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.
Episodes

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.

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.

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.

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Are parent interactions running your life? In this episode, I’m sharing three boundaries that completely transformed how I work with parents at the gym—less stress, fewer misunderstandings, and way more respect on all sides.
These aren’t just policies—they’re intentional shifts that protect your time, your team, and your role as a coach and leader.You’ll hear:The one rule that ended late-night messages and last-minute chaosHow I stopped the drama around routine changesWhy letting parents watch practice doesn’t mean letting them coachIf you’re a gym owner or coach dealing with burnout, blurred lines, or “just one quick question” texts at 11pm—this episode is your boundary blueprint.

Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
She was fixing bows and cheering behind the spectator ropes—now she’s running the whole program.
In this episode, we talk to a former cheer mom turned all star director who’s gone from planning goodie bags to running staff meetings, and trust me—she’s bringing the kind of advice that only comes from living it: chaos, competitions, and all. We dive into what parents need to know about coaches—and vice versa—and the nonstop madness of keeping a gym running in an industry that never slows down. She spills the real challenges, the things no one prepares you for, and how she somehow keeps it all together (hint: it’s not easy).If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to run an all star program—or you’re just trying to survive the season—this one’s for you.Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with the voices shaping the cheer world.

Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Why do teenagers make baffling decisions, feel things at full volume, and occasionally behave like over-caffeinated raccoons with WiFi access? In this episode of Fireside Chat, we dive into the adolescent brain—yes, the real science behind the mood swings, the risk-taking, and why “logical reasoning” is basically still in beta.
Danielle breaks down how the teenage brain develops, what’s actually happening neurologically during those intense moments, and how coaches can respond with something other than existential dread.You’ll learn:Why teens react before they think (hint: their prefrontal cortex is still under construction)How to decode teenage behavior using brain sciencePractical tips for surviving—and even thriving—while working with adolescentsWhether you work with teens or just live near one, this episode will help you understand what’s going on in their heads… even if it’s still buffering.

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
This 4th of July, let’s talk gym owner freedom—the kind where your gym runs like a machine, and you’re not the one refilling toilet paper or answering panic texts during family BBQs.
In this episode, Danielle breaks down what independence actually looks like for gym owners, including how to build systems, delegate like a boss, and finally stop mistaking burnout for “the grind.” Spoiler alert: if you have to be there every day, it’s not a business—it’s a job. Tune in to hear:Why burnout isn’t a badge of honorHow to build a staff that doesn’t need babysittingSteps to design a gym that gives back your time, sanity, and SaturdaysYou started this gym for freedom—time to claim it.

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
In this powerful episode, Danielle sits down with Cat Weeden—owner of Luxe Cheer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and co-founder of the Small Cheer Gym Association—for a raw and honest conversation about the current state of the all-star industry. Together, they explore why small gyms make up the backbone of cheer and why it's more important than ever that they come together to advocate for change. If you’re a small gym owner looking to feel seen, heard, and empowered—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Fixing the Summer Slump: Smarter Revenue Strategies for Gym Owners Who Deserve a Break (But Won't Get One)
Summer slowdowns aren’t new—but they don’t have to wreck your bottom line. In this episode, we flip the “summer slump” into an opportunity with five smart, actionable revenue strategies for gym owners. From skill clinics and micro-sessions to filling dance gaps and managing cash flow, we’ve got you covered. Walk away with:5+ summer-friendly offers that actually sellA better cash flow plan (no more robbing Peter to pay Paul)One simple next step to boost revenue—fastPick one idea. Execute it this week. Let’s fix summer before spring breaks you.

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Coaches are pros at asking for feedback — on routines, legality, and performance. But when it comes to running the business? We often tough it out solo… and pay the price. In this episode, Danielle digs into the blind spots gym owners face outside the gym floor — from rocky onboarding to quiet events — and how hidden inefficiencies can stall your growth. If you'd never skip feedback before a comp, don’t skip it in business. Let this episode be your review session.



