If you watched Season 2 of the Netflix show “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” you saw the polished ending… but not the full story of why veteran DCC Kaydianna MacKenzie walked away.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Kaydianna on the Amy Plus Podcast, we pick up after the cameras stop rolling and dive into what was really happening behind the scenes.

Kaydianna opens up about:
- Stepping into a leadership role and the pressure that came with it
- The TikTok Lives that sparked questions, assumptions, and chaos online
- Being suspended, feeling pushed to “spill more,” and how it all impacted her mentally
- Wrestling with guilt, people-pleasing, and her faith through the whole experience
- How she now sees God’s hand in closing one chapter and opening another
- The mentoring program she’s creating to help young women find their identity and confidence

This episode is emotional, raw, and healing. It’s for anyone who’s ever walked away from something they loved, felt misunderstood online, or struggled to choose peace over staying in the spotlight.

💬 COMMENT
What part of Kaydianna’s story hit you the hardest?

🕊 DISCLAIMER
All references, discussion, and any brief clips from “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” are for commentary, criticism, and discussion only. All footage and trademarks related to the show are the property of Netflix and the Dallas Cowboys / Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organizations. This podcast and channel are not affiliated with or endorsed by Netflix, the Dallas Cowboys, or the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

🎧 LISTEN
Catch both Part 1 and Part 2 of this conversation on the Amy Plus Podcast on all platforms, or at AmyPlusJoe.com.

0:00 – Why did Kaydianna really leave at the end of Season 2?
0:40 – Taking on a leadership role inside DCC
5:15 – What happened when a veteran returned and dynamics shifted
8:25 – Mid-season tension and the emotional toll behind the scenes
11:45 – The TikTok Live with her mom and the questions that exploded
16:50 – Feeling pushed to “spill more” and navigating online chaos
18:20 – Suspension, consequences, and how it all actually went down
22:30 – Social media pressure and the fear of saying the “wrong” thing
25:10 – Owning mistakes, grace, and learning in public
27:55 – Processing everything through faith and asking, “Where was God in this?”
31:20 – Remembering the joy: little girls, game days, and what DCC still means to her
34:35 – Realizing four years on the most iconic squad is still a huge gift
36:40 – Introducing her new mentor program and who it’s for
40:00 – Helping young women find their identity beyond a uniform or title
43:10 – TikTok following, criticism, and not letting the audience define her
45:20 – Amy’s “mom” advice, faith reminder, and what’s next for Kaydianna
46:25 – Where to follow Kaydianna and closing blessings

In Part 1 of this powerful 2-part conversation, former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader KayDianna MacKenzie sits down with Amy on the **Amy Plus Podcast** to share what it’s really like to wear one of the most famous uniforms in the world.

KayDianna opens up about:
- The journey from college dance and TCU to making the DCC squad
- What game day actually feels like on the Dallas Cowboys field
- The beauty and body standards no one really talks about
- Stepping into leadership as a veteran and the pressure that comes with it
- The early moments when “something felt off” behind the scenes

This episode sets the stage for Part 2, where KayDianna dives into the drama surrounding the Bahamas trip, teammate dynamics, and why she ultimately walked away from her dream role to protect her peace.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the gloss of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders brand, Part 1 breaks down the dream, the work, and the emotional cost of always being “on.”

💬 COMMENT:
What surprised you most about life as an NFL cheerleader from this episode?

🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss **Part 2** of KayDianna’s story.

0:00 – Welcome to Amy Plus Podcast & meet KayDianna MacKenzie
2:10 – Growing up in dance and dreaming of the big stage
4:05 – From college (TCU) to chasing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders dream
6:30 – Making the team: auditions, cuts, and finally hearing “you’re in”
9:15 – First time on the Cowboys field: game day chills and Thunderstruck moment
12:40 – What fans don’t see: long practices, rehearsals, and performance standards
15:20 – DCC glam: hair, makeup, and keeping up with beauty expectations
18:45 – Body image, confidence, and learning to love yourself in a uniform
22:30 – Team roles: rookies, vets, and how the hierarchy really works
27:10 – Stepping into leadership: pressure of being a vet others look up to
32:30 – Cameras, social media, and feeling watched on and off the field
37:05 – When the vibes shift: sensing tension and unspoken drama
41:30 – Heading into the Bahamas trip: excitement, nerves, and what’s coming next (Part 2)

Dr. Zenovia “Dr. Z” Gabriel joins Amy Sexton on the Amy Plus Podcast for a real, no-fluff conversation on what actually matters in skincare, especially if you’re trying to age well, clear acne, or stop wasting money on random products.

They break down the difference between subtle, natural-looking Botox vs the dreaded “stone face,” what a lip flip really is, and how to think about chemical peels and active ingredients in a way that’s safe and effective. Dr. Z also shares practical guidance on acne + acne scarring, prevention, and the most overlooked aging areas (hello, neck + décolletage).

If you’ve been overwhelmed by skincare advice online, this episode will help you simplify your routine and focus on what gets results.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome + meet Dr. Zenovia “Dr. Z” Gabriel
03:30 Style, confidence, and “doctor off-duty” vibes
07:42 Botox: refreshed vs “stone face.”
11:01 Lip flip + subtle enhancements
15:40 Family story + the Berkeley chapter
21:46 Work ethic, pressure, and pushing through
26:47 Why dermatology is pure science
31:04 The education path: choosing programs + training
39:54 Mentors, momentum, and finding her lane
44:04 Acne + scarring: what to focus on first
52:23 Prevention + skin-health mindset
56:45 Chemical peels + actives
1:03:29 Neck + décolletage: the area people forget
1:14:36 Building a simple routine (moisturizer + consistency)
1:28:20 Dr. Z’s skincare line + where to find her + wrap-up

FOLLOW / CONNECT
Amy Sexton: ig @amyplusjoe @amypluspodcast
Dr. Zenovia Gabriel
Website: www.amyplusjoe.com


👇 QUESTION FOR YOU:
What’s the one skincare topic you want a dermatologist to answer next Botox, acne, hyperpigmentation, or routine building?