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In this episode, we sit down with Nelson de Dios - a previous gym owner, marketer at OC All Stars, coach, and founder of CheerSync, to talk about building a career in cheerleading. In this episode, Nelson shares what he's learned in every role he's held in the sport, and why a growth mindset, sharing knowledge, and building relationships are what keep coaches and gyms moving forward. We get into how gyms can use social media and brand identity to recruit and retain athletes, the most common mistakes gyms make online, and how his Tuesday Tip series evolved. We also talk about his role in quality control for elite teams, and why education and mentorship matter so much for the next generation of coaches. Nelson tells the story behind CheerSync, from the idea to development, and how feedback from the cheer community has shaped it. He also shares where he sees the biggest growth opportunities in cheerleading over the next decade, and his advice for coaches and athletes just starting out. Check out CheerSync at https://cheersync.app In this episode, we talk about: Nelson's many roles in cheerleading and the moment he realized it could be a careerSocial media and branding strategies for cheer gymsCommon social media mistakes gyms make and how to avoid themUsing brand identity to drive recruiting and retentionCreative ideas for engaging athletes and parentsWhy a growth mindset matters in coachingEncouraging education and mentorship in the cheer communityThe origin story of CheerSync and lessons from building itInnovations in cheerleading tryouts and the future of cheer technologyAdvice for aspiring cheer coaches and athletesChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nelson de Dios and his cheerleading background 03:50 The moment Nelson realized cheerleading could be a career 07:47 Nelson's multifaceted role in cheer 14:10 Nelson's approach to social media and branding 15:23 Common social media mistakes gyms make 16:53 Innovative ideas for athlete and parent engagement 18:03 The importance of brand identity in recruiting and retention 19:25 The evolution of Tuesday Tip and social media content 21:51 Developing marketing skills and learning from others 22:40 Nelson's role in quality control for elite teams 24:24 Encouraging education and mentorship in cheer 26:17 Nelson's advice for young coaches and athletes 33:43 The story behind CheerSync and its development 38:13 Features and feedback in CheerSync's evolution 42:16 Lessons learned from building CheerSync 44:09 The future of CheerSync and cheerleading technology 46:00 Growth opportunities in cheerleading over the next decade 47:35 Advice for aspiring cheer coaches and athletes 56:14 Nelson's message to cheerleaders and coaches starting out 58:37 Closing remarks and next steps for listeners About After The Routine After The Routine is a weekly podcast exploring life beyond the mat - the careers, mindset, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics athletes into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you identify the opportunities and careers beyond your time on the mat or stage. New episodes release every Tuesday.

In this episode, we sit down with Jibreel Rayam, coach, choreographer, gym owner, leader, and President of the Association of International All Star (AIA) to talk about where All Star cheer is headed. In this episode, Jibreel shares what he's learned from every level of the sport, and why community, education, and standardization are the foundations it needs to keep growing. We get into the strategy and identity behind successful worlds programs, and why grassroots and beginner programs matter just as much as elite teams. We also talk about how events can be designed around the athlete experience rather than only the scoreboard. Jibreel explains the vision behind the AIA, a new organization aiming to build a global platform for All-Star cheer. He also shares why consistent rules, scoring, and athlete safety standards are essential to the sport's credibility. In this episode, we talk about: How Jibreel got into cheerleading and built connections globallyThe influence of cheer camps and international standards on program developmentWhat makes a successful worlds programMoving from coach and gym owner into policy and governance rolesThe vision and goals behind the AIA and global All-Star cheerWhy standardization in rules and scoring is key to athlete safety and sport credibilityDesigning tournaments that put the athlete and spectator experience firstThe role of parents and youth engagement in long-term sport growthCreating Summer Spirit Fest to bring the community together through educationChapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest 00:40 The importance of community and conferences in cheer 01:34 How Jibreel first got into cheerleading 02:03 Building relationships across programs in BC 03:28 The impact of cheer camps and international standards 03:56 Challenges in developing cheer programs internationally 05:37 From high school cheer to professional opportunities 06:03 The role of governance and the development of AIA 06:33 Starting and growing a gym in Tacoma 07:15 Balancing challenges and passion for cheerleading 08:04 The vision and goals of the AIA organization 09:16 Transitioning into choreography and program development 10:00 Creating memorable experiences at international events 12:04 The strategic planning behind cheer tournaments 12:28 Building Vancouver All Stars' program 14:00 The growth of the International Pro Level and visibility 16:05 The importance of standardization and athlete safety 18:00 Future opportunities and industry growth areas 19:49 Advice for coaches and gym owners on career development 21:38 What makes a successful worlds program 21:55 The significance of grassroots and beginner programs 23:59 The role of parents in sport development 24:32 Moving from gym owner to policy and governance 25:51 Reflections from Jibreel Rayam 33:10 Skills from coaching to organizational leadership 34:55 The importance of education in cheerleading 38:50 Creating Summer Spirit Fest and community building About After The Routine After The Routine is a weekly podcast exploring life beyond the mat - the careers, mindset, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics athletes into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you identify the opportunities and careers beyond your time on the mat or stage. New episodes release every Tuesday.

What separates a choreographer that just gets though the routine from one that earns trust, builds routines that score well, and invites repeat clients year after year? In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Nicholas, choreographer and founder of Spirit FX, whose routines have taken him to gyms around the world. Kyle's path started as a backyard tumbler and grew into the owner of an international choreography business. In this episode, Kyle breaks down why quality, consistency, and professionalism are the foundation of everything he builds, and why he believes cheerleading is a business that should be treated like one. We get into the most common mistakes gyms make when planning choreography, how he builds routines strategically around score sheets, and what it takes to grow a team without letting standards slip. Kyle also shares what he's learned travelling internationally - from cultural differences to logistical curveballs - and how he manages burnout in an industry that rarely slows down. Want to learn more about Kyle and his team? Check them out at https://spiritfx.com/ In this episode, we talk about: Kyle's journey from backyard tumbler to business ownerWhy quality and consistency matter in choreographyBuilding a team and maintaining high standards as you growCustomer service and professionalism in the cheer industryCommon mistakes gyms make when planning choreographyHow to build routines around score sheetsCultural and logistical considerations when working internationallyManaging burnout and mental health in a demanding industryWhy saying yes to opportunities can shape your careerAdvice for aspiring choreographers and coachesChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Kyle Nichols and his background 01:58 Kyle's early love for cheerleading and trampoline skills 03:56 The accidental start of Spirit FX and business growth 08:03 Building a team and maintaining quality standards 11:54 Customer service and professionalism in cheerleading 17:45 Common mistakes gyms make in choreography planning 20:51 The process of building routines around score sheets 28:07 Advice for aspiring choreographers and coaches 31:54 Travel experiences and international cheerleading 36:48 Cultural and logistical considerations abroad 41:57 Handling burnout and mental health in a demanding industry 46:59 The importance of saying yes to opportunities 53:08 Reflections on Kyle's career and lessons learned About After The Routine After The Routine is a weekly podcast exploring life beyond the mats - the careers, mindset, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics athletes into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you realize the range of opportunities available to you. New episodes release every Tuesday.

What does it actually take for a small cheer gym to build athletes and a community that you never want to leave? In this episode, we sit down with Brianne and Tianna, the leadership team at Cheer Core Jags, to talk about what over two decades in the sport have taught them about coaching, culture, and what makes a small gym thrive. From their own early days in cheer to running a program built on strong foundations, strength training, and genuine community, Brianne and Tiana bring a coach's-eye view of what it really takes to develop strong athletes for the long haul. In this episode, Brianne and Tiana walk through why progressions and foundational skills matter more than chasing the next big trick, and how injury prevention starts at the beginning of training. We get into what day-to-day life running a gym looks like, how they've built a tight-knit community around their athletes and families, and why psychological safety and mental health support have become just as central to coaching as skills and stunts. Brianne and Tiana also share how more about their new docuseries, More Than Cheer, that releases on September 20th. Check out more about the docuseries on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOlPYkI6LcYA In this episode, we talk about: The evolution of cheerleading over the past 25 yearsWhy foundational skills and progressions matter for long-term athlete developmentBuilding a strong, close-knit community in a small gymThe role of mental health and psychological safety in coachingUsing technology and data to improve training and prevent injuryHow a docuseries helped engage and grow their communityAdvice for other small gym owners navigating the industry today Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cheer Core Jags and Coaches 01:54 The Coaches' Cheerleading Journeys 03:48 Evolving Passion for the Sport 06:49 Building a Strong Community in a Small Gym 09:55 Day-to-Day Operations and Challenges 14:45 Training Philosophy and Foundations 19:53 Progressions and Injury Prevention 25:08 Supporting Athlete Mental Health 29:59 Engaging the Community with a Docuseries 40:09 Launching the Series and Future Plans 50:05 Reflections on Coaching and Industry Changes 59:49 Advice for Small Gym Owners After The Routine is a podcast exploring life beyond the mats - the careers, mindset, opportunities, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics athletes into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you see the opportunities available to you!

What actually happens in an athlete's head as they practice and why does it decide whether they stick the next skill or spiral? In this episode, we sit down with Blake Mattan, a mental performance coach who's worked with youth athletes across elite sports, to unpack what's really going on behind performance anxiety in cheerleading. From cheer athlete to coach and entrepreneur, Blake's own path through the sport shapes everything he now teaches gyms, coaches, and parents about building resilient, confident athletes. In this episode, Blake shares practical tools and mental models for helping athletes manage pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and actually enjoy the sport they've poured years into. We get into why performance anxiety shows up the way it does in cheerleading specifically, how a simple "goldfish method" can reset an athlete's mind after a mistake in seconds, and why setting intentions - not just goals - changes how athletes show up to training. Blake also breaks down the weekly reset habit he recommends for both athletes and coaches, and where the line is between normal nerves and needing extra mental coaching support. In this episode, we talk about: Performance anxiety and how to manage it in cheerleadingThe importance of mental training alongside physical trainingThe goldfish method for acknowledging and moving on after a mistakeSetting intentions and building accountability into trainingTools and habits that build resilience and confidence over timeHow coaches and parents shape an athlete's mental well-beingKnowing when it's time to seek extra mental coaching support Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blake Mattan and his work 02:06 Blake's journey from athlete to coach and entrepreneur 04:11 The evolution of Blake's career and personal life 07:48 Understanding performance anxiety in cheerleading 10:48 The goldfish method to relax and move on from mistakes 14:58 Setting intentions and accountability in training 20:00 Tools for developing mental habits and resilience 24:51 Encouraging a positive and supportive team environment 29:59 When to seek additional mental coaching support 35:03 Resources and advice for aspiring cheer coaches After The Routine is a podcast exploring life beyond the mats - the careers, mindset, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics families into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you grow and explore opportunities.

What does it actually take to build a thriving cheerleading program, and a team culture coaches and families don't want to leave? In this episode, Anne-Marie Joyce takes us through her journey from a cheer-obsessed kid in 1980s Nova Scotia to founder of Beach Cheer Athletics, and one of Ontario's leading voices in sport governance. Anne Marie breaks down how she built her gym's culture on accountability, consistency, and effort over outcomes, and why the standards a leader tolerates are the standards a team lives by. We dig into leadership for coaches and gym owners, handling conflict and negativity without losing your culture, and why authenticity and emotional intelligence matter as much as how many kids can throw a round off two to tuck on a team. She also shares the story of her U12 Level 4 team and encourages individuals to get involved in cheerleading beyond the coaching floor - through governance, community leadership, judging, or coaching. Whether you're a coach, a gym owner, or an athlete thinking about what comes next in the sport, this conversation is packed with incredible lessons you don't want to miss out on. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anne Marie Joyce and her cheerleading journey 01:22 Starting in cheerleading from Nova Scotia in the 1980s 05:28 Moving to Toronto and founding Beach Cheer Athletics 13:08 Growth and expansion of the gym over 14 years 22:41 Developing a strong team culture and leadership 29:23 Building standards through actions and consistency 35:27 Creating accountability that is supportive and respectful 44:16 Celebrating effort and growth over medals 52:40 The story of her U12 Level 4 team and their success 01:08:13 Involvement in sport governance and community service 01:14:31 Opportunities for involvement in cheerleading beyond coaching 01:20:55 Advice to 16-year-old self and future aspirations Subscribe so you don't miss out on the next conversation! #cheerleading #gym ownership #leadership #culture #sportgovernance #athletedevelopment #Ontariocheerleading #Canadiancheerleading

From the gymnastics floor to the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Cait Nelson has spent her career at the intersection of elite sport and mental health. In this episode of After The Routine, she's pulling back the curtain on what's really happening inside cheerleading, gymnastics, and youth sports culture for athletes and coaches, and the pressure they're experiencing to get results. She shares her journey from competitive gymnast turned cheerleader to psychotherapist, and explains how she's built her business, Lyft Counselling, and team of six over the past two years. Cait and Rachelle dig into the perfectionism and perception issues that shape so much of cheer and gymnastics culture, why so much harm in sport is unintentional rather than malicious, and what safe, supportive sport environments actually look like - for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. Whether you're in the sport or just curious about the mental side of performance, this conversation offers a great look at how sport can better support the humans inside it. Connect with Cait and her team at Lyft: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyftcounselling/ Website: https://www.lyftcounselling.com/ Subscribe so you don't miss out on the next conversation!

Shane James went from growing up on a Mississippi chicken farm to running one of the largest media outlets in the cheerleading industry. In this interview, Shane James - founder of Cheer Daily and the Cheer Awards - shares how he built a career across cheer media, magazine publishing, and live event production. Shane is a cheer industry entrepreneur, publisher, and founder of Cheer Daily and Stunt Daily. His career spans college cheerleading, Olympics media coverage, print magazine publishing, and the creation of the Cheer Awards, one of the cheerleading industry's biggest annual events. In this episode, you'll learn: Shane James' career path from cheerleading to publishing and mediaHow cheerleading media and events have evolved from print to digitalStrategies for managing your time and juggling multiple projectsWhy relationships and collaboration matter in your careerHow digital marketing and SEO apply to cheerleading media and events Want to learn more about Cheer Daily and the stories they're covering? Check them out now at https://cheerdaily.com #cheerdaily #eventproduction #marketing #digitalmedia #cheerawards #cheerindustry #cheerleadingcareers

What It Takes To Turn Cheer Into A Career - Sam & Rolton Edwards on coaching, choreography, business & community Sam and Rolton Edwards went from passionate cheerleading athletes to industry leaders and, in this episode of After The Routine, they share exactly how they did it. We talk about building a career in cheer, launching businesses like Spirit FX Canada and Sharp Performance, their business philosophy, and where careers in the sport are headed. You'll learn more about developing great coaching staff and choreographers, why character and passion matter more than resumes when hiring, and how to build community and mentorship within a gym. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or gym owner, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a sustainable cheerleading business and career. Interested in learning more about The Sharp Performance, Spirit FX Canada, and all of the things their team is doing? Check them out now at https://thesharpperformance.com Interested in joining their team? Check out their available positions now at https://thesharpperformance.com/careers

What does it actually take to turn a lifelong love of cheerleading into a global career? In this episode of After The Routine, athlete turned entrepreneur, Dominique Longpre, breaks down what it looks like to build a career and a business around the sport you love. From competing internationally to founding a cheer uniform and gear company, Dominique has spent her career finding new ways to stay connected to cheerleading long after her competition days ended. In this episode, Dominique talks about her journey from athlete to business owner, the global growth of the cheer industry, and how trust, showmanship, and teamwork translate from the mat into entrepreneurship. We get into what it's really like running a uniform and gear company, what goes into organizing a global cheer tournament, and how coaching and athletic experience can become real career assets. Dominique also shares candid advice for anyone hoping to turn their passion for cheer into a career. In this episode, we talk about: Dominique's cheerleading journey from starting on her high school team to competing internationallyThe importance of trust and showmanship in cheerleadingOpportunities in the cheer industry, including an opportunity at her company Cheer ActionThe global growth of cheerleading and international competitionsWhat it's like running a cheer uniform and gear businessThe role of teamwork and leadership in cheer and businessThe upcoming AIA global cheer tournamentCareer advice for aspiring cheer professionals About After The Routine After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how the sport can translate into lifelong opportunities where they stay connected. New episodes release every two weeks.

What do growth mindset, team culture, and coaching strategy all have in common? In this episode of After The Routine, Sports Performance Consultant,, Jeff Benson, breaks down what actually separates athletes, coaches, and gyms who improve from those who plateau. From athlete and teacher to therapist, and now, Sports Performance Consultant - Jeff Benson has spent his career figuring out what actually makes athletes better: not just skills, but mindset. In this episode, Jeff joins us to unpack how growth mindset, team culture, and intentional coaching shape not just performance, but the athletes themselves. We talk about the difference between coaching for zero deductions and coaching for growth, how to build a team culture that survives pressure and criticism, and why authenticity might be a coach's most underrated tool. Jeff Benson is a coach, Sports Performance Consultant, and author whose work bridges athletic performance and mental health. He's the author of Unblocked and The Walls Come Tumbling Down, co-author of The Cheer Coach's Handbook, and founder of Mind Body Cheer. In this episode, we talk about: Jeff Benson's journey from gymnast and cheerleader to sports psychologyGrowth mindset vs. fixed mindset Building a positive team/gym culture and core valuesStrategies for resilience and confidenceThe role of praise and accountability in athlete developmentHandling negative culture and criticism in sports Resources mentioned in this podcast: Unblocked by Jeff Benson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Unblocked+Jeff+Benson The Walls Come Tumbling Down by Jeff Benson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Walls+Come+Tumbling+Down+Jeff+Benson The Cheer Coach's Handbook by Jeff Benson, Dan Cotton & Danielle Johnston: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Cheer+Coachs+Handbook About After The Routine After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor. New episodes release every two weeks.

Ever felt overwhelmed walking into your first cheer or tumbling conference? Here's your game plan! In this episode of After The Routine, host Rachelle Provost breaks down exactly how to prepare for, survive, and get the most out of cheerleading and tumbling conferences. From what to pack to how to turn what you learn into actual real life change back at the gym, this episode covers it all. They talk pacing yourself through long conference days, finding a note-taking system that actually works for you, building a team-wide system for sharing what everyone learns, and why networking (yes, even the awkward parts) is one of the most valuable things you can do while you're there. In this episode, Rachelle covers: How to build a conference preparation checklistTips for pacing yourself physically and mentally through long daysNote-taking and content-sharing strategiesHow to network with confidenceA simple framework for turning conference takeaways into action back at the gym Whether you're heading to your first conference, going back in a new role (director, manager, lead, head coach, etc.), or you're a gym owner trying to build a stronger process for your team, this episode will help you walk in prepared and walk out with a plan. About After The Routine After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor. New episodes release every two weeks.

"The goal isn't to avoid hard moments, but to handle them" In this episode of After The Routine, Becky Acra shares her journey from cheerleader to coach, director, author, and sports psychology student, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, communication, and maintaining a healthy athlete identity.  Throughout the episode, you’ll discover practical insights for coaches, parents, and athletes to foster growth, resilience, and positive relationships in youth sports.  We cover:  Becky's journey into cheerleading and coachingThe importance of mental toughness and resilienceEffective communication with athletes and parentsCreating a positive team culture through consistencyBalancing athlete identity and multi-sport participationThe role of parents in supporting athlete developmentStrategies for managing pressure and expectationsThe emotional impact of sports seasons endingThe significance of ongoing coach education and conferencesPractical tips for fostering growth mindset and confidence Want to read Becky’s new book Raise The Athlete, Not The Pressure? Grab your copy now at https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=VUNdgmW61pvsi0yh5dY92VpI5bqqLHlHUQayxzxsM93 About After The Routine  After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor. New episodes release every two weeks. #aftertheroutine #cheerleading #sportpsychology #mentaltoughness #athletedevelopment #teamculture #resilience #youthsports

What makes a good coach? In this episode of After The Routine, host Rachelle Provost shares their top 10 tips for building a coaching career you genuinely love. Whether you're a coach in training, junior coach, or new to coaching, this conversation is filled with practical advice for becoming a better coach. Rachelle covers the importance of passion, professionalism, communication, continuous learning, and creating a fun, engaging environment where athletes can thrive. From showing up with enthusiasm in every class to learning the art of coaching skills, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to make a lasting impact through coaching. In this episode, we cover: How to build a coaching career you loveWhy passion and enthusiasm matter in every classThe importance of professional development for coachesHow to communicate effectively with athletes, parents, and colleaguesCreating a positive and engaging training environmentUnderstanding age-appropriate coaching techniquesWhy professionalism, reliability, and leadership matterHow conferences, webinars, and networking can support your growthStaying curious and committed to lifelong learning If you’re passionate about coaching, athlete development, cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, or youth sports leadership, this episode will give you actionable tips to grow your career and leave a meaningful impression on the athletes you work with. Subscribe to After The Routine for more conversations with professionals from cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics who have built meaningful careers beyond the mats. This podcast episode is sponsored by TTB Media & Consulting Inc. Their support allows us to continue creating conversations that highlight leadership, career growth, mentorship, and opportunities in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics. For more information about TTB Media, visit https://ttbmedia.ca

"Attitude and mindset are key to success." - Corey Rickett In this episode of After The Routine, our host, Rachelle Provost, sits down with the 6-time World Champion coach and over 10-time podium finisher at the Cheerleading World Championships, Corey Rickett. Corey shares his journey from gymnast to cheerleading coach and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of multi-sport athletes, coaching philosophy, and innovative resources like Fab Cheer and HQ Cheer to elevate the sport. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or cheerleading professional, this episode offers an unique perspective at life after being an athlete. In this episode, we talk about: Corey's journey from gymnast to cheer coachThe importance of multi-sport athletes in cheerInnovative resources for athlete and coach developmentThe role of emotional and mental strength in cheerFuture trends and opportunities in cheerleading About After The Routine After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor. New episodes release every two weeks. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and the business of sport. #cheerleading #coaching #athletedevelopment #HQCheer #FabCheer #CoreyRickett #AfterTheRoutine #sportspsychology #cheerindustry #youthsports #athletesuccess #worldchampion #cheerworlds #coachingtips #worldchampionmindset #cheercoach #tumblingcoach