Did the CIA write a song to help end the cold war and topple the Soviet Union? The Wind of Change podcast is an fascinating look at how the CIA has used performers in influence culture in other parts of the world and how traces of a storyline may or may not become a conspiracy theory. Did the CIA write the Scorpion’s greatest hit or did Klaus Mein write the song? If you are a Gen Xer, you will finally learn what a “balakaika” from the song’s lyrics. The review of the music business in the 80’s and the monster concerts with multiple hair metal bands is a fascinating time capsular. This podcast reminded me that the late 80’s and early 90’s was a time when the world felt safer and united. Kind of like a Benetton ad.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been in my consciousness my entire life. During my 1970’s childhood, they were everywhere. I understood clearly that these women were something to aspire to be, sexy, thin, cute, bouncy and a sweetheart. For a girl with a large frame, this was an unachievable goal.
I remember seeing them on a 1979 The Love Boat episode where someone on the boat “taught” them a new, disco like move. They did the move 100 times. I can remember doing that move daily for a period of time in hopes of looking like those cheerleaders who had be referred to as “works of art” in the show.
Texas Monthly’s podcast, America’s Girls dives into the history of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and their evolution to the modern era. I enjoyed the perspective of the female reporter who grew up a fan, as she explores the Cheerleaders influence on pop culture and their role for the Cowboys organization. It is balanced and enjoyable. Bonus points for sending me down a YouTube rabbit hole exploring old footage of the cheerleaders I remember from my youth.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
OMG, this brought me back. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader. And I was from Ohio. They were extremely popular in the 1970s.
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We are showing our age! 🤣
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Yes, we are! LOL
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I haven’t thought about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in years, but like Kari said they were everywhere and so popular. I like your reference to a Benetton ad, another long forgotten memory.
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I can’t remember ever seeing a Benetton ad. I had to look them up — clearly, the rock I’m living under is larger than I realized, or my detachment from fashion even more complete.
When it comes to the CIA, I’ve been far more aware for years. When I lived in West Africa, those boys (and now girls, I suppose) were everywhere, and most people knew it. They weren’t running around with earwigs and dark glasses, but anyone at all plugged in to Liberian politics knew they were there, attempting to influence this or that.
As for those Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders — they’re so great. I think this says (and shows) it all!
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Major props for sharing Little Texas/Good Bless Texas! Mad my day.
If you were not in HS/College in the 80’s it would have been easy to miss.
Not sure I want to know what all the CIA has done in the name of America.
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Great post going down memory lane with your great songs Sarah! 💖👏👏
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