The Final Flight of Captain Forrester

The Final Flight of Captain Forrester

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 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. Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.

Episodes

America's Girls | Introducing America's Girls

November 28, 2021 • 3 mins
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 thro...
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America's Girls | 1. The Rise to Fame

December 7, 2021 • 40 mins
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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America's Girls | 2. All That Glitters

December 7, 2021 • 35 mins
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.
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America's GIrls | 3. Naked Ambition

December 14, 2021 • 38 mins
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.
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America's Girls | 4. The Uniform

December 21, 2021 • 41 mins
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.
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America's Girls | 5. The Rules

December 28, 2021 • 49 mins
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.
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America's Girls | 6. The Perfect Look

January 4, 2022 • 43 mins
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.
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America's Girls | 7. All-American Sexy Girls

January 11, 2022 • 43 mins
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.
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America's Girls | 8. Making the Dream

January 18, 2022 • 53 mins
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.
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Introducing Viva Tejano

November 4, 2024 • 4 mins
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 mús...
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Introducing TM Out Loud

February 28, 2025 • 2 mins
Subscribe to Texas Monthly Audio today for access to exclusive new audio productions based on the latest issue of the magazine, in our new podcast feed TM Out Loud. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio for more.
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The Final Flight of Captain Forrester

April 15, 2025 • 4 mins
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.co...
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The Final Flight of Captain Forrester | 1. The Mystery of Tiny 05

April 29, 2025 • 38 mins
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.

Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM  to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.
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The Final Flight of Captain Forrester | 2. A Daughter's Search

May 6, 2025 • 36 mins
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 to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.
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The Final Flight of Captain Forrester | 3. The Four Horsemen

May 13, 2025 • 52 mins
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 to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.
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The Final Flight of Captain Forrester | 4. The Dig

May 20, 2025 • 38 mins
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.
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The Final Flight of Captain Forrester | 5. The Final Flight

May 27, 2025 • 41 mins
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.

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Support Texas Monthly in the Signal Awards' Listener's Choice Awards

October 1, 2025 • 1 min
We're honored that "The Final Flight of Captain Forrester" is a finalist in two categories of this year's Signal Awards. You can help the show get recognized — and help the story to reach more listeners — by voting for us in the "History" and "Best Original Score/Music" categories. Cast your vote by October 9!

Vote here:
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