In this engaging conversation, Kristen talks with comic, Brittany Ross, where they explore the multifaceted world of cheerleading, touching on personal experiences, mental health challenges, and the transition from cheer to comedy. They discuss the pressures of cheer culture, the impact of mental blocks, and the darker aspects of the sport, including eating disorders and identity crises. Brittany shares her journey from cheerleading to stand-up comedy, highlighting how her past experiences shape her comedic material. The episode concludes with insights into Brittany's podcast, 'Full Out,' which delves into the lives of individuals who have gone 'full out' in their pursuits, reflecting on the lessons learned from cheerleading and beyond.

STUNT is one of the fastest growing female sports in the country. Kristen talks with Bri Larson, a cheer coach and STUNT official. Bri shares her extensive background in cheerleading and the emergence of stunt as a competitive sport. She explains the format of STUNT and compares it to traditional all-star cheerleading, highlighting the differences in showmanship and execution.

Kristen interviews S.R. Fabrico, a prominent figure in the cheerleading industry. They discuss Stacy's journey from a young cheerleader to a gym owner and author, the evolution of cheerleading competitions, the impact of so many divisions at cheer competitions, and the historical context of cheerleading. Stacy shares insights on the Pro Cheer League and the importance of documenting cheerleading history. The conversation shines a light on the trailblazers who helped shape cheer and celebrates the strong sense of community that brings the cheer world together.

This episode covers updates from the cheer world, focusing on the introduction of the Pro Cheer League, cash prizes for Worlds athletes, a new event called The Tournament of Champions, and important new guidelines from USASF. Ask your questions and tell us what you think in a comment or review!

In this conversation, Kristen talks with Keely Icardi to discuss the Adaptive Abilities Division of cheerleading, exploring Keely's personal journey into cheerleading, the differences between Cheer Abilities and Adaptive Abilities, and the Adaptive Abilities division on an international stage. They also talk about the future of adaptive cheerleading, including potential recognition in the Paralympics. Keely shares insights about her experiences with Para Cheer Spirit and the community engagement efforts to raise awareness and support for adaptive athletes.

In this conversation, Kristen and Dr. Shih-Shan Chen discuss the critical topic of concussions in cheerleading, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education for parents and athletes. They explore the evolving landscape of co-ed stunting, the creation of the Stunt Showdown competition, and the balance Dr. Chen maintains between her demanding career as a pediatric neurosurgeon and her role as a cheer mom. The discussion highlights the need for safety, trust in coaching, and the fun aspect of cheerleading, while also addressing the serious nature of concussions and the importance of proper recovery protocols.

In this engaging conversation, Victor Rosario, a trailblazer in the cheerleading industry, shares his journey and insights into the evolution of cheerleading. He discusses the innovative themes introduced in cheer routines, the importance of fostering a positive culture among athletes, and the milestones that have shaped the sport. Victor also highlights the future of cheerleading with the emergence of the Pro Cheer League, and emphasizes the significance of personal development and resilience in athletes.

Kristen talks with Jason Larkins, host of the Let's Talk Cheer Podcast and author of Upside Down and Back Again, a Parent's Guide to All Star Cheerleading. They discuss the benefits of the new "Flex" divisions and how Varsity pushes the sport of cheer to be better.

Almost every cheer parent has likely heard the words, “I think I want to quit" from their athlete at some point or another. In this episode, we’re diving into the tough, emotional conversations that come with your athlete questioning their place in cheer. Kristen walks you through why these feelings might come up, how to respond with empathy instead of panic, and the best ways to guide your child through the decision-making process—whether that means sticking it out or moving on. If you’ve ever faced the “I want to quit” conversation (or want to be prepared for the day you do), this episode will give you the tools, perspective, and peace of mind to navigate it with confidence.

I'm baaaaaack! After a summer break, the Cheer Mom Podcast returns with a new schedule and exciting updates! Tune in to hear big announcements, and how you can be part of the Cheer Mom community.

Kristen discusses the emotional challenges and dynamics of evaluation season in cheerleading. She emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and supporting athletes (and ourselves!) through anxiety. The conversation also explores how parents can redefine success for their children beyond just outcomes, focusing on personal growth and character development.

With the end-of-season emotions mixing with beginning-of-season pressure, it felt like the perfect moment to do a roundup episode about the most requested, most discussed, most “please help me, I’m lost in the YouTube comments” topic ever: Mental blocks.

Has The Summit lost its prestige? Is it too easy to get a bid? Do some teams not deserve a bid because of their low scores? Let's talk about it.

Kristen discusses the importance of celebrating small victories in cheerleading, and how these moments contribute to the emotional growth of young athletes. She emphasizes the need for parents to recognize and appreciate the progress their children make, regardless of competition outcomes, fostering a positive environment that nurtures confidence and maturity.

More and more, high schools are telling their athletes they can’t do All Star, and vice versa. So more athletes are having to choose, and it’s not always an easy, clear cut choice. That depends on so much. It depends on where you live, the strength of either program, what you want to do during high school, after high school, and it just keeps going. In this episode, Kristen breaks down questions and factors to consider to help guide cheerleaders (and their parents) through the decision-making process:

"Have you ever seen Bring it On?" This is one of the many questions that make us roll our eyes in the cheer world. In this episode, Kristen addresses the misconceptions and stereotypes about cheer. Cheer is so often misunderstood, and Kristen brings a reminder of the dedication, discipline, and passion that fuel this sport.

Join Kristen, Dan Cotton (Cheer Biz Podcast) and Jason Larkins (Let's Talk Cheer Podcast), as they record and answer questions in front of a live audience.

Heather Jones and her daughter, Lily, share a heartfelt conversation about the silent struggle too many athletes face with eating disorders. Lily opens up about her own battle, the toll it took on her health, and the difficult road to recovery. With the unwavering support of her family, friends, and her Stingray Allstars cheer family, she found the strength to heal. Now, as a member of the world-famous Stingray Allstars Orange, Lily is using her journey to inspire others, reminding athletes that they are never alone. Heather emphasizes the importance of open conversations and a strong support system in breaking the silence surrounding these struggles.

Kristen breaks down how AI tools like ChatGPT can be a game-changer for cheer moms and coaches alike. She highlights how these tools streamline communication, help craft the perfect messages, and make planning for cheer competitions a breeze. It’s an insightful, practical conversation that’s all about making life easier—on and off the mat!

Cheerleading is a passion, a commitment, and for so many, a way of life. But what happens when it starts to feel like more of a burden than a joy? In this episode, Kristen breaks down five key signs that it might be time to step back—whether that means taking a break or retiring from competitive cheer altogether. If you’ve ever questioned whether to keep going or move on, this one’s for you!