Stay ConnectedThe Cheer Mom Podcast is a place that helps cheer moms (and dads!) understand cheer and navigate this crazy world, so we can support our athletes. Listen to experts within the industry on topics like strength and conditioning, keeping our athletes safe, and all things High School, College and All Star Cheer.
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Kristen explains the significance of championship gifts and tokens in the cheerleading world, highlighting the differences between various competitions. From banners and trophies at local events to coveted Letterman jackets at major events like NCA, the episode dives into what athletes receive when they win a regional event or a large, Super National competition. A special focus is given to the custom-designed championship rings crafted by renowned designer Santwon, whose intricate and thoughtful designs have made a significant impact on the cheer community. Kristen and Santwon have a chat on stage at the All Star World Championship, discussing the inspiration and detailed process behind his iconic rings, and emphasizing his unique relationship with coaches and athletes.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
00:24 Types of Championship Gifts
01:50 The Coveted Championship Jacket
04:31 The Customization Process of Championship Rings
09:08 Championship Ring Design
10:51 Interview with Santwon
13:15 Santwon’s Journey and Insights
16:25 The Creative Process Behind Ring Design
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It’s the 100th episode of The Cheer Mom Podcast, and part two of the conversation with Justin Carrier! Today, Kristen and Justin get into the nitty-gritty of some of the hard-hitting questions you all have had in recent months: Scoring, fair judging, and how Summit has become such a big deal.
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Justin Carrier is a foundational figure in the cheerleading industry, and has been on the list of "dream guests" for the podcast since before the first episode even aired.
From being one of the first athletes ever to compete in the bandshell in Daytona, to his current role overseeing NCA and Varsity Spirit, Justin has made big contributions to the sport of cheer.
This episode is part one of a two-part interview, and Justin shares insights about the differences between UCA and NCA College Nationals, why he believes NCA All Star has become the premiere cheer event of the season, and all those pesky announcements he has to make in that arena.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
05:52 Justin's Cheerleading Journey
15:30 The Evolution of Cheerleading Skills
22:57 UCA vs. NCA College Nationals
29:53 The Legacy of NCA All Star Nationals
40:26 The Future of NCA: Changes and Challenges
43:31 Varsity Spirit: Enhancing the All Star Experience
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This is Part 3 in the series that dives into how Varsity Brands became a multi-billion dollar business. Make sure you go back and listen to Parts 1 and 2!
In this episode, we're diving into some common questions and concerns about Varsity Spirit. Finalist pin shortages, missing champion jackets and medals at competitions, the inclusion of Disney tickets in event registration fees, and the stay-to-play policy: they're concerns of cheer parents everywhere, and I'm tackling the answers.
Try to approach the information in this episode with an open mind as I give a few insights into the economic and logistical challenges underpinning cheer events that even Varsity isn't immune to.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
04:37 Varsity's Valuation Explained
09:47 Common Complaints About Varsity
15:54 Disney Tickets and Cheer Events
25:49 Stay to Play Controversy
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Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
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Today, we look at the intricate history and business strategies of Varsity Brands. To the best of my ability, and after months of research, conversations with people in the cheer industry, and a deep dive down some really strange rabbit holes, I’m giving an overview of Varsity's evolution from its inception in Jeff Webb’s humble apartment to the billion-dollar business that it is today.
We’re going to learn how All Star cheer came into play in all of this, and impactful ways cheer parents can address their concerns - especially when it comes to the high expenses of cheerleading.
Wanna jump around? Here are some of the highlights:
05:55 The Origins and History of Cheerleading
08:03 The Rise of Varsity Brands
18:38 The Birth of All-Star Cheerleading
22:30 Varsity's Business Moves and Acquisitions
30:02 Varsity's Market Domination
36:31 Private Equity Influence
41:25 The Controversial Stay-to-Play Policy
50:48 The Role of Gym Owners and Parents
Visit TheCheerCollection.com and enter code: POD15 for 15% off your purchase.
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
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This episode is Part 1 is a series about the rise of Varsity as a dominant force in the cheer industry. In order to understand how Varsity became Varsity, we have to start at the very beginning: a very good place to start, according to Dame Julie Andrews and her friends, Rogers and Hammerstein.
Cheer started in the 1800s, but it looked very different from what it does today, including the little detail that women weren’t even included on cheer teams. But two key figures took cheer to the next level: one in 1948, and the other - his protegee - in 1974. Their names are Lawrence Herkimer and Jeff Webb, respectively.
Kristen also covers fun trivia, like the first cheer uniform, the origin of the spirit stick, and how color television prompted the invention of the pom-pom.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
10:41 History of Cheerleading: The Early Years
15:12 Lawrence Herkimer: The Father of Cheerleading
30:33 Jeff Webb and the Birth of Varsity
Visit TheCheerCollection.com and enter code: POD15 for 15% off your purchase.
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
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In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized cheerleading as a sport. So, what does that mean, and when will we see it on the athletic world’s biggest stage? The answer isn’t exactly simple or clear.
This episode breaks down my (limited) research of the process to be included in the Olympics, next steps for the International Cheer Union, and a few of the roadblocks that may stand in the way.
Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
Visit thecheercollection.com and enter code POD15 for 15% off your order from The Cheer Collection!
If you want to dive down the rabbit hole that I did, HERE’S A LINK TO all of the sources I pulled from for the information in this episode.
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The All Star World Championship started just a few years ago and has grown exponentially since. With 1,600 teams competing in 2024, it has grown into the biggest all star cheer competition in the world.
I talk with two of the owners and the creators of All Star Worlds, Heidi Weber and David Owens, about what it takes to put on an event this large, the challenges they face, and things that cause delays in the schedule.
I also ask Heidi and David the question that has been on many minds for the 2025 All Star Worlds. They give their honest answer, and what the future of the event holds.
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Jamison Alford is a seasoned cheer competition announcer, and he shares his journey into announcing, his role in ensuring competitions run smoothly, and the challenges of the job.
The announcer plays a big role in timing, handling technical difficulties, and providing encouragement to cheer teams during an all star competition. The episode also includes practical advice for coaches and thoughts on expanding career opportunities within the cheer industry.
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
01:30 Cheer Content Creators and Competition
03:21 Interview with Cheer Announcer Jamison Alford
07:35 The Role and Challenges of a Cheer Announcer
18:16 Safety Protocols and Emergency Situations
19:31 Role and Responsibilities at the Music Table
20:05 Technical Tips for Smooth Performances
21:20 Challenges with Music Devices
22:27 The Importance of Music Quality
29:19 Announcer's Rituals and Tips
30:36 Career Opportunities Beyond Competing
31:35 Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe
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Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!
This episode features Coach Orby Orta from the California All Stars, discussing his approach to coaching, and what it means to be coachable; not just for athletes, but for parents and COACHES as well.
Coach Orby shares insights on effective coaching styles, the value of establishing strong relationships with athletes, and how to adapt coaching methods to meet the evolving needs of today's athletes. He also touches on parental involvement, addressing common issues such as setting realistic expectations and the importance of parent-coach communication.
The discussion underscores the significance of trust, innovation, and love for the sport in building successful and cohesive cheer teams. It's no wonder Orby has coached so many successful teams and athletes!
Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:
04:54 Guest Introduction: Coach Orbie Orta
08:06 Coach Orbie's Journey in Cheerleading
09:11 The Importance of Passion in Coaching
10:47 Training and Creativity in Cheerleading
17:28 Balancing Coaching Styles and Personal Relationships
20:15 Building Relationships with Athletes
26:55 Addressing Toxic Coaching Cultures
29:52 The Importance of Being Coachable
32:38 Parental Influence on Athlete Development
40:24 Transitioning Athletes to New Coaching Styles
46:41 The Value of Building Relationships with Parents
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