Your Dark Companion Podcast

Bust the Budget | Brad Sham

Episode 196 of Your Dark Companion welcomes back one of the most recognizable voices in football — Brad Sham, the longtime radio play-by-play voice of the Dallas Cowboys.
Brad sits down with Mike Rhyner for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about:
Why defense always becomes king in December
The Cowboys’ “messy” season and what actually gives him optimism
The realities of salary cap maneuvering and why “busting the budget” might be necessary
The evolution of NFL draft preparation
Off-season decompression (including Wrigley Field pilgrimages and streaming marathons)
And unforgettable stories about the visionary and volcanic Tex Schramm
From the changing landscape of sports broadcasting to behind-the-scenes draft room reactions (including a live on-air “Well I’ll be damn”), Brad delivers humor, perspective, and decades of insight.
This episode blends Cowboys analysis, NFL strategy, sports media evolution, and the kind of storytelling you only get from someone who’s been there for nearly half a century.
If you love football history, salary cap talk, and tales from the golden age of the NFL — this one’s for you.
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Lightning Strikes & Episode 196 Begins02:30 – Off-Season Life: Decompressing After 7-Day Football Weeks06:45 – Wrigley Field Pilgrimages & Chicago Roots13:10 – Why February Is the Most Desolate Sports Month14:52 – Defense Wins in December (It Always Does)18:55 – The Cowboys’ “Messy” Season Explained23:20 – Salary Cap Reality & Why It’s Time to Bust the Budget27:45 – Free Agency, Pickens, Williams & Building It Right28:00 – How Brad Preps for the NFL Draft34:00 – Enter Tex Schramm: Visionary, Volcanic, Unforgettable40:00 – Broadcasting Wisdom & The Best Advice Brad Ever Got44:00 – Post-Game Bar Stories & Press Box Legends52:30 – Live On-Air Draft Shock Moment56:00 – AI, Censorship & Radio Mishaps
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The Life of the Wayward Keyboard Traveler | Chad Stockslager

In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner welcomes Dallas music staple Chad Stockslager — better known as Mr. Chad — for a wide-ranging, funny, and deeply musical conversation about a life spent chasing the right notes.
Chad traces his journey from a childhood epiphany sparked by The Wizard of Oz to becoming one of the most in-demand keyboard players in North Texas. He shares stories from his early Terrell and Deep Ellum days, tribute projects like Buick Six, and playing legendary Dallas rooms including the newly revived Longhorn Ballroom.
Along the way, Chad reflects on the giants who shaped him — Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Floyd Cramer, Nicky Hopkins — and explains why vintage soul and 50s rock still live inside his playing. He tells the unforgettable story of Booker T. Jones sitting in on his slightly “well-loved” keyboard rig, the technical dance of modern MIDI programming, and what it takes to replicate classic piano tones without hauling a 900-pound instrument.
There’s also talk of Dallas’ ever-evolving music scene, Pedigo’s Magic Pilsner, Bastards of Soul, soul nights at the Longhorn, and the unpredictable joy of song swaps at the All Good Café.
It’s a conversation about craft, community, and the strange beauty of being “everyone’s go-to keyboard player.”
And yes — the magical musical thing makes an appearance.
⏱️ Chapters
00:43 – Introducing Mr. Chad04:50 – The Buick Six and playing Dylan like the records09:08 – The “Magical Musical Thing” origin story16:07 – From Terrell to Deep Ellum22:00 – Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis & early influences26:54 – Rediscovering the Longhorn Ballroom33:15 – Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Grant Halliburton Foundation34:42 – CBD House of Healing sponsor read37:24 – Valentine’s Song Swap at All Good Café42:12 – The evolution of keyboard technology46:02 – Booker T plays Chad’s “well-worn” rig49:08 – Pedigo’s Magic Pilsner & future projects51:07 – Pandemic variety shows & creative survival
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When Preparation Becomes the Superpower | Dana Larson

In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with acclaimed broadcaster Dana Larson for a wide-ranging conversation about preparation, authenticity, and what it really means to tell sports stories well.
Dana reflects on her journey from growing up watching football with her family to building a respected career covering the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, and some of the most meaningful moments in Texas sports history. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Mavericks’ 2011 championship parade, the University of Texas national title with Vince Young, and her unforgettable interactions with legends like Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Young, and Nolan Ryan.
The conversation also explores the changing landscape of regional sports networks, the uncertainty facing broadcasters and fans alike, and why accessibility to local teams matters more than ever. Dana speaks candidly about navigating a male-dominated industry, working through two pregnancies on the job, and how preparation became her professional foundation.
Throughout the episode, Mike and Dana return to the same core idea: when athletes, broadcasters, and fans slow down long enough to see the people behind the uniforms, that’s when sports storytelling truly works.
This is a thoughtful, honest look at sports media, legacy, and the human moments that linger long after the final score.
YDC Ep 194_ Dana Lar
⏱️ Chapters (YouTube-Optimized)
00:41 – Welcoming Dana Larson to Your Dark Companion05:15 – From gymnastics and dance to sports journalism08:46 – Learning every sport the hard way13:27 – Mavericks history and early broadcasting lessons22:30 – The uncertain future of regional sports networks26:14 – Why basketball became Dana’s favorite sport to cover29:45 – Building trust with coaches and athletes34:33 – Rick Renner stories and unforgettable personalities35:33 – Seeing athletes as real people41:34 – Sponsor break: CBD House of Healing43:39 – Dana’s Mount Rushmore of Dallas athletes54:49 – Navigating the industry as a woman in sports media1:00:58 – Longevity, preparation, and what comes nextFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion
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Rock & Roll Alternative | George Gimarc

Some radio careers are planned.This one happened because someone needed a name on the spot — and said it confidently enough.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with legendary radio architect George Gimarc for a deep, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about how alternative radio actually came to be — not as a movement, but as a series of accidents, instincts, and battles fought on the air.
George traces his path from Lake Highlands kid to WRR intern on the morning the fall of Saigon broke, to finding his voice at KZEW The Zoo, where Rock and Roll Alternative was born not from strategy — but from reading the spine of an Atlanta Rhythm Section album behind a program director’s desk. What followed was a crash course in punk, garage bands, mail-order records, hostile phone lines, and unwavering belief in music no one else was playing yet.
The conversation pulls back the curtain on the early days of KDGE The Edge, the reality of radio “wars,” and the moment when saying something long enough — world famous, tenth anniversary, alternative — made it real. Along the way, George shares unforgettable stories about introducing U2 before anyone knew who they were, the letters that saved his show, getting fired with friends, and watching formats he helped build eventually forget their own history.
Now stepping away from radio after 50 years, George talks about his next chapter with the Texas Music Hall of Fame, preserving the artifacts, records, and stories that shaped Texas music — the stuff that doesn’t survive unless someone decides it matters.
It’s an episode about belief, timing, and why radio — at its best — was never just about the music. It was about declaring something into existence and daring people to follow.
YDC Ep 193_ George Gmarc
Chapters
00:00:00 – Lightning strikes and welcoming a radio lifer00:02:06 – “This is the year I leave radio”00:03:26 – The Texas Music Hall of Fame chapter begins00:05:38 – Superhero origin stories and radioactive cockroaches00:06:11 – The first music that mattered00:08:17 – A high school assignment that changed everything00:10:03 – Interning at WRR and the fall of Saigon00:13:05 – Baptism by fire in a newsroom00:13:33 – Arriving at The Zoo00:15:30 – The moment Rock and Roll Alternative got its name00:17:46 – Why nobody questioned it00:18:28 – Searching for music that didn’t fit00:20:33 – Garage bands, punk records, and mail-order discoveries00:22:16 – Buying everything within reach00:22:52 – Turning obsession into a radio show00:23:50 – Playing music you didn’t care if people liked00:24:34 – The Zoo as a radio family00:25:11 – Getting taken off the air — and coming back00:26:09 – The letters nobody told him about00:28:49 – Knowing the show was working00:31:05 – Introducing bands before anyone knew them00:34:27 – Radio wars and the wet T-shirt contest with U200:37:31 – “We’re from Ireland, lad”00:38:57 – Mid-show read: CBD House of Healing00:41:24 – Life after The Zoo00:44:52 – Pitching and building The Edge00:47:39 – Small ratings, massive loyalty00:48:46 – Edge Fest and the money problem00:50:22 – Ownership drama and the fall00:51:59 – When pop culture finally caught up00:52:40 – The Zoo vs. The Edge: James Dean and Elvis00:54:38 – Declaring anniversaries into existence00:55:36 – If you say it loud enough, it’s real00:57:18 – Archiving music before it disappears00:59:09 – Final reflections and sign-off
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Across its run, Your Dark Companion has featured conversations with musicians, authors, journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, athletes, and cultural figures whose stories reach far beyond headlines. Guests include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame–level artists, legendary radio and media voices, bestselling authors, filmmakers, professional athletes, industry pioneers, and people whose lived experiences offer rare perspective on music, sports, culture, history, and the human condition.
Each episode favors curiosity over clicks, memory over noise, and long-form conversations that let guests tell the stories that don’t always fit anywhere else.

Snow-G | Greggo

When the roads are iced over, the guests bail, and nobody’s going anywhere… you improvise.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Grego, and Shoopy go full work-from-home mode as North Texas locks itself indoors under ice, school closures, and an “abundance of caution.” What was supposed to be a normal show turns into an OG weather emergency episode — and somehow still covers plenty of ground.
The guys start with frozen streets, nostalgic school-closing memories, and the modern miracle of calling off classes days in advance. From there, the conversation slides naturally into sports, where the Mackenzie Gore trade gets a full breakdown. Despite outside criticism, the crew agrees the Rangers did what contenders have to do: give up prospects to get pitching — especially left-handed pitching that throws gas.
Then it’s on to a Super Bowl nobody fully predicted, with reflections on the Patriots’ stunning turnaround, Seattle’s resilience, and the never-ending comparison between Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones. Along the way, Sam Darnold’s long, winding road to relevance earns genuine admiration.
The back half of the show turns reflective, as the conversation shifts to the changing media landscape. Network television’s sudden embrace of live sports, the slow death of newspapers, shrinking sports departments, and the quiet disappearance of something that used to matter every morning all get unpacked. There’s nostalgia, frustration, and the uncomfortable reality that live sports may be the last thing holding traditional media together.
It’s loose, honest, funny, and exactly what Your Dark Companion sounds like when the weather forces everyone to stay home — but the microphones stay on.
ydc_ep_191__snow_storms_means_w…
Chapters
00:00:00 – Ice everywhere and an emergency OG episode00:02:29 – School closures and “abundance of caution”00:06:39 – Declaring the Snow G episode00:07:08 – The Mackenzie Gore trade reaction00:09:43 – Why pitching is always worth prospects00:12:20 – The Rangers’ changing philosophy00:15:35 – Super Bowl matchup set00:16:24 – Patriots, Seahawks, and Cowboys misery00:21:57 – Sam Darnold’s long road back00:27:55 – Mid-show read: CBD House of Healing00:31:17 – Why network TV is suddenly all about sports00:35:41 – The future: paying for games and even the Super Bowl00:37:03 – Newspapers disappearing in real time00:39:58 – Losing local sports voices and coverage00:41:36 – Where do you even find movie listings now?00:45:34 – Jason Kidd earning real respect as a coach00:52:28 – Players who fooled us: Jason Kidd and Troy Aikman00:54:05 – Grego’s audition story and not looking old enough00:55:25 – Final thoughts and sign-off
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From a Gas Station to the Big Leagues | Matt Hicks

Some careers are carefully mapped out. Others start because you needed gas.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Grubes sit down with Matt Hicks, the longtime radio voice of the Texas Rangers, to trace a broadcasting journey that took more than two decades, dozens of towns, and one perfectly timed phone call to finally reach the major leagues.
Hicks walks through his path from a childhood spent reenacting games on a cassette recorder, to college radio at Maryland, to grinding it out for 23½ years in the minor leagues — often for little pay, fewer guarantees, and no clear finish line. Along the way, he explains how a chance encounter at a gas station launched his career, why hockey was actually his first love, and how baseball slowly became the thing that stuck.
The conversation turns emotional when Hicks revisits the Rangers’ 2023 World Series run, the discipline required to keep your voice steady in the biggest moments, and what it meant to share that call alongside Eric Nadel after everything the franchise — and its fans — had endured. There are also detours into Hollywood (yes, Major League 2), unforgettable meetings with Bob Uecker, and the quiet realization that sometimes the longest route is the only one that actually works.
It’s a reminder that broadcasting careers aren’t built overnight — they’re built by showing up, saying yes, and being ready when luck finally decides to notice you.
Chapters
00:00:00 – Welcome in and meeting Matt Hicks00:01:31 – Doing something 200 times (and counting)00:03:09 – The voice you know from Rangers radio00:07:32 – Becoming a grandfather in real time00:08:48 – Growing up in Washington, D.C. and Maryland00:11:27 – Falling in love with radio as a kid00:12:09 – Calling the Super Bowl… on a cassette recorder00:13:40 – College radio and choosing the long shot00:16:16 – The gas station moment that changed everything00:19:09 – First job, first newsroom, first leap00:20:47 – Getting into play-by-play00:22:12 – Hockey first, baseball later00:24:19 – Choosing stability over passion00:27:07 – Breaking into minor league baseball00:30:57 – $50 a game and no turning back00:31:36 – Sponsor break: CBD House of Healing00:34:37 – 23½ years in the minors00:36:28 – Major League 2 and Bob Uecker00:43:59 – Almost getting the call — and missing it00:46:27 – The phone rings at Legoland00:49:22 – “Can you get to Arlington?”00:51:30 – Finally reaching the majors00:54:37 – Calling a World Series you never thought would come00:58:30 – Why this job means more than baseball01:03:06 – Final reflections and sign-off

From the Control Room to the Ballroom | Tony Smith

For years, Tony Smith was exactly where you wanted him — behind the glass, keeping the lights on, the sound clean, and occasionally dropping a perfectly timed Dancing with the Stars reference that somehow became radio gold.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Grubes welcome longtime Ticket engineer Tony “the Engineer” Smith for a candid, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about radio life, finding your voice in the margins, and knowing when it’s time to walk away.
Tony traces his path from promotions to engineering, explains how an unexpected obsession with Dancing with the Stars turned into a beloved on-air bit, and opens up about how leadership changes, shifting station culture, and a slow drip of punishments eventually drained the joy from a place he once loved. Along the way, Mike reflects on his own departure, the unspoken bonds inside radio stations, and how sometimes the thing you leave behind simply isn’t the thing you fell in love with anymore.
It’s part nostalgia, part therapy session, part inside baseball — and a reminder that sometimes the most interesting stories come from the people who were never supposed to be on mic at all.
ydc_ep_189__tony_smith_v1
Chapters
00:00:00 – Welcome in and meeting Tony “the Engineer”00:01:46 – Life at The Ticket and the people who made it special00:03:20 – How Dancing with the Stars became “the bit”00:05:23 – When the show — and the station — started to change00:08:18 – Engineering, promotions, and finding your way inside radio00:10:15 – Becoming unexpectedly famous for the wrong reasons00:13:20 – The move that changed everything00:15:27 – When leadership shifts alter the culture00:18:13 – Why the bit worked (and why it mattered)00:22:14 – Popularity vs. talent, radio and reality TV00:27:19 – Campound, crossing a line, and unintended consequences00:32:09 – Punishments, silence, and losing the joy00:36:42 – “The station I left was not the station I loved”00:43:52 – Sponsor break: CBD House of Healing00:46:26 – Life after radio: travel, podcasts, and freedom00:49:49 – Leaving without regret and keeping the memories00:58:06 – Dallas radio legends, reunions, and closing thoughts

20 Years of the DIFF | James Faust

Watching one movie a night sounds relaxing.Watching eleven a day sounds like a cry for help.
This episode of Your Dark Companion finds Mike Rhyner and Grubes welcoming back James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas International Film Festival, as DIFF gears up for its 20th anniversary. From the brutal realities of screening thousands of submissions to the delicate art of choosing films that won’t make audiences flee the theater, James pulls back the curtain on how film festivals actually work.
Along the way, the conversation veers (as it should) into popcorn rituals, Russian romantic comedies no one saw coming, mob-adjacent piano tuners, celebrity memories, Netflix House skepticism, and why “effort does not equal quality” might be the hardest truth filmmakers ever hear.
It’s part insider masterclass, part hang-session, and fully committed to reminding you that festivals aren’t gatekeepers — they’re exhausted movie lovers with college degrees and very strong opinions.
Chapters
00:00:00 – Lightning Strikes, Sports Takes, and Why This Episode Exists00:04:04 – Watching 11 Movies a Day Without Losing Your Mind00:06:19 – Popcorn Rules, Butter Politics, and Theater Etiquette00:08:11 – Inside the 20th Anniversary of Dallas International Film Festival00:09:01 – The Hunt for Hidden Gems (And Why Tuner Rules)00:12:30 – Wrongful Convictions, Tough Films, and Emotional Payoffs00:12:46 – Lucky Grandma, AT&T Untold Stories, and Why Comedy Matters00:15:23 – Remembering Rob Reiner and the Rights Nightmare After Legends Pass00:19:27 – Landman, Texas Accents, and When Shows Just Don’t Grab You00:23:09 – Netflix House: Theme Park or Expensive Store With Drinks?00:25:44 – DIFF Dates, Venues, and What’s Coming in April00:26:43 – How to Submit Your Film (And When You’re Too Late)00:29:06 – Film Festivals vs. Streaming: The New Reality00:30:32 – How Films Are Judged (And Why Your Mom Is Not the Final Authority)00:33:13 – Acceptance Rates, Rejections, and Crushing Dreams Politely00:38:16 – What Getting Into a Festival Really Means for Filmmakers00:42:39 – When a Festival Film Actually Breaks Through00:46:42 – Han Shot First (Because of Course He Did)00:56:51 – Unexpected Oscar Buzz and Festival Surprises01:08:27 – Film, Community, and Why Dallas Actually Matters01:13:06 – Wrapping It Up With Stories, Laughs, and Mild Exhaustion
 
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The Cars: No Steering Wheel, All Sound | Bill Janovitz

They’re called The Cars, but there’s no engine, no steering wheel, and no gas involved — just songs that still take people places.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Grubes welcome author and musician Bill Janovitz to talk about his book Let the Stories Be Told, a deeply researched, clear-eyed look at one of the most influential — and quietly complicated — bands of the late ’70s and ’80s.
Janovitz walks through The Cars’ rise from the Boston club scene to global dominance, how their futuristic sound blended new wave and pop rock without ever sounding gimmicky, and why the band’s internal dynamics slowly pulled them apart. From Rick Ocasek’s creative control and management decisions to the overlooked brilliance of Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and Ben Orr, this conversation explores what really powered the band — and what ultimately stalled it.
Mike reflects on discovering The Cars during one of his own musical “dark periods,” while Janovitz explains why great bands don’t always function like great friendships. The episode also looks forward, touching on unreleased Cars material and Janovitz’s upcoming work on another American original.
No horsepower. No chrome. Just enduring music and the stories behind it.
📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode
Let the Stories Be Told: The Story of The Cars — Bill Janovitz👉 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0306827122
👉 Bookshop.org (supports indie bookstores): https://bookshop.org/p/books/let-the-stories-be-told-the-story-of-the-cars-bill-janovitz/19562272
👉 Publisher (Da Capo / Hachette): https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/bill-janovitz/let-the-stories-be-told/9780306827123/
Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History — Bill Janovitz👉 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/030682803X
👉 Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/leon-russell-the-master-of-space-and-time-s-journey-through-rock-roll-history-bill-janovitz/19850558
👉 Publisher: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/bill-janovitz/leon-russell/9780306828038/
Chapters
00:00:00 – Lightning, chaos, and a proper Your Dark Companion opening00:01:29 – Why Bill Janovitz writes rock biographies00:03:16 – Discovering The Cars during a musical dark period00:04:42 – Why The Cars felt different from everything else00:05:52 – Hearing the debut album for the first time00:07:04 – “Music made for our generation”00:08:33 – Were The Cars really new wave?00:10:26 – Synths, punk, and the future of pop music00:12:26 – The song that sealed it00:13:33 – Favorite Cars tracks and noir-pop brilliance00:14:40 – Underrated musicianship inside the band00:16:48 – Greg Hawkes and the sound of The Cars00:17:53 – The Boston scene before the breakout00:20:58 – Fame, singers, and shifting power00:22:23 – Rick Ocasek and creative control00:24:14 – Heartbeat City and the beginning of the end00:25:32 – Songwriting vs. arranging00:27:20 – Why Rick never succeeded without The Cars00:29:04 – Management decisions and widening fractures00:34:28 – Touring, money, and resentment00:34:58 – Why The Cars’ live shows divided fans00:39:00 – What the surviving members are doing now00:41:45 – Unreleased Cars recordings00:47:09 – Janovitz’s next project: Leon Russell

From Radio to Roots: The Dirt Doctor | Howard Garrett

Mike Rhyner welcomes a new voice into the Sunset Lounge universe — and it’s one that knows more about dirt than just about anyone alive.
Howard Garrett, better known as the Dirt Doctor, joins the show to talk about his transition from decades of terrestrial radio into the podcast world, and the unlikely path that led him there. What starts as a conversation about gardening quickly turns into a deeper discussion about health, industry resistance, bad science, and why doing things the “normal” way doesn’t always mean doing them the right way.
Howard explains how his entire career changed the moment he realized he didn’t want toxic chemicals anywhere near his young daughter — a decision that pushed him toward organic gardening long before it was fashionable. He breaks down why synthetic fertilizers damage soil over time, how organic methods actually save money, and why healthier soil leads to fewer pest problems instead of more.
Along the way, Howard shares stories of pushback from the landscaping industry, getting canceled for challenging the status quo, and why no university in America teaches the organic approach he’s spent decades perfecting. From fire ant control using dry molasses to curing tree problems others say can’t be fixed, the Dirt Doctor makes a strong case for doing things naturally — and smarter.
It’s practical, eye-opening, and occasionally rebellious… just the way Mike likes it.
Dirt Dr.mp3
Chapters
00:00:00 – Lightning strikes, chaos, and a proper Your Dark Companion return00:01:58 – Mike introduces the Dirt Doctor00:02:50 – Leaving terrestrial radio and entering the podcast world00:03:19 – Howard’s background: Marines, landscaping, and Camp Lejeune00:05:10 – From golf courses to organic advocacy00:05:40 – The moment everything changed: protecting his daughter00:06:10 – What “organic” really means (and what to stop doing)00:06:45 – Why organic works better — including financially00:07:08 – The myth that organic costs more00:07:56 – Why no universities teach the organic approach00:08:21 – Teaching outside the system: classes, radio, podcasts00:09:19 – Tree care, oak wilt, and solving “unsolvable” problems00:09:53 – Learning the organic method from early pioneers00:10:53 – Industry backlash and being labeled a renegade00:12:21 – Why professionals stick with broken systems00:12:41 – Cutting costs by improving soil health00:13:30 – Saving water and money with organic landscapes00:14:28 – Why soil never “wears out” organically00:15:09 – Fire ants, dry molasses, and accidental breakthroughs00:16:57 – When skeptics become believers00:17:33 – Natural pest control that actually works00:18:17 – Consulting, contractors, and organic holdouts00:19:36 – Transitioning from radio to podcasting00:20:10 – Learning a new medium and reaching new audiences00:21:18 – Helping people live healthier through better dirt00:22:25 – Final thoughts and welcoming the Dirt Doctor aboard
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Covering Chaos: Dallas Sports and Journalism | Shawn McFarland

Covering sports in Dallas isn’t just about games — it’s about managing chaos, fan outrage, front-office dysfunction, and the occasional once-in-a-generation disaster.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike sits down with Sean McFarland of the Dallas Morning News to talk about what it’s actually like covering Texas sports from the inside. Sean walks through his path from New England to North Texas, the culture shock of Texas high school football, and how he went from covering prep sports to finding himself at the center of some of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent Dallas sports history.
The conversation dives deep into the Texas Rangers’ chemistry problems, pitching dominance wasted by offensive collapse, managerial changes, and whether this roster can realistically be better than last year. Then it turns to the Cowboys — where optimism goes to die — including the Micah Parsons trade, ownership interference, and why direction still feels optional in Frisco.
And then there’s the Luka Dončić trade. Sean recounts being sent into Dallas bars in the middle of the night to talk to stunned fans, ending up at the Dirk statue at 4 a.m., and realizing in real time that this might be the most catastrophic sports moment the city has ever seen.
Along the way, they talk journalism, access, financial guardrails in pro sports, and why Dallas remains one of the best — and most frustrating — sports cities in America.
ydc_ep_185__shawn_mcfarland
Chapters
00:00:00 – Lightning strikes, confusion, and a very Your Dark Companion start00:01:47 – Meet Sean McFarland of the Dallas Morning News00:04:22 – Growing up in New England sports culture00:06:30 – From sports management dreams to journalism reality00:07:46 – Why Texas is a goldmine for sports storytelling00:09:18 – From Hartford Courant to Dallas Morning News00:10:59 – Culture shock: Texas high school football00:12:59 – What Sean actually covers (hint: everything)00:15:49 – Can the Rangers really be better than last year?00:16:47 – Why the managerial change matters00:18:00 – Bruce Bochy, frustration, and the end of an era00:21:10 – Rangers chemistry issues and missing leadership00:25:58 – Elite pitching, nonexistent offense, and wasted greatness00:29:22 – Cowboys expectations vs reality00:30:57 – The Micah Parsons trade and organizational confusion00:32:45 – Ownership interference and coaching limitations00:36:12 – Where Sean was when the Luka trade broke00:38:26 – Bars, protests, and the Dirk statue at 4 a.m.00:41:39 – Why the Luka trade broke Dallas sports fans00:43:55 – Covering Micah Parsons’ return in Green Bay00:46:33 – One championship, four teams, endless disappointment00:48:04 – Financial guardrails and why fans hate hearing about them00:54:10 – Journalism, music, and the timeless pull of the Beatles00:58:21 – Why Dallas is still worth covering

Dak Was Great, Everything Else Was On Fire | Joesph Hoyt

The Cowboys’ season is officially over, the Super Bowl will once again proceed without them, and somebody has to explain how we got here. So Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News sit down to do exactly that — calmly, rationally, and with just the right amount of disbelief.
This episode breaks down a Cowboys season that somehow featured one of Dak Prescott’s best years and one of the worst defenses the franchise has ever fielded. Joe Hoyt walks us through the Matt Eberflus experience, the communication breakdowns, the Trayvon Diggs divorce, and why continuity becomes a tough sell when the EPA numbers look like a horror movie.
Along the way, the guys dig into George Pickens’ future (and the inevitable contract drama), Javonte Williams running like he’s mad at the ground, Brian Schottenheimer winning over an entire locker room, and why the draft might make fans angry before it makes the team better.
It’s honest, slightly painful, occasionally funny, and very Cowboys — a full post-mortem on a season that promised a lot and delivered confusion.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Lightning Strikes, Cowboys Fall, and the Season Is Officially Over00:04:48 - The Two-Faced Season: Elite Offense, Disaster Defense00:07:07 - Dak Prescott’s Best Year (Yes, Really)00:11:33 - Zone Coverage, Miscommunication, and Defensive Chaos00:13:25 - Matt Eberflus: Scheme, Personnel, and the Blame Game00:17:23 - Jerry Jones, Riverboat Gambling, and Changing Philosophy00:21:36 - Rebuilding a Defense Without Any Money00:24:02 - Mid-Show Reality Check: CBD, Pain, and Survival00:25:47 - Javonte Williams Runs Like He’s Fighting Gravity00:28:52 - Brian Schottenheimer Wins the Locker Room00:33:00 - Draft Day Dreams and Defensive Needs00:37:05 - Trayvon Diggs, Divorce Season, and Moving On00:40:44 - Dak’s Window Is Open — Now What?

Your Dark Companion & the OG: The Best Of 2025

Welcome to the Best Of 2025 of Your Dark Companion — a beautifully chaotic time capsule of how this show somehow survived lightning strikes, live disasters, questionable fashion choices, deeply honest conversations, and more than a few moments where someone probably should’ve said, “hey, maybe don’t say that.”
This episode is part victory lap, part therapy session, part sports bar conversation that accidentally gets profound. You’ll hear the stories that stuck with us, the moments that made us stop mid-sentence, and the ones that made us laugh so hard we forgot we were recording. There’s baseball, radio, music, mental health, chemistry, legacy, and the very real realization that some of the best moments in life happen when everything goes sideways.
If you’ve been with us since the beginning, this one’s for you.If you’re new here… this is probably not the right place to start — but it is the most honest one.
Thanks for riding with us through Year One.We’ll see you next year.And yes… the pants story made it in.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - Baseball, Big Mics & Immediate Lightning00:03:15 - AOL Instant Messenger and Accidental Career Turns00:07:26 - Chemistry: If You Don’t Have It, It’s Church00:08:31 - Credibility, Goldie Throats & Being Taken Seriously00:11:31 - Underdogs, The Little Ticket & Doing It Your Way00:13:04 - One Year In and Asking “What Did We Just Do?”00:20:04 - Sports Overload, RedZone Addiction & Needing Rehab00:24:15 - Free Will, Fate & Conversations That Actually Matter00:27:43 - Willie Mays, Perfect Games & Sacred Baseball Moments00:37:52 - When the Power Goes Out and Everything Changes00:41:51 - All-In Jobs and No Half Measures00:50:09 - Punk Rock, Leather Pants & Classroom Regret00:53:44 - Bunny Costumes and a First Pitch Gone Sideways00:57:26 - Why Sports Moments Stick Forever01:01:27 - Joe Flacco, Big Tex & Somehow Serious Analysis01:06:38 - Building a Station on Chemistry and Chaos01:10:15 - Unexpected Guests and Office Situations You Can’t Unsee01:13:17 - The Origin of “The Saint”01:15:15 - Radio Rivalries, Respect & Staying Authentic01:22:38 - Steely Dan, The Eagles & Casual Legend Drops01:27:15 - Calling the Moments That Last Forever01:36:01 - Texas, Baseball & Where Home Really Is01:40:28 - Shocking Trades and Processing Sports Heartbreak01:49:01 - Legends, Media & Fan Relationships01:57:31 - Draft Memories and Why We Never Forget02:01:26 - Final Thoughts, Gratitude & Pants Removal
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From Steely Dan to Star Wars: Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and the Art of Thinking Differently | Skunk Baxter

Recorded in March of 2025 at the EarthX Conference, this episode of Your Dark Companion features one of the most singular minds Mike Rhyner has ever sat across from.
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is best known as a legendary guitarist for Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers—but that’s only the beginning. Over the course of an expansive, thoughtful conversation, Baxter walks through a life that connects jazz chords, rock tours, missile defense systems, classified Pentagon briefings, and the physics of sound.
From growing up in Mexico City and learning guitar at age nine, to shaping the sound of Steely Dan’s earliest albums, to helping the U.S. government rethink missile defense as a civilian advisor, Baxter explains how curiosity—not category—has driven everything he’s done.
This isn’t just a music interview. It’s a deep dive into creativity, problem-solving, discipline, and how the same brain can comfortably live in studios, on stages, and inside think tanks. A rare conversation with a truly uncommon thinker.
Special thanks to EarthX for hosting this conversation at their annual Congress of Conferences—a global gathering that brings together leaders in science, technology, policy, business, and culture to explore practical solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.
Learn more about  ⁨@earthxorg⁩  their mission, and the Congress of Conferences at https://earthx.org.
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Twas the Night Before Christmas and the OG’s are in the House | Mike, Grubes, Greggo, & Expo

It’s the last live hang before the holidays, and Your Dark Companion does what it does best: wanders happily from topic to topic, trips over nostalgia, and somehow lands on donuts, Rubik’s Cubes, World Series box scores, and the existential sadness of aging rock stars.
Mike, Grego, Shoopy, and Kevin (Expo) settle in at Dudley’s for a loose, laugh-heavy, very OG holiday episode. Shoopy drops a major life update, Expo casually solves a Rubik’s Cube while talking football, and the crew takes a long scenic drive through Cowboys dysfunction, Rangers reality, NFL parity, ancient radio carts, Philly snowballs, and the unspoken rules of bands that should (or should not) still be touring.
It’s funny, rambling, sentimental, sarcastic, occasionally profound, and exactly what a pre-Christmas episode of YDC should be. No agenda. No rush. Just stories, opinions, memories, and a lot of candy.
Happy holidays from the boys. We’ll see you on the other side.
CHAPTERS
00:01:19 – Live from Dudley’s & The Last Live Show (For a Bit)00:02:45 – Christmas Pressure Is Real (And Can Ruin Lives Until May)00:05:02 – Shoopy’s Big News: Married and Still Standing00:07:21 – No Proposal Video, No Film Crew, No Regrets00:09:14 – The Legend of Multiple Wives (Mostly Fictional)00:12:22 – Expo’s Superpower: Solving a Rubik’s Cube Mid-Conversation00:14:33 – Radio Archaeology: Carts, Magnets, and Primitive Glory00:18:03 – Let’s Talk Sports (Unfortunately)00:18:15 – Cowboys Playoff Hopes (LOL)00:19:36 – Jerry’s Stadium, The Sun, and Eternal Denial00:21:25 – Cowboys Dysfunction: A Holiday Tradition00:22:36 – Are They Actually Close… or Just Delusional?00:25:02 – Franchise Tags, Divas, and Wide Receiver Psychology00:28:37 – Fans, Fights, and DK Metcalf Losing a Million Dollars00:34:24 – Geography Is Fake: Kansas City, Texarkana, and the Quad Cities00:40:30 – Coaches, Motorcycles, and the Bobby Petrino Resume00:44:00 – NFL Parity: Everyone’s Good, Everyone’s Bad00:48:40 – Bears, Packers, and Why That Game Ruled00:53:34 – Rangers Reality Check: Gap Year Incoming00:59:34 – 2023 Afterglow: Playing With House Money01:04:29 – Philly Snowballs, Media Trauma, and Almost Fighting Fans01:10:56 – Nate Newton, The LeBaron, and Driving Cowboys Home01:12:08 – 50 Years of David Finfrock01:13:01 – Christmas Gifts Appear (Chaos Ensues)01:19:50 – Bobbleheads, Memorabilia, and Genuine Joy01:27:00 – World Series Scorebook: Pure Baseball Nerd Bliss01:33:00 – Bands, Aging Icons, and When to Stop Touring01:41:26 – Concert Stories, Crutches, and Expo’s Moral Code01:45:13 – Holiday Hiatus, Best-Ofs, and See You Soon

Santa vs Zombies | Cliff McClelland

Mike Rhyner and Grubes welcome Cliff McClelland, the creator/producer/head mad scientist behind A Creature Was Stirring—a PG Christmas zombie-apocalypse movie for kids, filmed mostly in Garland (because of course it was). Cliff explains how COVID, teaching theater at Richardson High, and accidentally growing a “surprisingly legit Santa beard” led to one big question: What does Santa do when the world shuts down and kids can’t even visit the mall?
Answer: he gets on a ham radio, spreads hope, dodges zombies, and teams up with a polar bear named CeCe (no, you can’t call it Coca-Cola, lawyers exist). Along the way: slapstick “medication” side effects, three types of zombies (including a pacifist one named Ed), an AI sidekick that’s equal parts helpful and deeply uncomfortable, plus the real behind-the-scenes grind of getting a micro-budget indie film packaged and placed on streaming services.
It’s equal parts holiday spirit, absurdity, and “how the sausage is made”—with just enough talk about pants, bodily functions, and robots to keep it on brand.
CHAPTERS
00:00:00 – Lightning Strike + The Mothership Powers Up00:01:26 – Meet Cliff McClelland: The Man Behind a New Christmas Film00:02:11 – Introducing A Creature Was Stirring (Yes, It’s a PG Zombie Christmas Movie)00:03:02 – Filmed in Garland (Mostly): Local Connections and Locations00:03:39 – Two South Siders Enter the Chat (And History Is Made)00:04:09 – “Christmas Zombie Apocalypse… For Kids”: Explaining the Tone00:04:55 – COVID + Teaching Theater: Where the Idea Actually Came From00:05:58 – Santa’s Ham Radio Hope Mission00:07:00 – The Zombies Arrive: The “Calm-Down Drug” That Goes Horribly Right00:07:36 – Side Effects: Heart Attacks, Diarrhea, and the Healing Power of Potty Jokes00:08:27 – Santa vs. Zombies, PG Edition: Surviving With Hope (and Minimal Violence)00:09:01 – Ham Radio Reality Check: Accidentally Switching to Morse Code00:10:32 – Micro-Budget Filmmaking: Mom’s $7,000, Friends, and Making It Work00:11:06 – CeCe the Polar Bear: The Costume From China Gamble00:12:20 – Learning to Dance Like a Polar Bear (Disney Cruise Choreographer Assist)00:13:18 – Singing in the Movie: Cliff’s Musical Theater and Band Background00:15:04 – Plot Breakdown: Santa’s Routine + The World After the Outbreak00:15:47 – Three Zombie Types + Ed the Pacifist Zombie00:16:16 – The “Zombie Drool” Recipe and Why Art Is Suffering00:17:48 – Filming Chaos: Traffic, Resetting Takes, and Zombie Tears on Command00:19:01 – Airport Story: The Drunk Fan Who Wanted Help Committing a Federal Crime00:20:16 – AI Girl Joins the Movie: Why Santa Needed Someone to Talk To00:22:18 – Turning a Real Person into AI Girl (and Keeping It Streamer-Legal)00:23:17 – The PG “AI Kiss” Moment (and Nope-ing Out of the Weirdness)00:24:06 – Cliff’s Other Work: Horror Film, Published Novel, What’s Next00:25:08 – Sequel Talk: Easter, Zombie Ed Thinks He’s Jesus, and AI Girl Returns00:26:07 – Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing00:29:50 – Getting on Streamers: Aggregators, Captions, Posters, and FilmHub00:31:49 – The Bittersweet Part: Mom Saw the Rough Cut, Not the Big Release00:32:29 – Where to Watch: Prime, Tubi, Roku + The Full Streaming List00:33:32 – Tooth Mouse Puppet Sequence + Making It Work for Kids and Adults00:34:36 – Rhyner Fears AI, Shoopy Doesn’t Even Like QR Codes00:36:07 – Release Timing + Final Plug for A Creature Was Stirring
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The Days of Buddy Magazine | Kirby Warnock

Mike Rhyner and Grubes welcome Kirby Warnock—Texas music historian, documentary filmmaker, former Buddy Magazine guy, current West Texas ranch resident, and (because why not) candidate for Pecos County Judge, aka “the law west of the Pecos.”
From there, it turns into a love letter to the era when Dallas actually had a real music scene (yes, kids, before the algorithm), with deep dives into Kirby’s documentaries—especially Jimmy & Stevie Ray Vaughan: Brothers and Blues—plus stories about the Vaughn brothers being so talented it felt like watching someone play a guitar you don’t even recognize anymore.
There’s also a mini museum tour of legendary photos (Clapton, Buffett, Frampton, Joan Jett, Stevie at Lee Park), a reminder that Stoney Burns was… a lot, and a mid-show read that gently suggests you’re probably walking around in pain because time is undefeated.
History, music nerd joy, Dallas nostalgia, and Rhyner being Rhyner—this one’s a heater.
CHAPTERS
00:00:04 – Lightning Strike Opening: Nature Joins the Podcast00:00:43 – Welcome to Your Dark Companion (Episode 179) + Cold Day in Dallas00:01:37 – Meet Kirby Warnock: Music Scene Veteran, Hard to Describe (In a Good Way)00:03:20 – Kirby’s Current Life: Ranch Living + Running for Pecos County Judge00:03:55 – Kirby’s Documentaries: From Giant to Texas Music History00:04:43 – The Vaughn Brothers Doc: Why It’s Kirby’s Favorite00:05:40 – “Driven” vs “Gifted”: What Made Jimmy & Stevie Different00:06:54 – When Did Kirby First See Them? + Rhyner’s Old Band Story00:08:41 – No Day Jobs, No Plan B: Music or Bust00:09:38 – Before Social Media: Handbills, Word of Mouth, and Actually Leaving the House00:10:42 – The First Jimmy Vaughan Moment: Thunderbirds at the Chili Parlor00:11:39 – Better Than Clapton? (And Why That’s Not Crazy)00:12:51 – The Vaughn Brothers as Showmen + Where the Showmanship Came From00:13:41 – Trinity River Bottoms, Guthrie’s, and Seeing the Blues Where It Lived00:15:18 – The Doc’s Big Flex: Clapton, Jackson Browne, Nile Rodgers, Billy Gibbons On Camera00:19:00 – When Dallas Rocked: Why Dallas Deserves the Credit00:21:04 – Freddie King: The Guitar Family Tree Argument (And It Works)00:23:14 – Border Bandits: The Dark Texas Rangers Story That Actually Checked Out00:25:41 – Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing (Because Your Knees Exist)00:28:32 – Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza Plug + Bring Toys & Canned Goods00:31:11 – West Texas Life: No Traffic, 80 MPH Speed Limits, and One Walmart00:33:08 – “Go See It”: The Real Texas People Forget Exists00:35:14 – Why Kirby Moved West: Childhood Ranch Life + TV Western Dreams (But Real)00:37:13 – Stoney Burns: Buddy Magazine, Chaos Energy, and Dallas in the 60s00:39:26 – The Marijuana Felony Era: 10 Years and a Day for Basically Nothing00:44:11 – Kirby’s Photo Vault: Clapton, Buffett, Frampton + Dallas Was the Hangout Spot00:48:03 – Peaches Records, Zoo Remotes, and the Lost Art of Killing Time in Record Stores00:49:11 – Stevie at Lee Park: Free Shows and Watching Greatness Before It Hit00:52:08 – Return to Giant: Sold to Warner Bros… and Trapped on a DVD Forever00:56:34 – Promoting the Vaughn Brothers Film + The Nightmare of Music Clearances00:58:28 – “You’re a Grinder”: Wrap-Up, Thanks, and the Viral Begging (With Love)00:59:45 – Pants Off, Show Over: The Official Sendoff

When the Power Goes Out… Just Start Singing | Tim DeLaughter

Mike, Grubes, and the Live at Five crew welcome back the grooviest cat in Dallas music history: Tim DeLaughter of Tripping Daisy and The Polyphonic Spree. They get into what it really takes to move an army of robed weirdos around the world, why a 28-person band actually “moves like a small band,” and how a nightmare power outage at David Bowie’s Meltdown Festival somehow turned into the Spree’s big bang moment.
Tim walks us through the jump from blue-sparkle Ludwig drum kits to frontman duty, writing Tripping Daisy songs live on stage because they only had eight in the bag, and how Polyphonic Spree began as a “later in life” idea he accidentally had to build in two weeks. There’s family skepticism, labels circling, UK tours, penguins in theaters, flying owls, and 300 pounds of confetti.
Plus: Mike’s mid-show sermon for CBD House of Healing, a plug for Giving Moss at the Barley House, and Tim’s legendary Holiday Extravaganza at the Majestic—complete with tap-dancing grandmas, ten-foot toy soldiers, and a zoo segment Johnny Carson would’ve killed for. It’s stories, spirit, and full-on Tim DeLaughter Time.
 
00:00:00 - Lightning Strikes & Live at Five Cold Open00:01:12 - Welcome to Your Dark Companion00:02:08 - Enter: One Groovy Cat, Tim DeLaughter00:02:51 - Tripping Daisy, Polyphonic Spree & Juggling Two Bands00:03:45 - How to Tour with 20+ People (and Stay Sane)00:06:42 - The Core Band, Rehearsals & Orchestral Add-Ons00:09:52 - St. Vincent, Taylor Young & the Spree Alumni Club00:11:03 - Dreaming Up the Polyphonic Spree in Woodstock00:13:28 - Loss, Leaving Tripping Daisy & Trying the Big Idea00:14:39 - Building the First Spree Lineup in Two Weeks00:22:54 - Power Out at Bowie’s Meltdown & The Watershed Moment00:26:51 - Young Hothead Tim vs. Older Zen Tim00:28:18 - Can You Improvise? The Hardest Part of Casting the Band00:31:06 - Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing00:34:24 - Night of Giving Moss at the Barley House00:36:03 - Oak Cliff, Hot Ice & Church-Choir Origins00:41:18 - Fired from the Kit, Promoted to Frontman00:45:26 - Open Mic at Dada & Tripping Daisy Takes Off00:47:31 - Writing Songs Live Because You Only Had Eight00:49:16 - Lost Hits & Life Before Voice Memos00:49:53 - Songwriting on Feel, Not on a Schedule00:50:39 - Lounge Here, Handyman Life & Schneider Duty00:52:21 - The Core Spree Brain Trust & Right-Hand People00:53:27 - Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza Breakdown00:55:55 - Penguins, Owls & Full Johnny Carson Animal Chaos00:56:19 - Tim DeLaughter Time & Mike’s Love Letter00:57:15 - Like, Share, Subscribe & Social Plea00:57:53 - Pants Off, Show Over
 
 

Re-Lighting the Forest Theater | Elizabeth Watley & Nijeul X

Mike and Grubes welcome back Elizabeth Whatley and introduce Nigel X, the team breathing life back into South Dallas’ legendary Forest Theater. From a liquor store-turned-headquarters to an $80-million-plus renovation and a week-long grand opening in November 2026, this episode digs into what it really takes to save a historic Black arts institution—and why it matters for seven generations to come.
Elizabeth breaks down the wild capital stack (including fresh historic tax credits) and the fight to add that now-iconic rooftop, while Nigel talks about growing up in Port Arthur, finding his voice as an artist, and coming back from LA to help design a space that’s part theater, part campus, and part neighborhood living room—with a Starbucks license, a 1,000-seat flexible hall, a studio theater, an education hub, and year-round programming.
It’s history, community, spreadsheets, faith, art, and coffee—all wrapped in classic Reiner banter and a vision big enough to change how a city sees itself.
Chapters
0:00 – Ticket Lightning & Howdy, BuckaroosCold open chaos, lightning strikes, Gen X Ticket jokes, and Mike officially welcomes everyone to episode 177 of Your Dark Companion.
2:10 – Meet the Forest Theater (and Sunny South Dallas)Mike sets the scene around Fair Park and the Forest Theater, why it’s always caught his eye, and why he thinks “something good can happen here.”
3:45 – Elizabeth’s Update: Big Moves & Bigger PlansElizabeth returns with a progress report: construction milestones, new additions, waterproofing the shell, and what the renovated building will actually include.
5:55 – Enter Nigel X: From Port Arthur to the ForestNigel joins the table, talks about feeling at home in creative spaces, and shares how he ended up leaving LA to help open the Forest Theater.
8:00 – Port Arthur, Segregated Schools & Finding an Artistic VoiceNigel goes deep on growing up in Port Arthur, school consolidation, environmental injustice, mentors, UIL poetry, and how all of that shaped his love for community and art.
15:15 – Why Nigel? Why Now? The National SearchElizabeth explains the national search, 166 candidates, and why Nigel rose to the top—experience, values, and a deep commitment to Black-led, Black-serving institutions.
16:45 – $19.2 Million in Historic Tax Credits & The Hard Part of “Doing the Thing”Elizabeth drops the “hot off the press” news about closing historic tax credits, the complexity of the capital stack, politics, infrastructure, and what it really takes to get a project like this off the ground.
20:00 – Changing the View from the Window: Community Impact in Real TimeNigel shares stories from neighbors watching the construction, kids seeing investment instead of blight, and how the project is shifting what people believe is possible.
23:50 – Why Elizabeth Said Yes (and Couldn’t Say No)Elizabeth talks about growing up in Cedar Crest, her lifelong relationship with the Forest Theater, hustling golf balls out of the creek, and why she felt she had to step in and help bring the building back.
28:15 – Mid-Show Reads: Giving Mas & CBD House of HealingMike hits the “dreaded and feared” mid-show ad break with Giving Mas at the Barley House and his own experience with CBD House of Healing.
32:20 – Building for Seven Generations: Vision, Responsibility & The New ModelNigel breaks down his three pillars—love for Black people, being a builder, and being an organizer—and why the Forest has to rethink the traditional theater model for a world of phones, streaming, and changing donors.
41:20 – Collaboration, Leadership & Growing the TeamElizabeth and Nigel talk about how they work together day to day, overlapping visions, different styles (PC vs. Mac, 9 a.m. vs. not), and assembling a “badass” leadership team.
44:50 – Coffee, Culture & Owning the Starbucks LicenseThe crew digs into the on-campus Starbucks: license vs. franchise, making it their own, local art, spoken word, and turning the café into a true third space for the neighborhood.
47:10 – The Rooftop, the View & the Last $10 MillionElizabeth celebrates finally standing on the rooftop, fighting to get it approved, the extra $4 million in steel, and why being “only” $10 million away from goal feels almost within reach.
52:00 – Intimate Shows, Cinema & A Year-Round CampusNigel and Mike imagine future programming: small intimate concerts, live tapings, cinema, interdisciplinary events, and how the Forest can sit alongside venues like the Kessler or Granada while staying uniquely itself.
53:40 – Grand Opening Dreams & An Invite to the RooftopThe gang looks ahead to the week-long grand opening November 1–7, 2026, jokes about rooftop drinks vs. studio work, and imagines future live YDC shows at the Forest.
54:30 – Share the Show & Take the Pants OffMike wraps it up with a plea to share YDC, thanks the crew and guests, and signs off in classic Reiner fashion—threatening to go take his pants off as the credits roll.

When a Cop and a Journalist Walk Into a Bar… They Start a True Crime Podcast | Jake White & John Henry

Mike welcomes two new residents of the Sunset Lounge universe: Signal 51 Chronicles hosts Jake White and John Henry, a former Fort Worth narcotics sergeant and a twice-laid-off Star-Telegram journalist who somehow turned bar stories into a true crime podcast. They break down what “Signal 51” actually means, why Fort Worth PD radio codes make for good show titles, and how a cop and a writer went from hanging out at the Mule Pub to dissecting some of Texas’ wildest cases.
The crew dives into the true crime boom, from internet sleuths and white-collar scams to old-school Jacksboro Highway gangsters, the Glass Key murders, Baylor basketball scandal, the Cullen Davis saga, and yes, that little Dallas incident on November 22, 1963. Along the way you get cop-shop politics, undercover beard days, gun show freakshows, and why the days of the lifelong homicide detective might be dying out.
If you like your true crime with local grit, barroom origin stories, and Mike needling everyone in the room, this one’s your on-ramp to Signal 51 Chronicles. Listen, share, and maybe don’t slap anyone you “thought was your girlfriend.”00:58 – Welcome to YDC & Episode 17601:28 – Meet the Signal 51 Chronicles Guys03:04 – What Is Signal 51 & Who Are These Guys?06:01 – Mule Pub, Door Guys & Bar-Stool Storytime10:44 – Why True Crime Won’t Die13:12 – Murders, Weird Crimes & Gun Show Madness15:36 – Jacksboro Highway & the Glass Key Murders19:39 – Crime Meets Sports: The TCU Case22:27 – Cullen Davis & People Who Won’t Talk24:47 – The Biggest DFW True Crime Case Ever26:52 – Crime in Real Time & Subject Matter Experts28:32 – The Decline of the Career Detective32:16 – Mid-Show Reads: CBD & Giving Mas37:22 – Why Everyone Binge-Watches True Crime40:40 – White Collar Chaos41:44 – Inside Investigations & the Future of Policing45:32 – Career Highs, Lows & Undercover Beard Chronicles49:54 – First Cases: Koslow & Baylor Scandal51:59 – YDC Wrap-Up & Mike’s Pants-Off Exit

Riding to the Badlands with Teddy Roosevelt | Ed O'Keefe

Mike and Grubes kick off December with a lightning strike, a World Series flashback, and the age-old question: are we even gonna make it to (and through) Christmas? Then they welcome a very different kind of guest into the YDC mothership: Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.
Ed takes the guys from Grand Forks to the Badlands, explaining why Teddy Roosevelt’s story is so insane it would get rejected as fiction: a sickly bookworm who becomes a cowboy, Rough Rider, president, and the original “media-savvy” politician. They dig into the brutal day his wife and mother died in the same house, how the North Dakota Badlands literally saved his life, and why his ranch became the “cradle of conservation.”
Along the way, Ed talks about inventing modern social video at NowThis, working with Anthony Bourdain, and how TR used newspapers the way modern politicians use social media. They get into Rough Riders lore, Teddy’s ties to Texas, trust-busting showdowns with J.P. Morgan, cocaine as a legit medical treatment back then (to the delight of Grubes), and why the new presidential library will feature an AI Teddy, a horse hitch, a living roof, and virtual campfires in the Badlands.
If you like presidents with actual side quests, history that weirdly mirrors right now, or the idea of riding a horse to a presidential library, this one’s your episode.
Chapters
00:00 - Lightning Strike & Cold Open Chaos01:08 - Will We Even Make (and Clear) Christmas?01:38 - Meet Ed O’Keefe & the TR Library03:01 - Fast Eddie, Ed, or Edward?03:53 - Growing Up in North Dakota (a.k.a. Almost Canada)06:13 - Fargo, the Movie Curse & The Accent Question07:13 - What Even Is a Presidential Library?08:20 - Turning a Library into an Experience (Horses Welcome)09:11 - From ABC News to NowThis to CNN11:26 - Working with Anthony Bourdain14:05 - Why Teddy Roosevelt’s Life Sounds Made Up17:15 - The Day His Wife and Mother Died18:37 - “The Light Has Gone Out of My Life”21:43 - Badlands 101: Hell with the Fires Out23:30 - Cradle of Conservation: Elkhorn Ranch25:29 - Why TR’s America Feels a Lot Like Today27:00 - Teddy Roosevelt Comes to Texas28:44 - Who Were the Rough Riders, Really?30:18 - From Assistant Navy Secretary to President in Three Years31:48 - Was He Actually Popular? (Short Answer: Yes)32:16 - Mastering the Media of His Time35:22 - Tech Shifts, Immigration Waves & Familiar Fights36:12 - Mid-Show: CBD House of Healing38:49 - Mid-Show: GivingMas at the Barley House41:00 - “Speak Softly” & Modern Political Communicators43:45 - Party Chaos, Third Parties & 1912 Mayhem46:07 - JP Morgan vs. Teddy: Trust Busting & Respect48:36 - Weekends, Worker Safety & Cocaine as Medicine50:54 - Opening Date & How to Get in the Arena51:50 - AI Teddy, Virtual Campfires & the TR Triangle53:30 - YDC Road Trip to Medora53:45 - Outro, Shoutouts & “Drop Us In Anywhere”
 
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A Pre Thanksgiving Feast | Evan Grant, Sarah Blaskovich & Chef Eric

Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with an all-star culinary and sports lineup: Texas Rangers insider Evan Grant, Dallas restaurant oracle Sarah Blaskovich, and Chef Eric from Dudley’s, who showed up armed with enough food to start a small cult — and possibly overthrow a Chili’s.
Things escalate quickly.
We’ve got Evan trying his first deviled egg EVER (history is made), Mike refusing every egg in existence (including the ones in the room), Sarah dropping restaurant knowledge like it’s classified intelligence, and Chef Eric casually explaining why cows are now eating olives as part of a wellness journey.
Oh — and there’s baseball. Somewhere. Between jalapeño poppers, onion ring ethics, and a heated debate about whether a tomato belongs on a burger (Evan says never, Sarah is personally offended).
It’s loud, it’s passionate, it’s deliciously unhinged…and it may be the first podcast episode in history where food coverage completely hijacks sports talk — and nobody complains.
Pull up a plate.Grab a napkin.Brace yourself for opinions.
⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Lightning, Chaos, and the Cold Open Nobody Planned00:01:02 – We’re Live… Somewhere… Forever… Maybe.00:02:30 – Meet the Squad: Evan Eats, Sarah Writes, Mike Judges00:04:00 – Food Is a Sport Now (Sorry, Cowboys)00:06:10 – The Ranger Beat Writer… Who Might Actually Prefer Dinner00:08:07 – The Legendary Two-Foot Chicken Tender Era00:09:50 – Baseball News Hijacks the Food Show (Briefly)00:12:20 – Enter: Chef Eric of Dudley’s (And the Feast)00:14:00 – Deviled Egg Peer Pressure: The Standoff Begins00:16:20 – HISTORY: Evan Eats His First Deviled Egg00:18:08 – Mike: “Still No Eggs. Forever.”00:19:02 – Texas Twinkies: Bacon, Cheese and Happiness00:21:00 – The Pretzel That Deserves Its Own Zip Code00:24:10 – Chef Credentials: From Foie Gras to Sports Bar Royalty00:28:40 – How Dallas Food Media Accidentally Became a Powerhouse00:32:50 – “Baseball Fans Are Different” and Other Truths00:36:00 – Mid-Show Reads (Yes, They’re Still Here)00:40:27 – Back to Food: Hot Lists, Hidden Gems, and Holiday Picks00:44:09 – The New York Burger Pilgrimage00:46:30 – Burger Wars: The OG vs. The Maverick00:48:50 – Dallas Legends: Goff’s, Burger House, and Milkshake in a Bag00:50:30 – Build-A-Burger: Meat Ratios, Cheese Philosophy, and Acronym Crimes00:54:15 – The University-Level French Fry Symposium00:58:00 – Onion Rings Enter the Conversation (Aggressively)01:00:10 – Cult Language, Secret Food Codes & Fry Science01:02:00 – The Great Tomato Betrayal: Evan vs. The World01:04:01 – Egg Hatred Reaches Sociological Levels01:05:30 – High-End Dining vs. Wednesday Lunch Reality01:07:15 – Restaurants You Can Literally Drive Into (Why?)01:08:40 – $500 Dinners, Fast Food, and Food As Sport in Dallas01:09:40 – The Goodbye… and Mike Announces Pants Removal01:10:05 – Fade Out: Stolen Water Media Approved

Because What This Show Needed Was… Expo

Tonight on Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Shoopy welcome local legend, chaos coordinator, music scene archaeologist, and human wildcard Kevin Fox — better known as Expo.
This episode has everything:Stories from a life lived at full volume, the kind of Dallas music history that never made the press releases, and maybe just a little therapy disguised as a conversation.
Mike tries to understand Expo.Shoopy tries to wrangle Expo.Expo… just tries.
Whether you know him, think you know him, or have only heard the stories, brace yourself — this one’s an instant classic.
Laugh, cringe, reminisce… and then question why you listened to all of it.
CHAPTERS00:00:00 — “Oh boy… here we go again”  00:01:37 — Expo enters the chat (and the danger zone)  00:04:55 — Deep Ellum: When it was loud, weird, and alive  00:09:22 — The music stories that probably shouldn’t be public  00:15:48 — Mike tries to do journalism (results vary)  00:21:30 — UFOs? Ghosts? Concussions? Hard to say.  00:27:19 — Bands, bars, burns, and bad decisions  00:34:02 — Expo’s Best/Worst Life Advice  00:40:50 — The Dallas scene: then vs. now  00:47:33 — “Wait, is this still recording?”  00:51:56 — Closing thoughts, confusion, and questionable wisdom  00:53:20 — Mike says goodbye & probably removes his pants

The Gospel of Billy Martin | Billy Martin Jr.

On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike and Grubes attempt to start a normal show… so naturally the entire tech setup revolts, Billy Martin Jr. disappears into the Riverside void, and we end up with six and a half minutes of chaos, Titanic on recorder, and a heartfelt discussion on moldy elementary school instruments.
When Billy finally makes it back from the digital afterlife, we get an incredible sit-down with the son of one of the most infamous managers in baseball history, Billy Martin Sr. Billy Jr. walks us through how his dad helped keep the Rangers in Arlington, turned Texas into a real baseball town, tortured umpires on the field and then bought them drinks off it, and why “flush the toilet” is the only way to survive a 162-game season.
We also get into Billy Jr.’s life as an agent, why Pete Incaviglia might be the best manager MLB will never hire, how analytics and gut should coexist, and what it feels like to turn the same age your dad was when he passed. It’s funny, inside-baseball nerdy, surprisingly tender, and very, very Rhyner.
⏱ CHAPTERS
Formatted how you’ve been using them:
00:00:00 - Cold Open: Lightning Strikes & Ticket Nonsense  00:01:04 - “172 of These Bad Boys” – Mike Actually Likes Podcasting  00:01:34 - Riverside Betrays Us: Billy Vanishes Mid-Intro  00:02:00 - Stuff, Stuff, Stuff: Mike’s Improv Theme Song  00:02:48 - Titanic on Recorder & The Curse of the Moldy Instruments  00:04:10 - “This Feels Like a Bust” – Ash, Shoopy & Live Panic  00:06:08 - Cowboys, Show Banking & Mild Bickering  00:07:13 - Billy Returns from the Void (For Real This Time)  00:08:00 - Introducing Billy Martin Jr: Son of a Baseball Lightning Bolt  00:09:27 - How Billy Martin Helped Keep the Rangers in Arlington  00:11:21 - Showing Texas What Winning Baseball Looked Like  00:13:24 - What Billy Was Really Like at Home (No, He Didn’t Kick Dirt on the Kids)  00:14:02 - Umpires, Fights & Why They Secretly Loved Him  00:16:03 - “Flush the Toilet” – How a Manager Survives 162 Games  00:18:06 - Bar Stories, Jimmy Piersall & Running the Bases Backwards  00:22:03 - From Clubhouse Kid to Agent: Launching Pro Agents  00:23:24 - Mike Hargrove, Rookie of the Year & the Human Rain Delay  00:24:43 - Cheating, Can Lids & Why It’s “As Old as Cracker Jacks”  00:26:03 - Bunt, Win, Repeat: Billy’s 7th-Inning Chess Moves  00:27:39 - Pete Incaviglia: Indie-Ball King & Why MLB Won’t Call  00:29:12 - Labor Wars, Salary Caps & Why Baseball Isn’t Football  00:31:11 - Killing the Minors & Scouts to Save Pennies  00:33:28 - College Coaches to MLB: Will Players Even Respect Them?  00:36:02 - Cashman, Boone & Managing Without Ever Managing  00:39:28 - Mickey Mantle on Billy: Always Looking for an Angle  00:42:11 - Personality Managers vs Spreadsheet Managers  00:44:37 - Analytics vs Gut: Alex Cora, Bluffing the Computers  00:52:00 - Turning the Age His Dad Was When He Died  00:53:15 - Birthday Reflections & an Open Invite to Come Back  00:54:20 - Where to Find Your Dark Companion & How to Keep It Alive  
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Bacsik, Raymond & Rhyner Walk Into a Booth... | Dave Raymond & Mike Bacsik

Two voices every DFW sports fan knows drop into the Lounge—broadcaster Dave Raymond, the man behind the Texas Rangers’ mic, and former pitcher turned talk radio lightning rod Mike Bacsik. In this episode, Mike Rhyner and Grubes go deep into baseball storytelling, broadcasting highs and lows, and the weird paths that lead from the mound to the booth. They swap tales of iconic calls, clubhouse chaos, and how humor and humanity keep the mic alive long after the game’s over.
It’s insider baseball at its best: the quirks, the grind, and the joy of talking sports for a living—Dark Companion style.
Chapters
00:00:00 – Cold Open: Baseball, Banter, and a Familiar Voice00:01:05 – Welcome to Your Dark Companion00:02:10 – Meet the Guests: Mike Bacsik & Dave Raymond00:04:25 – From the Mound to the Mic: Bacsik’s Second Life in Media00:07:15 – Dave Raymond on Finding His Voice in the Booth00:11:08 – Behind the Broadcast: Preparation, Pressure, and Personality00:15:40 – Rhyner on the Lost Art of Sports Talk00:18:22 – The Rangers Era: From 2010 to the Championship Run00:23:05 – Bacsik’s Most Infamous Moment (and Why He Owns It)00:28:44 – The Broadcast Brotherhood: Life Off Air00:33:12 – When Humor Meets Heartbreak in Sports00:37:59 – Ad Read Break: CBD House of Healing00:40:20 – Back in the Booth: The Call That Still Gives Chills00:44:08 – Fans, Fame, and Feedback Loops00:47:53 – Darker Days: When the Mic Gets Heavy00:51:19 – The Future of Broadcasting in a Podcast World00:56:00 – Signing Off: Why Baseball Will Always Be Home

Big Man Bringing the Big Energy | Big Rob, Mavs Maniaacs

Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and Big Rob (the last Day-One OG) pull back the curtain on the Dallas Mavericks Maniacs—how a “beefy guys” audition turned into 24 seasons of pure arena joy, a thousand-game milestone, and a community machine logging hundreds of events a year. From lightning-strike cold opens and a nod to the Edmund Fitzgerald anniversary to boy-dazzled shirts, human-bicycle routines, player chants, and even Big Rob’s side quest as a Cowboys “Chow Boy,” this episode is a love letter to game-night hype done right—genuine, goofy, and crafted with real care.
Chapters
00:00:01 - Cold Open: Lightning, Baseball, and “Big Mic” Banter00:00:56 - Welcome to Your Dark Companion00:01:38 - 50 Years Since the Edmund Fitzgerald00:02:30 - Then vs. Now: What Going to a Game Means00:04:18 - The Hype Crews: From DCC to Ice Girls00:05:03 - Meet Big Rob: The Mavericks Maniacs OG00:06:01 - 24 Seasons Deep: Pre-LeBron Origins00:07:29 - The Audition That Changed Everything00:09:48 - “To Dance?!”—From Prank Call to Call-Up00:11:37 - 40 Guys, 13 Spots: The Birth of the Maniacs00:12:54 - First Routine Jitters… and a Crowd Explosion00:15:04 - From One Bit to “Do It Again”00:16:25 - Make Them Miss You: Crystals, Beads & Brand00:18:43 - Staying Late, Hugging Fans: Becoming Ambassadors00:19:28 - Choreography for 300-Pound Athletes00:21:13 - Other Teams Copy the Vibe (Hi, Matadors)00:22:40 - Free Throws & Micro-Routines: Always On00:23:36 - Why It Works: Fun, Craft, and Effort00:27:29 - Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing00:31:23 - Maniacs Today: 15 Strong & Evolving00:32:17 - Tricks, Tables, and Human Bicycles00:33:42 - Winning Over the Skeptics00:34:45 - The Section That Chooses Chaos00:35:50 - Smiles Over Follows: In-Arena First00:39:18 - New Tradition: Pre-Game Player Chants00:40:32 - Did We Start a Trend? (Short Answer: Yes)00:41:56 - Double Duty: Cowboys “Chow Boys” & Stadium Fame00:44:29 - Big Elves at Christmas: The Star Shows00:46:02 - Off to the Game We Go (and Tell a Friend!)

What Happened in Vegas Didn't Stay There | Eric Nadel

Mike finally went to Las Vegas. Yes, for the first time. At age 75 and change. And guess what? The man liked it.
So this episode is basically:Vegas stories → The Sphere melting everyone’s brain → Jackson Browne healing childhood wounds → mobster restaurants → Flamingo time travel → Fremont fever → the one guy at the airport who had seen some things → and a full debrief on the show-stopping Eagles performance featuring our special guest, the legendary Eric Nadel.
It’s part travel diary, part music nerdery, part “Oh God please get this man away from me in the terminal.”If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Reiner touches Vegas… well… this is it.
Chapters
00:00:01 – Live at 5 and a Lightning Strike00:01:52 – It’s Becca’s Birthday (Again, Somehow)00:03:08 – Mike’s First-Ever Vegas Trip: 75 Years Late00:04:40 – “Okay Fine… Vegas Is Cool”00:05:31 – Mobsters, Havana, and The Hangover “Documentary”00:07:04 – The Sphere: How To Lose Touch with Reality in HD00:08:05 – The Eagles: Perfect On Purpose00:10:09 – Vince Gill and the Art of Replacing a Legend00:12:11 – That Venue Will Break Your Neck (But Worth It)00:14:46 – Jackson Browne and the Emotional Shoulder Pat00:18:47 – Vegas on Halloween = Extra Weird00:20:57 – Old Vegas vs. New Vegas vs. Fremont Fever00:23:38 – The Italian American Club: Mob Vibes & Velvet00:26:00 – Yes, They Really Have Slot Machines in the Airport00:29:28 – The Flamingo: Like Time Traveling Into Pink Neon00:32:51 – Downtown Sportsbooks and $13 Bloody Marys (Praise Be)00:40:07 – The CBD House of Healing Mid-Show Read (Mike’s Neck Redemption Arc)00:40:47 – The Not-Safe-for-Social-Media Street Performer Encounter00:52:00 – The New A’s Stadium & Mike Gets Recognized (Twice)00:56:04 – Coaching Changes, Rangers Reality & Ranger Fan Feelings01:01:46 – So… Are We Going Back to Vegas? (Yes.)

Punk at the Longhorn, Leather at the Kessler | Jeff Liles

Mike and Grubes welcome back the Kessler Theater’s own Jeff Liles—human jukebox of Dallas music lore and owner of the best black-leather-pants origin story this side of Valley View Mall. From a lightning-strike cold open at Dudley’s to the Sex Pistols turning the Longhorn Ballroom into glorious chaos, Jeff dishes on ShowCo lasers, counterfeit Zep tickets, Ramones vs. Pistols setcraft, and why Bronco Bowl should’ve been a Home Depot with a stage. We get a front-row seat to a very Dallas series of cameos: Stevie Ray Vaughan auditioning for a teen Mike, Nick Lowe playing post-show solitaire, Stan Lynch and Andy Timmons tearing up Texas, and a PJ Harvey booking dream that still haunts promoters. It’s witty, rowdy, nostalgic—and a love letter to the venues, weirdos, and miracles that made this town thunder.
About the Guest(s):Jeff Liles — Artistic Director at the Kessler Theater; veteran of the Dallas rock/punk trenches; alum of legendary production house ShowCo; tireless archivist and storyteller of the scene.
Chapters
00:00:01 - Lightning, Dudley’s & “We’re Live… But Not”
00:02:06 - Enter Jeff Liles: Kessler Boss & Four-Timer Club
00:05:23 - Weather Guys, Climate Takes & TV Sarcasm
00:07:17 - Sex Pistols Tease: Longhorn Postponements & Broken Wrists
00:08:22 - Led Zeppelin ’77: ShowCo Lasers, Mother Blues & 5,000 Fake Tickets
00:12:36 - Longhorn Ballroom ’78: Country Room, Punk Riot
00:25:00 - Openers Win: Nervebreakers, Dead Fish, Rolling Stone “Random Notes”
00:18:36 - From Doors to “Bollocks”: Punk Rock as Vocabulary Lesson
00:27:06 - SRV Auditions Mike’s Band: Slow Blues, Piano-Wire Strings & Fate
00:37:38 - Staying Clean, Helicopters & A Dallas Legend Remembered
00:49:21 - Ramones vs. Pistols: American Tightness, British Chaos
00:51:44 - Hot Klub → Arcadia → Bronco Bowl: The Pipeline for U2, Cure & Friends
00:53:37 - Booking White Whales: PJ Harvey, Nick Cave & Nick Lowe’s Post-Show Solitaire
00:47:01 - Stan Lynch’s Speaker Wars, Andy Timmons, and the Art of MD’ing
00:55:03 - Storytellers Invite & One More Sex Pistols Story
00:56:05 - Reviews, Follows & A Pants-Off Sign-Off
 
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Big Addict Energy | Ward Richmond & John Pedigo

Mike fires up Your Dark Companion with a literal lightning strike, then welcomes Dallas lifers Ward Richmond and John Pedigo to talk about Ward’s new album, Big Addict Energy—a brutally honest, oddly hilarious chronicle of high-functioning drinking, rehab math, and rebuilding a life that actually fits. We bounce from Lakewood and Deep Ellum war stories to the therapist who called her shot (“alcoholic”), the Truck Yard-as-office era, and why Ward now tours with… a pedal that plays his whole band (karaoke, but make it auteur). Pedigo breaks down the “producer as translator” approach—less sprinkle, more spine—while the guys trade memories, cuss less (sometimes), and make a pretty airtight case for talking about addiction without the shame fog. Stick around for the closer: Ward’s earworm “Non-Alcoholic Beer Drinking Man.” It slaps, even if your drink is Topo.00:00 – Cold open, lightning strike, live-at-5 banter01:41 – Meet Ward & Pedigo; the new record is the story03:05 – “Big Addict Energy”: single in Aug; album out Nov 2104:31 – Three friends lost in Summer ’24; writing through grief07:49 – High-functioning drinking in CRE culture09:09 – Genetics, social anxiety, and why alcohol “worked”10:15 – Lakewood roots → Deep Ellum bands (Boys Named Sue, Slick57)12:32 – Ward + John origin story (choir class to clubs)14:19 – “High-functioning” vs. “asshole”: the counselor’s wake-up18:34 – The decision to quit; mapping rehab like a project20:46 – Day one, therapy, psychiatrist, acceptance22:36 – The call that changed it: AA, rehab choice, no rock bottom25:21 – Lunch drinking, Truck Yard “office,” living in the open30:42 – Turning the mess into music31:33 – From early sobriety songs to darker honesty34:24 – Calling Pedigo; the producer’s job: serve the story36:11 – The “Party Police” and John’s producing origin39:20 – Parallel divorces, Tulum writing trips, new studio41:27 – Pedigo’s philosophy: make the song bigger, not busier44:01 – Clean/explicit cuts, sequencing chaos, mastering45:22 – Ward’s writing workflow (click, scratch, build)46:06 – The players: Joshua Ray Walker, Charlie Wiles, Trey Pendergrass, Chad Stockslager & more47:28 – Releasing with Idol Records; PR; the Beyond the Bar show49:05 – The “pedal band” plan (full band, one pedal)51:12 – Using the record to talk openly about addiction (+ book tease)52:09 – Setup to the feature track53:00 – Song: “Non-Alcoholic Beer Drinking Man”56:38 – Wrap and sign-offFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

The Chair You Never Want to Sit In: What Really Happens in a Polygraph | Rick & Ryan Holden

Mike Rhyner sits down with Rick and Ryan Holden — a father-son polygraph team whose client list ranges from federal agencies to murder suspects to people just trying to clear their names — to pull the curtain back on the world most of us hope we never have to visit.
They walk Mike through how a real polygraph actually works (and why “lie detector” is the wrong term), why the machine itself isn’t magic but the examiner better be, and why anxiety doesn’t automatically make you look guilty. Rick talks about 50+ years in the chair, from Texas death row to child abuse cases to capital murders, and Ryan breaks down how this work shows up in counterintelligence, national security, and courtrooms.
They also get into ethics: when you’re allowed to tell, when you’re not, and what it feels like to know the truth in cases that are dark, heartbreaking, and legally delicate. It’s intense, it’s honest, and it’s not reality TV.
Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to Your Dark Companion00:01:24 - Meet Rick & Ryan Holden, Human Lie Detectors (Sort Of)00:03:53 - 52 Years in the Chair: How Rick Got Here00:06:39 - “Lie Detector” Is a Bad Name (Here’s Why)00:08:33 - Has the Polygraph Game Changed? Uh, Yeah00:10:39 - Courts, Admissibility, and That 1923 Problem00:12:12 - Is It 100% Right? (Short Answer: No)00:13:20 - When Examiners Get It Wrong00:15:06 - Trusting the Human, Not Just the Machine00:16:17 - Panic in the Chair: Does Nerve = Guilt?00:18:28 - Why They Actually Want You a Little Nervous00:20:33 - “Do I HAVE to Take This?” Voluntary vs Forced Tests00:22:29 - No, You’re Not Walking In Off the Street for a Cheater Test00:24:38 - Reality TV Polygraphs Are Garbage00:26:38 - Rick’s Still Obsessed With This Work (In a Good Way)00:27:40 - Clearing People vs Catching People00:28:31 - Polygraph 101: How a Real Exam Actually Works00:33:12 - Reading Physiology, Reading Behavior, Reading You00:35:24 - When They Confess Before the Test Even Starts00:36:15 - Midshow Read: House of Healing00:39:01 - The Case That Still Haunts the Room00:43:52 - How Child Abuse Allegations Actually Move Through the System00:47:00 - The Confession, Attorney-Client Privilege, and Outrage00:51:32 - Are You There to Find the Truth or Deliver Justice?00:53:41 - How Do You Hear This Stuff and Sleep at Night?00:56:06 - “Everybody Has Something at Stake”00:56:32 - Why People Come to Them Quietly00:57:27 - Everyone Has a Right to Defend Themselves
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The Sunset Soccer Club | Tyler Kern

Mike Rhyner and gang unveil a new wing of the the Sunset Lounge: The Sunset Soccer Club with Tyler Kern—a show built to make the world’s game make sense before the 2026 World Cup steamrolls America like a well-timed counterattack. Rob Ervin tags in to talk fandom, promotion/relegation, and why Bundesliga is the most fun word to say out loud.
From Dallas hosting more Cup action than anyone, to how MLS grew up without face-planting, to why the U.S. men might finally be good on paper (our favorite American surface), this one’s a crash course wrapped in a hangout. Rhyner plays curious convert, Tyler speaks fluent footy, and Rob swings the supporter’s hammer. Come for the Rush detour and transfer-fee nerdery; stay for the plan to turn soccer snobs into soccer sherpas.
Chapters
00:00 – Rhyner Kicks Off: “Podcasts live forever—kind of like my Rush regret.”01:34 – Meet Tyler Kern: Ticket alum, WBAP survivor, soccer lifer.06:55 – Sunset Soccer Club 101: The show that preps America for 2026 without gatekeeping.07:21 – World Cup on Home Soil: Why Dallas is basically Tournament HQ.09:50 – How We Won the Bid: FIFA votes, super-bids, and not-so-subtle course corrections.11:14 – From ’94 to MLS: The league that learned to grow up slow (on purpose).12:37 – U.S. Sports Appetite: WNBA proof, Messi mania, and “yes, there’s room for one more sport.”13:44 – No Snobs Allowed: Making the game accessible (and keeping the weirdos fun).19:56 – Pick a Team, Coward: Tyler chooses Borussia Dortmund and explains tifos like a proud dad.23:57 – Rhyner’s Conversion Arc: Hockey hooked him; soccer’s next.25:35 – Is MLS Here to Stay? Why slow and steady beat NASL’s rocket-sled.27:08 – Academies vs. Hope & Dreams: FC Dallas as a talent factory.31:32 – Lamar Hunt Appreciation Minute: The man who named the Super Bowl and propped up soccer.33:42 – What the New Show Will Do: News, guests, evergreen explainers—no EU passport required.38:24 – USMNT Lens: Why “on paper” is our favorite American tactic.46:24 – 48-Team World Cup: New nations, new chaos, same beautiful game.49:09 – Who’s Best Right Now? Haaland the hammer, Mbappé the jet, Messi the myth.51:36 – Transfers, Fees & Loans: Soccer’s trade system, but weirder (and richer).54:11 – Sunderland ’Til It Hurts: Relegation’s civic hangover—required viewing.58:53 – Launch Time: Sunset Soccer Club records Tuesdays, drops Wednesdays—send your love (and hate) to sunsetsoccerclub@stolenwatermedia.com.
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The New Era of Rangers Baseball | Skip Schumaker & Woodsey

Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker joins Mike Rhyner and Woodsey (Ben & Woods Show, San Diego) for a lively, honest, and at times hilarious look into baseball, leadership, and life in the big leagues.
Skip talks about his path from player to manager, lessons learned under Tony La Russa, and what it takes to build a real clubhouse culture. The guys dig into the Rangers’ rollercoaster season, the difference between coaching and managing, and what Skip’s bringing to Arlington.
It’s part baseball masterclass, part barroom storytelling—classic Your Dark Companion energy.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00:00 – Intro: Mike Rhyner welcomes Skip Schumaker & Woodsey00:01:33 – How Skip fell into coaching and learned the game from the other side00:02:50 – Lessons from Tony La Russa & how bench roles shaped his mindset00:04:19 – The DH debate: Has baseball changed for better or worse?00:05:30 – Who influenced Skip’s baseball brain the most00:07:17 – Skip’s radio connection with Woodsey and Ben & Woods Show00:11:39 – How Skip’s long ties led him to the Texas Rangers00:15:27 – Working alongside Bruce Bochy as a senior advisor00:19:10 – Why Texas was Skip’s #1 choice & family ties to TCU00:21:26 – Building a clubhouse culture from Day One00:23:53 – Why culture wins games & why staff chemistry matters00:25:44 – The kind of people Skip wants in the organization00:26:30 – The Rangers’ frustrating 2024 season – what went wrong?00:30:22 – Skip’s pitching philosophy: command beats velocity00:32:24 – October baseball – pressure, preparation, and playoff mentality00:35:06 – Pitching evolution: velocity vs. control in modern MLB00:38:18 – The Rangers bullpen & the power of command00:39:33 – Building chemistry through communication00:41:50 – Hotel-bar lessons with Tony La Russa 🍷00:42:50 – Padres talk: culture, chemistry, and what went wrong in San Diego00:46:19 – Would Skip ever have imagined managing the Rangers?00:48:42 – Closing thoughts, friendships, and managing with gratitude
Watch the full conversation now and don’t forget to like 👍, subscribe 🔔, and share with your fellow baseball fans.
📺 Your Dark Companion🎙️ Hosted by Mike Rhyner💬 Guest: Skip Schumaker – Manager, Texas Rangers🎧 Featuring Woodsey (Ben & Woods Show, San Diego)
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Is this the Most Frustrating Rangers Season? | Evan Grant

On Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Grubes sit down with Dallas Morning News veteran Evan Grant (29 seasons on the Rangers beat) to unpack a maddening 2025 campaign: elite starting pitching, an offense that never synced, and a clubhouse that couldn’t find its rhythm. Evan explains why this felt like the most underperforming Rangers team in memory, what changed going from Donnie Ecker to Brett Boone on hitting, and how a late-season infusion of “Little Rascals” energy briefly jolted the club.They also dig into Jack Leiter’s leap, where Kumar Rocker stands, the Seager–Semien dynamic, the looming payroll/CBT constraints, potential trade math (who’s movable, who isn’t), and what new manager Skip Schumaker’s C.A.P.E. mantra (Communication, Alignment, Preparation, Execution) could mean in practice. Plus: catcher conundrums, Adolis adjustments, and who Evan would love to see in October.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00:00 - Open & Introductions00:04:45 - Pitching vs. Hitting00:09:20 - Ecker → Boone (Hitting Message Shift)00:13:50 - “Little Rascals” Bump00:18:05 - Jack Leiter’s Breakthrough00:22:40 - Kumar Rocker’s Path00:27:10 - Clubhouse Chemistry00:31:35 - Catcher Crisis00:36:00 - Adolis & the OF Puzzle00:40:10 - Payroll Reality Check00:44:45 - Trade Talk00:49:05 - Enter Skip Schumaker (C.A.P.E.)00:53:20 - Ballpark & Approach (Line Drives > Uphill Swings)00:58:00 - October Wish List01:04:00 - Wrap & What’s Next
 

Vacation Bible School Wins a Ring… and Dallas Loses Its Mind | Kevin Gray

Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and DLLS’s own Kevin Gray power-wash the offseason angst off Mavericks fans and get you ready for tip-off. Yes, the Luka-to-LA asteroid actually hit. Yes, everyone doom-scrolled. And yes, there’s still basketball to play — with Cooper Flagg flying around like a caffeinated free safety, Anthony Davis trying to carry while the eyeball heals and the scale side-eyes him, and a defense-first identity that might just make Dallas obnoxious to score on again.
Kevin dishes on where fans’ heads are post-catastrophe, what “movement and spacing” looks like without Luka-ball, why the frontcourt depth is quietly nasty, and which Western heavies (OKC, Denver, Houston) are about to make your sleep schedule worse. Plus: CBD slushies, cap-circumventing conspiracies, and the annual reminder that the Cowboys will test your faith more than any religion.
It’s fast, funny, and Mavs-nerdy in all the right ways.
Chapters
00:00 - Lightning Strikes & Roll Call at the Mothership02:10 - Enter Kevin Gray: The Dark in Your Dark Companion05:06 - Two Weeks Out: What Even Are the Mavs Now?06:22 - “That One Thing”: Reliving the Luka Trade Night12:11 - Fallout & Fanbase Therapy: From Apoplectic to Apathetic15:10 - Lottery Luck & Flagg Day: Turning the Page (Maybe)22:25 - Luka vs. Cooper Flagg: Artist vs. Disruptor26:19 - Defense, Junkie Vibes & Not Here to Make Friends26:31 - Kyrie’s Timeline, AD’s Burden, and Reality Checks30:08 - New Look Offense: Movement, Spacing, Many Hands on the Ball31:44 - Identity Reset: Clamp First, Score Later32:14 - Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing (Slushies Optional)35:43 - Cowboys Tangent: Silver, Blue, and Emotional Damage41:00 - Bigs, Depth, and Rotation Math: AD, Lively II, Gafford, PJ42:48 - The West Gauntlet: OKC, Denver, Houston and Friends45:22 - East Wild Cards: Boston’s Gap Year, Knicks/Cavs, Watch Orlando48:20 - Around the League: Cap Shenanigans & Mystery Guests50:04 - Who’s Left Standing? Kevin’s Chalk (and We Hate It)51:42 - Parting Shots: Mavs Homework and Kevin’s Flowers
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The Trade - Turning Mavericks Meltdown into Theater Magic | Matt Lyle & Max Hartman

Mike Rhyner pulls up a barstool with Matt Lyle (playwright/agent of chaos) and Max Hartman (actor/true believer) to unpack The Trade—a sharp, satirical stage play where Luka “gets shipped” to the Lakers… strictly in parody land. It’s a Greek tragedy with punchlines, puppets (yes, a giant one), and the kind of Dallas sports heartbreak that only theater can make weirdly healing.
In between a studio lightning strike (because of course), a Rangers victory lap, and Shoopy’s drive-by quips, the gang digs into how you spin sports calamity into catharsis, why comedy is the only way to survive a news cycle like that, and what it’s like rewiring a script on the fly while your opening night anxiety does suicides in the lobby.
Come for the Mavs angst. Stay for the craft: character builds, last-minute rewrites, staging a sports scandal with style—and the reminder that, sometimes, parody tells the truth better than a press conference.
⏱️ Chapters
00:02 — “Thunder, Meet Rangers”A literal lightning strike says hello as the crew toasts a World Series and checks if the breakers—and Mike—are still alive.
03:13 — “Luka to the… Lakers? Relax, It’s Theater”Max and Matt introduce The Trade: a satirical fever dream, not Woj-bomb reality. (Everyone breathe.)
05:08 — “Friendship, Grief, and a Giant Puppet”Building characters from fan trauma, plus the Patrick Dumont mega-puppet cameo you didn’t know you needed.
08:17 — “When Sports News Feels Like a Prank”Remember that day you refreshed your phone 400 times? They bottle that energy—then set it on stage.
11:32 — “Greek Tragedy in a Jersey”Matt on using pain and rage for laughs (the good kind), and why parody hits where pressers won’t.
17:20 — “The Trade: A Comedy Built on a Collapse”How to stage the unstageable: tone, pace, and keeping the crowd howling without twisting the knife.
24:24 — “CBD Time-Out”A mid-show pit stop at CBD House of Healing. (Because opening nights and sports fandom both need balm.)
26:48 — “Rewrite, Rehearse, Repeat”The breakneck cycle of writing in April, staging by fall, and changing lines five minutes before curtain.
29:30 — “Parody vs. Press Release”Sports drama on stage vs. in real life—and why one of them actually gives you closure.
34:44 — “Stage Fright & Film Fights”Max on opening-night nerves, theater vs. film rhythms, and making the laugh land on two.
40:29 — “Tell a Friend, Bring a Frenemy”Mike’s parting shot: subscribe, share, and yes—argue with us in the comments. It’s tradition.
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Ticket Luck and Radio Magic | Bruce Gilbert, The Little Ticket Program Director

Mike sits down with the guy who helped steer the ship when The Ticket went from scrappy longshot to Dallas sports juggernaut: former program director Bruce Gilbert.
In true Your Dark Companion style, this isn’t a dry industry interview—it’s two radio lifers swapping war stories about wild ownership changes, home-brewed sports talk, and the kind of chemistry you can’t script. They laugh about bad ideas, celebrate good ones, and unpack why The Ticket still matters in a world where every phone is a radio.
This is part origin story, part master class, and part therapy session for anyone who ever loved—or worked in—live radio.00:00 Lightning & Rocktober02:47 Conference-Room Ambush04:54 From FM to Misfits06:58 No Blueprint, Just Guts09:43 Bought To Be Killed?12:19 Bunker Mentality 10115:27 Chemistry You Can’t Fake20:48 Management: Human Shield23:33 Stars, Not Egos26:15 Underdogs With Nothing30:03 Slushies & CBD Reads33:08 Okay, We’ve Got It36:12 Magic vs. Spreadsheets41:45 Everyone Wants Content46:28 Why Radio Still Hits50:03 Talent Hall of Fame52:35 Ticket Luck Strikes55:27 Our WLS Moment56:53 Pants Off, Sign OffFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

Free Drinks and Business Cards | Josh David Jordan

Indie films, preacher’s kids, Elvis motels, and Troy Aikman commercials — this episode has it all. Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas filmmaker Josh David Jordan, the mind behind This World Won’t Break and the upcoming El Tonto Porcristo.
Josh talks about growing up as the son of an evangelical preacher and how those fire-and-brimstone Sundays shaped the stories he tells today. From scribbling notes in moleskins to chasing the perfect song for a scene, his process is messy, passionate, and a little bit like “building the airplane on the way down.”
Along the way, we get Dallas love letters, border-crossing mishaps, and what happens when your indie film somehow collides with Troy Aikman’s commercial world. It’s raw, funny, and exactly why you tune in to Your Dark Companion.
Chapters
00:00 – Mike Rhyner and Josh David Jordan: film, life, and why Dallas always sneaks into the frame04:17 – Orthodoxy, cinema, and telling stories no one else is telling12:54 – Childhood memories: motels, Elvis, and little sparks of inspiration15:14 – This World Won’t Break: a filmmaker’s love letter to Dallas23:30 – Touring pains: crossing borders with too much gear25:20 – Film premieres, surprise connections, and the music that stays with you28:09 – What’s next: El Tonto Porcristo and making films against the odds34:44 – A pit stop at CBD House of Healing (because indie film hurts)35:57 – Storyboards, scripts, and the obsession behind directing39:28 – Why festivals are equal parts heartbreak and high-five44:50 – The toll of filmmaking — and why they still do it anyway46:29 – Wrestling with endings, edits, and when to finally “let it go”53:14 – Family, legacy, and the indie hustle55:51 – The weird joy of shooting commercials with Troy Aikman
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Ghost Etiquette 101: Boundaries, Sage, and Saying “Hey, Fred” | Haunted AF

Spooky season pulls up in a purple hearse as Mike Reiner welcomes Julie Fisk and Rebecca Black—the hilarious radio vets behind the hit pod Haunted AF. We talk real-world hauntings, fake ghost vids (we see that fishing wire), Dallas-Fort Worth’s creepiest spots, and why renovations are basically a Ouija board for the dead. Somewhere in there we accidentally name the spirit in Mike’s house Fred and immediately start provoking him. Sorry, Mike.
You’ll get tips for finding legit scares around DFW (from Hangman’s House of Horrors to the Kalita Humphreys Theater), a crash course in “talking to your ghosts politely,” and a monster tale from a Canadian farmhouse that will make you rethink nocturnal wildlife. PLUS: Haunted AF’s live show at Texas Live (Oct 1), a promo code for Hangman’s, and Rebecca’s new pod, Unsolicited. It’s cozy, creepy, and totally unserious—like chicken nuggets shaped like ghosts. Boo appetit.
Resources mentioned
Haunted AF podcast
Texas Live — Haunted AF live podcast, Oct 1 (free tickets)
Hangman’s House of Horrors (promo mentioned in-episode)
Kalita Humphreys Theater (Frank Lloyd Wright’s haunted beauty)
“Your Dark Companion” with Mike Reiner
Chapters
00:00:00 - Cold open chaos: false start, lightning, and sports-radio brain00:01:08 - Mike’s welcome + “September isn’t fall, fight me”00:02:58 - The Haunted AF duo returns (and shamelessly sells merch)00:04:07 - Origin story: radio roots → global ghost hotline00:07:24 - Believer vs. skeptic: the dance of wanting it to be real00:08:19 - What actually scares pros who hear this stuff all day00:09:31 - Marriage as a jump-scare sport00:09:44 - Mike’s mystery noises: is it a ghost or a raccoon?00:13:02 - Meet Fred, the newly christened house ghost00:15:32 - Ghost etiquette 101: set boundaries, use their name00:17:26 - Halloween is our Super Bowl: Texas Live, Oct 1 (free tix!)00:22:27 - Big Tex must be haunted (right?) + Fair Park lore00:23:20 - How they find stories: the Google-and-receipts method00:25:18 - Lady of the Lake “proof”… and the Photoshop plot twist00:28:08 - Fake videos vs. subtle real weirdness (Stanley Hotel tease)00:30:16 - Take a million pics, back-to-back: Galvez bathroom shadows00:31:46 - Scaring each other at Cane Rosso (and yes, hair pulls)00:32:55 - DFW scare guide: Hangman’s, Beaumont Hotel, Forest of Shadows, Fright Fest, Denton vs. Grapevine00:38:23 - Old City Park/Millermore: security spooks & the ghost app image00:41:20 - Kalita Humphreys Theater: Frank’s bathroom cameo & flickering lights00:45:24 - McKinney pubs and the shoulder tap you feel00:46:27 - Breakfast wine & the petty ghost that snitched (or saved)00:49:24 - Canada farmhouse reno: hyena-mane thing & a whistling barn00:54:47 - Posting cadence + Rebecca’s new pod Unsolicited00:58:37 - Cowboys Netflix doc: Reiner’s 90s nostalgia and locker-room legends01:01:02 - Why Mike loves talkers (and how this show works)01:02:21 - Like, share, review—cast your pod-boosting spells01:03:28 - Fred, you’re on in 3…2…1 (sign-off)

Welcome to the Back of the Bus | Craig Way & Erin Hartigan

Recorded live from the backroom at Dudley’s on Henderson, Mike Rhyner sits down with Texas sports legend Craig Way and dynamic broadcaster Erin Hartigan for a lively trip through the roads (and backroads) of sports media. From high-school press boxes to national broadcasts, tequila at weddings to the creation of “The Ticket,” this episode is a masterclass in how passion, timing, and a little chaos can build a career.
The trio swap stories about reinvention, mentorship, the “media meal” era, and the moments that shaped their love of the game — and each other’s respect. It’s part nostalgia, part industry insight, and part laugh-out-loud storytelling, all served up with deviled eggs and jalapeño poppers.
Chapters
00:00:01 - Lightning Strikes & Rangers Hype: Welcome to Dudley’s00:02:36 - Introducing Craig Way: From North Texas to Voice of Texas Sports00:04:30 - Erin Hartigan Joins the Table: Filling In and Owning Her Lane00:06:27 - Tequila at the Wedding: How Erin Became the Bell of the Ball00:08:37 - The Back of the Bus: Where “The Ticket” Template Took Shape00:11:02 - Building High School Football Coverage Like SportsCenter00:14:31 - Erin’s Omaha Beginnings and Recruiting Coverage Hustle00:16:43 - Parenthood, Pivots, and Slowing Down in a Fast Game00:19:25 - Pops & Boompa: Grandparent Names and Life Outside Broadcasting00:22:28 - Media Meals & Bad Baseball: Arlington Stadium Memories00:26:12 - Mentorship Moments: Sham, Mercer, and Learning the Craft00:30:26 - Mike’s First Radio Gig & Craig’s High School TV Studio00:33:34 - Writing, Versatility, and Erin’s “Squirrel Mom Brain”00:38:12 - Reinvention: From Music Dreams to Microphones00:42:16 - Dudley’s Snacks: Jalapeño Poppers & Elevated Sports Bar Food00:45:42 - Cowboys & Change: Landry, Jerry, and the Saturday Night Massacre00:50:55 - Generations Without a Super Bowl: Cowboys Then & Now00:54:13 - Ticket Luck and the Rise of Dallas Sports Radio00:59:13 - Why Preparation Still Wins: Lessons From the Desk01:02:35 - Closing Thoughts: Mentors, Weirdness, and What’s Next for YDCFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

What is Life without the Mavs? | Mark Cuban

Mike Rhyner and Grubes welcome Mavericks legend and Shark Tank titan Mark Cuban to Your Dark Companion for a candid conversation that swings from the heartbreak of Luka’s exit to the grind of fixing America’s broken healthcare system.
Cuban opens up about selling the Mavericks, the fine print that surprised him, and the not-so-subtle joys of yelling at refs without any actual power. He talks about Luka Doncic, Dirk’s legacy, and how chemistry in an NBA locker room can be just as fragile as a startup pitch on Shark Tank. From his Cost Plus Drugs revolution to playoff scars that never quite heal, Cuban delivers the unfiltered truth you don’t hear on CNBC.
It’s part basketball therapy, part business masterclass, and part “what the hell just happened?” — all in the way only Mark Cuban can bring it.
Chapters
00:00:00 - A Storm, A World Series, and Mark Cuban Joins the Show00:02:16 - Life After Selling the Mavericks00:04:05 - From Owner to Fan (and Wedding Anniversaries Without Training Camp)00:06:53 - The Fine Print Surprise: Losing Basketball Ops Control00:09:39 - Valuations vs. Fans: The NBA’s Changing Priorities00:11:43 - Breaking the News to His Family00:16:34 - Luka Magic: Draft Day Terror and Preseason Awe00:18:36 - “The Night” Luka Was Traded00:21:33 - Fans, Divorce, and the Grieving Process00:26:06 - Enter Cooper Flagg: Hope for the Future00:29:20 - Luka vs. Cooper: Cultural Differences and Mentality00:34:00 - Referees Are Nicer Now (When You Can’t Fine Them)00:35:09 - Would Cuban Buy Another NBA Team?00:43:09 - The Clippers Scandal Explained00:46:44 - Favorite Playoff Series (and the Ghost of 2006)00:52:09 - Dirk Nowitzki: Friend, Icon, and Teacher00:56:13 - Bill Mazeroski, Pittsburgh Pride, and College Memories01:00:16 - CBD Reads, Rap Attempts, and Closing BanterFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

From the *Other* Mothership: How RSN Gets Rangers Baseball to Your Couch (and Makes It Look Easy) | Angie Swint & Joe Cronin

I’m Not Opposed to Tricked-Up Lemonade | Sarah Blaskovich

Mike Rhyner welcomes back Sarah Blaskovich from the Dallas Morning News for a rollicking ride through Dallas’ culinary scene — and this one’s got everything: Cardi B baby talk, fried deviled egg sliders, and Grego’s strong anti-egg stance. Sarah serves up a full preview of the State Fair of Texas food lineup (yes, she’s taste-tested all 15 finalists — twice), gives her hot takes on Dallas’ newest upscale restaurants (Avra, Momini, Punk Noir), and drops the breaking news that White Castle is finally coming to Texas.
Along the way, we get a tour of sports snacks — RoughRiders cinnamon nuts, Wrigley Field hot dogs, Notre Dame High Noons, and the Rangers’ legendary boomstick — proving that Sarah may just care more about stadium food than the games themselves.
Whether you’re a fair food adventurer, a burger purist, or just in it for the margarita with Pop Rocks, this episode will have you laughing, drooling, and possibly Googling “Graffiti fine dining.”
Chapters
00:00:00 - Breaking News Banter: Cardi B’s Baby, Newsroom Gossip & Mike’s Math Skills00:03:57 - Meet Sarah (Again): Why Food Is the Ultimate Dallas Conversation Starter00:07:51 - State Fair Deep Dive: Big Tex Choice Awards & The Most Creative Winners00:10:49 - Wagu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders: Love It or Eggxit?00:15:24 - Savory, Sweet & Sipper: The Judges’ Picks (and Sarah’s Favorites)00:18:27 - Drinks with Pop Rocks, Trick’d-Up Lemonade & Brisket-Stuffed Pretzels00:20:32 - The “Candy Lemon Sour Face” Challenge (and Mike’s Reaction)00:21:20 - Big Tex’s Butt: The Best Fair Meetup Spot & Mitch Garver’s Legacy00:23:32 - Upscale Dallas Dining: Avra, Momini & the $48 Scallop Bite00:31:59 - Punk Noir: 20-Course Graffiti Fine Dining & Black Car Entrances00:34:56 - The Cost of Fancy Food & Why Dallas Still Needs $11 Burgers00:35:42 - Fast Food Love: Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, and New Builds in East Dallas00:41:27 - White Castle Comes to Texas: History, Confusion & Slider Culture00:48:32 - Is It Actually Good? Sarah’s Honest Take on the Famous Sliders00:51:01 - Stadium Food Tour: RoughRiders Nuts, Cubs Hot Dugs & Aggie Road Trips00:55:49 - Secret Hot Dogs, Boomsticks & Sharing 24-Inch Burritos00:57:33 - Hurtado BBQ Reigns Supreme at Globe Life Field00:58:48 - Varsity Jacket Status & Sarah’s Standing Invite Back to the Show00:59:29 - How to Reach Sarah & Why Dallas Is Better (and Pricier) Than EverFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

Slumming it in the Garage with YDC | Owen Newkirk

Mike Rhyner sits down with hockey guy extraordinaire Owen Newkirk to talk about the art of sports broadcasting, the grind of daily shows, and why chemistry can make or break a radio station — or a hockey team.
They cover everything from Mason Marchment’s departure to Glenn Gulutzan’s second go-round with the Stars, the delicate salary cap math of NHL rosters, and why Brandon Aubrey might secretly be the best athlete in DFW. Oh, and somewhere in there, we find time for fart drops, Luka trade therapy, and how standing on the Cowboys’ star at Jerry World will make you question physics.
This one’s equal parts hockey nerdery, Cowboys hand-wringing, and general YDC garage energy.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00:00 – Lightning Strikes & Ticket Nostalgia00:02:07 – Owen Graduates from The Little Ticket00:05:11 – The Gospel of Chemistry00:07:03 – Building DLLS and Gathering the Heavyweights00:14:18 – Mike’s Hockey Confession00:18:21 – Stars Roster Shake-Up: Marchment, Cap Crunch & Concerns00:27:11 – Luka Trade PTSD & The Cooper Flag Era00:31:30 – Brandon Aubrey: Robot Kicker from the Future00:33:14 – Standing on the Star & Kicking Physics in the Teeth00:37:07 – Mid-Show Read & Slushie Break00:39:56 – Defense, Depth, and Dallas Stars Big Questions00:45:07 – The Return of Glenn Gulutzan00:49:04 – When the Shelf Life Runs Out00:53:39 – Cowboys Day, Groobs Memories & Shoopy Chaos00:56:19 – Wrapping Up & Plotting a Luddy-Rhyner Memory Lane Special

Big Tex’s Glow-Up: Hank Hill No More | Mitchell Glieber

Mike Rhyner sits down with State Fair of Texas president Mitchell Glieber to peel back the funnel cake and show you the machinery that powers Dallas’ favorite 24-day carnival. From the Red River Rivalry chaos to Big Tex’s post-2012 glow-up (yes, the fire suppression and the…posterior), this one’s equal parts fried, factual, and flat-out fun. Mike needles, Mitchell dishes, and together they map the year-round grind behind the fair’s food, music, safety ops, and community impact—plus a heartfelt nod to Mitchell’s dad, legendary broadcaster Frank Glieber. Come for the corny dogs, stay for the civic master class.00:00:02 Radio Roots & Frank Glieber00:13:04 How to Build a 24-Day City00:22:15 Cotton Bowl Forever?00:26:12 Mid-Show Mellow00:28:23 Safety, Clarity & Clear Bags00:30:14 Winter Classic Flashback00:35:27 What’s New This Year00:40:16 Not Just 24 Days00:42:50 Dates, Duds & Dudley’sFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

From Bonnie & Clyde to JFK: Reel Meets Real in Texas | Kelly Kitchens & Farris Rookstool

This week, Mike Rhyner and Rob Ervin settle into the shadows with a pair of guests who know exactly how Hollywood spins a Texas yarn. Kelly Kitchens, the mastermind behind the It Came from Texas Film Festival, takes us behind the curtain on curating films like Bernie and The Great Debaters, where fact and fiction duke it out in the Lone Star State.
Then comes Farris Rookstool III — retired FBI analyst, JFK authority, and genealogical surprise package (yep, there’s a Bonnie and Clyde connection). From ferrying assassination files across the country in a U-Haul to surviving an awkward dinner with Oliver Stone, Farris proves truth is stranger (and often funnier) than film.
Together, the crew unpacks what happens when Texas history collides with cinematic mythmaking — and why Garland’s Plaza Theatre might just be the best place on earth to argue about it.
Pull up a chair, pour a drink, and prepare for a ride where the stories are as big as Texas — and sometimes just as unbelievable.
Chapters
0:00 – Festival Lights Up GarlandKelly introduces the It Came from Texas Film Festival and its mission to mix fun with fact.
3:20 – Plaza Theatre, Small Town, Big ScreenWhy Garland’s historic square is the perfect stage for Texas tales.
12:43 – Growing Up with Bonnie & ClydeFarris recalls childhood memories of the movie shoot and his family’s unexpected ties.
17:56 – From Curious Kid to FBI AnalystHow fascination with history turned into a career in federal investigations.
21:41 – Dinner with Oliver StoneWhen Farris met the JFK director — and lived to tell the awkward tale.
26:51 – A U-Haul Full of SecretsThe wild journey of transporting classified JFK files across the country.
40:11 – Family Trees and Texas LoreGenealogical surprises that prove history can be deeply personal.
45:50 – Dallas, Ground Zero for Breaking NewsWhy the JFK assassination made Dallas the world’s media hub.
54:02 – Preserving Stories, Screening TruthsKelly shares how the festival keeps Texas history alive on the big screen.
1:03:02 – Wrapping with a Lone Star VerdictRob weighs in on Oswald, accuracy, and the power of film.Follow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

K Pop Guitarslayer: Faith and Feedback | Justin "Guitarslayer" Lyons

Mike Rhyner and co-host Rob Ervin sit down with guitarist Justin Lyons—and from here on out, he’s simply Guitarslayer. From a Toys “R” Us starter axe to 80,000-seat domes, he walks us through church pews, K-Pop stadiums, MGK mayhem, and a Mavericks playoff anthem that rattled the rafters. There’s faith, tone-chasing, Nile Rodgers worship, and some honest talk about keeping your head right when the business gets loud.
It’s Oak Cliff grit with world-tour mileage—equal parts groove, gratitude, and guitar nerd joy. Pull up a chair, tune to “funky,” and let Guitarslayer explain why rhythm is the glue, tone is the truth, and arenas feel like sanctuaries when the pocket is deep.
Chapters
0:00 – Welcome to the Riff DenMike and Rob set the table; lightning outside, guitars inside, vibes everywhere.
2:35 – Meet Justin Lyons (a.k.a. Guitarslayer)Oak Cliff roots, gospel lanes, dad’s blues, mom’s melodies—day one DNA.
7:10 – First Axe, First TracksToys “R” Us guitar, church training wheels, and learning by ear (and prayer).
8:37 – The Mavs Got LoudHow Eminence Front got supercharged; from Dallas Stars anthem to Mavericks playoff blast—with a custom PRS to match.
12:15 – K-Pop Called, Passport StampedBig Bang to BLACKPINK: the faith leap that rewired a career and packed domes across Asia.
16:40 – The Tweet That Changed Everything“Looking for an African-American guitarist overseas”—Guitarslayer says yes before the ink is dry.
18:42 – Sit Down Before I Sit You DownA hard reset: stepping away for a year, then coming back with purpose.
22:21 – Dallas, But BiggerHouse-band days at Sankofa, building a sound, and why staying “spoiled” can stunt your growth.
31:31 – Tone Talk, Turn It UpPRS loyalties, Fender Tone Master obsession, and the eternal hunt for the sound that makes you practice longer.
34:42 – When Videos RuledNostalgia for The Box, regional hits, and why music videos used to feel like movies.
42:23 – Rhythm Is the ReligionWhy the pocket is king, Nile Rodgers is the blueprint, and the “in-betweens” move a crowd.
45:23 – 50,000 Hearts, One DownbeatOnstage adrenaline—from intimate rooms to seas of light sticks where in-ears can’t save you.
38:03 & 48:10 – Collabs & CosignsMGK, Lil Wayne, Travis Barker, Fallon, The Roots—plus the dream list (Gary Clark Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Raphael Saadiq).
52:36 – Faith, Discipline, LongevityGym habits, clean fuel, family, church—and treating musicianship like an athlete’s grind.
56:00 – Slushies & Sign-OffsCBD slushie chatter, reviews help, pants allegedly optional.

I'm going to be mean to Jerry for a second | Jeff Cavanaugh

“Four Wins and a Pool to Pay Off” — Jeff Cavanaugh Joins YDC for Cowboys Therapy
The season starts tomorrow, panic starts now. Mike Rhyner and Shoopy drag noted Cowboys whisperer Jeff Cavanaugh into the Mothership to talk through… everything. From the Micah trade spiral and Jerry’s “trust me, I’ve got a plan” era, to why the left tackle might give you acid reflux and how Trayvon Diggs pulled a Week-1 magic trick, this is Cowboys talk with jokes, receipts, and the occasional threat to trade for Jameis just for vibes.
Come for the football nerdery (zone vs. gap, hand placement, pass-rush reality), stay for Jeff’s planner redemption arc, YouTube super-chat economics, and a very real debate about long pants. If you’re a Cowboys fan, this is either group therapy or pregame gasoline. Maybe both.
Chapters
0:00 – Lightning, Gen-X, and the Planner That Saved JeffMike sets the table; Jeff admits calendars are hard; Shoopy supervises adulting.
2:12 – The Anus Is On Us (Yes, He Said Anus)Cowboys open on TNF; why this episode is required listening for your blood pressure.
4:58 – Emergency Pod Energy: Micah’s Gone, Draft Picks Grow on TreesJeff’s first reaction to the trade, the “weighs more = better” logic, and why “we’re better today” doesn’t math.
9:56 – Jerry Math vs. Real MathCap talk, anger talk, and how to spin a Herschel move without admitting it’s a Herschel move.
14:09 – Are They Ready for Philly? (Vegas Says ‘Lol’)Dak’s 12-win gravity vs. a roster that looks… light. Range of outcomes, none of them chill.
18:28 – Who Sacks People Now? Asking for a DefenseLife after Micah, why “scheme pressure” isn’t Eberflus’ thing, and the hope in a rookie named Asaree-what?
22:04 – Fashion, Feelings, and Long PantsA brief intermission where Jeff’s wardrobe is managed by someone wiser.
24:40 – Sneaky Names You’ll Pretend You Knew FirstJack Sanborn alert, the Marist kid, and why Asaree-Raku (say it with confidence) already has pass-rush moves.
31:58 – Trayvon Diggs: Surprise!From “maybe October” to “see you Thursday?” plus the $500k rehab subplot.
34:06 – Running Back Room: Juice Not IncludedJavonte hand-waviness, Jaden Blue speed, and the annual lesson on bargain-bin shopping.
39:30 – Ad Break With Slushies & Super ChatsCBD House of Healing, then Jeff explains how to make Google your business partner.
43:10 – O-Line Autopsy: Tools, Rules, and RealityTyler Smith is a stud, Beebe might be a Pro Bowler, and Tyler Guyton’s big Year-2 reckoning.
51:18 – Zone vs. Gap for People Who Like HittingWhy the run game’s switching lanes and how Booker fits the smash-mouth vibe.
55:20 – Predictions and Reckless HopeMike says four wins, Jeff says eight, everyone says “trade for Jameis and let’s get weird.”
59:15 – Hugs, Zoo Nostalgia, and Pants RemovalA tender sign-off the FCC can’t stop.

Where do they go for Homecoming? | Brian Estridge & Mac Engel

Mike Rhyner is in the nurturing bio-sphere of the mothership with two heavy-hitters of the Fort Worth sports scene: Brian Estridge, the unmistakable voice of TCU football and basketball, and Mac Engel, the columnist who has made a career out of poking sacred cows at the Star-Telegram.
This episode isn’t your standard “rah-rah college football” pep rally. Nope, this is three guys who have seen everything pulling no punches about the state of sports today. From TCU’s rise (and how Josh Hoover is suddenly everyone’s new crush), to the absolute Wild West that is NIL and the transfer portal, they dissect how college athletics has turned into a giant ATM with shoulder pads. Spoiler: loyalty to teams is out, loyalty to whoever’s paying is in.
And because sports talk is never just about sports, Mike, Brian, and Mac veer into the dying gasps of newspapers and radio, the joy of covering legends (and clowns), and the absolute absurdity of trying to keep up in an industry where management decisions seem designed to sink the ship faster. It’s sharp, it’s funny, and it’s dripping with the kind of perspective you only get from guys who’ve lived it.
Chapters
0:02 – TCU, Josh Hoover, and the Surprise StartEstridge explains why the Frogs might actually be for real this season.
4:21 – Beating Belichick? Yep, Apparently That HappenedHow TCU toppled UNC and what it says about coaching transitions.
9:38 – NIL: Name, Image, LuggageWhy college sports now feels less like school spirit and more like a transfer market.
16:57 – Fans Love Players, Not ProgramsHow player mobility has completely rewired fan allegiances.
22:43 – Money Talks: NIL’s Growing PainsThe upsides, the ugly sides, and why nobody’s figured out how to police it.
31:28 – RIP Newspapers (And Maybe Radio Too)Mack Engel explains how to kill media: cut the talent, then wonder why no one listens.
34:35 – Life in the Booth (and the 5 AM Alarm Clock Club)War stories from careers that started long before podcasts were cool.
41:48 – If You’re Gonna Rip a Guy, Show UpBrian’s take on journalistic accountability—and why too many skip the hard part.
52:21 – Nostalgia, Johnny Unitas, and Draft Day WeirdnessBecause no episode is complete without a trip down memory lane.

I'm Gonna take you to the Stars & Then Jerry did | Joseph Hoyt

What happens when you put Mike Rhyner, Shoopy, and a sportswriter with too many deadlines in the same room? You get equal parts wisdom, sarcasm, and a peek behind the curtain at how the sausage of sports journalism actually gets made.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Joseph Hoyt joins the crew to talk about life as a sportswriter in the Twitter age—where breaking news moves faster than a Micah Parsons blitz and one bad lede can get you roasted before halftime. Rhyner and Shoopy pry into everything: the chaos of press boxes, the weird pressure of writing “instant history” after big games, and what it’s like trying to cover athletes while also dodging fan bases that think they could do your job better.
It’s funny, it’s raw, and it’s a little too honest—basically, the perfect companion for your drive, your beer, or your Monday morning “I hate my boss” walk.
Chapters
0:00 – Welcome to the Chaos
4:22 – Press Box Theater
10:09 – Twitter Ate My Job
16:47 – Instant History, Zero Sleep
23:31 – Fans with Pitchforks
31:02 – Surviving the Grind
41:19 – Closing Time
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Micah Bombshell: The Cowboys Trade Parsons to Green Bay

Well, nobody saw THAT coming. In this unplanned emergency edition of The OG, Mike, Norm Hitzges, and Greggo drop everything (including their fantasy draft) to break down the Cowboys’ jaw-dropping trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
Yep—Dallas just shipped off its generational pass-rushing freak for Kenny Clark and a pair of first-round picks, while Green Bay signed Parsons to a record-shattering $188 million contract. Highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. Let that sink in.
Norm calls it a cap move, Greggo calls it a generational mistake, and Mike calls it a classic “Rob Peter to pay Paul” situation. Together, they rip into Jerry Jones’ decision-making, the Cowboys’ salary cap circus, and what life after Micah looks like in Dallas. Meanwhile, Packers fans might already be planning the statue.
It’s raw, it’s funny, it’s unscripted—and it’s exactly why you love The OG.
Chapters
0:10 – Micah Parsons Traded to Packers in Shocking NFL MoveThe breaking news hits mid-fantasy draft: Micah is out, Green Bay is in.
5:17 – The Fallout: Salary Cap Chaos & Team DynamicsNorm explains how money forced Jerry’s hand, even if fans won’t forgive it.
8:55 – Jerry Jones, Leadership, and the Cowboys’ Front Office MessIs Jerry losing his fastball? The guys wonder if this trade signals more trouble.
9:54 – The Contract: How Parsons Became NFL’s Highest-Paid Non-QB$188 million. $120 million guaranteed. Greggo and Norm break down the numbers.
14:11 – Packers Get a Monster, Cowboys Get… “Balance”?Why Green Bay might have just vaulted to Super Bowl favorites.
 
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The Gallow | Randy Galloway

Few names carry as much weight in Dallas-Fort Worth sports media as Randy Galloway. With a career spanning more than 50 years across the Dallas Morning News, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, ESPN Radio, and WBAP, Galloway’s voice defined an era of fearless sports commentary.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with the legendary columnist and broadcaster to revisit the stories that shaped modern sports journalism. From his early days covering high school games to becoming one of the most recognized personalities in Texas media, Galloway reflects on the grind, the glory, and the chaos of it all.
The conversation covers iconic figures like Jimmy Johnson, Troy Aikman, Deion Sanders, and Michael Irvin, while also pulling back the curtain on the cutthroat world of newspaper wars and the pressures of radio. With a mix of honesty, humor, and sharp-edged storytelling, Galloway reminds us why great journalism isn’t about playing nice—it’s about showing up, speaking the truth, and never ducking the hard questions.
⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 – Randy Galloway’s storied career in sports media7:17 – From high school sports to becoming a columnist13:45 – The grind, rewards, and credibility of sports journalism20:50 – Reflections on legends: Johnson, Sanders, Aikman & Irvin26:47 – Aikman’s near departure and leadership shift32:21 – Why Galloway never wrote “the book”35:01 – Reluctant media appearances & staying loyal to Dallas43:34 – The golden age of Dallas sportswriting wars57:16 – Triumphs, feuds, and Jerry Jones’s lasting legacy1:11:20 – Closing reflections: passion, persistence, and perspective

Friday Night Lights are Texas Sized | Greg Tepper

What makes Texas high school football unlike anything else in the country? In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with Greg Tepper, Editor-in-Chief of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football—the man at the center of the sport’s most beloved publication.
From covering more than 1,500 high school teams across the state to chronicling the stories that fuel Friday night lights, Tepper opens the playbook on what it takes to keep this legendary magazine alive. He shares how he went from a young journalist to becoming the voice of Texas football, balancing the tradition of Dave Campbell’s with the modern realities of recruiting, transfers, and the ever-changing college football landscape.
Along the way, you’ll hear about the rise of powerhouse programs, the challenges facing high school coaches, and even the possibility of a 7A division. Tepper also breaks down the quirks that make Texas football culture truly one-of-a-kind—from six-man ball to the intensity of rivalries that can divide entire towns.
If you’ve ever wondered why football in Texas feels bigger, louder, and more personal, this conversation explains it all.
⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – Football Season Excitement and Craft Beer Discussions3:41 – The Legacy and Passion of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football9:24 – Why Texas High School Football is Truly Different13:39 – From Journalism Graduate to TV Host for Friday Nights15:09 – The Massive Undertaking of Creating the Annual Magazine23:21 – Transfers, Recruiting, and UIL Rules Shaping the Game26:01 – How High School Coaching in Texas Has Evolved32:07 – Mid-Show Reads and Sponsor Breaks33:45 – Finding Natural Relief Through CBD at a Women-Owned Boutique36:06 – Fantasy Football Draft Night at the Sunset Lounge36:13 – The Electric Impact of Mike Rhyner’s Live Reads37:53 – Powerhouse Programs and Rising Texas Stars to Watch42:01 – Six-Man Football and New Wearable Tech Rules45:28 – UIL Realignment: Challenges and Controversy47:12 – The Passion and Culture Driving Texas High School Football52:55 – Championship Trends Across Texas Metro Areas53:55 – Greg Tepper Teases Upcoming High School Football Broadcast News
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Neverland, Music & Thumbnails | Bart Stevens

Step inside the control room with Bart Stevens, the recording engineer who worked alongside music legends like Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Boz Scaggs, Toto, Mick Jagger, and Joe Satriani. In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner uncovers the untold stories of LA’s legendary studios—where Bart went from a kid fresh out of Texas to helping shape the sound of some of the biggest records in history.
From five years at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch to unforgettable sessions with Stevie Nicks, Slash, and Jeff Porcaro, Bart shares an insider’s view of the golden age of recording. Along the way, he reveals the friendships, near-misses, and wild tales that defined his career.
Bart also opens up about his book, The Miller Grill, a unique blend of music and racing history. Inspired by his fascination with legendary bluesman Robert Johnson and racer Sam Nunes, the novel explores a fictional friendship between these icons set against the backdrop of real historical events. It’s a creative reflection of Bart’s lifelong passions and storytelling flair, showing that his artistry extends far beyond the mixing board.
If you love behind-the-scenes music history, studio lore, or just want to hear how the magic was made, this episode is a must-listen.
⏱️ Chapters
0:03 – Exploring Music Passion and Recording with Bart Stevens5:41 – From Texas to LA: Starting Out in the Studio World10:25 – Behind the Scenes with Music Legends & Michael Jackson20:16 – Michael Jackson’s Lifestyle & Generosity at Neverland Ranch27:39 – Studio Encounters, Near Misses & Music Industry Lessons33:26 – Sponsor Break: CBD House of Healing36:25 – Boz Scaggs’ Album Journey & Industry Challenges44:10 – Guitar Picks, Studio Life, & Unexpected Stories50:15 – The Miller Grill: Music Meets Racing History53:51 – Stevie Nicks, Olivia Newton John & Fleetwood Mac Sessions57:31 – Missed Opportunities & Concert Mishaps1:03:50 – Slash Stories & Lifelong Studio Friendships
Frisco Rough Riders – baseball, beer, and good vibes
https://www.milb.com/frisco
use code: LETSRIDE25 at checkout for discount!
 
CBD House of Healing – Take your healing to the House of Healing
https://cbddallas.com/ 
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DVD Size Hail and 400mph Winds | Jesse Hawila

When the weather gets weird, the movies get weirder, and the music gets loud—Mike Rhyner is the guy you want steering the conversation. This time, he’s joined by Sunset Lounge transplant Rob Ervin, who swaps his regular hangout for the Dark Companion studio, and the one and only four-time returning champion Jesse Hawila, DFW’s favorite meteorologist with a knack for dropping truth bombs about the skies above and the hype below.
From comparing this summer to the legendary “magical summer of 2007” to calling out fear-mongering weather reports, Jesse brings the forecast you should be hearing—minus the doom-and-gloom clickbait. Rob brings the pop culture heat, from cult film deep dives (hello, Tommy Wiseau) to metal bands with drummers who seem part human, part machine. And somewhere between Stevie Nicks stories, death metal drumming admiration, and casual Emmy drop-ins, this episode turns into a full-blown jam session of weather wisdom, movie geekery, and music nerdery.
Come for the storms, stay for the shredding.
Chapters:0:00 – Welcome to the Weather Rock Show – Mike, Rob, and Jesse set the stage.5:18 – 2007 vs. 2023 – Comparing summers worth talking about.9:06 – The Weather Hype Machine – Why social media storms aren’t always real storms.13:50 – Stage Fright Forecast – Jesse’s surprising #1 fear.18:05 – Movie Geek Throwdown – Rob takes the mic with film trivia and passion.20:37 – Tommy Wiseau & Cult Film Chaos – Behind the bizarre screenings.27:26 – CBD & Sports Crossfade – Healing and The OG podcast talk.30:20 – From Blues to Blast Beats – Musical taste whiplash in the best way.37:50 – Death Metal Drummers = Cyborgs? – Jesse makes his case.40:55 – Stevie Nicks, Floods, & Fate – Silver Spring stories.41:53 – Drummers & Metal Evolution – Legends and lineups.45:20 – Celebs & Emmy Moments – Name drops with style.47:57 – Work Wardrobe Rules? – Jesse’s casual take.50:21 – Games, Pinball, & Film Oddities – Nerd heaven.55:28 – Fantasy Football & Sign-Off – Wrapping it up with friendly chaos.
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Hall of Famers Making Time for Us | Ralph Strangis

In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with Ralph Strangis—legendary broadcaster, Hall of Famer, and the voice who taught Texas what icing was (and no, not the kind on a cake). From shepherding the Minnesota North Stars into their Dallas rebirth to cementing himself as a fixture in hockey history, Ralph’s journey is equal parts grit, wit, and pure love for the game.
The two old friends swap stories about chaotic press boxes, unconventional bosses, and the unique insanity of professional sports relocations. Ralph opens up about the pride (and surprise) of being inducted into the Dallas Stars Hall of Fame, what he’s up to now with his Ralph Cast and Substack, and why he’ll never willingly put on a tie.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a hockey culture in a football town—or just want to hear a master storyteller at work—this is your backstage pass to the broadcast booth.
Chapters:
0:03 – Weather, Small Talk & Setting the Stage: Mike and Ralph ease in with sports and meteorology banter.4:26 – Pool Chillers, Cool Decks & Cool Guests: How the episode almost didn’t happen.5:53 – Hall of Fame Feels: The big induction, the big speech, and even bigger emotions.13:30 – Dry Heat vs. Humidity: A broadcaster’s meteorological take.14:51 – The Big Weekend Ahead: Ralph’s pre-event jitters and excitement.23:40 – Ties Are for Other People: Why Ralph has declared war on formal wear.26:22 – Broadcast Booth Memories: Building the Dallas Stars legacy, one call at a time.31:37 – Change, Healing & CBD: A candid turn in the conversation.38:58 – From North to South: The messy, monumental move from Minnesota to Dallas.42:26 – Norm Green Stories: Ice cubes in urinals and other unforgettable details.48:51 – How Texas Got Its Voice: Ralph’s road to the mic.52:24 – Behind the Broadcast Curtain: Budget woes and creative workarounds.54:18 – After the Move: The aftermath of relocation—on and off the ice.58:23 – Life After the Booth: Podcasting, creativity, and what keeps Ralph inspired.1:04:11 – Looking Back, Moving Forward: Hockey’s journey in Dallas and what’s next.1:07:56 – Draft Night Chaos: A very different kind of play-by-play.
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Q vs Zew | Bo Roberts

What do you get when you mix a radio legend, a Russian hash-smoking adventure, a Triumph stage-crashing moment, and a career that spans five decades in Dallas radio? You get Bo Roberts—loud, proud, and on the mic with Mike Rhyner for this unforgettable ride through rock and radio history.
Bo Roberts, longtime co-host of the iconic Q102 KTXQ-FM (aka Q102 the Classic Rock Station), now graces the airwaves at Lone Star 92.5 KZPS-FM—but his journey didn’t start in Dallas. From classical music roots in Corsicana to backstage antics with rock royalty, Bo has seen it all. And in this episode of Your Dark Companion, he opens up the vault.
Host Mike Rhyner and Bo dive into everything from the lost art of morning show chemistry (shoutout to the late, great Jimmy White), to corporate radio's evolution, to waking up at 2 AM to prep for a show. Along the way? Stories from Bo’s time in New Orleans, London, Moscow, and… the Longhorn Ballroom. Yes, the Sex Pistols are involved.
This one’s a love letter to the wild, weird, and wonderful world of radio—told by two guys who helped build it.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
0:02 – Radio Rivalries & Day One Friendships3:59 – Bo’s Parade Disaster (Yes, It Hurt)6:56 – New Orleans to Dallas: The Long Radio Road9:02 – 2AM Alarms and the Joy of Preparation10:02 – Sex Pistols at the Longhorn Ballroom10:50 – Firing Stories & Climbing Back Up13:36 – The Bo Roberts Playbook: Career, Chaos & Community18:14 – Chemistry Is Everything in Radio (And Life)26:52 – Facing Retirement: The Weirdest Transition of All30:24 – CBD House of Healing Ad Spot31:43 – Live Spots, Celebrities, and Broadcast Gold34:02 – Hash in Russia, The Rolling Stones, and Diplomatic Rock n’ Roll38:13 – Bo Walks Onstage During Triumph—No Big Deal40:50 – Work Ethic vs. Corporate Headaches44:19 – The Buckinghams and the Song That Shouldn’t Be45:53 – Final Stories from a Radio Life Lived Loud
📝 About Bo RobertsA Corsicana native with classical roots and a rock-and-roll heart, Bo Roberts became a Dallas radio fixture at Q102 KTXQ-FM, and now co-hosts mornings at Lone Star 92.5 KZPS-FM. With more stories than a box set anthology, Bo’s voice and presence are unmistakable—equal parts velvet and vinegar, with decades of morning show magic behind him.
Tune in for tales of mischief, music, and the microphone—and stay for the unfiltered wisdom only a true radio vet can offer. This is one for the books.

The Origins of a Saint | Jimmy "The Saint" Christopher

In this special edition of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner welcomes the unmistakable voice and soul of the airwaves—Jimmy Christopher, a.k.a. The Saint—for a ride through 50+ years of broadcasting brilliance.
From the early days spinning records at The Zoo in Dallas to sparring mics with the boys at The Ticket, Jimmy’s been everywhere—and he’s got the stories to prove it. You’ll hear about his childhood obsession with Hank Aaron, his first trip to a big league game in 1957 (spoiler: it changed his life), and his music-soaked, mic-wielding journey from Minnesota to California to Cleveland and finally to Texas.
Whether you know him from KNAC, KISS, KZEW, or The Ticket, one thing is clear: The Saint’s got soul—and he’s not done talking.
⏱️ CHAPTERS0:01 – Two Legends Walk Into a Studio7:47 – The Braves, The Browns, and a 7-Year-Old Superfan10:49 – Torn Between Cowboys & Texans (Not Those Texans)15:00 – How Vietnam Turned a Braves Fan into a Dodger Die-Hard17:31 – Dubuque, Iowa: Where Baseball Dreams Begin20:22 – A Mic in One Hand, a Record in the Other24:23 – Memories of Baseball Parks and Iconic Voices26:18 – Vin Scully, the GOAT, and Broadcasting’s Golden Age28:39 – Getting Drafted, and Dodging the Draft (Sorta)31:44 – Music Rebellion and Microphone Freedom in the ‘60s35:33 – Why “The Saint” Stuck (Thanks, Springsteen)37:49 – Radio Stops Across the Country (and Back Again)41:25 – What Happened When The Suits Took Over Radio47:14 – CBD Ad Break: Chill Like a DJ on Sunday Morning49:58 – The Fine Line Between News and Noise55:33 – Getting Hired, Getting Fired, and Staying Weird58:42 – Creativity vs. Clean Copy: The Eternal Battle1:01:05 – Final Memories from The Zoo Days
🎧 So grab a cold one, put your feet up, and dive into this mic-drop of a memory lane with a man who helped shape the sound of Dallas radio. And don’t forget to subscribe—there’s more where this came from, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

Emergency Diamond Talk from the OG's

WTF JERRY!!!

Talkin' About the Weather | Steve Helms

This week, country roads lead us straight to Texas music royalty.
Mike Rhyner welcomes singer, songwriter, and all-around honky-tonk hero Steve Helms to Your Dark Companion—and let’s just say, this one’s got a little twang and a whole lot of heart. From Cleburne to center stage, Steve has spent more than four decades writing, performing, and winning over fans with his blend of grit, melody, and good ol’ Texas charm.
You’ve heard his anthem "Nowhere But Texas" blaring at every Texas Rangers home game for the last 18 seasons—but now you’ll hear the stories behind the song, the career that birthed it, and the man who still lives for that Friday night fever.
Steve talks about his musical roots, co-writing mishaps, life on the road, and waking up mid-dream to jot down lyrics before they disappear with the sunrise. Oh, and did we mention he performs three acoustic tracks live? This one’s as much a concert as it is a conversation.
So pull up a barstool, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy a good ol’ yarn with two legends—one behind the mic and the other behind the music.
⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 – Lightning, World Series, and… Steve?1:10 – Welcome to the podcast—Here’s what we’re doing2:20 – Meet Steve Helms: Texas through and through4:08 – Early gigs, cover bands, and learning the ropes9:30 – First songs and finding a place in the Texas scene14:55 – How "Nowhere But Texas" became the anthem18:40 – Life on the road and the modern-day music hustle24:15 – George Strait, family ties, and finding your people30:00 – Acoustic performance: “Talking About the Weather”35:14 – Acoustic performance: “Nowhere But Texas”40:45 – Baseball stories, ballparks, and band memories46:49 – Acoustic performance: “Friday Night Fever”51:05 – Songwriting secrets, co-writing chaos, and dream scribbles54:50 – Final performance: “Can I Buy You a Country Song?”
Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just wondering how a guy ends up singing at every Rangers game for nearly two decades, this episode delivers. Tune in and two-step through the stories behind the songs. 🤠

Bonus Episode: Jeopardy Dreams & Trivia Banter

Rev Entertainment: Transforming Globe Life Field Beyond Baseball Games | Sean Decker President

🎧 Episode Description:Baseball? Sure. But only using Globe Life Field for Rangers games? That’s rookie thinking.
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner kicks back with Sean Decker, the brains behind Rev Entertainment and the man turning Globe Life Field into Arlington’s hottest all-purpose playground.
From monster concerts and high school graduations to private events and pro-level sports—Sean spills the (ballpark-priced) beans on how Rev is cooking up events year-round, far beyond the 81 home games. Whether it's converting Choctaw Stadium into a multi-sport mecca or dreaming up how to outdo their last spectacle, Sean’s vision is loud, local, and laser-focused on growth.
This isn’t just sports business—it’s community, commerce, and a little bit of chaos management. If you’ve ever wondered how a ballpark becomes a brand, or how to throw a party for 40,000 people and make it look easy… this one’s for you.
📍Chapters
0:00 – What Is Rev Entertainment?Mike and Sean tee off with a breakdown of what this post-baseball powerhouse actually does.
3:16 – Why the Stadium's Never DarkDecker explains how they keep Globe Life Field booked and buzzing, 365 days a year.
6:46 – From Baseball to Beyoncé: Event Strategy 101Concerts, graduations, corporate parties—Sean unpacks how they program it all.
11:19 – Merging Teams and VisionsHow Rev and the Rangers align to build one unified entertainment ecosystem.
19:01 – Business Growth, Baseball, and Being HumbleSean reflects on leadership, lessons learned, and balancing vision with execution.
24:16 – The Rangers’ Culture ShiftHow ownership set the tone for community-building and off-field expansion.
28:09 – Getting Loud: Concerts and Stadium AcousticsSpoiler: It’s harder than you think to make a stadium sound good.
30:59 – Reviving Choctaw StadiumSean gets into the why and how behind saving an aging ballpark—and making it useful again.
36:14 – Scheduling Madness: Soccer, XFL, and MoreJuggling sports, schedules, and fans across multiple leagues.
40:45 – So What’s Next?Sean drops hints about what’s coming to Arlington—and why they’re not slowing down.
🎧 Listen in to find out how Rev Entertainment is redefining what a ballpark can be—and why entertainment may be Arlington’s biggest home run yet.
💥 Subscribe, rate, and hit us up if you want a dot race on your wedding night.

Just Wondering... About Sports | Norm Hitzges

🎙️ Sports Radio Royalty: Mike Rhyner & Norm Hitzges Talk Cowboys, Rangers & the Good Old Days | Your Dark Companion
What happens when two sports radio legends sit down to trade war stories, roast player contracts, and dissect Texas sports like only they can? You get this episode.
Mike Rhyner welcomes longtime friend and broadcasting titan Norm Hitzges to Your Dark Companion for a walk down memory lane—and a few sharp turns through the chaos of 2023 sports headlines. From Dak Prescott’s dollar signs to Josh Jung's comeback, the boys cover it all with the kind of chemistry only decades behind a mic can produce.
You’ll get expert insight, unfiltered opinions, and more Dallas sports nostalgia than a Troy Aikman highlight reel. Plus: a few gems on the evolution of sports talk radio, a detour into the CBD House of Healing, and why the Rangers need more bats and less bullpen anxiety.
🧭 CHAPTERS
0:00 – Sports Talk Royalty: Norm & Mike Reunite5:17 – KLIF to The Ticket: Inside Dallas Radio Shakeups12:15 – The Dak Debate: Contracts, Cap Space & Cowboys Drama18:58 – Cowboys Camp Worries & Joe Milton Talk32:13 – Mike’s Pain Relief Plug: CBD House of Healing35:15 – Rangers at the Trade Deadline: What’s Missing?39:00 – Pitching Woes, Offensive Gaps, and What Comes Next53:36 – American League Fortunes and October Dreams56:38 – The Evolution of Pitching in Modern Baseball
🧠 Whether you're a sports radio junkie or just want smarter takes on the Cowboys’ future, the Rangers’ playoff hopes, or how baseball pitching became sorcery, this episode’s for you.
Hit play, hit subscribe, and let the OGs show you how it’s done.
#YourDarkCompanion #NormHitzges #MikeRhyner #DallasCowboys #TexasRangers #MLBTradeDeadline #SportsRadio #NFLContracts #BaseballPitching #SportsPodcast #StolenWaterMedia

Mr. Ranger | Tom Greive

Mr. Ranger, Tom Grieve, joins the Shoopies at Globe Life Field to talk his incredible life and career!!

A League of Legends | Eric Nadel, Chuck Cooperstein, Brad Sham, & Josh Bogorad

Legendary local voices join YDC for a special BROADCASTER'S ROUNDTABLE as we talk to Chuck Cooperstein, Eric Nadel, and Brad Sham & Josh Bogorad

The New Age of the Influencer | Jeff K

Dallas Stars and Cowboys PA man, music radio legend, and all around fun guy Jeff K makes his third appearance on little YDC!

The Glory of Susquehanna | Scott Strong

Scott Strong, former program director of the Bone and lifelong music maven, takes us back in the van to relive fun stories from his eventful career!

They Will RUN OVER YOU! | Doyle King

HE'S DOYLE KING. The golden-throated, lake loving, laugh machine Doyle King brings us tales of his journey throughout the DFW media landscape!

The Newberg Report | Jamey Newberg

Jamey Newberg, the man behind the famed Newberg Report newsletter, dishes on all things Rangers inside the Wolf Den!

Three Former Easter Bunnies | Jim Cochrane

Jim Cochrane, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer of the Texas Rangers meets the Shoopies at Globe Life Field to give us the lowdown on his time with the team and how he wound on SportsCenter!

The Woman of the Cowboys Sidelines | Kristi Scales

Dallas Cowboys sideline reporter Kristi Scales breaks into the Sunset Lounge with urgent and horrifying news...or maybe just an awesome discussion about her legendary career and the team she's been covering for nearly 30 years!

Sunset Lounge Crossover at the CBD House of Healing | Victor & Shippy

We are LIVE from the CBD House of Healing!!!! Shippy and Victor Villalba join the Shoopies for a night of sports talk, fun, and...maybe a Slushie or two??

Givingmas | Mike Keating

Mike Keating, founder of Givingmas, an organization dedicated to changing lives one family at a time, joins the Shoopies to dicuss all the awesome things they do for the community!

News Media Kinda Sucks Now a Days | Dale Hansen

The 800 pound gorilla himself, Dale Hansen, strolls into the Sunset Lounge to give his opinions on anything and everything!!!! Buckle up buttercup!

Talkin' Sports at a Baseball Field | Rush Olson

Rhynes, Grubes and special guest Rush Olson get your head right for Texas Rangers Night at the Frisco RoughRiders game with a lively discussion about baseball and other stuff as we see fit!

Goalies Win Games, Kingsville Bres & Waterbeds | Marty Turco

Your favorite former Dallas Stars goaltender and co-founder of the Kingsville Brewery, Marty Turco, skates beyond the trapezoid and into the Sunset Lounge!

The Heart of Baseball in the Heart of Dallas | José Guzmán

Former Texas Rangers pitcher and current Spanish radio broadcaster for the Rangers, Jose Guzman, gets set and delivers an awesome conversation in the Wolf Den!

Rangers Sports Net | Angie Swint

Texas Rangers communications head honcho Angie Swint talks with the Shoopies at Globe Life Field as we learn about how the Rangers Sports Network came together!

Happy Birthday Eric | Eric Nadel Birthday Bash

Eric Nadel's birthday benefit unfolds at the historic Longhorn Ballroom, featuring Shiny Ribs and the Secret Sisters. Mike Rhyner, Grubes, Rob, and Alex from the Clubhouse podcast explore the venue's rich history and current events supporting the Grant Halliburton Foundation. Eric discusses his passion for music, mental health advocacy, and auction items up for grabs. Edwin Cabanas shares future plans for the Longhorn, including an upcoming amphitheater. Guests like John Blake and Brad Sham enrich the conversation with anecdotes, blending sports history and Nadel's influence in mental health awareness.
Chapters - 00:00:01 - Eric Nadal's Birthday Benefit and Baseball Talk00:04:40 - Colorado Rockies' Struggles and Run Differential Challenges00:08:21 - Eric Nadel's Birthday Concert Featuring Shiny Ribs and Secret Sisters00:11:01 - The Longhorn Ballroom's Rich Musical History00:12:45 - Exploring Shiny Ribs and Secret Sisters' Musical Journeys00:14:20 - Discovering Secret Sisters at Eclectic Music Festivals00:16:43 - The Eerie Pattern of Musicians Passing After Performances00:17:31 - Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention in Schools00:19:51 - Exciting Auction Night Featuring Celebrity Dinners and Unique Memorabilia00:24:10 - Purple Carpet, Baseball, and Amazon's Influence00:27:07 - Eric Nadel's Birthday Wish to Book Lake Street Dive00:32:48 - Expanding Sponsorship Opportunities by Moving to a Larger Venue00:34:04 - Eric Nadel's Birthday Bash and Charity Event at Longhorn Ballroom00:42:04 - The Unsung Role of Drummers in Country Music00:44:13 - Supporting Mental Health Awareness at a Purple Carpet Event00:51:06 - Event Planner Lee Parks Discusses Her Passion for Fundraising00:51:50 - Exploring Eclectic Music and Unique Band Performances00:53:46 - Fans Gather for Music and Support at Foundation Event00:59:12 - Recollections and Reunions at a Radio Station Gathering01:03:43 - The Epic Journey of a Jacket and Its Wearers01:09:12 - Reviving Historic Venues and Celebrating Music's Legacy01:16:48 - John Blake and Evan Grant Launch a Podcast on Baseball01:19:48 - Georgetown Basketball Memories and Broadcasting Challenges01:25:27 - Sports Talk, Baseball Optimism, and Hockey Playoffs01:29:58 - The Thrills and Challenges of NHL Playoff Hockey01:34:14 - Junior Hockey Memories and Upcoming Charity Event
 
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To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

EMERGENCY OG Diamond Talk

Dallas, the ONLY place I want to live! | Mike Rawlings: Former Mayor

Former Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings takes a seat in the Sunset Lounge to discuss sports and mayoring!

My Boy Teddy | Ted Emrich

ESPN/Westwood One announcer and bitmaster Ted Emrich powers through the gross weather to dip in the podcasting pool with the Shoopies!

Dallas is a Hockey Town | Brad Alberts, Stars President

Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts to illuminate us on the success of the Stars organization!

Jeopardy Contestant Zone | Jack McGuire

Texas resident and Jeopardy! contestant Jack McGuire enters the Wolf Den to discuss his time on Mike's favorite game show!

We Gonna Party Like it's Your Birthday | Eric Nadel

Rangers radio play by play man Eric Nadel returns to tell all of us about his Birthday Benefit show and how YOU can attend!

From Nebraska to the Big Leagues | Dave Raymond

Rangers TV play by play man Dave Raymond hangs out with the Shoopies as we delve into one of the most interesting lives of any guest we've had!

Sports Talk | Norm Hitzges

Our pal Norm Hitzges returns to the Wolf Den with a big sack full of fresh HSO's and perhaps will tell a dad joke or two!

2025 Miracle League Golf Tournament | Lots of Guest you'll love!

Little ol' YDC is out at the Rangers Golf Club...what mischief will the boys get up to?? LOL!

Across the Universe | Chris Holt

Chris Holt, noted regional guitarist, joins YDC for his third appearance to discuss all things music and discuss the making of his latest solo album! He might even perform a song or two if we behave!

Get your head right | Boys & Girls Club Tournament

Does Steve Buechele really play golf, or just talk a big game? We made a trip out to Trophy Club for Boys & Girls Club of Tarrant and Denton Counties’ Annual Golf Tournament. Ran into just a few friends while out there and made some new ones

Get Your Head Right | Summer Hanson, CBD House of Healing

We welcome our sponsor, Summer Hanson, of CBD House of Healing, intothe lounge for CBD and mushroom talk. Learn more about House of Healingand Summer’s knowledge of her products. Find out what’s best for you, howthe business is could be changing…or not, and how you can voice youropinion.Find and contact your senator and/or state rep. here:https://texashempbusinesscouncil.com/

Red Headed Stranger | Amy Rosenthal

Amy Rosenthal, executive director of Garland Cultural Arts, steps into the Sunset Lounge to tell us about all the cool things happening in the Land of Gar!

All Hail the King | Jody Dean

Longtime radio man, former Voice of Texas Stadium, Medieval Times King, and TV set decorator Jody Dean holds forth but doesn't hold back while talking anything and everything on his mind with the Shoopies!

Music Round Table Presented by the CBD House of Healing | Chris Holt, Jeff Liles, Jeff K, Jesse Hawilla

It's the first ever YDC Music Roundtable LIVE from the Kessler Theater! The Shoopies lead a magical musical discussion with The Kessler's own Jeff Liles, longtime Dallas DJ Jeff K, WFAA weatherman Jesse Hawila, and guitarist for the Eagles and Dirty Knobs, Chris Holt!!!

The BullMoose of the MiLB | Kevin Mench & Chuck Greenberg

⚾️ Kick off your Thursday the right way—with baseball, beers, and big league vibes!Mike and former MLB slugger Kevin Mench are posted up at the Bull Moose Saloon at Riders Field, talking all things baseball before the game.Wanna see what they’re up to after the show? Head over to our socials and catch the duo in action as they watch the future stars of the MLB take the field!#RoughRiders #BaseballTalk #FutureStars #BullMooseVibes #KevinMench #MiLBFun #ThursdayNightBaseball

1980 & 45 Years of Friendship | Chris Arnold

Whether on The Ticket, K104, or Dallas Mavericks games, you've seen or heard Chris Arnold for decades. He joins the Sunset Lounge for a congenial chat with the Shoopies!

Havala, Luka | Black Friar Show

Luka returns to Dallas and Rhynes, Greggo, and Grubes are hosting a watch party at Blackfriar on McKinney Ave!

The Clubhouse Podcast | Rob Ervin & Alex Barnhill

The Clubhouse boys, Rob and Alex, enter the Wolf Den to wow us with their incredible knowledge about everything in the pop culture realm!

The Big Head Mench | Kevin Mench

Former Ranger great Kevin Mench joins YDC to talk baseball and all that that implies!

The Diff | James Faust

Today, we have a special bonus show! We present James Faust, the Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society and the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF). DIFF is on of very few film festivals that feed into the Oscars. So, if you like movies, want to know what films to look for at the Oscars, or wish to be Pop Culture savvy, you want to see this!More information and passes can be found here:https://diffdallas.org/diff/passes?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=DallasFilmCommission

Pony Excess | Thaddeus Matula

Emmy & Peabody Award-winning Film Director Thaddus Matula strolls into the Sunset Lounge to discuss the magical world of film!