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Before streaming, before social media, before athletes controlled their own narrative… there were voices that told the story.
On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and the crew sit down with legendary broadcaster Dave Barnett to talk about a career that spans decades of sports, media, and moments that don’t exist anymore.
From his early days at KRLD to calling games for the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, San Antonio Spurs, and more, Barnett shares what it was like breaking into the business, surviving the grind of morning radio, and adapting as the industry changed around him.
This conversation dives into:
The evolution of sports broadcasting from radio to streaming
Why media access—and storytelling—has completely changed
The importance of mentors like Brad Sham and Bill Mercer
Stories from the Mavericks’ early days and postgame chaos
The legacy of legendary coach Dick Motta
And the strange, unexplained moment during a Rangers broadcast that still has no answers
It’s funny, it’s reflective, and it’s a reminder of how much the game—and the way we cover it—has changed.
If you care about sports, media, or the voices behind the moments, this one hits.
⏱ Chapters
0:00 — Lightning Strike Open & Pants Commitment
Classic YDC chaos to kick things off
6:26 — College Sports Chaos & Coaching Reality
Why programs are constantly in transition
13:38 — Breaking Into Broadcasting at KRLD
Dave’s unexpected start and early opportunities
17:01 — The Reality of Morning Radio
4AM shifts, no sleep, and surviving the grind
23:24 — From North Texas to the NBA
Landing a role with the Mavericks at a young age
32:34 — Career Turning Points and Close Calls
Moments that could’ve changed everything
35:52 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing
38:39 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Music Talk
42:44 — The Mysterious Rangers Broadcast Incident
An unexplained moment that still raises questions
47:22 — How Sports Media Has Changed Forever
From access to athlete-driven content
53:02 — Friendship, Reflection, and Perspective
54:16 — Dick Motta’s Legacy and Hall of Fame Case
1:04:11 — Mavericks History and Forgotten Contributions
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
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The Old Grey Wolf:
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoldgreywolf16/
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To reach out email us at: Info@Stolenwatermedia.com
Our latest segment features an in-depth discussion about the potential of CBD and cannabis, recorded live in our professional recording studio. We also showcase how a person steps into their crocs, adding a touch of everyday life to the studio. This broadcast aims to provide clear insights, making complex topics accessible for everyone watching.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
On this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner, Grubes, and the crew sit down with legendary broadcaster Dave Barnett to talk about a career that spans decades of sports, media, and moments that don’t exist anymore.
From his early days at KRLD to calling games for the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, San Antonio Spurs, and more, Barnett shares what it was like breaking into the business, surviving the grind of morning radio, and adapting as the industry changed around him.
This conversation dives into:
The evolution of sports broadcasting from radio to streaming
Why media access—and storytelling—has completely changed
The importance of mentors like Brad Sham and Bill Mercer
Stories from the Mavericks’ early days and postgame chaos
The legacy of legendary coach Dick Motta
And the strange, unexplained moment during a Rangers broadcast that still has no answers
It’s funny, it’s reflective, and it’s a reminder of how much the game—and the way we cover it—has changed.
If you care about sports, media, or the voices behind the moments, this one hits.
⏱ Chapters
0:00 — Lightning Strike Open & Pants Commitment
Classic YDC chaos to kick things off
6:26 — College Sports Chaos & Coaching Reality
Why programs are constantly in transition
13:38 — Breaking Into Broadcasting at KRLD
Dave’s unexpected start and early opportunities
17:01 — The Reality of Morning Radio
4AM shifts, no sleep, and surviving the grind
23:24 — From North Texas to the NBA
Landing a role with the Mavericks at a young age
32:34 — Career Turning Points and Close Calls
Moments that could’ve changed everything
35:52 — Sponsor: CBD House of Healing
38:39 — Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit & Music Talk
42:44 — The Mysterious Rangers Broadcast Incident
An unexplained moment that still raises questions
47:22 — How Sports Media Has Changed Forever
From access to athlete-driven content
53:02 — Friendship, Reflection, and Perspective
54:16 — Dick Motta’s Legacy and Hall of Fame Case
1:04:11 — Mavericks History and Forgotten Contributions
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
Our latest segment features an in-depth discussion about the potential of CBD and cannabis, recorded live in our professional recording studio. We also showcase how a person steps into their crocs, adding a touch of everyday life to the studio. This broadcast aims to provide clear insights, making complex topics accessible for everyone watching.
Creators and Guests
Host
Mike Rhyner
Mike Rhyner… "a little on the bumpy side, but rather likable"…so stated famously by a grade school teacher in Oak Cliff, where Mike grew up. A complicated guy, yet a guy who can do long division and remember call strike three to A Rod. Probably best left unattended. Don't expect assistance from him if a medical situation arises.
What is Your Dark Companion Podcast?
"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."