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.
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Episodes
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Coaching your child is one of the most emotional, challenging, and rewarding roles you’ll ever take on. In this episode, we get real about the blurred lines between parent and coach, the emotional highs and lows, and the behind-the-scenes moments no one sees. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips, funny stories, and the boundaries that have helped our family make it work.
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Teenagers are dramatic, but parents can be worse. In this episode, we give you the survival guide you didn’t know you needed for maintaining peace in your gym during peak drama season.
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Every gym has That Season. You know the one. We’ll walk you through how to debrief, regroup, and rebuild after a year that nearly made you quit. Dumpster fires make great fertilizer, right?
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Do you feel your gym’s highs and lows in your soul? That’s probably not healthy. This episode digs into how gym owners can create separation between who they are and what they do—because your gym is not your therapist, and neither is your inbox.
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
You hit the milestones. Your teams are full. On paper, you’ve “made it.” So why does it still feel... off?
In this candid Fireside Chat episode, we’re exploring the emotional burnout that doesn’t come from failing—but from achieving everything you thought you wanted. We’ll talk about why success can feel hollow, how your business might be thriving while you feel disconnected, and what it takes to realign your goals with what truly lights you up.Whether you’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or just quietly wondering, “Is this it?”—this episode will hit home.
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
In this episode of Fireside Chat, Danielle shares the 5 biggest tryout mistakes that can derail your season before it even begins. We’re talking aging athletes up too fast, misaligning your teams with your gym’s goals, and even the danger of letting one voice—or a single tryout—sway your whole plan. If you’re gearing up for team placements, don’t miss this one.
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
In this episode of Fireside Chat, Danielle shares a behind-the-scenes look at the Allstar World Championship and the critical weeks that follow. From wrapping up one of the busiest times of the season to preparing for tryouts, she breaks down how her gym transitions from high-intensity competition to intentional rebuilding. Learn what happens when the spotlight fades and the work toward next season begins.
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
More athletes, more teams, more revenue—right? Not always. Danielle & Justin walk you through the critical mistakes gym owners make when they chase growth before fixing what’s broken behind the scenes. If you’ve been focused on sign-ups but still feel stuck, this episode will help you shift your strategy and grow the right way.
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
This week on Fireside Chat, Danielle interviews Craig Hallmark and Heidi Weber from the Open Championship Series to talk all things scoresheet. They explain the why behind the 2025-2026 OCS scoresheet updates and share what surprising trends their data revealed about upper-level teams. If you’re planning for next season, this is an essential listen.
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
In this episode of Fireside Chat, I’m joined by Matt Becker, attorney and founder of GymLawyers.com, to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the cheer industry: when it’s legal to deduct pay from your staff.
If you’ve ever thought, “They should have to pay for that,” this episode is a must-listen. Just because something feels justified doesn’t mean it’s legal—Matt breaks it all down in plain English.