Cheer Makes Absolutely No Sense... Until It Does: Jay Yoder

If you've ever tried to explain all star cheer to someone outside the industry, you already know how ridiculous it can sound. In this episode, Danielle sits down with comedian, former teacher, and award-winning social media creator Jay Yoder to talk about his unexpected introduction to the cheer world as a dad. From vicious team names being yelled for tiny children to confusing score sheets, rhinestone-covered merchandise, 5 a.m. arrival times, expensive competition weekends, and coaches absolutely losing their minds in front of the mat, Jay shares the parts of cheer culture that still make him stop and ask, “Is this normal?” But behind the comedy is a bigger conversation about what makes the cheer community special. Jay shares how cheer became a way to connect with his daughter, Alicia, who has autism, why inclusion matters to their family, and how coaches can become some of the most influential adults in an athlete's life. It's funny, honest, and a reminder that all star cheer makes very little sense from the outside... until somehow you're completely invested in it.