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.

The modern Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders launch in 1972 and rocket to national fame. For episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

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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.

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.

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The cheerleaders enjoy the glamor of sudden fame, while grappling with low pay and the dangers of celebrity. For episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

A group of former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders pose topless in Playboy, and the Cowboys go to court to protect their brand. For episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform is iconic, a symbol of Texas culture for half a century. But its origin story remains remarkably unsettled. For episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

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 episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

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. For episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

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 episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have navigated scandals and cultural shifts in the last few years. What is their future in this new world? For episode transcripts and bonus content related to the show, visit texasmonthly.com.

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.

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 tohttp://hellofresh.com/FLIGHT10FMHelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.

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 tohttp://hellofresh.com/FLIGHT10FMHelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.

Excavations begin in a rice paddy near the village of An Thủy. But after years of digging, Karoni Forrester wonders whether the government has the right spot.

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.

Karoni and her family gather in Arlington to remember Ron Forrester, surrounded by friends and MIA advocates. For many more American families, the search for answers continues.