The original 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 partly 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 legendary Democratic strategist on whether Texas is swingable and what it’ll take for Joe Biden to win.

Texas A&M epidemiologist on the critical systems being put in place to maximize safety in an uncertain time.

The pioneering vaccine scientist explains why he believes the White House has put Texas in grave danger.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs on systemic racism and re-opening in a pandemic.

On The National Podcast of Texas, the LBJ School professor and author walks us through how protest, empathy, and action can dismantle racial oppression.

On the National Podcast of Texas, the leader of the beleaguered, but beloved, Dallas carrier on what it will take to survive the pandemic.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the legislator and medical doctor weighs in on Texas’ reopening, masks and Trump’s reelection chances.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, our taco editor and the author of ‘American Tacos’ on the resilience of “the perfect food.”

On a special edition of The National Podcast Of Texas, the Baylor College Of Medicine investigator takes us inside the high-stakes world of coronavirus research and trials.

On a special edition of The National Podcast Of Texas, the high-profile philanthropist and furniture retailer on why the time is right for Texas to carefully reopen for business.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the YouTube star on how a renewed concern for wellness – our own and each other’s — might wind up as one of the pandemic’s silver linings.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the West Texas native and ex-oil rig roughneck explains this week’s record-setting price plunge and weighs its long-term impact on the state’s once-thriving energy business.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the pioneering vaccine scientist on why he believes banking on miracle cures and treatments is mortally dangerous.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the best-selling author and podcaster lays out techniques for learning about ourselves, and society, from the pandemic.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the Houston chef/restaurateur lays out how his Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund is assisting hospitality industry workers.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the legendary news anchor, fully sheltered in place, gives us his takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Q&A focused on the public health decision that sent Austin reeling.

The population geneticist professor on pandemics, DNA adaptation, SXSW and Asia’s mitigation efforts.

The former DNC Chair candidate handicaps Super Tuesday and explains why she’s looking forward to a contested Democratic National Convention.