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What does “the standard” look like after the routine falls apart? In Episode 44 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, Tom, Geoff and David sit down with Coach Mom Kari Kratchman - a coach of 37 years and parent of two college cheerleaders—for an honest conversation about preparation, accountability, recovery and the culture athletes experience every day. Kari breaks down why the standard is not a slogan or a trophy. It is how athletes prepare before practice, communicate with teammates, respond after mistakes and show up for the people beside them. She explains what it means to give 100% of whatever you actually have that day, why accountability is different from blame and how coaches can train routine recovery instead of simply hoping athletes bounce back after a fall. The conversation also explores keeping the best parts of old-school coaching while adapting to today’s athletes, recognizing when an “energy sucker” is hurting the entire group, supporting alternates and great teammates, and parenting the athlete in front of you instead of forcing every child down the same path. Kari also shares what raising two college cheerleaders with very different journeys taught her about listening, trust and letting athletes own their experience. Instagram: @kari_momzee This episode opens in loving memory of Chamie, a beloved member of the Texas All Star Cheer family. If you would like to support Chamie’s family, please visit Honoring Chamie with Love and Support. Subscribe and follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered for new episodes every Thursday. Real dads. Real cheer conversations. Here for the parents. Here for the athletes. Here for every count.

What if high expectations are not the problem? In Episode 43 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, Tom, Geoff and David sit down with Coach Becky Acra—a longtime cheer coach, former gym owner, Program Director at Revolution Athletics, Coaching Specialist with HeadStrong Consulting, author of Raise the Athlete, Not the Pressure, and mom of three competitive cheerleaders—for a candid conversation about pressure, culture, mental toughness and the adults shaping an athlete’s experience. Becky explains why connection comes before correction, how her two-minute rule helps coaches build trust, why athletes need room to fail safely, and how the standard can stay the same while the route changes for the athlete in front of you. We also unpack parent–coach role clarity, why parents need to let coaches coach and let the sport breathe, and how adult fear, ego, urgency and identity can become pressure an athlete was never meant to carry. This is not a conversation about lowering the bar. It is about helping athletes build confidence, ownership and resilience while the adults around them regulate themselves, communicate earlier and remember whose journey this really is. Becky closes with the reminder every cheer family needs: soak up the journey. The practices, car rides, hard days and small wins move faster than we think and enjoying that time together matters more than any title. Subscribe and follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered for new episodes every Thursday. Real dads. Real cheer conversations. Here for the parents. Here for the athletes. Here for every count.

After more than 26 years in cheer, Ashlie Modabber is still finding new chapters and she is nowhere near done. Ashlie joins Tom, Geoff and David to trace a life shaped by cheer across every stage: discovering the sport as a kid, competing through high school and All Star, spending 13 years with UCA, coaching at the college level and returning to the floor with Golden State Grit in the Pro Cheer League. Along the way, Ashlie explains why back spots are the backbone of a stunt group, how coaching taught her to loosen her grip on control and why tough love alone is no longer enough. She also opens up about recovering from knee surgery, arriving at her pro-cheer tryout in a brace and what it meant to finally put on the Grit uniform. This is not simply a conversation about staying in cheer. It is about allowing your relationship with the sport to change—as an athlete, coach, mentor and adult—and refusing to accept someone else’s expiration date for what comes next. In this episode: • How Ashlie’s earliest cheer experiences became a 26-year journey• Why back spots are overlooked leaders and the backbone of the floor• What coaching taught her about patience, trust and letting go of control• Tough love, empathy and the generational shift in coaching• Preparing college athletes to represent more than themselves• Recovering from knee surgery and trying out for pro cheer in a brace• The emotion behind wearing the Golden State Grit uniform• Parent-coach communication and meeting athletes where they are• Why there is no single correct way to build a life in cheer Follow Ashlie on Instagram: @Ashlliiieee Subscribe and follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered for new episodes every Thursday. Real dads. Real cheer conversations. Here for the parents. Here for the athletes. Here for every count

The season is officially getting real In Episode 41 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, Tom, Geoff and David sit down for a dads-only cheer-season check-in about the part families live through before the lights, uniforms and first competition: repetitive routine reps, stretching, conditioning, small wins, hard falls, travel logistics and figuring out how to support our daughters without making their journey about us We catch up on Ruby, Everly and Izzy; why bases may be the underappreciated quarterbacks of a cheer team; Izzy recovering from a hard fall and returning with determination; and the confidence, maturity, independence and resilience the girls are building away from the mat. Then we get into post-practice food survival, Tom and Geoff’s first Stay-to-Play hotel-booking scramble, football pain, cheer superstitions and everything coming next: the USA Cheer Combine, the first showcase and competition, and taking the girls to an Atlanta Pro Cheer League match. This is not a formal interview. It is three dads comparing notes in real time as competition season gets closer and the family calendar gets louder. Subscribe and follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered for new episodes every Thursday. Real dads. Real cheer conversations. Here for the parents. Here for the athletes. Here for every count.

What does tumbling progress actually look like when your athlete is stuck on a back walkover, battling a mental block or grinding through private lessons with no obvious progress? For Episode 40, Tom, Geoff and David sit down with Coach Bryce Kirkley, better known as the Tumble Whisper, to help cheer parents understand what we are actually watching from the other side of the gym. Bryce is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran with more than two decades of gymnastics and coaching experience. His core message throughout this conversation is simple: Progression over perfection We get into why some athletes struggle with back walkovers, when another tumbling path may make more sense, the difference between having a skill and being ready to use it safely, mental blocks, private lessons, how to know when a coach is not helping your athlete progress, going outside your home gym for additional coaching, video feedback, parent boundaries and what it looks like to help athletes fail forward instead of carrying our frustration for them. This is not a technical coaching clinic It is a parent-first conversation about understanding the tumbling journey, asking better questions and helping athletes keep progressing without turning every skill into a finish line. Huge thank you to Bryce for being willing to challenge the way three cheer dads think about tumbling and athlete development. CONNECT WITH COACH BRYCE/TUMBLE WHISPER Website: https://www.tumble-whisper.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tumble.whisper/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetumblewhisper Subscribe and follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered for new episodes every Thursday Real dads. Real cheer conversations Here for the parents Here for the athletes Here for every count

What makes a cheer competition memorable after the two-and-a-half minutes on the mat are over? In Episode 39 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, Tom, Geoff and David sit down with Kevin Jones of Redline Championships for a candid look at how All Star cheer has evolved and where the competition experience could go next. Kevin brings 45 years of experience in cheer, event production, apparel and brand building. Together, we talk about what families never see behind a competition: venue planning, production, judging, scheduling, customer experience and the responsibility event producers carry for athletes, coaches, gym owners and parents. We also get into why choice between event producers matters, whether narrow divisions have weakened real competition, how an obsession with bids and Worlds can distract from an athlete’s daily experience, and when the rising cost of cheer crosses the line into excess. Kevin also shares what Redline is building next: • The new Junior Select and Senior Select Performance Divisions, designed to reward execution, creativity, choreography and overall performance without traditional level restrictions • The International Tournament Of Champions in Dublin, an invitation-only event coming to RDS Simmonscourt on May 29, 2027 • Parent-focused event experiences and the idea that the memory should be bigger than the score This is not only a conversation about Redline. It is a bigger conversation about creativity, meaningful competition, athlete-first leadership and building cheer experiences families actually remember. LEARN MORE: Redline Championships: https://redlinechampionships.com/ Junior Select and Senior Select Performance Divisions: https://redlinechampionships.com/news/junior-select-and-senior-select-performance-divisions International Tournament Of Champions — Dublin: https://redlinechampionships.com/news/international-tournament-of-champions-dublin Subscribe and follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered for new episodes every Thursday. Real dads. Real cheer conversations. Here for the parents. Here for the athletes. Here for Every Count

What actually comes after All-Star Cheer? For a lot of cheer families, the college landscape can feel confusing. Recruiting, scholarships, combines, STUNT, traditional college cheer, National Team opportunities — there are more paths than many parents realize. So for Episode 38, we went straight to the source. Tom, Geoff, and David sit down with Lauri Harris, Executive Director of USA Cheer, and Amy Haney, Director of College & High School STUNT, to help cheer parents and athletes understand what the next level actually looks like. This week we get into: • USA Cheer's role in the sport• The different paths available after All-Star Cheer• When athletes should begin thinking about college recruiting• What college coaches really look for in athletes• Why talent alone doesn't guarantee the right college opportunity• Social media and its role in recruiting• The truth about college cheer scholarships• What happens at a USA Cheer College Combine• What parents should — and shouldn't — do during recruiting• STUNT explained for parents who still don't quite get it 😂• How STUNT is expanding opportunities for collegiate athletes• The international growth and future of cheer One of our biggest takeaways from this conversation: there may be a college for everyone but not every college is for everyone Finding the right opportunity is about more than skills. It's about academics, fit, character, coachability, preparation, and finding a program where an athlete can thrive. Huge thank you to Lauri and Amy for spending time with three curious cheer dads and giving our community an incredible look behind the curtain. And yes... Tom finally understands STUNT 😂 Subscribe and follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered for new episodes every Thursday Here for the parents. Here for the athletes

Britney Gilman, owner and head coach of Supreme Cheer & Tumble in Mesa, Arizona, joins Cheer Dads Unfiltered for Season 2 Episode 4 and this one takes us inside the gym. Recorded in person at Supreme Cheer & Tumble, Britney shares how she found cheer, started coaching at a young age, built Supreme from 21 athletes into a growing program, and what it really takes to create a gym culture where athletes and families feel like they belong. Tom, Geoff and David dig into the owner and coaching side of cheer — choosing the right gym, athlete development, rushing skills, mental blocks, privates, parent involvement, communication, trust, and the balance between being competitive and protecting the athlete experience. It is a fun, honest conversation about building a program, developing athletes, supporting families, and what cheer parents often do not get to see behind the gym doors. Learn more about Supreme Cheer & Tumble and follow their journey on social. 🎙️ New episodes every Thursday. Here for the parents. Here for the athletes. Here for every count

Hailey D'Lynn Smith joins Cheer Dads Unfiltered for Season 2 Episode 3 and this one covers a lot of ground. Hailey shares her journey through cheer, what the sport has taught her, how confidence is built over time, and what athletes really experience when expectations, pressure and personal growth all collide. Tom, Geoff and David dig into the athlete and coaching side of the sport, the lessons that carry far beyond the mat, and the role parents can play in supporting athletes without taking over the journey. It is a fun, honest conversation about cheer, growth, identity, confidence, coaching and the people who shape athletes along the way. 🎙️ New episodes every Thursday Here for the parents Here for the athletes Here for every count

Season 2 is officially underway and the honeymoon phase of making All-Star is already over 😂 Last week, we shared where Izzy, Ruby and Everly landed. Now the teams are set, choreography is done, school is back in session... and competition season still feels forever away. This week, Tom, Geoff and David sit down for a real Cheer Dads check-in on the part of competitive cheer nobody posts about: the work between making the team and stepping onto the competition floor. We talk about choreography week, 20+ hour cheer weeks, new tumbling skills, flyer flexibility, balancing third grade with All-Star schedules, and watching our daughters find their places on their new teams. We also get into one of the biggest questions we've faced as sports parents: When should you advocate for your kid and when should you get out of the way and let them advocate for themselves? David shares how Everly approached her coach and earned another opportunity instead of Dad stepping in. Geoff talks about Ruby landing her back handspring and immediately eyeing the next skill. And Tom wrestles with helping Izzy handle the pressure of a two-week flexibility goal without becoming that cheer dad. Plus: ridiculous cheer expenses, squishies everywhere, bedazzled cheer shoes, school vs. sports, who will cry first at competition... and Geoff officially becomes Snacks. Because December gets the trophies, photos and bright lights. But August builds the athlete. Next week: Hailey D'Lynn Smith joins Cheer Dads Unfiltered 🎙️ New episodes every Thursday Here for the parents. Here for the athletes Here for every count

Season 2 is officially here We ended Season 1 with a cliffhanger: all three of us thought we had a pretty good idea of what the next cheer season was going to look like Turns out… we had no idea 😂 In the Season 2 premiere, we rewind the whole story and unpack how Izzy, Ruby and Everly all made the jump into All Star cheer but through three very different paths. Tom and Geoff walk through how Izzy and Ruby ended up together on Shimmer at USA Starz, competing Youth Level 1 All Star, while David shares why Everly made a bigger move and joined Mini Majesties at Supreme Cheer in a limited-travel All Star program. We get into the tryout decisions, coach conversations, family discussions, finances, travel, practice expectations and all the stuff cheer parents actually have to think about when their athlete is ready for more. We also talk about: • Prep vs. All Star and what we understand now that we absolutely did not understand a year ago• Why our original plans changed after tryouts• How much influence coaches should have on a family’s decision• Full travel vs. limited travel All Star• Private lessons, tumbling and the increased commitment that comes with leveling up• Nutrition, school, sleep and managing the schedule• What has already surprised us about All Star practices• The pressure parents can accidentally put on their athletes• Why there is no single “right” path through competitive cheer• What we’re excited and nervous about heading into the new season The biggest takeaway from all three families? Let your athlete write their own story Season 1 was us discovering the cheer world Season 2 is us living inside of it New teams. New gyms. New challenges. Same three dads trying to figure this thing out one count at a time. Welcome to Season 2 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered Here for every count 📣 #CheerDadsUnfiltered #AllStarCheer #CheerParents #CompetitiveCheer #CheerDad

Seven months ago, three dads sat down with one simple goal: learn more about the sport our daughters love We never imagined where that journey would take us 🏆 Best Cheer Podcast at the Cheer Awards 🎙️ 33 episodes ❤️ Incredible guests 🤝 Lifelong friendships 📈 Hundreds of thousands of views In our Season One Finale, we're taking a step back to reflect on everything this first season became We talk about: • How Cheer Dads Unfiltered started• The guests and moments that impacted us most• Winning Best Cheer Podcast• The incredible relationships we've built throughout the cheer community• What we've learned as fathers• Some big family decisions happening behind the scenes• What's next for Cheer Dads Unfiltered Most importantly...we want to say thank you To every athlete, parent, coach, judge, gym owner, brand partner and listener who welcomed us into this community... Thank you for making this first season unforgettable ❤️ Here for every count Follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered: Instagram: @cheerdadsunfiltered TikTok: @cheerdadsunfiltered YouTube: Cheer Dads Unfiltered Website: cheerdadsunfiltered.com

What happens when a college football player trades shoulder pads for stunts? In this episode of Cheer Dads Unfiltered we're joined by Will Hemsley of the Golden State Grit to talk about one of the most unique journeys in competitive cheer. From playing football under coaches connected to Eric Berry and Cam Newton to cheering at Navarro, Weber State and the Pro Cheer League Will shares how he found a new passion, what it's really like competing at the highest level and why coaching the next generation means more to him than winning championships. We also dive into: 🏈 Transitioning from college football to elite cheer 💪 Is competitive cheer actually harder than football? 📣 Life at Navarro, Weber State & the Golden State Grit 🧠 Mental toughness, confidence & overcoming fear 👏 Why great coaches change lives 👨‍👩‍👧 Advice for parents raising young athletes 🔥 Will's favorite Pro Cheer League moments Whether you're a cheer parent, athlete, coach, or simply curious about the world of competitive cheer, this conversation offers an inside look at what it really takes to compete and lead at the highest level. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @CheerDadsUnfiltered New episodes every Thursday Here for every count ❤️

Skylar Graves joins Cheer Dads Unfiltered to share one of the most unique journeys we've heard yet. From 13 years in competitive gymnastics to cheering at Trinity Valley Community College, competing at Worlds with USA Stars Obsession, and becoming one of the very first professional cheer athletes with Miami Metal, Skylar opens up about the road that brought him here. We dive into: • Growing up in gymnastics • Transitioning into cheer • Breaking stereotypes around boys in cheer • College cheer and scholarships • Trinity Valley culture • Winning at Worlds • Competing in the inaugural Pro Cheer League season • Mental toughness and what separates elite athletes • Finding your people and building confidence Whether you're a cheer parent, athlete, coach, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is packed with perspective, laughs, and lessons that go far beyond the mat. Here for every count.

What does it really take to go from a young All-Star athlete to competing in the Professional Cheer League? This week we're joined by Alex Simonis. Back spot, former Arizona State STUNT athlete, high school coach and current member of the Atlanta Air in the Professional Cheer League. Alex shares one of the most informative conversations we've had for cheer parents, breaking down every stage of an athlete's journey. From youth cheer to high school, college recruiting, STUNT and eventually the professional level. We also dive into why back spots deserve more recognition, what college coaches are really looking for, how families can prepare for the recruiting process and what it was like earning a spot in the Professional Cheer League. In this episode: • Why back spots are the quarterbacks of cheer • The biggest mistakes families make when preparing for college cheer • All-Star vs High School Cheer • What STUNT really is (and why every parent should know about it) • College recruiting tips from an athlete who's lived it • Alex's journey to the Atlanta Air and the Professional Cheer League • Advice every young athlete needs to hear Whether your athlete is just starting their cheer journey or dreaming about competing at the highest level, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at where the sport is headed. 🎙️ Real Dads. Real Cheer Conversations Here For Every Count