The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad burst onto the field back in 1972—the same year Title IX passed, the same year Deep Throat came out, and a year before Roe v. Wade. Sarah Hepola digs into the untold stories behind the global pop culture phenomenon, from the stripper who allegedly inspired the squad's creation, to a scandalous Playboy cover shoot that was actually a battle over fair wages, to the ongoing debate about sexuality and women’s bodies in a post-#MeToo world. The result is a vibrant mix of history, cultural criticism, and storytelling, featuring interviews with New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino, award-winning novelist Ben Fountain, Oscar-nominated director Dana Adam Shapiro, local television sports legend Dale Hansen, folk-writing hero Joe Nick Patoski, and a whole bunch of cheerleaders whose names you don’t know yet—but should.
The America's Girls podcast is a captivating and thought-provoking series that delves into the world of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Hosted by Sarah Hepola, this podcast offers a unique perspective on not only the cheerleading industry but also American culture and society as a whole. Hepola's storytelling is engaging and her interviews with former and current DCC girls provide valuable insights into their experiences.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth of research and journalistic integrity displayed throughout. Hepola leaves no stone unturned as she uncovers the history, controversies, and personal stories surrounding the DCC. The interviews with alumni are especially enlightening, as they share their triumphs, struggles, and reflections on being part of such an iconic institution.
Furthermore, America's Girls succeeds in shedding light on important social issues such as sexism, objectification of women's bodies, and gender dynamics within professional sports cheerleading. It sparks meaningful conversations about these topics and challenges societal attitudes towards women in entertainment industries.
However, there are some instances where the podcast seems to lack balance or could benefit from more diverse perspectives. While it does explore the negative aspects of being a DCC girl and addresses controversies surrounding the organization, some listeners may feel that certain viewpoints or experiences are overlooked or underrepresented.
In conclusion, The America's Girls podcast is an exceptional piece of audio journalism that seamlessly weaves together history, personal narratives, and social commentary. Hepola's storytelling abilities combined with thorough research make for an engaging listening experience that both entertains and educates. Whether you have an interest in cheerleading or not, this podcast offers valuable insights into American culture through a unique lens.
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A team of investigators takes up the search for Ron Forrester and pieces together new clues about his last mission.Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join.Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.
Karoni Forrester grew up looking for her father. Along the way, she found even more MIA families like hers in need of help.Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio.Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join.Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.
In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope.Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join.Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.
A woman's search for her father—a pilot who disappeared during a mission in Vietnam—collides with the fight over what we owe those who never returned from war. From the producers of "America's Girls" and "Tom Brown's Body," and hosted by Texas Monthly writer Josh Alvarez, the show debuts April 2025.Texas Monthly Audio subscribers get early access to the show, plus bonus episodes and more subscriber-only audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to learn more.
Subscribe to Texas Monthly Audio today for access to exclusive new audio productions based on the latest issue of the magazine, in our new podcast feed TM Out Loud. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio for more.
Introducing the latest podcast from Texas Monthly, "Viva Tejano.” Latin music is ascending in the U.S., and, in some surprising ways, much of the story behind the trend begins in Texas. On Viva Tejano, host J.B. Sauceda talks with legendary tejano artists and well-known tejano music fans about how the music has shaped their lives. It's a nostalgic journey and a close look at the influences behind many of today's biggest acts in música Mexicana. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can listen to episodes one week early, and get access to exclusive bonus material. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to learn more.
From Texas Monthly comes a story of the Wild West, the first American superheroes, the legendary riders in white hats, Los Diablos Tejanos—the Texas Rangers. “White Hats” tells the true history of these larger-than-life rangers, who have become one of the defining symbols of the state. Join host Jack Herrera as we explore the fantastical tales of Ranger legends like Jack Coffee Hays, who rode into battle with the Lipan Apache chief Flacco, and Frank Hamer, who hunted down the outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. For many Texans, the white hats became synonymous with justice and protection. But many other Texans grew up hearing haunting memories of “los Rinches,” and the violence they visited upon Mexicans and Mexican Americans a century ago. On the eve of the Rangers' 200th anniversary, "White Hats" explores the Rangers' true place in Texas history. To learn more visit /www.texasmonthly.com/podcasts/series/white-hats/.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have navigated scandals and cultural shifts in the last few years. What is their future in this new world? For more on this and every episode, visit texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
From honey shots to swimsuit calendars, sex has long been part of the cheerleaders' brand. But is the provocative tease a relic of another era? For more on this and every episode, visit texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
It's not just about being the right weight. It's about having the right hair, the right skin, the right boobs, the right legs. Only a very particular kind of beautiful woman gets to wear that uniform. More on this and all episodes at texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
No appearances near alcohol. No fraternizing with players. Being a Cowboys cheerleader has always meant living by a long list of rules. But do those rules help protect the cheerleaders, or control them? For more on this and every episode of America's Girls, visit texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform is iconic, a symbol of Texas culture for half a century. But its origin story remains remarkably unsettled. For more on this and other episodes, visit texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
A group of former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders pose topless in Playboy, and the Cowboys go to court to protect their brand. For more on this and every episode of America's Girls, visit texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
The cheerleaders enjoy the glamor of sudden fame, while grappling with low pay and the dangers of celebrity. For more on this and all episodes, go to texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
The modern Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders launch in 1972 and rocket to national fame. For more on this and other episodes, visit texasmonthly.com/americas-girls.
Coming December 7th. For 50 years, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been a global phenomenon, endlessly photographed, televised and commercialized. They began as an experiment and became America's sweethearts, a very Texas hybrid of pageant beauty, good-girl etiquette, and come-hither slink. But what's always been missing from their story is the voices of the cheerleaders themselves—until now. Bestselling author Sarah Hepola hosts this journey through the wild and glamorous saga of a sideline spectacle that changed sports, fashion, entertainment, and countless childhoods of boys and girls like her.
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