What does it actually take to turn a lifelong love of cheerleading into a global career?

In this episode of After The Routine, athlete turned entrepreneur, Dominique Longpre, breaks down what it looks like to build a career and a business around the sport you love.

From competing internationally to founding a cheer uniform and gear company, Dominique has spent her career finding new ways to stay connected to cheerleading long after her competition days ended.

In this episode, Dominique talks about her journey from athlete to business owner, the global growth of the cheer industry, and how trust, showmanship, and teamwork translate from the mat into entrepreneurship.

We get into what it's really like running a uniform and gear company, what goes into organizing a global cheer tournament, and how coaching and athletic experience can become real career assets. Dominique also shares candid advice for anyone hoping to turn their passion for cheer into a career.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Dominique's cheerleading journey from starting on her high school team to competing internationally
• The importance of trust and showmanship in cheerleading
• Opportunities in the cheer industry, including an opportunity at her company Cheer Action
• The global growth of cheerleading and international competitions
• What it's like running a cheer uniform and gear business
• The role of teamwork and leadership in cheer and business
• The upcoming AIA global cheer tournament
• Career advice for aspiring cheer professionals

About After The Routine
After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition.

Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how the sport can translate into lifelong opportunities where they stay connected.

New episodes release every two weeks.

What do growth mindset, team culture, and coaching strategy all have in common?

In this episode of After The Routine, Sports Performance Consultant,, Jeff Benson, breaks down what actually separates athletes, coaches, and gyms who improve from those who plateau.

From athlete and teacher to therapist, and now, Sports Performance Consultant - Jeff Benson has spent his career figuring out what actually makes athletes better: not just skills, but mindset.

In this episode, Jeff joins us to unpack how growth mindset, team culture, and intentional coaching shape not just performance, but the athletes themselves.

We talk about the difference between coaching for zero deductions and coaching for growth, how to build a team culture that survives pressure and criticism, and why authenticity might be a coach's most underrated tool.

Jeff Benson is a coach, Sports Performance Consultant, and author whose work bridges athletic performance and mental health. He's the author of Unblocked and The Walls Come Tumbling Down, co-author of The Cheer Coach's Handbook, and founder of Mind Body Cheer.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Jeff Benson's journey from gymnast and cheerleader to sports psychology
• Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset
• Building a positive team/gym culture and core values
• Strategies for resilience and confidence
• The role of praise and accountability in athlete development
• Handling negative culture and criticism in sports

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Unblocked by Jeff Benson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Unblocked+Jeff+Benson

The Walls Come Tumbling Down by Jeff Benson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Walls+Come+Tumbling+Down+Jeff+Benson

The Cheer Coach's Handbook by Jeff Benson, Dan Cotton & Danielle Johnston: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Cheer+Coachs+Handbook

About After The Routine

After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition.

Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.

New episodes release every two weeks.

Ever felt overwhelmed walking into your first cheer or tumbling conference? Here's your game plan!

In this episode of After The Routine, host Rachelle Provost breaks down exactly how to prepare for, survive, and get the most out of cheerleading and tumbling conferences.

From what to pack to how to turn what you learn into actual real life change back at the gym, this episode covers it all.

They talk pacing yourself through long conference days, finding a note-taking system that actually works for you, building a team-wide system for sharing what everyone learns, and why networking (yes, even the awkward parts) is one of the most valuable things you can do while you're there.

In this episode, Rachelle covers:

• How to build a conference preparation checklist
• Tips for pacing yourself physically and mentally through long days
• Note-taking and content-sharing strategies
• How to network with confidence
• A simple framework for turning conference takeaways into action back at the gym

Whether you're heading to your first conference, going back in a new role (director, manager, lead, head coach, etc.), or you're a gym owner trying to build a stronger process for your team, this episode will help you walk in prepared and walk out with a plan.

About After The Routine

After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition.

Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.

New episodes release every two weeks.

Ever felt overwhelmed walking into your first cheerleading or tumbling conference? Here's your game plan!

In this episode of After The Routine, host Rachelle Provost breaks down exactly how to prepare for, survive, and get the most out of cheerleading and tumbling conferences.

From what to pack to actually taking what you learn and applying it into real change back at the gym, this episode covers it all.

They talk pacing yourself through long conference days, finding a note-taking system that actually works for you, building a team-wide system for sharing what everyone learns, and why networking (yes, even the awkward parts) is one of the most valuable things you can do while you're there.

In this episode, you'll find tips for:

• How to prep for a conference
• Tips for pacing yourself physically and mentally through long days
• Note-taking and content-sharing strategies
• How to network with confidence
• A simple framework for turning conference takeaways into action back at the gym

Whether you're heading to your first conference, tackling it in a new role, or you're a gym owner trying to build a stronger post-conference process for your team, this episode will help you walk in prepared and walk out with a plan.

About After The Routine

After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition.

Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.

New episodes release every two weeks.

"The goal isn't to avoid hard moments, but to handle them"

In this episode of After The Routine, Becky Acra shares her journey from cheerleader to coach, director, author, and sports psychology student, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, communication, and maintaining a healthy athlete identity. 

Throughout the episode, you’ll discover practical insights for coaches, parents, and athletes to foster growth, resilience, and positive relationships in youth sports. 

We cover: 

• Becky's journey into cheerleading and coaching
• The importance of mental toughness and resilience
• Effective communication with athletes and parents
• Creating a positive team culture through consistency
• Balancing athlete identity and multi-sport participation
• The role of parents in supporting athlete development
• Strategies for managing pressure and expectations
• The emotional impact of sports seasons ending
• The significance of ongoing coach education and conferences
• Practical tips for fostering growth mindset and confidence

Want to read Becky’s new book Raise The Athlete, Not The Pressure? Grab your copy now at https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=VUNdgmW61pvsi0yh5dY92VpI5bqqLHlHUQayxzxsM93

About After The Routine 

After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition.

Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.

New episodes release every two weeks.

#aftertheroutine #cheerleading #sportpsychology #mentaltoughness #athletedevelopment #teamculture #resilience #youthsports 

What makes a good coach?

In this episode of After The Routine, host Rachelle Provost shares their top 10 tips for building a coaching career you genuinely love. Whether you're a coach in training, junior coach, or new to coaching, this conversation is filled with practical advice for becoming a better coach.

Rachelle covers the importance of passion, professionalism, communication, continuous learning, and creating a fun, engaging environment where athletes can thrive.

From showing up with enthusiasm in every class to learning the art of coaching skills, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to make a lasting impact through coaching.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to build a coaching career you love
• Why passion and enthusiasm matter in every class
• The importance of professional development for coaches
• How to communicate effectively with athletes, parents, and colleagues
• Creating a positive and engaging training environment
• Understanding age-appropriate coaching techniques
• Why professionalism, reliability, and leadership matter
• How conferences, webinars, and networking can support your growth
• Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning

If you’re passionate about coaching, athlete development, cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, or youth sports leadership, this episode will give you actionable tips to grow your career and leave a meaningful impression on the athletes you work with.

Subscribe to After The Routine for more conversations with professionals from cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics who have built meaningful careers beyond the mats.

This podcast episode is sponsored by TTB Media & Consulting Inc. Their support allows us to continue creating conversations that highlight leadership, career growth, mentorship, and opportunities in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics.

For more information about TTB Media, visit https://ttbmedia.ca

"Attitude and mindset are key to success." - Corey Rickett

In this episode of After The Routine, our host, Rachelle Provost, sits down with the 6-time World Champion coach and over 10-time podium finisher at the Cheerleading World Championships, Corey Rickett.

Corey shares his journey from gymnast to cheerleading coach and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of multi-sport athletes, coaching philosophy, and innovative resources like Fab Cheer and HQ Cheer to elevate the sport.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or cheerleading professional, this episode offers an unique perspective at life after being an athlete.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Corey's journey from gymnast to cheer coach
• The importance of multi-sport athletes in cheer
• Innovative resources for athlete and coach development
• The role of emotional and mental strength in cheer
• Future trends and opportunities in cheerleading

About After The Routine

After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition.

Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.

New episodes release every two weeks.

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and the business of sport.

#cheerleading #coaching #athletedevelopment #HQCheer #FabCheer #CoreyRickett #AfterTheRoutine #sportspsychology #cheerindustry #youthsports #athletesuccess #worldchampion #cheerworlds #coachingtips #worldchampionmindset #cheercoach #tumblingcoach

In this episode of After The Routine, Kaitlyn Harvey shares her incredible journey from gymnastics to becoming an 11-year Team Canada cheerleading veteran.

Kaitlyn opens up about her transition from gymnast to elite cheerleader, what it was like to represent Canada on the world stage, and how the sport of cheerleading has evolved across the country. She also shares insight into Team Canada training camps, athlete development, Level 7 skills, and what it takes to support athletes at the highest level.

This conversation explores more than just competition. Kaitlyn reflects on resilience, community, identity after sport, and the opportunities cheerleading can create long after an athlete leaves the floor.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or cheerleading professional, this episode offers a powerful look at the future of cheer in Canada and the career paths that can grow from sport.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Kaitlyn Harvey’s journey from gymnastics to cheerleading
• Becoming an 11-year Team Canada veteran
• The evolution of cheerleading in Canada
• Level 7 skills and elite athlete development
• Team Canada training camps
• Community, leadership, and opportunity in cheerleading
• Transition, retirement, and athlete identity after sport

About After The Routine

After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition.

Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.

New episodes release every two weeks.

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and the business of sport.

Have you walked past the judges riser and wondered how they became a judge or why there are so many of them?

In this episode of After The Routine, Gabby Mauro, a seasoned cheerleading judge and coach, shares her journey from competitive figure skating to becoming a leading scorer and judge in cheerleading.

She discusses the intricacies of scoring, the importance of understanding the judging process, and how her social media and podcast efforts aim to demystify cheerleading judging for coaches, athletes, and parents.

Key topics include:

• Gabby's journey from figure skating to cheerleading
• The scoring categories and judging process in cheerleading
• Common misconceptions about cheerleading judging
• The importance of education and collaboration in cheerleading
• Gabby's new podcast and social media efforts to educate

  
  ABOUT AFTER THE ROUTINE
  
  After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.
  
  New episodes release every two weeks.

  #Cheerleading #YouthSports #TumblingCoach #CheerCoach #SportsCareers #CheerleadingPodcast #YouthSportsCareers #YouthSportsMarketing #CheerJudges #BeyondTheRiser #CheerPodcast #CheerleadingRules #CheerleadingOpportunities #CheerleadingEducation
  

Ever wondered how the emcee and voice of the competition started their career?

In this episode of After The Routine, Nadia Belzy shares her journey from cheerleading athlete to international emcee, highlighting the importance of energy, passion, and diversity in the sport.

Discover her tips for success, behind-the-scenes insights from cheerleading competitions, and her impactful Black History Month project that promotes inclusion.

Key topics include:
- Nadia's journey from athlete to MC
- Tips for aspiring MCs and hosts
- Behind-the-scenes of cheerleading competitions
- The importance of diversity and inclusion of sports
- Her Black History Month project promoting representation

ABOUT AFTER THE ROUTINE

After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor.

New episodes release every two weeks.