The Ringer-Verse

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

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

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

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

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 Ahlman
Guests: Daniel Chin and Matthew James
Producer: Carlos Chiriboga
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Lindbergh
Guests: Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Arjuna Ramgopal, Charles Holmes, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Mallory Rubin
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Social: Jomi Adeniran

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Lindbergh
Guests: Justin Charity and Matt James
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 Ahlman
Guest: Jessica Clemons
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices