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 Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off! Please consider leaving a review for the podcast here!

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

Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off! "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 Facebook 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 Guide Follow 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 Join our Facebook group! Please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It helps so much!    

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 Group Leave 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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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   Please leave a review for The Cheer Mom Podcast on Apple Podcasts!

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   Don't forget to leave a review!! It really helps the show.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 Join the Cheer Mom Hive on Facebook ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on Instagram ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on TikTok⁠⁠ Shop our Jewelry line!     Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions

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! Join the Cheer Mom Hive on Facebook ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on Instagram ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on TikTok⁠⁠ Shop our Jewelry line!     Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions

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 ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on Instagram ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on TikTok⁠⁠ Shop our Jewelry line!     Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions

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 ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on Instagram ⁠⁠Follow The Cheer Mom Blog on TikTok⁠⁠ Shop our Jewelry line!     Music by Alex LaGrossa- Twisted Cutz Music Productions

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!   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 [email protected] 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!

Hi! Here's a quick little update.

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

building-resilience-and-confidence-for-tumbling-successIn 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. Connect with The Tumble Chef   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, 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/ GET THE HOLIDAY CHEER GIFT GUIDE: https://thecheermomblog.com/holidaycheergiftguide  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. JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive 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 JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive 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. YOU GUYS...We made the top 100 podcasts in sports! Please subscribe, share, and keep the reviews coming! 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 [email protected], 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. JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive 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 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL: cheermompodcast.com JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive

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.