The Fullout Cheer Podcast

Cheer moms get most of the attention, but what about dads? In this episode, Danielle sits down with Alex Russell, co-host of The Cheer Dad Podcast, to talk about a side of all star cheer that coaches and gym owners often overlook. Why do some dads struggle to embrace cheer? Why are they less likely to be at practices and competitions? And what can gyms do to help dads feel more connected to the sport their daughters love? From confusing score sheets and communication gaps to the lifelong impact of simply showing up, this conversation offers practical insights for coaches, gym owners, and parents alike. If you've ever wondered what dads are really thinking, this episode gives them the microphone.

Every parent wants what's best for their child. But sometimes the very behaviors meant to protect athletes can actually hold them back. In Part 2 of my conversation with sports performance coach Jeff Benson, we discuss toxic parenting, emotional resilience, and why constantly solving problems for athletes may be hurting their confidence more than helping it. We also tackle one of the toughest questions parents face: would you choose the gym with the strongest culture or the gym with the strongest competitive results? If you're a parent, coach, or gym owner, this conversation will challenge the way you think about athlete development.

Most coaches genuinely want what's best for their athletes. But what happens when pressure, expectations, and the desire to win begin influencing how we coach? In this episode, I sit down with sports performance coach Jeff Benson to discuss toxic coaching, emotional regulation, and the unintended ways coaches can impact athlete confidence and development. We discuss mental blocks, fear, perfectionism, emotional regulation, and how coaches can recognize when they are operating from ego instead of intention. This conversation isn't about criticizing coaches. It's about helping great coaches become even better.

Are your gym's communication, policies, and leadership are helping create toxic parents? In this episode, Danielle shares her perspective as a gym owner on how parent toxicity develops, the warning signs coaches often miss, and the mistakes that unintentionally fuel drama. From parent group chats and constant questioning to poor communication and outdated policies, she breaks down what gym owners can do to prevent problems before they spread through the gym. If you've ever felt like you're spending more time managing parents than coaching athletes, this episode is for you. Learn how to play offense, build trust with families, and create a culture where parents, athletes, and coaches can all thrive.

Every gym owner has dealt with a toxic parent. The hard part is that most of them didn't start that way. In this episode, Danielle sits down with Kristen Wheeler from the Cheer Mom Podcast to discuss how toxic parent behavior develops, the warning signs parents often miss, and what gym owners can do to prevent drama before it impacts team culture. They also discuss parent group chats, athlete advocacy, difficult conversations, and how good families can unintentionally become part of the problem. If you've ever wondered why parent drama starts, spreads, and seems impossible to stop, this episode is for you.

Most gym owners don't lose their edge overnight. They lose it slowly. The events become less personal. The experiences become less memorable. The things that once made the gym feel special get replaced by efficiency, schedules, and simply trying to keep up. In this episode, Danielle explores why growth can sometimes pull gym owners away from the very things that made them successful in the first place. She shares a simple mindset shift that can help you create experiences larger gyms can't replicate and why your size may be a bigger advantage than you realize. Because sometimes the question isn't, "What would I do if I had 1,000 athletes?" It's, "What can I do with 50 athletes that I could never do with 100?"

Everybody says they want accountability. Parents want accountable coaches. Coaches want accountable athletes. But accountability feels very different when it's your athlete being corrected. In this episode, Danielle explores why accountability is one of the most misunderstood topics in cheer. We'll discuss why athletes resist it, why parents struggle with it, and why coaches often spend more time enforcing standards than actually coaching. We'll also talk about the difference between accountability and punishment, why grace and accountability can exist at the same time, and what happens when athletes are constantly rescued from consequences. Because the real test of accountability isn't when it's easy. It's when it's uncomfortable.

Every coach and gym owner has thought it at some point: “Parents are ruining cheer.” But what if the real issue isn’t parents at all? In this episode, Danielle breaks down how customer expectations, communication, and family dynamics have changed dramatically over the last decade... while many gyms are still operating with outdated systems and assumptions. From overscheduled families and last-minute communication to transparency, trust, and social media pressure, this episode explores why parents often become frustrated and what gym owners can do about it. Because difficult parents usually aren’t created by one bad moment. They’re created when people feel confused, ignored, or blindsided.

A video of a cheer coach screaming at athletes went viral this week… and the reactions shocked us. Some people defended it. Some called it “normal.” Others said, “That’s just competitive cheer.” In this episode, Danielle Johnston and Dan Cotton break down where the line actually is between intense coaching and toxic coaching — and why so many people in the cheer industry have become desensitized to behavior that should never be acceptable. They talk about: Why some coaches confuse intimidation with leadership The difference between accountability and emotional outbursts Why parents sometimes normalize aggressive coaching behavior How gym culture either permits or prevents these situations What owners should do when a coach loses control And how coaches can become more self-aware before they reach that breaking point This conversation isn’t about “soft coaching.” It’s about leadership, emotional regulation, athlete safety, and creating environments where athletes can actually thrive. If you’ve ever questioned whether a coach crossed the line — or if you’re trying to become a better leader yourself — this episode is an important conversation for the entire cheer industry.

Most cheer gym owners think they have a sellable business. In reality… they have a job. In this episode, Danielle sits down with Matt Becker, an attorney who works closely with business brokers, to break down why so many gym sales fall apart—and what buyers are actually looking for. They dig into the biggest myths gym owners believe about selling, including: Why your gym isn’t worth what you think it is The truth about revenue (and what buyers ignore) Why doing everything yourself hurts your value The reality of bringing on a partner for “capital” And why selling won’t magically fix burnout This isn’t theory. This is what shows up in real deals—and what kills them. If you think you might sell your gym someday (or just want to build something that could be sold), this episode will show you what actually matters… and what doesn’t.

If you’ve been losing athletes this season, it’s probably not for the reason you think. In this episode, Danielle breaks down the real reasons athletes are leaving—and why most gym owners completely miss what’s actually happening. She covers: Why athletes feel stuck in their skills (and how stagnation drives them out) The difference between healthy commitment and full-blown burnout How change—both inside the gym and in families’ lives—quietly impacts retention These aren’t dramatic blowups or obvious problems. They’re the subtle issues that slowly push athletes out the door. If you want to improve retention, it starts with understanding what’s really causing athletes to leave.

Most gym owners think emotional parents are the problem… they’re not. In this episode of the Full Out Cheer Podcast, Danielle sits down with Jason Larkins to break down what’s really happening when parents get frustrated, reactive, or overwhelmed—and how smart coaches handle those moments the right way. You’ll learn: Why emotional parents aren’t actually the issue How to tell if a parent wants a solution or just to be heard The biggest mistakes coaches make in tough conversations How to lead your staff without micromanaging or losing control Why systems and structure matter more than you think They also dive into how the cheer industry has evolved, from skill progression to competition culture, and what today’s gym owners need to be doing differently. If you’ve ever had a parent conversation go sideways… this will change how you handle it.

Most routines don’t lose because of talent… they lose because of bad strategy. In Part 2, Danielle Johnston and John Barajas break down how to choose the right skills, structure your routine, and avoid the mistakes that cost teams points. As you’re building your teams and heading into choreography season, this is what you need to get right.

Ever looked at your score sheet and thought… there’s no way that’s right? In this episode, Danielle Johnston sits down with judge and choreographer John Barajas to break down how judging panels, deductions, and AccuScore actually work. If you’ve ever felt a little intimidated by the idea of challenging your scores, you need to listen to this episode!

Most gym owners are convinced their parents are “different.” More demanding. Less respectful. Impossible to manage. They’re not. In this episode, we break down the reality that parents are parents everywhere. The difference isn’t who you attract, it’s what you allow. If your families aren’t following policies, respecting boundaries, or buying into your programs, it’s not a parent problem. It’s a systems, leadership, and culture problem. We’re diving into how clear expectations, consistent processes, and strong staff alignment create compliance without constant conflict. Because the gyms that seem to have “great parents” didn’t get lucky. They built it that way. If you’re tired of feeling like your parents won’t listen, this episode will show you exactly where the breakdown is and what to fix so things start running the way they should.

Most athletes aren’t stuck because they lack talent—they’re stuck because of copy-paste coaching. Drill after drill of coaches searching social media to find the next great "fix" to their athlete's tumbling skills. In this episode, Danielle Johnston and Corey Rickett break down why understanding body mechanics, skill progression, and athlete mentality matters more than copying drills—and how great coaches actually develop elite athletes.

The conversation with all-star cheer judge Gabby Mauro continues in Part 2. Gabby answers more questions from coaches and parents while sharing practical advice for both groups on how to better support athletes and approach competitions with the right mindset. From understanding judging expectations to improving communication around competition results, this episode offers valuable insight for anyone involved in all-star cheer.

What are judges actually looking for on the score sheet? In this episode of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle Johnston sits down with all-star cheer judge Gabby Mauro to answer real questions submitted by coaches and parents. Gabby breaks down how judging works, what judges notice immediately when a team hits the floor, and the most common misconceptions about scoring in all-star cheer. If you've ever wondered why routines place the way they do, this episode gives you a rare look at competition through the judge’s perspective.

Great coaches are one of the most valuable assets in your gym — but they’re also one of the hardest things to keep. In this episode, Danielle breaks down three practical strategies gym owners can use to retain their best coaches and build a stronger staff culture. She will discuss what great coaches actually need from leadership, why many gyms accidentally push good staff away, and how small changes in communication, expectations, and appreciation can make a huge difference in long-term retention. If you’ve ever worried about losing a great coach or struggled with staff turnover, this conversation will give you actionable ideas to help your coaches feel valued, supported, and committed to your program.

In this special crossover episode, Here 4 Cheer host Megan Gomarlo sits down with Full Out Cheer’s very own Danielle Johnston. Whether you are a veteran gym owner or just starting your entrepreneurship journey in the all-star cheerleading industry, this conversation is a masterclass in scaling your business without losing your sanity. Danielle dives deep into the proven systems every gym needs to run on autopilot, drawing from her unique background in the Air Force to help owners step away from the daily grind. You will learn the specific marketing strategies that actually fill recreational classes, the truth about gym profitability, and why "knowing your numbers" is the difference between surviving and thriving. Megan and Danielle also discuss the transformative power of the Cheer Biz Accelerator, the importance of hiring for culture over skill, and how to maintain high athlete retention by building a family-focused gym environment. Stop being a martyr for your business and start building the life—and the gym—you have always dreamed of.

If parent drama is inevitable, poor leadership is not. In Part 2, Danielle and Kelli from theory to action. They break down exactly how to reduce negativity without closing your doors — and what it really takes to create a self-policing, positive parent culture. They cover: How to educate parents before problems start and the power of consistent communication. This episode is practical, direct, and rooted in experience. Because the goal isn’t to eliminate noise. It’s to build a culture strong enough to handle it.

Parent drama. Lobby gossip. Closed practices. Open practices. Every gym owner has an opinion — and most of them are reactive. In Part 1, Danielle sits down with a parent-turned-coach to unpack what’s really happening in the lobby and why simply “closing the doors” isn’t the solution. They discuss: Why parent drama will always exist (and why that’s not the real problem) The difference between transparency and chaos What parents actually see from the lobby How open practices protect both athletes and coaches What changes when a parent crosses over into coaching If you believe culture is built on the floor — and in the lobby — this conversation will challenge you to lead instead of hide.

Part 2 dives into the fallout of illness and injury and adds the final challenge to the mix: Inclement weather. We talk about how to make smart decisions when routines need to change, how to simplify without panicking, and how to handle choreography changes without destroying athlete confidence. We also cover what to do when weather wipes out a full week of practices, how to keep athletes engaged outside the gym, and how to reset quickly once you’re back instead of losing even more time. This episode is about staying strategic when the season won’t cooperate and keeping progress moving forward, even when nothing goes according to plan.

In this episode, we talk about the reality coaches and gym owners are facing right now: constant absences due to illness, injuries piling up, and practices that never look the way they were planned. Attendance is unpredictable, routines are constantly being reworked, and keeping momentum feels harder than ever. If you’ve felt frustrated, exhausted, or like you’re constantly playing catch-up this season, this episode will make you feel seen and give you practical ways to move forward anyway.

Uncommitted athletes are one of the most common frustrations in all-star cheer. Missed practices. Inconsistent effort. Big potential with uneven results. But what if the issue isn’t the athlete at all? In this episode, we break down why commitment starts long before an athlete steps on the mat and how parent education plays a critical role in developing driven, resilient, and accountable athletes. We talk about what happens when parents understand the process, support the standards, and reinforce expectations at home and why that alignment changes everything. If you’re tired of chasing effort, managing excuses, or wondering why talented athletes aren’t progressing, this conversation reframes the problem and offers a practical, proven solution. Because fixing “uncommitted athletes” doesn’t start with the kids. It starts with educating the adults.

If you’re running a gym in 2026 the same way you did a few years ago, this episode is probably going to make you uncomfortable...And we know it. In this episode, I break down five mistakes I’m already seeing gym owners make that quietly cap growth, drain profit, and create burnout at the top. These aren’t beginner errors. They’re decisions smart, experienced owners make because they feel normal, responsible, or “good enough.” We talk about why some strategies that look scrappy or safe are actually holding your business hostage, how certain “practical” choices slowly erode margins, culture, and capacity, and why adding more without fixing the foundation almost always backfires. If you’re aiming for a healthier business, more profit, and a gym that doesn’t depend on you holding it together with duct tape and adrenaline, this episode will give you a much-needed gut check. Listen before these mistakes become expensive habits you have to unwind later.

Culture doesn’t disappear overnight. It erodes quietly. One skipped conversation. One tolerated behavior. One season where standards slowly soften and no one calls it out. In this episode of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle breaks down how culture is actually built over time, how it’s lost more quickly, and why so many gym owners confuse culture with morale. We talk about why good vibes don’t equal strong culture, how short-term morale spikes can mask long-term problems, and what leaders must consistently protect if they want a gym that lasts. This episode is a reality check for owners and coaches who want real buy-in, accountability, and longevity, not just a temporarily happy room.

Most gym owners say they want more leads, more trust, and more visibility. Then they completely ignore the easiest marketing tool they already have. In this episode, I talk about the free marketing most gym owners avoid: their personal social media. Not influencers. Not ads. Not perfectly curated content. Just showing up as a real owner, in real life, doing real work. I break down why posting feels uncomfortable, why “I don’t want to be salesy” is usually a fear problem not a strategy problem, and how personal visibility grows your gym and retains your athletes faster than any gym social media ever could.

When I first opened my cheer gym, I wore a few things like badges of honor that I’d never brag about now. In this episode, I break down four things I used to proudly flex as a new gym owner that I now realize were more about ego than smart leadership. Things like refusing to spend money on marketing, collecting certifications like trophies, and treating “firing” angry parents to fix a culture I never actually set in place. With hindsight, better data, and a lot of wisdom, I see why those bragging rights didn’t actually build a stronger gym, a healthier culture, or a more profitable business. This episode is for gym owners who are early in their journey, or those who can look back at their own journey and have a good laugh now. No fluff. No pretending I had it all figured out. Just real lessons I wish I’d learned sooner.

In this episode, Danielle responses to a recent post made by a business coach regarding parents drawn to “affordable programs.” She breaks the myths about parent expectations and takes ownership of the choices we make in our businesses and the impact they have on the types of clients attracted to our brands. Join us as we challenge the narrative around this verbiage and its impact on your business success. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your previous pricing mistakes, this conversation is for you.

In part 2 of this series, Danielle tells listeners how cheer is a unicorn in the world of sports and athletes are not easily interchangeable! It's not as easy as subbing in the next best player! Tune in to learn why parent education is so important and why your athletes need to be at practices!

In this episode, Danielle replies to a listener email about how cheer is like other sports in that athletes have positions that are not easily interchangeable. In part 1 of this series, we talk about the universal truths of all sports and in what ways you can expect cheer to be similar to other sports.

In this episode, we dive into the reality of attendance in all star cheer and why it’s one of the hardest—and most important—parts of coaching. We’ll talk about how missing athletes affect stunt progressions, timing, tumbling development, and team morale, plus why families often don’t see the full impact of an absence. If you’re working to improve consistency, build stronger routines, and create a more accountable team culture, this conversation will give you practical insight you can start using right away.

In this episode, we dive into the power of gratitude and how it can transform the way we support and inspire gym parents. We’ll talk about the role appreciation plays in building stronger parent relationships, simple and intentional ways to say “thank you,” and real stories from parents and coaches that show what happens when families feel truly seen and valued. If you’re looking to improve communication, build trust, and create a more positive culture in your gym community, this conversation will give you practical ideas you can start using right away.

In this episode, we dig into one of the tougher realities many athletes face—navigating gym life when parents are divorced. We explore practical strategies to help athletes stay focused, communicate clearly, and manage the emotions that come with divided family dynamics. You’ll hear guidance on balancing support from both parents, tips for handling event-day communication, and powerful stories from athletes who’ve been through it and found strength along the way. If you’re working to create stability, confidence, and consistency in the gym despite complicated family situations, this episode offers tools and encouragement to help you thrive.

In this two-part series of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle and Justin tackle one of the most avoided topics in the cheer industry: debt. From the early loans that helped them build their businesses to the financial decisions they’d never repeat, they get honest about what they’ve learned through the highs, lows, and interest payments. Part Two goes deeper into risk and reality—breaking down which financing options can help a gym scale responsibly, and which ones can destroy your business (and sleep schedule) overnight. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your gym, this series will help you think differently about money, leverage, and long-term sustainability in the cheer industry.

In this two-part series of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle and Justin tackle one of the most avoided topics in the cheer industry: debt. From the early loans that helped them build their businesses to the financial mistakes they almost made, they get honest about what they’ve learned through the highs, lows, and interest payments. Part One dives into the big question: Is there such a thing as good debt? They unpack the debts that fueled growth and the mindsets that helped them make smarter borrowing decisions.

Teens picking high school over all star, and all star coaches frustrated at the last-minute demands of high school cheer...Sound familiar? In this episode, Danielle breaks down the rivalry between high school and All Star cheer, why it’s hurting athletes, and what it actually looks like when both sides learn to work together. If we want to grow the sport—and keep athletes from burning out—it starts with mutual respect, clear communication, and remembering who it’s all supposed to be about: the kids.

🎧 Part 2 is here — and yes, we’re going deeper. Last week, we talked about what the Crazy Cheer Moms got right. This week? What they got very wrong. From loyalty vs. entitlement to the myth of "favoritism," I'm sharing the gym-side perspective you won’t find in a Facebook comment war. You wanted honesty. This is that. With a little glitter and a lot of caffeine. Like & Subscibe for more Fullout Cheer Podcast episodes each week.

🚨 This week on the pod: I respond to that viral post from Crazy Cheer Moms. As a gym owner, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the emotionally-overcaffeinated. But buried in the drama? Some real truths. In Part 1, I’m breaking down the valid concerns — from sky-high costs to mid-season cuts — and why the conversation actually matters. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this one's worth a listen. Like & Subscribe for more episodes each week!

This is the check-in we promised we wouldn’t skip. In this follow-up to “Rebuilding After Dumpster Fire Season,” we revisit the goals we made in June to figure out if we’ve actually made progress… or just got better at decorating chaos. It’s your preseason reality check—part reflection, part reset, and just enough motivation to help you get back on track before things spiral (again). Cringe with us. Reflect with us. Let’s try this season on purpose.

Are your coaches tuning you out? Do your meetings feel pointless? Respect doesn’t come with your job title—it comes from how you lead. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reasons your staff doesn’t see you as the boss (hint: it’s not your age) and what you can do to earn their respect.

Need fast cashflow for your cheer gym? In this episode of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle reveals 10 proven ways to make $2,000 in just 3 days. Whether you’re looking to boost registrations, re-enroll athletes, run sibling specials, book more birthday parties, or host revenue-driving events, these strategies are designed to give you quick wins you can implement immediately. You’ll learn: ✅ How to turn sibling registrations into instant revenue ✅ Simple re-enrollment strategies that keep cash flowing ✅ Why birthday parties are a goldmine for cheer gyms ✅ Easy event ideas that bring in money fast This is $2k worth of actionable content packed into less than 30 minutes — perfect for cheer gym owners who need results now. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss new episodes that help you grow and scale your gym.

Why do athletes leave small D2 cheer gyms for big D1 programs—and what can gym owners do to keep them? In this episode of the Full Out Cheer Podcast, Danielle sits down with former Twisters athlete and current coach Allie Taylor to share her story of making the leap from a small-town gym to a large D1 program, and eventually coming back home as a coach. Together they discuss: The real reasons athletes decide to leave their home gyms How gym culture, coaching styles, and team levels impact retention What gym owners can do to keep athletes engaged long-term Practical ways smaller gyms can compete with larger programs If you’re a cheer gym owner who has ever worried about losing athletes—or if you want to build stronger retention strategies—this episode is packed with athlete-driven insights you won’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that help cheer gym owners grow, lead, and thrive!

Trading free tuition for services might feel like a smart move, but it could actually cost your cheer gym thousands. In this episode of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle Johnston and Matt Becker of GymLawyers.com break down why bartering is risky — and what to do instead. You’ll learn: The legal & tax pitfalls of bartering How misclassification of staff can cost you big Why “free” services almost never stay free A must-listen for gym owners who want to protect their business and avoid costly mistakes.

Birthday parties aren’t just a fun add-on—they’re one of the highest-margin, lowest-stress income streams in your gym (if you do it right). In this episode, we’re talking: How to market parties without sounding desperate What to offer when you don’t have a bounce house Who should staff parties and how to train them Why now is the time to start booking And how to turn “happy birthday” into actual bank 🎂 Fewer weekends off? Sure. But more money in the bank. Worth it.

Fall isn’t the time to “hope it works.” It’s the time to plan and profit. In this episode, we’re breaking down the smart marketing moves gym owners should be making right now to set up a high-revenue season. You’ll learn: What to do after the back-to-school rush How to promote events and parties without chaos The difference between selling and actually engaging Why staff should be part of your marketing machine And how to stop treating Facebook like a wishboard This isn’t about working harder. It’s about outmarketing the competition while they’re still figuring out what font to use on their pumpkin flyer.

Back-to-school season is one of the biggest opportunities for cheer gym growth—if you know how to use it. In this episode, we’re breaking down 5 proven strategies to boost enrolment, drive athlete signups, and promote your gym during the busiest time of year. Learn how to run back-to-school ads that convert, plan high-impact events, connect with local schools, and build buzz with spirit days and giveaways. Whether you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or coach, these tips will help you grow your program and get ahead of the competition this fall. Topics Covered: Back-to-school marketing for cheer gyms When and how to run fall ads for your gym How to host a successful open house event Getting involved with local schools + back-to-school nights Planning spirit days and events that attract new families Perfect for anyone in cheerleading, gymnastics, or youth activity businesses looking to increase enrolment and retention this season.

Open houses are soooo worth it, but you can't just wing it anymore. In this episode, learn how to plan one that drives signups, fills classes, and doesn’t end with three toddlers and a confused grandparent wandering around your lobby. We cover timing, marketing, setup, and converting visitors into athletes—without wasting time or money.

Have you ever felt like stepping away from coaching made sense on paper—but left you feeling disconnected, uncertain, or even burned out in a whole new way? In this episode, I share the real story behind losing my spark as a gym owner, what burnout looked like when I wasn’t on the floor, and how slowly returning to coaching helped me rediscover the part of this job that actually lights me up. If you’re feeling stuck, stretched too thin, or just wondering how to find balance without losing your passion, this one’s for you.