Welcome back to the Here 4 Cheer Podcast! In our first episode of 2026, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with global cheer ambassador Jibreel Rayam, President of the AIA — Association for International All Star, and 20+ year gym owner.

In this episode, Jibreel gives an inside look at how the AIA is reshaping the future of All Star cheer on a global scale. From international pathways to athlete experience, he breaks down what’s next for the sport — and why worldwide collaboration matters more than ever.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

In this episode of Here for a Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with two absolute legends of the industry: Hank Light, the V!Roc Choreographer Director with over 100 UCA National titles, and Kim Gaskin, a 36-year veteran coach of Burlington Township with five NHSCC titles.

Together, they take a trip down memory lane, discussing how a chance meeting at a pool bar before Nationals turned into a decades-long mentorship and friendship. Hank and Kim share invaluable advice on how to build a program that lasts, the importance of adapting coaching styles for today’s athletes, and why the relationship between a coach and a choreographer is critical to success.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Evolution of Nationals: Hank reflects on attending his 40th High School Nationals and how the event has grown from small rural schools to a massive, multi-division event.

Building a Legacy: Kim explains the "Team Burlington" philosophy, the importance of monthly mandatory parent meetings, and how to teach discipline and critical thinking to build leaders.

Choreography Secrets: Hank reveals that a routine is 75% coaching, why teams need to "live in" their choreography before changing it, and the importance of stamina over skills.

The Coach’s Responsibility: Why coaches must know the rules book inside and out rather than relying solely on choreographers.

Work-Life Balance: Kim opens up about her battle with breast cancer, the support of her cheer family, and the necessity of delegating tasks to survive burnout.

Memorable Quote: "Winning is a luxury, that's not a goal... Making good humans is a full-time job." — Hank Light.

Cheerleading has been her whole life—and now, she’s reflecting on what it means to go pro... and let go.

In this episode of Here For Cheer, we sit down with Macie Dickey, Texas Tech cheerleader and Pro Cheer League athlete, to talk about growing up in the gym, navigating injuries, transferring colleges, winning a national championship, and facing the emotional reality of the end of a cheer career.

Macie opens up about sacrifice, resilience, family, and why cheerleading will always be a part of who she is. This is an honest, heartfelt conversation for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone who’s ever given everything to the sport they love.

In this inspiring episode, host Megan Camarillo sits down with the legendary Michael Head, a two-time UCF Collegiate Champion and five-time World Champion with USA Cheer!

Michael opens up about his incredible journey in the cheer world, discussing the difficult moments when he faced doubt from people who didn't understand his passion. He shares what it feels like to finally see those doubters come around and why the support of his friends and family is everything. This is a must-listen for anyone needing a boost of confidence or a reminder to stay true to the things they love, no matter what others say.

Michael also looks ahead to his final season with USA Cheer, offers great advice to listeners, and reminds us that if he can help just one person, it makes a big difference.

Competition season is here — and we’re breaking down exactly how parents and athletes can make the most of it! In this episode, Megan Gomarlo shares her best tips for having a successful, fun, and drama-free comp season. From showing spirit and staying on time to giving your athlete healthy feedback, this episode helps set the tone for a positive year.

You’ll learn:

This episode is perfect for new families AND returning cheer parents who want their athlete to thrive this season.

Thank you for supporting Here 4 Cheer — and come say hi at competitions!

Welcome to Episode 19 of Here 4 Cheer! Host Megan Gomarlo is joined by a super special guest: Dr. Maria Wisman, PT, DPT, CSCS, also known as The Cheer Doctor.

Dr. Wisman is a Physical Therapist and Strength Coach whose entire mission is to help cheer athletes go from good to great using specialized physical therapy and strength training programs.

In this must-listen episode, Dr. Wisman dives deep into topics including:

The critical importance of strength training and why it's a foundational piece of injury prevention that many cheerleaders overlook.

Her own background in cheer, from starting gymnastics at a young age to becoming a Physical Therapist dedicated to the sport.

The overall mission of The Cheer Doctor to get more athletes comfortable in the weight room and see the sport grow as a whole.

This episode is your guide to understanding the resources and mindset needed to achieve higher-level skills and maximize your potential safely.

Website: https://thecheerdoctor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cheerdoctor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_cheerdoctor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCheerDoctor1

In this short but powerful episode, Megan Gomarlo reveals the 10 essential habits that make an athlete truly coachable — the kind of athlete every coach wants on their roster.

Learn why corrections are a gift, how the best athletes process feedback, and the mindset shifts that will elevate your performance, your confidence, and your role on the team.

Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to build stronger, more positive, and more competitive teams.

In this powerful episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan sits down with Jomo K. Thompson, the legendary 18-time national champion coach behind the University of Kentucky’s cheer dynasty.

Jomo shares:

Now coaching at Lexington Catholic, Jomo continues to shape the future of cheerleading with humility, wisdom, and passion.

This is an episode every coach, athlete, and cheer parent needs to hear.

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Kara Frair, founder of More Than Skill, for a deep dive into the mental side of cheerleading. Kara shares powerful strategies for building confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness in youth athletes — from breathwork and visualization to journaling and gamified mindset training.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation is packed with actionable tools to help navigate nerve pauses (formerly known as mental blocks), high-pressure moments, and the emotional rollercoaster of competitive cheer.

💬 Topics include:

📣 Learn more about Kara’s work at https://www.morethanskill.com and explore her workshops, resources, and training programs.

#Here4Cheer #MoreThanSkill #YouthSports #Cheerleading #MentalHealth #Confidence #Podcast #sportssychology #mindfulness #mindtraining #cheermind #allstarcheer #manifesting #mentaltoughness 

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Jack Kidney, a six-time world champion and international cheer consultant, to share his incredible journey back to the mat after a devastating Achilles injury. Jack opens up about the role of positive self-talk, mental toughness, and team culture in his 2025 comeback season with Top Gun.

From his first handstand post-surgery to winning Worlds again, Jack’s story is a testament to the power of mindset and passion. He also dives into his global cheer experiences, coaching philosophy, and advice for athletes, coaches, and parents navigating the highs and lows of competitive cheerleading.

🎧 Tune in for an uplifting and insightful conversation that will leave you inspired to be your own biggest fan.

#Cheerleading #JackKidney #Here4Cheer #AthleteRecovery #PositiveMindset #TopGunCheer #CheerCoach #SportsInspiration #MentalHealthAwareness #CheerPodcast #CheerStrong #GratitudeInSports