Your Dark Companion Podcast

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 champion...

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 s...

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...

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...

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...

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 off...

In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber are joined by Dallas Stars TV host Brien Rea for a wide-ranging conversation covering the Stars' first-round playoff exit, the team's outlook heading into next season, and what it takes to win in the brutal Central Division. The trio also dives into the bittersweet reality of seeing aging rock legends like Todd Rundgren an...

Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas music legend Robert Lee Kolb for a wide-ranging conversation spanning decades of life on the road, in the studio, and on the field. Kolb shares wild stories from his Louisiana youth, including getting run out of town after a disastrous gig, his days playing the Dallas club circuit at spots like the Randy Tarr, and how a song called Pony Up launched a 19-year caree...

Discover the World Cup like never before as sports talk veteran Mike Rhyner gets schooled by soccer expert Tyler Kern from the Stolen Water Media network. Learn about the expanded 48-team format, why this is Team USA's most talented squad ever, and which nations to watch as the world's biggest sporting event comes to North American soil. Plus, get insider tips on the best Dallas-Fort Worth watch p...

Legendary music journalist Joel Selvin joins Mike Rhyner to discuss his haunting biography "Drums and Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon," exploring the brilliant yet heartbreaking story of the drummer who played on iconic tracks like "Layla" and "You're So Vain" before schizophrenia destroyed his life. The conversation spans Gordon's incredible musical legacy with Derek and the Dominos, Del...

Discover the inside story of Dallas' massive sports arena chaos as podcast host Mike Rhyner sits down with legendary investigative journalist Jim Schutze to unpack the Mavericks and Stars splitting up, the controversial City Hall demolition plans, and the powerful real estate interests driving it all. Schutze, former Dallas Times Herald and Observer columnist, reveals how downtown property owners...

Join episode 229 of YDC as the hosts reunite after a break and welcome NBC 5's Pat Doney to discuss his broadcasting career and memorable encounters. Get ready for candid conversations about everything from Japanese convenience store cuisine to behind-the-scenes stories from Dallas Cowboys media events in Malibu. This sports talk radio episode blends humor, travel tales, and insider perspectives f...

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at legendary Texas Rangers broadcaster Eric Nadel's annual birthday benefit concert from the iconic Longhorn Ballroom. Join radio veterans as they interview music industry insiders, discuss the evolution of baseball analytics, and preview performances by Sammy Ray and the Friends and Chuck Prophet's Cumbia Shoes. This episode captures the intersection of spo...

Go behind the scenes at Dallas's historic Majestic Theatre with general manager Michael Schwedler as he reveals how iconic venues book legendary artists like Elvis Costello, Jeff Tweedy, and Bruce Springsteen. Learn about the competitive world of concert promotion, the theater's transformation from 1920s vaudeville house to premier music venue, and hear incredible stories from the road including a...

What happens when Your Dark Companion, Signal 51 Chronicles, Sunset Lounge Soccer Club and the Sunset Lounge universe collide live in the Fort Worth Stockyards? You get two-plus hours of Texas stories, sports chaos, true crime, music history, UFC stories, and enough randomness to make Mike Rhyner proud. Broadcasting live from Bronc’s Tack Room in Fort Worth, Mike Rhyner is joined by Steve Helms, J...

Join host Mike Rhyner as he sits down with Kit Sawers, CEO of Klyde Warren Park, to discuss her transformative eight-year leadership of Dallas's most beloved urban green space and her exciting transition to a groundbreaking new role at SMU. Discover how Sawers turned a deck park over a highway into a thriving 2-million-visitor destination, the challenges of building public support for this innovat...

Discover the fascinating story behind the Texas Rangers' new "Tejas" City Connect uniforms in this exclusive episode recorded at Globe Life Field. Host Mike Rhyner sits down with Rangers executives Travis Dillon and Scott Biggers to reveal the three-year design process that celebrates Mexican culture and Texas heritage through authentic storytelling and community collaboration. Learn how the team...

Join legendary Texas Rangers broadcaster Eric Nadel as he opens up about his 70th birthday charity bash featuring Latin rock band Chuck Proffitt and his Kumbi Issues plus high-energy New York act Sammy Ray and the Friends at the iconic Longhorn Ballroom. Nadel shares his deeply personal journey with depression and anxiety while discussing how his annual benefit supports mental health programs in s...

Discover the incredible musical journey of John Bryant, a legendary drummer who has shared stages with Ray Charles, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Stuart Copeland. In this captivating episode, Bryant reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his 50-year career, including how he got the call to join Ray Charles's band within 24 hours and the intimidating night he played drums while Ringo Starr watched fro...

Join Your Dark Companion hosts for an inside look at The Voice with Season 16 champion Maelyn Jarmon, a Dallas native who never actually watched the show before winning it. Discover how a singer with partial hearing loss navigated blind auditions, worked with coach John Legend, and battled through laryngitis on live TV to claim the title. Maelyn shares candid behind-the-scenes stories about song s...

Discover the shocking story behind skyrocketing concert ticket prices as Dallas sports radio host Mike Rhyner interviews Tommy Dorfman, a New Jersey music promoter who's been battling Live Nation Ticketmaster in federal court for 16 years. Learn how the entertainment giant allegedly destroyed Dorfman's $100 million festival deal and career through what he claims are monopolistic practices, illegal...

Discover the untold stories behind Dallas-Fort Worth's most trusted news voice as WFAA's Jason Wheeler opens up about his journey from body surfing accidents in Hawaii to becoming the go-to expert for "Right on the Money" and the hit political podcast "Y'all-itics." Wheeler shares hilarious behind-the-scenes moments from Channel 8's high-pressure newsroom, his financial mistakes that became teachi...

Discover the untold stories behind the Dallas Stars' legendary 1999 Stanley Cup championship with goaltending hero Ed Belfour, who shares intimate locker room memories, reveals his unique relationship with coach Ken Hitchcock, and discusses his post-hockey venture into craft spirits with Belfour Bourbon. From epic teammate pranks involving swimming pools to the winning mentality that Bob Gainey in...

Former CEO Jim Keyes reveals the untold story behind saving 7-Eleven from bankruptcy and his ambitious plans to transform Blockbuster that nearly changed entertainment forever. Learn how he almost partnered with Google to create a streaming giant that could have beaten Netflix, why timing killed Blockbuster despite having the right technology years early, and his "change equals opportunity" philos...

Discover how MLB.com's Kennedi Landry went from LSU softball player to covering the Texas Rangers, as she breaks down the team's new identity under manager Skip Schueller and analyzes their early season struggles and potential. The New Orleans native shares insider perspectives on Brandon Nimmo's clubhouse impact, the team's bullpen concerns, and why this Rangers rotation could be the franchise's...