The Fullout Cheer Podcast

The Fullout Cheer Podcast with Danielle Johnston is the ultimate resource for cheerleading gym owners, all star cheer coaches, and industry professionals who want to grow their gyms, lead successful teams, and thrive in the competitive cheer industry. Hosted by Danielle Johnston — now in her 14th season as a cheer gym owner, co-owner of Next Generation Gym Owners, and author of the must-read “The Cheer Gym Owners’ Handbook” — this podcast delivers proven strategies and real-world insights from someone who’s built a thriving cheer program from the ground up.

In every episode, Danielle shares cheer gym business tips, marketing strategies for cheerleading gyms, leadership advice for working with teenage athletes, and behind-the-scenes looks at what it really takes to run a profitable, well-respected cheer program. From managing staff and parents to improving athlete retention and preparing winning routines, she covers every aspect of cheer gym ownership and coaching with honesty and expertise.

Whether you’re launching your first cheer program or looking to take your established gym to the next level, the Fullout Cheer Podcast gives you the tools, ideas, and inspiration you need to succeed. Subscribe now and start running your gym with confidence, clarity, and full-out passion.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music

Episodes

Thursday Oct 09, 2025

This is the check-in we promised we wouldn’t skip.In this follow-up to “Rebuilding After Dumpster Fire Season,” we revisit the goals we made in June to figure out if we’ve actually made progress… or just got better at decorating chaos.It’s your preseason reality check—part reflection, part reset, and just enough motivation to help you get back on track before things spiral (again).Cringe with us. Reflect with us. Let’s try this season on purpose.

Stop Blaming Gen Z

Thursday Oct 02, 2025

Thursday Oct 02, 2025

Are your coaches tuning you out? Do your meetings feel pointless? Respect doesn’t come with your job title—it comes from how you lead. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reasons your staff doesn’t see you as the boss (hint: it’s not your age) and what you can do to earn their respect.

Thursday Sep 25, 2025

Need fast cashflow for your cheer gym? In this episode of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle reveals 10 proven ways to make $2,000 in just 3 days.Whether you’re looking to boost registrations, re-enroll athletes, run sibling specials, book more birthday parties, or host revenue-driving events, these strategies are designed to give you quick wins you can implement immediately.You’ll learn:✅ How to turn sibling registrations into instant revenue✅ Simple re-enrollment strategies that keep cash flowing✅ Why birthday parties are a goldmine for cheer gyms✅ Easy event ideas that bring in money fastThis is $2k worth of actionable content packed into less than 30 minutes — perfect for cheer gym owners who need results now.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss new episodes that help you grow and scale your gym.

Thursday Sep 18, 2025

Why do athletes leave small D2 cheer gyms for big D1 programs—and what can gym owners do to keep them? In this episode of the Full Out Cheer Podcast, Danielle sits down with former Twisters athlete and current coach Allie Taylor to share her story of making the leap from a small-town gym to a large D1 program, and eventually coming back home as a coach.Together they discuss:The real reasons athletes decide to leave their home gymsHow gym culture, coaching styles, and team levels impact retentionWhat gym owners can do to keep athletes engaged long-termPractical ways smaller gyms can compete with larger programsIf you’re a cheer gym owner who has ever worried about losing athletes—or if you want to build stronger retention strategies—this episode is packed with athlete-driven insights you won’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that help cheer gym owners grow, lead, and thrive!

The Real Cost of Bartering

Thursday Sep 11, 2025

Thursday Sep 11, 2025

Trading free tuition for services might feel like a smart move, but it could actually cost your cheer gym thousands. In this episode of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, Danielle Johnston and Matt Becker of GymLawyers.com break down why bartering is risky — and what to do instead.You’ll learn:The legal & tax pitfalls of barteringHow misclassification of staff can cost you bigWhy “free” services almost never stay freeA must-listen for gym owners who want to protect their business and avoid costly mistakes.

Birthday Parties = Big Profits

Thursday Sep 04, 2025

Thursday Sep 04, 2025

Birthday parties aren’t just a fun add-on—they’re one of the highest-margin, lowest-stress income streams in your gym (if you do it right).In this episode, we’re talking:How to market parties without sounding desperateWhat to offer when you don’t have a bounce houseWho should staff parties and how to train themWhy now is the time to start bookingAnd how to turn “happy birthday” into actual bank🎂 Fewer weekends off? Sure. But more money in the bank. Worth it.

Thursday Aug 28, 2025

Fall isn’t the time to “hope it works.” It’s the time to plan and profit. In this episode, we’re breaking down the smart marketing moves gym owners should be making right now to set up a high-revenue season.
You’ll learn:What to do after the back-to-school rushHow to promote events and parties without chaosThe difference between selling and actually engagingWhy staff should be part of your marketing machineAnd how to stop treating Facebook like a wishboardThis isn’t about working harder. It’s about outmarketing the competition while they’re still figuring out what font to use on their pumpkin flyer.

Hijack the Back-to-School Hype

Thursday Aug 21, 2025

Thursday Aug 21, 2025

Back-to-school season is one of the biggest opportunities for cheer gym growth—if you know how to use it. In this episode, we’re breaking down 5 proven strategies to boost enrolment, drive athlete signups, and promote your gym during the busiest time of year.
Learn how to run back-to-school ads that convert, plan high-impact events, connect with local schools, and build buzz with spirit days and giveaways. Whether you’re a cheer gym owner, director, or coach, these tips will help you grow your program and get ahead of the competition this fall.Topics Covered:Back-to-school marketing for cheer gymsWhen and how to run fall ads for your gymHow to host a successful open house eventGetting involved with local schools + back-to-school nightsPlanning spirit days and events that attract new familiesPerfect for anyone in cheerleading, gymnastics, or youth activity businesses looking to increase enrolment and retention this season.

Open Houses Aren't Dead

Thursday Aug 14, 2025

Thursday Aug 14, 2025

Open houses are soooo worth it, but you can't just wing it anymore. In this episode, learn how to plan one that drives signups, fills classes, and doesn’t end with three toddlers and a confused grandparent wandering around your lobby. We cover timing, marketing, setup, and converting visitors into athletes—without wasting time or money.

I Lost My Spark 🔥

Thursday Aug 07, 2025

Thursday Aug 07, 2025

Have you ever felt like stepping away from coaching made sense on paper—but left you feeling disconnected, uncertain, or even burned out in a whole new way?
In this episode, I share the real story behind losing my spark as a gym owner, what burnout looked like when I wasn’t on the floor, and how slowly returning to coaching helped me rediscover the part of this job that actually lights me up.If you’re feeling stuck, stretched too thin, or just wondering how to find balance without losing your passion, this one’s for you.

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