The Ringer-Verse
by 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!
Episodes
-
‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ and ‘World of Warcraft: Forever’ Reactions | Button Mash
Ben saddles up on Epona (and his Skyborne Galestrider) to cover a couple of classics that just got fresh coats of paint, ponder the nature of nostalgia, and discuss how to update games that don't leave a lot of room for improvement. First, Ben and Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio review Nintendo's…
more -
'VisionQuest’ Episode 7 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re excited for the penultimate episode of Season 1 of ‘VisionQuest’! They get into the client and if they are someone we possibly already know from the MCU, and Vision’s journey until now, speculating what his legacy might be in the future! (0:00) Intro (6:22) Spoilers...
-
‘Phantom Blade Zero’ Reactions and a ‘Call of Duty’ Comeback | Button Mash
Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James discuss ‘GTA VI’ review timing, Ben’s research on how extreme this year’s pre-‘GTA’ gaming blockbuster boss rush has been, and their spoiler-free impressions of acclaimed new action game ‘Phantom Blade Zero.’ Then Ben brings on Kotaku’s Zack Zwiezen to talk about...
-
Ringer-Verse Recommends: October 2026
On this month’s Recommends, Ben brings back fellow Stephen King and Mike Flanagan enthusiast Zach Dionne to talk about how Flanagan’s new ‘Carrie’ TV series takes a fresh approach to King’s iconic tale. Then they discuss King’s new novel ‘Other Worlds Than These’ and how it functions as a coda to...
-
‘Clayface,’ ‘You Can See Everything,’ and the final ‘Dune: Part Three’ Trailer | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and boy do they have content for you! First, they’re tackling DC’s newest film, ‘Clayface.' Then they discuss Nathan Fielder’s buzzing new film, ‘You Can See Everything,’ and they leave you with their thoughts on the last ‘Dune: Part Three’ trailer before the film is released…
more -
'VisionQuest’ Episodes 5-6 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re diving back into ‘VisionQuest’! They discuss the development of Paladin throughout the series so far, debate whether the MCU has reached pinnacle blip fatigue, and talk family reunion drama. (0:00) Intro (5:24) Spoilers ahead (7:44) ‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 3-4 instant...
-
AI Angst, ‘Final Fantasy Resonance,’ and ‘GTA III’ Turns 25 | Button Mash
Ben and Matt James break down the good, bad, and ugly of gaming’s recent reckoning with AI-driven development, decompilation, and cloning, and assess whether it will fundamentally reshape the medium’s economic and creative model. Then they provide their impressions of the newly released ‘Final...
-
‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 3-4 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re jumping into the next two episodes of ‘VisionQuest’. They discuss the Vision we knew from ‘Avengers’ versus the Vision we see in this show, rate the kid-pluck level so far, and have a lively debate about the MCU character ethics. (0:00) Intro (7:19) Spoilers ahead...
-
Metroidvania Draft, Spooky-Season Games, and 'Street Fighter' | Button Mash
To live is to pod; to pod is to live! First, Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James react to the latest 'GTA VI' and 'Ocarina of Time' trailers and talk about Ben's hands-on session with the 'Ocarina' remake. Then, they share recommendations for a few recently released games that fit a Halloween…
more -
‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 1-2 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they’re returning to the MCU! They give you all of their thoughts on the first two episodes of ‘VisionQuest,’ diving into the new ensemble cast of Marvel AIs, the return of Ultron, and some of the Marvel Easter eggs we’ve seen so far. (0:00) Intro (7:01) Spoilers ahead…
more -
NYCC 2026 Recap and Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they are coming to you from New York City! They give you their thoughts on what they’ve seen so far at NYCC 2026, including news from 'Daredevil: Born Again,' 'X-Men '97,' and the DC-Skydance merger. (0:00) Intro (1:53) 'Daredevil: Born Again' (7:40) Marvel panel (19:08)...
-
Hollywood's Gaming Adaptation Feeding Frenzy, With Chris Ryan | Button Mash
Ben brings on Chris Ryan, host of The Watch, to discuss whether Hollywood has hit peak gaming adaptation. First, Chris reminisces about his gaming heyday and how his habit lapsed. Then, as Skydance consolidates its Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount IP, Ben and Chris come up with pitches for...
-
‘Lanterns’ Season 1 Finale Instant Reactions, Plus a Talk With Chris Mundy | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they have new haircuts! With the end of the beloved first season of HBO’s ‘Lanterns,’ the boys are giving you a packed episode! First they discuss their thoughts on the finale and the season as a whole, then they welcome ‘Lanterns’ writer-showrunner–executive producer, Chris...
-
‘Star Wars: Galactic Racer,’ ‘Ace Combat 8,’ and ‘Gears of War: E-Day’ Reactions | Button Mash
Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman marvel at how many good games are coming out in quick succession and wonder whether this is the best week ever for Button Mash material. Then they share their extensive, spoiler-free impressions (and rankings) of three big, brand-new releases: ‘Star Wars…
more -
Is Sinestro the Key to Unraveling the Biggest Mystery in 'Lanterns'?
The Ringer's Daniel Chin is here to breakdown Thaal Sinestro in HBO's latest DC series, 'Lanterns.' Starting with the basics, Daniel will dive into who the iconic Green Lantern villain is, what his relationships to key characters are, and what his role could be in the season finale. (00:00)...
-
Ringer-Verse Recommends: September 2026
"We do not know when it will be safe to go outside. We only know that day is not this day." That's what Ben Lindbergh says to himself when he's working from home, but not when he's in studio to discuss 'Silo' and other recent nerd-culture releases! On this month's Recommends, Ben brings on Alex...
-
A Chat With ‘Lanterns’ Writers Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re bringing you a special episode featuring ‘Lanterns’ writers/producers Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guests: Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon...
-
‘Lanterns’ Episode 7 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re ready to jump into the penultimate episode of ‘Lanterns’ Season 1! They discuss the town dynamics of present-day Rushville, John’s relationship with Hal-ogram, and the color spectrum of Lanterns. (0:00) Intro (5:24) Spoilers ahead (7:35) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 7 instant...
-
'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...
-
‘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)...
-
'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,...
-
‘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...
-
‘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...
-
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...
-
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)...
-
‘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)...
-
'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…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
‘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...
-
'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...
-
'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'...
-
‘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...
-
'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…
more -
‘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...
-
'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....
-
'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…
more -
'X-Men ’97' Season 2 Finale Instant Reactions, Plus Rob Liefeld! | Midnight Boys
The Boys are back to chat about all things 'X-Men ’97'! In the first half of this jumbo-sized episode, they share their thoughts on the 'X-Men ’97' Season 2 finale and the season as a whole before discussing the upcoming D23 expo and what they’re hoping to see revealed this weekend. Finally, the...
-
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Finale Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, blond, and excited to give you all of their thoughts on the ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 finale! They wrap up an exceptional summer of ‘House of the Dragon’ by diving into Rhaenyra’s transformation throughout the season, the humor among some of the saddest moments in the…
more -
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at Comic-Con 2026 | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back with more content from SDCC 2026! Van and Charles sit down with the senior curator of the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, Ryan Linkof. They discuss what the definition of “narrative art” is and what Linkof is excited to exhibit at the new museum. Hosts…
more -
'Big Walk,' 'Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls,' and 'Beast of Reincarnation' Reactions. Plus, the Greatest Gaming Glow-Ups. | Button Mash
Fresh off their exhilarating cooperative playthrough of 'Big Walk,' Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman hit the highlights of a busy week in gaming. (Is there any other kind?) First, a slightly self-loathing Ben comes clean about his purchase of a PS5 Pro. Then they share their impressions and...
-
‘My Adventures With Superman’ at Comic-Con 2026 | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back with more content from SDCC 2026! Our very own Steve Ahlman sits down with the cast of ‘My Adventures With Superman’ (Ishmel Sahid, Kiana Madeira, Jack Quaid, and Alice Lee) and asks them about the upcoming season. Then Jomi and Steve talk to the showrunners of ‘My Adventures…
more -
Robert Kirkman and Cody Ziglar at Comic-Con 2026 | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re giving you some San Diego Comic-Con 2026 exclusive content! They first sit down with ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Invincible’ creator, Robert Kirkman. Then they speak to writer Cody Ziglar, who worked on projects like ‘Futurama’, ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, and on the...
-
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 7 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re starting off on a tangent! They eventually give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 7, diving into the math behind the incest in the show and weighing who, if anyone, is fit to rule Westeros. But first, they give you their thoughts…
more -
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re reuniting with Peter Parker and giving you their thoughts on one of the most anticipated movies of the year: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’ They dive into the main plot points of the film (spoiler warning!), Spider-Man’s transformations, Tom Holland’s performance...
-
Ringer-Verse Recommends: July 2026 (Featuring 'Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender' and a Summer Kids' Blockbuster Battle)
Yip yip! Ben Lindbergh recruits the Ringer-Verse's Team Avatar (Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin) to talk about a busy time for the beloved franchise. First, they discuss the new animated movie 'Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.' Then, they give their impressions of another new release, 'Avatar...
-
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 6 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back, and they’re starting off in the Riverlands! They give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Episode 6, diving into the decisive battle between Tully, Cole, and Stark; Baela and Alyn’s changing relationship; and the mechanics of ancient dragon eggs. (0:00)...
-
Comic-Con 2026 Wrap Up: Marvel, Lanterns, and More | The Midnight Boys
The Boys are back and they are at San Diego Comic-Con 2026! They’re fresh off of the Hall H Marvel panel and here to give you all of the juicy footage drops and announcements!Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Carlos Chiriboga, and Jon...
-
'Halo: Campaign Evolved,' 'Splatoon Raiders,' and Steam Machine Reactions | Button Mash
As Master Chief said in 2001 and 2026: "I think we're just getting started." Ben brings on Matt James for a wide-ranging discussion of recent releases. First, inspired by Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' they examine why games aren't typically made, marketed, and analyzed through an auteurist...
About this show
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!
Hosted by
The Ringer