies, the game genres they'd most like to see a first-ever 'Star Wars' spin on, and more. (0:00) Intro (1:50) Gamescom reactions (14:28) 'The Duskbloods' (19:34) 'Star Wars Zero Company' reviews (1:31:14) Outro Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James and Steve Ahlman Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 24 · 1 hr 35 min
‘Lanterns’ Episode 2 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re all in on ‘Lanterns.’ First, they discuss the potential of Hal Jordan’s powers; then, they speculate on who they think could be the Manhunter; and finally, they discuss how this show differs from the rest of the DC universe. (0:00) Intro (00:31) New York Comic-Con Announcement (8:03) Spoilers ahead (10:03) ‘Lanterns’ instant reactions (1:08:14) Outro (1:13:00) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 21 · 2 hr 8 min
'GTA' Leaks, Copycat Clones, and How to Get Back Into Gaming | Button Mash
Ben and Matt James deliver their hands-on impressions of failing to play FromSoftware's 'The Duskbloods' during a disastrous network test, then react to recent news: fresh 'Grand Theft Auto VI' leaks, another live-service snafu for Sony in 'Horizon Hunters Gathering,' Dave Bautista's selection as a recast Kratos in Prime Video's 'God of War,' Disney's decision to double down on 'Kingdom Hearts,' and a sequel funded by a mysterious, rich patron. After that, Ben brings on prolific reporter Nicole Carpenter to talk about an epidemic of game cloning, the moral and legal lines between inspiration and imitation, and how the industry's copycat problem pertains to Steam sensation 'Meccha Chameleon,' Roblox smashes 'Grow a Garden' and 'Steal a Brainrot,' and 'Palworld.' Lastly, Ben brings on writer (and doctor) Rany Jazayerli to explain what it's like to give up gaming for decades before finally returning to the fold. (00:00) Intro (00:13) Duskbloods with Matt James (10:11) News and More! (48:31) Nicole Carpenter Joins (82:31) Rany Jazayerli Joins Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Nicole Carpenter, Rany Jazayerli Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 17 · 1 hr 21 min
‘Lanterns’ Series Premiere Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys return to discuss the first episode of DC’s newest show, 'Lanterns.' They examine the show’s gruffer, jaded version of Hal Jordan, debate whether or not Lanterns can live up to its prestigious time slot on HBO, question if it’s odd to cook for a man who slept with your wife, and so much more! (0:00) Intro (9:53) Spoilers ahead (21:17) ‘Lanterns’ instant reactions (1:18:20) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 15 · 54 min
'X-Men' Cast Reveal and D23 2026 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re giving you all of their thoughts on D23 2026! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 13 · 1 hr 33 min
'Marvel's Wolverine' and 'Star Wars Zero Company' Hands-On Previews | Button Mash
The X-Men meet 'Star Wars,' and Ben Lindbergh meets Matt James as Button Mash sets the stage for two of late summer's highest-profile video games, 'Marvel's Wolverine' and 'Star Wars Zero Company.' First, Matt describes his visit to Insomniac Games and his spoiler-free impressions of the narrative, combat, and visual design of 'Wolverine.' Then, he shares interviews with Wolverine actor Liam McIntyre and Insomniac art and animation directors Grant Hollis and Brian Wyser, which Matt and Ben discuss. Finally, Ben lays out what to expect from the turn-based tactical combat, 'Star Wars' storytelling, and replayability of 'Zero Company' based on his time with the game. (00:00) Intro (02:47) 'Marvel's Wolverine' (24:43) Liam McIntyre (41:12) Grant Hollis and Brian Wyser (62:43) 'Star Wars Zero Company' Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Liam McIntyre, Grant Hollis, and Brian Wyser Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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