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. Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheerm...
Aug 01, 2024•49 min•Ep. 95
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 20...
Jul 29, 2024•34 min•Ep. 94
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 highligh...
Jul 26, 2024•34 min•Ep. 93
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 t...
Jul 11, 2024•55 min•Ep. 92
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...
Jul 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 91
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 ar...
Jul 04, 2024•40 min•Ep. 90
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 discu...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 89
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 ...
Jun 12, 2024•29 min•Ep. 88
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 Chee...
Jun 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 87
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.
May 31, 2024•27 min•Ep. 86
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 ...
May 24, 2024•43 min•Ep. 85
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 w...
May 23, 2024•39 min•Ep. 84
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, includ...
May 17, 2024•28 min•Ep. 83
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...
May 15, 2024•27 min•Ep. 82
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
May 09, 2024•44 min•Ep. 81
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...
May 02, 2024•52 min•Ep. 80
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
Apr 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 79
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.
Apr 10, 2024•25 min•Ep. 78
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 ti...
Apr 03, 2024•50 min•Ep. 78
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 episod...
Mar 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 77
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 pare...
Mar 28, 2024•59 min•Ep. 76
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!
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 75
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.
Mar 22, 2024•30 min•Ep. 74
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 ...
Mar 19, 2024•52 min•Ep. 73
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
Mar 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 72
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/th...
Mar 08, 2024•25 min•Ep. 71
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 Summ...
Mar 06, 2024•54 min•Ep. 70
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...
Feb 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 69
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 helpfu...
Feb 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 68
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, lik...
Feb 14, 2024•52 min•Ep. 67
