Your Dark Companion Podcast
by Mike Rhyner
"Whatever I want it to be about on a given day; is what it is." Your Dark Companion couples your familiar friends from radio, Mike and Grubes! Mike brings his classic interviews that draw you in, and Grubes—The Devil—drops…well the drops, and throws the occasional grenade. Mike likes to draw on his fascinating acquaintances and friends allowing them to tell their stories as you've never heard them. But he also goes outside his network, sharing Grubes' network, and often outside of both, to bring you those they don't know, but believe have a story that will make you laugh, make you think, think differently, or just entertain you…"that's what we are trying to do here."
Episodes
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Joni Mitchell Worship, Voice Show Regrets & Finding Her True Sound | Maelyn Jarmon | 272
Mike Rhyner sits down with singer-songwriter Maelyn Jarmon for a deep dive into her journey from Texas musical theater and classical training to winning The Voice and performing national anthems for NFL teams like the Raiders and 49ers. Maelyn opens up candidly about the highs and pitfalls of the...
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Cowboys Collapse Again, Troy & Joe’s Breakup & Disco Moves | Tony Smith | Ep 271
Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome ballroom dancer and longtime radio engineer Tony the Engineer for a wide-ranging hangout covering Dancing with the Stars insider stories, Dallas Cowboys meltdowns against the Cardinals and Buccaneers, Troy Aikman and Joe Buck's broadcast future, and plenty…
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One-Legged Punts, Ticket Firings & High School Football’s NIL Future | Dougie Anderson | Ep 270
Mike Rhyner welcomes former ticket personality Doug "Dougie" Anderson for a nostalgic deep dive into the early, chaotic days of Dallas sports radio, including the real story behind his nickname, the Dougie Show's bizarre theme song, and his wild path through three different stints at the station....
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Big Ballers & Deck Parks: Klyde Warren’s $8.5 Billion Rocktober Takeover | Calvert Collins-Bratton
Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome Calvert Collins-Bratton, the new CEO of Klyde Warren Park, for a deep dive into how Dallas transformed a freeway deck into one of the most successful public parks in America. She shares the inside story of the park's billion-dollar economic impact, its…
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Mavericks, Kyrie's Redemption, and a Cowboys Mess | Chuck Cooperstein | Ep 268
Mavericks radio voice Chuck Cooperstein joins Mike Rhyner on Your Dark Companion for an inside look at Dallas sports as the NBA season tips off, breaking down Kyrie Irving's resurgence, Cooper Flagg's sky-high ceiling, and new head coach Jason Kidd... wait, Dusty May's unconventional path from...
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Lights On in South Dallas: the Forest Theater's Grand Return | Elizabeth Wattley | Ep 267
Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome back Elizabeth Wattley, founder and CEO of Forest Forward, for a third update on the historic Forest Theater restoration in South Dallas, now just days from its grand reopening on November 1st. Hear the inside story of bringing this 1949 landmark back to…
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Little People Social Club, Bruce Willis Chaos & Vincent Gallo Brawl | Jonathan Bricklin | Ep 266
Entrepreneur and filmmaker Jonathan Bricklin joins Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber on Your Dark Companion to unveil his wildest project yet: the Little People Social Club, a members-only social club scaled entirely for little people, complete with mini billiards, ping pong, and shuffleboard…
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College Football’s Wild West & Fifty Years of Stories | Kevin Sherrington | Ep 265
Dallas Morning News sports columnist Kevin Sherrington joins Mike Rhyner for a candid breakdown of Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer's rocky stretch, including the controversial blocked field goal decision against the Texans and growing scrutiny from owner Jerry Jones. Sherrington also digs...
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Stars on Prime, Robo’s Contract Clock & Montreal Envy | Brien Rea | Ep 264
Mike Rhyner and the crew welcome Dallas Stars studio host Brien Rea for an inside look at the team's big move to Amazon Prime, the loaded Central Division, coach Glen Gulutzan's analytics-driven strategy shift, and the high-stakes Jason Robertson contract saga unfolding amid the NHL's exploding...
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Ted Williams’ Spider Rant, Billy Martin’s Genius & Life as a Ranger | Tom Grieve | Replay Ep 135
Former Texas Rangers outfielder and longtime general manager Tom Grieve joins Mike Rhyner live from Globe Life Field for a wide-ranging conversation covering his playing days under Ted Williams and Billy Martin, the wild 1975 Washington Senators-to-Texas relocation, and hilarious…
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Giving Mas Golf, Stanley Cup Grit, Tretiak’s Tutelage & Life After Hockey | Ed Belfour | Ep 263
Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Belfour joins hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber for a candid conversation recorded live at the Giving Moss charity event benefiting the Dallas Amputee Network. Belfour opens up about his improbable journey from a small Manitoba town to NHL stardom, breaking down his...
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Rangers Golf Day | Elvis Andrus, Steve Buechele, Mayor Jim Ross & Karen Morris | Ep 262
Mike Rhyner heads to the Texas Rangers Golf Club for the annual Rangers Baseball Foundation event, sitting down with foundation president Karen Morris, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, and Rangers legends Elvis Andrus and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez-era teammate Steve Buechele. The conversation ranges from…
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KVIL Legend on Ron Chapman, Chuck Berry’s Cash Demand & Radio’s Future | Steve Eberhart | YDC Ep 261
Radio veteran Steve Everhart joins Mike Rhyner on Your Dark Companion to share incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his legendary career, including how he landed his dream job at KVIL working alongside the iconic Ron Chapman, an unforgettable backstage run-in with a demanding Chuck Berry…
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Heart of Gold: Golf, Camp Moss & Saving Kids' Hearts | Knox Fitzpatrick & Mark Leitch | YDC Ep 260
Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas defense attorney Knox Fitzpatrick and Heart of Gold Foundation founder Mark Leitch to break down the twenty seventh annual charity golf tournament benefiting sick and needy kids. They dig into the tournament's origin story, the history of the Golf Club of Dallas...
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Rusty Greer on 96’s Brotherhood, Yankee Stadium Magic & Playing Through a Broken Neck
Rangers legend Rusty Greer joins Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber for a nostalgic deep dive into the iconic 1996 Texas Rangers, the franchise's first playoff team. Greer reflects on the team's unbreakable clubhouse chemistry, playing through injury under Will Clark's tough-nosed influence, the...
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Losing Glove Battles, Five AL West Teams & Life After Baseball | Mark McLemore | Ep 258
Former Texas Rangers infielder Mark McLemore joins hosts Mike Rhyner and Grubes for a candid look back at his 19-year MLB career, including stints with all five American League West teams, getting released twice before resurrecting his career in Baltimore, and playing alongside Cal Ripken Jr....
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Inside the Majestic: Ghosts, Zombie Doors & a Century of Dallas Secrets | Mike Schwedler
Step inside Dallas's historic Majestic Theatre for a rare behind-the-scenes tour with theater manager Michael Gruber, guided by host Mike Rhyner. Discover hidden treasures like Johnny Cash's autographed backstage door, a century-old carbon-arc spotlight, the original 1920s counterweight fly…
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Rangers Chaos, Broken Necks & Trading Baseball for Bedazzled Collars | Levi Weaver | Ep 257
Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber welcome back musician-turned-baseball writer Levi Weaver for a wide-ranging conversation covering his terrifying neck-breaking sledding accident, his return to sandlot baseball at legendary fields including Field of Dreams, and candid takes on the wild 2025 MLB...
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Weather Guy on Sports Cry Theory, Losing 130 Lbs & Clearing August | Jesse Hawila | Ep 256
WFAA meteorologist Jesse Hawila joins hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber to close out meteorological summer, breaking down DFW's brutal drought and heat stats while opening up candidly about his incredible 130-pound weight loss journey. The trio also swaps stories about local news gossip,...
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Warrants, Wheelchairs & Whiskey Legs: Mike Keating & Tommy Donahue on Giving Back | Ep 255
Mike Rhyner sits down with Mike Keating of Giving Hope and Tommy Donahue of the Dallas Amputee Network ahead of their upcoming charity golf classic, diving into how each nonprofit transforms lives through debt relief, job training, warrant clearing, and peer support for amputees. Hear powerful...
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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,...
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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…
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Rangers Reality Check, Rush Redemption & Madonna Confessions | Mac Engel | Ep 252
Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Mac Engel joins Mike Rhyner for a wide-ranging conversation covering concert memories (Madonna, Rush, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa), sports memorabilia, and a deep dive into what's ailing the Texas Rangers this season, including the futures of Corey Seager and Jacob…
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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…
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Dudley's Fantasy Football Draft Party | Sunset Lounge | Ep 250 =
Mike Rhyner and the whole Stolen Valor crew take their fantasy football draft on the road to Dudley's Sports Grill for the annual live draft party, joined by Norm Hitzges, Mac Engel, Rob Irvin, Paul Varghese, Gary Joy, Ziggy, and a rotating cast of friends and hangers-on. Expect chaotic...
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Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell & The Art of Musical Genius | Izze Stein | Ep 249
Mike Rhyner sits down with rising singer-songwriter and viral Steely Dan analyst Izze Stein to unpack why her deep-dive breakdowns of albums like Aja, Pretzel Logic, and The Royal Scam have captivated a whole new generation of fans. They swap origin stories on discovering Steely Dan, geek out…
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The Man Who Helped Make Dallas a Sports Town | Brad Thomas | Ep 248
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 W hammons B Smith Robert Stoolfire Thaddeus D. Matula Rachel W Scott Lewis cody SIMS...
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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...
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Fantasy Football Draft Party, Lobster Fest & Life at Dudley's with Chef Eric | YDC Ep 246
Recorded live at Dudley's on Henderson in Dallas, this episode of Your Dark Companion features hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber alongside Rob Urbans from The Clubhouse podcast as they eat their way through the menu and break down everything Dudley's has to offer for your fantasy football…
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Aikman is AMERICA's Quarterback & Life After Football | Troy Aikman | YDC Ep 245
Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman joins host Mike Rhyner for an in-depth conversation covering his entire journey — from being drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys to his 26-year broadcasting career at Fox and ESPN. Troy opens up about the legendary Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones…
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Mike wont give you his Source but he did say Assimakapolis Right | Lia Assimakapolis | YDC Ep 244
Discover what's really happening inside the Dallas Stars organization as Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas Morning News hockey reporter Lia Assimakapolis for a deep dive into the team's offseason moves, playoff disappointments, and uncertain future. They break down the Jason Robertson contract...
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Two Decade of Around the Horn & Dallas Morning News | Tim Cowlishaw | YDC Ep 243
In episode 243 of You're Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with legendary Dallas Morning News sports columnist Tim Cowlishaw for a wide-ranging conversation covering nearly five decades of Dallas sports history. The two discuss the current state of the Mavericks, Cowboys, Stars, and...
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Tom Petty's Heartbeats, Bob Dylan & The Speaker Wars | Stan Lynch | YDC Ep 242
Legendary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch joins host Mike Rhyner for episode 242 of Your Dark Companion, delivering a candid and wide-ranging conversation about his life in rock and roll. Lynch opens up about growing up in Gainesville, the raw energy behind classic…
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40 Years Behind the Rangers Broadcast | Dave Burchett | YDC Ep 241
In this episode of You're Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with legendary Texas Rangers TV director Dave Burchett, who spent over 37 years behind the scenes directing some of the most iconic moments in Rangers and Mavericks broadcast history. Dave shares incredible behind-the-scenes...
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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...
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Rick Arnett, Skip Bayless & The Wild Early Days of The Ticket | YDC
Mike Rhyner sits down with Rick Arnett, a day-one veteran of The Ticket (1310 KTCK) in Dallas, for a wide-ranging conversation about the early, chaotic days of one of sports radio's most legendary stations. Rick shares behind-the-scenes stories about working alongside Skip Bayless, the pivotal…
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Rush Postponed, Neil Peart's Ghost & Stars Cap Crunch | Expo | Ep 238
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner and co-host Michael Gruber are joined by fan-favorite guest Kevin "Expo" Fox to break down the last-minute cancellation of the Rush reunion tour show in Fort Worth after Geddy Lee was sidelined by laryngitis and bronchitis. The crew digs…
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Raising Her Game | Rush Olson & Ashley Dozier | Ep 237
Discover the beautiful game like never before as hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber sit down with professional soccer player Ashley Dozier and documentary filmmaker Rush Olson to break down the 2026 FIFA World Cup happening right in their backyard. From offside rules and Messi's legacy to the...
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World Cup Media Center Stories Goes Nutz | Mike Leslie | Ep 236
Live from the FIFA World Cup media center in Dallas, Mike Rhyner, Michael Gruber, and Rob Irvin bring you a front-row seat to the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup as Dallas welcomes the world for the first time since 1994. WFAA sports anchor Mike Leslie joins the crew for an entertaining...
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Iron Claws, Metallica at the Sphere & Officiating Six Weddings | Matt Howerton | Ep 235
Dallas TV anchor Matt Howerton of WFAA's Daybreak stops by to hang out with hosts Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber for a wide-ranging, laugh-filled conversation that covers everything from the Von Erich wrestling dynasty and the Iron Claw movie premiere to seeing Metallica in the snake pit at Mile...
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Brien Rae's Minor League Hockey Graveyard | Ep 234 | Brien Rea
In this episode of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber are joined by Dallas Stars TV host Brien Rea for a wide-ranging conversation covering the Stars' first-round playoff exit, the team's outlook heading into next season, and what it takes to win in the brutal Central...
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Dallas Music, Baseball Dreams & a Life on Stage | YDC Ep 233 | Robert Lee Kolb
Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas music legend Robert Lee Kolb for a wide-ranging conversation spanning decades of life on the road, in the studio, and on the field. Kolb shares wild stories from his Louisiana youth, including getting run out of town after a disastrous gig, his days playing the...
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World Cup Dreams & Ugly American Expectations | Tyler Kern | Ep 232
Discover the World Cup like never before as sports talk veteran Mike Rhyner gets schooled by soccer expert Tyler Kern from the Stolen Water Media network. Learn about the expanded 48-team format, why this is Team USA's most talented squad ever, and which nations to watch as the world's biggest...
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Jim Gordon's Drums & Demons | The Author Who Wants him Understood | Joel Selvin | Ep 231
Legendary music journalist Joel Selvin joins Mike Rhyner to discuss his haunting biography "Drums and Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon," exploring the brilliant yet heartbreaking story of the drummer who played on iconic tracks like "Layla" and "You're So Vain" before schizophrenia...
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The City Hall Wars as Sports Teams Flee Downtown Dallas | Jim Schutze | Ep 230
Discover the inside story of Dallas' massive sports arena chaos as podcast host Mike Rhyner sits down with legendary investigative journalist Jim Schutze to unpack the Mavericks and Stars splitting up, the controversial City Hall demolition plans, and the powerful real estate interests driving it...
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NBC5, Sports Dreams & Malibu Memories | Pat Doney | Ep 229
Join episode 229 of YDC as the hosts reunite after a break and welcome NBC 5's Pat Doney to discuss his broadcasting career and memorable encounters. Get ready for candid conversations about everything from Japanese convenience store cuisine to behind-the-scenes stories from Dallas Cowboys media...
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Live from the Longhorn: Eric Nadel's Birthday Bash & Baseball Takes | YDC Special
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at legendary Texas Rangers broadcaster Eric Nadel's annual birthday benefit concert from the iconic Longhorn Ballroom. Join radio veterans as they interview music industry insiders, discuss the evolution of baseball analytics, and preview performances by...
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Majestic Memories: Behind the Curtain | Mike Schwedler | Ep 228
Go behind the scenes at Dallas's historic Majestic Theatre with general manager Michael Schwedler as he reveals how iconic venues book legendary artists like Elvis Costello, Jeff Tweedy, and Bruce Springsteen. Learn about the competitive world of concert promotion, the theater's transformation…
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True Crime, Texas Music & World Cup Fever | LIVE from Bronc's Tack Room | Fort Worth Stockyards
What happens when Your Dark Companion, Signal 51 Chronicles, Sunset Lounge Soccer Club and the Sunset Lounge universe collide live in the Fort Worth Stockyards? You get two-plus hours of Texas stories, sports chaos, true crime, music history, UFC stories, and enough randomness to make Mike Rhyner...
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Klyde Warren Park's Final Act & SMU's Dallas Bridge Builder | Kit Sawer Says Goodbye | YDC Ep 225
Join host Mike Rhyner as he sits down with Kit Sawers, CEO of Klyde Warren Park, to discuss her transformative eight-year leadership of Dallas's most beloved urban green space and her exciting transition to a groundbreaking new role at SMU. Discover how Sawers turned a deck park over a highway…
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About this show
"Whatever I want it to be about on a given day; is what it is." Your Dark Companion couples your familiar friends from radio, Mike and Grubes! Mike brings his classic interviews that draw you in, and Grubes—The Devil—drops…well the drops, and throws the occasional grenade. Mike likes to draw on his fascinating acquaintances and friends allowing them to tell their stories as you've never heard them. But he also goes outside his network, sharing Grubes' network, and often outside of both, to bring you those they don't know, but believe have a story that will make you laugh, make you think, think differently, or just entertain you…"that's what we are trying to do here."
Hosted by
Mike Rhyner