

House of R
The Ringer
Welcome to ‘House of R,’ where Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson explore your favorite fictional universes with their signature Deep Dives into everything from ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Star Wars,’ ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to Marvel, and beyond. Whether they’re parsing mythology, story themes, and character arcs or tracing influences across decades of fantasy and sci-fi stories, Jo and Mal will be here weekly with Deep Dives into new nerd culture releases, nostalgic revisitations of their favorite tales in fandom, Tropes Course examinations, Hall of Fame inductions, Hype Meters, drafts, mailbags, watch lists, top moments countdowns, recommendations, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 2h 38min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2 Deep Dive
They dig into Dunk remembering Ser Arlan and what his legacy means. They unpack the Targaryens arriving at Ashford and the diminished dragon era. They follow Dunk’s pitch to Baelor, meetings with the Kingsguard, and tense tourney preparations. They cover puppet shows, selling Sweetfoot, armor hunts, and the opening joust.

9 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 47min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
A lively take on Tourney night, Dunk’s awkward rise, and the Targaryens making an entrance without dragons. They react to a tragic Ser Arlan flashback and Baelor’s surprising kindness. Costume and Kingsguard armor get praise, plus chatter about Prince Valarr, Egg’s cleverness, and that awkward Sweetfoot horse sale.

15 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 2h 43min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 1 Deep Dive
Dive into Westeros as two hosts explore the riveting world of the new spinoff! They discuss Dunk's emotional journey following a poignant loss and the humorous mishaps that define his character. The duo examines the dynamic chemistry between Dunk and Egg, setting the stage for their adventures. They also highlight the colorful introduction of Lyonel Baratheon and the bustling tourney at Ashford Meadow. Expect insights on the adaptation from novellas and plenty of lore that fans of the saga will savor!

19 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 53min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 1 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
Hosts dive into the thrilling world of Westeros with exciting initial reactions and a recap of key moments from the new knight's journey. They discuss the show's placement in the timeline, a hundred years before familiar events, and the significance of tournaments in the realm. The trio praises the performances of Dunk and Egg while exploring the adaptation from novella to screen. They also examine memorable scenes, including a vibrant tent scene and the impactful falling star moment, setting the stage for epic storytelling.

Jan 9, 2026 • 2h 32min
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 3 Rewatch (Part 1)
Dive back into the Hellmouth as the hosts delve into the nostalgia of Season 3 of a beloved supernatural classic. They celebrate standout moments like the transformation of Giles into his Ripper persona and the humorous chaos of adults turning into teenagers in a chocolate-induced frenzy. Faith's captivating introduction sparks conversations about dark foils, while emotional confrontations between characters leave a lasting impact. Plus, engaging insights from listener mail and superlatives add extra spice to this trip down memory lane.

Jan 6, 2026 • 3h 47min
'Stranger Things' Season 5 Finale Deep Dive
Join a nostalgic trip back to Hawkins as hosts share heartfelt fan reactions and reflect on the show's decade-long impact. They dive into Operation Beanstalk, dissecting the lab infiltration and Joyce's heroic climb. The emotional weight of characters like Max and Hopper shines through, alongside critiques of military logic and Mike's friendship talk. The final battle against Vecna offers thrilling tactics, while Dustin's graduation speech encapsulates the essence of found family. As the series wraps, they invite listeners to reflect on belief and closure.

Dec 27, 2025 • 2h 30min
'Stranger Things' Season 5, Episode 7 Deep Dive
Delve into the emotional highs of Season 5 as the hosts explore Max and Lucas's touching reunion amidst the chaos. They dissect the pressing mysteries of Vecna, the haunting imagery of the 'pain tree,' and the implications of the characters' decisions. A lively theory corner sparks debates on potential outcomes, while fans chime in with Easter eggs and commercial nods. Plus, hear insights on the show's handling of parental figures and crucial lore connections, setting the stage for the thrilling finale.

9 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 2h 57min
'Stranger Things' Season 5, Episodes 5 and 6 Deep Dive
Dive back into the Upside Down as Mal and Jo explore the emotional turmoil of Will and Lucas amid Vecna's manipulation. They dissect the eerie tranquility of Camazotz and its ominous Lotus Eater Machine. Parenting stakes soar with Hopper and Joyce, while Dustin grapples with grief following Eddie's legacy. The podcast also highlights shocking revelations from Brenner's notebooks, and the heartfelt moments between Nancy and Jonathan bring emotional clarity. Get ready for thrilling discussions of character arcs and high-stakes drama!

Dec 19, 2025 • 2h 7min
The Holiday Gift Swap: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ for ‘Interview With the Vampire’ Season 2
Join an entertaining holiday gift swap as two hosts exchange thoughts on 'Interview With the Vampire' Season 2 and 'Avatar: Fire and Ash.' They react to the nostalgic 'Avengers: Doomsday' teaser, discussing marketing strategies and expectations. Delve into the complex narratives of the vampire series, exploring multiple perspectives and standout episodes. Meanwhile, the critique of 'Avatar' covers everything from character dynamics to visual spectacle, with a sprinkling of humor from a unique viewing experience. It's a festive blend of insights and laughs!

Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 52min
The Top 10 Moments of 2025!
Mal and Jo count down and relive their top moments of 2025! They talk about everything from ‘Andor’ and ‘Stranger Things’ to ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Superman.’
(00:00) Intro(11:25) Jo’s no. 10(15:19) Mal’s no. 10(19:21) Jo’s no. 9(24:06) Mal’s no. 9(29:26) Jo’s no. 8 and Mal’s no. 7(38:11) Mal’s no. 8(42:23) Jo’s no. 7(45:00) Jo’s no. 6(50:51) Mal’s no. 6(57:20) Jo’s no. 5 and Mal’s no. 4(01:03:42) Mal’s no. 5(01:09:16) Jo’s no. 4(01:12:57) Mal’s no. 3(01:16:50) Jo’s no. 3 and Mal’s no. 2(01:26:17) Jo’s no. 2 and Mal’s no. 1(01:37:41) Jo’s no. 1
Prepare for one last adventure at Target. Visit target.com/StrangerThings
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory RubinProducer: Carlos ChiribogaSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell and John Richter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


