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What does it take to make cheerleading easier to follow, understand and love as a fan? In Episode 029, I sit down with Alex, the creator of Cheer Theory, to talk about his journey from competitive athlete to building one of the most trusted media platforms in cheerleading. Alex takes us behind the scenes of covering Worlds, tracking scores and results in real time, and turning a very complicated sport into information fans can actually understand. We also discuss how cheerleading is represented outside our industry, why full routines still matter, and what it will take to move the sport forward without constantly trying to prove that it belongs. Then, we revisit two routines that bookend Alex’s journey as an athlete: the 2011 Lady Bullets routine that made him fall in love with cheerleading and his final performance with Cali Coed. We finish by reviewing Kingston Elite Cheerleading Diamond and sharing ways their Level 1 routine could create even more visual impact. This episode is about nostalgia, data, fandom and the work happening behind the scenes to help more people experience cheerleading as the sport we know it to be. Takeaways Cheer Theory's evolution from a basic website to a comprehensive platform for cheerleading data and informationThe impact of technology on the accessibility and coverage of cheerleading competitions Media portrayal impacts public perceptionEvolution of cheerleading routines and scoring systemsNostalgia for past routines and trends Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Cheerleading01:20 Evolution of Cheer Theory02:47 Full-Time Commitment to Cheer Theory03:11 The Impact of Technology on Cheerleading07:06 Coverage of Cheerleading Competitions26:08 Operational Excellence in Cheerleading Competitions27:10 Media Portrayal and Public Perception28:23 Evolution of Cheerleading Routines and Scoring Systems33:30 Nostalgia for Past Routines and Trends

When a stunt feels shaky, a jump lacks height, or execution begins to fade, coaches often respond with more repetitions. But what if the real problem isn’t cleaning… it’s strength? In this episode, Mimi sits down with physical therapist and former Ohio State cheerleader Maria Wisman, better known as The Cheer Doctor, to explore how strength training directly affects what we see on the competition floor. They discuss why every cheerleader (including flyers!) belongs in the weight room, how coaches can make strength training manageable within an already busy practice schedule, and why simply lifting your flyer at practice doesn’t count as a strength program. Mimi and Maria also revisit Maria’s own Ohio State routine and review a listener-submitted routine to break down how strength, power, and physical preparation show up through jumps, stunts, motions, landings, and execution under fatigue. Because sometimes, your athletes don’t need more reps. They need more strength. Takeaways Strength training can simplify the approach to cheerleading and improve athletic performance.Starting strength training at a young age can be beneficial for athletes in developing physical qualities necessary for success. Structured strength training is essential for efficiency and injury prevention.Balancing rest, recovery, and training is crucial for long-term success in cheerleading. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Strength Training Takeaway00:53 The Journey to Cheerleading02:54 The Birth of The Cheer Doctor04:25 Misconceptions About Cheerleading05:59 Physical Needs of Cheer Athletes06:41 Strength Training for Cheerleaders08:09 Access to Resources for Cheer Teams09:28 The Impact of Strength Training on Performance10:53 Starting Strength Training at a Young Age12:03 Myth of Bulking Up from Strength Training13:30 Overcoming Intimidation in the Weight Room16:00 Basic Strength Training Tips17:26 The Importance of Rotation in Training19:09 Watching the UCA Nationals Routine23:27 Strength Training vs. Repetition24:32 Structured Strength Training25:22 Sports-Specific Training Misconceptions26:22 Differentiated Training for Bases and Flyers27:16 Team Training and Vibe30:33 Basics of Strength Training32:14 Importance of Rest and Recovery33:23 Injury Prevention and Recovery40:06 Jumps and Power43:32 Strength Training Considerations45:04 Overlooked Muscle Groups45:41 Key Exercise and Conditioning Drill

Can one routine succeed on two different score sheets? In this episode, international choreographer Brandon Mackey joins Judge Mimi to talk about building routines around the world and adapting choreography for different athletes, cultures and scoring systems. Brandon shares his journey from Newfoundland to winning Worlds and becoming a full-time choreographer. Together, he and Mimi break down routines from Australia and Canada, explore the differences between comparative and rubric-based scoring, and discuss how teams can strategically adjust a routine when competing in both Canada and the United States... without rebuilding everything from scratch. They also talk about creating fast-paced routines without sacrificing execution, using the entire floor, building choreography around a team’s natural strengths and developing the trust between coaches and choreographers that allows the best ideas to come to life. Plus, Mimi reviews Ocala Athletics Code Red and Brandon shares his advice for anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps: defeat your own impossible and find the style that is uniquely yours. Takeaways Competitiveness drives successTransitioning between locations presents challengesRoutine composition and creativity are key to success Reverse engineering choreographyStrategic adjustments for different competition score systems Chapters 00:00 Journey into Cheerleading01:59 Transitioning to Ontario03:39 Coaching and Choreography05:19 Global Nature of Work09:58 Routine Composition and Creativity19:04 Creating Visionary Choreography22:14 Navigating Competition Score Systems26:59 Nurturing Relationships and Philosophy31:40 Strategic Routine Adjustments36:58 Defeating the Impossible38:14 Looking Ahead to the Season

Raise the Athlete, Not the PressureHow do we raise athletes who can handle pressure, disappointment and big expectations... without making their results feel like everything? This week, I sit down with Coach Becky, author of Raise the Athlete, Not the Pressure, to talk about the role coaches and parents play in shaping an athlete’s experience in sport. Becky has experienced cheerleading from almost every angle: athlete, coach, gym owner, program director and cheer mom. We talk about the pressure we sometimes create without realizing it, why the car ride home matters, how coaches and parents can better work together, and what athletes actually need from us when things don’t go according to plan. We also look at a season where Becky’s team was predicted to win at Summit, only to have a rough 10 seconds that ended their run. It opens up a bigger conversation about social media, expectations, athletic identity and remembering that one performance does not define an athlete... or their season. And, of course, we watch some cheerleading together and review a listener-submitted routine. Link to Becky's book: https://link.amazon/B0iz5aplY Takeaways: Recognizing pressure in athletesCreating better coach-parent relationshipsNavigating the car ride homeHelping athletes handle failure and disappointmentSeparating athletic identity from resultsBuilding confidence from real evidence, not social media expectations Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Cheerleading01:05 From Cheerleader to Coach02:22 The Gym Owner and Competitive Cheerleading03:43 The Impact of COVID and Moving Forward05:30 Coaching Daughters and Parental Influence08:54 The Inspiration Behind the Book13:55 Supporting Parents and Athletes19:18 Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Coaches21:55 Effective Communication Between Parents and Coaches32:33 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes34:19 The Unpredictability of Sports Competitions36:36 Enjoying the Journey in Cheerleading

What if there were more than one pathway to competitive cheerleading? David Sims joins More Than Counts to take us inside YCADA and the evolution of Travel Cheer & Dance, an alternative competitive pathway built for programs that don’t necessarily fit into the traditional All Star model. We talk about where youth and recreation cheer fits into the history of our sport, why Travel Cheer was created, and what makes its approach different. Then, of course, we get into scoring. David breaks down a system where difficulty isn’t capped, every skill has value, execution comes with real risk, and coaches have more freedom to build a strategy around the athletes they actually have. We also review a listener-submitted routine from Carlton All Stars and talk choreography, floor use, creativity, movement, and why full-team tumbling might deserve a comeback. Because sometimes growing the sport isn’t about getting everyone onto the same path—it’s about creating more paths for people to stay in it. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Cheerleading02:59 Youth and Recreation Cheerleading23:55 Precision-like Scoring in Cheerleading25:47 Strategic Decision-Making in Cheerleading28:19 Barriers to Entry in Cheerleading29:14 Competitive Pathways in Cheerleading30:02 Scoring Systems and Comparative Aspects39:23 Routine Review and Feedback42:25 The Essence of Cheerleading

Most people know Jason Larkins from his podcast, social media, or years of coaching championship teams. But behind the routines and the highlights is another role that often goes unseen: gym director. In this episode, Jason shares how he accidentally found cheerleading, the journey that led him from athlete to coach, and eventually to leading a successful all-star program. We dive into what really happens during team placements, why some of the hardest coaching decisions happen long before athletes ever step onto the floor, and the leadership lessons he's learned after more than two decades in the sport. We also watch two of American Cheer's routines from last season, breaking down the strategy behind their choreography, creativity, and scoring decisions while discussing how routines evolve throughout the season. Whether you're a coach, gym owner, athlete, or parent, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that shape a program long before competition day. Takeaways The transition from athlete to coach is a significant and impactful journey.The role of a gym director involves making tough decisions, managing team dynamics, and dealing with the stress of team placement. Dedication is key to winningCoaching and choreography play a crucial role in team success Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Cheerleading03:05 From Athlete to Coach11:00 The Role of a Gym Director20:56 Team Placement and Decision-Making25:05 Coaching and Team Dynamics27:27 Perfect Opening28:10 Showmanship and Creativity29:01 Choreography and Stunts32:50 Dance Difficulty and Execution37:11 Motivating the Team38:48 Personal Achievements and Legacy41:03 Team Black's Journey44:39 Pyramid and Dance Performance48:49 Competition and Coaching Insights

What catches a judge's eye in the first 15 seconds of a routine? What separates winning programs from everyone else? And what would I change if I had one chance to help your team score higher? In this special solo episode of More Than Counts, I'm answering your questions about judging, coaching, business, social media, and balancing life as a mom while traveling the world as an international cheer judge. Along the way, I review listener-submitted routines from around the world, sharing one thing each team does exceptionally well and one area I'd focus on to maximize their scores. Whether you're a coach looking for fresh ideas, an athlete curious about what judges really notice, or someone who simply loves the sport, this episode is packed with practical insights you can bring back to the gym. Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction and what judges notice in the first 15 seconds3:32 — Routine review: Fame All-Star Vixens8:54 — What I wish I had when I started in cheer10:42 — Routine review: Coventry Dynamite C415:17 — How much a team’s social media presence matters18:32 — Routine review: Airborne Elite All Star Stealth22:59 — Scariest decision made25:43 — Routine review: Cheer United Solar Sister30:01 — Coaching mini/youth vs senior athletes32:12 — Routine review: Twisted Cheer and Dance — Rain35:17 — The new IASF scorecard40:00 — Routine review: Paris Cheer Nights44:43 — Balancing being a mom with traveling46:29 — Routine review: Laser Cheer Academy Ruby Royal51:34 — Biggest mistakes coaches make53:00 — Routine review: All-Star Evolution Glory56:53 — What cheer needs to attract fans outside the sport62:37 — Routine review: TNT All-Star Detonator66:23 — How to connect with your community and school68:16 — What winning programs consistently do69:15 — Routine review: Cheer Empire Athletic Kings72:38 — Did you expect social media to become a big part of your career?74:26 — Routine review: Ace Athletic Probe77:46 — What the cheer industry should look like in 10 years

Kelvin Lam has spent decades asking a simple question: why do great stunts actually work? From his early days at the University of Hawaii to Team USA and becoming one of the most respected stunt educators in the sport, Kelvin has built a reputation for challenging conventional wisdom and helping coaches see stunting through a different lens. In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals that make stunts stronger, safer, and more efficient, while unpacking some of the biggest myths that have been passed down through generations of cheerleading. We also watch routines together, breaking down what elite coaches notice in real time and why seemingly small technical decisions can have a lasting impact on an athlete's development. Whether you're coaching Level 1 athletes or building Worlds-level routines, this conversation will change the way you think about progressions, technique, and the future of stunt coaching. TakeawaysWhy elite coaches see stunts differently.The biggest misconceptions in stunt technique.How small technical choices shape long-term athlete development.Why creativity starts with strong fundamentals.The role of progressions in building safer, more consistent stunts.What coaches should really be looking for when troubleshooting a stunt. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Cheer Experience03:00 Transition to University of Hawaii05:58 Innovative Video Filming and Technique Instruction07:01 Underrated Fundamental in Stunting08:02 Shoulder Positioning in Stunting09:04 Scoring and Creativity in Cheerleading27:01 Crowd Interaction and CrowdScore30:04 Overcoming Frustration and Setbacks48:30 Innovative Techniques and Routines56:06 Forward-Thinking Technique Choices57:09 Maxing Out Stunt Difficulty58:14 Alignment and Weight Distribution in Stunts59:33 Proper Technique and Progressions01:10:42 The Role of Pyramids in Maximizing Points01:12:38 Teaching and Practicing Proper Technique

What makes a dance score? Is it more movement? More difficulty? Or is it something else entirely? In this episode of More Than Counts, Judge Mimi sits down with choreographer and coach Jake to explore one of the most debated parts of a routine: dance. Together, they unpack what makes choreography memorable, why readability matters just as much as difficulty, and how seamless transitions, musicality, and visual design can elevate a routine. Jake also shares how an unexpected background in marching band shaped his choreography philosophy, what he's learned coaching athletes from Level 2 through Level 6, and why creating routines that fit the team will always outperform trying to force complexity. As always, they put theory into practice—breaking down routines from Cheer Athletics' Ocelots, a developing 4.2 team, and a listener-submitted routine, discussing pacing, formations, cleaning, recovery, and the small details that can make a big difference on the scoresheet. Whether you're a coach, choreographer, athlete, or simply love the creative side of cheerleading, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what judges actually see—and what makes great choreography stand out. Takeaways Importance of Readability in DanceBalancing Difficulty and Execution Choreography and Routine DesignTeam Development and Progression Chapters 00:00 The Art of Dance01:39 Choreography and Coaching Journey02:36 Influence of Gymnastics and Marching Band03:46 The Role of Music and Dance in Cheerleading20:38 Dance Cleaning and Strategy26:38 Visual Movement and Showmanship27:40 The O'Baby Queens28:51 The NCA Experience30:15 The Aftermath32:18 The Oslo Routine33:31 Building a 4.2 Team48:57 Routine Analysis

Professional cheerleading is no longer just an idea—it's becoming a reality. In this episode, Judge Mimi sits down with John Newby, Commissioner of the Professional Cheer League (PCL) and EVP of Varsity International, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a professional league from the ground up. They discuss the vision behind the PCL, why the league is moving to a head-to-head format, what new games are coming in Season 2, and how the league is creating more opportunities for athletes to shine. John also shares how athlete compensation works, the challenges of bringing international athletes into the league, and what still needs to happen before professional cheer becomes a full-time career path. To wrap up the conversation, John and Judge Mimi watch one of his favorite PCL routines together, breaking down the moments that made it unforgettable and what fans might have missed. Whether you're an athlete dreaming of competing professionally, a coach following the evolution of the sport, or simply curious about where cheerleading is headed, this episode offers an inside look at the decisions shaping its future. TakeawaysWhy the PCL was created and the vision driving its growth.How the new head-to-head format changes the fan and athlete experience.What athletes are paid and what needs to happen for professional cheer to become a full-time career.The challenges—and opportunities—of expanding the league internationally.Why building a professional sport takes more than great athletes—it takes trust, collaboration, and a shared vision. Chapters 00:00 The New Format and Vision for the Future20:35 Visa Requirements and Logistics26:08 Dallas Drive's Performance and Props Feedback31:32 Scheduling and Event Logistics

From becoming a self-proclaimed "gym rat" chasing standing tucks to competing with GymTyme Chrome at Worlds and building some of Virginia's most recognizable themed routines, Kaden Koz has seen cheerleading from nearly every angle. In this episode, we dive into the creative side of choreography: what actually makes a routine memorable, how themed routines come to life, and why crowd engagement matters just as much as difficulty. Kaden also shares the incredible story of the overnight changes GymTyme Chrome made between Day 1 and Finals at Worlds, offering a rare look at the strategy, decision-making, and trust that go into chasing a championship. As always, we wrap up by reviewing a listener-submitted routine, breaking down the details that elevate great performances. Whether you're an athlete, coach, choreographer, or simply love the sport, this conversation is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes stories that remind us great routines are built long before they ever take the floor. Takeaways Transition from diving to cheerleadingImportance of crowd response in cheer routines The importance of unassisted stuntsThe impact of COVID-19 on routines and competitions Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Cheerleading05:05 Transition to College Cheerleading20:53 Competing at Worlds with Gym Time All-Star Chrome28:36 The Art of Unassisted Stunts34:10 High School Coaching and Success46:58 Planning and Preparation for Future Seasons

Chris Cox didn't set out to become a choreographer. He simply fell in love with the creative side of cheerleading and never stopped chasing it. In this episode, Chris shares his journey from athlete, to coach, to building one of the industry's most respected choreography brands. We dive into what makes a routine memorable, how movement and formations can create powerful visual moments, and why great choreography is about more than just checking boxes on a score sheet. Along the way, we break down two standout routines—Desert Elite Mavericks Renegade and Prodigy Twilight—and explore the unique challenges of choreographing for small teams, non-tumbling divisions, and World Championship contenders. Whether you're a coach, choreographer, athlete, or fan of the sport, this conversation is a reminder that the best routines aren't just built around skills—they're built around people, creativity, and the moments that make us feel something. Chapters 00:00 The Journey from Athlete to Choreographer07:15 Collaboration and Feedback in Choreography16:38 Misconceptions About Good Choreography21:41 Challenges of Non-Tumbling Division27:12 Growth and Development in Cheerleading32:47 Routine Review and Analysis

A perfect score is one of the rarest achievements in cheerleading. But what happens after you get one? In this episode, Judge Mimi sits down with Brynn and Jalyn of Macs All Stars, the coaches behind Reign, a team that went from a half-year experiment to back-to-back Summit champions and one of the few teams to earn a perfect 100-point score. Together, they break down the journey behind the score, the culture that makes Macs All Stars special, and the challenge of keeping athletes motivated after reaching the top. They also discuss routine strategy, theme selection, choreography, and how coaches balance confidence with humility throughout a season. Along the way, they revisit Reign's routines, reflect on what "perfect" really means in a subjective sport, and share lessons that apply far beyond the scoresheet. Because cheerleading is more than counts. It's about the teamwork, leadership, resilience, and growth that happen long before the trophies and scores are announced. Takeaways The importance of motivation and humility in maintaining successThe subjective nature of perfection in competitive cheerleading Adapting to a new division requires depth and motivationChoreography benefits from a personal connection with the athletes Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Cheerleading07:20 Routine Development and Strategy16:08 Scoring a Perfect 10024:34 The Definition of Perfection in Cheerleading30:19 Adapting to a New Division44:36 Reviewing a Cheerleading Routine

Tumbling is one of the most visible skills in cheerleading, but the journey behind it is often much bigger than the skill itself. In this episode, Levi joins us to talk about what it really takes to develop successful tumblers. From overcoming fear and mental blocks to building confidence under pressure, we explore the challenges athletes face and the role coaches and parents play in supporting them along the way. We also dive into the art of tumbling itself—what makes standing tumbling visually appealing, how judges perceive different skills, and how coaches can make smarter decisions when building routines around their athletes' strengths. Whether you're a coach trying to maximize your tumbling score, a parent supporting an athlete through a setback, or an athlete chasing the next skill, this conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on one of cheerleading's most important disciplines. Because great tumbling isn't just about the skills athletes perform—it's about the confidence, resilience, and trust they build along the way. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Tumbling06:52 Supporting Athletes Through Mental Blocks21:22 Uniformity in Tumbling Styles27:02 The Challenge of Standing Fulls33:16 The Challenge of Standing Fulls39:21 Tumbling in Routine Building47:13 Tumbling Technique and Coaching

What does it take to create a place in cheerleading where everyone belongs? In this episode, Judge Mimi sits down with Rick Rodgers, one of the pioneers behind adaptive and para cheerleading, to discuss the journey that led to a groundbreaking para sport cheer showcase at ICU Worlds. Rick shares how adaptive cheerleading has evolved over the last decade, the creativity required to adapt skills and routines for athletes with different disabilities, and the challenges of building opportunities for participation at the highest levels of the sport. Together, they explore the differences between Cheer Abilities, Adaptive Abilities, and Para Sport Cheer, watch the evolution of some of Rick’s routines, and discuss what it would take for para cheerleading to one day become a recognized Paralympic sport. This conversation is a reminder that some of the most important innovations in cheerleading aren't about difficulty—they're about access, inclusion, and creating opportunities for every athlete to shine. Takeaways Adaptive cheerleading divisions have opened up opportunities for athletes with disabilities to participate in cheerleading at various levels.Choreography and logistics in para sport cheerleading involve unique adaptations to accommodate athletes with disabilities, including visual impairment, wheelchair use, and other impairments. Adaptation and creativity are essential in developing cheerleading routines for disabled athletes.The potential for Paralympic cheerleading presents an opportunity for inclusive and diverse participation in the sport. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Cheerleading07:59 Choreography and Logistics in Para Sport Cheerleading15:02 Inclusion of Athletes with Disabilities30:31 Adaptation and Creativity in Cheerleading38:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Paralympic Cheerleading49:53 Inclusion and Growth in Paralympic Cheerleading