The Cheer Mom Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Cheer Mom Blog
The mission of "The Cheer Mom" Podcast is to increase parent understanding of cheerleading, and to offer resources and advice for challenges that are unique to cheer families.
In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at what truly makes a great cheer coach—and it goes far beyond winning. Inspired by the question “What would I do if I were a cheer coach?”, this conversation explores the five values that shape a healthy, high-performing team culture: leadership, trust, boundaries, presence, and intentional feedback.You’ll hear why culture at the top matters so much, how gossip and favoritism can quietly undermine a program, and why athletes thrive when coaches meet them where they are. We also dive into the importance of showing up for your team, creating meaningful bonding opportunities, and building trust without using the “we are family” narrative in unhealthy ways.Kristen also shares a strong stance on protecting minor athletes through clear boundaries and transparency, including avoiding one-on-one private contact, and explains why competition day should be a launch—not a teardown. The goal isn’t just to build better routines, but better humans.Whether you’re a cheer coach, parent, or leader in any youth sport, this episode offers a practical and heart-centered blueprint for creating a culture where athletes feel respected, supported, and empowered to grow.
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Varsity Brands settled a class action lawsuit for over $82 million dollars and cheer moms across the country are getting checks in the mail; some to the tune of THOUSANDS of dollars.
But what does this mean for you? Are you suddenly entitled to a check? And why did Varsity settle at all? This episode breaks down some of the facts surrounding the lawsuit, the settlement, and who’s cashing in on it.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
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The Cheer Mom Podcast Episode 97: A Look at Varsity Brands from its Humble Beginnings to a Multi-Billion Dollar Enterprise
https://www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/important-documents
Official settlement press release
Original Lawsuit
Settlement Filing
Sportico Article About Settlement
https://www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/faqs
Settlement Agreement
Announcement of Sale to KKR
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The cheer world lost a true legend. Here's why Jeff Webb's impact will never be forgotten.
Jeff Webb, known as the father of modern cheerleading, passed away recently in a tragic accident. His legacy shaped the cheer industry, pushing for cheerleading to be recognized globally, even aiming for the Olympics.
Many might have mixed feelings about his business dealings, but one thing is clear: those who knew him respect him deeply. His dedication inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in cheerleading.
I had the honor of interviewing him once, and even during a technical glitch, he insisted on coming back to finish our conversation. That commitment speaks volumes about his character.
Let’s remember him not just for his contributions, but for the genuine person he was.
Listen to my full conversation with him in this episode.
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Pounding head, aching feet, raspy voice, and you're just over it. Here's how to get over that awful "cheer hangover" after a big competition weekend.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Biggest Cheer Events
KBH Convention Center plans
Pain relieving gel (affilliate link)
Dirty Dr Pepper Recipe:
- 12 oz Can of Dr. Pepper (or Diet/Zero)
- 2 Tablespoons Raspberry Syrup
- 1-2 Tablespoons Coconut Syrup
- 1-2 Tablespoons Half and Half
- Optional: 1 Fresh Lime Wedge
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Kristen talks with Pro Cheer League official, Lark Wood, where they discuss the inception of the elements of a Pro Cheer League match, and the challenges faced in establishing a new competitive cheerleading format. They delve into the importance of athlete safety, the collaborative efforts between referees and athletes, and the feedback received on various games. Lark shares insights on the design of games, the excitement surrounding the league, and the community's response to the new format.
Mentioned in this episode:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUUD6KZkcjI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
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In this conversation, Kevin Jones discusses the upcoming Tournament of Champions, an invite-only cheerleading event that focuses on recognizing teams based on their skill level rather than age or division. He explains the selection process for teams, the competition format, and the significance of the event's timing and location. Additionally, he introduces the new mascots, Rex and Ruby, and highlights the collaboration with the Glow Tour. The conversation also touches on the All-Star Premieres and the new send-off events designed to celebrate teams before their end-of-season competitions. Kevin shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of cheerleading events and the opportunities they create for athletes.
Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount!Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
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In this episode, Kristen talks about what it means to stay grounded when the world — and the cheer industry — feels chaotic. From lighting candles and eating chocolate as tiny acts of rebellion against overwhelm, to navigating the nonstop noise of Pinterest-perfect hair and competition season intensity, this is part life reset and part cheer industry deep dive. She covers updates in the industry, including NCAA status for one part of the sport, and recent tension between Rebel and Varsity.
She breaks down:
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Why every cheer event brand operates differently (and why that matters)
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The Pro Cheer League hitting 1.6 million viewers — and what that signals for the sport
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The significance of Stunt earning NCAA status
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The tension between competition and collaboration inside the cheer industry
Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!
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Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
https://www.ncaa.org/news/2026/1/16/media-center-ncaa-to-add-four-new-championships.aspx#:~:text=championship:%20Spring%202027.-,What%20they're%20saying:,stunt%2C%20visit%20stuntthesport.org.
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Kristen dives into something we don’t talk about nearly enough: hormones. She breaks down the four phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle and how each one can impact energy, mood, focus, and performance — both on and off the mat. This episode is all about awareness over judgment, and learning to work with our bodies instead of being frustrated by them. Kristen encourages athletes (and moms) to extend a little more grace, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and find simple ways to support physical and emotional well-being throughout the month.
Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!
Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount!
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Mentioned in this episode:
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.phases-of-the-menstrual-cycle
Menstrual Cycle Tracking App
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In this episode, Corey Rickett - who led Cheersport Sharks Great Whites to multiple World Championships - shares how individualized coaching can change everything. He speaks candidly about building trust, creating a positive team culture, and forming real relationships that allow athletes to feel seen, supported, and capable.For cheer parents, Corey offers thoughtful insight on communication, partnership, and how to support athletes without adding pressure.This episode is a reminder that the best coaches don’t just develop athletes — they shape environments where kids can grow, enjoy the process, and become confident humans long after the mat.Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast! Enter CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for 15% off your entire order!
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
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In this episode of the Cheer Mom Podcast, Kristen heads to Indianapolis for the very first Pro Cheer League match and gives a play-by-play that’s part recap, part cultural moment. From unexpected games and skill evaluations to the very real realization that cheer might be entering its “professional era,” the event unfolds in real time. Along the way, Kristen chats with athletes, parents, and the people shaping the future of the sport—including Commissioner John Newby and cheer icons Victor and Kristen Rosario—about what the PCL could mean for cheer as a whole. The verdict? The crowd is into it, the potential is big, and while there’s room to tweak a few things, the energy feels like the start of something worth paying attention to.
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
More about the Pro Cheer League:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-things-the-cheer-industry-needs-to-know-about-the/id1510402862?i=1000714468738
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pro-cheer-league-with-commissioner-john-newby/id1636965477?i=1000739617596
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In this episode, Kristen dives into what cheer families should realistically expect from gym owners—and what they shouldn’t. Drawing from personal experience and conversations within the cheer community, she unpacks the importance of clear communication, strong core values, and transparency in leadership. Kristen discusses why accountability, openness to feedback, and personalized coaching matter, while also acknowledging the real business challenges gym owners face.
Mentioned in this episode:
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Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
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New year, same chaos — just slightly better systems.
In this episode, Kristen kicks off the year with honest reflections on the holidays, what actually helped (and what absolutely did not), and why cheer travel season deserves its own Olympic medal. She gets real about navigating perimenopause and ADHD while juggling packed schedules, packed suitcases, and packed calendars — and why “doing it all” is wildly overrated.
At its core, this episode is about simplifying where you can, letting go of the rest, and focusing your energy on what actually matters — especially in seasons that feel nonstop.
Mentioned in this episode:
How to travel like a pro
Cheer Travel Essentials
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Visit laundrysauce.com/CHEERMOMBLOG and enter code CHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your first order of Laundry Sauce
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In this conversation, Kristen talks with Alex Gaggioli, founder and operator of CheerTheory.com, about the evolution of cheerleading, the inception of Cheer Theory, and the importance of statistics in the sport. They explore various themes such as the significance of technique versus creativity, the rise of different cheer divisions, and the historical context of the large all-girl division. The conversation also touches on superstitions in cheerleading, the competitive landscape, and what makes teams stand out in the current cheer environment.
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Kristen takes a deep dive into the inaugural season of the Pro Cheer League with its commissioner, John Newby - including some Cheer Mom Podcast exclusive announcements from John and Varsity!
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Mentioned in this episode:
ProCheerLeague.com
Summary about The Pro Cheer League in episode 161
Pro Cheer League Rundown on the Let’s Talk Cheer Podcast
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Before Senior Elite was packing out arenas, before Ryan Cummings, even before Gabi Butler, there was Maddie Gardner. In this episode, Kristen and Maddie explore Maddie's journey from a young cheerleader to a prominent figure in the cheerleading community. They discuss the evolution of cheerleading, the impact of social media, and the challenges faced by athletes today. Maddie shares her experiences with Worlds-famous, “CEA Senior Elite,” her transition to a professional role in cheerleading, and her excitement about the upcoming Pro Cheer League.
In this Episode:
The video Kristen references in the intro
Follow Maddie on Instagram
Get Tickets to the Pro Cheer League Events
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In this engaging conversation, Kristen talks with comic, Brittany Ross, where they explore the multifaceted world of cheerleading, touching on personal experiences, mental health challenges, and the transition from cheer to comedy. They discuss the pressures of cheer culture, the impact of mental blocks, and the darker aspects of the sport, including eating disorders and identity crises. Brittany shares her journey from cheerleading to stand-up comedy, highlighting how her past experiences shape her comedic material. The episode concludes with insights into Brittany's podcast, 'Full Out,' which delves into the lives of individuals who have gone 'full out' in their pursuits, reflecting on the lessons learned from cheerleading and beyond.
Find Brittany:
Instagram • TikTok
Website • IMDb
Mentioned in this episode:
Cheer Competition BINGO
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STUNT is one of the fastest growing female sports in the country. Kristen talks with Bri Larson, a cheer coach and STUNT official. Bri shares her extensive background in cheerleading and the emergence of stunt as a competitive sport. She explains the format of STUNT and compares it to traditional all-star cheerleading, highlighting the differences in showmanship and execution.
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Kristen interviews S.R. Fabrico, a prominent figure in the cheerleading industry. They discuss Stacy's journey from a young cheerleader to a gym owner and author, the evolution of cheerleading competitions, the impact of so many divisions at cheer competitions, and the historical context of cheerleading. Stacy shares insights on the Pro Cheer League and the importance of documenting cheerleading history. The conversation shines a light on the trailblazers who helped shape cheer and celebrates the strong sense of community that brings the cheer world together.
Listen to the Motus Edge Podcast: https://www.joinmotus.com/podcast
Follow Stacy online:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/srfabrico_author
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/srfabricoauthor
Website: https://www.srfabrico.com/
Buy The Pioneers of All Star Cheer: https://www.amazon.com/Pioneers-All-Star-Cheer-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B0FHT2G28V
Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!
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This episode covers updates from the cheer world, focusing on the introduction of the Pro Cheer League, cash prizes for Worlds athletes, a new event called The Tournament of Champions, and important new guidelines from USASF. Ask your questions and tell us what you think in a comment or review!
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Resources from this episode:
https://www.usasf.net/files/USASF_Cheer_Rules_25-26.pdf
https://thetournamentofchampions.com/info/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/varsity-spirit-launches-worlds-first-professional-cheerleading-league-302484290.html
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-things-the-cheer-industry-needs-to-know-about-the/id1510402862?i=1000714468738
https://www.varsity.com/news/open-letter-to-the-cheer-community-from-bill-seely/
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In this conversation, Kristen talks with Keely Icardi to discuss the Adaptive Abilities Division of cheerleading, exploring Keely's personal journey into cheerleading, the differences between Cheer Abilities and Adaptive Abilities, and the Adaptive Abilities division on an international stage. They also talk about the future of adaptive cheerleading, including potential recognition in the Paralympics. Keely shares insights about her experiences with Para Cheer Spirit and the community engagement efforts to raise awareness and support for adaptive athletes.
Follow Para Cheer Spirit
Follow Keely
Watch Para Cheer's Routines on YouTube!
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In this conversation, Kristen and Dr. Shih-Shan Chen discuss the critical topic of concussions in cheerleading, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education for parents and athletes. They explore the evolving landscape of co-ed stunting, the creation of the Stunt Showdown competition, and the balance Dr. Chen maintains between her demanding career as a pediatric neurosurgeon and her role as a cheer mom. The discussion highlights the need for safety, trust in coaching, and the fun aspect of cheerleading, while also addressing the serious nature of concussions and the importance of proper recovery protocols.
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Connect with Dr. Chen and Stunt Showdown: https://stuntshowdown.com/
https://www.instagram.com/stunt_showdown/
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In this engaging conversation, Victor Rosario, a trailblazer in the cheerleading industry, shares his journey and insights into the evolution of cheerleading. He discusses the innovative themes introduced in cheer routines, the importance of fostering a positive culture among athletes, and the milestones that have shaped the sport. Victor also highlights the future of cheerleading with the emergence of the Pro Cheer League, and emphasizes the significance of personal development and resilience in athletes.
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Kristen talks with Jason Larkins, host of the Let's Talk Cheer Podcast and author of Upside Down and Back Again, a Parent's Guide to All Star Cheerleading. They discuss the benefits of the new "Flex" divisions and how Varsity pushes the sport of cheer to be better.
Find Jason:
Let's Talk Cheer Podcast
Buy his new book
Follow on Instagram
Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!
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Almost every cheer parent has likely heard the words, “I think I want to quit" from their athlete at some point or another. In this episode, we’re diving into the tough, emotional conversations that come with your athlete questioning their place in cheer. Kristen walks you through why these feelings might come up, how to respond with empathy instead of panic, and the best ways to guide your child through the decision-making process—whether that means sticking it out or moving on.
If you’ve ever faced the “I want to quit” conversation (or want to be prepared for the day you do), this episode will give you the tools, perspective, and peace of mind to navigate it with confidence.
Become a member! Shop the Cheer Mom Shop
Free download: "I Want to Quit" Conversation Guide and Journal Prompts
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I'm baaaaaack! After a summer break, the Cheer Mom Podcast returns with a new schedule and exciting updates! Tune in to hear big announcements, and how you can be part of the Cheer Mom community.
Join the all new Cheer Mom Podcast Membership!
Shop the merch store
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Kristen discusses the emotional challenges and dynamics of evaluation season in cheerleading. She emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and supporting athletes (and ourselves!) through anxiety. The conversation also explores how parents can redefine success for their children beyond just outcomes, focusing on personal growth and character development.
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Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
With the end-of-season emotions mixing with beginning-of-season pressure, it felt like the perfect moment to do a roundup episode about the most requested, most discussed, most “please help me, I’m lost in the YouTube comments” topic ever: Mental blocks.
Whether your athlete is deep in the weeds of a mental block or you just want to be ready when that inevitable moment comes (because let’s be real—it usually does), this episode is a must-listen. Share it with your cheer mom group chat. Save it for a rainy day. Let’s make tryout season feel slightly less unhinged.
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Full episodes referenced:
Debbie Love
Jeff Benson
Lain Lee
Tumble Chef
Has The Summit lost its prestige? Is it too easy to get a bid? Do some teams not deserve a bid because of their low scores? Let's talk about it.
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Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Kristen discusses the importance of celebrating small victories in cheerleading, and how these moments contribute to the emotional growth of young athletes. She emphasizes the need for parents to recognize and appreciate the progress their children make, regardless of competition outcomes, fostering a positive environment that nurtures confidence and maturity.
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
More and more, high schools are telling their athletes they can’t do All Star, and vice versa. So more athletes are having to choose, and it’s not always an easy, clear cut choice.
That depends on so much. It depends on where you live, the strength of either program, what you want to do during high school, after high school, and it just keeps going. In this episode, Kristen breaks down questions and factors to consider to help guide cheerleaders (and their parents) through the decision-making process.
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Work with me in Florida to capture your end-of-season memories!
plentyofsunshinephotography.com/cheer-sessions
"Have you ever seen Bring it On?" This is one of the many questions that make us roll our eyes in the cheer world. In this episode, Kristen addresses the misconceptions and stereotypes about cheer.
Cheer is so often misunderstood, and Kristen brings a reminder of the dedication, discipline, and passion that fuel this sport.Enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off at tccjewelry.com
Join Kristen, Dan Cotton (Cheer Biz Podcast) and Jason Larkins (Let's Talk Cheer Podcast), as they record and answer questions in front of a live audience.
Book a photo shoot with me in Florida! I'm working with athletes, teams, stunt groups and families to create unforgettable memories. Visit https://www.plentyofsunshinephotography.com/cheer-sessions to see if I'll be at your end-of-season cheer event this April or May.
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Heather Jones and her daughter, Lily, share a heartfelt conversation about the silent struggle too many athletes face with eating disorders. Lily opens up about her own battle, the toll it took on her health, and the difficult road to recovery. With the unwavering support of her family, friends, and her Stingray Allstars cheer family, she found the strength to heal. Now, as a member of the world-famous Stingray Allstars Orange, Lily is using her journey to inspire others, reminding athletes that they are never alone. Heather emphasizes the importance of open conversations and a strong support system in breaking the silence surrounding these struggles.
Lilys social media-
Instagram: @lilyyy.joness
X: lilyy_jonesss
TikTok: lilyyy_jonesss
Heather
Instagram: @heather_jones42
Facebook: Heather Jones
Eating Disorder Resources:
https://anad.org/get-help/eating-disorders-helpline/
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/
https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
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Kristen breaks down how AI tools like ChatGPT can be a game-changer for cheer moms and coaches alike. She highlights how these tools streamline communication, help craft the perfect messages, and make planning for cheer competitions a breeze. It’s an insightful, practical conversation that’s all about making life easier—on and off the mat!
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Try the Slick Stick on your own hair and on your cheerleader’s hair and experience the magic at slickhaircompany.com and enter code: THE CHEER MOM BLOG at checkout for
Cheerleading is a passion, a commitment, and for so many, a way of life. But what happens when it starts to feel like more of a burden than a joy? In this episode, Kristen breaks down five key signs that it might be time to step back—whether that means taking a break or retiring from competitive cheer altogether. If you’ve ever questioned whether to keep going or move on, this one’s for you!
Here's the episode with Jeff Benson about Toxic Cultures in Cheer
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Kristen talks with special guest Nicole 'Snooki' Lavalle, who discusses her lifelong connection with cheerleading and balancing family life as a cheer mom and a celebrity. They touch on the challenges of being a public figure in the cheer world and offer advice for fellow cheer moms.
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
It’s Q & A time, people! Kristen’s tackling big stuff that keeps cheer parents up at night — think late practices, the business side of cheer, travel logistics, and those oh-so-fun late-night performances.
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Try the Slick Stick on your own hair and on your cheerleader’s hair and experience the magic at slickhaircompany.com and enter code: THE CHEER MOM BLOG at checkout for 10% off today
In this episode, Kristen talks with Nancy Ory, whose daughter is part of the world-famous Cheer Athletics Panthers. They dive into the challenges of transitioning between a smaller gym to Cheer Athletics, the emotional journey of being a cheer mom, and the competitive cheerleading world. Nancy shares the importance of supportive coaching, a positive environment, and the dedication needed from both athletes and families. They also discuss the impact of injuries, building relationships with coaches, and the influence of social media on young athletes.
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Kristen is back at Cheersport in Atlanta for the first time in 5 years, and she's sharing all the insider tips on how to survive—and thrive—at this massive cheer competition. Plus, she had an adult athlete take the floor, and she’s giving us the lowdown on what it’s like to be on the other side of the mat with a grown-up competitor. It’s a whole new experience, and Kristen is spilling the tea on what went down!
Kristen reflects on the chaotic weekend during NCA All Star Nationals in Dallas, Texas, where an incident caused mass panic and evacuation. She shares her personal experience, the emotions felt during the crisis, and the overwhelming support from the cheer community. Kristen emphasizes the importance of connection, kindness, and healing in the aftermath of trauma, while also addressing the challenges of processing such events.
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
This episode features a special interview with Haleigh Booth and her daughter Harper, who are famous on TikTok and Instagram. They talk about Harper's journey in all-star cheerleading, their social media experiences, and how they manage TikTok fame. Harper, a seven-year-old, shares her love for cheerleading, her favorite activities, and advice for other young cheerleaders. Haleigh provides insights and challenges faced as a newer cheer mom, and both offer advice to the cheer community.
Join a cheer mom roundtable discussion, as Kristen asks common questions that begin and end with, “Is This Normal?” From dollars spent, to coaching decisions, and mental blocks, find out how other teams do it and hear advice from experienced cheer moms.
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
TCC Jewelry is for moms and athletes! Enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order at tccjewelry.com
Kristen and Coach Lain Lee talk about the never-ending commitment of cheer, and how gym culture can make or break your kid’s experience.
They also get into the very real need to have a life outside of cheer, because if your athlete's only hobby is tumbling and stunting, it might be time to reassess. Plus, they tackle how to handle criticism without losing your mind.
Cheer action shots: sometimes you get the perfect jump, or that key moment when the flyer hits their body position, or even the coaches who look like they’re about to pop a vein because they’re screaming so much encouragement to their athletes… and then, more often than not, you get the accidental, mid-tumble, eyes-half-closed, mouth-wide-open action shots of our kids. You know the ones.
Because for every perfectly timed, awe-inspiring shot, there’s at least one that makes your kid look like they just got hit by a strong gust of wind.
Kristen sits down with Jen Walker, a cheer photographer who somehow manages to make high-stakes competitions look effortless through her lens (spoiler: it’s not effortless).
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be on the other side of the camera in the cheer world—or if you just want to hear two people nerd out over the power of a great cheer action photo—this one’s for you.
Plenty of Sunshine Photography
Front Row Cheer Photos
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Kristen and TikTok Celebrity Cheer Creator, Judge Mimi, tackle the confusion of the score sheets and different cheer scoring systems around the world, focusing in on the intricacies of the dance in a cheer routine.
Find Judge MiMi on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@judge.mimi
Find Judge MiMi on IG: https://www.instagram.com/judge.mimi/
In this episode, Kristen interviews Chelsea and her daughter Houstyn, the creators of Future Flyer Face Off, a groundbreaking cheerleading competition where young athletes perform elite college-level stunts with experienced partners. They discuss the inspiration behind the event, its rapid growth, and their plans for the future. The conversation also covers safety considerations, the importance of trust between athletes and coaches, and new opportunities in the cheer community.
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Try the Slick Stick on your own hair and on your cheerleader’s hair and experience the magic at slickhaircompany.com and enter code: THE CHEER MOM BLOG at checkout for 10% off today
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter coupon code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off of your order.
Navigating bullying in cheerleading is a whole different beast—it’s not just about mean girls; it’s about the emotional minefield of female friendships. In this episode, Kristen gets real about her own experiences and why handling drama with compassion (instead of matching the energy) is the real flex.
Let’s talk about one of cheer moms’ biggest triggers - Stay to Play. Reps from Varsity talk with Kristen about what it is, who benefits, and why we run to the booking link like madmen when it goes live.
This episode is basically a love letter to all the cheer moms who want to save their sanity when traveling. From packing like a pro to breezing through hotel check-ins and actually surviving the trip home, we’ve got the tips to make travel feel less like a nightmare and more like a win.
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Links Mentioned:
https://thecheermomblog.com/a-parents-guide-to-national-cheer-competitions/
https://thecheermomblog.com/cheertravelessentials/
On this episode, Kristen Wheeler dives headfirst into the wild world of all-star cheer, comparing it to a cult—but, you know, in a loving way. From the unbreakable traditions to the wallet-draining demands and ride-or-die loyalty, Kristen serves up a hilarious yet honest take on what it really means to live that cheer life. She keeps it real about the sacrifices—both emotional and financial—that come with cheer, while dishing out some sage advice on setting boundaries and keeping your sanity intact. It’s funny, it’s relatable, and it might just make you feel a little less alone in the madness.
Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at tccjewelry.com for 15% off!
Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Going to a Super Nationals event soon? Here's a resource for parents: https://thecheermomblog.com/a-parents-guide-to-national-cheer-competitions/
The conversation covers:
Why Junior 6 teams compete at The Summit instead of Worlds.
The decision to remove Youth divisions from The Summit and the creation of the Youth Summit.
How the exclusivity of Summit bids has shifted over the years and what that means for athletes and teams today.
Wild Card rounds and the fairness of finals qualification—especially when higher-scoring teams don’t advance.
This episode serves up personal anecdotes, insider "gossip", and a dash of nostalgia as Kristen talks about the cheer unicorn that is Colorado cheer.
It’s the perfect mix of drama, humor, and heart that’ll have you saying, “Wait, I need to hear more about that!”
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Kristen sits down with Coach Lain Lee, a personal and mental performance coach who helps athletes master both their skills and mindset. From perfecting back handsprings to tackling the mental side of the sport, Lain shares powerful insights and a unique approach.
Together, they explore the concept of mental blocks: What are they really? Why do athletes face them? And how much of cheerleading is truly a mental game?
For athletes or parents dealing with fear, tumbling struggles, or other mental blocks, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could be the key to overcoming them.
Coach Lain’s resources and motivational content can be found on his website, CoachLain.com, and through his social media channels.
Link to blog post about pinning at cheer competitions: https://thecheermomblog.com/whats-the-deal-with-pinning-at-cheer-competitions/
You may think, “me too,” or, “that’s GENIUS” when you hear some Cheer Mom confessions from around the internet. We listen and we don’t judge!!!
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
You may think, “me too,” or, “that’s GENIUS” when you hear some Cheer Mom confessions from around the internet. We listen and we don’t judge!!!
In this episode, Kristen chats with Officer Dan Cotton about the art of keeping your kids safe at cheer events. We break down how to spot risks, manage online interactions, and stay one step ahead. Dan shares practical tips for parents (spoiler: yes, you do need to keep an eye on their DMs) and reminds us why open conversations and a little team effort can go a long way.
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Jeff Webb, who typically keeps a low profile in the cheer world, especially within All Star cheer, has made one of his most public statements to date.
The Cheer Collection is now TCCJewelry.com ! Use code CHEERMOMPOD at checkout for 15% off your order.
Apolla socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Read Jeff Webb's letter in its entirety here
My September 5th podcast interview with Jeff Webb
Part One of my podcast series on Varsity Spirit and the history of Cheer
My explanation of the 2022 allegations made in All Star cheerleading
Link to the New York Times Magazine Article
Jeff Webb's 2004 essay on cheer as a sport
Partial transcript of Jeff Webb's 2010 testimony in Federal Court
Other sources cited:
https://clearinghouse-umich-production.s3.amazonaws.com/media/doc/74743.pdf
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/sports/ncaabasketball/15cheer.html
In this episode, we tackle the important topic of staying safe at cheer competitions. With growing concerns about AirTags and the potential dangers in downtown competition areas, Kristen is joined by Dan Cotton, a gym owner, cheer coach, and law enforcement professional. Dan shares practical and essential safety tips that every cheer parent and athlete should know to stay vigilant and secure during these events.
Connect with Dan on The Cheer Biz Podcast
Here are some highlights:
- The truth about AirTags
- Getting honest about kidnappings and trafficking
- Safe practices for navigating competitions
- Keeping cheer athletes secure in public and hotel settings
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
In this conversation, Kirsten Jones and Kristen Wheeler discuss the importance of empowering children in their athletic journeys, particularly in the context of youth sports and cheerleading. They emphasize the need for kids to take ownership of their experiences, the challenges of athletic burnout, and the significance of fostering a lifelong love for fitness. The discussion also touches on redefining success in sports beyond just winning and preparing young athletes for life after their sports careers.
Visit thecheercollection.com for all your gift-giving needs!
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Connect with Kirsten Jones:
https://www.kirstenjonesinc.com/podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9IHuebGsZY
https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Empowered-Athletes-Parenting-Resilient/dp/1637272812
Here are some highlights from this episode:
- Parents often project their dreams onto their children.
- Empower kids to advocate for themselves.
- Creating is as important as consuming.
- We only get 18 summers with our kids.
- Adversity in sports teaches valuable lessons.
- Check in with kids about their dreams regularly.
- Model self-care and self-respect for your children.
- Every child is different; tailor your approach. Help kids set the table but don't feed them.
- Involvement is key for kids to own their process.
- Athletics should be a passion, not just a job.
- Burnout is a significant issue in youth sports.
- Lifelong athleticism is more important than competition.
- Success in sports can be defined in many ways.
- Parents should focus on the joy of sports, not just outcomes.
Kristen has often discussed college cheer and the expectations surrounding the experience, but when her daughter made a D1 college team, even she was surprised by some of the challenges college cheerleaders face. Kristen shares her honest perspective on college cheer and is joined by a very special guest to help tell the story—her daughter, Abby.
“Why would you spend that much money on cheer clothes they’ll never wear? What are you getting out of it? Why don’t these cheer moms realize that it’s a scam?”
These are questions being asked in the cheer mom community, specifically to moms who have chosen to enroll their daughters in the Rebel Ambassador program.
Kristen sat down with a couple of “Rebel Moms,” and they got very honest, never shying away from the tough questions.
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
“Why would you spend that much money on cheer clothes they’ll never wear? What are you getting out of it? Why don’t these cheer moms realize that it’s a scam?”
These are questions being asked in the cheer mom community, specifically to moms who have chosen to enroll their daughters in the Rebel Ambassador program.
Kristen sat down with a couple of “Rebel Moms,” and they got very honest, never shying away from the tough questions.
In this conversation, Kristen talks with Cheer Moms Gina and Liz, both involved in the Rebel Ambassador Talent Community. They discuss their experiences as cheer moms, the functionality and appeal of Rebel gear, and the importance of community within the Rebel program. The conversation highlights the unique relationships formed through the program, the confidence it builds in young cheerleaders, and the marketing strategies behind Rebel's success. The moms share insights on how the program fosters friendships and support among cheerleaders from different backgrounds, emphasizing the value of community over competition.
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Send in your questions to hi@thecheermomblog.com and they might get answered in an episode of the podcast!
Enter Code: THECHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your purchase at senitaathletics.com
Your perfect style awaits with Slick Hair Company. Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code: THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off.
Highlights from this episode:
Values to Look for in a Cheer Gym
Dealing with Cheer Parents
Spotting Red Flags in Cheer Gyms
The Role of Governing Bodies in Cheerleading
Connect with Danielle and NextGen: https://nextgenowners.com/blog/
Buy Danielle's book
Visit LaunchHydrate.com to discover how you can earn money while unleashing your potential and reaching peak performance at every crucial moment.
Enter Code: THECHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your purchase at senitaathletics.com
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
Financial management is crucial for gym owners to avoid burnout.
One of the most significant sources of revenue for gyms (it will surprise you!)
Staffing is key; coaches must be both skilled and reliable.
Feedback from parents is essential for continuous improvement.
A gym should show growth in communication and training each season.
Safety and emotional investment in athletes are paramount. Coaches should focus on building personal connections with athletes.
Effective communication with parents is crucial for a positive experience.
For more about Danielle and NextGen visit https://nextgenowners.com/blog/
Buy Danielle's book
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Visit LaunchHydrate.com to discover how you can earn money while unleashing your potential and reaching peak performance at every crucial moment.
For all of Kristen’s competition day tips, visit https://thecheermomblog.com/competitionessentials/
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
Competition Day Preparation for Parents
Food and Snack Hacks
Packing Tips
What to wear
Taking Breaks During the Competition
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Visit LaunchHydrate.com to discover how you can earn money while unleashing your potential and reaching peak performance at every crucial moment.
Visit LaunchHydrate.com to discover how you can earn money while unleashing your potential and reaching peak performance at every crucial moment.
Connect with Gina: https://www.cheercoachacademy.com/
Cheer competition day hair can be a big pain in my ways than one! Let's talk about which styles look the best, and which are the most functional for cheer athletes.
Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time!
visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!
Wanna jump around?
The Rise of Apolla Socks in Cheerleading
The Unique Benefits of Apolla Socks
The Shark Tank Experience
The Science Behind Apolla Socks
Building a Brand for Dancers and Athletes
The Importance of Recovery
Engaging with the Cheer Community
The Future of Apolla Socks in Cheer
Use Code CHEERMOM2024 to get 10% off your next order from Apolla!
Senita Athletic Wear: Strong, comfortable and AFFORDABLE active wear! Get 15% off with code THECHEERMOMBLOG at senitaathletics.com/thecheermomblog
The long-awaited hair and makeup blog post is finally here!
Get 10% off your order from ApollaPerformanceWear.com with code CHEERMOM2024
Visit TheCheerCollection.com to shop inspirational jewelry styles, made just for the cheer community!
In this conversation, Kristen interviews TGLC athlete, Alaina and her mom Liz, about their experiences with TGLC and the culture of being involved on the team. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about TGLC athletes, the importance of family support, and the balance between school and competing at this level.
Every Cheer Mom Freaks Out: Let’s face it, every cheer mom has her moments of freaking out, and it’s completely normal. Kristen reminds us that these moments are just part of the parenting journey by sharing her own moments of panic and stress throughout her time as a cheer mom.
Tune in for a candid, funny, and relatable episode that every parent—cheer mom or not—can relate to!
Kevin Jones played a key role in shaping the industry, from his involvement with NCA to helping create NCA All-Star Nationals.
We also discuss the significance of preseason events like the All-Star Premiers and the Game Day Rally. These events offer teams a unique opportunity to showcase their routines and receive feedback before heading into competition season.
Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of collaboration and unity among industry leaders to foster growth and success within the cheerleading community. Kevin encourages listeners to explore the various paths available in cheerleading, reminding everyone that there are many ways to get involved and find what works best for them.
Tune in to learn more about Kevin’s inspiring journey and the future of cheerleading!
05:29 Innovative Spirit Wear and Preseason Events
19:49 Transition from Competitions to Preseason Events
25:33 The Need for Innovation and Different Paths in the Cheer Industry
32:03 Collaboration and Unity Among Industry Leaders
This episode of the Cheer Mom podcast focuses on essential hair and makeup supplies and tips for competition day, including how to get a sleek high pony without the stress, the one thing everyone needs to achieve a flawless makeup look, and Kristen’s favorite makeup remover.
Cheer athlete and coach, KaNeya, reveals her hacks for quick styling, making any cheerleader competition-ready in just 5-10 minutes on day two of competition!
Click here to view detailed hair and makeup tutorials, and a full list of supplies!
Wanna jump around? Here are a few highlights:
02:17 Essential Tools for Competition Day Hair
04:52 Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Competition Hair
12:11 Makeup Tips for Cheer Competitions
26:53 Tips from KaNeya
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
The pre-competition phase is the part of the season when so many cheer athletes feel like quitting. The newness of choreography and new teammates has worn off, and now they’re just in the grueling work. In this episode, Kristen talks about how to keep athletes motivated and maintain a positive mindset.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
08:51 Tips to Get Through the Monotony
09:13 Team Bonding and Motivation Strategies
13:15 Setting Short-Term Goals and Rewards
18:09 Reflecting on their Love for Cheer
23:36 Upcoming Episode Preview
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In this episode of the Cheer Mom Podcast, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Jenny, an experienced cheer judge and devoted cheer mom. Jenny provides valuable insights into the complexities of cheer competitions, score sheets, and the art of judging. We explore intriguing questions such as how a cheer team can win despite experiencing a mishap, the significance of elite skills and technique, and why a universal score sheet may not be feasible. Kristen delves into these topics and more, peppering "Judge Jenny" with questions about the fairness of judging across the cheer industry, and the potential impact of a single mistake on a routine's score. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of cheerleading competitions, illuminating the nuances of judging and the importance of showmanship.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
13:56 The Complexity of Cheerleading Rules and Scoring
24:44 Understanding the Role of Judges
26:17 Judges' Perspective on Fairness
28:55 The Importance of Showmanship
29:52 Challenges in Scoring and Judging
39:43 Human Error in Judging
49:03 Resources for Parents
There was a series of episodes that I feel didn't get enough love and attention last season, so I am bringing back some of the best moments from all of them.
Dad Fury, Firestorm Dads, and Carl Eppolito all have their own take on cheer, but one thing they all have in common is they want to be involved in cheerleading and supporting their girls.
Share this episode with your favorite cheer dads and maybe they'll get some fun inspiration from these dynamic groups of cheer dads from all over the country. Cheer doesn't have to be all about glitter and makeup, and these dads have found their special sauce to get involved and have fun in the process.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
8:08 DadFury and their mission
13:22 FireStorm Dads and their first impression of a cheer competition
16:40 Carl Eppolito's thoughts on all the different levels in All Star Cheer
Special guest, Jeff Webb, the founder of UCA and Varsity Spirit, shares his journey from being a high school and college cheerleader to managing NCA and ultimately building his own cheerleading empire. He offers behind-the-scenes stories of founding UCA, overcoming challenges, and witnessing the sport’s evolution over the years. The conversation touches on the international growth of cheerleading, the push for Olympic recognition, and the critical focus on safety. Jeff also reflects on the joy he’s found in his career and his ongoing passion for advancing the sport globally.
Kristen answers questions about must-haves for cheer athletes, whether or not USASF standards are optional, and the decision-making process of moving from prep to elite cheer.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
05:27 Must-Have Cheer Gear
12:14 Competition Realities and Strategies
20:53 Governing Bodies in Cheerleading
21:32 Understanding USASF and Its Role
24:16 Limitations of USASF Authority
30:56 Deciding Between Prep and Elite Cheer
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The episode dives into the specifics of different types of tumbling mats and the progression of tumbling training. Cory - a former tumbling coach and current AirTrack rep - explains the differences between dead mats, spring floors, rod floors, and Airtracks. Cory gives recommendations for home tumbling equipment and drills - with a few caveats and coaching disclaimers, of course!
Visit getpomi.com/podcast to learn more and see how you can be better protected from the “what-ifs” that happen in cheer.
Find Cory in the chat at https://airtrackus.com/ or cory@airtrackus.com
Kristen explains the significance of championship gifts and tokens in the cheerleading world, highlighting the differences between various competitions. From banners and trophies at local events to coveted Letterman jackets at major events like NCA, the episode dives into what athletes receive when they win a regional event or a large, Super National competition. A special focus is given to the custom-designed championship rings crafted by renowned designer Santwon, whose intricate and thoughtful designs have made a significant impact on the cheer community. Kristen and Santwon have a chat on stage at the All Star World Championship, discussing the inspiration and detailed process behind his iconic rings, and emphasizing his unique relationship with coaches and athletes.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
00:24 Types of Championship Gifts
01:50 The Coveted Championship Jacket
04:31 The Customization Process of Championship Rings
09:08 Championship Ring Design
10:51 Interview with Santwon
13:15 Santwon’s Journey and Insights
16:25 The Creative Process Behind Ring Design
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
Use code: POD15 at TheCheerCollection.com for 15% off your order.
Ambassador applications for The Cheer Collection are open! Tap here to learn more.
It’s the 100th episode of The Cheer Mom Podcast, and part two of the conversation with Justin Carrier! Today, Kristen and Justin get into the nitty-gritty of some of the hard-hitting questions you all have had in recent months: Scoring, fair judging, and how Summit has become such a big deal.
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
Use code: POD15 at TheCheerCollection.com for 15% off your order.
Ambassador applications for The Cheer Collection are open! Tap here to learn more.
Justin Carrier is a foundational figure in the cheerleading industry, and has been on the list of "dream guests" for the podcast since before the first episode even aired.
From being one of the first athletes ever to compete in the bandshell in Daytona, to his current role overseeing NCA and Varsity Spirit, Justin has made big contributions to the sport of cheer.
This episode is part one of a two-part interview, and Justin shares insights about the differences between UCA and NCA College Nationals, why he believes NCA All Star has become the premiere cheer event of the season, and all those pesky announcements he has to make in that arena.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
05:52 Justin's Cheerleading Journey
15:30 The Evolution of Cheerleading Skills
22:57 UCA vs. NCA College Nationals
29:53 The Legacy of NCA All Star Nationals
40:26 The Future of NCA: Changes and Challenges
43:31 Varsity Spirit: Enhancing the All Star Experience
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
Use code: POD15 at TheCheerCollection.com for 15% off any jewelry purchase!
This is Part 3 in the series that dives into how Varsity Brands became a multi-billion dollar business. Make sure you go back and listen to Parts 1 and 2!
In this episode, we're diving into some common questions and concerns about Varsity Spirit. Finalist pin shortages, missing champion jackets and medals at competitions, the inclusion of Disney tickets in event registration fees, and the stay-to-play policy: they're concerns of cheer parents everywhere, and I'm tackling the answers.
Try to approach the information in this episode with an open mind as I give a few insights into the economic and logistical challenges underpinning cheer events that even Varsity isn't immune to.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
04:37 Varsity's Valuation Explained
09:47 Common Complaints About Varsity
15:54 Disney Tickets and Cheer Events
25:49 Stay to Play Controversy
Visit TheCheerCollection.com and enter code: POD15 for 15% off your purchase.
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
Today, we look at the intricate history and business strategies of Varsity Brands. To the best of my ability, and after months of research, conversations with people in the cheer industry, and a deep dive down some really strange rabbit holes, I’m giving an overview of Varsity's evolution from its inception in Jeff Webb’s humble apartment to the billion-dollar business that it is today.
We’re going to learn how All Star cheer came into play in all of this, and impactful ways cheer parents can address their concerns - especially when it comes to the high expenses of cheerleading.
Wanna jump around? Here are some of the highlights:
05:55 The Origins and History of Cheerleading
08:03 The Rise of Varsity Brands
18:38 The Birth of All-Star Cheerleading
22:30 Varsity's Business Moves and Acquisitions
30:02 Varsity's Market Domination
36:31 Private Equity Influence
41:25 The Controversial Stay-to-Play Policy
50:48 The Role of Gym Owners and Parents
Visit TheCheerCollection.com and enter code: POD15 for 15% off your purchase.
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
This episode is Part 1 is a series about the rise of Varsity as a dominant force in the cheer industry. In order to understand how Varsity became Varsity, we have to start at the very beginning: a very good place to start, according to Dame Julie Andrews and her friends, Rogers and Hammerstein.
Cheer started in the 1800s, but it looked very different from what it does today, including the little detail that women weren’t even included on cheer teams. But two key figures took cheer to the next level: one in 1948, and the other - his protegee - in 1974. Their names are Lawrence Herkimer and Jeff Webb, respectively.
Kristen also covers fun trivia, like the first cheer uniform, the origin of the spirit stick, and how color television prompted the invention of the pom-pom.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
10:41 History of Cheerleading: The Early Years
15:12 Lawrence Herkimer: The Father of Cheerleading
30:33 Jeff Webb and the Birth of Varsity
Visit TheCheerCollection.com and enter code: POD15 for 15% off your purchase.
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In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized cheerleading as a sport. So, what does that mean, and when will we see it on the athletic world’s biggest stage? The answer isn’t exactly simple or clear.
This episode breaks down my (limited) research of the process to be included in the Olympics, next steps for the International Cheer Union, and a few of the roadblocks that may stand in the way.
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If you want to dive down the rabbit hole that I did, HERE’S A LINK TO all of the sources I pulled from for the information in this episode.
The All Star World Championship started just a few years ago and has grown exponentially since. With 1,600 teams competing in 2024, it has grown into the biggest all star cheer competition in the world.
I talk with two of the owners and the creators of All Star Worlds, Heidi Weber and David Owens, about what it takes to put on an event this large, the challenges they face, and things that cause delays in the schedule.
I also ask Heidi and David the question that has been on many minds for the 2025 All Star Worlds. They give their honest answer, and what the future of the event holds.
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Jamison Alford is a seasoned cheer competition announcer, and he shares his journey into announcing, his role in ensuring competitions run smoothly, and the challenges of the job.
The announcer plays a big role in timing, handling technical difficulties, and providing encouragement to cheer teams during an all star competition. The episode also includes practical advice for coaches and thoughts on expanding career opportunities within the cheer industry.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
01:30 Cheer Content Creators and Competition
03:21 Interview with Cheer Announcer Jamison Alford
07:35 The Role and Challenges of a Cheer Announcer
18:16 Safety Protocols and Emergency Situations
19:31 Role and Responsibilities at the Music Table
20:05 Technical Tips for Smooth Performances
21:20 Challenges with Music Devices
22:27 The Importance of Music Quality
29:19 Announcer's Rituals and Tips
30:36 Career Opportunities Beyond Competing
31:35 Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe
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Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
This episode features Coach Orby Orta from the California All Stars, discussing his approach to coaching, and what it means to be coachable; not just for athletes, but for parents and COACHES as well.
Coach Orby shares insights on effective coaching styles, the value of establishing strong relationships with athletes, and how to adapt coaching methods to meet the evolving needs of today's athletes. He also touches on parental involvement, addressing common issues such as setting realistic expectations and the importance of parent-coach communication.
The discussion underscores the significance of trust, innovation, and love for the sport in building successful and cohesive cheer teams. It's no wonder Orby has coached so many successful teams and athletes!
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
04:54 Guest Introduction: Coach Orbie Orta
08:06 Coach Orbie's Journey in Cheerleading
09:11 The Importance of Passion in Coaching
10:47 Training and Creativity in Cheerleading
17:28 Balancing Coaching Styles and Personal Relationships
20:15 Building Relationships with Athletes
26:55 Addressing Toxic Coaching Cultures
29:52 The Importance of Being Coachable
32:38 Parental Influence on Athlete Development
40:24 Transitioning Athletes to New Coaching Styles
46:41 The Value of Building Relationships with Parents
CONTENT AND TRIGGER WARNING This episode contains subject matter that may trigger some. Please take care while listening.
The battle between Monica Aldama and USA Cheer continues as Monica calls the organization out for keeping her on the suspended list, costing her business deals and her reputation. Monica also names Madi Lane in the lawsuit and gives her account of what happened after an event that occurred in September of 2021, which is described in Madi Lane's original lawsuit against former athlete Salvo Amico, Coach Monica, and other Navarro College officials.
This episode carefully navigates the lawsuit, detailing the accusations, responses, and impacts on Monica's personal life and career.
I've covered this saga in multiple previous episodes, which are linked below.
Wanna jump around? Here are some key details:
04:11 Recap of the Lawsuit Against Coach Monica Aldama
05:15 Understanding Lawsuits and Allegations
09:41 Coach Monica's Response
11:28 Details of the Lawsuit
32:59 Monica's Emotional Struggle
33:22 USA Cheer Suspension
36:52 Accusations against Safe Sport and USA Cheer
41:18 Describing Varsity Brands as a Monopoly
48:01 Monica's Allegations and Damages
56:08 Conclusion and Reflections
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tXeUGCCgUlKgKcKpufVY-wpVEwiPE4Yj/view
https://bleav.com/shows/the-cheer-mom-podcast/episodes/coach-monicas-beef-with-usa-cheer/
https://bleav.com/shows/the-cheer-mom-podcast/episodes/updates-on-varsity-law-suits-coach-monica-and-is-nca-getting-a-new-home/
https://bleav.com/shows/the-cheer-mom-podcast/episodes/navarro-cheer-bombshell/
Link to law suit brought against Monica Aldama
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"WHY do I need to sign her up for private lessons? Cheer is already expensive enough!" That was my mindset as a new cheer mom. I wasn't wrong, and if you are thinking the same thing you're not wrong either. Then I started to look into private lessons and learned a few things. I'm sharing my thoughts as a 12-year veteran cheer mom now!
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
14:19 The Value of Personalized Coaching
18:16 The Importance of Private Lessons
19:19 Types of Private Lessons
20:49 Building Athlete-Coach Relationships
22:22 Dealing with Different Coaching Styles
25:31 Choosing the Right Coach
27:48 Parental Involvement in Private Lessons
30:14 Cost-Effective Alternatives to Private Lessons
34:14 Strength and Conditioning Tips
36:23 Improving Stunting Skills
Toxic cultures in cheer exist. The stories I've heard from so many of you are heartbreaking, and the language and styles that some coaches and owners are using are unacceptable. I am outraged on your behalf.
So, I called Jeff Benson, who is an expert on communication and developing a healthy mindset and culture specifically in cheer.
Jeff explains what it means to be psychologically safe and provides insights and practical tools for parents and coaches to foster healthier environments. The discussion covers the importance of a growth mindset, effective communication strategies, and the role of parents in recognizing and addressing toxic behaviors. Jeff emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to creating champion-minded cultures in cheer gyms.
Connect with Jeff:Instagram
YouTube
Mentioned in this episode (some links may be affiliate links, which means I get a small portion of your purchase, which helps the podcast!):Join me at The Cheer Collection's Premiere Party in Dallas!
Crucial Conversations book
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights in the episode:15:44 Tackling Toxic Traits in Coaching
38:19 Understanding Emotions: The Stoplight Metaphor
38:49 Handling Red Light Emotions
39:39 Gathering Information and Addressing Concerns
41:51 Psychological Safety and Emotional Regulation
45:48 Toxic Culture and Fixed Mindset
49:50 Effective Communication
01:00:03 Balancing Values: Winning vs. Well-being
01:13:50 Champion Minded Culture: Tools and Resources
01:18:58 Changing the Culture of Cheer
I had an engaging conversation with fellow Cheer Mom, Heather, who asked me some insightful questions. We talk about the importance of family focus, effective communication, and maintaining boundaries to keep young athletes grounded. Listen to my personal stories and a little bit of "tea" on the time I lied to my kid right before a competition!
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
05:43 Challenges and Surprises of Cheer Parenting
15:17 Balancing Cheer and Family Values
24:48 What's next for me?
Join me in Dallas, Texas on July 18th for a very special event! Find out more here.
I had an insightful conversation with my friend Candice from No Limit, Live from the All Star World Championship in Orlando. We talk for a few minutes about the evolution of cheer shoes, but then we dive into balancing being a cheer mom and a cheer business woman. The episode also highlights the what a big crush we both have on TGLC, upcoming events, and mentorship opportunities within the cheer industry.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights from this episode:
08:52 The Importance of Cheer Shoes
14:54 Balancing Business and Cheer Mom Life
18:54 Building Trust in the Cheer Community
22:50 Flight Crew and Mentorship Program
25:56 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
Join me at the Premiere Party, hosted by The Cheer Collection! Buy your tickets here: https://thecheercollection.com/premiere-party
For more information about No Limit, visit www.nolimitsportswear.com
I was nominated for a Globey Award! Vote for me here.
Mentioned in this episode:
https://thecheermomblog.com/cheer-team-crossovers-is-it-worth-it/
In my opinion, there are at least 6 questions you need to ask in order to ensure a smooth decision-making process when it comes to cheer crossovers, and I'm going through all of them.
Special guests Maggie and Stephen from Flyer Athletics, Tyler, Texas, join in to share their experiences of running a D2 gym. They talk about the intense competition they crave, their gym's culture, and the balance between pushing athletes and nurturing their skills. With stories about community-building and the emotional rollercoaster of team placements (even for the coaches!), this episode offers an insightful look into the world of competitive cheerleading from a D2 perspective.
Purchase The Cheer Dad Survival GuideFollow Coach Maggie
Follow Coach Stephen
Learn more about the Premiere Party this summer!!!
Wanna jump around? Here are some notable moments in this episode:
07:15 The Journey of Flyer Athletics: From Cheer to Entrepreneurship
11:53 Choosing the All Star World Championship: A D2 Gym's Perspective
16:55 Setting High Standards in a Small Gym
20:48 Competing with Pride
22:36 Fostering a Competitive Edge and Community Support
23:14 Embracing the D2 Identity: More Than Just a Number
24:31 Navigating Athlete Loyalty and Gym Culture
27:56 Setting High Standards and Encouraging Growth
34:47 The Complex Puzzle of Team Selection
38:52 Balancing Encouragement and Realism in Coaching
Cheer requires a high level of time, finances, and sacrifices not just from the athlete, but from the people in his or her life. Here are the details from this episode:
With the upcoming cheer season in mind, I HIGHLY suggest having discussions about team placements, setting personal goals, and considering what sacrifices are acceptable for cheerleading with your athlete and among your family. Financial implications, the importance of matching family values with the gym's, and defining success within cheerleading are just a few of the things you need to consider.
This episode of The Cheer Mom Podcast provides guidance on managing expectations, the impact of cheer commitments on school and academics, and the importance of loving the sport beyond team placements. These ten specific questions are meant to prompt discussions about managing expectations for the upcoming season.
Wanna jump around? Here are some key points within the episode:
02:36 Diving Into the New Cheer Season: Expectations and Preparations
04:48 The Essential 10 Questions for Cheer Families
15:51 Defining Success and Setting Personal Goals
24:41 Evaluating Team Placement and Managing Expectations
30:18 Aligning Gym Values with Family Priorities
32:07 Navigating Sacrifices and Setting Boundaries
Mentioned in this episode:
Qualities to Look for in an All Star Cheer Program
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In this episode of the Cheer Mom podcast, Kristen interviews Abby from Rebel Athletic. They discuss the recent Rebel Couture trip to Beijing and the incredible experiences they had there. They also talk about the upcoming Rebel Casting Call and what it takes to be Casting Call-ready.
They highlight the importance of authenticity, confidence, and building relationships within the Rebel community. They also discuss the Rebel ambassador program and the positive impact it has on participants, including increased confidence and the opportunity to be part of the Rebel against Bullying movement. The episode ends with a surprise gift for Kristen from Abby.
Key takeaways:
- The tryout season in cheerleading can be a stressful and vulnerable time for athletes and their families.
- Trying out at two different cheer gyms can have various motivations, including finding a better fit, experiencing different cultures, or seeking feedback from multiple sources.
- It is important to consider the values, goals, and long-term lessons being taught when making decisions about cheer gym tryouts.
Join The Cheer Mom Hive Facebook GroupLeave a review for the podcast (it REALLY helps!)
While I hope your athlete never gets injured, it's important to be as best prepared as we can to support our kids through injury. In this episode, I talk with two other cheer moms whose athletes suffered injuries that changed their season. We talk about our mama hearts, how we support our athletes, and even the good that can come out of a tough situation.
Sponsor: Visit getpomi.com/podcast to learn more
Mathew Lunsford has been in the sports marketing scene for over a decade; negotiating brand deals for athletes, one even at $1 million dollars. He has recently become part of the cheer scene and has noticed huge gaps in how - or even if - cheer athletes get paid.
In this episode, Mat and I talk about how he intends to change that.
Learn more about CHEER FARE: a marketplace that connects cheerleaders with brands that pay.
Connect with Mat
Connect with me
Carl is a single dad who dove right into the cheer world. When his daughter developed a passion for cheer, Carl learned hair, makeup, and got involved right away.
He talks about the learning curve, his observations of our sport, and when he knew it was time to switch gyms.
Follow Carl on Instagram
You've probably seen them at a competition or all over social media: Dad Fury has taken the cheer world by storm
Chad and Andrew represent this amazing group in today's episode. They talked with me a bit about how they started, and what their mission is. Give these guys a high five if you see them at a nearby competition. Maybe they'll inspire dads from your gym to follow suit and be a hype squad for your athletes.
Original Air Date: Nov. 1, 2022
You asked, and we listened. By popular demand, it's an episode all about college cheer! And I got to talk to one of the best in the industry: The head coach of Texas Tech cheer, Bruce Bills.
Coach Bruce has been involved with this program for TWENTY. YEARS. He led the Tech coed team to their first large coed D1 Championship. He's been named coach of the year by the College STUNT Association. He knows what he's talkin' about, and he was so gracious to spend some time with me.
I took to our Facebook group and asked you all what you would ask a college coach. You had great questions, and coach Bruce answers all of them in this episode. Questions like, what does it take to be a college cheerleader? Are clinics required? Do athletes need to have a cheer social media account, and if you're a girl, can you make the team if you're not a flyer or tumbler? This episode is highly informative, and I know you'll enjoy it!
End-of-Season Gifts with The Cheer Collection https://thecheercollection.com/
Email Kristen at hi@thecheermomblog.com with questions and comments
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Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions
Today we are talking with a very special cheer dad. His name is Steven and we talk about how he and his fellow cheer dads started a movement in their gym, and how that is now spreading to other programs. You may have seen groups out there where the dads are the hype squad - they die their beards (the glitter ones are the best), they wear bright colors, matching jackets, they roll in with their rolling stereo and hype their athletes up. It's something that is just so special.
Listen to the episode and learn a little more about how it all got started and where it came from. Thanks, Steven!
Episode Mentions:
End-of-Season Gifts with The Cheer Collection https://thecheercollection.com/
Email Kristen at hi@thecheermomblog.com with questions and comments
Join The Cheer Mom Hive on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive/
Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecheermomblog
Follow The Cher Mom Blog on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cheermomblog?lang=en
Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions
Cheer has taken Samantha Ryan all over the world, and has catapulted her into becoming a beloved role model in the industry. She has participated on teams at every level, and is currently in her second year as a Navarro Cheerleader.
Samantha talks with me about her young days in cheer, cheer hairstyles, and even the 'competition morning attitude.' She gets vulnerable too, and opens up about topics that she wishes more people in cheer would talk about.
This is such a special episode for both parents and athletes!
Follow Samantha Ryan on Instagram
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It's high school cheer tryout season, and Hannah Stockman, former coach of a National Champion Varsity team, talks with me all about how cheer athletes - AND their parents - can be best prepared for tryouts!
Cheer practice is unique to any other sport because if one athlete is missing, the whole team suffers. Attendance is super important, and cheer gyms are cracking down on their policies. But when is it okay to miss? When is it okay NOT to miss? Let's discuss.
In part 2 of my fun with Dan and Jason, we talk about the score sheet: everything from what "Hit Zero" means, all the way to the nuances of the point system, drivers, and what can make or break a cheer routine.
Dan addresses just why cheer is so expensive, from a business perspective; what drives costs up and what drives our tuition. I hope it's as enlightening to you as it has been to me, as I've learned about the business side of cheerleading.
Listen to Dan's podcast
Listen to Jason's Podcast
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I am joined by Jason Larkins, host of the Let's Talk Cheer Podcast, and Dan Cotton, host of The Cheer Biz Podcast, and we answer your questions from our own perspectives.
Listen to Dan's Podcast
Listen to Jason's Podcast
Let's answer some of the questions I have been getting lately!
Is NCA changing locations next year? What's the difference between Worlds & All-Star Worlds? Can D2 teams compete at Worlds? Is it possible to not get a Summit bid?
All of these answered and more.
Episode Mentions:
Email Kristen at hi@thecheermomblog.com with questions and comments
Join The Cheer Mom Hive on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive/
Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecheermomblog
Follow The Cher Mom Blog on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cheermomblog?lang=en
Shop our cheer-inspired jewelry collection! https://thecheercollection.com/
Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions https://www.twistedcutz.com/
Today I'm interrupting our regularly scheduled programming to talk a little bit about the score sheet, and how your team's score sheet can be negatively impacted before your athlete even hits the mat.
Episode Mentions:
End-of-Season Gifts with The Cheer Collection https://thecheercollection.com/
USASF Cheer Rules https://usasfmain.s3.amazonaws.com/Worlds/docs/19-20/Cheer/usasf_worlds_cheer_rules-regs.pdf
Summit Rules https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VAS_Summit_Rules_22.pdf
Summit Championship Rules https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Summit-Championship-Rules-23.pdf
EPCOT Cheer Parent Incident https://www.disneyfanatic.com/cheerleading-team-bullied-disqualified-after-parents-seen-swimming-in-epcot-fountain-ks1/
Email Kristen at hi@thecheermomblog.com with questions and comments
Join The Cheer Mom Hive on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive/
Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecheermomblog
Follow The Cher Mom Blog on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cheermomblog?lang=en
Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions https://www.twistedcutz.com/
All right. There are a lot of overwhelming, confusing things about cheerleading. That's probably why most of you are here listening to the podcast, why you follow the Cheer Mom blog on social media, why you've read any one of my blog posts or emails.
Because the majority of us walk into our first cheer competition our athlete's first cheer practice and we go, "Whoa... what is this?"
And in some ways that feeling never goes away. So, as I've been at your events this season, I've kind of been just like jotting down little notes about like, I don't get it. That's confusing. You guys, I've been doing this 12 years and I still walk around going, I don't understand.
This is confusing. Why do we do this? Why is it this way? So this episode is really just gonna be a vent sesh and commiseration over things in cheer that just don't make sense to me. That are just confusing. Maybe you can relate to some of them. I don't have a solution. It's not like a problem solution episode where it's like, I was confused about this, and then I found out it's that.
No, not really. It's just going to be me getting on my soapbox and talking about things that are confusing. You ready?
Everything You Want to Know About Bids
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Today's episode is going to answer a few of the common questions that are asked in all of the Facebook groups. "How do I support my athlete at home? My athlete wants to improve their skills. What do we need to be working on with them at home to make that happen? What's the best tumbling mat? What is the best Airtraq? What kind of exercises should they be doing?" etc.
If you are not part of the Cheer Mom Hive Facebook group, we are over 8,000 members going strong. And there are some really helpful people in there asking and answering questions and offering support.
And one of them is Coach Sunni Wheeler. Yeah, fellow Wheeler, no relation. Coach Sunni has been a gymnastics coach and a cheer coach for many years. And she is also a content creator on Tik Tok and has some really funny videos about coaching and what it's like from a coaching perspective.
She caught my eye in a Facebook group talking about what your athletes should and should not be doing at home from a coaching perspective. We dive deep into that today and her answers really intrigued and surprised me.
Follow Coach Sunni on TikTok!
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Today's episode we're here to talk about college cheer from the perspective of an actual college athlete. But not in a way that you might think. Cheerleading in college is something that I think a lot of times as parents look to as a status symbol.
And it is especially now, seeing your cheerleader make a college team can mean all kinds of opportunities. Like an incredible game day experience that not many people get to have. It is a built-in community. It's almost like a sorority of its own, like unofficially.
Being on the cheer team may provide additional resources. Like access to. Athletic meal plans or venues that they might not otherwise have experienced. Those are all good things. Campus life, the letter jackets, all of the automatic things that we think about when it comes to college cheerleading.
But one thing that you may not be thinking about, I certainly hadn't, is the other opportunities that being on a cheer team in college bring that are applicable to what the students may be studying. So I got to sit down with a University of Colorado Boulder cheerleader.
Joie is a senior at CU Boulder. She has been in cheerleading for so much of her life and went on to be a college cheerleader. My daughter introduced Joie to me and mentioned she was the social media captain for the cheer team.
I never really thought about that being an official position or official role within the cheer team. And I honestly never thought about a student running the social media account. How cool is it that a student not only gets to run the social media account, but there's a role for like social media and marketing captain. It turns out she was a marketing and advertising major.
I won't spoil the rest of the interview, but Joey and I talk about the opportunities afforded to her and potential opportunities that could be afforded to your athlete by being a part of the cheer team at their college or university and what that can translate into beyond a great game day or spirit or campus life experience. Joie is such a sweetheart. She took time out of her two and three a day practices during national season to talk to me and Joie, I just appreciate you so much. You're going to do amazing things.
Colorado Buffs Cheer
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When we say NCA, for a lot of you that could mean different things. But usually when people say NCA they are talking about NCA super nationals in Dallas, Texas. Usually the end of February or the first weekend of March. It is one of the biggest cheer competitions in the world, even surpassing the Summit. It surpasses Worlds in terms of attendance, and in some cases even hype.
I've been getting a lot of questions about different parts of NCA so I thought I would take a minute (or two or three or 20) and talk about the different aspects of NCA weekend. What to expect what's worth it. What's not worth it in my experience. What it's all about. So here we go.
A Parent's Guide to National Cheer Competitions
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TGLC will always have a special place in my heart, but there is another team that has caught my attention this season and we have to talk about them.
No, it is not another world's team. It is the medium youth level one Kitty Katz from Cheer Athletics Plano.
I am a fan. I am obsessed. It's the whole institution that is Kitty Katz, including one of their coaches, Coach Cam.
Do not overlook level one teams. Do not overlook youth level teams. That NCA jacket, that summit ring looks just as good on a level one finger as it does on a level five finger is all I'm going to say. I am vying for my spot to be an honorary kitty-kat. Whatever it takes. I feel like I have what it takes to be an honorary member of this team.
Cam & I talk about the importance of the level one and two teams, and the importance of youth level athletes. I think that sometimes we get wrapped up in the big show and the allure of these advanced level teams that we forget about the foundation of these beginner level teams.
We also talk about the parent coach relationship and the parent athlete relationship. When it comes to those younger athletes, I think a lot of times I get carried away with philosophies and advice about your athletes advocating for themselves and taking a quieter or more backseat role and letting her athletes do the pushing and your athletes do the talking. That isn't always possible when you have a six or seven year old athlete.
So Cameron and I talk a little bit about strategy around how you can be advocating for your athlete when you're teaching them how to advocate for themselves or when they can't necessarily advocate for themselves at all. Super fun conversation. A lot of great information. Thank you, Coach Cameron. And I'm ready for my spot.
I'm ready.
Episode Mentions
Kitty Katz Cheer Athletics Plano
Coach Cam
Top Gun Large Co-Ed (TGLC)
Let's Talk Cheer - Jason Larkin's Podcast
The Cheer Biz Podcast - Dan Cotton
Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions
The most recent news about the arrest of Coach Monica's son: what we know and what we don't know. My thoughts.
In this episode I talk about all the things in cheer competitions I think need to change. And I also may have thrown in a handful of pet peeves in there too. But nonetheless! Things like food shortages, wait times, bathroom makeup parties, and clapping to the (wrong) beat of the music. We all want our experience at these competitions to be great and memorable, so here are a few things I think could help.
Let us know your cheer competition pet peeves in the Cheer Mom Hive Facebook Group!
Episode Mentions:
The Cheer Collection Ambassador Application
Behind the Scenes of Cheer Music, with Alex LaGrossa
Pop Up Changing Tent
Let's Talk Cheer - Jason Larkin's Podcast
The Cheer Biz Podcast - Dan Cotton
I had the honor of talking with not just a fellow, Kristen, not just a fellow cheer mom, but a cheer mom named Kristen, who is also one of the team moms for my favorite team, TGLC, a back-to-back World Champion.
TGLC dominates every competition that they're in. Everyone wants to know what TGLC theme is going to be, what their uniform is going to look like. Every athlete wants to take pictures with a TGLC athlete when they see them at competitions. They are famous. And if you've listened to the podcasts, I am a big fan.
Kristen takes care of TGLC athletes in such a special way, so she gives us a little peek at what it is like behind the scenes for TGLC athletes and her take on how and why they are such a successful team. She talks about some of the things that go into making that successful team, and she answers the question of how do they actually feel about being asked to take selfies. And how the moms feel about their kids being asked to take selfies. I loved this conversation.
If you see her at a cheer competition, give her a fist bump, a high five, a hug. Tell her thank you. She is the real deal when it comes to cheer moms. Take a listen.
Episode mentions:
Follow Kristen Brooks on Instagram!
The Cheer Collection
The Cheer Collection Ambassador Application
Happy 2024, and welcome BACK to the Cheer Mom Podcast!
Today I am talking about the three times that cheerleading made me cry. And not just like a dabby dab, like, oh just happy or emotional cry. I mean, like, gooley cry. Picture red nose, tears flowing, sobbing to the point of dehydration kind of cry. The kind of cry where mucus and all of the things coming out of every orifice of your face, kind of crying.
Episode Mentions:
A Parent's Guide to National Cheer Competitions
Let's Talk Cheer - Jason Larkin's Podcast
The Cheer Biz Podcast - Dan Cotton
You guys...we have reached more than 100,000 downloads of The Cheer Mom Podcast! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, for sharing the episodes, and continuing to listen.
This month we're throwing it back to our most popular episodes so far. Today's episode was one of the debut episodes of the show, and it happens to be the most shared episode!
Debbie Love is known as the "Tumble Queen," and she talks with me about supporting our athletes through mental blocks and mastering their skills. You don't want to miss the wisdom she shares!
Shop TheCheerCollection.com for holiday gifts!
The story continues, as Coach Monica Aldama calls out USA Cheer. The lawsuit against her has been dropped for months, but she had some things to say about the process with one of the governing bodies of cheer. I'm covering it and inserting my opinions with what I believe are some over-arching problems in the industry.
Link to Emily Baker's Podcast mentioned in the episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXKtBOtQrjk
Shop The Cheer Collection.com - holiday sales coming soon!
Have you noticed that the Worlds teams at your gym get a little more attention or excitement from the coaches? Why is that? I'm talking about it.
One of the questions I get asked most is about making cheer mom friends and coping with "those" cheer moms. I'm talking about my own journey with anxiety, trying to make friends, and what I learned along the way.
Join the Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive
Competition morning is a day that most cheer moms dread. Do you and your cheerleader fight like cats and dogs on competition day? The yelling, the hair pulling, the crying...and that's just in the parking lot while you're looking for a spot!
If you and your cheerleader find yourselves stressed and constantly arguing on competition morning, I'm going through some strategies that might help.
Join my free live workshop, starting October 28th!
Click here to register (did I mention it's free?)
I'm giving Jason Larkins some scenarios you might find between athletes at practice. What happens when athletes are bossing each other around? What about when an athlete isn't trying hard enough or pulling their weight? How does a coach deal with that, and how should parents approach it?
Jason is an All Star Cheer director and the host of the Let's Talk Cheer Podcast. If you haven't checked out Let's Talk Cheer, you definitely should!
Listen to Let's Talk Cheer
Register for my FREE workshop for Team Moms!
https://thecheermomblog.com/free-online-workshop/
I always try to keep things positive around here, but sometimes a girl's gotta vent, right??! There are some things about cheer that just ain't right, and I'm spilling the tea on 10 things I hate about cheer. I can't believe how long I rambled about this!
I'm about to say something really obvious: Cheer is expensive. We've been paying for cheer for so long, I don't even want to think about what we might have been able to pay for if we'd saved that money over the years....college? a month-long Sabbatical in Maui? a private jet? It makes sense that almost every cheer mom I know is looking for ways to offset the cost of cheer. Money is not easy to come by, and with all the practices and trips to the gym for those private lessons that will supposedly get your Susie to that back tuck faster. Team fundraising can be a good way to discount your fees, but it can be time-consuming, and not every program offers it. So, I thought I would offer some creative ways to help you offset the cost of cheer that will fit into your own lifestyle and in your own time. You can even do most of these things during cheer practice!
To learn more and get the links to all the companies I mention in this episode, you can visit the show notes, here.
Social media can be a big part of a cheerleader's lifestyle. Showing off skills, uniform reveals, and posting photos of cheer besties can all be part of the experience.
Social media can be a positive thing that connects our small world of cheerleading and helps to create community and connection, but as we all know, there is a dark side to it, and as we have seen in recent years in the cheer world, it can be a place for unfettered bullying and even abuse by those in power.
Dan Cotton is not only a powerful force in the cheer industry, he is also a trained police officer, specializing in online safety. In this episode he talks with me about everything from cheer influencers, to appropriate interactions between athletes and coaches online.
If you listen to only ONE episode of The Cheer Mom Podcast, make it this one. It's packed with such valuable information to keep our kids safe online and on social media.
To connect with Dan:
Learn about Dream Camps
Listen to The Cheer Biz Podcast
Connect with Dan on Social Media
Join Our Cheer Mom Facebook Group
Shop The Cheer Collection and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for a special discount!
If you have not heard of today's guest, go follow Bad Flyer right now!
I usually don't reveal the ages of my guests, but Steph Bell, aka "Bad Flyer," is a 34-year-old mother of two...and she's a flyer on a cheer team!
Steph is inspirational, and has a beautiful heart. She talks with me about. Why she decided to start doing all-star cheerleading as an adult, how she did it, how hard she worked to get there, and the beautiful things that have come from it.
We talk about creating positivity in cheer, flipping bullying on its head, mean comments online, and how she is redefining what it means to be a "bad flyer."
Thank you Steph for talking with me. I'm so glad that we're friends. After you guys hear this episode, you're going to want to be her friend too!
Connect with Steph and Bad Flyer Shop The Cheer Collection
Enter code CHEERMOMPOD for a special discount!
Welcome to the first bonus episode of The Cheer Mom Blog! Bonus episodes are bit-sized episodes, packed with information.
In this episode, I talk with Deryn, "The Cheerkin" all about how athletes can be competition-ready, how they can get stronger and more flexible, and how parents can support.
Deryn is a former allstar cheerleader and coach, she's an MSc graduate and Registered Kinesiologist. She created The Cheer Kin for two reasons: 1) To help cheerleaders reach their goals, and 2) To act as a credible source of information to educate athletes, coaches and parents on the science behind cheerleading.
She serves the cheer industry by changing the approach to athlete development, skill progression and competition preparation.
You can find Deryn and all the great resources she provides at thecheerkin.com or @thecheerkin on Instagram!
It's not often that we get to talk solely about high school cheerleading, but this episode is all about the high school cheer routine! Not only is it different from All Star cheer, high school cheer routines differ from state to state in the US, and even competition to competition.
With the help of my new friend, Cameron Hockaday, we're breaking down the elements of a high school cheer routine, a few of the divisions, and a glimpse at the high school score sheet.
To connect with Cameron, find her on social media
Find Varsity's high school scoring guides, here
Shop The Cheer Collection for inspirational style that fits every cheer enthusiast
Enter code: CheerMomPod for a special discount
In this podcast episode, we delve into the emotional topic of favoritism in the cheer gym. There are many scenarios that can be perceived as favoritism, or what cheer moms often refer to as, "blatant favoritism."
If you suspect that favoritism is happening in your gym or on your child's team, I talk about some things you can do.
Get a custom team bracelet, necklace or ring from The Cheer Collection! Email hello@thecheercollection.com for more info.
DREAM GUEST ALERT! Ever since The Cheer Mom Podcast was just an idea, I've wanted to talk with someone from Rebel. They are a leader in the industry, and WAY more than just a company that makes cheer uniforms.
Abby Hoeffner is the Chief Marketing Officer at Rebel, and she pulls back the curtain for us, talking all about their Ambassador program, what it means to model Rebel, what goes into those iconic uniforms, and more.
Shop The Cheer Collection and enter code CHEERMOM for a special discount.
To learn more about the job that Abby talks about in the conversation, click here.
On one hand, some parents view watching their child's practice as a necessary way to stay involved and engaged in their child's cheerleading journey. On the other hand, some coaches and parents believe that parental involvement in practice can be a distraction for the athletes, hindering their progress and creating unnecessary pressure.
I'll be exploring both sides of the debate, and discussing the benefits and disadvantages of cheer parents watching practice.
Join me as I "fence-sit" and explore both sides of the coin about the role of parental presence in cheerleading practice. Whether you're a coach, parent, or just a fan of the sport, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and thought-provoking discussion!
Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive
Shop The Cheer Collection. Enter code CHEERMOMPOD for a special discount!
We have the best community of cheer moms! I put a call out for questions on Instagram and in the Facebook Group, and you came through with some great ones, and I'm answering some of them on today's episode. From gym follow through, to how to get your kid to practice at home and even my favorite competition hair, it feels like we're having a drink together and talking about cheerleading.
Jump on in and join the conversation!
Join the Facebook Group
Follow on Instagram
Shop The Cheer Collection and use code CHEERMOMPOD for a special discount!
Choosing an all star cheer gym can be a big decision, but so can leaving one. We've talked about what to look for in a cheer program to make sure it's the right fit for your athlete and your family, but how do you know if it's time to leave?
All Star cheer gyms center their message around loyalty and family, but what if you're not sure if you should stick with your current cheer family or move to the gym down the road? It can be a tough decision, and I believe it shouldn't be taken lightly.
In this episode, I'm going through 5 reasons it might be time to leave your gym, and some reasons to stay!
Shop The Cheer Collection and get a special discount when you use the code CHEERMOMPOD
If you want to feel less alone as a cheer mom, this is the episode for you. I invited three other cheer moms to be on the podcast with me and we had our first - but definitely NOT last - roundtable discussion!
We talk about everything from the cost of cheer and the lessons that cheer is teaching our kids, to cheer drama and mom friends.
Thank you SO MUCH to Candice, Meredith, and Michele for the great conversation and your words of wisdom. This is a must-listen episode!
If you would like to be part of a Cheer Mom Roundtable discussion, you can apply here.
Shop The Cheer Collection and use code CHEERMOMPOD for a special discount!
Content warning: While the content in this episdoe is not graphic in nature, it may raise questions from some younger audiences.
There have been some big updates in the cheer world over the past several weeks, so we're going to catch up together!
I'm following up on the Varsity lawsuits from the Rockstar Cheer fallout from last year, an update from Navarro Cheer Coach Monica Aldama, who is breaking her silence on social media, and talking about whether or not NCA is moving from its Dallas home.
Shop The Cheer Collection, and get a special discount with code CHEERMOMPOD
Need more details? Here are the sources I read from:
https://www.connectsports.com/up-for-bid/up-for-bid-2026-31-nca-all-star-and-high-school-national-championships
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu8JtM8ud7f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.fitsnews.com/2023/06/22/cheer-incorporated-varsity-scores-a-legal-victory/
https://www.sportico.com/law/news/2023/varsity-antitrust-cheer-settlement-1234717352/
In this episode, I'm talking about a topic that a lot of you are scratching your head over: franchised gyms. We're going to explore why more and more all star cheerleading gyms are expanding their reach with multiple locations across the country.
From my experience in this area, I share why gyms like Cheer Athletics, Top Gun, California All Stars, Stingray All Stars, and more, are opening more locations across the country.
Tune in to learn more about this business side of all star cheer!
Visit TheCheerCollection.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for a special discount!
I'm describing the excitement and challenges of being a cheer mom for an athlete who is on both an all star cheer team and a high school cheer team. I share my advice for what to be prepared for, the conversations you need to have with your athlete, and what to expect - especially in the month December!
Having an athlete on both a school cheer team and an all star cheer team can be both rewarding and overwhelming at the same time, but with these tips, you and your athlete have got this!
Shop The Cheer Collection
Enter code Cheermompod for a special discount!
We're talking about the college cheer experience, with my special guest, Steve Solberg with Nfinity. Steve discusses the college cheer experience and tells us about the Nfinity College Combine, explaining how it works and what it entails. He also surprises me with his answer about whether the combine replaces college cheer clinics. This podcast provides valuable insights into the world of college cheerleading and the benefits of attending the Nfinity College Combine.
For more information about the Nfinity College Combine, visit their website. Thanks to our Sponsor: TheCheerCollection.com Enter code CHEERMOMPOD for a special discount!
Roland Pollard has a rich history in cheerleading. You may have seen him and his daughter, Jayden, stunting on social media.
Roland sat down with me to talk about his story, comments on social media, and how everything we do in life can teach us something.
Thanks to our Sponsor Rebel Athletic
Enter code CHEERMOM for 10% off your purchase!
Overall, team bonding is essential for cheerleaders as it strengthens team dynamics, fosters trust, enhances communication, and promotes a positive and supportive environment. These factors contribute to better performance, increased motivation, and a more enjoyable cheerleading experience for all team members.
Tune in as I talk about team bonding and go through some of my favorite team bonding events!
For a full list of over 30 team bonding ideas, complete with free downloads for the BINGO with a twist and the Perfect Match Game, visit thecheermomblog.com/team-bonding
Special Thanks to our sponsor: Rebel Athletic
Enter code CHEERMOM at checkout and get 10% of your purchase!
For most of us, it’s already a cheer new season. This time of year always brings fresh starts, new friends, new goals, and new teams. But a new score sheet, age grids, and shakeups in team alignment can cause many athletes to deal with disappointment during this time.
In this episode, I'm talking about some ways you can help your athlete navigate through disappointment through the season. Even if you have the team placement you wanted, save this for when (not if) you or your child are disappointed at any point in the cheer season.
Thanks to our sponsor:
Rebel Athletic
Save 10% by using the code CHEERMOM at checkout
Cheer is a physically demanding sport that requires extreme dedication, hard work, and a fierce team dynamic. And for those who choose to be crossovers or double team for two All Star teams, the challenge doubles. But is it all worth it? In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of being a crossover on a cheer team, and talk about things you, your athlete, and your family should consider before making a commitment to being a crossover. Ultimately, the decision to become a crossover should be made with careful consideration, and I'll provide insight to help you make the best choice for you and your athlete.
Thanks to our sponsor: Rebel Athletic
Use code CHEERMOM at rebelathletic.com and get 10% off!
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR CHEER MOMS: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive
This week I am replaying a conversation that I had with Jason Larkins on the Let's Talk Cheer podcast, so I thought it'd be fun to play that on this podcast. If you don't already listen to Let's Talk Cheer. Jason does a great job. He has some phenomenal guests on his podcast, and he really knows what he's talking about.
We recorded this a while back, but this is such a timely episode for tryouts. We talk about how Jason does team placements at his gym, and what we believe "trust the process" really means.
So enjoy this conversation and check out Jason and the Let's Talk Cheer podcast.
In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the All Star World Championship. I share my experience, and mini-interviews with the event producers and founders, giving us insights into how they organize the event and what goes on behind the scenes and how they overcome create a seamless experience for everyone involved. If you're a fan of end-of-season All-Star cheer events or just want to learn more about what it takes to put on a world-class cheer competition, then this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now for an exclusive look at the All Star World Championship!
Major news in the cheer world as a former Navarro cheerleader comes forward with allegations.
Content warning on this episode. If you or someone needs help, the SA hotline is available to you: 1-800-656-4673
I am covering the lawsuit made against Coach Monica Aldama and Navarro College, alleging coverups made in the cheer program.
Sources:
https://krdo.com/entertainment/cnn-entertainment/2023/04/28/navarro-cheerleader-accuses-cheer-coach-monica-aldama-of-attempting-to-keep-sexual-assault-claim-quiet/#:~:text=I%20would%20never%20remain%20silent,further%20comment%20at%20this%20time.%E2%80%9D
https://www.fitsnews.com/2023/04/27/new-lawsuit-names-navarro-college-legendary-cheer-coach/
Thanks to our sponsor:
Rebel Athletic: Enter code CHEERMOM for 10% off
In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Eric Thompson, the Tumble Chef, to discuss the importance of building resilience and confidence in tumbling. As an experienced coach, Eric shares his insights on how to develop a strong mindset that can help athletes overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process of learning new skills rather than just the end result, and shares practical tips for how to stay motivated and positive throughout the tumbling journey.
This episode is sure to leave you and your athlete feeling motivated and empowered to tackle tumbling - and life - with a strong mindset.
In this podcast episode, we speak with Hannah Stockman, a cheerleading coach who has won multiple national championships. Hannah shares her insights and advice on how to prepare for high school cheer tryouts, including what both students and parents should do to ensure success.
Hannah stresses the importance of having a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Hannah also addresses the role of parents in supporting their children's cheerleading aspirations. She advises parents to help their children understand the expectations required of them, especially if they hope to be on both a high school team and an All Star team.
Overall, Hannah's advice emphasizes the importance of preparation, hard work, and being open to coaching and feedback in achieving success in high school cheerleading tryouts.
Connect with Hannah on Instagram.
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Rebel Athletic: Enter code CHEERMOM for 10% off
Cheer World Marketplace: Enter code CHEERMOM for 10% off
In this podcast episode, I had a conversation with Brent Steele, the owner and founder of Steele Athletics, where we discussed how to be best prepared for All Star Cheer tryouts. Brent talks about key factors that both athletes and parents should consider before tryouts. If you are an aspiring All Star Cheer athlete or a parent of one, you don't want to miss this informative and practical conversation.
Brent Steele is from a small Oklahoma town now residing in Colorado. Brent graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Public Relations focused on professional sports PR and Marketing. While Brent’s dreams of working for the Dallas Cowboys quickly shifted into all things cheer, his love for people and building strong relationships never changed. Brent has unique experience in our industry: school athlete, All Star cheer athlete, college athlete, school coach, allstar coach, college coach, choreographer, D2 gym owner, and now he’s a multi-location D1 gym owner and businessman. Brent has been chosen to speak at multiple conferences as well as sat on many leadership boards as his passion for the cheerleading industry can be seen in everything that he is involved in. Fun fact, Brent spent a season living in Norway spreading his love for cheerleading with international athletes.
Other episode mentioned: thecheermomblog.com/mental-blocks
Special thanks to our sponsor: Cheer World Market Place
Enter code: CHEERMOM for 10% off!
Here’s the truth: I hate fundraising for cheer. There are a lot of things I would rather do than ask people for money, figure out who donated, and then deliver whatever it is that they bought. I would rather go without coffee on competition day. I would rather tell my husband how much we spent on snacks alone at the last travel event. I would rather do The Cupid Shuffle. That’s how much I don’t like fundraising and the headache that it brings. I once participated in a fundraiser where we sold peaches from a local farm. When the peaches were delivered, the people who bought them were nowhere to be found, and I was stuck with 100 pounds of peaches in my living room….not to mention the fruit flies.
But, like the price of eggs, cheer fees are definitely not getting any cheaper, and because we love our kids so much, sometimes fundraising is necessary so they can continue to do what they love.
In this episode I'm going through 5 ways you can fundraise for your team that you might not have tried yet.
To learn more about how to fundraise with Aimly, click here.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Aimly
Cheer World Marketplace: Enter code CHEERMOM for 10% off!
When choosing an All Star Cheer program, It's important to do research. So, how do you know whether a D1 program or a D2 program is the best fit for your athlete?
In this episode, I sat down with Chris Comfort, aka "Cheer Boy Mom" to discuss the nuances of D1 and D2 programs. We explore how the size of the gym, number of athletes in the program, and the level of skill and competition vary between D1 and D2.
Chris shares insights on how families should choose between D1 and D2 programs, taking into consideration their goals and preferences.
Whether you are an athlete, a coach, or simply a cheerleading enthusiast, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into the world of all-star cheerleading and the differences between D1 and D2 programs. Tune in to join the conversation!
Grab my free Google form template that we talk about in this episode: https://thecheermomblog.com/d1-or-d2-all-star-cheer-which-is-the-best-fit/
Special Thanks to Prodigy Cheer Apparel
You sent in your cheer-related questions, and I'm answering them in today's episode! From cheer 101 to some hard-hitting questions, I'm reading actual questions from real listeners.
THANK YOU for your reviews, and for sharing the podcast! It keeps it (and me!) going.
Thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Heidi Weber is the Director of Operations for the Open Series Championships, which is connected with the All Star World Championship. She also directs the Celebrity Cheer and Dance Championships, and she is involved as a leader in the All-star cheer industry.
Heidi believes in giving people a voice and she believes in giving us, the cheer parents, the customers, affordable options.
And maybe even the best part about Heidi is that she no longer plays the Cupid Shuffle at her events.
Heidi and I talk about taking the cheer experience beyond two minutes and 30 seconds, beyond just that time that they're competing on the mat.
And I loved, loved, loved our conversation. I so appreciated Heidi's time and I hope that you find this episode helpful and that it excites you for the future of All Star cheerleading.
Special Thanks to our Sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
So, your athlete is ready to join a cheerleading program. Or maybe it’s just time for a change. Either way, you’re thinking about enrolling your child in a new gym, and you’re not sure where to start.
The most important thing to do is to sit down with your athlete and immediate family and decide together what’s most important to you. It’s so critical for everyone in the family to be on the same page and know what’s required in competitive cheerleading and dance.
In this episode, I break down key qualities and questions you should ask - of your family and of an All Star cheer gym - before making the commitment.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Hulken Bag (enter code CHEER for 10% off your order!)
Find the Show Notes (blog post) here: https://thecheermomblog.com/questionsforallstargym/
This episode is for cheer parents and athletes alike. Ashley Steinberger, The Cheer Nutritionist, breaks it down for us today. Ashley is a Registered Dietician, and a former All Star cheerleader, high school cheerleader, and she cheered at a D1 college, so she knows all the things about cheerleading.
As The Cheer Nutritionist, Ashley helps cheerleaders with their nutrition for optimal performance. It's not about weight loss; it's not about dieting, and she has advice for athletes of all ages. She tells us what cheerleaders need to be eating, when they need to be eating, and why it's important.
We even talk about that big adrenaline crash on competition day. Cheerleaders, I love you, but sometimes y'all get cranky on competition day, and what you might be eating can play a factor in that. Enjoy my conversation with Ashely as she gives us advice and tips on what to be eating throughout the cheer season, and on competition day!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Hulken Bag - enter code CHEER for 10% off
It's one of the top questions that cheer moms are asking one another: "How do I help my athlete get through a mental block?" It's so hard to see our kids struggle.
Jeff Benson is one of the most sought-after and knowledgeable tumbling and cheerleading coaches in the industry.
He holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and an undergraduate degree in kinesiology. He took his passion for cheer and his interest in psychology, blended them together, and created Mind Body Cheer, which focuses on the mental, physical, and emotional demands of the competitive cheerleader.
Jeff really helps us through the mindset of an athlete when they're in a mental block, and what never to say to them. He explains the "why" behind many of these blocks, and 5 ways we can support our athletes through a mental block.
Connect with Jeff:
MindBodyCheer.com Instagram Email You Tube
Thanks to our sponsors:
ProdigyCheerApparel.com
HulkenBag.com - use code CHEER for 10% off!
Ever wondered what it takes to be a professional cheerleader? Before you think, “Oh, professional cheerleading is not for high school or All Star cheerleaders, it's mostly for dancers,” wait! My guest on The Cheer Mom Podcast has some things to say about that.
Nicolette Peloquin is a former Miss Rhode Island, a veteran Patriots Cheerleader, and the proud co-owner and founder of The Prep Talk: a personal development and branding company that helps aspiring pro cheerleaders and college cheerleaders with their interview and audition process. Nicolette was also an All Star cheerleader and a high school cheerleader, and she shares how that experience helped her to become a professional cheerleader. She shares a lot about opportunities in professional cheerleading that we may not even know about!
We really dig into how to position yourself and promote yourself on social media. If you're looking to take your brand or your influencer status to the next level as a cheerleader of any age, there are three social media tips for you in this episode!
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Hulken Bag : Use code CHEER for 10% off
The All Star Cheer world is full of conversations about bids. Just about everyone wants a "bid" to something. But what is a bid? What is a bid event? How do you get a bid? Why is it important? Is it important? We're talking through all of it today. Hit "play" in the podcast above to hear my (nonexpert) explanation.
Special Thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Get the Show Notes for this episode, complete with sources, here: https://thecheermomblog.com/everything-you-want-to-know-about-bids/
I put my husband, Byron, in the hot seat in today's episode! He talks about his journey from barely showing up at competitions, to sitting in the arena at NCA for 10 hours to watch the big teams with us. He also shares his very special skill, which ahem I do NOT condone...how he sneaks into competitions without paying.
Thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Chances are that your athlete has a team they are OBSESSED with. They've seen all their videos, they know the names of all the flyers, and they watch them any chance they can.
On this episode of the podcast I talk about famous cheer teams, my personal favorite, why I think they're important, and the lessons we can learn (and teach!) from them!
Special Thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Join us in the Facebook Group: The Cheer Mom Hive
Find videos of all these teams in the show notes for this episode: https://thecheermomblog.com/famous-cheer-teams-and-why-we-love-them/
Danielle Donovan is the owner of CHEERFIT, the world-renowned workout method and certification that combines cheer-inspired exercises for a fun, high-energy workout! Danielle's inspiration for CHEERFIT came during her time as a D1 cheerleader for Syracuse University. Today, CHEERFIT has evolved into a global movement connecting cheer, dance and fitness enthusiasts around the world through its ambassador program, proven workout method and virtual certification. CHEERFIT has been featured in everything from SELF Magazine to voted hottest new workout trend on NBC.
We talk about cheer and fitness, but we also dig into Danielle's relationship with working out, which hasn't always been a good one. She gives some advice to current cheerleaders who are struggling with body issues and only working out as punishment.
Thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
View the Show Notes for this episode: https://thecheermomblog.com/daneille-donovan/
In this episode of The Cheer Mom Podcast, we're learning more about what to look for when comparing teams in your athlete's division with the help of today's guest, Gina Harris. Gina Harris is a cheer coach and a cheer mom, and the story of what led her to become a cheerleader and eventually a cheer coach, is one of the most impactful stories I've heard in cheerleading.
Gina is a six-time State Championship Coach and Choreographer, and the founder of Cheer Coach Academy, an online cheerleading resource for cheer coaches. She has been involved in cheerleading in many roles for over three decades, and today she is sharing her wisdom about relationships with your child's coaches (especially when things go "awry," and what to look for when trying to assess where your team will land in the standings.
Of course, we all think our athlete is the best, and we can be biased when watching their team. But just because a routine is executed perfectly, doesn't always mean a first-place finish. Gina is helping us break it down.
Special thanks to our podcast sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
What can you expect when you travel for cheer? What do you pack? Where do you go? What's it like from competition to competition? I'm going through it all, plus some details about specific events, like UCA High School Nationals, NCA, Cheersport, Jamfest, and more.
Get the free packing checklist, here!
Special thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
What does it take to be a great Team Rep? How can you support your Team Rep? I've got some tips in this episode for you!
Thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Link to Team Mom Tookit: https://thecheermomblog.com/category/teammom/
Have you ever wondered about the cheer score sheet? I have! I've been doing this a really long time every year it's an enigma to me. Craig Hallmark is my guest today, and he's going to break it down for us. Craig has been involved in the All Star industry for 25 years. He's been an owner, a choreographer, he's been a safety judge, and now he is currently The Open Championship Customer Experience Manager. His responsibilities include educating and training judges on The Open Championship Series. He serves as the head judge for the All Star World Championships, and has judged all over the world. But the guy loves to talk about cheer, loves to talk about the score sheet, and he was gracious enough to sit down and talk with me all about the cheer score sheet.
SHOW NOTES: https://thecheermomblog.com/understanding-the-score-sheet/
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Music written and produced by TwistedCutz.com
What happens at a cheer competition? We all know that the athletes perform, but what comes before that? What comes after? What does the process throughout the day look like? WHY does the schedule come out so late, and what in the world are we cheer moms supposed to wear? I'm going through it all in this episode, from the week leading up to the cheer hangover at the end. Plus, I'm joined by a very special guest!
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
GET THE HOLIDAY "CHEER" GIFT GUIDE!
SHOW NOTES: https://thecheermomblog.com/what-happens-at-a-cheer-competition/
David Owens was an OU cheerleader, a coach, and an All Star gym owner. He started running cheer events as a side hustle, and now running cheer competitions and events is his full-time responsibility. He owns and operates the Rockstar Championship, and he's part owner of Gold Rush and The Open Series competitions, which is part of the All Star World Championship.
It's clear to me that David not only loves cheerleading, but he has a deep commitment to our sport: to making it safer and better for all.
We talk about the business of cheerleading and how it works, behind the scenes of a cheer competition event and everything that goes into it, and the burning question all Cheer moms want the answer to: WHY DO WE HAVE TO PAY CASH AT THE DOOR??
SHOW NOTES: thecheermomblog.com/what-goes-into-a-cheer-competition-event
Special Thanks to our sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Today is alllll about All Star cheerleading. Whether you're thinking about getting your athlete started in All Star, just getting into it, or you're a seasoned veteran, there's something new to learn!
I'm talking about the history of All Star Cheer, divisions, age grids, and what to expect when it comes to the financial and time commitments.
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Thanks to today's Sponsor: Prodigy Cheer Apparel
You asked, and we listened. By popular demand, it's an episode all about college cheer! And I got to talk to one of the best in the industry: The head coach of Texas Tech cheer, Bruce Bills.
Coach Bruce has been involved with this program for TWENTY. YEARS. He led the Tech coed team to their first large coed D1 Championship. He's been named coach of the year by the College STUNT Association. He knows what he's talkin' about, and he was so gracious to spend some time with me.
I took to our Facebook group and asked you all what you would ask a college coach. You had great questions, and coach Bruce answers all of them in this episode. Questions like, what does it take to be a college cheerleader? Are clinics required? Do athletes need to have a cheer social media account, and if you're a girl, can you make the team if you're not a flyer or tumbler? This episode is highly informative, and I know you'll enjoy it!
FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive
SHOW NOTES: thecheermomblog.com/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-college-cheerleader
SPONSOR: thecheercollection.com
Special thanks to Twisted Cutz for producing our theme music!
I'll admit I totally fangirled over today's guest. I've admired Kristen Rosario's creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship from afar for years. She is the co-founder of Top Gun Allstars, and one of the coaches of the Cheerleading Worlds Grand Champion team, TGLC. For those that are like, "What's a TGLC?" TGLC stands for Top Gun Large Coed, and they are one of the best, most fun teams to watch. They're one of the winningest teams in all of Allstar cheerleading, and they pack venues everywhere they perform. Athletes move from all over the country to compete with Top Gun teams.
I sat down with Kristen to talk about how she and her husband, Victor, built Top Gun into what it is today. She talks about the culture around their gym, her super cool relationship with her athletes, trusting the process, and gives advice on how parents can build a healthy relationship with their athlete's coaches.
CONNECT WITH OTHER CHEER PARENTS: HTTPs://facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive
SHOW NOTES: thecheermomblog.com
You're in for a treat today! Coach Brian Kula and Coach Kelcey Finn of Kula Sports Performance joined me for a conversation all about how our cheer athletes can prevent injuries and strengthen their bodies to further their skills.
Coach Brian has over 24 years of experience in coaching and sports performance, and has trained some of the top athletes in the world, including first round NFL draft pick, Christian McCaffrey, as well as Olympic athletes.
Coach Kelcey worked as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Arkansas, and has worked with dozens of Olympic athletes, including Olympic level gymnasts.
Coach Kula and Kelcey have developed a program specifically for cheerleaders, and they talk to me about how our athletes can strengthen their body and hopefully prevent injury.
My favorite part of the conversation? It's when Coach Kula calls them, "athletes who cheer."
This is not medical advice and should not substitute for a conversation with your athlete's doctor or medical professionals.
SHOW NOTES: thecheermomblog.com/kula
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SPONSOR: thecheercollection.com
Ever wondered what cheer directors are thinking when it comes to communication and extra practices? How are cheer coaches and directors handling the news about the allegations happening in cheer right now?
Jason Larkins is the All Star Cheer Director of American Cheer in Bakersfield, California.
Jason has some thoughts about communication between directors and parents, and last minute cheer practices.
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SHOW NOTES:
SPONSORS:
PRODIGYCHEERAPPAREL.COM
THECHEERCOLLECTION.COM
We've all had body issues at one time or another (I know I have!) We might not even be aware of them, but our critical self-talk can sometimes be louder than anything. Add in small uniforms, and constant demands on "image" in the cheer industry, and it's a recipe for our athletes to feel insecure about the way their bodies look.
Jennifer Wagner is an author, a podcaster, and an educator for women to help the see their body is GOOD just as it is. Although she lost over 150 pounds, she still didn't feel comfortable and confident in her own skin. She had to do some different work to even begin feeling the body confidence we all hope for after such a transformation.
Jennifer talks with me in this podcast episode about how we can begin to feel comfortable in our own skin, and give space for our athletes to do the same.
CONNECT WITH JENNIFER:
Website: https://jennifertaylorwagner.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertaylorwagner/
SHOW NOTES:
HTTP://thecheermomblog.com/body-confidence
SPONSOR:
ProdidgyCheerApparel.com
MUSIC PROVIDED BY:
TwistedCutz.com
So, now what? What do we do with all of this? In today’s episode, I’m going to give a couple of updates, go a little deeper into what we can do as cheer parents and answer some of the questions you sent me.
Remember, you can email me at hi@thecheermomblog.com, DM me on Instagram, or send me a voicemail. I would love to answer more of your questions about cheer.
SHOW NOTES: HTTP://thecheermomblog.com/now-what
SPONSORS:
The Cheer Collection
Prodigy Cheer Apparel
Music provided by TwistedCutz
CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes explicit content and subject matter that may be triggering for some.
A bomb has dropped on the All Star cheerleading industry. Since late August, a series of events has unfolded that has left it impossible to be left undiscussed. Allegations, lawsuits, and a prominent, nationally known program ceased to exist, literally overnight.
This isn't a regular podcast episode and it was incredibly difficult for me to record. I battled over whether or not to even record it. But in order for the truth to be known and change to come about, we cannot be silent. We need to know what’s happening and we need a safe space to process. My hope is that this community can be that space.
My prayers continue to be with the victims and their families. Thank you for being so brave, and for shining light in dark places.
All sources are linked here: http://thecheermomblog.com/cheerleading-allegations
What are the main differences between High School cheer and All Star Cheer? Is it possible for an athlete to do both?
My guests, Scott and Lauren Borgmier, are experts when it comes to cheerleading. Both of them were cheerleaders and on UCA staff. Scott worked at the Varsity main office, Lauren worked as an All Star cheer judge, and now they coach a very competitive high school team.
Scott and Lauren are the hosts of The Mark Thru Podcast, and have authored two children's books about cheer: ABC Cheer with Me, and 123 Cheer with Me.
The Borgmiers share their wisdom about high school and All Star cheerleading, and really good insights when it comes to doing both.
SPONSORS:
Prodigy Cheer Apparel
The Cheer Collection
Have you ever wondered how a cheer music mix is made? It used to be that we would hear popular songs mashed up together into two and a half minutes of pop culture mixed with stunting and tumbling sound effects, but it's a little more complex and custom nowadays. In this episode of The Cheer Mom Podcast, Alex LaGrossa from Twisted Cutz takes us behind the scenes of cheer music.
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SPONSOR: thecheercollection.com Beautiful style for every cheer enthusiast!
If you've been a cheer mom for any amount of time, you've probably thought about how to help your athlete advance their skills. If you've been a cheer mom long enough, you've seen your athlete struggle with a mental block. I would guess that at least one of these two things is on a cheer mom's mind, literally at all times. But advancing skills and overcoming mental blocks are not always easily solved.
This is where Debbie Love, often referred to as the Tumbling Queen, comes in. Debbie has been in the cheer, dance and gymnastics industry for over forty years, and travels all over the world to teach athletes and their coaches, and I got to have a conversation with her about her approach to athletes as they grow their skills and overcome mental blocks.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR, PRODIGY CHEER APPAREL: prodigycheerapparel.com
THEME MUSIC PROVIDED BY TWISTEDCUTZ
SHOW NOTES: thecheermomblog.com/mental-blocks
I'm so honored that you have hit 'play' on The Cheer Mom Podcast! In this episode, you will hear a little about me, my journey as a cheer mom, and what you can expect from this podcast. I can't wait to connect with you!
Get all the links and resources at TheCheerMomBlog.com
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Hey Cheer moms: what if there was a place where you could learn more about this crazy world of cheerleading, in a judgment-free zone? What if you could hear from industry experts about topics like how to have a great relationship with your athlete’s coaches, mental blocks, routine music, and more?
Welcome to The Cheer Mom Podcast: a place where you can understand cheer better, and get advice about challenges that we parents face as we support our athletes.