Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: "Becoming A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader with Jasmine Goode"

Date: September 23, 2025
PodcastOne

Episode Overview

In this dynamic episode of Detox Retox, Tom Schwartz sits down with Jasmine Goode—TV personality and former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader—to pull back the curtain on one of pop culture’s most iconic and exclusive dance teams. The conversation explores Jasmine’s journey from New Jersey to the heart of Texas, the grueling audition and training process, the culture shock, sisterhood, physical and emotional demands, and what being a DCC truly means—past, present, and future. The duo examines both the allure and the sacrifice behind the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), offering listeners an honest, intimate glimpse into Jasmine’s life on and off the field.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Allure and Reality of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

• Emmy-nominated Netflix show revival: Tom notes the renewed fascination with DCC thanks to Netflix's "America's Sweethearts" (06:10).
• Legacy and public perception: Jasmine highlights that even as an alumnus, she hasn’t watched the new series, reflecting on her CMT experience and how it differs from today (06:22).

"I cheered Cowboys for three years. It was the time of my life... now they have this show on Netflix... I was on the first show they ever had—CMT, Making the Team."
— Jasmine Goode (06:39)

2. The DCC Selection Process: Pressure, Perks, and Personality

• Hyper-competitive tryouts: Hundreds audition, only 36 make the roster. Jasmine recounts moving to Texas with little assurance she’d make it through training camp (15:26 - 16:05).
• Not just about dancing: Jasmine stresses personality, showmanship, and speaking skills as key to selection—not just technical dance (14:24 - 15:07).
• Testing and discipline: In Jasmine’s era, new members had to pass a 100-question test on Cowboys and football history (11:45 - 12:13).

“We had to take a test. 100 questions. About the Cowboys’ history, the cheerleading history, about football in general. But I don’t think they do that anymore.”
— Jasmine (11:45)

3. Motivation, Sacrifice & The Money Question

• Passion, not profit: Both Tom and Jasmine interrogate the lack of financial incentive, emphasizing DCC is a passion project; many cheerleaders must hold down other jobs (16:13 - 17:27).
• Fringe benefits: Local celebrity, unique experiences, sisterhood, and future opportunities in dance or entertainment are common motivators (21:07 - 21:57).

"It's a passion project, really… we weren't getting paid anything back in the day. You had to have a job... I loved dancing. I wanted to be a part of the best."
— Jasmine (16:49)

4. Culture Shock: From Jersey to Texas

• Southern manners and appearance: Jasmine describes acclimating to Texas customs; “bless your heart” and always dressing up, even for brunch, due to alumni scrutiny (36:14 - 36:36).
• Strict rules and public scrutiny: Alumni monitor candidates’ behavior and attire even off duty (35:47 - 36:32).

“They took a picture of us at brunch and sent it to another cheerleader and was like, why are your training camp candidates looking like this? Because we had sneakers and jeans…”
— Jasmine (35:50)

5. Discipline, Body Image, and Mental Health

• The pressure to be perfect: Jasmine recalls public critiques of weight and appearance—worse in the CMT era than now (28:42 - 29:27).
• Mental fortitude: She compares the experience to going “into battle,” emphasizing the toll on mental health and the camaraderie required to persevere (29:45).

“It’s mentally… it took a toll on me. It's not just being the dance part. You’re going into battle. Is your mind right for this?”
— Jasmine (29:45)

6. Camaraderie, Sisterhood and Alumni Life

• Enduring bonds: DCC alumni share a lasting sisterhood, returning even decades later for reunions and special halftime performances (20:25 - 20:57).
• Post-cheerleading traditions: Alumni continue to connect, including group dances at weddings and annual events (44:26 - 44:46).

“Once you’re in, you are in. The alumni association is so tight… we do our halftime show with all the alumni from the 60s to now. Every class does a dance on the field.”
— Jasmine (20:27)

7. Changes Over Time: Social Media, Benefits, and New Motivations

• Old school vs. new era: Jasmine notes past restrictions—i.e., no social media posts in uniform, strict rules—are now relaxed; today’s cheerleaders build brands and earn extra money (26:05 - 26:36, 32:27 - 32:52).
• Stepping stone effect: Modern DCC stints can lead to careers in entertainment, choreography, or via influencer culture (27:53).

“I’m sure they're making hella money now, these girls, and they're allowed to do TikToks in their uniform. We could never.”
— Jasmine (32:34)

8. Strict Conduct & Professional Boundaries

• No fraternization with players: Dating players was strictly prohibited and grounds for dismissal (26:44 - 27:12).
• No outside appearances: All paid events went through Cowboys management; personal monetization was forbidden (27:18 - 27:51).

9. Reflecting on the Experience—Good, Bad, and Would You Do It Again?

• Looking back: Jasmine acknowledges both the hardships and the intense pride of having been a DCC, saying she wouldn’t do it now, but cherishes the memories and lessons (33:19 - 34:02).
• Changing motivations: She contrasts her era’s focus (passion, prestige) with today’s (influence, opportunities), noting cheerleading’s diminished “glamour” due to increased, diversified dance career paths (39:24 - 32:27).

"There was so many good things... Yes, I would go back, but I don't want to put my mind—my mental game—I don't think is ready for what it was back then."
— Jasmine (40:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the DCC Training Camp:
  “I cried so many nights being called into the office… ‘Jasmine, you’re clunky’. I’m like, what?” (16:06)

• On Team Prestige:
  “Every girl, you think about NFL cheerleading, you think of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders… I’ll die on this hill—the Cowboys cheerleaders are epic.” (17:36)

• On the Pressure:
  “Have you watched CMT Making the Team?… Yes, they would talk about how you looked, your image, your weight… Print it out on a board and you would see it—danger zone.” (28:56)

• On Camaraderie:
  “Once you’re in, you are in… The alumni association is so tight.” (20:25)

• On Texas Culture Shock:
  “‘Bless your heart’—that means F you. OK? If anybody says ‘bless your heart’, you know it doesn’t mean ‘bless your heart’.” (25:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Experience with DCC Shows & Becoming a Cheerleader: 06:10 – 09:21
• Auditions, Tests & Early Struggles: 11:34 – 16:05
• On Motivation and (Lack of) Financial Upside: 16:13 – 17:56
• Camaraderie and Sisterhood: 20:25 – 21:57
• Perks & Celebrity in Texas: 21:07 – 22:11
• Rules, Scrutiny & Social Conduct: 26:44 – 27:51
• Physical, Mental & Emotional Toll: 28:42 – 29:45
• Culture Shock, Dress Code, Southern Charm: 35:47 – 36:36
• Would You Do It Again?/Reflecting Back: 33:19 – 34:02; 40:36
• NBA vs. NFL Cheerleading: 45:45 – 46:30

Conclusion

This episode dives deep into the trials, triumphs, and transformations of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader—and what that experience reveals about sports, show business, and American culture. Jasmine Goode’s candor offers a vivid, personal account of what it takes to make it on the most high-profile cheer team in the world—and why, even with little financial reward, so many women still dream of donning those iconic boots and pom-poms. Tom’s curiosity and Jasmine’s honesty make this a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the world behind the DCC mystique.

For follow-up questions or to request a part two, listeners are encouraged to message Tom or Jasmine.