Your Dark Companion Podcast

Most people see the Texas Rangers on the field.But what they’re doing off the field might be even more important.On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and the crew sit down with Justin Henry, Senior Director of Development for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, to talk about how a Major League Baseball team can impact an entire community.From youth baseball programs in West Dallas to scholarships, disaster relief, and veteran support, Justin explains how the Rangers are using their platform to do more than just win games—they’re helping shape lives.The conversation dives into:How the Rangers Foundation has donated over $80 million through grants and scholarshipsThe impact of the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, serving thousands of kids each yearWhy building relationships is at the heart of fundraisingThe reality of working inside a professional sports organization beyond baseballAnd Justin’s personal journey—from financial advisor to nonprofit leaderThere’s also a deeper layer to this episode, as Justin shares insights from his book Shameless, opening up about guilt, growth, and learning how to show up for others in a more meaningful way.It’s a conversation about community, purpose, and what sports can be when they’re done right.⏱ Chapters0:00 — Lightning Strike Open & Rangers BanterClassic YDC chaos and early show energy4:05 — Meet Justin Henry & The Rangers FoundationWhat the foundation actually does—and why it exists5:53 — From Financial Advisor to FundraiserJustin’s career path and finding purpose in people6:43 — Youth Academy & Community ImpactHow the Rangers are helping kids dream bigger13:53 — The Story Behind “Shameless”Guilt, growth, and learning how to be vulnerable15:27 — How Fundraising Really WorksConnecting donors to real community needs20:12 — Ballpark Experience & Fan ImpactWhy the stadium environment matters more than you think23:25 — Inside a Major League OrganizationWhat it’s like working with a professional sports team28:44 — The World Series Effect on the CommunityHow winning amplified the Rangers’ impact32:50 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing34:41 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit Concert37:26 — The Three Pillars: Develop, Honor, ServeThe foundation’s mission and how it guides everything41:11 — Partnering with Other OrganizationsWhy collaboration matters in nonprofit work46:00 — Real Community Impact StoriesWhere the work actually shows up48:06 — Scholarships, Grants & Long-Term Change53:33 — Kids, Baseball & Life LessonsWhy this goes far beyond sports56:41 — NIL and the Changing Landscape of College Sports58:53 — Recruiting, Development & Opportunity Gaps1:03:15 — Stolen Water Media Growth & What’s Next ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Weather doesn’t just “happen”… and neither does a career in television.On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and the crew welcome back WFAA meteorologist Jesse Hawila for a conversation that somehow covers weather science, sports, music, and the weird path to finding your lane.Jesse breaks down what it’s really like to forecast North Texas weather, including the infamous “cap” phenomenon, why meteorologists are constantly checking data (even on vacation), and how predicting the unpredictable becomes part of your DNA.But this episode doesn’t stay in the clouds…The conversation drifts into:The Texas Rangers’ early season momentum and first impressionsThoughts on the Final Four and college basketball’s changing appealThe reality of working in local TV and building a personality on airJesse’s deep love of metal music, concerts, and band cultureAnd somehow… monarch butterflies, hydration, and random on-air chaosIt’s funny, it’s unpredictable, and it’s exactly what happens when you put curious people in a room and let the conversation go wherever it wants.If you like weather, media, music, or just great conversations that go off the rails, this one delivers.⏱ Chapters0:00 — Lightning Strike Start & Rangers Opening ThoughtsRangers take 2 of 3 and early season reactions3:08 — Brandon Nimmo and Early FavoritesUnexpected standouts and first impressions3:59 — Final Four Talk (Sort Of)Why college basketball doesn’t hit like it used to5:05 — Jesse Hawila Joins the Show (Again)Returning guest, inside jokes, and WFAA talk8:14 — Matt Howerton, Morning TV, and Energy on AirWhat it takes to succeed in local news11:18 — Episode 208 and Building a PodcastConsistency, growth, and sticking with it12:12 — Inside the Mind of a MeteorologistWhy weather never turns “off”13:25 — Weather Models, Data, and Forecasting RealityEuropean models, American models, and constant updates17:10 — Music Talk: Metal, Punk, and Concert CultureWhere passion meets identity23:09 — When Your Favorite Band Doesn’t Hit the SameThe reality of live music over time28:15 — Jesse’s Musical Background and Band DaysEarly influences and creative outlets32:12 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing34:23 — Stolen Water Media Expansion35:29 — Random Conversations You Didn’t ExpectWater bottles, life habits, and podcast chaos39:46 — Early Career Stories and On-Air MomentsThe path to becoming a TV personality46:09 — The John Hinckley Pen Pal Story49:21 — Media Careers and Memorable Moments51:02 — The Beginning of Sports Radio in DallasWhen nobody thought it would work52:51 — Betting on Yourself When No One Else Will57:15 — Weather Warnings (and Small Dog Advice)59:27 — Monarch Butterflies and Unexpected Passions1:02:31 — Eric Nadel Event & Final ThoughtsFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/X: https://x.com/YDC_DfwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanionFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolfIG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This one’s different.On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Grubes step away from the usual chaos to focus on something that matters—Child Abuse Awareness Month and the reality many children face when they’re suddenly removed from their homes.Joined by Richard and Kelly Archibald, founders of Qavah the Storehouse, the conversation centers on a mission that’s as simple as it is powerful: making sure no child enters foster care with nothing.Through their work, the Archibalds provide “first night bags”—care packages filled with essentials like clothes, toiletries, and comfort items for children who often arrive at foster placements with little more than a garbage bag.But this isn’t just about supplies.Richard shares his deeply personal story of growing up in unstable and traumatic conditions, offering a firsthand look at what these children experience—and why something as small as a pair of shoes or a set of pajamas can mean everything.The episode explores:What actually happens when a child is removed from their homeThe realities of foster care and kinship placementsWhy many families aren’t broken—but simply lack resourcesHow community support can keep families togetherAnd how you can help make a differenceIt’s emotional. It’s eye-opening. And it’s one of the most important conversations we’ve had.⏱ Chapters0:00 — A Different Kind of EpisodeMike sets the tone for a more purpose-driven conversation2:15 — Child Abuse Awareness Month ExplainedWhy this topic matters right now2:58 — What Qavah the Storehouse DoesSupporting children in foster care and at risk of removal3:41 — What Is a “First Night Bag”?Why kids often arrive with nothing—and how this helps5:07 — How the Organization StartedFrom personal experience to community mission8:19 — Why Families Struggle (It’s Not Always What You Think)Addiction, incarceration, and financial hardship10:11 — What School Looks Like for These KidsThe hidden challenges of just showing up13:09 — Richard’s Story: Growing Up in InstabilityA firsthand look at what these children face17:41 — The Moment That Sparked the MissionWhy “first night bags” became essential18:48 — What Goes Inside the BagsClothing, comfort items, and dignity21:48 — How the Community Can HelpDonations, involvement, and spreading awarenessFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/X: https://x.com/YDC_DfwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanionFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolfIG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Is “peak TV” actually over… and does anyone even know what to watch anymore?On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and the crew sit down with longtime writer and TV critic Chris Vognar to talk about the evolving world of television, journalism, and media.Chris takes us through his journey—from growing up in Berkeley, to building a 20+ year career at the Dallas Morning News, to landing at the Boston Globe, one of the most respected newsrooms in the country.The conversation dives into:Why there may be less great TV… but more good TV than everHow streaming completely changed how we watch and discover showsWhat it’s like working inside a newsroom that actually matters to its communityThe rise, fall, and future of modern journalismAnd how critics help navigate a world with too much contentAlong the way, there’s nostalgia for old-school media, stories from Dallas and Boston, and a look at how storytelling still connects everything—from newspapers to streaming platforms.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed scrolling for something to watch—or wondered what’s happening to journalism—this episode hits.⏱ Chapters0:00 — Lightning Strikes and Classic Rhyner OpenThe show kicks off with chaos, Rangers talk, and vintage YDC energy1:17 — Introducing Chris VognarFrom Dallas to Boston Globe—why his work stands out3:36 — From Berkeley to the Dallas Morning NewsChris’s early career path and getting started in journalism5:53 — 23 Years at the Dallas Morning NewsOpportunities, covering movies, and wild assignments6:59 — Why the Boston Globe Feels DifferentA newsroom that still matters to its community10:00 — Boston vs Texas LivingWeather, culture, and adjusting to a completely different city12:09 — Freelancing vs Being in a NewsroomWhy having a “team” still matters in journalism16:00 — Is Peak TV Over?Why there’s less “great” TV—but more good TV than ever17:40 — What’s Actually Worth Watching Right NowStreaming picks, trends, and navigating content overload22:01 — How Streaming Changed EverythingWhy TV is more complicated—and more crowded—than ever27:27 — Content Overload and Cultural ShiftsToo many shows, longer series, and audience fatigue29:42 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing30:51 — The Changing World of Interviews and Media Access34:40 — Dallas Memories and Media Nostalgia37:06 — What’s Next for Chris VognarCareer reflections, future goals, and possibly writing a bookFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/X: https://x.com/YDC_DfwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanionFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolfIG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What does it take to go from a small-town kid in Texas to one of the most recognizable faces on Dallas morning television?On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and the crew sit down with WFAA Daybreak anchor Matt Howerton for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, nostalgic, and surprisingly insightful.Matt shares the story of growing up in Ennis, Texas, where his love for performing, storytelling, and making people laugh started early—and how that eventually turned into a career in broadcast journalism.From grinding it out in Waco making $25,000 a year to working his way up to WFAA Channel 8, Matt talks about the realities of building a career in media, the importance of mentorship, and why local news still matters.The conversation also dives into:Covering the Texas Rangers’ World Series run and what that moment was really likeThe legacy and pressure of working at WFAAThe evolution of media from traditional TV to digital and streamingWild behind-the-scenes stories—including defending a news truck during a Mavs paradeAnd yes… karaoke nights, wrestling fandom, and random run-ins with CreedIt’s a conversation about storytelling, opportunity, and figuring it out as you go—while trying to stay yourself in an industry that’s constantly changing.If you’ve ever watched local news, wanted to work in media, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this one delivers.⏱ Chapters0:00 — Jesse Hawila, Inside Jokes, and WFAA Stories5:33 — Mike Rhyner, Radio Legacy, and First Impressions13:25 — Growing Up in Ennis, Texas17:38 — The Signs of a Future Broadcaster20:45 — From Baylor to Breaking Into TV News25:25 — The Mavs Parade Chaos Story27:53 — The Legacy of WFAA and Doing It Right35:39 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing37:44 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Mental Health Awareness39:34 — Wrestling, Random Tangents, and Podcast Energy48:07 — Becoming a Daybreak Anchor52:34 — Building a Name in Media57:01 — Covering the Rangers’ ALCS Run1:03:09 — Inside the Rangers World Series Experience1:05:37 — Creed, Baseball, and Unexpected Moments1:08:05 — Dugout Stories and Player Interactions1:13:08 — Music, Tech Issues, and Podcast Chaos1:16:56 — Travis Jankowski and Underdog Stories1:21:04 — TV, History, and Media Conversations1:25:29 — Karaoke Nights and Off-the-Clock Stories1:32:30 — Stolen Water Media and What’s NextFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/X: https://x.com/YDC_DfwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanionFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolfIG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What does the business side of sports really look like when you’re in the room where it happens?In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and the crew sit down with longtime sports executive George Killebrew, a key figure behind the scenes of some of the biggest moments in Dallas sports.Killebrew’s career spans decades — from working at SMU during the infamous “death penalty” era, to helping build the Dallas Mavericks into a top-tier NBA business alongside Mark Cuban, to serving as commissioner of Major League Rugby, and now helping lead the explosive growth of professional pickleball.Along the way, he shares stories you don’t usually hear:What it was like selling tickets when SMU football was at rock bottomHow the American Airlines Center came together and changed Dallas sports foreverThe reality of working with high-level owners like Mark Cuban, Ross Perot Jr., and Tom DundonWhy attention to detail (even a spilled drink in section 115) can define a franchiseAnd how pickleball became one of the fastest-growing sports in AmericaThis episode pulls back the curtain on the decisions, risks, and personalities that shape the sports world — and shows why the business side might be just as fascinating as the games themselves.If you love sports, business, Dallas history, or behind-the-scenes stories, this is one of those conversations you don’t want to miss.Chapters0:00 — SMU in the ’80s and What Was Actually “Cool”1:19 — From Hawaii to the Sports Business World7:56 — Selling SMU Football During the Death Penalty Era11:33 — Why Dallas Became a Sports Business Hub14:30 — The Game That Changed Everything (Moody Coliseum)16:24 — Breaking Into the Mavericks Organization20:30 — Lessons from Billionaire Owners23:53 — Building the American Airlines Center31:33 — The Future of the Mavericks and Arena Debate33:49 — Sponsor Break: CBD House of Healing35:44 — Eric Nadel Benefit and Mental Health Awareness37:54 — Becoming Commissioner of Major League Rugby43:08 — Tom Dundon and the Business of Pickleball46:14 — Why Pickleball Is Exploding48:17 — Behind the Scenes of Sports Ownership51:29 — The Future of Pickleball and Sports Innovation57:20 — Breaking News, Trade Rumors, and the Reality of Sports Business1:02:17 — The Risk Behind Every Big Decision in Sports1:07:10 — Growing a Show and Building an AudienceFollow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/X: https://x.com/YDC_DfwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanionFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolfIG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, there’s what fans see… and then there’s what’s actually happening behind the scenes.On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Grubes sit down with longtime Dallas Cowboys insider David Moore to cut through the noise and talk about the reality of America’s most talked-about franchise.From Jerry Jones’ leadership style to the constant pressure surrounding Dak Prescott, this conversation dives into the decisions, narratives, and expectations that continue to define the Cowboys.David shares insight from years covering the team — explaining how the organization operates, why certain decisions get made, and what fans often misunderstand about how the Cowboys are run.The episode also explores:The gap between perception and reality in DallasHow media narratives shape the Cowboys conversationWhat it’s like covering one of the most scrutinized teams in sportsAnd whether the Cowboys are actually closer to success than people thinkIt’s honest, it’s informed, and it’s exactly the kind of conversation you don’t usually hear when it comes to the Cowboys.If you follow Dallas sports, the NFL, or the Cowboys, this is one of those episodes that gives you a clearer picture of what’s really going on.Chapters0:00 — Welcome to Your Dark CompanionMike and Grubes introduce David Moore and set the stage.2:45 — Covering the Dallas Cowboys for DecadesDavid’s background and what it’s like reporting on America’s Team.7:10 — The Reality of Jerry JonesHow Jerry operates vs how people think he operates.12:30 — Dak Prescott and the Pressure of Being QB1Breaking down the expectations, criticism, and reality.18:40 — Why the Cowboys Are Always Under the MicroscopeMedia coverage, fan expectations, and national attention.24:15 — The Gap Between Perception and RealityWhat fans get wrong about the Cowboys organization.30:05 — Decision Making Inside the Cowboys OrganizationHow moves are made and who really has influence.36:20 — Are the Cowboys Actually Close?Evaluating the roster and chances moving forward.42:10 — The Business of Covering the NFLHow media, access, and reporting have changed over time.48:30 — Final Thoughts on the Cowboys FutureWhere things stand and what to watch next.Follow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/X: https://x.com/YDC_DfwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanionFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolfIG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

If you’ve ever been to a Dallas Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center, you’ve heard his voice — even if you didn’t realize it. On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Shoopy, and Ashley sit down with Sean Heath, the longtime public address announcer for the Dallas Mavericks, to talk about the strange, unpredictable path that led him to one of the most unique jobs in sports. Sean didn’t grow up dreaming of being an NBA PA announcer. In fact, the first sporting event he ever announced was a Dallas Mavericks preseason game. Before that he had been a DJ, a software engineer, an actor, a translator, a motivational speaker, and even spent time living in Spain. Somehow all of those experiences led to the moment where he auditioned for the Mavericks job — and never left. YDC Ep 203.mp3 Sean explains what it’s like being the “Mavs fan with a microphone”, sitting courtside just feet away from some of the best basketball players in the world while trying to turn a basketball game into an unforgettable arena experience. The conversation dives into: How NBA PA announcers shape the energy of a game The chaotic audition process that landed Sean the job What it takes to pronounce international NBA player names correctly His work as a voice in the NBA 2K video game series And the delicate balance between being a professional announcer and a die-hard fan Sean also shares stories about working with the Mavericks game presentation crew, interacting with players, and why his real goal isn’t to be noticed — it’s to help fans have the best night possible. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the microphone at an NBA game, this episode offers a rare inside look at one of the most unusual jobs in sports. Chapters 0:00 — Meet the Voice of the Dallas Mavericks 5:20 — Becoming the “Mavs Fan With a Microphone” 12:17 — From DJ to Mavericks PA Announcer 16:10 — The Mavericks Audition That Changed Everything 19:31 — The Game That Sealed the Deal 27:32 — Finding the Right Voice for an NBA Arena 29:15 — The PA Announcer as the Narrator of the Game 35:12 — Sponsor Break: CBD House of Healing 36:57 — Eric Nadal Birthday Benefit & Mental Health Awareness 38:18 — Music, Tribute Bands & Mike’s Tom Petty Connection 42:27 — Influences in the World of PA Announcing 48:33 — The Challenge of Pronouncing NBA Player Names 55:04 — Balancing Professionalism with Being a Fan 59:15 — Bringing the Mavericks Arena Experience to NBA 2K 1:00:43 — Final Thoughts on Sports, Opportunity, and Saying Yes to New Challenges 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What does it really take to survive in stand-up comedy for over 25 years? In this episode of Your Dark Companion, hosts Mike, Grego, and Curt Cignetti sit down with Dallas comedian Paul Varghese for a hilarious and brutally honest conversation about the realities of life in stand-up. From bombing in living rooms and last-minute gigs across the country to navigating dating, cultural expectations, and the evolving world of social media comedy, Paul shares stories from decades in the business. The conversation dives into everything from arranged marriage attempts and awkward Tinder moments to why every comedy show still feels like an audition. Paul also explains how comedians survive in a constantly shifting industry — balancing live performance, social media platforms like Threads, and the pressure to stay relevant after decades on stage. Along the way the crew detours into sports talk, GoFundMe culture, Cowboys gossip, and some unforgettable comedy war stories that only come from years in the trenches. If you’ve ever wondered what the comedy life is really like behind the curtain, this episode delivers the laughs and the truth. Episode 202 features comedian Paul Varghese, a veteran performer known for his sharp observational humor and unique perspective as one of the early Indian-American comics working major stages across the country. Ep 202 Paul Vargehse Subscribe for more conversations with comedians, creators, and personalities who live life a little outside the ordinary. Chapters 0:00 – Sports Talk, Comedy, and the Chaos of Podcast Openings 7:55 – GoFundMe Culture and Internet Fame 9:53 – Identity, Culture, and Finding Your Voice in Comedy 13:00 – Dating, Tinder, and Finding Love Through Comedy 19:45 – The Reality of Being a Touring Comedian 24:11 – Social Media and the Rise of Threads for Comedians 27:48 – Performing in Strange Venues and Early Career Struggles 33:40 – CBD House of Healing Sponsor Break 35:58 – Dak Prescott, Sports Reactions, and Internet Commentary 38:36 – Comedy Industry Politics and Live Nation 40:58 – Family, Nostalgia, and Growing Up with Sports 45:24 – Family Stories, Cultural Expectations, and Generational Humor 48:45 – Childhood Memories and Life Lessons 53:06 – Writing Jokes and Handling Improvisation on Stage 56:15 – Cultural Identity in Comedy 59:37 – Why Authenticity Matters in Stand-Up 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In Episode 201 of Your Dark Companion, legendary Dallas-Fort Worth broadcaster Mike Rhyner sits down with renowned Fort Worth keyboardist Lewis Stephens for a deep dive into the history of the North Texas music scene. Stephens has spent decades playing alongside iconic musicians including Freddie King, Delbert McClinton, and legendary guitarist Bugs Henderson. Known for his mastery of the Hammond B3 organ and piano, Stephens shares the story of how classical training, blues instincts, and years on the road shaped his musical voice. The conversation explores the distinct musical identity of Fort Worth, why it sounds different from Dallas, and how artists like McClinton blended blues, country, soul, and rhythm & blues into a uniquely Texas sound. Stephens also recounts unforgettable moments from his career: learning 30 songs in a week to join Freddie King’s band, sneaking into clubs as a teenager to watch musicians like John Nitzinger, and playing alongside the best musicians in the region. Along the way, Rhyner and Stephens discuss the evolution of keyboard technology — from massive Hammond organs and acoustic pianos to modern digital instruments like Nord keyboards — and what it takes to become a truly great musician. If you love Texas music history, blues, Fort Worth culture, and behind-the-scenes stories from legendary musicians, this episode is packed with unforgettable stories from the stage and the studio. Episode 201 of Your Dark Companion brings in one of the most respected musicians to ever come out of Fort Worth. Host Mike Rhyner welcomes keyboard legend Lewis Stephens, a player whose résumé includes time with Freddie King, Delbert McClinton, and some of the most influential musicians in Texas blues and rock. Stephens talks about growing up in Fort Worth, where his mother pushed him into classical piano at age five — something he resisted at the time but later realized gave him the technical foundation that shaped his entire career. From sneaking into clubs as a teenager to watch bands… to suddenly being asked to join the band of rising rock star John Nitzinger… to learning 30 songs in a single week for Freddie King’s band, Stephens shares stories from a lifetime in music. The conversation also explores the difference between the Dallas and Fort Worth music scenes, the influence of artists like Bugs Henderson, and why musicians who blend technical skill with soul tend to stand out. It’s a conversation about music, Texas culture, and what it really takes to become a great player. ⏱ Chapters 0:00 — Introducing Fort Worth Keyboard Legend Lewis Stephens 2:05 — Early Music Lessons and Classical Piano Training 5:00 — How Van Cliburn Inspired Texas Mothers to Push Piano 7:30 — The Beatles, Guitar, and Discovering Musical Soul 10:15 — Sneaking Into Fort Worth Clubs as a Teen 12:55 — Joining John Nitzinger’s Band 16:30 — Why Great Keyboard Players Change a Band 20:50 — The Evolution of Keyboard Gear (B3 to Nord) 27:45 — Learning 30 Songs in a Week for Freddie King 32:05 — Fort Worth’s Unique Music Identity 35:30 — The Influence of Delbert McClinton 41:00 — Legendary Musicians from the Fort Worth Scene 45:50 — Playing with Music Legends Without Being Intimidated 48:00 — Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode 200 of Your Dark Companion features a conversation about the Texas Rangers, baseball history, and the stories behind one of Major League Baseball’s most fascinating franchises. Mike Rhyner is joined by longtime Dallas Morning News Rangers beat writer Evan Grant and former Rangers PR executive turned team historian John Blake. Between them, they have spent decades around the organization and have witnessed nearly every era of Rangers baseball — from rebuilding years and clubhouse characters to playoff runs and franchise-defining moments. They discuss: How covering Major League Baseball has changed The personalities that shaped the Texas Rangers The role of a team historian The evolution of sports journalism And why the best baseball stories rarely happen during the game itself If you love Texas Rangers baseball, MLB history, sports journalism, and behind-the-scenes baseball stories, this episode offers a rare perspective from two people who have spent most of their careers inside the game. _______________________________________________________________________ Episode 200 of Your Dark Companion brings together two people who have spent decades around the Texas Rangers — and have the stories to prove it. Mike Rhyner sits down with John Blake, longtime Rangers executive and now the club’s historian, and Evan Grant, the Dallas Morning News beat writer who has covered the team for more than three decades. Between them, they’ve seen just about everything: rebuilding years, playoff runs, clubhouse characters, media changes, and the slow evolution of a franchise that eventually found its place in baseball history. They talk about what it was like covering and working around the Rangers during the lean years, how the job of sports journalism has changed, and why the relationships inside baseball often matter more than the box scores. Along the way, the conversation drifts through unforgettable players, the personalities that shaped the franchise, and the strange, funny, and occasionally chaotic moments that happen when you spend your life around a baseball team. It’s baseball storytelling the way it’s supposed to be — honest, reflective, and full of the kinds of stories that rarely make it into the game recap. ⏱ Chapters 0:00 — Episode 200 Begins 3:12 — Decades Around the Texas Rangers 8:20 — The Beat Writer’s Life 13:05 — Inside the Rangers Organization 19:30 — Baseball Before the Digital Age 25:10 — The Players Who Defined Eras 31:45 — The Hard Years and the Breakthrough Moments 38:30 — Baseball’s Changing Media Landscape 44:20 — Why the Stories Matter Most 49:30 — Looking Back on the Rangers Journey 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode 199 and we’re back to doing what Rangers fans do best: convincing ourselves everything is fine. Mike Rhyner is joined by Rangers TV’s Mike Bacsik to talk spring training optimism, culture resets under Skip Schumacher, Evan Carter’s redemption arc, and whether the bullpen is “mysterious” or “a fire drill waiting to happen.” We dive into deGrom and Eovaldi artistry, Jack Leiter’s leap, Kamar Rocker’s question marks, and why Rangers fans somehow survive every season without a defined closer. Again. Also discussed: • Why spring training is too long (unless you’re a starting pitcher) • Why players should show more personality (please, we’re begging) • Why bullpen roles are basically vibes • Why Nathan Eovaldi might be everyone’s favorite Ranger • Why yes, someone wrestled an alligator in spring training It’s baseball season. Hope is undefeated. The bullpen? Jury’s out. Chapters: 00:00 – Baseball Is Back (And So Is Our Anxiety) 00:44 – Episode 199 & Spring Training Optimism 06:03 – Is Spring Training Way Too Long? (Yes.) 10:39 – Alligators, Conditioning, and Peak Florida Energy 12:02 – Skip Schumacher and the Culture Reset 19:47 – Why Baseball Players Need More Personality 23:24 – The Rangers Lineup: Mostly Set, Mostly Healthy 27:18 – Evan Carter: Bounce Back Season or Pressure Cooker? 30:09 – Bullpen Roulette: Who’s Closing Today? 33:22 – Eovaldi vs. deGrom: Two Different Kinds of Dominant 42:30 – Leiter vs. Rocker: Development, Expectations & Reality 51:10 – Offensive Struggles and Corey Seager’s Importance 59:34 – Rangers Network & Fan Engagement 1:04:09 – Classic Rangers Pitching Memories 1:14:06 – Eric Nadel’s Birthday Benefit & Mental Health Support 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In Episode 198 of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with the television and radio voice of the Dallas Stars, Josh Bogorad, for a deep dive into the winding road that led him from Los Angeles to the NHL broadcast booth. Josh shares how one childhood hockey game during the Gretzky era changed everything — sparking a dream that would take him through club hockey broadcasts, minor league bus trips, Alaska championships, and years of grinding before finally breaking into the NHL. They unpack: The reality of chasing a broadcasting dream What it’s like replacing legendary voices and working alongside Daryl Reaugh The unique chemistry behind the Stars’ long-running simulcast format Why hockey’s culture feels different from other sports And how learning what not to call is the secret to mastering play-by-play Plus, they reflect on USA Hockey’s recent gold medal moment and what it means for growing the sport in non-traditional markets. If you love sports broadcasting, hockey, or stories about betting on yourself when no one guarantees the outcome — this one delivers. Tune in and experience the game through the voice that calls it. Chapters 0:00 – Opening Banter & Episode 198 3:00 – Growing Up in Los Angeles During the Gretzky Era 6:30 – The First Hockey Game That Changed Everything 10:45 – Why Hockey Over Baseball, Football, or Basketball? 15:15 – Chasing the Dream Through College & Minor Leagues 20:25 – Alaska: The Unexpected Career Turning Point 24:35 – Breaking Into the NHL Circle 30:30 – Replacing Legends & Working With Razor 38:00 – The Chemistry Behind the Stars Broadcast 42:50 – Mid-Show Read 46:50 – Why Hockey’s Culture Feels Different 56:45 – USA Hockey’s Gold & Growing the Game 1:05:20 – Calling the Chaos: The Art of Play-by-Play 1:12:00 – Learning What Not to Call 1:18:00 – Final Reflections & The Love of the Game 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode 197 of Your Dark Companion welcomes back one of our favorite recurring guests — Sarah Blaskovich, food writer for the Dallas Morning News — for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant scene. From the rise of upscale Mediterranean dining to the buzz around Delilah’s glamorous supper club experience, Sarah breaks down what’s trending, what’s opening, and what might struggle in 2026. We cover: Why Mediterranean cuisine is suddenly everywhere in Dallas The hype (and vibe) behind Delilah in the Design District Jason Garrett’s new Italian venture, Café Luca Tiffany Derry’s upcoming sports bar concept in Grand Prairie Why restaurants could face serious economic challenges in 2026 The reality of food pricing, rent spikes, and razor-thin margins Plus, Sarah shares insight into how she approaches food journalism ethically — yes, she pays for her meals — and why covering restaurants is more like breaking news than you might think. If you care about food, business, Dallas culture, or just want to know where to eat next — this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Welcoming Sarah Back 04:43 – How Sarah Became a Food Reporter 15:06 – Why Mediterranean Cuisine Is “So Hot Right Now” 26:00 – Inside Delilah: Dallas’ Glamorous Supper Club 34:37 – AM FM Diner & Music Culture in the Design District 37:40 – Jason Garrett’s Café Luca Explained 40:05 – Tiffany Derry’s New Grand Prairie Sports Bar 46:39 – Why 2026 Could Be Tough for Restaurants 52:40 – Inflation, Rent & The $20 Burger Debate 57:57 – Chef Shirley Chung & Night Rooster 1:04:14 – Budget-Friendly Dallas Favorites 1:07:40 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next in DFW Dining 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Begins 02:30 – Off-Season Life: Decompressing After 7-Day Football Weeks 06:45 – Wrigley Field Pilgrimages & Chicago Roots 13:10 – Why February Is the Most Desolate Sports Month 14:52 – Defense Wins in December (It Always Does) 18:55 – The Cowboys’ “Messy” Season Explained 23:20 – Salary Cap Reality & Why It’s Time to Bust the Budget 27:45 – Free Agency, Pickens, Williams & Building It Right 28:00 – How Brad Preps for the NFL Draft 34:00 – Enter Tex Schramm: Visionary, Volcanic, Unforgettable 40:00 – Broadcasting Wisdom & The Best Advice Brad Ever Got 44:00 – Post-Game Bar Stories & Press Box Legends 52:30 – Live On-Air Draft Shock Moment 56:00 – AI, Censorship & Radio Mishaps 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] #YourDarkCompanion #MikeRhyner #DanaLarson #SportsBroadcasting #DallasSports #SportsMedia #LongFormPodcast #SportsJournalism ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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. Chad 04:50 – The Buick Six and playing Dylan like the records 09:08 – The “Magical Musical Thing” origin story 16:07 – From Terrell to Deep Ellum 22:00 – Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis & early influences 26:54 – Rediscovering the Longhorn Ballroom 33:15 – Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Grant Halliburton Foundation 34:42 – CBD House of Healing sponsor read 37:24 – Valentine’s Song Swap at All Good Café 42:12 – The evolution of keyboard technology 46:02 – Booker T plays Chad’s “well-worn” rig 49:08 – Pedigo’s Magic Pilsner & future projects 51:07 – Pandemic variety shows & creative survival #YourDarkCompanion #MrChad #DallasMusic #LonghornBallroom #TexasSoul #DeepEllum #LiveMusic 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] #YourDarkCompanion #MikeRhyner #DanaLarson #SportsBroadcasting #DallasSports #SportsMedia #LongFormPodcast #SportsJournalism ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Companion 05:15 – From gymnastics and dance to sports journalism 08:46 – Learning every sport the hard way 13:27 – Mavericks history and early broadcasting lessons 22:30 – The uncertain future of regional sports networks 26:14 – Why basketball became Dana’s favorite sport to cover 29:45 – Building trust with coaches and athletes 34:33 – Rick Renner stories and unforgettable personalities 35:33 – Seeing athletes as real people 41:34 – Sponsor break: CBD House of Healing 43:39 – Dana’s Mount Rushmore of Dallas athletes 54:49 – Navigating the industry as a woman in sports media 1:00:58 – Longevity, preparation, and what comes next 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] #YourDarkCompanion #MikeRhyner #DanaLarson #SportsBroadcasting #DallasSports #SportsMedia #LongFormPodcast #SportsJournalism ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 lifer 00:02:06 – “This is the year I leave radio” 00:03:26 – The Texas Music Hall of Fame chapter begins 00:05:38 – Superhero origin stories and radioactive cockroaches 00:06:11 – The first music that mattered 00:08:17 – A high school assignment that changed everything 00:10:03 – Interning at WRR and the fall of Saigon 00:13:05 – Baptism by fire in a newsroom 00:13:33 – Arriving at The Zoo 00:15:30 – The moment Rock and Roll Alternative got its name 00:17:46 – Why nobody questioned it 00:18:28 – Searching for music that didn’t fit 00:20:33 – Garage bands, punk records, and mail-order discoveries 00:22:16 – Buying everything within reach 00:22:52 – Turning obsession into a radio show 00:23:50 – Playing music you didn’t care if people liked 00:24:34 – The Zoo as a radio family 00:25:11 – Getting taken off the air — and coming back 00:26:09 – The letters nobody told him about 00:28:49 – Knowing the show was working 00:31:05 – Introducing bands before anyone knew them 00:34:27 – Radio wars and the wet T-shirt contest with U2 00:37:31 – “We’re from Ireland, lad” 00:38:57 – Mid-show read: CBD House of Healing 00:41:24 – Life after The Zoo 00:44:52 – Pitching and building The Edge 00:47:39 – Small ratings, massive loyalty 00:48:46 – Edge Fest and the money problem 00:50:22 – Ownership drama and the fall 00:51:59 – When pop culture finally caught up 00:52:40 – The Zoo vs. The Edge: James Dean and Elvis 00:54:38 – Declaring anniversaries into existence 00:55:36 – If you say it loud enough, it’s real 00:57:18 – Archiving music before it disappears 00:59:09 – Final reflections and sign-off 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: [email protected] 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. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 episode 00:02:29 – School closures and “abundance of caution” 00:06:39 – Declaring the Snow G episode 00:07:08 – The Mackenzie Gore trade reaction 00:09:43 – Why pitching is always worth prospects 00:12:20 – The Rangers’ changing philosophy 00:15:35 – Super Bowl matchup set 00:16:24 – Patriots, Seahawks, and Cowboys misery 00:21:57 – Sam Darnold’s long road back 00:27:55 – Mid-show read: CBD House of Healing 00:31:17 – Why network TV is suddenly all about sports 00:35:41 – The future: paying for games and even the Super Bowl 00:37:03 – Newspapers disappearing in real time 00:39:58 – Losing local sports voices and coverage 00:41:36 – Where do you even find movie listings now? 00:45:34 – Jason Kidd earning real respect as a coach 00:52:28 – Players who fooled us: Jason Kidd and Troy Aikman 00:54:05 – Grego’s audition story and not looking old enough 00:55:25 – Final thoughts and sign-off 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Hicks 00:01:31 – Doing something 200 times (and counting) 00:03:09 – The voice you know from Rangers radio 00:07:32 – Becoming a grandfather in real time 00:08:48 – Growing up in Washington, D.C. and Maryland 00:11:27 – Falling in love with radio as a kid 00:12:09 – Calling the Super Bowl… on a cassette recorder 00:13:40 – College radio and choosing the long shot 00:16:16 – The gas station moment that changed everything 00:19:09 – First job, first newsroom, first leap 00:20:47 – Getting into play-by-play 00:22:12 – Hockey first, baseball later 00:24:19 – Choosing stability over passion 00:27:07 – Breaking into minor league baseball 00:30:57 – $50 a game and no turning back 00:31:36 – Sponsor break: CBD House of Healing 00:34:37 – 23½ years in the minors 00:36:28 – Major League 2 and Bob Uecker 00:43:59 – Almost getting the call — and missing it 00:46:27 – The phone rings at Legoland 00:49:22 – “Can you get to Arlington?” 00:51:30 – Finally reaching the majors 00:54:37 – Calling a World Series you never thought would come 00:58:30 – Why this job means more than baseball 01:03:06 – Final reflections and sign-off ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 special 00:03:20 – How Dancing with the Stars became “the bit” 00:05:23 – When the show — and the station — started to change 00:08:18 – Engineering, promotions, and finding your way inside radio 00:10:15 – Becoming unexpectedly famous for the wrong reasons 00:13:20 – The move that changed everything 00:15:27 – When leadership shifts alter the culture 00:18:13 – Why the bit worked (and why it mattered) 00:22:14 – Popularity vs. talent, radio and reality TV 00:27:19 – Campound, crossing a line, and unintended consequences 00:32:09 – Punishments, silence, and losing the joy 00:36:42 – “The station I left was not the station I loved” 00:43:52 – Sponsor break: CBD House of Healing 00:46:26 – Life after radio: travel, podcasts, and freedom 00:49:49 – Leaving without regret and keeping the memories 00:58:06 – Dallas radio legends, reunions, and closing thoughts ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Exists 00:04:04 – Watching 11 Movies a Day Without Losing Your Mind 00:06:19 – Popcorn Rules, Butter Politics, and Theater Etiquette 00:08:11 – Inside the 20th Anniversary of Dallas International Film Festival 00:09:01 – The Hunt for Hidden Gems (And Why Tuner Rules) 00:12:30 – Wrongful Convictions, Tough Films, and Emotional Payoffs 00:12:46 – Lucky Grandma, AT&T Untold Stories, and Why Comedy Matters 00:15:23 – Remembering Rob Reiner and the Rights Nightmare After Legends Pass 00:19:27 – Landman, Texas Accents, and When Shows Just Don’t Grab You 00:23:09 – Netflix House: Theme Park or Expensive Store With Drinks? 00:25:44 – DIFF Dates, Venues, and What’s Coming in April 00:26:43 – How to Submit Your Film (And When You’re Too Late) 00:29:06 – Film Festivals vs. Streaming: The New Reality 00:30:32 – How Films Are Judged (And Why Your Mom Is Not the Final Authority) 00:33:13 – Acceptance Rates, Rejections, and Crushing Dreams Politely 00:38:16 – What Getting Into a Festival Really Means for Filmmakers 00:42:39 – When a Festival Film Actually Breaks Through 00:46:42 – Han Shot First (Because of Course He Did) 00:56:51 – Unexpected Oscar Buzz and Festival Surprises 01:08:27 – Film, Community, and Why Dallas Actually Matters 01:13:06 – Wrapping It Up With Stories, Laughs, and Mild Exhaustion 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 opening 00:01:29 – Why Bill Janovitz writes rock biographies 00:03:16 – Discovering The Cars during a musical dark period 00:04:42 – Why The Cars felt different from everything else 00:05:52 – Hearing the debut album for the first time 00:07:04 – “Music made for our generation” 00:08:33 – Were The Cars really new wave? 00:10:26 – Synths, punk, and the future of pop music 00:12:26 – The song that sealed it 00:13:33 – Favorite Cars tracks and noir-pop brilliance 00:14:40 – Underrated musicianship inside the band 00:16:48 – Greg Hawkes and the sound of The Cars 00:17:53 – The Boston scene before the breakout 00:20:58 – Fame, singers, and shifting power 00:22:23 – Rick Ocasek and creative control 00:24:14 – Heartbeat City and the beginning of the end 00:25:32 – Songwriting vs. arranging 00:27:20 – Why Rick never succeeded without The Cars 00:29:04 – Management decisions and widening fractures 00:34:28 – Touring, money, and resentment 00:34:58 – Why The Cars’ live shows divided fans 00:39:00 – What the surviving members are doing now 00:41:45 – Unreleased Cars recordings 00:47:09 – Janovitz’s next project: Leon Russell ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 return 00:01:58 – Mike introduces the Dirt Doctor 00:02:50 – Leaving terrestrial radio and entering the podcast world 00:03:19 – Howard’s background: Marines, landscaping, and Camp Lejeune 00:05:10 – From golf courses to organic advocacy 00:05:40 – The moment everything changed: protecting his daughter 00:06:10 – What “organic” really means (and what to stop doing) 00:06:45 – Why organic works better — including financially 00:07:08 – The myth that organic costs more 00:07:56 – Why no universities teach the organic approach 00:08:21 – Teaching outside the system: classes, radio, podcasts 00:09:19 – Tree care, oak wilt, and solving “unsolvable” problems 00:09:53 – Learning the organic method from early pioneers 00:10:53 – Industry backlash and being labeled a renegade 00:12:21 – Why professionals stick with broken systems 00:12:41 – Cutting costs by improving soil health 00:13:30 – Saving water and money with organic landscapes 00:14:28 – Why soil never “wears out” organically 00:15:09 – Fire ants, dry molasses, and accidental breakthroughs 00:16:57 – When skeptics become believers 00:17:33 – Natural pest control that actually works 00:18:17 – Consulting, contractors, and organic holdouts 00:19:36 – Transitioning from radio to podcasting 00:20:10 – Learning a new medium and reaching new audiences 00:21:18 – Helping people live healthier through better dirt 00:22:25 – Final thoughts and welcoming the Dirt Doctor aboard 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 start 00:01:47 – Meet Sean McFarland of the Dallas Morning News 00:04:22 – Growing up in New England sports culture 00:06:30 – From sports management dreams to journalism reality 00:07:46 – Why Texas is a goldmine for sports storytelling 00:09:18 – From Hartford Courant to Dallas Morning News 00:10:59 – Culture shock: Texas high school football 00:12:59 – 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 matters 00:18:00 – Bruce Bochy, frustration, and the end of an era 00:21:10 – Rangers chemistry issues and missing leadership 00:25:58 – Elite pitching, nonexistent offense, and wasted greatness 00:29:22 – Cowboys expectations vs reality 00:30:57 – The Micah Parsons trade and organizational confusion 00:32:45 – Ownership interference and coaching limitations 00:36:12 – Where Sean was when the Luka trade broke 00:38:26 – Bars, protests, and the Dirk statue at 4 a.m. 00:41:39 – Why the Luka trade broke Dallas sports fans 00:43:55 – Covering Micah Parsons’ return in Green Bay 00:46:33 – One championship, four teams, endless disappointment 00:48:04 – Financial guardrails and why fans hate hearing about them 00:54:10 – Journalism, music, and the timeless pull of the Beatles 00:58:21 – Why Dallas is still worth covering ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Over 00:04:48 - The Two-Faced Season: Elite Offense, Disaster Defense 00:07:07 - Dak Prescott’s Best Year (Yes, Really) 00:11:33 - Zone Coverage, Miscommunication, and Defensive Chaos 00:13:25 - Matt Eberflus: Scheme, Personnel, and the Blame Game 00:17:23 - Jerry Jones, Riverboat Gambling, and Changing Philosophy 00:21:36 - Rebuilding a Defense Without Any Money 00:24:02 - Mid-Show Reality Check: CBD, Pain, and Survival 00:25:47 - Javonte Williams Runs Like He’s Fighting Gravity 00:28:52 - Brian Schottenheimer Wins the Locker Room 00:33:00 - Draft Day Dreams and Defensive Needs 00:37:05 - Trayvon Diggs, Divorce Season, and Moving On 00:40:44 - Dak’s Window Is Open — Now What? ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Lightning 00:03:15 - AOL Instant Messenger and Accidental Career Turns 00:07:26 - Chemistry: If You Don’t Have It, It’s Church 00:08:31 - Credibility, Goldie Throats & Being Taken Seriously 00:11:31 - Underdogs, The Little Ticket & Doing It Your Way 00:13:04 - One Year In and Asking “What Did We Just Do?” 00:20:04 - Sports Overload, RedZone Addiction & Needing Rehab 00:24:15 - Free Will, Fate & Conversations That Actually Matter 00:27:43 - Willie Mays, Perfect Games & Sacred Baseball Moments 00:37:52 - When the Power Goes Out and Everything Changes 00:41:51 - All-In Jobs and No Half Measures 00:50:09 - Punk Rock, Leather Pants & Classroom Regret 00:53:44 - Bunny Costumes and a First Pitch Gone Sideways 00:57:26 - Why Sports Moments Stick Forever 01:01:27 - Joe Flacco, Big Tex & Somehow Serious Analysis 01:06:38 - Building a Station on Chemistry and Chaos 01:10:15 - Unexpected Guests and Office Situations You Can’t Unsee 01:13:17 - The Origin of “The Saint” 01:15:15 - Radio Rivalries, Respect & Staying Authentic 01:22:38 - Steely Dan, The Eagles & Casual Legend Drops 01:27:15 - Calling the Moments That Last Forever 01:36:01 - Texas, Baseball & Where Home Really Is 01:40:28 - Shocking Trades and Processing Sports Heartbreak 01:49:01 - Legends, Media & Fan Relationships 01:57:31 - Draft Memories and Why We Never Forget 02:01:26 - Final Thoughts, Gratitude & Pants Removal Follow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion Listen: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-dark-companion-podcast/id1826878334 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jYN7ejGHYYDvkTv5LW3pc?si=10ORtojVTHCltDw4Q6YHMw Podbean: https://yourdarkcompanion.podbean.com/ 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 . 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Standing 00:07:21 – No Proposal Video, No Film Crew, No Regrets 00:09:14 – The Legend of Multiple Wives (Mostly Fictional) 00:12:22 – Expo’s Superpower: Solving a Rubik’s Cube Mid-Conversation 00:14:33 – Radio Archaeology: Carts, Magnets, and Primitive Glory 00:18:03 – Let’s Talk Sports (Unfortunately) 00:18:15 – Cowboys Playoff Hopes (LOL) 00:19:36 – Jerry’s Stadium, The Sun, and Eternal Denial 00:21:25 – Cowboys Dysfunction: A Holiday Tradition 00:22:36 – Are They Actually Close… or Just Delusional? 00:25:02 – Franchise Tags, Divas, and Wide Receiver Psychology 00:28:37 – Fans, Fights, and DK Metcalf Losing a Million Dollars 00:34:24 – Geography Is Fake: Kansas City, Texarkana, and the Quad Cities 00:40:30 – Coaches, Motorcycles, and the Bobby Petrino Resume 00:44:00 – NFL Parity: Everyone’s Good, Everyone’s Bad 00:48:40 – Bears, Packers, and Why That Game Ruled 00:53:34 – Rangers Reality Check: Gap Year Incoming 00:59:34 – 2023 Afterglow: Playing With House Money 01:04:29 – Philly Snowballs, Media Trauma, and Almost Fighting Fans 01:10:56 – Nate Newton, The LeBaron, and Driving Cowboys Home 01:12:08 – 50 Years of David Finfrock 01:13:01 – Christmas Gifts Appear (Chaos Ensues) 01:19:50 – Bobbleheads, Memorabilia, and Genuine Joy 01:27:00 – World Series Scorebook: Pure Baseball Nerd Bliss 01:33:00 – Bands, Aging Icons, and When to Stop Touring 01:41:26 – Concert Stories, Crutches, and Expo’s Moral Code 01:45:13 – Holiday Hiatus, Best-Ofs, and See You Soon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Up 00:01:26 – Meet Cliff McClelland: The Man Behind a New Christmas Film 00:02:11 – Introducing A Creature Was Stirring (Yes, It’s a PG Zombie Christmas Movie) 00:03:02 – Filmed in Garland (Mostly): Local Connections and Locations 00:03:39 – Two South Siders Enter the Chat (And History Is Made) 00:04:09 – “Christmas Zombie Apocalypse… For Kids”: Explaining the Tone 00:04:55 – COVID + Teaching Theater: Where the Idea Actually Came From 00:05:58 – Santa’s Ham Radio Hope Mission 00:07:00 – The Zombies Arrive: The “Calm-Down Drug” That Goes Horribly Right 00:07:36 – Side Effects: Heart Attacks, Diarrhea, and the Healing Power of Potty Jokes 00:08:27 – Santa vs. Zombies, PG Edition: Surviving With Hope (and Minimal Violence) 00:09:01 – Ham Radio Reality Check: Accidentally Switching to Morse Code 00:10:32 – Micro-Budget Filmmaking: Mom’s $7,000, Friends, and Making It Work 00:11:06 – CeCe the Polar Bear: The Costume From China Gamble 00:12:20 – Learning to Dance Like a Polar Bear (Disney Cruise Choreographer Assist) 00:13:18 – Singing in the Movie: Cliff’s Musical Theater and Band Background 00:15:04 – Plot Breakdown: Santa’s Routine + The World After the Outbreak 00:15:47 – Three Zombie Types + Ed the Pacifist Zombie 00:16:16 – The “Zombie Drool” Recipe and Why Art Is Suffering 00:17:48 – Filming Chaos: Traffic, Resetting Takes, and Zombie Tears on Command 00:19:01 – Airport Story: The Drunk Fan Who Wanted Help Committing a Federal Crime 00:20:16 – AI Girl Joins the Movie: Why Santa Needed Someone to Talk To 00:22:18 – 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 Next 00:25:08 – Sequel Talk: Easter, Zombie Ed Thinks He’s Jesus, and AI Girl Returns 00:26:07 – Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing 00:29:50 – Getting on Streamers: Aggregators, Captions, Posters, and FilmHub 00:31:49 – The Bittersweet Part: Mom Saw the Rough Cut, Not the Big Release 00:32:29 – Where to Watch: Prime, Tubi, Roku + The Full Streaming List 00:33:32 – Tooth Mouse Puppet Sequence + Making It Work for Kids and Adults 00:34:36 – Rhyner Fears AI, Shoopy Doesn’t Even Like QR Codes 00:36:07 – Release Timing + Final Plug for A Creature Was Stirring 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Podcast 00:00:43 – Welcome to Your Dark Companion (Episode 179) + Cold Day in Dallas 00:01:37 – 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 Judge 00:03:55 – Kirby’s Documentaries: From Giant to Texas Music History 00:04:43 – The Vaughn Brothers Doc: Why It’s Kirby’s Favorite 00:05:40 – “Driven” vs “Gifted”: What Made Jimmy & Stevie Different 00:06:54 – When Did Kirby First See Them? + Rhyner’s Old Band Story 00:08:41 – No Day Jobs, No Plan B: Music or Bust 00:09:38 – Before Social Media: Handbills, Word of Mouth, and Actually Leaving the House 00:10:42 – The First Jimmy Vaughan Moment: Thunderbirds at the Chili Parlor 00:11:39 – Better Than Clapton? (And Why That’s Not Crazy) 00:12:51 – The Vaughn Brothers as Showmen + Where the Showmanship Came From 00:13:41 – Trinity River Bottoms, Guthrie’s, and Seeing the Blues Where It Lived 00:15:18 – The Doc’s Big Flex: Clapton, Jackson Browne, Nile Rodgers, Billy Gibbons On Camera 00:19:00 – When Dallas Rocked: Why Dallas Deserves the Credit 00:21:04 – Freddie King: The Guitar Family Tree Argument (And It Works) 00:23:14 – Border Bandits: The Dark Texas Rangers Story That Actually Checked Out 00:25:41 – Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing (Because Your Knees Exist) 00:28:32 – Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza Plug + Bring Toys & Canned Goods 00:31:11 – West Texas Life: No Traffic, 80 MPH Speed Limits, and One Walmart 00:33:08 – “Go See It”: The Real Texas People Forget Exists 00:35:14 – 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 60s 00:39:26 – The Marijuana Felony Era: 10 Years and a Day for Basically Nothing 00:44:11 – Kirby’s Photo Vault: Clapton, Buffett, Frampton + Dallas Was the Hangout Spot 00:48:03 – Peaches Records, Zoo Remotes, and the Lost Art of Killing Time in Record Stores 00:49:11 – Stevie at Lee Park: Free Shows and Watching Greatness Before It Hit 00:52:08 – Return to Giant: Sold to Warner Bros… and Trapped on a DVD Forever 00:56:34 – Promoting the Vaughn Brothers Film + The Nightmare of Music Clearances 00:58:28 – “You’re a Grinder”: Wrap-Up, Thanks, and the Viral Begging (With Love) 00:59:45 – Pants Off, Show Over: The Official Sendoff ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Open 00:01:12 - Welcome to Your Dark Companion 00:02:08 - Enter: One Groovy Cat, Tim DeLaughter 00:02:51 - Tripping Daisy, Polyphonic Spree & Juggling Two Bands 00:03:45 - How to Tour with 20+ People (and Stay Sane) 00:06:42 - The Core Band, Rehearsals & Orchestral Add-Ons 00:09:52 - St. Vincent, Taylor Young & the Spree Alumni Club 00:11:03 - Dreaming Up the Polyphonic Spree in Woodstock 00:13:28 - Loss, Leaving Tripping Daisy & Trying the Big Idea 00:14:39 - Building the First Spree Lineup in Two Weeks 00:22:54 - Power Out at Bowie’s Meltdown & The Watershed Moment 00:26:51 - Young Hothead Tim vs. Older Zen Tim 00:28:18 - Can You Improvise? The Hardest Part of Casting the Band 00:31:06 - Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing 00:34:24 - Night of Giving Moss at the Barley House 00:36:03 - Oak Cliff, Hot Ice & Church-Choir Origins 00:41:18 - Fired from the Kit, Promoted to Frontman 00:45:26 - Open Mic at Dada & Tripping Daisy Takes Off 00:47:31 - Writing Songs Live Because You Only Had Eight 00:49:16 - Lost Hits & Life Before Voice Memos 00:49:53 - Songwriting on Feel, Not on a Schedule 00:50:39 - Lounge Here, Handyman Life & Schneider Duty 00:52:21 - The Core Spree Brain Trust & Right-Hand People 00:53:27 - Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza Breakdown 00:55:55 - Penguins, Owls & Full Johnny Carson Animal Chaos 00:56:19 - Tim DeLaughter Time & Mike’s Love Letter 00:57:15 - Like, Share, Subscribe & Social Plea 00:57:53 - Pants Off, Show Over ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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, Buckaroos Cold 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 Plans Elizabeth 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 Forest Nigel 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 Voice Nigel 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 Search Elizabeth 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 Time Nigel 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 Healing Mike 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 Model Nigel 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 Team Elizabeth 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 License The 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 Million Elizabeth 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 Campus Nigel 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 Rooftop The 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 Off Mike 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 cr

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 176 01:28 – Meet the Signal 51 Chronicles Guys 03:04 – What Is Signal 51 & Who Are These Guys? 06:01 – Mule Pub, Door Guys & Bar-Stool Storytime 10:44 – Why True Crime Won’t Die 13:12 – Murders, Weird Crimes & Gun Show Madness 15:36 – Jacksboro Highway & the Glass Key Murders 19:39 – Crime Meets Sports: The TCU Case 22:27 – Cullen Davis & People Who Won’t Talk 24:47 – The Biggest DFW True Crime Case Ever 26:52 – Crime in Real Time & Subject Matter Experts 28:32 – The Decline of the Career Detective 32:16 – Mid-Show Reads: CBD & Giving Mas 37:22 – Why Everyone Binge-Watches True Crime 40:40 – White Collar Chaos 41:44 – Inside Investigations & the Future of Policing 45:32 – Career Highs, Lows & Undercover Beard Chronicles 49:54 – First Cases: Koslow & Baylor Scandal 51:59 – YDC Wrap-Up & Mike’s Pants-Off Exit ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 Chaos 01:08 - Will We Even Make (and Clear) Christmas? 01:38 - Meet Ed O’Keefe & the TR Library 03:01 - 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 Question 07:13 - What Even Is a Presidential Library? 08:20 - Turning a Library into an Experience (Horses Welcome) 09:11 - From ABC News to NowThis to CNN 11:26 - Working with Anthony Bourdain 14:05 - Why Teddy Roosevelt’s Life Sounds Made Up 17:15 - The Day His Wife and Mother Died 18:37 - “The Light Has Gone Out of My Life” 21:43 - Badlands 101: Hell with the Fires Out 23:30 - Cradle of Conservation: Elkhorn Ranch 25:29 - Why TR’s America Feels a Lot Like Today 27:00 - Teddy Roosevelt Comes to Texas 28:44 - Who Were the Rough Riders, Really? 30:18 - From Assistant Navy Secretary to President in Three Years 31:48 - Was He Actually Popular? (Short Answer: Yes) 32:16 - Mastering the Media of His Time 35:22 - Tech Shifts, Immigration Waves & Familiar Fights 36:12 - Mid-Show: CBD House of Healing 38:49 - Mid-Show: GivingMas at the Barley House 41:00 - “Speak Softly” & Modern Political Communicators 43:45 - Party Chaos, Third Parties & 1912 Mayhem 46:07 - JP Morgan vs. Teddy: Trust Busting & Respect 48:36 - Weekends, Worker Safety & Cocaine as Medicine 50:54 - Opening Date & How to Get in the Arena 51:50 - AI Teddy, Virtual Campfires & the TR Triangle 53:30 - YDC Road Trip to Medora 53:45 - Outro, Shoutouts & “Drop Us In Anywhere” 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Lightning, Chaos, and the Cold Open Nobody Planned 00:01:02 – We’re Live… Somewhere… Forever… Maybe. 00:02:30 – Meet the Squad: Evan Eats, Sarah Writes, Mike Judges 00:04:00 – Food Is a Sport Now (Sorry, Cowboys) 00:06:10 – The Ranger Beat Writer… Who Might Actually Prefer Dinner 00:08:07 – The Legendary Two-Foot Chicken Tender Era 00:09:50 – 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 Begins 00:16:20 – HISTORY: Evan Eats His First Deviled Egg 00:18:08 – Mike: “Still No Eggs. Forever.” 00:19:02 – Texas Twinkies: Bacon, Cheese and Happiness 00:21:00 – The Pretzel That Deserves Its Own Zip Code 00:24:10 – Chef Credentials: From Foie Gras to Sports Bar Royalty 00:28:40 – How Dallas Food Media Accidentally Became a Powerhouse 00:32:50 – “Baseball Fans Are Different” and Other Truths 00:36:00 – Mid-Show Reads (Yes, They’re Still Here) 00:40:27 – Back to Food: Hot Lists, Hidden Gems, and Holiday Picks 00:44:09 – The New York Burger Pilgrimage 00:46:30 – Burger Wars: The OG vs. The Maverick 00:48:50 – Dallas Legends: Goff’s, Burger House, and Milkshake in a Bag 00:50:30 – Build-A-Burger: Meat Ratios, Cheese Philosophy, and Acronym Crimes 00:54:15 – The University-Level French Fry Symposium 00:58:00 – Onion Rings Enter the Conversation (Aggressively) 01:00:10 – Cult Language, Secret Food Codes & Fry Science 01:02:00 – The Great Tomato Betrayal: Evan vs. The World 01:04:01 – Egg Hatred Reaches Sociological Levels 01:05:30 – High-End Dining vs. Wednesday Lunch Reality 01:07:15 – Restaurants You Can Literally Drive Into (Why?) 01:08:40 – $500 Dinners, Fast Food, and Food As Sport in Dallas 01:09:40 – The Goodbye… and Mike Announces Pants Removal 01:10:05 – Fade Out: Stolen Water Media Approved ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 — “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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 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: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★