Advertise on podcast: Here 4 Cheer

Nationally recognized choreographer, educator and former Cheer Athletics All-Star Director John Knowles joins Megan on Here 4 Cheer for an incredibly honest conversation about leadership, culture, communication, athlete buy-in and what it really takes to build successful teams. John shares lessons from more than 15 years at Cheer Athletics, including how he learned to lead staff, build trust with athletes and parents, create competitive team cultures, and motivate coaches and athletes beyond wins and losses. He also gets candid about the mistakes that shaped him as a coach — from learning when to stop criticizing every rep to understanding parents differently after becoming one himself. One of his biggest lessons? Athletes can tell when their coach is truly invested in the journey with them. John also takes us inside That Cheer School, the coaching community he created to share the systems, practice strategies, choreography tools and resources he developed throughout his career. In this episode: • Building trust between coaches, athletes and parents   • Creating genuine athlete buy-in   • Developing and motivating coaching staffs   • Why coaches need to explain the “why”   • Creating value for yourself as a coach   • Balancing accountability with confidence   • Lessons learned at Cheer Athletics   • Why great coaches never stop learning   • The story behind That Cheer School   • Why sometimes the thing that scares you is exactly what you should run toward Whether you're a gym owner, coach, athlete or cheer parent, this conversation is packed with ideas you can immediately bring back to your program. #Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #AllStarCheer #CheerCoach #CheerAthletics #JohnKnowles #CheerCoaching #AllStarCheerleading #CheerLife #ThatCheerSchool

University of South Florida All Girl head coach Sandy Clarke joins Megan on Here 4 Cheer to talk about the mindset, grit, leadership, and authenticity that helped transform USF All Girl into one of the most recognized programs in college cheerleading. Sandy shares why USF continues to embrace the tryout process, why athletes need to own their college cheer journey, and what she has learned through both winning and losing. She also opens up about coaching alongside her husband Layton, raising a family immersed in cheerleading, developing leaders without naming captains, and creating a culture where three competition teams still operate as one team. With five national titles in four years, Sandy knows what winning looks like—but some of her biggest lessons have come from the years they didn't win. From “sometimes you win, sometimes you learn” to being unapologetically different, this conversation goes far beyond hitting a routine. It’s about building athletes, developing people, and creating something bigger than yourself. #Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #CollegeCheer #USFCheer #USFAllGirl #CheerCoach #CheerleadingCoach #CollegeCheerleading #CheerCulture #ChampionshipMindset #CheerLife #UCACollegeNationals #CheerAthlete #TeamCulture #USFBulls

Brantley Jittu’s journey in cheerleading is about so much more than competition. From discovering all-star cheer as a six-year-old to becoming a respected choreographer, coach, consultant, and business owner, Brantley has built his career around helping others believe in themselves and reach their potential. In this episode of Here 4 Cheer with Megan Gomarlo, Brantley opens up about growing up as a male cheerleader in the South, facing bullying and death threats simply for being himself, and learning to embrace who he was and what he loved. He also shares the lessons that shaped him as a leader—including the advice from his childhood coach that taught him, “not everybody’s journey is the same” and that you can accomplish more by inspiring people than by tearing them down. Brantley and Megan also dive into: • Building a career in the cheer industry • The importance of mentorship and developing the next generation • Leadership and creating a positive gym culture • The business side of running a successful cheer program • Why gyms need to invest in training, choreography, music, and athletes—not just appearances • Helping coaches, gym owners, judges, and choreographers grow • Brantley’s vision for making cheer a place where people can believe in themselves and find their place At the heart of the conversation is Brantley’s belief that success isn't just about winning. It's about opening doors for other people and creating an impact that continues long after you're gone. This is a conversation about courage, leadership, purpose, and the power of cheer to change lives. #Here4Cheer #BrantleyJittu #Cheerleading #AllStarCheer #CheerCoach #CheerleadingPodcast #CheerIndustry #CheerLeadership #GymOwners #CheerBusiness

In this short episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan Gomarlo explores the idea of the “domestique”—a cyclist whose job is to support a teammate, sacrifice their own opportunity to win, and help someone else succeed. Megan connects that idea to cheerleading and asks us to recognize the athletes, coaches, staff, and teammates who quietly make everyone around them better. From arriving early and staying late to giving up the spotlight, bringing energy, supporting teammates, and stepping into whatever role the team needs, these are the people who embody “we over me.” Megan also shares three practical ways coaches can celebrate these teammates in practice: • The Empty Chair • The Invisible Teammate • The “I Saw You” Circle It’s a short episode, but an important reminder: great teams aren’t built only by stars—they’re built by people who help others rise. #Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #CheerCoach #CheerleadingCoach #TeamCulture #Leadership #Teamwork #YouthSports #CheerLife #MeganGomarlo

What does it really take to build confident, resilient athletes? In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan Gomarlo sits down with international speaker and confidence and performance strategist Jen Graffice, founder of Q Life, for a powerful conversation about the connection between mindset, confidence, and athletic performance. Jen has worked with more than 30 world champion programs and brings a unique perspective shaped by sports medicine, health and wellness, coaching, and her experience as a parent of competitive cheerleaders. Together, Megan and Jen talk about: • Why courage creates confidence • Why athletes need to normalize failure and learn from struggle • How parents can communicate more effectively with their kids • The importance of coaches taking those small "micro moments" to check in with athletes • How breath work can help athletes manage pressure before competition • Using words, journaling, and visualization to strengthen mindset • How mental blocks can be connected to confidence • Why parents and coaches should stop comparing athletes and their journeys • How the language coaches use can build athletes up while still maintaining high standards • Creating a positive mindset culture that includes coaches, athletes, and parents Jen's message is ultimately bigger than cheer: the goal isn't simply to create better performers. It's to help develop strong, confident, resilient humans. If you're an athlete, coach, parent, or gym owner, this is an episode packed with practical ideas you can start using immediately. Subscribe to Here 4 Cheer for more conversations about cheerleading, coaching, mindset, leadership, and the people who make this sport so special.

What happens when you refuse to be afraid of a “no”? On this episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan Gomarlo sits down with powerhouse coach, choreographer, consultant, and entrepreneur ChiChi for an inspiring conversation about taking risks, building leaders, creating championship cultures, and believing in athletes before they believe in themselves. ChiChi shares his incredible journey from discovering competitive cheer to cheering at Navarro and Texas Tech, coaching championship programs, returning to Navarro as a coach, and helping build its all-girl program. He also opens up about what separates elite programs from the rest—and why the most successful teams are built on culture, accountability, and leadership. They also dive into: • Why great coaches care about more than championships • The importance of veterans developing and protecting rookies • Why player-led teams are so powerful • What ChiChi looks for when recruiting athletes • His advice for athletes who don't think they're good enough • Building a successful cheer program as a business • The story behind Nation's Best, his new individual and small-group championship concept • Why athletes need a life outside of cheer • Taking risks, chasing big ideas, and refusing to settle Chi Chi's message throughout the conversation is simple: go for it. You never know what's possible until you try. 🎙️ Here 4 Cheer is hosted by Megan Gomarlo and features conversations with athletes, coaches, choreographers, and leaders shaping the world of cheer. #Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #ChiChi #NavarroCheer #CheerCoach #CompetitiveCheer #CheerleadingCoach

In this deeply moving episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with Hollie York, mother of Cambree York — a beloved 14-year-old cheerleader for her school, her gym, and Team USA. Hollie opens up about Cambree's sudden illness and the devastating loss that changed her family's life. But this episode is also about resilience, gratitude, and legacy. Hollie shares cherished memories of Cambree's cheer journey — from her first tumbling class to making a Worlds team — and talks about the "Cheer Like Cambree" movement that has united the cheer community in her honor. She reflects on the outpouring of love and support from gyms, teammates, and families across the country, and shares her hopes for turning Cambree's story into a lasting foundation and scholarship opportunity for young athletes. If Cambree's story touched you, consider sharing it, and join the cheer community in continuing to wear blue in her honor.   #CheerLikeCambree #Here4CheerPodcast #Cheerleading #AllStarCheer

On this episode of Here for Cheer, Megan Gomarlo sits down with Melissa Bull, four-time national championship coach, Ravenwood High School head coach, and USA cheer coach, for an honest conversation about elite coaching, leadership, culture, resilience, and what matters beyond the scoreboard. Melissa shares the journey that took her from Moorhead athlete to championship coach, her path to Ravenwood, and what makes the program's culture so special. She also opens up about the pressure of coaching at the highest level, handling difficult losses, pushing the boundaries of cheerleading, and helping athletes learn to perform under pressure. In this conversation, Melissa talks about: • Building a championship culture without losing the human element • Why she doesn't use traditional team captains • Using data and positive tracking to motivate athletes • Teaching athletes communication, self-advocacy, and resilience • Handling the pressure that comes with being a powerhouse program • Why coaches have to be willing to lead from the front • Learning how to win — and how to lose • Taking calculated risks and pushing the boundaries of cheerleading • Her journey back to representing Team USA as a coach • What separates talented athletes from true champions • Why the relationships and lessons matter more than the championship • Building a legacy that continues after athletes graduate • How cheerleading can shape young women far beyond the gym • The importance of balance, boundaries, and taking care of yourself as a coach • Why gym owners should showcase their culture—not just their skills—on social media One of the biggest takeaways from Melissa: “You have to be good at winning, but you also have to be good at losing.” This is a conversation about cheerleading, but it's really about leadership, courage, community, and becoming the kind of person others want to follow. Host: Megan Gomarlo Guest: Melissa Bull Ravenwood High School | USA Cheer Subscribe to Here for Cheer for more conversations with the athletes, coaches, and leaders pushing the sport forward. #HereForCheer #Cheerleading #CheerCoach #MelissaBull #RavenwoodCheer #TeamUSA #CompetitiveCheerleading #CheerleadingCoach #CheerCulture #CheerleadingPodcast

What does it take to build one of the most successful all-star cheer programs in the world? In this episode of Here for Cheer, five-time World Champion athlete, coach, choreographer, and Prodigy Program Director Trey Johnson shares the philosophy behind Prodigy Midnight's success. From developing athletes and creating iconic routines to leading through pressure, criticism, and championship expectations, Trey offers an honest look inside one of the sport's premier programs. In this episode: How Trey Johnson became Prodigy's Program Director Building a championship culture The sacrifices athletes make to compete at the highest level Creating innovative themes, music, and choreography Coaching through pressure and adversity Developing staff, athletes, and future leaders The importance of culture, communication, and consistency What it really takes to win at the World Championship level Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or cheer fan, this conversation is packed with leadership insights and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most respected creative minds in all-star cheer. Guest: Trey Johnson Five-Time World Champion Athlete, Coach & Choreographer Program Director, Prodigy All Stars If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue bringing you conversations with the leaders shaping the future of cheer. #Cheerleading #AllStarCheer #ProdigyAllStars #Midnight #WorldChampionships #CheerCoach #CheerPodcast #TreyJohnson #HereForCheer #CheerLife #VarsityAllStar #Cheerleader #Leadership #SportsPodcast

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan Gomarlo sits down with one of the most respected names in cheerleading, Jimbo Kelliher. From his unexpected start in cheerleading to helping shape generations of athletes through Woodward and now Nash Camp, Jimbo shares the lessons he's learned from decades of coaching. They discuss: How Woodward changed the cheer industry The story behind Nash Camp's incredible success Coaching Worlds teams vs. youth athletes Why communication and life skills matter as much as tumbling Burnout, balance, and the future of all-star cheer Jimbo's coaching philosophy: "Progress Without Pressure." Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or cheer fan, this conversation is packed with insights about leadership, growth, and creating an environment where athletes thrive—not just in cheer, but in life. Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of cheer. #Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #NashCamp #Woodward #JimboKelliher #AllStarCheer #CheerCoach #YouthSports #Leadership #Tumbling #CheerPodcast

For our one-year anniversary episode of the Here for Cheer Podcast, we're joined by one of the most requested guests ever—Kingslee Primrose. Growing up at Northern Lights Athletics, Kingslee has never known a life without cheer. From being the little girl memorizing routines from the sidelines to becoming a two-time Summit Champion and two-time ICU World Champion, her journey has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation with her mom, Megan Gomarlo, Kingslee opens up about: Growing up in a cheer gym Competing with USA Cheer on the world stage The challenges of having your mom as your coach Overcoming injuries and building resilience Why friendship means more than chasing a Worlds team Her dreams for college cheer and one day coaching the next generation This episode is about much more than trophies and titles. It's a story about family, perseverance, and finding joy in the journey. If you've ever wondered what it's like to grow up in the sport of cheerleading, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👍 Like the video, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves cheer. #Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #USACheer #NorthernLightsAllstars #SummitChampion #AllStarCheer #CheerPodcast #YouthSports #AthleteJourney #Family

What separates a great coach from a great gym owner? In this episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, Megan Gomarlo sits down with business strategist Jason Silverman, founder of Silverman Consulting and the System Success Mastermind. Jason has spent decades helping cheer gyms, gymnastics facilities, martial arts schools, and youth activity businesses build stronger systems, increase profits, develop leaders, and create businesses that don't depend on the owner being there every day. Together, they discuss: Why so many gym owners work 24/7—and how to break the cycle The difference between being a great coach and being a great CEO How systems create freedom without sacrificing quality Why pricing should never be an emotional decision Building leaders instead of doing everything yourself The importance of mentorship and accountability Creating a business that serves your life—not one that consumes it Whether you're opening your first gym or have been in business for 20 years, this conversation is packed with practical advice and mindset shifts that can transform the way you lead. Guest: Jason Silverman Founder, Silverman Consulting & System Success Mastermind Subscribe to Here 4 Cheer for conversations with coaches, business leaders, athletes, and industry experts dedicated to helping the cheer community grow. #CheerBusiness #CheerGym #GymOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #BusinessSystems #Cheerleading #SmallBusiness #YouthSports #Here4Cheer

Every athlete dreams of reaching the next level—but what does it really take to get there? In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan Gomarlo sits down with former Northern Lights All-Star Ally Minson, whose journey took her from a quiet kid in a small New Hampshire gym to a National Champion at Morehead State University, one of the most prestigious collegiate cheer programs in the country. Ally shares the lessons that shaped her success, including: How work ethic beats talent What college cheer is really like The pressures of competing for national championships Why team culture matters more than trophies Life after cheer and finding your identity beyond the sport How strength training can transform athletes and help prevent injuries Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or cheer fan, this conversation is packed with honest advice, inspiring stories, and practical insights about what it truly means to grow through sport. In this episode: Ally's path from Northern Lights to Morehead State Building championship-level work ethic The reality of college cheerleading Why character matters more than talent Navigating life after your athletic career Strength training for cheerleaders and injury prevention If you enjoy conversations that go beyond the routine and explore the people behind the sport, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. New episodes of Here 4 Cheer feature athletes, coaches, and leaders who are shaping the future of cheerleading. #Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #CollegeCheer #MoreheadState #NationalChampion #NorthernLightsAllStars #StrengthTraining #AthleteDevelopment #AllStarCheer #Podcast

The best teams aren't built on skills alone—they're built on trust. In this solo episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, Megan Gomarlo shares three powerful ways coaches can build stronger relationships with their athletes, earn their trust, and create a culture where teams thrive. In this episode, you'll learn: Why relationships matter more than perfect skills How to make every athlete feel seen and valued The power of consistent leadership Why celebrating the person—not just the athlete—creates lasting success Simple ways coaches can build loyalty and stronger team culture Whether you're a coach, gym owner, team captain, or aspiring leader, these practical tips will help you lead with purpose and create an environment where athletes can reach their full potential. If you enjoy Here 4 Cheer, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with another coach who could use the encouragement. #Cheerleading #CheerCoach #Leadership #Coaching #TeamCulture #AllStarCheer #YouthSports #SportsLeadership #Here4Cheer

In this powerful conversation, University at Albany head coach and Forte Spirit Solutions co-owner Adam Forte shares the journey from building a nationally recognized All Star program to walking away from gym ownership—and why it turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life. Adam opens up about: - Leaving Cheer Intensity after 17 years - Building championship teams without losing your values - What parents often misunderstand about tumbling progression - Why comparison is hurting cheerleading culture - The importance of sleep, recovery, and athlete wellness - Coaching through service, leadership, and gratitude - Raising athletes who become great people—not just great cheerleaders Whether you're a cheer parent, coach, gym owner, or athlete, this episode is packed with practical advice and perspective that extends far beyond the competition floor. If you've ever wondered: How do successful coaches avoid burnout? Why aren't more athletes reaching Level 5 and 6? What creates a healthy gym culture? How do you balance winning with athlete development? This conversation is for you. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders, athletes, coaches, and changemakers shaping the future of cheerleading. #Cheerleading #AllStarCheer #CheerCoach #CheerParent #AdamForte #ForteSpiritSolutions #CollegeCheer #Tumbling #CheerCulture #Here4Cheer #UAlbany