In this episode of Off The Mat, we sit down with the owners of Champion Cheer to talk about building a program that lasts—culture, leadership, and what success really looks like beyond the trophies.

The week of competition doesn’t build your team, it reveals it. In this solo episode of Off The Mat, we dive into the pressure, discipline, and mindset required during the most intense week of the season. From mental preparation and cutting last-minute panic, to the non-negotiable standard of commitment and showing up when it’s hard,  this is the truth about competition week that every coach, athlete, and parent needs to hear. When the routines are locked and the hours are limited, leadership matters more than ever.

00:00 - Intro 

00:30 - Mental preparation 

01:45 - NO Missing Practice 

03:13 - End On a High Note

04:12 - Setting the Expectations 

In this episode, Levi and I break down mental blocks, where they come from, why athletes shut down, and what coaches and parents can actually do to help. We talk fear, overspotting, motivation vs pressure, what to say at home, how long breakthroughs really take, and the steps that keep athletes unblocked for good.If you coach, parent, or care about an athlete, this conversation will change how you see mental blocks forever.

Follow me:📸 Instagram: @CoachRaulD33🎥 TikTok: @RaulD33▶️ YouTube: RaulD33

In this Q&A,  we’re answering real questions from parents, athletes, and coaches, everything from parent conferences and attendance to coaching tough teams, building stunt groups, and what really determines your spot on a team.

We also dive into the truth about judging, the reality of toxic gyms, and whether sideline cheerleaders are “real.” It’s an honest look at the highs, lows, and lessons that come with being in the world of cheer.

In this episode of Off The Mat, Brandon Smith opens up about the moment he almost walked away from cheerleading — and what truly separates being a mean coach from being a strict coach.He shares his journey from not growing up in sports, to becoming the coach he needed as a kid, to learning how leadership, empathy, and accountability can coexist in the same gym.This one’s about growth, purpose, and the power of self-awareness — for any coach, athlete, or person trying to find balance between toughness and compassion.📸 Instagram: @CoachRaulD33▶️ YouTube: @RaulD33🎵 TikTok: @RaulD3300:00 - Intro00:45 - Who is Brandon Outside of Cheer?1:24 - Life Before Cheerleading3:11 - How did You Get into Cheerleading?7:06 - Cheering at California All-Stars9:26 - What Led You to Coaching?11:24 - When Coaching became Serious14:50 - Brandon’s Support System16:21 - Financial Struggles of a Coach19:21 - The Emotional Toll21:05 - Was Coaching the Right Choice?23:05 - What People Don’t Understand about Cheer25:52 - What are You Most proud of?27:26 - Separating the Good and Bad Coaches30:13 - Advice for Your Younger Self32:07 - What do you Want to be Remembered for?Subscribe

The things you need to know to win before you hit the mat!

00:00 - Intro

00:27 - The Cost of Winning

1:02 - Win Before You Hit the Floor

1:45 - Give Yourself Grace

3:02 - Good Coaching

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Fire Pod with the one and only Kory Little! intro - 00:00Gabi Butler Tour - 00:32Cheering at Navarro - 7:00The Pro League of Cheer - 10:34STUMBLE the Show - 15:40Moving back to Dallas - 19:10Living in NY Acting - 21:24

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe and comment any questions you may have! 00:00 - intro01:57 - Making Level 4 at Rays03:58 - How are Stunt Groups Made06:32 - How Important are Backspots07:58 - How to Become a Worlds Team15:16 - Tips on Being Tighter in the Air16:40 - The Pro League of Cheer19:07 -Coaches Favorites in the Front21:52 - Fear/Mental Blocks24:29 - Favorite Thing about Being a Coach27:38 - How to Get Better at Basing37:46 - Teams with Age Gaps30:38 - Skills Disappearing When Working with Other Coaches 32:53 - Leaving Your Gym35:07 - Coaching Kids with ADHD

This summer don't hold yourself back and get those skills! Subscribe