The Cheer Mom Podcast

In this conversation, Kristen and Dr. Shih-Shan Chen discuss the critical topic of concussions in cheerleading, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education for parents and athletes. They explore the evolving landscape of co-ed stunting, the creation of the Stunt Showdown competition, and the balance Dr. Chen maintains between her demanding career as a pediatric neurosurgeon and her role as a cheer mom. The discussion highlights the need for safety, trust in coaching, and the fun aspect of cheerleading, while also addressing the serious nature of concussions and the importance of proper recovery protocols. Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount Visit laundrysauce.com/CHEERMOMBLOG and enter code CHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your first order of Laundry Sauce Connect with Dr. Chen and Stunt Showdown: https://stuntshowdown.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stunt_showdown/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this engaging conversation, Victor Rosario, a trailblazer in the cheerleading industry, shares his journey and insights into the evolution of cheerleading. He discusses the innovative themes introduced in cheer routines, the importance of fostering a positive culture among athletes, and the milestones that have shaped the sport. Victor also highlights the future of cheerleading with the emergence of the Pro Cheer League, and emphasizes the significance of personal development and resilience in athletes. Become a member!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Visit laundrysauce.com/CHEERMOMBLOG and enter code CHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your first order of Laundry Sauce Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen talks with Jason Larkins, host of the Let's Talk Cheer Podcast and author of Upside Down and Back Again, a Parent's Guide to All Star Cheerleading. They discuss the benefits of the new "Flex" divisions and how Varsity pushes the sport of cheer to be better. Find Jason: Let's Talk Cheer Podcast Buy his new book Follow on Instagram Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount Visit laundrysauce.com/CHEERMOMBLOG and enter code CHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your first order of Laundry Sauce Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Almost every cheer parent has likely heard the words, “I think I want to quit" from their athlete at some point or another. In this episode, we’re diving into the tough, emotional conversations that come with your athlete questioning their place in cheer. Kristen walks you through why these feelings might come up, how to respond with empathy instead of panic, and the best ways to guide your child through the decision-making process—whether that means sticking it out or moving on. If you’ve ever faced the “I want to quit” conversation (or want to be prepared for the day you do), this episode will give you the tools, perspective, and peace of mind to navigate it with confidence. Become a member!  Shop the Cheer Mom Shop Free download: "I Want to Quit" Conversation Guide and Journal Prompts Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Visit laundrysauce.com/CHEERMOMBLOG and enter code CHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your first order of Laundry Sauce Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I'm baaaaaack! After a summer break, the Cheer Mom Podcast returns with a new schedule and exciting updates! Tune in to hear big announcements, and how you can be part of the Cheer Mom community. Join the all new Cheer Mom Podcast Membership!  Shop the merch store Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen discusses the emotional challenges and dynamics of evaluation season in cheerleading. She emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and supporting athletes (and ourselves!) through anxiety. The conversation also explores how parents can redefine success for their children beyond just outcomes, focusing on personal growth and character development. Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the end-of-season emotions mixing with beginning-of-season pressure, it felt like the perfect moment to do a roundup episode about the most requested, most discussed, most “please help me, I’m lost in the YouTube comments” topic ever: Mental blocks. Whether your athlete is deep in the weeds of a mental block or you just want to be ready when that inevitable moment comes (because let’s be real—it usually does), this episode is a must-listen. Share it with your cheer mom group chat. Save it for a rainy day. Let’s make tryout season feel slightly less unhinged. Visit TCCJewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order! Full episodes referenced: Debbie Love Jeff Benson Lain Lee Tumble Chef Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Has The Summit lost its prestige? Is it too easy to get a bid? Do some teams not deserve a bid because of their low scores? Let's talk about it.   Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen discusses the importance of celebrating small victories in cheerleading, and how these moments contribute to the emotional growth of young athletes. She emphasizes the need for parents to recognize and appreciate the progress their children make, regardless of competition outcomes, fostering a positive environment that nurtures confidence and maturity. Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More and more, high schools are telling their athletes they can’t do All Star, and vice versa. So more athletes are having to choose, and it’s not always an easy, clear cut choice. That depends on so much. It depends on where you live, the strength of either program, what you want to do during high school, after high school, and it just keeps going. In this episode, Kristen breaks down questions and factors to consider to help guide cheerleaders (and their parents) through the decision-making process. Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Work with me in Florida to capture your end-of-season memories! plentyofsunshinephotography.com/cheer-sessions   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Have you ever seen Bring it On?" This is one of the many questions that make us roll our eyes in the cheer world. In this episode, Kristen addresses the misconceptions and stereotypes about cheer. Cheer is so often misunderstood, and Kristen brings a reminder of the dedication, discipline, and passion that fuel this sport. Enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off at tccjewelry.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Kristen, Dan Cotton (Cheer Biz Podcast) and Jason Larkins (Let's Talk Cheer Podcast), as they record and answer questions in front of a live audience. Book a photo shoot with me in Florida! I'm working with athletes, teams, stunt groups and families to create unforgettable memories. Visit https://www.plentyofsunshinephotography.com/cheer-sessions to see if I'll be at your end-of-season cheer event this April or May. Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Heather Jones and her daughter, Lily, share a heartfelt conversation about the silent struggle too many athletes face with eating disorders. Lily opens up about her own battle, the toll it took on her health, and the difficult road to recovery. With the unwavering support of her family, friends, and her Stingray Allstars cheer family, she found the strength to heal. Now, as a member of the world-famous Stingray Allstars Orange, Lily is using her journey to inspire others, reminding athletes that they are never alone. Heather emphasizes the importance of open conversations and a strong support system in breaking the silence surrounding these struggles.   Lilys social media-  Instagram: @lilyyy.joness X: lilyy_jonesss TikTok: lilyyy_jonesss Heather  Instagram: @heather_jones42 Facebook: Heather Jones   Eating Disorder Resources: https://anad.org/get-help/eating-disorders-helpline/ https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/ https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/   Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen breaks down how AI tools like ChatGPT can be a game-changer for cheer moms and coaches alike. She highlights how these tools streamline communication, help craft the perfect messages, and make planning for cheer competitions a breeze. It’s an insightful, practical conversation that’s all about making life easier—on and off the mat!   Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Try the Slick Stick on your own hair and on your cheerleader’s hair and experience the magic at slickhaircompany.com and enter code: THE CHEER MOM BLOG at checkout for Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheerleading is a passion, a commitment, and for so many, a way of life. But what happens when it starts to feel like more of a burden than a joy? In this episode, Kristen breaks down five key signs that it might be time to step back—whether that means taking a break or retiring from competitive cheer altogether. If you’ve ever questioned whether to keep going or move on, this one’s for you! Here's the episode with Jeff Benson about Toxic Cultures in Cheer   Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen talks with special guest Nicole 'Snooki' Lavalle, who discusses her lifelong connection with cheerleading and balancing family life as a cheer mom and a celebrity. They touch on the challenges of being a public figure in the cheer world and offer advice for fellow cheer moms. Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s Q & A time, people! Kristen’s tackling big stuff that keeps cheer parents up at night — think late practices, the business side of cheer, travel logistics, and those oh-so-fun late-night performances.  Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Try the Slick Stick on your own hair and on your cheerleader’s hair and experience the magic at slickhaircompany.com and enter code: THE CHEER MOM BLOG at checkout for 10% off today Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Kristen talks with Nancy Ory, whose daughter is part of the world-famous Cheer Athletics Panthers. They dive into the challenges of transitioning between a smaller gym to Cheer Athletics, the emotional journey of being a cheer mom, and the competitive cheerleading world. Nancy shares the importance of supportive coaching, a positive environment, and the dedication needed from both athletes and families. They also discuss the impact of injuries, building relationships with coaches, and the influence of social media on young athletes.  Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen is back at Cheersport in Atlanta for the first time in 5 years, and she's sharing all the insider tips on how to survive—and thrive—at this massive cheer competition. Plus, she had an adult athlete take the floor, and she’s giving us the lowdown on what it’s like to be on the other side of the mat with a grown-up competitor. It’s a whole new experience, and Kristen is spilling the tea on what went down! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen reflects on the chaotic weekend during NCA All Star Nationals in Dallas, Texas, where an incident caused mass panic and evacuation. She shares her personal experience, the emotions felt during the crisis, and the overwhelming support from the cheer community. Kristen emphasizes the importance of connection, kindness, and healing in the aftermath of trauma, while also addressing the challenges of processing such events. Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.