Your Dark Companion Podcast

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 proud. Broadcasting live from Bronc’s Tack Room in Fort Worth, Mike Rhyner is joined by Steve Helms, Jake White, John Henry, Megan Anderson, Mayor Jim Ross, and more for a massive crossover episode packed with conversations that somehow bounce from unsolved murders and Cowboys history to the World Cup and country music legends. The crew dives into: The mystery surrounding legendary Cowboy Dwayne Thomas Cold cases from Fort Worth history Steve Helms’ journey through Texas music culture Megan Anderson’s transition from UFC to Hollywood Arlington preparing for the 2026 World Cup The Rangers, Mavericks, soccer, true crime, and everything in between It’s part live hang, part Texas culture documentary, and part organized chaos. And honestly… that’s exactly what it should be. 🤠 About Bronc’s Tack Room Located in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Bronc's Tack Room blends Texas atmosphere, live music, great food, and laid-back nightlife into one of the coolest hangout spots in Cowtown. Whether you’re stopping in for drinks, live entertainment, or just soaking in the Stockyards vibe, Bronc’s has quickly become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Visit Bronc’s Tack Room: https://broncsftw.com/ ⏱ Chapters 0:00 — LIVE from Bronc’s Tack Room in Fort Worth Mike Rhyner kicks off a chaotic crossover in the Stockyards 14:47 — The Mystery of Dwayne Thomas Remembering one of the Cowboys’ most misunderstood legends 19:08 — The Jay Harry Wynn Cold Case Signal 51 dives into one of Fort Worth’s strangest unsolved murders 29:57 — Texas Music, Merle Haggard & Country Roots Steve Helms talks music influences, Panther Hall, and the Longhorn Ballroom 44:46 — Live Music & Stockyards Energy The vibe shifts as the music takes over Bronc’s Tack Room 56:56 — Building Bronc’s Tack Room & Fort Worth Culture How the Stockyards continue evolving while staying uniquely Fort Worth 1:02:44 — Megan Anderson on UFC & Hollywood From fighting in the cage to life in front of the camera 1:17:07 — Tattoos, Movies & Unexpected Career Paths Stories you definitely weren’t expecting going into the episode 1:30:41 — Mavericks Drama & Dallas Sports Frustration The state of the Mavs and what comes next 1:39:46 — Arlington Prepares for the 2026 World Cup Mayor Jim Ross talks soccer, tourism, and global attention 1:48:28 — Can the U.S. Actually Compete in Soccer? The group debates America’s future on the world stage 2:00:10 — World Cup Tailgates & AT&T Stadium Madness What North Texas could look like during soccer’s biggest event 2:14:29 — Why Dallas Became the Center of the World Cup Even without the Final, DFW is getting the spotlight 2:26:41 — Sports, Music & True Crime Collide The conversation goes fully off the rails—in the best way 2:35:31 — Why True Crime Never Stops Fascinating People The psychology behind cold cases and storytelling 2:41:55 — Rangers Concerns & Trade Deadline Questions Closing thoughts on Texas sports and what’s ahead 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: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com Thanks to our monthly supporters * Matthew Kamper * W hammons * B Smith * Robert Stoolfire * Thaddeus D. Matula * Rachel W * Scott Lewis * John Clayton * 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 * Harry Perdomo * David Moore * Becca Moore * Mike Rhyner * Becca Moore ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://patreon.com/yourdarkcompanion]

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 into a thriving 2-million-visitor destination, the challenges of building public support for this innovative concept, and her upcoming role leading SMU's first-ever Dallas office to bridge the university and city. From World Cup preparations at the park to creating new models for university-community partnerships, this episode explores urban development, leadership transitions, and the evolving relationship between Dallas institutions. Thanks to our monthly supporters * Matthew Kamper * W hammons * B Smith * Robert Stoolfire * Thaddeus D. Matula * Rachel W * Scott Lewis * John Clayton * 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 * Harry Perdomo * David Moore * Becca Moore * Mike Rhyner * Becca Moore ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://patreon.com/yourdarkcompanion]

Tejas Red Fridays & Rangers Vibe: City Connect Culture | Travis Dillon & Scott Biggers | Ep 223

Discover the fascinating story behind the Texas Rangers' new "Tejas" City Connect uniforms in this exclusive episode recorded at Globe Life Field. Host Mike Rhyner sits down with Rangers executives Travis Dillon and Scott Biggers to reveal the three-year design process that celebrates Mexican culture and Texas heritage through authentic storytelling and community collaboration. Learn how the team brought back the iconic red color and block T logo while honoring the cochineal red dye tradition, Charro craftsmanship, and the meaning behind "Viva Tejas" in what may be baseball's most culturally significant uniform design. Thanks to our monthly supporters * Matthew Kamper * W hammons * B Smith * Robert Stoolfire * Thaddeus D. Matula * Rachel W * Scott Lewis * John Clayton * 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 * Harry Perdomo * David Moore * Becca Moore * Mike Rhyner * Becca Moore ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://patreon.com/yourdarkcompanion]

Rangers Bullpen Magic: Eric Nadel's Birthday Bash & Mental Health Mission | YDC Ep 222

Join legendary Texas Rangers broadcaster Eric Nadel as he opens up about his 70th birthday charity bash featuring Latin rock band Chuck Proffitt and his Kumbi Issues plus high-energy New York act Sammy Ray and the Friends at the iconic Longhorn Ballroom. Nadel shares his deeply personal journey with depression and anxiety while discussing how his annual benefit supports mental health programs in schools through the Grant Halliburton Foundation, plus gives his take on the Rangers' surprisingly dominant bullpen and new manager Skip Schumacher's intense coaching style. Don't miss the insider baseball analysis and heartfelt mental health advocacy from one of the game's most respected voices. Thanks to our monthly supporters * Matthew Kamper * W hammons * B Smith * Robert Stoolfire * Thaddeus D. Matula * Rachel W * Scott Lewis * John Clayton * 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 * Harry Perdomo * David Moore * Becca Moore * Mike Rhyner * Becca Moore ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://patreon.com/yourdarkcompanion]

Behind the Kit: John Bryant's Journey From Ray Charles to SMU | YDC Ep 221

Discover the incredible musical journey of John Bryant, a legendary drummer who has shared stages with Ray Charles, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Stuart Copeland. In this captivating episode, Bryant reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his 50-year career, including how he got the call to join Ray Charles's band within 24 hours and the intimidating night he played drums while Ringo Starr watched from the audience. From his early days in the Dallas funk scene with bands like Pyramid to his current work teaching at SMU and collaborating with Stewart Copeland on orchestral compositions, Bryant's tales offer rare insights into the music industry and the art of professional drumming. Thanks to our monthly supporters * Matthew Kamper * W hammons * B Smith * Robert Stoolfire * Thaddeus D. Matula * Rachel W * Scott Lewis * John Clayton * 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 * Harry Perdomo * David Moore * Becca Moore * Mike Rhyner * Becca Moore ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://patreon.com/yourdarkcompanion]