The Fullout Cheer Podcast

Why Athletes Leave Small Cheer Gyms for Big D1 Programs

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

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

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.

Outsmart Your Competitors This Fall

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

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

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 🔥

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.

Owners: Set These 3 Boundaries or Cry Later 😭

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.

She Ran the Carpool… Now She Runs the Gym

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.

The Teen Brain...Buffering...

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.