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 High Stadium. The crew also digs into Matt’s early morning news routine, his unexpected side career officiating weddings, and the chaos of early wake-up calls, self-applied TV makeup, and plasma donations that once funded concert tickets. If you love sports, music, and unscripted conversation that goes absolutely everywhere, this is the episode for you.
00:00:08 – Cold Open & Introductions
The crew kicks off the show with lightning strikes, baseball references, and welcoming last-minute guest Matt Howerton of WFAA’s Daybreak.
00:04:21 – Life on the Early Morning Shift
Matt breaks down the reality of a 2AM wake-up, self-applied makeup, and the chaos of prepping for a live morning news broadcast.
00:09:14 – The Von Erich Family & The Iron Claw
The conversation turns to the tragic history of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty and Matt’s red carpet encounter with Kevin Von Erich and Jeremy Allen White at the film’s premiere.
00:34:05 – Peptides, Bodybuilding & Health Trends
Matt riffs on peptides, GLP-1s, and his bodybuilder friend’s advice, with the obligatory disclaimer that no one in the room is a doctor.
00:37:47 – Plasma Donations, College Hustle & Metallica
Matt connects his college plasma-selling days to funding his first Metallica concert, launching into a deep dive on the band’s live experience and snake pit tickets at the Sphere.
00:49:02 – The Sphere in Las Vegas & Concert Philosophy
Mike Rhyner shares his Eagles experience at the Sphere while the group debates aging rock acts, concert value, and the pursuit of the perfect live show.
00:56:41 – Officiating Weddings & The Universal Life Church
Matt reveals he’s officiated six weddings, tracing the origin story back to a Vegas bachelor party prank and a surprise courthouse ceremony in Arkansas.
01:02:22 – Wrap-Up & Goodbyes
The crew sends Matt off before his 2AM alarm, thanks the audience, and signs off with a plug for the show’s socials.