Chasing the Dream, Finding the Booth | Josh Bogorad

In Episode 198 of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with the television and radio voice of the Dallas Stars, Josh Bogorad, for a deep dive into the winding road that led him from Los Angeles to the NHL broadcast booth. Josh shares how one childhood hockey game during the Gretzky era changed everything — sparking a dream that would take him through club hockey broadcasts, minor league bus trips, Alaska championships, and years of grinding before finally breaking into the NHL. They unpack: The reality of chasing a broadcasting dream What it’s like replacing legendary voices and working alongside Daryl Reaugh The unique chemistry behind the Stars’ long-running simulcast format Why hockey’s culture feels different from other sports And how learning what not to call is the secret to mastering play-by-play Plus, they reflect on USA Hockey’s recent gold medal moment and what it means for growing the sport in non-traditional markets. If you love sports broadcasting, hockey, or stories about betting on yourself when no one guarantees the outcome — this one delivers. Tune in and experience the game through the voice that calls it. Chapters 0:00 – Opening Banter & Episode 198 3:00 – Growing Up in Los Angeles During the Gretzky Era 6:30 – The First Hockey Game That Changed Everything 10:45 – Why Hockey Over Baseball, Football, or Basketball? 15:15 – Chasing the Dream Through College & Minor Leagues 20:25 – Alaska: The Unexpected Career Turning Point 24:35 – Breaking Into the NHL Circle 30:30 – Replacing Legends & Working With Razor 38:00 – The Chemistry Behind the Stars Broadcast 42:50 – Mid-Show Read 46:50 – Why Hockey’s Culture Feels Different 56:45 – USA Hockey’s Gold & Growing the Game 1:05:20 – Calling the Chaos: The Art of Play-by-Play 1:12:00 – Learning What Not to Call 1:18:00 – Final Reflections & The Love of the Game 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: [email protected] Thanks to our monthly supporters Matthew Kamper 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 Becca Moore Mike Rhyner Your Dark Companion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★