Your Dark Companion Podcast

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

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

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

What happens when you put Mike Rhyner, Shoopy, and a sportswriter with too many deadlines in the same room? You get equal parts wisdom, sarcasm, and a peek behind the curtain at how the sausage of sports journalism actually gets made. In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Joseph Hoyt joins the crew to talk about life as a sportswriter in the Twitter age—where breaking news moves faster than a Micah Parsons blitz and one bad lede can get you roasted before halftime. Rhyner and Shoopy pry into everything: the chaos of press boxes, the weird pressure of writing “instant history” after big games, and what it’s like trying to cover athletes while also dodging fan bases that think they could do your job better. It’s funny, it’s raw, and it’s a little too honest—basically, the perfect companion for your drive, your beer, or your Monday morning “I hate my boss” walk. Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to the Chaos 4:22 – Press Box Theater 10:09 – Twitter Ate My Job 16:47 – Instant History, Zero Sleep 23:31 – Fans with Pitchforks 31:02 – Surviving the Grind 41:19 – Closing Time Follow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode: patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf: X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

Well, nobody saw THAT coming. In this unplanned emergency edition of The OG, Mike, Norm Hitzges, and Greggo drop everything (including their fantasy draft) to break down the Cowboys’ jaw-dropping trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Yep—Dallas just shipped off its generational pass-rushing freak for Kenny Clark and a pair of first-round picks, while Green Bay signed Parsons to a record-shattering $188 million contract. Highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. Let that sink in. Norm calls it a cap move, Greggo calls it a generational mistake, and Mike calls it a classic “Rob Peter to pay Paul” situation. Together, they rip into Jerry Jones’ decision-making, the Cowboys’ salary cap circus, and what life after Micah looks like in Dallas. Meanwhile, Packers fans might already be planning the statue. It’s raw, it’s funny, it’s unscripted—and it’s exactly why you love The OG. Chapters 0:10 – Micah Parsons Traded to Packers in Shocking NFL Move The breaking news hits mid-fantasy draft: Micah is out, Green Bay is in. 5:17 – The Fallout: Salary Cap Chaos & Team Dynamics Norm explains how money forced Jerry’s hand, even if fans won’t forgive it. 8:55 – Jerry Jones, Leadership, and the Cowboys’ Front Office Mess Is Jerry losing his fastball? The guys wonder if this trade signals more trouble. 9:54 – The Contract: How Parsons Became NFL’s Highest-Paid Non-QB $188 million. $120 million guaranteed. Greggo and Norm break down the numbers. 14:11 – Packers Get a Monster, Cowboys Get… “Balance”? Why Green Bay might have just vaulted to Super Bowl favorites.   'Follow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode:  patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf:  X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

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

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

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

When the weather gets weird, the movies get weirder, and the music gets loud—Mike Rhyner is the guy you want steering the conversation. This time, he’s joined by Sunset Lounge transplant Rob Ervin, who swaps his regular hangout for the Dark Companion studio, and the one and only four-time returning champion Jesse Hawila, DFW’s favorite meteorologist with a knack for dropping truth bombs about the skies above and the hype below. From comparing this summer to the legendary “magical summer of 2007” to calling out fear-mongering weather reports, Jesse brings the forecast you should be hearing—minus the doom-and-gloom clickbait. Rob brings the pop culture heat, from cult film deep dives (hello, Tommy Wiseau) to metal bands with drummers who seem part human, part machine. And somewhere between Stevie Nicks stories, death metal drumming admiration, and casual Emmy drop-ins, this episode turns into a full-blown jam session of weather wisdom, movie geekery, and music nerdery. Come for the storms, stay for the shredding. Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome to the Weather Rock Show – Mike, Rob, and Jesse set the stage. 5:18 – 2007 vs. 2023 – Comparing summers worth talking about. 9:06 – The Weather Hype Machine – Why social media storms aren’t always real storms. 13:50 – Stage Fright Forecast – Jesse’s surprising #1 fear. 18:05 – Movie Geek Throwdown – Rob takes the mic with film trivia and passion. 20:37 – Tommy Wiseau & Cult Film Chaos – Behind the bizarre screenings. 27:26 – CBD & Sports Crossfade – Healing and The OG podcast talk. 30:20 – From Blues to Blast Beats – Musical taste whiplash in the best way. 37:50 – Death Metal Drummers = Cyborgs? – Jesse makes his case. 40:55 – Stevie Nicks, Floods, & Fate – Silver Spring stories. 41:53 – Drummers & Metal Evolution – Legends and lineups. 45:20 – Celebs & Emmy Moments – Name drops with style. 47:57 – Work Wardrobe Rules? – Jesse’s casual take. 50:21 – Games, Pinball, & Film Oddities – Nerd heaven. 55:28 – Fantasy Football & Sign-Off – Wrapping it up with friendly chaos. Follow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode:  patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf:  X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com  

In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with Ralph Strangis—legendary broadcaster, Hall of Famer, and the voice who taught Texas what icing was (and no, not the kind on a cake). From shepherding the Minnesota North Stars into their Dallas rebirth to cementing himself as a fixture in hockey history, Ralph’s journey is equal parts grit, wit, and pure love for the game. The two old friends swap stories about chaotic press boxes, unconventional bosses, and the unique insanity of professional sports relocations. Ralph opens up about the pride (and surprise) of being inducted into the Dallas Stars Hall of Fame, what he’s up to now with his Ralph Cast and Substack, and why he’ll never willingly put on a tie. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a hockey culture in a football town—or just want to hear a master storyteller at work—this is your backstage pass to the broadcast booth. Chapters: 0:03 – Weather, Small Talk & Setting the Stage: Mike and Ralph ease in with sports and meteorology banter. 4:26 – Pool Chillers, Cool Decks & Cool Guests: How the episode almost didn’t happen. 5:53 – Hall of Fame Feels: The big induction, the big speech, and even bigger emotions. 13:30 – Dry Heat vs. Humidity: A broadcaster’s meteorological take. 14:51 – The Big Weekend Ahead: Ralph’s pre-event jitters and excitement. 23:40 – Ties Are for Other People: Why Ralph has declared war on formal wear. 26:22 – Broadcast Booth Memories: Building the Dallas Stars legacy, one call at a time. 31:37 – Change, Healing & CBD: A candid turn in the conversation. 38:58 – From North to South: The messy, monumental move from Minnesota to Dallas. 42:26 – Norm Green Stories: Ice cubes in urinals and other unforgettable details. 48:51 – How Texas Got Its Voice: Ralph’s road to the mic. 52:24 – Behind the Broadcast Curtain: Budget woes and creative workarounds. 54:18 – After the Move: The aftermath of relocation—on and off the ice. 58:23 – Life After the Booth: Podcasting, creativity, and what keeps Ralph inspired. 1:04:11 – Looking Back, Moving Forward: Hockey’s journey in Dallas and what’s next. 1:07:56 – Draft Night Chaos: A very different kind of play-by-play. Follow Your Dark Companion on Patreon for every episode:  patreon.com/YourDarkCompanion IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourdarkcompanion/ X: https://x.com/YDC_Dfw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourdarkcompanion FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559876685445 The Old Grey Wolf:  X: https://x.com/TheOldGreyWolf IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikerhyner579 To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

What do you get when you mix a radio legend, a Russian hash-smoking adventure, a Triumph stage-crashing moment, and a career that spans five decades in Dallas radio? You get Bo Roberts—loud, proud, and on the mic with Mike Rhyner for this unforgettable ride through rock and radio history. Bo Roberts, longtime co-host of the iconic Q102 KTXQ-FM (aka Q102 the Classic Rock Station), now graces the airwaves at Lone Star 92.5 KZPS-FM—but his journey didn’t start in Dallas. From classical music roots in Corsicana to backstage antics with rock royalty, Bo has seen it all. And in this episode of Your Dark Companion, he opens up the vault. Host Mike Rhyner and Bo dive into everything from the lost art of morning show chemistry (shoutout to the late, great Jimmy White), to corporate radio's evolution, to waking up at 2 AM to prep for a show. Along the way? Stories from Bo’s time in New Orleans, London, Moscow, and… the Longhorn Ballroom. Yes, the Sex Pistols are involved. This one’s a love letter to the wild, weird, and wonderful world of radio—told by two guys who helped build it. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:02 – Radio Rivalries & Day One Friendships 3:59 – Bo’s Parade Disaster (Yes, It Hurt) 6:56 – New Orleans to Dallas: The Long Radio Road 9:02 – 2AM Alarms and the Joy of Preparation 10:02 – Sex Pistols at the Longhorn Ballroom 10:50 – Firing Stories & Climbing Back Up 13:36 – The Bo Roberts Playbook: Career, Chaos & Community 18:14 – Chemistry Is Everything in Radio (And Life) 26:52 – Facing Retirement: The Weirdest Transition of All 30:24 – CBD House of Healing Ad Spot 31:43 – Live Spots, Celebrities, and Broadcast Gold 34:02 – Hash in Russia, The Rolling Stones, and Diplomatic Rock n’ Roll 38:13 – Bo Walks Onstage During Triumph—No Big Deal 40:50 – Work Ethic vs. Corporate Headaches 44:19 – The Buckinghams and the Song That Shouldn’t Be 45:53 – Final Stories from a Radio Life Lived Loud 📝 About Bo Roberts A Corsicana native with classical roots and a rock-and-roll heart, Bo Roberts became a Dallas radio fixture at Q102 KTXQ-FM, and now co-hosts mornings at Lone Star 92.5 KZPS-FM. With more stories than a box set anthology, Bo’s voice and presence are unmistakable—equal parts velvet and vinegar, with decades of morning show magic behind him. Tune in for tales of mischief, music, and the microphone—and stay for the unfiltered wisdom only a true radio vet can offer. This is one for the books.

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

WTF JERRY!!!

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

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

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

Mr. Ranger, Tom Grieve, joins the Shoopies at Globe Life Field to talk his incredible life and career!!

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

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