Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2025 (Featuring 'Foundation')
After a brief break, 'Recommends' returns with a revamped format, featuring a conversation between Ben and a guest about one of the month's recommendations! This time, Ben brings on Rany Jazayerli for a spoiler-free focus on sci-fi streaming series 'Foundation,' with an emphasis on the series' strengths, adaptation decisions, latest season, and future. After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts, friends, and listeners salute unsung nerd culture content to complete this expanded installment of the 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.
(04:35) Foundation Talk
(38:21) Weapons
(41:35) The Rogue Prince of Persia
(42:32) Ruri Rocks
(43:12) Dan Da Dan Season 2
(44:08) Herdling
(46:11) Listener Recommends with Ben
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Rany Jazayerli, Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Charles Holmes, and Daniel Chin
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Social: Jomi Adeniran
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'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' and 'Twisted Metal' Season 2 | Button Mash
Ben places a codec call to Steve Ahlman and Matt James to review the new remake of 'Metal Gear Solid 3.' First, they discuss a deluge of upcoming sequels (including 'Hollow Knight: Silksong') and react to the latest indication that the console wars are over, hardware price hikes, and comebacks by two venerable ninja-centric series. Then they discuss how 'MGS3' holds up, how the remake alters the original, and the post-Kojima future of the franchise, before recommending indie gem 'Sword of the Sea.' Finally, Ben has a (mostly spoiler-free) chat with 'Twisted Metal' showrunner/writer Michael Jonathan Smith about how he conceived of the first two seasons, depicting the titular tournament in a bigger-budget Season 2, drawing on 'Twisted Metal' lore, the show's cast and comedic tone, and his vision for a third season.
Intro (0:00)'Metal Gear Solid 3.' Review (23:00)Interview with Michael Jonathan Smith (1:09:13)Outro (1:41:14)
Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Steve Ahlman, Matt James and Michael Jonathan SmithProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 2 and ‘Alien: Earth’ Episodes 3 and 4 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back to talk about the newest episodes of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 and ‘Alien: Earth’! They dive into what James Gunn’s weaknesses in ‘Peacemaker’ could be and the many questions ‘Alien: Earth' is asking its audience. Plus, they somehow end up discussing Scrappy vs. Scooby Doo.
(0:00) Intro
(11:32) Spoilers ahead
(13:03) Reactions to ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, Episode 2
(38:30) ‘Alien: Earth’ midseason check-in
(1:19:11) Outro
Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Olivia Crerie
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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'Peacemaker' Season 2, Episode 1 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The boys are back to talk about the ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 premiere! They discuss John Cena’s acting prowess, what ‘Peacemaker’ means for the James Gunn DC universe, and the plans for the new Justice League.
(0:00) Intro
(14:35) Spoilers ahead
(16:17) Reactions to the ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 premiere
(1:27:20) Outro
Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Producers: Chris Thomas, Jade Whaley, and Aleya Zenieris
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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K-Pop: Demon Hunters - Songs, Fandom, and Favorites | Mint Edition
Steve and Jomi team up with K-pop stan Jess Clemons to dive into Netflix’s ‘K-pop: Demon Hunters.’ They discuss the film’s explosive popularity, its chart-topping soundtrack, and wrap up by ranking their personal favorite tracks.
Intro (0:00)'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' Deep Dive (5:36)Top Tracks Ranked! (52:58)Outro (1:11:42)
Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve AhlmanGuest: Jess ClemonsProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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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!
Ireland