The Fullout Cheer Podcast

Why Your Cheer Gym Isn't Actually Sellable

Most cheer gym owners think they have a sellable business.In reality… they have a job.In this episode, Danielle sits down with Matt Becker, an attorney who works closely with business brokers, to break down why so many gym sales fall apart—and what buyers are actually looking for.They dig into the biggest myths gym owners believe about selling, including:Why your gym isn’t worth what you think it isThe truth about revenue (and what buyers ignore)Why doing everything yourself hurts your valueThe reality of bringing on a partner for “capital”And why selling won’t magically fix burnoutThis isn’t theory. This is what shows up in real deals—and what kills them.If you think you might sell your gym someday (or just want to build something that could be sold), this episode will show you what actually matters… and what doesn’t.

Losing Athletes This Season? This Is Why

If you’ve been losing athletes this season, it’s probably not for the reason you think.In this episode, Danielle breaks down the real reasons athletes are leaving—and why most gym owners completely miss what’s actually happening.She covers:Why athletes feel stuck in their skills (and how stagnation drives them out)The difference between healthy commitment and full-blown burnoutHow change—both inside the gym and in families’ lives—quietly impacts retentionThese aren’t dramatic blowups or obvious problems.They’re the subtle issues that slowly push athletes out the door.If you want to improve retention, it starts with understanding what’s really causing athletes to leave.

How Smart Coaches Handle Emotional Cheer Parents

Most gym owners think emotional parents are the problem… they’re not.In this episode of the Full Out Cheer Podcast, Danielle sits down with Jason Larkins to break down what’s really happening when parents get frustrated, reactive, or overwhelmed—and how smart coaches handle those moments the right way.You’ll learn:Why emotional parents aren’t actually the issueHow to tell if a parent wants a solution or just to be heardThe biggest mistakes coaches make in tough conversationsHow to lead your staff without micromanaging or losing controlWhy systems and structure matter more than you thinkThey also dive into how the cheer industry has evolved, from skill progression to competition culture, and what today’s gym owners need to be doing differently.If you’ve ever had a parent conversation go sideways… this will change how you handle it.

How to Build a Routine That Actually Scores Well

Most routines don’t lose because of talent… they lose because of bad strategy.In Part 2, Danielle Johnston and John Barajas break down how to choose the right skills, structure your routine, and avoid the mistakes that cost teams points.As you’re building your teams and heading into choreography season, this is what you need to get right.

Inside AccuScore: Why You Got That Deduction

Ever looked at your score sheet and thought… there’s no way that’s right?In this episode, Danielle Johnston sits down with judge and choreographer John Barajas to break down how judging panels, deductions, and AccuScore actually work.If you’ve ever felt a little intimidated by the idea of challenging your scores, you need to listen to this episode!

Your Parents Aren’t Different. Your Standards Are.

Most gym owners are convinced their parents are “different.” More demanding. Less respectful. Impossible to manage.They’re not.In this episode, we break down the reality that parents are parents everywhere. The difference isn’t who you attract, it’s what you allow. If your families aren’t following policies, respecting boundaries, or buying into your programs, it’s not a parent problem. It’s a systems, leadership, and culture problem.We’re diving into how clear expectations, consistent processes, and strong staff alignment create compliance without constant conflict. Because the gyms that seem to have “great parents” didn’t get lucky. They built it that way.If you’re tired of feeling like your parents won’t listen, this episode will show you exactly where the breakdown is and what to fix so things start running the way they should.

Copy-Paste Coaching Is Killing Athlete Progress

Most athletes aren’t stuck because they lack talent—they’re stuck because of copy-paste coaching. Drill after drill of coaches searching social media to find the next great "fix" to their athlete's tumbling skills. In this episode, Danielle Johnston and Corey Rickett break down why understanding body mechanics, skill progression, and athlete mentality matters more than copying drills—and how great coaches actually develop elite athletes.

A Judge’s Advice for Coaches and Parents in All-Star Cheer

The conversation with all-star cheer judge Gabby Mauro continues in Part 2.Gabby answers more questions from coaches and parents while sharing practical advice for both groups on how to better support athletes and approach competitions with the right mindset.From understanding judging expectations to improving communication around competition results, this episode offers valuable insight for anyone involved in all-star cheer.

Inside the Mind of a Cheer Judge | Q&A with Gabby Mauro

What are judges actually looking for on the score sheet?In this episode of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle Johnston sits down with all-star cheer judge Gabby Mauro to answer real questions submitted by coaches and parents.Gabby breaks down how judging works, what judges notice immediately when a team hits the floor, and the most common misconceptions about scoring in all-star cheer.If you've ever wondered why routines place the way they do, this episode gives you a rare look at competition through the judge’s perspective.

Throwback: 3 Ways to Keep Great Coaches

Great coaches are one of the most valuable assets in your gym — but they’re also one of the hardest things to keep.In this episode, Danielle breaks down three practical strategies gym owners can use to retain their best coaches and build a stronger staff culture. She will discuss what great coaches actually need from leadership, why many gyms accidentally push good staff away, and how small changes in communication, expectations, and appreciation can make a huge difference in long-term retention.If you’ve ever worried about losing a great coach or struggled with staff turnover, this conversation will give you actionable ideas to help your coaches feel valued, supported, and committed to your program.