On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and the crew sit down with legendary broadcaster Dave Barnett to talk about a career that spans decades of sports, media, and moments that don’t exist anymore.

From his early days at KRLD to calling games for the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, San Antonio Spurs, and more, Barnett shares what it was like breaking into the business, surviving the grind of morning radio, and adapting as the industry changed around him.

This conversation dives into:

The evolution of sports broadcasting from radio to streaming
Why media access—and storytelling—has completely changed
The importance of mentors like Brad Sham and Bill Mercer
Stories from the Mavericks’ early days and postgame chaos
The legacy of legendary coach Dick Motta
And the strange, unexplained moment during a Rangers broadcast that still has no answers

It’s funny, it’s reflective, and it’s a reminder of how much the game—and the way we cover it—has changed.

If you care about sports, media, or the voices behind the moments, this one hits.

⏱ Chapters

0:00 — Lightning Strike Open & Pants Commitment
Classic YDC chaos to kick things off

6:26 — College Sports Chaos & Coaching Reality
Why programs are constantly in transition

13:38 — Breaking Into Broadcasting at KRLD
Dave’s unexpected start and early opportunities

17:01 — The Reality of Morning Radio
4AM shifts, no sleep, and surviving the grind

23:24 — From North Texas to the NBA
Landing a role with the Mavericks at a young age

32:34 — Career Turning Points and Close Calls
Moments that could’ve changed everything

35:52 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing

38:39 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Music Talk

42:44 — The Mysterious Rangers Broadcast Incident
An unexplained moment that still raises questions

47:22 — How Sports Media Has Changed Forever
From access to athlete-driven content

53:02 — Friendship, Reflection, and Perspective

54:16 — Dick Motta’s Legacy and Hall of Fame Case

1:04:11 — Mavericks History and Forgotten Contributions

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Our latest segment features an in-depth discussion about the potential of CBD and cannabis, recorded live in our professional recording studio. We also showcase how a person steps into their crocs, adding a touch of everyday life to the studio. This broadcast aims to provide clear insights, making complex topics accessible for everyone watching.

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 scholarships
The impact of the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, serving thousands of kids each year
Why building relationships is at the heart of fundraising
The reality of working inside a professional sports organization beyond baseball
And Justin’s personal journey—from financial advisor to nonprofit leader

There’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.

⏱ Chapters

0:00 — Lightning Strike Open & Rangers Banter
Classic YDC chaos and early show energy

4:05 — Meet Justin Henry & The Rangers Foundation
What the foundation actually does—and why it exists

5:53 — From Financial Advisor to Fundraiser
Justin’s career path and finding purpose in people

6:43 — Youth Academy & Community Impact
How the Rangers are helping kids dream bigger

13:53 — The Story Behind “Shameless”
Guilt, growth, and learning how to be vulnerable

15:27 — How Fundraising Really Works
Connecting donors to real community needs

20:12 — Ballpark Experience & Fan Impact
Why the stadium environment matters more than you think

23:25 — Inside a Major League Organization
What it’s like working with a professional sports team

28:44 — The World Series Effect on the Community
How winning amplified the Rangers’ impact

32:50 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing

34:41 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit Concert

37:26 — The Three Pillars: Develop, Honor, Serve
The foundation’s mission and how it guides everything

41:11 — Partnering with Other Organizations
Why collaboration matters in nonprofit work

46:00 — Real Community Impact Stories
Where the work actually shows up

48:06 — Scholarships, Grants & Long-Term Change

53:33 — Kids, Baseball & Life Lessons
Why this goes far beyond sports

56:41 — NIL and the Changing Landscape of College Sports

58:53 — Recruiting, Development & Opportunity Gaps

1:03:15 — Stolen Water Media Growth & What’s Next

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 impressions
Thoughts on the Final Four and college basketball’s changing appeal
The reality of working in local TV and building a personality on air
Jesse’s deep love of metal music, concerts, and band culture
And somehow… monarch butterflies, hydration, and random on-air chaos

It’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.

⏱ Chapters

0:00 — Lightning Strike Start & Rangers Opening Thoughts
Rangers take 2 of 3 and early season reactions

3:08 — Brandon Nimmo and Early Favorites
Unexpected standouts and first impressions

3:59 — Final Four Talk (Sort Of)
Why college basketball doesn’t hit like it used to

5:05 — Jesse Hawila Joins the Show (Again)
Returning guest, inside jokes, and WFAA talk

8:14 — Matt Howerton, Morning TV, and Energy on Air
What it takes to succeed in local news

11:18 — Episode 208 and Building a Podcast
Consistency, growth, and sticking with it

12:12 — Inside the Mind of a Meteorologist
Why weather never turns “off”

13:25 — Weather Models, Data, and Forecasting Reality
European models, American models, and constant updates

17:10 — Music Talk: Metal, Punk, and Concert Culture
Where passion meets identity

23:09 — When Your Favorite Band Doesn’t Hit the Same
The reality of live music over time

28:15 — Jesse’s Musical Background and Band Days
Early influences and creative outlets

32:12 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing

34:23 — Stolen Water Media Expansion

35:29 — Random Conversations You Didn’t Expect
Water bottles, life habits, and podcast chaos

39:46 — Early Career Stories and On-Air Moments
The path to becoming a TV personality

46:09 — The John Hinckley Pen Pal Story

49:21 — Media Careers and Memorable Moments

51:02 — The Beginning of Sports Radio in Dallas
When nobody thought it would work

52:51 — Betting on Yourself When No One Else Will

57:15 — Weather Warnings (and Small Dog Advice)

59:27 — Monarch Butterflies and Unexpected Passions

1:02:31 — Eric Nadel Event & Final Thoughts

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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 home
The realities of foster care and kinship placements
Why many families aren’t broken—but simply lack resources
How community support can keep families together
And how you can help make a difference

It’s emotional. It’s eye-opening. And it’s one of the most important conversations we’ve had.

⏱ Chapters

0:00 — A Different Kind of Episode
Mike sets the tone for a more purpose-driven conversation

2:15 — Child Abuse Awareness Month Explained
Why this topic matters right now

2:58 — What Qavah the Storehouse Does
Supporting children in foster care and at risk of removal

3:41 — What Is a “First Night Bag”?
Why kids often arrive with nothing—and how this helps

5:07 — How the Organization Started
From personal experience to community mission

8:19 — Why Families Struggle (It’s Not Always What You Think)
Addiction, incarceration, and financial hardship

10:11 — What School Looks Like for These Kids
The hidden challenges of just showing up

13:09 — Richard’s Story: Growing Up in Instability
A firsthand look at what these children face

17:41 — The Moment That Sparked the Mission
Why “first night bags” became essential

18:48 — What Goes Inside the Bags
Clothing, comfort items, and dignity

21:48 — How the Community Can Help
Donations, involvement, and spreading awareness

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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 ever
How streaming completely changed how we watch and discover shows
What it’s like working inside a newsroom that actually matters to its community
The rise, fall, and future of modern journalism
And how critics help navigate a world with too much content

Along 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.

⏱ Chapters

0:00 — Lightning Strikes and Classic Rhyner Open
The show kicks off with chaos, Rangers talk, and vintage YDC energy

1:17 — Introducing Chris Vognar
From Dallas to Boston Globe—why his work stands out

3:36 — From Berkeley to the Dallas Morning News
Chris’s early career path and getting started in journalism

5:53 — 23 Years at the Dallas Morning News
Opportunities, covering movies, and wild assignments

6:59 — Why the Boston Globe Feels Different
A newsroom that still matters to its community

10:00 — Boston vs Texas Living
Weather, culture, and adjusting to a completely different city

12:09 — Freelancing vs Being in a Newsroom
Why having a “team” still matters in journalism

16:00 — Is Peak TV Over?
Why there’s less “great” TV—but more good TV than ever

17:40 — What’s Actually Worth Watching Right Now
Streaming picks, trends, and navigating content overload

22:01 — How Streaming Changed Everything
Why TV is more complicated—and more crowded—than ever

27:27 — Content Overload and Cultural Shifts
Too many shows, longer series, and audience fatigue

29:42 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing

30:51 — The Changing World of Interviews and Media Access

34:40 — Dallas Memories and Media Nostalgia

37:06 — What’s Next for Chris Vognar
Career reflections, future goals, and possibly writing a book

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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 like
The legacy and pressure of working at WFAA
The evolution of media from traditional TV to digital and streaming
Wild behind-the-scenes stories—including defending a news truck during a Mavs parade
And yes… karaoke nights, wrestling fandom, and random run-ins with Creed

It’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.

⏱ Chapters
0:00 — Jesse Hawila, Inside Jokes, and WFAA Stories
5:33 — Mike Rhyner, Radio Legacy, and First Impressions
13:25 — Growing Up in Ennis, Texas
17:38 — The Signs of a Future Broadcaster
20:45 — From Baylor to Breaking Into TV News
25:25 — The Mavs Parade Chaos Story
27:53 — The Legacy of WFAA and Doing It Right
35:39 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing
37:44 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Mental Health Awareness
39:34 — Wrestling, Random Tangents, and Podcast Energy
48:07 — Becoming a Daybreak Anchor
52:34 — Building a Name in Media
57:01 — Covering the Rangers’ ALCS Run
1:03:09 — Inside the Rangers World Series Experience
1:05:37 — Creed, Baseball, and Unexpected Moments
1:08:05 — Dugout Stories and Player Interactions
1:13:08 — Music, Tech Issues, and Podcast Chaos
1:16:56 — Travis Jankowski and Underdog Stories
1:21:04 — TV, History, and Media Conversations
1:25:29 — Karaoke Nights and Off-the-Clock Stories
1:32:30 — Stolen Water Media and What’s Next

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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 bottom
How the American Airlines Center came together and changed Dallas sports forever
The reality of working with high-level owners like Mark Cuban, Ross Perot Jr., and Tom Dundon
Why attention to detail (even a spilled drink in section 115) can define a franchise
And how pickleball became one of the fastest-growing sports in America

This 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.

Chapters
0:00 — SMU in the ’80s and What Was Actually “Cool”
1:19 — From Hawaii to the Sports Business World
7:56 — Selling SMU Football During the Death Penalty Era
11:33 — Why Dallas Became a Sports Business Hub
14:30 — The Game That Changed Everything (Moody Coliseum)
16:24 — Breaking Into the Mavericks Organization
20:30 — Lessons from Billionaire Owners
23:53 — Building the American Airlines Center
31:33 — The Future of the Mavericks and Arena Debate
33:49 — Sponsor Break: CBD House of Healing
35:44 — Eric Nadel Benefit and Mental Health Awareness
37:54 — Becoming Commissioner of Major League Rugby
43:08 — Tom Dundon and the Business of Pickleball
46:14 — Why Pickleball Is Exploding
48:17 — Behind the Scenes of Sports Ownership
51:29 — The Future of Pickleball and Sports Innovation
57:20 — Breaking News, Trade Rumors, and the Reality of Sports Business
1:02:17 — The Risk Behind Every Big Decision in Sports
1:07:10 — Growing a Show and Building an Audience

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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 Dallas

How media narratives shape the Cowboys conversation

What it’s like covering one of the most scrutinized teams in sports

And whether the Cowboys are actually closer to success than people think

It’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.

Chapters

0:00 — Welcome to Your Dark Companion
Mike and Grubes introduce David Moore and set the stage.

2:45 — Covering the Dallas Cowboys for Decades
David’s background and what it’s like reporting on America’s Team.

7:10 — The Reality of Jerry Jones
How Jerry operates vs how people think he operates.

12:30 — Dak Prescott and the Pressure of Being QB1
Breaking down the expectations, criticism, and reality.

18:40 — Why the Cowboys Are Always Under the Microscope
Media coverage, fan expectations, and national attention.

24:15 — The Gap Between Perception and Reality
What fans get wrong about the Cowboys organization.

30:05 — Decision Making Inside the Cowboys Organization
How 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 NFL
How media, access, and reporting have changed over time.

48:30 — Final Thoughts on the Cowboys Future
Where things stand and what to watch next.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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#YourDarkCompanion #MikeRhyner
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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

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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
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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

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Across its run, Your Dark Companion has featured conversations with musicians, authors, journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, athletes, and cultural figures whose stories reach far beyond headlines. Guests include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame–level artists, legendary radio and media voices, bestselling authors, filmmakers, professional athletes, industry pioneers, and people whose lived experiences offer rare perspective on music, sports, culture, history, and the human condition.

Each episode favors curiosity over clicks, memory over noise, and long-form conversations that let guests tell the stories that don’t always fit anywhere else.

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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?

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

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Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is best known as a legendary guitarist for Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers—but that’s only the beginning. Over the course of an expansive, thoughtful conversation, Baxter walks through a life that connects jazz chords, rock tours, missile defense systems, classified Pentagon briefings, and the physics of sound.

From growing up in Mexico City and learning guitar at age nine, to shaping the sound of Steely Dan’s earliest albums, to helping the U.S. government rethink missile defense as a civilian advisor, Baxter explains how curiosity—not category—has driven everything he’s done.

This isn’t just a music interview. It’s a deep dive into creativity, problem-solving, discipline, and how the same brain can comfortably live in studios, on stages, and inside think tanks. A rare conversation with a truly uncommon thinker.

Special thanks to EarthX for hosting this conversation at their annual Congress of Conferences—a global gathering that brings together leaders in science, technology, policy, business, and culture to explore practical solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.

Learn more about  ⁨@earthxorg⁩  their mission, and the Congress of Conferences at https://earthx.org
.

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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

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

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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

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

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.

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 credits roll.

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

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”

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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

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

When Billy finally makes it back from the digital afterlife, we get an incredible sit-down with the son of one of the most infamous managers in baseball history, Billy Martin Sr. Billy Jr. walks us through how his dad helped keep the Rangers in Arlington, turned Texas into a real baseball town, tortured umpires on the field and then bought them drinks off it, and why “flush the toilet” is the only way to survive a 162-game season.

We also get into Billy Jr.’s life as an agent, why Pete Incaviglia might be the best manager MLB will never hire, how analytics and gut should coexist, and what it feels like to turn the same age your dad was when he passed. It’s funny, inside-baseball nerdy, surprisingly tender, and very, very Rhyner.

⏱ CHAPTERS

Formatted how you’ve been using them:

00:00:00 - Cold Open: Lightning Strikes & Ticket Nonsense  
00:01:04 - “172 of These Bad Boys” – Mike Actually Likes Podcasting  
00:01:34 - Riverside Betrays Us: Billy Vanishes Mid-Intro  
00:02:00 - Stuff, Stuff, Stuff: Mike’s Improv Theme Song  
00:02:48 - Titanic on Recorder & The Curse of the Moldy Instruments  
00:04:10 - “This Feels Like a Bust” – Ash, Shoopy & Live Panic  
00:06:08 - Cowboys, Show Banking & Mild Bickering  
00:07:13 - Billy Returns from the Void (For Real This Time)  
00:08:00 - Introducing Billy Martin Jr: Son of a Baseball Lightning Bolt  
00:09:27 - How Billy Martin Helped Keep the Rangers in Arlington  
00:11:21 - Showing Texas What Winning Baseball Looked Like  
00:13:24 - What Billy Was Really Like at Home (No, He Didn’t Kick Dirt on the Kids)  
00:14:02 - Umpires, Fights & Why They Secretly Loved Him  
00:16:03 - “Flush the Toilet” – How a Manager Survives 162 Games  
00:18:06 - Bar Stories, Jimmy Piersall & Running the Bases Backwards  
00:22:03 - From Clubhouse Kid to Agent: Launching Pro Agents  
00:23:24 - Mike Hargrove, Rookie of the Year & the Human Rain Delay  
00:24:43 - Cheating, Can Lids & Why It’s “As Old as Cracker Jacks”  
00:26:03 - Bunt, Win, Repeat: Billy’s 7th-Inning Chess Moves  
00:27:39 - Pete Incaviglia: Indie-Ball King & Why MLB Won’t Call  
00:29:12 - Labor Wars, Salary Caps & Why Baseball Isn’t Football  
00:31:11 - Killing the Minors & Scouts to Save Pennies  
00:33:28 - College Coaches to MLB: Will Players Even Respect Them?  
00:36:02 - Cashman, Boone & Managing Without Ever Managing  
00:39:28 - Mickey Mantle on Billy: Always Looking for an Angle  
00:42:11 - Personality Managers vs Spreadsheet Managers  
00:44:37 - Analytics vs Gut: Alex Cora, Bluffing the Computers  
00:52:00 - Turning the Age His Dad Was When He Died  
00:53:15 - Birthday Reflections & an Open Invite to Come Back  
00:54:20 - Where to Find Your Dark Companion & How to Keep It Alive  

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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

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!)

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.

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.)

About the Guest(s):
Jeff Liles — Artistic Director at the Kessler Theater; veteran of the Dallas rock/punk trenches; alum of legendary production house ShowCo; tireless archivist and storyteller of the scene.

Chapters

00:00:01 - Lightning, Dudley’s & “We’re Live… But Not”

00:02:06 - Enter Jeff Liles: Kessler Boss & Four-Timer Club

00:05:23 - Weather Guys, Climate Takes & TV Sarcasm

00:07:17 - Sex Pistols Tease: Longhorn Postponements & Broken Wrists

00:08:22 - Led Zeppelin ’77: ShowCo Lasers, Mother Blues & 5,000 Fake Tickets

00:12:36 - Longhorn Ballroom ’78: Country Room, Punk Riot

00:25:00 - Openers Win: Nervebreakers, Dead Fish, Rolling Stone “Random Notes”

00:18:36 - From Doors to “Bollocks”: Punk Rock as Vocabulary Lesson

00:27:06 - SRV Auditions Mike’s Band: Slow Blues, Piano-Wire Strings & Fate

00:37:38 - Staying Clean, Helicopters & A Dallas Legend Remembered

00:49:21 - Ramones vs. Pistols: American Tightness, British Chaos

00:51:44 - Hot Klub → Arcadia → Bronco Bowl: The Pipeline for U2, Cure & Friends

00:53:37 - Booking White Whales: PJ Harvey, Nick Cave & Nick Lowe’s Post-Show Solitaire

00:47:01 - Stan Lynch’s Speaker Wars, Andy Timmons, and the Art of MD’ing

00:55:03 - Storytellers Invite & One More Sex Pistols Story

00:56:05 - Reviews, Follows & A Pants-Off Sign-Off

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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

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From Dallas hosting more Cup action than anyone, to how MLS grew up without face-planting, to why the U.S. men might finally be good on paper (our favorite American surface), this one’s a crash course wrapped in a hangout. Rhyner plays curious convert, Tyler speaks fluent footy, and Rob swings the supporter’s hammer. Come for the Rush detour and transfer-fee nerdery; stay for the plan to turn soccer snobs into soccer sherpas.

Chapters

00:00 – Rhyner Kicks Off: “Podcasts live forever—kind of like my Rush regret.”
01:34 – Meet Tyler Kern: Ticket alum, WBAP survivor, soccer lifer.
06:55 – Sunset Soccer Club 101: The show that preps America for 2026 without gatekeeping.
07:21 – World Cup on Home Soil: Why Dallas is basically Tournament HQ.
09:50 – How We Won the Bid: FIFA votes, super-bids, and not-so-subtle course corrections.
11:14 – From ’94 to MLS: The league that learned to grow up slow (on purpose).
12:37 – U.S. Sports Appetite: WNBA proof, Messi mania, and “yes, there’s room for one more sport.”
13:44 – No Snobs Allowed: Making the game accessible (and keeping the weirdos fun).
19:56 – Pick a Team, Coward: Tyler chooses Borussia Dortmund and explains tifos like a proud dad.
23:57 – Rhyner’s Conversion Arc: Hockey hooked him; soccer’s next.
25:35 – Is MLS Here to Stay? Why slow and steady beat NASL’s rocket-sled.
27:08 – Academies vs. Hope & Dreams: FC Dallas as a talent factory.
31:32 – Lamar Hunt Appreciation Minute: The man who named the Super Bowl and propped up soccer.
33:42 – What the New Show Will Do: News, guests, evergreen explainers—no EU passport required.
38:24 – USMNT Lens: Why “on paper” is our favorite American tactic.
46:24 – 48-Team World Cup: New nations, new chaos, same beautiful game.
49:09 – Who’s Best Right Now? Haaland the hammer, Mbappé the jet, Messi the myth.
51:36 – Transfers, Fees & Loans: Soccer’s trade system, but weirder (and richer).
54:11 – Sunderland ’Til It Hurts: Relegation’s civic hangover—required viewing.
58:53 – Launch Time: Sunset Soccer Club records Tuesdays, drops Wednesdays—send your love (and hate) to sunsetsoccerclub@stolenwatermedia.com
.

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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)

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⏱️ 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

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.

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

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In between a studio lightning strike (because of course), a Rangers victory lap, and Shoopy’s drive-by quips, the gang digs into how you spin sports calamity into catharsis, why comedy is the only way to survive a news cycle like that, and what it’s like rewiring a script on the fly while your opening night anxiety does suicides in the lobby.

Come for the Mavs angst. Stay for the craft: character builds, last-minute rewrites, staging a sports scandal with style—and the reminder that, sometimes, parody tells the truth better than a press conference.

⏱️ Chapters

00:02 — “Thunder, Meet Rangers”
A literal lightning strike says hello as the crew toasts a World Series and checks if the breakers—and Mike—are still alive.

03:13 — “Luka to the… Lakers? Relax, It’s Theater”
Max and Matt introduce The Trade: a satirical fever dream, not Woj-bomb reality. (Everyone breathe.)

05:08 — “Friendship, Grief, and a Giant Puppet”
Building characters from fan trauma, plus the Patrick Dumont mega-puppet cameo you didn’t know you needed.

08:17 — “When Sports News Feels Like a Prank”
Remember that day you refreshed your phone 400 times? They bottle that energy—then set it on stage.

11:32 — “Greek Tragedy in a Jersey”
Matt on using pain and rage for laughs (the good kind), and why parody hits where pressers won’t.

17:20 — “The Trade: A Comedy Built on a Collapse”
How to stage the unstageable: tone, pace, and keeping the crowd howling without twisting the knife.

24:24 — “CBD Time-Out”
A mid-show pit stop at CBD House of Healing. (Because opening nights and sports fandom both need balm.)

26:48 — “Rewrite, Rehearse, Repeat”
The breakneck cycle of writing in April, staging by fall, and changing lines five minutes before curtain.

29:30 — “Parody vs. Press Release”
Sports drama on stage vs. in real life—and why one of them actually gives you closure.

34:44 — “Stage Fright & Film Fights”
Max on opening-night nerves, theater vs. film rhythms, and making the laugh land on two.

40:29 — “Tell a Friend, Bring a Frenemy”
Mike’s parting shot: subscribe, share, and yes—argue with us in the comments. It’s tradition.

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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

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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

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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)

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

0:00 – Welcome to the Chaos

4:22 – Press Box Theater

10:09 – Twitter Ate My Job

16:47 – Instant History, Zero Sleep

23:31 – Fans with Pitchforks

31:02 – Surviving the Grind

41:19 – Closing Time

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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

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From comparing this summer to the legendary “magical summer of 2007” to calling out fear-mongering weather reports, Jesse brings the forecast you should be hearing—minus the doom-and-gloom clickbait. Rob brings the pop culture heat, from cult film deep dives (hello, Tommy Wiseau) to metal bands with drummers who seem part human, part machine. And somewhere between Stevie Nicks stories, death metal drumming admiration, and casual Emmy drop-ins, this episode turns into a full-blown jam session of weather wisdom, movie geekery, and music nerdery.

Come for the storms, stay for the shredding.

Chapters:
0:00 – Welcome to the Weather Rock Show – Mike, Rob, and Jesse set the stage.
5:18 – 2007 vs. 2023 – Comparing summers worth talking about.
9:06 – The Weather Hype Machine – Why social media storms aren’t always real storms.
13:50 – Stage Fright Forecast – Jesse’s surprising #1 fear.
18:05 – Movie Geek Throwdown – Rob takes the mic with film trivia and passion.
20:37 – Tommy Wiseau & Cult Film Chaos – Behind the bizarre screenings.
27:26 – CBD & Sports Crossfade – Healing and The OG podcast talk.
30:20 – From Blues to Blast Beats – Musical taste whiplash in the best way.
37:50 – Death Metal Drummers = Cyborgs? – Jesse makes his case.
40:55 – Stevie Nicks, Floods, & Fate – Silver Spring stories.
41:53 – Drummers & Metal Evolution – Legends and lineups.
45:20 – Celebs & Emmy Moments – Name drops with style.
47:57 – Work Wardrobe Rules? – Jesse’s casual take.
50:21 – Games, Pinball, & Film Oddities – Nerd heaven.
55:28 – Fantasy Football & Sign-Off – Wrapping it up with friendly chaos.

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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.

0:03 – Weather, Small Talk & Setting the Stage: Mike and Ralph ease in with sports and meteorology banter.
4:26 – Pool Chillers, Cool Decks & Cool Guests: How the episode almost didn’t happen.
5:53 – Hall of Fame Feels: The big induction, the big speech, and even bigger emotions.
13:30 – Dry Heat vs. Humidity: A broadcaster’s meteorological take.
14:51 – The Big Weekend Ahead: Ralph’s pre-event jitters and excitement.
23:40 – Ties Are for Other People: Why Ralph has declared war on formal wear.
26:22 – Broadcast Booth Memories: Building the Dallas Stars legacy, one call at a time.
31:37 – Change, Healing & CBD: A candid turn in the conversation.
38:58 – From North to South: The messy, monumental move from Minnesota to Dallas.
42:26 – Norm Green Stories: Ice cubes in urinals and other unforgettable details.
48:51 – How Texas Got Its Voice: Ralph’s road to the mic.
52:24 – Behind the Broadcast Curtain: Budget woes and creative workarounds.
54:18 – After the Move: The aftermath of relocation—on and off the ice.
58:23 – Life After the Booth: Podcasting, creativity, and what keeps Ralph inspired.
1:04:11 – Looking Back, Moving Forward: Hockey’s journey in Dallas and what’s next.
1:07:56 – Draft Night Chaos: A very different kind of play-by-play.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 🤠

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.

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

Chapters - 
00:00:01 - Eric Nadal's Birthday Benefit and Baseball Talk
00:04:40 - Colorado Rockies' Struggles and Run Differential Challenges
00:08:21 - Eric Nadel's Birthday Concert Featuring Shiny Ribs and Secret Sisters
00:11:01 - The Longhorn Ballroom's Rich Musical History
00:12:45 - Exploring Shiny Ribs and Secret Sisters' Musical Journeys
00:14:20 - Discovering Secret Sisters at Eclectic Music Festivals
00:16:43 - The Eerie Pattern of Musicians Passing After Performances
00:17:31 - Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention in Schools
00:19:51 - Exciting Auction Night Featuring Celebrity Dinners and Unique Memorabilia
00:24:10 - Purple Carpet, Baseball, and Amazon's Influence
00:27:07 - Eric Nadel's Birthday Wish to Book Lake Street Dive
00:32:48 - Expanding Sponsorship Opportunities by Moving to a Larger Venue
00:34:04 - Eric Nadel's Birthday Bash and Charity Event at Longhorn Ballroom
00:42:04 - The Unsung Role of Drummers in Country Music
00:44:13 - Supporting Mental Health Awareness at a Purple Carpet Event
00:51:06 - Event Planner Lee Parks Discusses Her Passion for Fundraising
00:51:50 - Exploring Eclectic Music and Unique Band Performances
00:53:46 - Fans Gather for Music and Support at Foundation Event
00:59:12 - Recollections and Reunions at a Radio Station Gathering
01:03:43 - The Epic Journey of a Jacket and Its Wearers
01:09:12 - Reviving Historic Venues and Celebrating Music's Legacy
01:16:48 - John Blake and Evan Grant Launch a Podcast on Baseball
01:19:48 - Georgetown Basketball Memories and Broadcasting Challenges
01:25:27 - Sports Talk, Baseball Optimism, and Hockey Playoffs
01:29:58 - The Thrills and Challenges of NHL Playoff Hockey
01:34:14 - Junior Hockey Memories and Upcoming Charity Event

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