Podcast Summary: The Musers The Podcast – "Dallas Sweetheart" (Ep. 22)

Original Release Date: November 19, 2025
Host: The Musers (George Dunham, Craig “Junior” Miller, Gordon Keith)
Guest: Kelly Finglass (Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders)

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode celebrates the legacy, cultural impact, and day-to-day reality of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), with special guest Kelly Finglass. As both a former cheerleader and the long-serving director, Kelly offers a behind-the-scenes look into the rigorous world of DCC, the evolution of its brand (most recently via the Netflix series "America’s Sweethearts"), and the highs and lows of unprecedented visibility and responsibility. The episode blends classic Musers banter with sincere conversation about leadership, performance, and community within one of the most iconic performing squads in America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Career Origins and Early Days (05:00–08:00)

• Kelly recounts her journey from drum major in Lindale, TX to DCC rookie in 1984, and later her surprise at still being part of DCC four decades on.
• Quote: "I've always been in performance... my background with precision and music and leadership and dance, it kind of makes sense when I look back over my life." — Kelly (05:09)
• She reflects on her disciplined upbringing, early influences (like her band director), and how a radio ad convinced her to try out for DCC.

2. The Behind-the-Scenes of Reality TV (07:51–11:50)

• Kelly traces the evolution from "Making the Team" (CMT, 16 seasons) to Netflix’s "America's Sweethearts," emphasizing changes in editorial control and increased authenticity.
• She describes an initial sense of "being out of control" with Netflix’s approach, but comes to appreciate the honest portrayal of imperfections and private struggles.
• Quote: “I’ve spent a whole career trying to present flawlessness... What’s really, to me, the most interesting and beautiful is showing the girls’ flaws and they talk openly about things, and I think it’s kind of cool.” — Kelly (10:39)

3. The Impact of National and Global Fame (12:07–13:41)

• With Netflix’s reach, DCC’s profile is at an all-time high, resulting in both excitement and challenges, like lack of privacy and a surge in high-caliber applicants from around the world.

4. Leadership Philosophy and Emotional Challenges (13:42–16:41)

• Kelly discusses the emotional difficulty of cutting girls from the squad, and how portrayals on TV (especially CMT) could paint her as "ruthless."
• The current focus is on transparency and compassion. She admits to crying more on the Netflix series: “But I care, and I think they've caught me in some pretty emotional moments.” (14:06)
• On the difference between reality show production styles: Netflix’s “fly on the wall” approach feels less intrusive than CMT’s staging and reshoots.

5. Working with the Jones Family and Notable Show Moments (17:18–23:07)

• Kelly recalls the evolution of her working relationship with Charlotte Jones, highlighting live halftime show chaos (notably, the infamous "flying doves & pyro" mishap at a Creed performance).
• Memorable Story: Birds released for a halftime show were startled by unexpected pyro. "At the end of the show when we did pyro, some of the birds met their maker... Charlotte was looking across the field at me, and she just screamed, 'If you see a dead bird, pick it up.'" — Kelly (19:06)

6. Interfacing with Celebrities and Musical Heroes (20:13–23:07)

• Kelly gushes about working with legends like Dolly Parton ("she’s everything you want her to be") and Queen (her "breathless moment" meeting Brian May).
• Quote: "My favorite picture of my career is Brian May, me and Judy are looking at each other like, what are we gonna do?" (23:03)

7. Insider Notes on Daily Life & The Demands of the Job (24:19–27:04)

• The schedule for both Kelly and the DCC is relentless, filled with TV appearances, rehearsals, live shows, tours, and USO appearances. 12–14 hour days are common.
• The DCC department remains, structurally, a part of the Cowboys Football Club.

8. Visibility, Pay, and the DCC Brand Value (28:10–32:27)

• Kelly discusses the evolution (and increase) of DCC pay and responsibilities.
• New data: A "substantial" number of first-time Cowboys game attendees cite the cheerleaders as their main draw (29:29).
• DCC’s brand prowess rivals that of the Cowboys itself.

9. Athleticism and Injury (32:27–34:05)

• Musers marvel at the level of athleticism—the show finally demonstrates the dancers' physical demands.
• Kelly relates how former cheerleaders have undergone multiple surgeries, akin to athletes or gymnasts.

10. Feedback, Improvement, and Staying Connected (33:19–36:48)

• After seeing herself on Netflix, Kelly now provides more frequent and honest feedback, aiming to foster improvement and emotional support for her squad.
• Strong alumni ties: "That's kind of the best part... we have more fun when they're gone." (35:55)

11. Fraternization Rule & Team Culture (36:48–39:51)

• On the storied “no fraternization” rule: originally from Tom Landry, but enforcement nowadays is lax. "It's not a problem." (38:20)

12. Social Media and Mental Health (43:33–46:05)

• The toxic effect of online commentary, particularly Reddit, on DCC members’ wellbeing is discussed in depth.
• Kelly’s advice to the team: "If it's not true, if it's not kind, and if it's not helpful, don't post it, don't like it." (44:29)
• Visibility has also enabled some cheerleaders to become successful influencers—but with increased scrutiny.

13. Lindale Childhood, Local Pride, and East Texas Icons (47:20–50:10)

• Kelly paints a nostalgic picture of growing up in rural Lindale, her rivalry/friendship with Miranda Lambert, and connections to Casey Musgraves.
• Favorite Musgraves’ song: "Merry Go Round, which describes Lindale and Minneola to a T." (49:07)

14. From Band Major to Cheerleader: Path to DCC (50:27–52:07)

• No cheerleading in high school—her background was band and dance.
• First DCC tryout music: "Footloose," with a solo set to "Maniac." (50:47)

15. Family, Gifts, and Lasting Relationships (52:25–54:09, 65:21–69:40)

• The importance of meaningful connections, including a touching story of Kelly sending cheerleader pom poms to George’s daughter.
• In the episode’s final moments, Kelly surprises the Musers with rare Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Barbies, a notebook, and a desk calendar—a parallel to the cheerleader tradition of awarding Barbies for artistic excellence.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authenticity on Screen:
  “What’s really, to me, the most interesting and beautiful is showing the girls’ flaws and they talk openly about things, and I think it’s kind of cool.” — Kelly (10:39)

• On the Demands of the Job:
  “I do, yeah... I don’t really even get to see emails until I’m home, and then I’ll be twisted in bed and looking at emails, and then it gets in my head.” — Kelly (25:29)

• On Fraternization:
  “It’s not a problem.” — Kelly (38:20)
  “Tom Landry didn’t want any distractions.” — Kelly (37:24)

• On Social Media Exposure:
  “I don’t read Reddit because that’s a place where the cheerleaders get their hearts broken.” — Kelly (43:47)

• On Queen:
  “When we got there, Roger Taylor and Brian May walked out, and then we were rehearsing with them and wow, Judy and I were kind of having this—we had... we had to choreograph. And then I saw these huge, big, cascading staircases, and I was like, can we dance on those staircases?” — Kelly (22:09)

• On Motivation for Long Tenure:
  “Now I’m an empty nester and the girls are my kids again.” — Kelly (58:59)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Letter of the Week & Listener Feedback: 01:08–02:59
• Introduction of Kelly Finglass: 02:59–05:09
• Early DCC Career & Leadership: 05:09–08:14
• Transition to Reality TV: 07:52–11:21
• The Impact of Netflix: 11:52–13:08
• Coaching, Cuts, and Emotions: 13:41–16:41
• Working with the Jones Family: 17:09–19:38
• Queen & Notable Performers: 20:27–23:18
• Typical DCC Schedule: 24:19–27:04
• Pay, Visibility, and Brand Strength: 28:10–32:27
• Athleticism and Injuries: 32:27–34:05
• Feedback Adjustments: 33:19–35:16
• Social Media Pressures: 43:33–46:05
• Growing Up in Lindale: 47:20–50:18
• Discussing Favorite Movies/Music: 62:08–64:12
• Gift-Giving Finale (DCC Barbie Story): 65:21–69:40

Podcast’s Signature Tone

• A potent mix of sharp, friendly banter and genuine, insightful commentary—a warm, relaxed space where even deep or sensitive topics are broached with both respect and wit.

For New Listeners

This episode encapsulates everything The Musers are known for: irreverent humor, local Dallas flavor, and candid exploration of cultural touchstones. The featured guest, Kelly Finglass, delivers heartfelt stories, industry wisdom, and highlights the evolving culture around the DCC—making for a compelling listen whether you’re a Cowboys fan or simply interested in the world of high-profile performance teams.

Listening Recommendation:
Start at [02:59] for the introduction to Kelly Finglass; the conversation flows organically from there, with highlights around the 18:55 mark (halftime shows), the 22:09 segment (Queen rehearsal story), 39:51 (the “no-fraternization” rule), and the delightful Barbie-gift epilogue at 65:21.