When the roads are iced over, the guests bail, and nobody’s going anywhere… you improvise.

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.

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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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Some careers are carefully mapped out. Others start because you needed gas.

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

For years, Tony Smith was exactly where you wanted him — behind the glass, keeping the lights on, the sound clean, and occasionally dropping a perfectly timed Dancing with the Stars reference that somehow became radio gold.

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.

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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

Watching one movie a night sounds relaxing. Watching eleven a day sounds like a cry for help.

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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To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

They’re called The Cars, but there’s no engine, no steering wheel, and no gas involved — just songs that still take people places.

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

Mike Rhyner welcomes a new voice into the Sunset Lounge universe — and it’s one that knows more about dirt than just about anyone alive.

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.

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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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To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com

Covering sports in Dallas isn’t just about games — it’s about managing chaos, fan outrage, front-office dysfunction, and the occasional once-in-a-generation disaster.

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.

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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

The Cowboys’ season is officially over, the Super Bowl will once again proceed without them, and somebody has to explain how we got here. So Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News sit down to do exactly that — calmly, rationally, and with just the right amount of disbelief.

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?