Your Dark Companion Podcast

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 ★

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

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

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

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

Mike fires up Your Dark Companion with a literal lightning strike, then welcomes Dallas lifers Ward Richmond and John Pedigo to talk about Ward’s new album, Big Addict Energy—a brutally honest, oddly hilarious chronicle of high-functioning drinking, rehab math, and rebuilding a life that actually fits. We bounce from Lakewood and Deep Ellum war stories to the therapist who called her shot (“alcoholic”), the Truck Yard-as-office era, and why Ward now tours with… a pedal that plays his whole band (karaoke, but make it auteur). Pedigo breaks down the “producer as translator” approach—less sprinkle, more spine—while the guys trade memories, cuss less (sometimes), and make a pretty airtight case for talking about addiction without the shame fog. Stick around for the closer: Ward’s earworm “Non-Alcoholic Beer Drinking Man.” It slaps, even if your drink is Topo. 00:00 – Cold open, lightning strike, live-at-5 banter 01:41 – Meet Ward & Pedigo; the new record is the story 03:05 – “Big Addict Energy”: single in Aug; album out Nov 21 04:31 – Three friends lost in Summer ’24; writing through grief 07:49 – High-functioning drinking in CRE culture 09:09 – Genetics, social anxiety, and why alcohol “worked” 10:15 – Lakewood roots → Deep Ellum bands (Boys Named Sue, Slick57) 12:32 – Ward + John origin story (choir class to clubs) 14:19 – “High-functioning” vs. “asshole”: the counselor’s wake-up 18:34 – The decision to quit; mapping rehab like a project 20:46 – Day one, therapy, psychiatrist, acceptance 22:36 – The call that changed it: AA, rehab choice, no rock bottom 25:21 – Lunch drinking, Truck Yard “office,” living in the open 30:42 – Turning the mess into music 31:33 – From early sobriety songs to darker honesty 34:24 – Calling Pedigo; the producer’s job: serve the story 36:11 – The “Party Police” and John’s producing origin 39:20 – Parallel divorces, Tulum writing trips, new studio 41:27 – Pedigo’s philosophy: make the song bigger, not busier 44:01 – Clean/explicit cuts, sequencing chaos, mastering 45:22 – Ward’s writing workflow (click, scratch, build) 46:06 – The players: Joshua Ray Walker, Charlie Wiles, Trey Pendergrass, Chad Stockslager & more 47:28 – Releasing with Idol Records; PR; the Beyond the Bar show 49:05 – The “pedal band” plan (full band, one pedal) 51:12 – Using the record to talk openly about addiction (+ book tease) 52:09 – Setup to the feature track 53:00 – Song: “Non-Alcoholic Beer Drinking Man” 56:38 – Wrap 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 ★

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

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

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

On Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and Grubes sit down with Dallas Morning News veteran Evan Grant (29 seasons on the Rangers beat) to unpack a maddening 2025 campaign: elite starting pitching, an offense that never synced, and a clubhouse that couldn’t find its rhythm. Evan explains why this felt like the most underperforming Rangers team in memory, what changed going from Donnie Ecker to Brett Boone on hitting, and how a late-season infusion of “Little Rascals” energy briefly jolted the club. They also dig into Jack Leiter’s leap, where Kumar Rocker stands, the Seager–Semien dynamic, the looming payroll/CBT constraints, potential trade math (who’s movable, who isn’t), and what new manager Skip Schumaker’s C.A.P.E. mantra (Communication, Alignment, Preparation, Execution) could mean in practice. Plus: catcher conundrums, Adolis adjustments, and who Evan would love to see in October. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 - Open & Introductions 00:04:45 - Pitching vs. Hitting 00:09:20 - Ecker → Boone (Hitting Message Shift) 00:13:50 - “Little Rascals” Bump 00:18:05 - Jack Leiter’s Breakthrough 00:22:40 - Kumar Rocker’s Path 00:27:10 - Clubhouse Chemistry 00:31:35 - Catcher Crisis 00:36:00 - Adolis & the OF Puzzle 00:40:10 - Payroll Reality Check 00:44:45 - Trade Talk 00:49:05 - Enter Skip Schumaker (C.A.P.E.) 00:53:20 - Ballpark & Approach (Line Drives > Uphill Swings) 00:58:00 - October Wish List 01:04:00 - Wrap & What’s Next ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and DLLS’s own Kevin Gray power-wash the offseason angst off Mavericks fans and get you ready for tip-off. Yes, the Luka-to-LA asteroid actually hit. Yes, everyone doom-scrolled. And yes, there’s still basketball to play — with Cooper Flagg flying around like a caffeinated free safety, Anthony Davis trying to carry while the eyeball heals and the scale side-eyes him, and a defense-first identity that might just make Dallas obnoxious to score on again. Kevin dishes on where fans’ heads are post-catastrophe, what “movement and spacing” looks like without Luka-ball, why the frontcourt depth is quietly nasty, and which Western heavies (OKC, Denver, Houston) are about to make your sleep schedule worse. Plus: CBD slushies, cap-circumventing conspiracies, and the annual reminder that the Cowboys will test your faith more than any religion. It’s fast, funny, and Mavs-nerdy in all the right ways. Chapters 00:00 - Lightning Strikes & Roll Call at the Mothership 02:10 - Enter Kevin Gray: The Dark in Your Dark Companion 05:06 - Two Weeks Out: What Even Are the Mavs Now? 06:22 - “That One Thing”: Reliving the Luka Trade Night 12:11 - Fallout & Fanbase Therapy: From Apoplectic to Apathetic 15:10 - Lottery Luck & Flagg Day: Turning the Page (Maybe) 22:25 - Luka vs. Cooper Flagg: Artist vs. Disruptor 26:19 - Defense, Junkie Vibes & Not Here to Make Friends 26:31 - Kyrie’s Timeline, AD’s Burden, and Reality Checks 30:08 - New Look Offense: Movement, Spacing, Many Hands on the Ball 31:44 - Identity Reset: Clamp First, Score Later 32:14 - Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing (Slushies Optional) 35:43 - Cowboys Tangent: Silver, Blue, and Emotional Damage 41:00 - Bigs, Depth, and Rotation Math: AD, Lively II, Gafford, PJ 42:48 - The West Gauntlet: OKC, Denver, Houston and Friends 45:22 - East Wild Cards: Boston’s Gap Year, Knicks/Cavs, Watch Orlando 48:20 - Around the League: Cap Shenanigans & Mystery Guests 50:04 - Who’s Left Standing? Kevin’s Chalk (and We Hate It) 51:42 - Parting Shots: Mavs Homework and Kevin’s Flowers 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 pulls up a barstool with Matt Lyle (playwright/agent of chaos) and Max Hartman (actor/true believer) to unpack The Trade—a sharp, satirical stage play where Luka “gets shipped” to the Lakers… strictly in parody land. It’s a Greek tragedy with punchlines, puppets (yes, a giant one), and the kind of Dallas sports heartbreak that only theater can make weirdly healing. In between a studio lightning strike (because of course), a Rangers victory lap, and Shoopy’s drive-by quips, the gang digs into how you spin sports calamity into catharsis, why comedy is the only way to survive a news cycle like that, and what it’s like rewiring a script on the fly while your opening night anxiety does suicides in the lobby. Come for the Mavs angst. Stay for the craft: character builds, last-minute rewrites, staging a sports scandal with style—and the reminder that, sometimes, parody tells the truth better than a press conference. ⏱️ Chapters 00:02 — “Thunder, Meet Rangers” A literal lightning strike says hello as the crew toasts a World Series and checks if the breakers—and Mike—are still alive. 03:13 — “Luka to the… Lakers? Relax, It’s Theater” Max and Matt introduce The Trade: a satirical fever dream, not Woj-bomb reality. (Everyone breathe.) 05:08 — “Friendship, Grief, and a Giant Puppet” Building characters from fan trauma, plus the Patrick Dumont mega-puppet cameo you didn’t know you needed. 08:17 — “When Sports News Feels Like a Prank” Remember that day you refreshed your phone 400 times? They bottle that energy—then set it on stage. 11:32 — “Greek Tragedy in a Jersey” Matt on using pain and rage for laughs (the good kind), and why parody hits where pressers won’t. 17:20 — “The Trade: A Comedy Built on a Collapse” How to stage the unstageable: tone, pace, and keeping the crowd howling without twisting the knife. 24:24 — “CBD Time-Out” A mid-show pit stop at CBD House of Healing. (Because opening nights and sports fandom both need balm.) 26:48 — “Rewrite, Rehearse, Repeat” The breakneck cycle of writing in April, staging by fall, and changing lines five minutes before curtain. 29:30 — “Parody vs. Press Release” Sports drama on stage vs. in real life—and why one of them actually gives you closure. 34:44 — “Stage Fright & Film Fights” Max on opening-night nerves, theater vs. film rhythms, and making the laugh land on two. 40:29 — “Tell a Friend, Bring a Frenemy” Mike’s parting shot: subscribe, share, and yes—argue with us in the comments. It’s tradition. 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 ★

Mike sits down with the guy who helped steer the ship when The Ticket went from scrappy longshot to Dallas sports juggernaut: former program director Bruce Gilbert. In true Your Dark Companion style, this isn’t a dry industry interview—it’s two radio lifers swapping war stories about wild ownership changes, home-brewed sports talk, and the kind of chemistry you can’t script. They laugh about bad ideas, celebrate good ones, and unpack why The Ticket still matters in a world where every phone is a radio. This is part origin story, part master class, and part therapy session for anyone who ever loved—or worked in—live radio. 00:00 Lightning & Rocktober 02:47 Conference-Room Ambush 04:54 From FM to Misfits 06:58 No Blueprint, Just Guts 09:43 Bought To Be Killed? 12:19 Bunker Mentality 101 15:27 Chemistry You Can’t Fake 20:48 Management: Human Shield 23:33 Stars, Not Egos 26:15 Underdogs With Nothing 30:03 Slushies & CBD Reads 33:08 Okay, We’ve Got It 36:12 Magic vs. Spreadsheets 41:45 Everyone Wants Content 46:28 Why Radio Still Hits 50:03 Talent Hall of Fame 52:35 Ticket Luck Strikes 55:27 Our WLS Moment 56:53 Pants Off, 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 ★

Indie films, preacher’s kids, Elvis motels, and Troy Aikman commercials — this episode has it all. Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas filmmaker Josh David Jordan, the mind behind This World Won’t Break and the upcoming El Tonto Porcristo. Josh talks about growing up as the son of an evangelical preacher and how those fire-and-brimstone Sundays shaped the stories he tells today. From scribbling notes in moleskins to chasing the perfect song for a scene, his process is messy, passionate, and a little bit like “building the airplane on the way down.” Along the way, we get Dallas love letters, border-crossing mishaps, and what happens when your indie film somehow collides with Troy Aikman’s commercial world. It’s raw, funny, and exactly why you tune in to Your Dark Companion. Chapters 00:00 – Mike Rhyner and Josh David Jordan: film, life, and why Dallas always sneaks into the frame 04:17 – Orthodoxy, cinema, and telling stories no one else is telling 12:54 – Childhood memories: motels, Elvis, and little sparks of inspiration 15:14 – This World Won’t Break: a filmmaker’s love letter to Dallas 23:30 – Touring pains: crossing borders with too much gear 25:20 – Film premieres, surprise connections, and the music that stays with you 28:09 – What’s next: El Tonto Porcristo and making films against the odds 34:44 – A pit stop at CBD House of Healing (because indie film hurts) 35:57 – Storyboards, scripts, and the obsession behind directing 39:28 – Why festivals are equal parts heartbreak and high-five 44:50 – The toll of filmmaking — and why they still do it anyway 46:29 – Wrestling with endings, edits, and when to finally “let it go” 53:14 – Family, legacy, and the indie hustle 55:51 – The weird joy of shooting commercials with Troy Aikman 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 ★

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

Recorded live from the backroom at Dudley’s on Henderson, Mike Rhyner sits down with Texas sports legend Craig Way and dynamic broadcaster Erin Hartigan for a lively trip through the roads (and backroads) of sports media. From high-school press boxes to national broadcasts, tequila at weddings to the creation of “The Ticket,” this episode is a masterclass in how passion, timing, and a little chaos can build a career. The trio swap stories about reinvention, mentorship, the “media meal” era, and the moments that shaped their love of the game — and each other’s respect. It’s part nostalgia, part industry insight, and part laugh-out-loud storytelling, all served up with deviled eggs and jalapeño poppers. Chapters 00:00:01 - Lightning Strikes & Rangers Hype: Welcome to Dudley’s 00:02:36 - Introducing Craig Way: From North Texas to Voice of Texas Sports 00:04:30 - Erin Hartigan Joins the Table: Filling In and Owning Her Lane 00:06:27 - Tequila at the Wedding: How Erin Became the Bell of the Ball 00:08:37 - The Back of the Bus: Where “The Ticket” Template Took Shape 00:11:02 - Building High School Football Coverage Like SportsCenter 00:14:31 - Erin’s Omaha Beginnings and Recruiting Coverage Hustle 00:16:43 - Parenthood, Pivots, and Slowing Down in a Fast Game 00:19:25 - Pops & Boompa: Grandparent Names and Life Outside Broadcasting 00:22:28 - Media Meals & Bad Baseball: Arlington Stadium Memories 00:26:12 - Mentorship Moments: Sham, Mercer, and Learning the Craft 00:30:26 - Mike’s First Radio Gig & Craig’s High School TV Studio 00:33:34 - Writing, Versatility, and Erin’s “Squirrel Mom Brain” 00:38:12 - Reinvention: From Music Dreams to Microphones 00:42:16 - Dudley’s Snacks: Jalapeño Poppers & Elevated Sports Bar Food 00:45:42 - Cowboys & Change: Landry, Jerry, and the Saturday Night Massacre 00:50:55 - Generations Without a Super Bowl: Cowboys Then & Now 00:54:13 - Ticket Luck and the Rise of Dallas Sports Radio 00:59:13 - Why Preparation Still Wins: Lessons From the Desk 01:02:35 - Closing Thoughts: Mentors, Weirdness, and What’s Next for YDC 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 ★

Mike Rhyner and Grubes welcome Mavericks legend and Shark Tank titan Mark Cuban to Your Dark Companion for a candid conversation that swings from the heartbreak of Luka’s exit to the grind of fixing America’s broken healthcare system. Cuban opens up about selling the Mavericks, the fine print that surprised him, and the not-so-subtle joys of yelling at refs without any actual power. He talks about Luka Doncic, Dirk’s legacy, and how chemistry in an NBA locker room can be just as fragile as a startup pitch on Shark Tank. From his Cost Plus Drugs revolution to playoff scars that never quite heal, Cuban delivers the unfiltered truth you don’t hear on CNBC. It’s part basketball therapy, part business masterclass, and part “what the hell just happened?” — all in the way only Mark Cuban can bring it. Chapters 00:00:00 - A Storm, A World Series, and Mark Cuban Joins the Show 00:02:16 - Life After Selling the Mavericks 00:04:05 - From Owner to Fan (and Wedding Anniversaries Without Training Camp) 00:06:53 - The Fine Print Surprise: Losing Basketball Ops Control 00:09:39 - Valuations vs. Fans: The NBA’s Changing Priorities 00:11:43 - Breaking the News to His Family 00:16:34 - Luka Magic: Draft Day Terror and Preseason Awe 00:18:36 - “The Night” Luka Was Traded 00:21:33 - Fans, Divorce, and the Grieving Process 00:26:06 - Enter Cooper Flagg: Hope for the Future 00:29:20 - Luka vs. Cooper: Cultural Differences and Mentality 00:34:00 - Referees Are Nicer Now (When You Can’t Fine Them) 00:35:09 - Would Cuban Buy Another NBA Team? 00:43:09 - The Clippers Scandal Explained 00:46:44 - Favorite Playoff Series (and the Ghost of 2006) 00:52:09 - Dirk Nowitzki: Friend, Icon, and Teacher 00:56:13 - Bill Mazeroski, Pittsburgh Pride, and College Memories 01:00:16 - CBD Reads, Rap Attempts, and Closing Banter 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 ★

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

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

Mike Rhyner sits down with State Fair of Texas president Mitchell Glieber to peel back the funnel cake and show you the machinery that powers Dallas’ favorite 24-day carnival. From the Red River Rivalry chaos to Big Tex’s post-2012 glow-up (yes, the fire suppression and the…posterior), this one’s equal parts fried, factual, and flat-out fun. Mike needles, Mitchell dishes, and together they map the year-round grind behind the fair’s food, music, safety ops, and community impact—plus a heartfelt nod to Mitchell’s dad, legendary broadcaster Frank Glieber. Come for the corny dogs, stay for the civic master class. 00:00:02 Radio Roots & Frank Glieber 00:13:04 How to Build a 24-Day City 00:22:15 Cotton Bowl Forever? 00:26:12 Mid-Show Mellow 00:28:23 Safety, Clarity & Clear Bags 00:30:14 Winter Classic Flashback 00:35:27 What’s New This Year 00:40:16 Not Just 24 Days 00:42:50 Dates, Duds & Dudley’s 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 ★

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

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

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

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

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

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

Few names carry as much weight in Dallas-Fort Worth sports media as Randy Galloway. With a career spanning more than 50 years across the Dallas Morning News, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, ESPN Radio, and WBAP, Galloway’s voice defined an era of fearless sports commentary. In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with the legendary columnist and broadcaster to revisit the stories that shaped modern sports journalism. From his early days covering high school games to becoming one of the most recognized personalities in Texas media, Galloway reflects on the grind, the glory, and the chaos of it all. The conversation covers iconic figures like Jimmy Johnson, Troy Aikman, Deion Sanders, and Michael Irvin, while also pulling back the curtain on the cutthroat world of newspaper wars and the pressures of radio. With a mix of honesty, humor, and sharp-edged storytelling, Galloway reminds us why great journalism isn’t about playing nice—it’s about showing up, speaking the truth, and never ducking the hard questions. ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 – Randy Galloway’s storied career in sports media 7:17 – From high school sports to becoming a columnist 13:45 – The grind, rewards, and credibility of sports journalism 20:50 – Reflections on legends: Johnson, Sanders, Aikman & Irvin 26:47 – Aikman’s near departure and leadership shift 32:21 – Why Galloway never wrote “the book” 35:01 – Reluctant media appearances & staying loyal to Dallas 43:34 – The golden age of Dallas sportswriting wars 57:16 – Triumphs, feuds, and Jerry Jones’s lasting legacy 1:11:20 – Closing reflections: passion, persistence, and perspective ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What makes Texas high school football unlike anything else in the country? In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with Greg Tepper, Editor-in-Chief of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football—the man at the center of the sport’s most beloved publication. From covering more than 1,500 high school teams across the state to chronicling the stories that fuel Friday night lights, Tepper opens the playbook on what it takes to keep this legendary magazine alive. He shares how he went from a young journalist to becoming the voice of Texas football, balancing the tradition of Dave Campbell’s with the modern realities of recruiting, transfers, and the ever-changing college football landscape. Along the way, you’ll hear about the rise of powerhouse programs, the challenges facing high school coaches, and even the possibility of a 7A division. Tepper also breaks down the quirks that make Texas football culture truly one-of-a-kind—from six-man ball to the intensity of rivalries that can divide entire towns. If you’ve ever wondered why football in Texas feels bigger, louder, and more personal, this conversation explains it all. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Football Season Excitement and Craft Beer Discussions 3:41 – The Legacy and Passion of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 9:24 – Why Texas High School Football is Truly Different 13:39 – From Journalism Graduate to TV Host for Friday Nights 15:09 – The Massive Undertaking of Creating the Annual Magazine 23:21 – Transfers, Recruiting, and UIL Rules Shaping the Game 26:01 – How High School Coaching in Texas Has Evolved 32:07 – Mid-Show Reads and Sponsor Breaks 33:45 – Finding Natural Relief Through CBD at a Women-Owned Boutique 36:06 – Fantasy Football Draft Night at the Sunset Lounge 36:13 – The Electric Impact of Mike Rhyner’s Live Reads 37:53 – Powerhouse Programs and Rising Texas Stars to Watch 42:01 – Six-Man Football and New Wearable Tech Rules 45:28 – UIL Realignment: Challenges and Controversy 47:12 – The Passion and Culture Driving Texas High School Football 52:55 – Championship Trends Across Texas Metro Areas 53:55 – Greg Tepper Teases Upcoming High School Football Broadcast News IG: / yourdarkcompanion X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: / yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: / theoldgreywolf16 TikTok: / mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Step inside the control room with Bart Stevens, the recording engineer who worked alongside music legends like Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Boz Scaggs, Toto, Mick Jagger, and Joe Satriani. In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner uncovers the untold stories of LA’s legendary studios—where Bart went from a kid fresh out of Texas to helping shape the sound of some of the biggest records in history. From five years at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch to unforgettable sessions with Stevie Nicks, Slash, and Jeff Porcaro, Bart shares an insider’s view of the golden age of recording. Along the way, he reveals the friendships, near-misses, and wild tales that defined his career. Bart also opens up about his book, The Miller Grill, a unique blend of music and racing history. Inspired by his fascination with legendary bluesman Robert Johnson and racer Sam Nunes, the novel explores a fictional friendship between these icons set against the backdrop of real historical events. It’s a creative reflection of Bart’s lifelong passions and storytelling flair, showing that his artistry extends far beyond the mixing board. If you love behind-the-scenes music history, studio lore, or just want to hear how the magic was made, this episode is a must-listen. ⏱️ Chapters 0:03 – Exploring Music Passion and Recording with Bart Stevens 5:41 – From Texas to LA: Starting Out in the Studio World 10:25 – Behind the Scenes with Music Legends & Michael Jackson 20:16 – Michael Jackson’s Lifestyle & Generosity at Neverland Ranch 27:39 – Studio Encounters, Near Misses & Music Industry Lessons 33:26 – Sponsor Break: CBD House of Healing 36:25 – Boz Scaggs’ Album Journey & Industry Challenges 44:10 – Guitar Picks, Studio Life, & Unexpected Stories 50:15 – The Miller Grill: Music Meets Racing History 53:51 – Stevie Nicks, Olivia Newton John & Fleetwood Mac Sessions 57:31 – Missed Opportunities & Concert Mishaps 1:03:50 – Slash Stories & Lifelong Studio Friendships Frisco Rough Riders – baseball, beer, and good vibes https://www.milb.com/frisco use code: LETSRIDE25 at checkout for discount! CBD House of Healing – Take your healing to the House of Healing https://cbddallas.com/ IG: / yourdarkcompanion X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: / yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: / theoldgreywolf16 TikTok: / mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When the weather gets weird, the movies get weirder, and the music gets loud—Mike Rhyner is the guy you want steering the conversation. This time, he’s joined by Sunset Lounge transplant Rob Ervin, who swaps his regular hangout for the Dark Companion studio, and the one and only four-time returning champion Jesse Hawila, DFW’s favorite meteorologist with a knack for dropping truth bombs about the skies above and the hype below. From comparing this summer to the legendary “magical summer of 2007” to calling out fear-mongering weather reports, Jesse brings the forecast you should be hearing—minus the doom-and-gloom clickbait. Rob brings the pop culture heat, from cult film deep dives (hello, Tommy Wiseau) to metal bands with drummers who seem part human, part machine. And somewhere between Stevie Nicks stories, death metal drumming admiration, and casual Emmy drop-ins, this episode turns into a full-blown jam session of weather wisdom, movie geekery, and music nerdery. Come for the storms, stay for the shredding. Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome to the Weather Rock Show – Mike, Rob, and Jesse set the stage. 5:18 – 2007 vs. 2023 – Comparing summers worth talking about. 9:06 – The Weather Hype Machine – Why social media storms aren’t always real storms. 13:50 – Stage Fright Forecast – Jesse’s surprising #1 fear. 18:05 – Movie Geek Throwdown – Rob takes the mic with film trivia and passion. 20:37 – Tommy Wiseau & Cult Film Chaos – Behind the bizarre screenings. 27:26 – CBD & Sports Crossfade – Healing and The OG podcast talk. 30:20 – From Blues to Blast Beats – Musical taste whiplash in the best way. 37:50 – Death Metal Drummers = Cyborgs? – Jesse makes his case. 40:55 – Stevie Nicks, Floods, & Fate – Silver Spring stories. 41:53 – Drummers & Metal Evolution – Legends and lineups. 45:20 – Celebs & Emmy Moments – Name drops with style. 47:57 – Work Wardrobe Rules? – Jesse’s casual take. 50:21 – Games, Pinball, & Film Oddities – Nerd heaven. 55:28 – Fantasy Football & Sign-Off – Wrapping it up with friendly chaos. 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 this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with Ralph Strangis—legendary broadcaster, Hall of Famer, and the voice who taught Texas what icing was (and no, not the kind on a cake). From shepherding the Minnesota North Stars into their Dallas rebirth to cementing himself as a fixture in hockey history, Ralph’s journey is equal parts grit, wit, and pure love for the game. The two old friends swap stories about chaotic press boxes, unconventional bosses, and the unique insanity of professional sports relocations. Ralph opens up about the pride (and surprise) of being inducted into the Dallas Stars Hall of Fame, what he’s up to now with his Ralph Cast and Substack, and why he’ll never willingly put on a tie. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a hockey culture in a football town—or just want to hear a master storyteller at work—this is your backstage pass to the broadcast booth. Chapters: 0:03 – Weather, Small Talk & Setting the Stage: Mike and Ralph ease in with sports and meteorology banter. 4:26 – Pool Chillers, Cool Decks & Cool Guests: How the episode almost didn’t happen. 5:53 – Hall of Fame Feels: The big induction, the big speech, and even bigger emotions. 13:30 – Dry Heat vs. Humidity: A broadcaster’s meteorological take. 14:51 – The Big Weekend Ahead: Ralph’s pre-event jitters and excitement. 23:40 – Ties Are for Other People: Why Ralph has declared war on formal wear. 26:22 – Broadcast Booth Memories: Building the Dallas Stars legacy, one call at a time. 31:37 – Change, Healing & CBD: A candid turn in the conversation. 38:58 – From North to South: The messy, monumental move from Minnesota to Dallas. 42:26 – Norm Green Stories: Ice cubes in urinals and other unforgettable details. 48:51 – How Texas Got Its Voice: Ralph’s road to the mic. 52:24 – Behind the Broadcast Curtain: Budget woes and creative workarounds. 54:18 – After the Move: The aftermath of relocation—on and off the ice. 58:23 – Life After the Booth: Podcasting, creativity, and what keeps Ralph inspired. 1:04:11 – Looking Back, Moving Forward: Hockey’s journey in Dallas and what’s next. 1:07:56 – Draft Night Chaos: A very different kind of play-by-play. 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 do you get when you mix a radio legend, a Russian hash-smoking adventure, a Triumph stage-crashing moment, and a career that spans five decades in Dallas radio? You get Bo Roberts—loud, proud, and on the mic with Mike Rhyner for this unforgettable ride through rock and radio history. Bo Roberts, longtime co-host of the iconic Q102 KTXQ-FM (aka Q102 the Classic Rock Station), now graces the airwaves at Lone Star 92.5 KZPS-FM—but his journey didn’t start in Dallas. From classical music roots in Corsicana to backstage antics with rock royalty, Bo has seen it all. And in this episode of Your Dark Companion, he opens up the vault. Host Mike Rhyner and Bo dive into everything from the lost art of morning show chemistry (shoutout to the late, great Jimmy White), to corporate radio's evolution, to waking up at 2 AM to prep for a show. Along the way? Stories from Bo’s time in New Orleans, London, Moscow, and… the Longhorn Ballroom. Yes, the Sex Pistols are involved. This one’s a love letter to the wild, weird, and wonderful world of radio—told by two guys who helped build it. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:02 – Radio Rivalries & Day One Friendships 3:59 – Bo’s Parade Disaster (Yes, It Hurt) 6:56 – New Orleans to Dallas: The Long Radio Road 9:02 – 2AM Alarms and the Joy of Preparation 10:02 – Sex Pistols at the Longhorn Ballroom 10:50 – Firing Stories & Climbing Back Up 13:36 – The Bo Roberts Playbook: Career, Chaos & Community 18:14 – Chemistry Is Everything in Radio (And Life) 26:52 – Facing Retirement: The Weirdest Transition of All 30:24 – CBD House of Healing Ad Spot 31:43 – Live Spots, Celebrities, and Broadcast Gold 34:02 – Hash in Russia, The Rolling Stones, and Diplomatic Rock n’ Roll 38:13 – Bo Walks Onstage During Triumph—No Big Deal 40:50 – Work Ethic vs. Corporate Headaches 44:19 – The Buckinghams and the Song That Shouldn’t Be 45:53 – Final Stories from a Radio Life Lived Loud 📝 About Bo Roberts A Corsicana native with classical roots and a rock-and-roll heart, Bo Roberts became a Dallas radio fixture at Q102 KTXQ-FM, and now co-hosts mornings at Lone Star 92.5 KZPS-FM. With more stories than a box set anthology, Bo’s voice and presence are unmistakable—equal parts velvet and vinegar, with decades of morning show magic behind him. Tune in for tales of mischief, music, and the microphone—and stay for the unfiltered wisdom only a true radio vet can offer. This is one for the books. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this special edition of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner welcomes the unmistakable voice and soul of the airwaves—Jimmy Christopher, a.k.a. The Saint—for a ride through 50+ years of broadcasting brilliance. From the early days spinning records at The Zoo in Dallas to sparring mics with the boys at The Ticket, Jimmy’s been everywhere—and he’s got the stories to prove it. You’ll hear about his childhood obsession with Hank Aaron, his first trip to a big league game in 1957 (spoiler: it changed his life), and his music-soaked, mic-wielding journey from Minnesota to California to Cleveland and finally to Texas. Whether you know him from KNAC, KISS, KZEW, or The Ticket, one thing is clear: The Saint’s got soul—and he’s not done talking. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:01 – Two Legends Walk Into a Studio 7:47 – The Braves, The Browns, and a 7-Year-Old Superfan 10:49 – Torn Between Cowboys & Texans (Not Those Texans) 15:00 – How Vietnam Turned a Braves Fan into a Dodger Die-Hard 17:31 – Dubuque, Iowa: Where Baseball Dreams Begin 20:22 – A Mic in One Hand, a Record in the Other 24:23 – Memories of Baseball Parks and Iconic Voices 26:18 – Vin Scully, the GOAT, and Broadcasting’s Golden Age 28:39 – Getting Drafted, and Dodging the Draft (Sorta) 31:44 – Music Rebellion and Microphone Freedom in the ‘60s 35:33 – Why “The Saint” Stuck (Thanks, Springsteen) 37:49 – Radio Stops Across the Country (and Back Again) 41:25 – What Happened When The Suits Took Over Radio 47:14 – CBD Ad Break: Chill Like a DJ on Sunday Morning 49:58 – The Fine Line Between News and Noise 55:33 – Getting Hired, Getting Fired, and Staying Weird 58:42 – Creativity vs. Clean Copy: The Eternal Battle 1:01:05 – Final Memories from The Zoo Days 🎧 So grab a cold one, put your feet up, and dive into this mic-drop of a memory lane with a man who helped shape the sound of Dallas radio. And don’t forget to subscribe—there’s more where this came from, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

WTF JERRY!!! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week, country roads lead us straight to Texas music royalty. Mike Rhyner welcomes singer, songwriter, and all-around honky-tonk hero Steve Helms to Your Dark Companion—and let’s just say, this one’s got a little twang and a whole lot of heart. From Cleburne to center stage, Steve has spent more than four decades writing, performing, and winning over fans with his blend of grit, melody, and good ol’ Texas charm. You’ve heard his anthem "Nowhere But Texas" blaring at every Texas Rangers home game for the last 18 seasons—but now you’ll hear the stories behind the song, the career that birthed it, and the man who still lives for that Friday night fever. Steve talks about his musical roots, co-writing mishaps, life on the road, and waking up mid-dream to jot down lyrics before they disappear with the sunrise. Oh, and did we mention he performs three acoustic tracks live? This one’s as much a concert as it is a conversation. So pull up a barstool, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy a good ol’ yarn with two legends—one behind the mic and the other behind the music. ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 – Lightning, World Series, and… Steve? 1:10 – Welcome to the podcast—Here’s what we’re doing 2:20 – Meet Steve Helms: Texas through and through 4:08 – Early gigs, cover bands, and learning the ropes 9:30 – First songs and finding a place in the Texas scene 14:55 – How "Nowhere But Texas" became the anthem 18:40 – Life on the road and the modern-day music hustle 24:15 – George Strait, family ties, and finding your people 30:00 – Acoustic performance: “Talking About the Weather” 35:14 – Acoustic performance: “Nowhere But Texas” 40:45 – Baseball stories, ballparks, and band memories 46:49 – Acoustic performance: “Friday Night Fever” 51:05 – Songwriting secrets, co-writing chaos, and dream scribbles 54:50 – Final performance: “Can I Buy You a Country Song?” Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just wondering how a guy ends up singing at every Rangers game for nearly two decades, this episode delivers. Tune in and two-step through the stories behind the songs. 🤠 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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

🎙️ Sports Radio Royalty: Mike Rhyner & Norm Hitzges Talk Cowboys, Rangers & the Good Old Days | Your Dark Companion What happens when two sports radio legends sit down to trade war stories, roast player contracts, and dissect Texas sports like only they can? You get this episode. Mike Rhyner welcomes longtime friend and broadcasting titan Norm Hitzges to Your Dark Companion for a walk down memory lane—and a few sharp turns through the chaos of 2023 sports headlines. From Dak Prescott’s dollar signs to Josh Jung's comeback, the boys cover it all with the kind of chemistry only decades behind a mic can produce. You’ll get expert insight, unfiltered opinions, and more Dallas sports nostalgia than a Troy Aikman highlight reel. Plus: a few gems on the evolution of sports talk radio, a detour into the CBD House of Healing, and why the Rangers need more bats and less bullpen anxiety. 🧭 CHAPTERS 0:00 – Sports Talk Royalty: Norm & Mike Reunite 5:17 – KLIF to The Ticket: Inside Dallas Radio Shakeups 12:15 – The Dak Debate: Contracts, Cap Space & Cowboys Drama 18:58 – Cowboys Camp Worries & Joe Milton Talk 32:13 – Mike’s Pain Relief Plug: CBD House of Healing 35:15 – Rangers at the Trade Deadline: What’s Missing? 39:00 – Pitching Woes, Offensive Gaps, and What Comes Next 53:36 – American League Fortunes and October Dreams 56:38 – The Evolution of Pitching in Modern Baseball 🧠 Whether you're a sports radio junkie or just want smarter takes on the Cowboys’ future, the Rangers’ playoff hopes, or how baseball pitching became sorcery, this episode’s for you. Hit play, hit subscribe, and let the OGs show you how it’s done. #YourDarkCompanion #NormHitzges #MikeRhyner #DallasCowboys #TexasRangers #MLBTradeDeadline #SportsRadio #NFLContracts #BaseballPitching #SportsPodcast #StolenWaterMedia ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mr. Ranger, Tom Grieve, joins the Shoopies at Globe Life Field to talk his incredible life and career!! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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

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

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

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

Jamey Newberg, the man behind the famed Newberg Report newsletter, dishes on all things Rangers inside the Wolf Den! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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

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

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

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

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