The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Dallas Radio History: Q102, The Zoo & The Ticket | Jon Michaels | Ep 253

   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 Dallas-Fort Worth radio what it was — plus a few stories that probably could only have happened in radio. If you love Dallas radio history, The Ticket, Q102, The Zoo, classic rock radio, or the personalities who helped build the DFW airwaves, this episode of Your Dark Companion is for you. Chapters 00:00:00 - Cold Open: Cars, Radio & Old Friends 00:04:21 - Introducing Dallas Radio Veteran Jon Michaels 00:09:26 - The Radio Personality Who Inspired Jon Michaels 00:13:19 - Breaking Into Dallas Radio at FM 102 00:15:26 - How FM 102 Became Q102 00:16:41 - Becoming a Radio Production Wizard 00:18:05 - Producing Nightclub Commercials & Building a Side Business 00:20:59 - Pilot Lessons, KLIF & Cousin Lenny 00:22:09 - Why Jon Connected With Radio Engineers 00:24:17 - Leaving Dallas for Denver Radio 00:25:38 - Returning Angry & Creating “The Odd” 00:27:00 - Overnight Radio and “What Are You Doing Strange?” 00:29:27 - Dudley’s Midshow Read 00:33:44 - How Mike Rhyner and Jon Michaels Became Friends 00:37:01 - Jon Michaels Joins The Zoo 00:38:23 - Fake Celebrity Interviews & Theater of the Mind 00:40:13 - Jon Michaels’ Unexpected Modeling Career 00:42:48 - The $100,000 Radio Giveaway Mistake 00:45:25 - The Beginning of The Ticket Connection 00:47:05 - Jon Makes His Move to The Ticket 00:49:03 - Creating The Ticket’s Signature Sound 00:49:31 - The Story Behind “Mr. Do” 00:50:50 - The Ticket, The Zone & Changing Ownership 00:53:05 - 27 Years at The Ticket and Retirement 00:54:21 - Life After Radio & a Body Cam Video Obsession 00:58:38 - Farm Aid, Willie Nelson & a Wild Radio Story 01:00:17 - Looking Back on a Lifetime in Dallas Radio 01:01:46 - Final Thoughts & Closing Thanks to our monthly supporters W hammons B Smith Robert Stoolfire Thaddeus D. Matula Rachel W Scott Lewis cody SIMS John Gilbert Robert Saunders Kiffer Sidney Long Pattie Rhyner Davidson David Ashlea Bullington James Corona Gordy John C Caffey Joe Lindsey Cam Jillian Wright David Moore Mike Rhyner Your Dark Companion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

   August 22, 2026·1h 4min
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   Number 2: Mavs Makeover: Flagg’s Fit, Kyrie’s Steady Hand & the Lakers’ Wild Sale | Tim McMahon | Ep 254

   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 tribute to Mavericks legend Don Nelson, discussing his lasting impact on how basketball is played today. Thanks to our monthly supporters W hammons B Smith Robert Stoolfire Thaddeus D. Matula Rachel W Scott Lewis cody SIMS John Gilbert Robert Saunders Kiffer Sidney Long Pattie Rhyner Davidson David Ashlea Bullington James Corona Gordy John C Caffey Joe Lindsey Cam Jillian Wright David Moore Mike Rhyner Your Dark Companion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

   August 26, 2026·1h 2min
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   Number 3: Burgers, Beets, and Buffett: Ranking Dallas's Best Burgers | Evan Grant & Sarah Blaskovich | Ep 251

   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. Thanks to our monthly supporters W hammons B Smith Robert Stoolfire Thaddeus D. Matula Rachel W Scott Lewis cody SIMS John Gilbert Robert Saunders Kiffer Sidney Long Pattie Rhyner Davidson David Ashlea Bullington James Corona Gordy John C Caffey Joe Lindsey Cam Jillian Wright David Moore Mike Rhyner Your Dark Companion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

   August 16, 2026·1h 20min
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   Number 4: Nolan Ryan, Backup Catchers & The Books That Stole My Baseball Heart | Tim Brown | Ep 247

   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 out the discussion are Brown's other celebrated works including Imperfect with Jim Abbott and The Phenomenon with Rick Ankiel, making this a must-listen episode for any serious baseball fan. Thanks to our monthly supporters W hammons B Smith Robert Stoolfire Thaddeus D. Matula Rachel W Scott Lewis cody SIMS John Gilbert Robert Saunders Kiffer Sidney Long Pattie Rhyner Davidson David Ashlea Bullington James Corona Gordy John C Caffey Joe Lindsey Cam Jillian Wright David Moore Mike Rhyner Your Dark Companion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

   August 05, 2026·56min
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   Number 5: The Texas Rangers & Me | T.R. Sullivan | YDC Ep 240

   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. Thanks to our monthly supporters W hammons B Smith Robert Stoolfire Thaddeus D. Matula Rachel W Scott Lewis cody SIMS John Gilbert Robert Saunders Kiffer Sidney Long Pattie Rhyner Davidson David Ashlea Bullington James Corona Gordy John C Caffey Joe Lindsey Cam Jillian Wright David Moore Mike Rhyner Your Dark Companion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

   July 10, 2026·1h 3min
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