EPISODE · Sep 10, 2025 · 35 MIN
From Press Boxes to Podcasts: Norm and Rhyner Keep Talking | Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges
from The Sunset Lounge DFW · host Stolen Water Media LLC
When two Dallas sports radio legends sit down, you know it’s going to be good. Norm Hitzges pulls up a chair with none other than Mike Rhyner—the “Old Gray Wolf” himself—for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts nostalgia, sports therapy, and rock-and-roll storytelling. They dive into the Rangers’ improbable flirtation with the playoffs, whether the Cowboys will ever unclench their grip on mediocrity, and if the Mavericks’ chemistry experiment with Kyrie and Luka has any chance of cooking. Norm presses Mike on the big questions—like why casino gambling in Texas is still a mirage and whether walking away from The Ticket was bittersweet or just the right time to leave the party. But it’s not all sports: we get the origin story of the “Old Gray Wolf,” tales of Gordon Keith weaponizing pet names, and how a drummer became the frontman of his own band. This is two Hall of Fame radio guys swapping stories, comparing scars, and proving once again why Dallas sports talk has always been a little louder, funnier, and more colorful than anywhere else. So pour a drink, grab a steak (Bob’s, obviously), and settle in—because Norm and Rhyner are still at the top of their game. Chapters 0:00 – Norm sets the stage and introduces Mike Rhyner 2:11 – Rangers: contenders, pretenders, or just amusing us all? 4:35 – Cowboys 30 years without an NFC Championship: will Jerry ever let go? 5:52 – Mavericks, Kyrie, Luka, and the NBA’s chemistry experiment 7:45 – Why casino gambling in Texas feels like Bigfoot sightings 8:37 – The birth of The Ticket and the legal pad that started it all 13:14 – Retiring from The Ticket: regret or relief? 14:07 – The true story behind “The Old Gray Wolf” nickname 17:22 – From drummer to lead singer: Mike’s music journey 18:48 – The Buzz Round: interviews, regrets, and career reflections 25:27 – The Tex Schramm story that left Norm shaking 32:52 – Rangers’ injury-ridden roster and Bruce Bochy’s steady hand 33:35 – Sponsor shout-outs and closing reflections Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW
What this episode covers
When two Dallas sports radio legends sit down, you know it’s going to be good. Norm Hitzges pulls up a chair with none other than Mike Rhyner—the “Old Gray Wolf” himself—for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts nostalgia, sports therapy, and rock-and-roll storytelling. They dive into the Rangers’ improbable flirtation with the playoffs, whether the Cowboys will ever unclench their grip on mediocrity, and if the Mavericks’ chemistry experiment with Kyrie and Luka has any chance of cooking. Norm presses Mike on the big questions—like why casino gambling in Texas is still a mirage and whether walking away from The Ticket was bittersweet or just the right time to leave the party. But it’s not all sports: we get the origin story of the “Old Gray Wolf,” tales of Gordon Keith weaponizing pet names, and how a drummer became the frontman of his own band. This is two Hall of Fame radio guys swapping stories, comparing scars, and proving once again why Dallas sports talk has always been a little louder, funnier, and more colorful than anywhere else. So pour a drink, grab a steak (Bob’s, obviously), and settle in—because Norm and Rhyner are still at the top of their game. Chapters 0:00 – Norm sets the stage and introduces Mike Rhyner2:11 – Rangers: contenders, pretenders, or just amusing us all?4:35 – Cowboys 30 years without an NFC Championship: will Jerry ever let go?5:52 – Mavericks, Kyrie, Luka, and the NBA’s chemistry experiment7:45 – Why casino gambling in Texas feels like Bigfoot sightings8:37 – The birth of The Ticket and the legal pad that started it all13:14 – Retiring from The Ticket: regret or relief?14:07 – The true story behind “The Old Gray Wolf” nickname17:22 – From drummer to lead singer: Mike’s music journey18:48 – The Buzz Round: interviews, regrets, and career reflections25:27 – The Tex Schramm story that left Norm shaking32:52 – Rangers’ injury-ridden roster and Bruce Bochy’s steady hand33:35 – Sponsor shout-outs and closing reflections Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW
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From Press Boxes to Podcasts: Norm and Rhyner Keep Talking | Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges
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