09. from college dance to NFL cheer - her journey on the sidelines ft Michaela Marie

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Michaela — former collegiate dancer, seasoned NFL cheerleader for the Denver Broncos, and one of the most grounded, self-aware women I know. We dive into the very real journey behind her achievements: the quiet doubts, the long audition processes, and the moments she had to bet on herself even when things weren’t going “perfectly.”Michaela opens up about early insecurities with technique, getting callbacked alongside dancers a foot taller than her, and the mental game of staying confident when she didn’t feel like the “obvious choice.” She shares what it’s really like navigating the Broncos audition circuit — including solo filming, obsessively rewatching submissions, and finding out she made finals in the bathroom during her teaching shift. We also talk about manifestation, gratitude, and why dancing from joy (instead of anxiety) changes everything — a theme woven throughout her story.This episode is a reminder that the moments that feel like “setbacks” are often the exact ones building your resilience, clarity, and next opportunity. Michaela’s journey is such a testament to trusting timing, trusting prep, and trusting yourself.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: [email protected] Michaela here👇🏼IG + TT: Michaela.a.marie