In this episode of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with acclaimed broadcaster Dana Larson for a wide-ranging conversation about preparation, authenticity, and what it really means to tell sports stories well.
Dana reflects on her journey from growing up watching football with her family to building a respected career covering the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, and some of the most meaningful moments in Texas sports history. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Mavericks’ 2011 championship parade, the University of Texas national title with Vince Young, and her unforgettable interactions with legends like Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Young, and Nolan Ryan.
The conversation also explores the changing landscape of regional sports networks, the uncertainty facing broadcasters and fans alike, and why accessibility to local teams matters more than ever. Dana speaks candidly about navigating a male-dominated industry, working through two pregnancies on the job, and how preparation became her professional foundation.
Throughout the episode, Mike and Dana return to the same core idea: when athletes, broadcasters, and fans slow down long enough to see the people behind the uniforms, that’s when sports storytelling truly works.
This is a thoughtful, honest look at sports media, legacy, and the human moments that linger long after the final score.
YDC Ep 194_ Dana Lar
⏱️ Chapters (YouTube-Optimized)
00:41 – Welcoming Dana Larson to Your Dark Companion
05:15 – From gymnastics and dance to sports journalism
08:46 – Learning every sport the hard way
13:27 – Mavericks history and early broadcasting lessons
22:30 – The uncertain future of regional sports networks
26:14 – Why basketball became Dana’s favorite sport to cover
29:45 – Building trust with coaches and athletes
34:33 – Rick Renner stories and unforgettable personalities
35:33 – Seeing athletes as real people
41:34 – Sponsor break: CBD House of Healing
43:39 – Dana’s Mount Rushmore of Dallas athletes
54:49 – Navigating the industry as a woman in sports media
1:00:58 – Longevity, preparation, and what comes next
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