Your Dark Companion Podcast

Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome ballroom dancer and longtime radio engineer Tony the Engineer for a wide-ranging hangout covering Dancing with the Stars insider stories, Dallas Cowboys meltdowns against the Cardinals and Buccaneers, Troy Aikman and Joe Buck's broadcast future, and plenty of personal confessions on cologne, cereal habits, and quitting smoking. Expect laughs, nostalgia, and classic Your Dark Companion chaos as the crew dives into NFL dysfunction, old-school dance moves, and life behind the scenes of network television. A must listen for fans of sports talk radio, Cowboys commentary, and Dancing with the Stars trivia. Thanks to our...

Mike Rhyner welcomes former ticket personality Doug "Dougie" Anderson for a nostalgic deep dive into the early, chaotic days of Dallas sports radio, including the real story behind his nickname, the Dougie Show's bizarre theme song, and his wild path through three different stints at the station. The conversation shifts into Dougie's two-decade run calling Texas high school football, covering NIL's growing influence on the prep game, transfer drama, and his picks for this year's top contenders like South Oak Cliff, Waxahachie, and Allen. Packed with ticket history, Dallas-Fort Worth sports talk, and plenty of laughs, this episode of...

Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome Calvert Collins-Bratton, the new CEO of Klyde Warren Park, for a deep dive into how Dallas transformed a freeway deck into one of the most successful public parks in America. She shares the inside story of the park's billion-dollar economic impact, its massive upcoming phase two expansion, food truck origins, her wild path from local TV news reporter to parks leadership, and behind-the-scenes tales from her Fox 4 and Las Vegas news days. Packed with Dallas history, urban development insight, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about Klyde...

Mavericks radio voice Chuck Cooperstein joins Mike Rhyner on Your Dark Companion for an inside look at Dallas sports as the NBA season tips off, breaking down Kyrie Irving's resurgence, Cooper Flagg's sky-high ceiling, and new head coach Jason Kidd... wait, Dusty May's unconventional path from college champion to the Mavericks bench. Cooperstein also shares colorful stories from his decades in sports broadcasting, including the secretive birth of The Ticket in 1993, before the pair dig into a wide-open NBA landscape, a wild MLB postseason overshadowing a possible lockout, and the Dallas Cowboys' messy, inconsistent start to the season. Packed...

Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome back Elizabeth Wattley, founder and CEO of Forest Forward, for a third update on the historic Forest Theater restoration in South Dallas, now just days from its grand reopening on November 1st. Hear the inside story of bringing this 1949 landmark back to life, from its segregation-era roots and legendary concerts by Ike and Tina Turner to the Dolby Atmos sound system, new Starbucks, and neighborhood revitalization efforts transforming the MLK Boulevard corridor. A must-listen for Dallas history buffs and anyone invested in South Dallas's economic comeback.

Entrepreneur and filmmaker Jonathan Bricklin joins Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber on Your Dark Companion to unveil his wildest project yet: the Little People Social Club, a members-only social club scaled entirely for little people, complete with mini billiards, ping pong, and shuffleboard tables. Bricklin also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his unconventional career, including co-founding a ping pong club empire, opening a western-themed pickleball saloon, and bizarre encounters with Bruce Willis and filmmaker Vincent Gallo. A strange, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about entrepreneurship, eccentric ideas, and chasing the absurd.

Dallas Morning News sports columnist Kevin Sherrington joins Mike Rhyner for a candid breakdown of Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer's rocky stretch, including the controversial blocked field goal decision against the Texans and growing scrutiny from owner Jerry Jones. Sherrington also digs into the chaos of modern college football and NIL spending, the murky future of the Mavericks under Nico Harrison's rebuild, and Kyrie Irving's surprising transformation as a locker room leader. Plus, he shares colorful behind-the-scenes stories from his decades covering Texas sports, from Dennis Rodman to the golden era of the Dallas Morning News sports section.

Mike Rhyner and the crew welcome Dallas Stars studio host Brien Rea for an inside look at the team's big move to Amazon Prime, the loaded Central Division, coach Glen Gulutzan's analytics-driven strategy shift, and the high-stakes Jason Robertson contract saga unfolding amid the NHL's exploding salary landscape. Along the way they riff on mini KISS, dream arena experiences from Montreal to Jerry World, and the best vantage points for watching live hockey. A must-listen for Dallas Stars fans and hockey diehards wanting the real scoop on the season ahead.

Former Texas Rangers outfielder and longtime general manager Tom Grieve joins Mike Rhyner live from Globe Life Field for a wide-ranging conversation covering his playing days under Ted Williams and Billy Martin, the wild 1975 Washington Senators-to-Texas relocation, and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from decades in the Rangers organization. Grieve and Rhyner also break down the current MLB season, dissecting the Detroit Tigers' surprising dominance, ace Tarik Skubal's dominant outing against Texas, and why today's Rangers lineup has struggled to hit even as the pitching staff has emerged as one of baseball's best. Packed with candid baseball history, front office insights...

Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Belfour joins hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber for a candid conversation recorded live at the Giving Moss charity event benefiting the Dallas Amputee Network. Belfour opens up about his improbable journey from a small Manitoba town to NHL stardom, breaking down his equipment superstitions, brutal training camp battles in Chicago, learning from Soviet legend Vladislav Tretiak, and the intense Bob Gainey speech that set the tone for the Dallas Stars' 1999 Stanley Cup championship run. Packed with rare hockey history, locker room stories, and behind-the-scenes details from one of the most dominant goalies of...

Mike Rhyner heads to the Texas Rangers Golf Club for the annual Rangers Baseball Foundation event, sitting down with foundation president Karen Morris, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, and Rangers legends Elvis Andrus and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez-era teammate Steve Buechele. The conversation ranges from the foundation's youth academy and grants to Arlington's explosive growth, Globe Life Field's impact, and a deep dive into the Rangers' surprising late-season playoff push, plus candid takes on analytics versus old-school baseball. Packed with insider stories about Rangers culture, city development, and the unpredictable 2025 AL West race, this episode is a must-listen for Texas Rangers...

Radio veteran Steve Everhart joins Mike Rhyner on Your Dark Companion to share incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his legendary career, including how he landed his dream job at KVIL working alongside the iconic Ron Chapman, an unforgettable backstage run-in with a demanding Chuck Berry, and the time Mariah Carey asked him out. Everhart also opens up about owning and running small-market station KGAF in Gainesville, Texas, his work lobbying Congress to save AM radio in cars, and his candid take on where radio broadcasting is headed in the age of AI and streaming. A must-listen for fans of classic...

Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas defense attorney Knox Fitzpatrick and Heart of Gold Foundation founder Mark Leitch to break down the twenty seventh annual charity golf tournament benefiting sick and needy kids. They dig into the tournament's origin story, the history of the Golf Club of Dallas (formerly Oak Cliff Country Club) and its Perry Maxwell design pedigree, and the heartwarming mission behind Camp Moss, a cardiac camp for children who have undergone heart surgeries and transplants. A must listen for North Texas sports fans, golf lovers, and anyone interested in local charity events making a real impact...

Rangers legend Rusty Greer joins Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber for a nostalgic deep dive into the iconic 1996 Texas Rangers, the franchise's first playoff team. Greer reflects on the team's unbreakable clubhouse chemistry, playing through injury under Will Clark's tough-nosed influence, the unforgettable 1996 ALDS battle against the Yankees, and Juan Gonzalez's legendary postseason power surge. Plus, Greer opens up about his old weekly radio segment with the hosts, his coaching philosophy at Fort Worth Christian, and the toll his hard-nosed playing style took on his career.

Former Texas Rangers infielder Mark McLemore joins hosts Mike Rhyner and Grubes for a candid look back at his 19-year MLB career, including stints with all five American League West teams, getting released twice before resurrecting his career in Baltimore, and playing alongside Cal Ripken Jr. McLemore opens up about the beloved 1996 Rangers squad, adjusting to life after baseball and broadcasting, and why he ultimately chose to put down roots in Texas. Baseball fans and Rangers faithful won't want to miss this nostalgic, laugh-filled conversation.

Step inside Dallas's historic Majestic Theatre for a rare behind-the-scenes tour with theater manager Michael Gruber, guided by host Mike Rhyner. Discover hidden treasures like Johnny Cash's autographed backstage door, a century-old carbon-arc spotlight, the original 1920s counterweight fly system, and forgotten passages once used by actors racing between stage entrances. Packed with fascinating stories about Hollywood legends, secret rooms, Italian marble floors hidden under carpet, and the theater's storied past as America's first air-conditioned movie palace, this episode is a must-listen for history buffs, theater lovers, and anyone curious about Dallas's iconic landmarks.

Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome back musician-turned-baseball writer Levi Weaver for a wide-ranging conversation covering his terrifying neck-breaking sledding accident, his return to sandlot baseball at legendary fields including Field of Dreams, and candid takes on the wild 2025 MLB season, the Texas Rangers' rebuild dilemma, and salary cap debates. The trio also dives into Levi's music career, touring life, and passing the torch to his teenage son, plus updates on Petty Theft's upcoming shows at Tolbert's and the State Fair of Texas. It's a fun, freewheeling episode blending baseball talk, rock and roll stories, and classic Dark Companion...

WFAA meteorologist Jesse Hawila joins hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber to close out meteorological summer, breaking down DFW's brutal drought and heat stats while opening up candidly about his incredible 130-pound weight loss journey. The trio also swaps stories about local news gossip, favorite concerts, sports fandom, and parenting milestones in this fun, wide-ranging conversation. Tune in for laughs, weather nerd talk, and behind-the-scenes tales from the Dallas-Fort Worth broadcast world.

Mike Rhyner sits down with Mike Keating of Giving Hope and Tommy Donahue of the Dallas Amputee Network ahead of their upcoming charity golf classic, diving into how each nonprofit transforms lives through debt relief, job training, warrant clearing, and peer support for amputees. Hear powerful personal stories, including Tommy's own amputation journey and the founding of the now-legendary Legapalooza fundraiser, plus details on the fifth annual Giving Moss Golf Classic featuring NHL legend Ed Belfour. A must-listen for anyone interested in Dallas nonprofits, community impact, and inspiring stories of resilience.

ESPN NBA insider Tim McMahon joins Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber for a deep dive into the Dallas Mavericks' offseason overhaul, breaking down new president Masai Ujiri's front office approach, rookie Cooper Flagg and Marez Johnson Jr.'s fit under new head coach Jason Kidd's successor Dusty May, and Kyrie Irving's surprising role as the team's steady veteran leader. The conversation also tackles the biggest stories rocking the NBA this offseason, including the wild Kawhi Leonard-Clippers investigation, the stunning Lakers ownership sale, and Tim's firsthand, jaw-dropping account of the night the Luka Doncic trade broke. Plus, the guys pay...

Dallas radio veteran Jon Michaels joins Mike Rhyner for a trip through decades of DFW radio history, from the early days of FM 102 and Q102 to The Zoo, KLIF, and eventually the creation and evolution of The Ticket.

Jon shares stories from his long career behind the microphone and behind the scenes, including becoming “The Odd,” creating unforgettable radio production, working overnights, the infamous $100,000 giveaway mistake, helping shape the sound and personality of The Ticket, and earning the nickname “Mr. Do.”

Mike and Jon also look back at the personalities, stations, stories, and chaos that made Dal...

Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Mac Engel joins Mike Rhyner for a wide-ranging conversation covering concert memories (Madonna, Rush, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa), sports memorabilia, and a deep dive into what's ailing the Texas Rangers this season, including the futures of Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom amid looming MLB lockout concerns. The episode wraps with a fun round of Proust Questionnaire-style personal questions, revealing Mike's take on happiness, regret, and his all-time favorite interviews. A candid, funny mix of sports talk, music nostalgia, and personal reflection from two veteran Texas sports media voices.

Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas Morning News writers Evan Grant and Sarah Blaskovich to dig into their epic search for the best burgers in Dallas, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from tasting dozens of patties, sauces, and toppings across the city. The conversation spills into margaritas, Jimmy Buffett versus Bruce Springsteen debates, Texas Rangers pitching drama, and State Fair food previews, all served with plenty of laughs. Perfect for foodies and sports fans alike who want a taste of Dallas culture, burger recommendations, and inside baseball talk in one freewheeling episode.

Mike Rhyner and the whole Stolen Valor crew take their fantasy football draft on the road to Dudley's Sports Grill for the annual live draft party, joined by Norm Hitzges, Mac Engel, Rob Irvin, Paul Varghese, Gary Joy, Ziggy, and a rotating cast of friends and hangers-on. Expect chaotic pick-by-pick commentary, brutal roasting of every questionable draft choice, running bits on kickers and quarterbacks, and plenty of Dallas sports trash talk mixed in with the fantasy football strategy. If you love NFL fantasy draft season, DFW sports talk personalities, and unfiltered locker-room banter, this episode delivers it all in...

Mike Rhyner sits down with rising singer-songwriter and viral Steely Dan analyst Izze Stein to unpack why her deep-dive breakdowns of albums like Aja, Pretzel Logic, and The Royal Scam have captivated a whole new generation of fans. They swap origin stories on discovering Steely Dan, geek out over lyrics, favorite deep cuts, and influences like Joni Mitchell, Erykah Badu, and Amy Winehouse, and Izze shares details on her debut album Questions, her Hometown Music Group project, and upcoming tour dates and virtual concerts. A must-listen for Steely Dan fans, singer-songwriter enthusiasts, and anyone curious how a new generation...

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In episode 247 of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with acclaimed sports author Tim Brown to explore the books and stories that reveal baseball from the inside out. Brown discusses his latest book Nolan, an in-depth look at the legendary Nolan Ryan and the surprising ways his time with the Texas Rangers shaped the franchise for decades to come. The conversation also dives deep into Brown's beloved cult classic The Tao of the Back Up Catcher, a meditation on baseball's most overlooked position and what it means to find purpose when your biggest dreams go unrealized. Rounding...

Recorded live at Dudley's on Henderson in Dallas, this episode of Your Dark Companion features hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber alongside Rob Urbans from The Clubhouse podcast as they eat their way through the menu and break down everything Dudley's has to offer for your fantasy football draft party. The crew covers the upcoming Stolen Water Media fantasy football draft on August 11th, how listeners can buy in as a scout or co-owner at stolenwatermedia.com, and upcoming events including Petty Theft live at the State Fair on September 28th and Lobster Fest at Dudley's Rockwall location August 19...

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman joins host Mike Rhyner for an in-depth conversation covering his entire journey — from being drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys to his 26-year broadcasting career at Fox and ESPN. Troy opens up about the legendary Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones dynamic, the culture of those back-to-back-to-back Super Bowl teams, and what it really took to turn the Cowboys from the worst team in football into a dynasty. He also shares details on his better-for-you beer brand Eight, his upcoming Aikman Club amphitheater project, and his obsession with biohacking and wellness.

Discover what's really happening inside the Dallas Stars organization as Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas Morning News hockey reporter Lia Assimakapolis for a deep dive into the team's offseason moves, playoff disappointments, and uncertain future. They break down the Jason Robertson contract situation, the Mikko Rantanen trade, Tyler Seguin's injury battles, and whether the Stars still have a realistic window to win the Stanley Cup. The conversation also tackles the stunning fallout between the Stars and Mavericks over American Airlines Center and what it means for the future of professional sports in Dallas.

In episode 243 of You're Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with legendary Dallas Morning News sports columnist Tim Cowlishaw for a wide-ranging conversation covering nearly five decades of Dallas sports history. The two discuss the current state of the Mavericks, Cowboys, Stars, and Rangers, including the looming threat of a baseball work stoppage and the debate over a salary cap. Cowlishaw also shares remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from his career, including how he unexpectedly landed the columnist job in 1998, his crash course covering the Dallas Stars, and what it was really like competing in the golden age of Dallas...

Legendary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch joins host Mike Rhyner for episode 242 of Your Dark Companion, delivering a candid and wide-ranging conversation about his life in rock and roll. Lynch opens up about growing up in Gainesville, the raw energy behind classic Heartbreakers recordings, and what it was really like playing alongside Bob Dylan, Don Henley, and Roger McGuinn. He also shares the story behind his exciting new band, the Speaker Wars, whose debut record is turning heads with its unapologetic, straight-ahead rock sound. If you love Tom Petty, classic rock history, or just great storytelling...

In this episode of You're Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with legendary Texas Rangers TV director Dave Burchett, who spent over 37 years behind the scenes directing some of the most iconic moments in Rangers and Mavericks broadcast history. Dave shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the TV truck, including how he captured the infamous Jose Canseco head bounce on camera and what it was like directing the Rangers' first division-clinching moment in 1996. The conversation also covers the future of regional sports broadcasting, the culture of teamwork that made the Rangers' TV crew one of the best in Major...

In Johnson County, Texas, a sitting sheriff's sexual harassment and retaliation allegations spiraled into a dramatic criminal trial that ended in a stunning mistrial after a deadlocked jury. Hosts John Henry and retired Sergeant Jake White are joined by Cleburne Times Review reporter Matt Smith, who covered the trial firsthand, breaking down the allegations against Sheriff Adam King, the internal power struggles inside the sheriff's office, and what a mistrial means for the deputies, victims, and residents left to deal with the fallout. If you follow Texas law enforcement, local government corruption, or true crime, this deep-dive into one of...

Longtime Texas Rangers beat writer T.R. Sullivan joins hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber to share behind-the-scenes stories from his 32 years covering the team for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, now captured in his new book "The Texas Rangers and Me: A Baseball Writer's Thirty-Two Years in Arlington." Sullivan takes listeners through unforgettable moments including the 2023 World Series championship, the 1989 World Series earthquake at Candlestick Park, and the Rangers' heartbreaking near-misses in 2010 and 2011. From Alex Rodriguez's ice storm press conference to the franchise's legendary pitching curse, this episode is a must-listen for any Texas Rangers or baseball history fan.<...

Mike Rhyner sits down with Rick Arnett, a day-one veteran of The Ticket (1310 KTCK) in Dallas, for a wide-ranging conversation about the early, chaotic days of one of sports radio's most legendary stations. Rick shares behind-the-scenes stories about working alongside Skip Bayless, the pivotal role of program director Mike Thompson in shaping the station's identity, and how his long-running golf show the T-Box came to life over 34 years. The two also reflect on life after radio, the art of knowing when to slow down, and what it really felt like to be part of something historic before anyone knew...

In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner and co-host Michael Gruber are joined by fan-favorite guest Kevin "Expo" Fox to break down the last-minute cancellation of the Rush reunion tour show in Fort Worth after Geddy Lee was sidelined by laryngitis and bronchitis. The crew digs deep into Rush history, including Neil Peart's legendary drumming legacy, his books, and how new drummer Alanna Miles is holding her own on the tour. The conversation shifts to Dallas Stars hockey, covering the disappointing playoff exit to Minnesota, the Jason Robertson contract standoff, and what Dallas needs to do...

Discover the beautiful game like never before as hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber sit down with professional soccer player Ashley Dozier and documentary filmmaker Rush Olson to break down the 2026 FIFA World Cup happening right in their backyard. From offside rules and Messi's legacy to the surprising history of Title IX and its role in building American women's soccer into a global powerhouse, this episode is equal parts entertaining and eye-opening. Olson also shares details about his new docuseries Raising Her Game, streaming free on Tubi starting July 3, which traces the rise of women's soccer through the University...

Live from the FIFA World Cup media center in Dallas, Mike Rhyner, Michael Gruber, and Rob Irvin bring you a front-row seat to the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup as Dallas welcomes the world for the first time since 1994. WFAA sports anchor Mike Leslie joins the crew for an entertaining conversation covering everything from the tournament format and Team USA's prospects to his now-viral sideline confrontation with Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs. The gang also swaps legendary Dale Hansen stories, debates the future of regional sports networks and streaming, and soaks in the unique energy of having the world's biggest...

Dallas TV anchor Matt Howerton of WFAA's Daybreak stops by to hang out with hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber for a wide-ranging, laugh-filled conversation that covers everything from the Von Erich wrestling dynasty and the Iron Claw movie premiere to seeing Metallica in the snake pit at Mile High Stadium. The crew also digs into Matt's early morning news routine, his unexpected side career officiating weddings, and the chaos of early wake-up calls, self-applied TV makeup, and plasma donations that once funded concert tickets. If you love sports, music, and unscripted conversation that goes absolutely everywhere, this is...