Mike Rhyner is Your Dark Companion
The Old Grey Wolf lives here. Join Mike Rhyner as he talks to the news makers, the hit makers and every day people with a perspective all his own. And from time to time, he'll even share what's on his mind.
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What's On Mike's Mind: Aaron Judge
The New York Yankee is on the verge of history, and that has the Old Grey Wolf thinking back to 1961 when Roger Maris set the 61 HR mark.
2022-09-23Link to episode
Jim Reeves
He covered the Texas Rangers for years, so you can imagine Jim Reeves has some stories to tell. Lucky for us, he put them all in a new book "Dugouts And Diamonds" and he's here to tell The Old Grey Wolf all about it.
2022-09-20Link to episode
Dan Stuchal
It's hard enough as a fan when a team re-locates out of your city. But what about everyone who works for that franchise? Mike talks with the last member of the Dallas Stars who was with the organization when they moved from Minnesota to Dallas.
2022-08-30Link to episode
Randy Galloway
Mike Sirois
Another week, another Ticket exit interview. This time Mike Sirois is in the seat talking about his decision to leave and what the future has in store.
2022-06-23Link to episode
Danny Balis
After 20+ years at The Ticket, Danny Balis announced he was leaving. That's something Mike knows a little something about. On this episode, they talk about Balis' decision, his gig with his oldest son, his new life with his youngest son and even some gardening tips. Yes, gardening.
2022-06-02Link to episode
Jesse Hawila
He's a meteorologist at Channel 8 here in Dallas. But more importantly, he's a music enthusiast. What type of music? I'm glad you asked. More specifically, you'll be glad Mike asked.
2022-05-25Link to episode
Kevin Mench
The former Texas Rangers great joins the Old Grey Wolf to chat about his playing days, his short-lived broadcasting career and if he has any regrets over just missing the Rangers World Series runs.
2022-04-28Link to episode
Jim Schutze
Former Dallas Times Herald and Dallas Observer reporter Jim Schutze wrote a book about Dallas' complicated past with race. It's called "The Accommodation" and he talks about it with Mike in this episode.
2022-04-21Link to episode
Derek Harper
Former NBA star and current Dallas Mavericks TV announcer Derek Harper joins the Old Grey Wolf to talk about the current Mavs team, Harper's Mavs teams of the '80's and if Derek could play in today's game.
2022-04-12Link to episode
Levi Weaver
Opening Day for the Texas Rangers is right around the corner. Lots of changes on the roster as the team tries to right the ship after last year's disaster. Levi Weaver from The Athletic is the guest who will help navigate the waters.
2022-04-01Link to episode
Dan McDowell
The long-time Ticket friends take a trip down memory lane in this episode.
2022-03-11Link to episode
Sarah Hepola
The Old Grey Wolf is back in the studio! And who better to kick-start this engine than with local reporter Sarah Hepola? Sarah is a reporter, author and host of the Texas Monthly podcast "America's Girls" about the history and impact of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
2022-02-25Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Stevie Ray Vaughan
Mike's patch crossed many times with the legendary guitarist, but he's never really told the whole story. Today, that changes with What's On Mike's Mind.
2021-09-10Link to episode
Texas International Pop Festival
A few weeks after Woodstock, another music festival took place that's not as well known but had a helluva lineup. Mike talks with Angus Wynn who organized the Texas International Pop Festival in Lewisville in 1969.
2021-09-01Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Charlie Watts
The great drummer for the Rolling Stones Charlie Watts passed on to the next plane recently. And you know that affect Mike in a profound way. He shares his thoughts here.
2021-09-01Link to episode
Dale Hansen Pt. 2
Long-time Dallas sports anchor Dale Hansen is calling it quits in a matter of weeks. Who better to talk to about how he came to that decision than the man who himself did the exact same thing not too long ago.
2021-08-26Link to episode
Dale Hansen Pt. 1
The legendary Dallas sportscaster is calling it a career soon, but not before sitting down with The Old Grey Wolf to chat about his time in TV and what led him to this decision.
2021-08-19Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Luka
Dallas Maverick Luka Doncic signed a record-breaking contract this week, and that has Mike pretty excited for the immediate future. Long term? Well....
2021-08-12Link to episode
Julie Dobbs
Julie Dobbs recently ended her time at The Ticker radio station in Dallas. It's a situation Mike knows all too well. They talk about their time at the station and when they knew it was time to go. Plus, Julie talks about her next steps including a podcast we are quite fond of here at VOKAL.
2021-08-05Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Joey Gallo
Well... The Texas Rangers did it. They traded away Joey Gallo. Sooooooo.... now what???? The Old Grey Wolf is asking that exact same question, and he doesn't like the answer he's come up with.
2021-07-29Link to episode
John Bryant
Drummer John Bryant has been part of the Dallas music scene for years and has played with legendary musicians like Ray Charles ad Paul McCartney. Hear his stories on this edition of Your Dark Companion.
2021-07-15Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: The Rangers Actually Did The Thing!
The Texas Rangers held the second overall pick in this year's baseball draft, and they went out and.... actually did what Mike was hoping they would do! Join him for a celebratory WOMM edition of Your Dark Companion.
2021-07-12Link to episode
More With Tim Cato
A lot happened with the Dallas Mavericks in the short time that Mike last talked to The Athletic's Tim Cato. So, he's back talking about the team's new GM and Head Coach. Plus what more changes could be on the horizon.
2021-07-07Link to episode
Tim Cato
The Dallas Mavericks have been making. a lot of noise this off-season, and The Athletic's Tim Cato has been documenting all of it. He joins The Old Grey Wolf to talk about the front office upheaval, the head coaching situation and where all of this leaves Luka and the Mavs heading into next season.
2021-06-29Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Rangers Draft
The Texas Rangers have the #2 overall pick in next month's MLB Draft. There is an obvious choice for that slot... at least there should be. But from what Mike has been seeing, it may not shake out as expected. And that has Mike a little more than concerned.
2021-06-24Link to episode
Bob Sturm
He's the Man who replaced the Man. Bob Sturm (who took over Mike's spot at The Ticket in Dallas) joins the show taking about his early days at the station, what defines sports talk radio and the "new" NBA.
2021-06-17Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Playing With Greatness
Mike was a huge fan of a band called Spirit back in the day. So you can imagine the thrill when he was able to play a few songs live with the guitarist Randy California at a venue in Chicago.
2021-06-10Link to episode
Troy Aikman
The legendary Dallas Cowboys QB Troy Aikman joins Mike to talk about his Hall of Fame career, his time in the TV booth and what his life may look like after he hangs up the mic.
2021-06-03Link to episode
Brad Sham
The long-time voice of the Dallas Cowboys Brad Sham joins the show talking about his early days in broadcasting, juggling multiple broadcast partners (and sports) over the years, and dealing with one particular owner in the market.
2021-05-26Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Columbian Hippos
Pablo Escobar wanted hippos. So... Pablo Escobar got hippos. He dies. The hippos remain. And now they are a problem. Mike's all over it in today's episode.
2021-05-20Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Movin' A's
The Oakland A's are always the topic of conversation when it comes to baseball franchises moving on to greener pastures. But this time, there is a different vibe to it. That is what's on Mike's mind today.
2021-05-14Link to episode
Robert Wilonsky
Former city reporter Robert Wilonsky joins the show talking about his new gig with Heritage Auctions and how telling good stories will always be a the core of what he does and what he enjoys.
2021-05-13Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Who Are These Rangers?
The 2021 Texas Rangers season is all about the re-build. But is there perhaps a glimmer of hope on the field right now? Mike has some thoughts.
2021-05-07Link to episode
Remembering Ron Chapman
Dallas radio lost its voice this week when Ron Chapman passed on to the next plane. No one in local radio knew him more than Steve Eberhart. Steve joins Rhyner in this week's show to discuss what made Chapman so special and how he built his radio legacy.
2021-04-29Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Dinosaurs
In this week's edition of "What's On Mike's Mind" The Old Grey Wolf is talking dinosaur bones. But not just the partial remains or the re-creations you typically see in a museum. No, this one is the real deal.
2021-04-22Link to episode
Emily Jones
Rangers team reporter (and "Mom Game" co-host) Emily Jones joins Mike to talk a little Rangers baseball, being comfortable in the clubhouse and what it is like when a player gets traded.
2021-04-15Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: In With The New
The Temple is no more. Long live The Temple. Mike has been out to the new Stadium for the Texas Rangers. And as you can imagine, he has a few thoughts.
2021-04-09Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Gray Wolf
The Old Grey Wolf is talking about... Gray Wolves. California wolves specifically and if the return of the wolf population in that state will lead to protection or extermination.
2021-04-08Link to episode
Jon Herington
The long-time guitarist for Steely Dan sits down with Mike to talk about auditioning for the band, hearing them for the first time and answering the question if they will ever tour again.
2021-04-01Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: P22
He's one of the more famous pumas in LA - known as "P22" he's been living in Griffith Park for years. And in that time, Mike has been monitoring his progress. Today, he has an update.
2021-03-25Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Bud Buschardt
A legend in Dallas radio has passed on to the next plane. Bud Buschardt touched many lives including a young Mike Rhyner. Mike pays his respects in today's What's On Mike's Mind edition of Your Dark Companion.
2021-03-17Link to episode
Krys Boyd
Mike sits down with the host of "Think" on Dallas public radio Krys Boyd. They talk about finding your own voice, discussing topics outside your comfort zone and lamenting the state of talk radio.
2021-03-17Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Utah Jazz
At the proverbial half-way point of the NBA season, one team has surprised many and crashed the party: the Utah Jazz. This Jazz team reminds Mike of another Jazz team that he followed when he was just starting out in the radio biz.
2021-03-11Link to episode
Wilt 100 with Gary Pomerantz
59 years ago, Wilt Chamberlain amazed everyone by scoring 100 points in a game. But that's only part of the story. Where the game was played, how many people were there, who got to see it and the state of the NBA are all fascinating aspects of that momentous night. Mike talks with author Gary Pomerantz about those circumstances and if we will ever see anything like that again.
2021-03-04Link to episode
What's On Mike's Mind: Darren O'Day
Darren O'Day was a waiver-wire pick up for the Rangers in 2009. He wasn't supposed to pitch the day the Rangers signed him, but the fates intervened. And what transpired was one of the more unusual debuts Mike has ever seen in baseball.
2021-02-25Link to episode
Chris Young
Spring Training is underway and that means the 2021 Texas Ranger season is right around the corner. This year's team will look pretty different, and that includes a new General Manager as former Rangers pitcher Chris Young takes over the role. So, what are his plans, and how will he leave his stamp on this team? Mike finds out in this episode.
2021-02-17Link to episode
Cowboys Talk with David Moore
Mike Rhyner joins the podcasting world with a little Cowboys talk. The 2020 season did not go as planned. What happened, and what can they do to fix it? David Moore of the Dallas Morning News joins this inaugural journey.
2021-02-11Link to episode