{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Your Dark Companion Podcast","title":"The Golden Retriever of Local News: Matt Howerton’s Wild Ride to WFAA | Matt Howerton ","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/7292729b\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":5804,"description":"What does it take to go from a small-town kid in Texas to one of the most recognizable faces on Dallas morning television?On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner and the crew sit down with WFAA Daybreak anchor Matt Howerton for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, nostalgic, and surprisingly insightful.Matt shares the story of growing up in Ennis, Texas, where his love for performing, storytelling, and making people laugh started early—and how that eventually turned into a career in broadcast journalism.From grinding it out in Waco making $25,000 a year to working his way up to WFAA Channel 8, Matt talks about the realities of building a career in media, the importance of mentorship, and why local news still matters.The conversation also dives into:Covering the Texas Rangers’ World Series run and what that moment was really likeThe legacy and pressure of working at WFAAThe evolution of media from traditional TV to digital and streamingWild behind-the-scenes stories—including defending a news truck during a Mavs paradeAnd yes… karaoke nights, wrestling fandom, and random run-ins with CreedIt’s a conversation about storytelling, opportunity, and figuring it out as you go—while trying to stay yourself in an industry that’s constantly changing.If you’ve ever watched local news, wanted to work in media, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this one delivers.⏱ Chapters0:00 — Jesse Hawila, Inside Jokes, and WFAA Stories5:33 — Mike Rhyner, Radio Legacy, and First Impressions13:25 — Growing Up in Ennis, Texas17:38 — The Signs of a Future Broadcaster20:45 — From Baylor to Breaking Into TV News25:25 — The Mavs Parade Chaos Story27:53 — The Legacy of WFAA and Doing It Right35:39 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing37:44 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Mental Health Awareness39:34 — Wrestling, Random Tangents, and Podcast Energy48:07 — Becoming a Daybreak Anchor52:34 — Building a Name in Media57:01 — Covering the Rangers’ ALCS Run1:03:09 — Inside the...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/MY5pcsVq0QCXSElEJXNsUEiC8gyrgEoWfpnhiVr9GdU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZTA1/ZjBmZGFkOTk5ZDdi/YWRmMDQ3NGZjY2Ex/ZjgxYS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}