The Cheer Dad Podcast

Ever looked at a cheer scoresheet and thought… “What am I even looking at?”

In Part 2 with Gabby Mauro, the Dads go even deeper into the world of cheer scoring—and this is the episode every cheer parent (and honestly, a lot of coaches 👀) needs to hear.

We break down the real questions that don’t always get clear answers:

1. Why do some teams max out scores with obvious mistakes while others don’t?
2. How do degree of difficulty vs. participation actually work across stunts and tumbling?
3. What happens when teams “mark” skills—does it really not hurt their score?
4. Should teams water down routines or risk drops to stay competitive?
5. Why do teams throw harder skills if they’ve already “maxed out” the scoresheet?

Gabby also dives into:

1. The truth about judging panels at multi-day events
2. How pace & connection can impact scoring (and why some routines feel nonstop)
3. The strategy behind elite stunt sequences vs. simpler builds
4. How tumbling passes are evaluated (and what actually scores higher)

Plus, we hit some Quick Hits that every cheer dad and mom has wondered:

1. Does a toe touch tuck count as both jumps and tumbling?
2. How do you actually read those numbers on a scoresheet without losing your mind?
3. What are judges really looking for when it comes to showmanship?

If you’ve ever sat in the stands confused, frustrated, or just trying to understand how your athlete’s team scored the way they did—this episode is your cheat code.

Be sure to follow Gabby for more breakdowns and cheer education:

1. TikTok: @scoresheetswithgabbym
2. Instagram: @scoresheetswithgabbymauro

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp.

Life gets overwhelming sometimes—on and off the mat. If you’re looking for support, visit betterhelp.com/cheerdad to get started.

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the contemplation of relocating to Utah for the sake of cheerleading aspirations. As we delve into our narratives, we discuss the profound emotional impact that competitive cheerleading has on families, particularly the pressures and stresses faced by cheer parents. I share my personal dilemma regarding my daughter's potential final year at Top Gun Orlando, juxtaposed with her desires to try out for teams at different gyms, including the distinguished Mac All Stars. This episode emphasizes the importance of open communication and support among cheer parents, as we navigate the complexities of our children's aspirations and the sacrifices we are willing to make to facilitate their dreams. Ultimately, we invite our listeners to consider their own experiences and the lengths to which they would go for their children's passions.

Visit BetterHelp.com/cheerdad to get started and take that first step toward feeling better.

Because taking care of yourself makes you a better parent, partner, and person.

Tonight’s episode is a fun one.

We’re joined by Zeke Rifkin, a proud cheer dad who was volunteered to be on the show by his wife Justine — and honestly, that’s how some of the best cheer dad stories start.

Zeke shares what it’s really like jumping into the cheer world, from learning the ropes to embracing the chaos of competitions, practices, and everything in between. We talk about the moments that surprised him, the challenges of being a cheer parent, and the pride that comes with watching your athlete grow in the sport.

We also put Zeke through our Quick Hits round, where things get real (and hilarious) fast.

If you’re a cheer dad, cheer parent, or just someone trying to figure out this wild world — this episode is for you.

Visit BetterHelp.com/cheerdad to get started and take that first step toward feeling better.

Because taking care of yourself makes you a better parent, partner, and person.

What’s it really like being a cheer dad when you didn’t grow up in the sport?

In this episode of The Cheer Dad Podcast The Cheer Dad Podcast, we sit down with Russ Brown — not a coach, gym owner, or influencer… just a dad living the cheer life like so many of you.

Russ shares what it was like stepping into the cheer world for the first time, the surprises that came with competitions and travel, and how the sport has changed both him and his family. From long weekends and learning the lingo to proud parent moments and supporting his athlete through the ups and downs, this is a conversation every cheer parent will connect with.

If you’ve ever sat in the stands wondering how you got here, this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in for laughs, real talk, and a reminder that cheer isn’t just about the athletes on the mat — it’s about the parents in the crowd too.

Sponsor: This episode of The Cheer Dad Podcast The Cheer Dad Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Cheer life can be stressful for parents too. If you’ve been thinking about talking to someone, BetterHelp makes online therapy simple and convenient. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/cheerdad.

Ever walked out of a cheer competition thinking…

“Wait… how did we lose by 0.15?”

Or “Why did that team jump us?”

You’re not alone — and this episode is going to change the way you watch cheer forever.

This week on The Cheer Dad Podcast, the dads are joined by Gabby Mauro, certified judge for United Scoring, YCADA, and OCS, and creator of Score Sheets with Gabby Mauro. Gabby breaks down cheer scoring in plain English and explains exactly what’s happening on the judges’ side of the table.

In Part 1, we cover:

1. What judges are actually looking for during a routine
2. How score sheets are structured
3. The difference between difficulty vs execution
4. What counts as a deduction (and what doesn’t)
5. How teams can win or lose by tiny margins like 0.05
6. Why the loudest crowd reaction doesn’t always match placements

Whether you’re a new cheer parent or a seasoned competition veteran, this episode will help you understand scoring, stop the confusion, and enjoy competitions with a whole new “cheer IQ.”

🎧 Listen now — and don’t miss Part 2!

📲 TikTok: @scoresheetswithgabbym

📸 Instagram: @scoresheetswithgabbymauro

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp.

Cheer life is stressful — and parenting is a lot. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burned out, therapy can help.

Get 10% off your first month at:

betterhelp.com/cheerdad

In this episode of The Cheer Dad Podcast, the dads are joined by Gina Bartel — cheer mom, content creator, and recurring guest co-host on the Let’s Talk Cheer Podcast.

Gina is also the creator of the popular Facebook group Cheer Moms Anonymous, where cheer parents from all over come together for support, laughs, and real talk about what competition season actually feels like.

We dive into the cheer mom experience from the inside out — from the pressure, burnout, and comparison game… to the hilarious moments, group chat chaos, and the community that makes it all worth it.

Whether you’re a cheer dad, cheer mom, or brand new to the sport, this conversation will make you laugh, nod along, and feel a whole lot more seen.

📲 Follow Gina:

1. TikTok: @ginablivin
2. Instagram: @ginabsellin
3. Facebook Group: Cheer Moms Anonymous

Cheer life can be amazing — but it can also be stressful. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burned out, talking to someone can help.

Visit BetterHelp.com/cheerdad to get 10% off your first month and get matched with a licensed therapist online.

In this episode of The Cheer Dad Podcast, the dads sit down with Chad Hall, one of the founding forces behind Dad Fury — the high-energy cheer dad movement that’s impossible to miss at competitions across the country.

What started as a few dads showing up loud and proud turned into something much bigger: a community focused on support, confidence, and showing athletes that their dads are all in.

Chad shares how he found his way into the cheer world, what it’s really like being “that dad” on the sidelines, and how Dad Fury grew from a spontaneous idea into a recognized presence in the cheer community. We talk about parenting through cheer, the emotional highs and lows of competition weekends, travel chaos, and why showing up matters more than getting it perfect.

This conversation is equal parts fun, heartfelt, and honest — and a reminder that cheer dads have a role to play, even if it’s loud, pink, and unapologetic.

Whether you’re a seasoned cheer parent or just starting the journey, this episode will make you laugh, nod in agreement, and maybe rethink how you show up for your athlete.

To our listeners — no matter where you are on your cheer journey, remember that taking care of your mental health matters just as much as hitting zero.

That’s why we’re proud to be partnered with BetterHelp.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to, visit BetterHelp.com/CheerDad to get matched with a licensed therapist and start today.

That’s BetterHelp.com/CheerDad.

🎧 Listen now and meet the dad behind the fury.

In this episode of The Cheer Dad Podcast, the Dads sit down with cheer coach and former athlete Grant Lockaby to talk about what it really takes to develop confident, resilient athletes in today’s cheer world.

Grant shares his journey from athlete to coach, the lessons cheer taught him along the way, and how his coaching philosophy has evolved as he works with athletes under increasing pressure—both in the gym and online. Together, they dive into the realities of modern cheer, including confidence, burnout, social media comparison, and the balance between pushing athletes to grow while protecting their mental and emotional well-being.

This conversation offers valuable insight for **cheer parents—especially cheer dads—**looking to better understand the coach’s perspective, communicate effectively, and support their athletes through the highs and lows of the season.

If you’ve ever wondered what coaches wish parents understood, how to help your athlete through setbacks, or how cheer builds life skills beyond the mat, this episode is for you.

🎧 Sponsored by BetterHelp

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stretched thin, therapy can help. Visit BetterHelp.com/cheerdad to get 10% off your first month and connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home.

This week on The Cheer Dad Podcast, the dads sit down with Joey Upchurch — a single cheer dad from Wilmington, NC, girl dad to two young athletes (ages 5 & 7), and the creator of Hit Zero Dad Club.

Joey shares his journey into the cheer world, what it’s like raising two young daughters in the sport, and the tough decision to take a season off to reset, rebuild, and establish a stronger foundation for his family. Between co-parenting, school transitions, and making sure his girls have the right support, Joey opens up about choosing long-term stability over short-term pressure.

We cover:

How Joey first stepped into the cheer dad life

His experience with long seasons, competition weekends, and burnout

The reasons behind taking time off from competitive cheer

Raising independent, confident young girls

The birth of Hit Zero Dad Club: from a simple idea to a full store

Why he wanted cheer dad merch that looked cool — not cheesy

Navigating cheer, fatherhood, and life balance as a single dad

It’s real, relatable, and full of heart — the kind of conversation every cheer parent can see themselves in.

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your athletes. If life feels overwhelming — between parenting, work, schedules, and everything cheer brings — talking to someone can make all the difference.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with BetterHelp.

Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/CheerDad and connect with a licensed therapist from anywhere, anytime.

This week on The Cheer Dad Podcast, we welcome a guest who has lived every side of the cheer world — David Maupin. From athlete… to coach… to full-blown cheer dad, David brings a rare, 360-degree perspective on what this sport really means to families, athletes, and communities.

David shares how his cheer journey started, what coaching taught him about leadership and kids, and how those lessons shape the way he supports his own athlete today. We dive into Top Gun culture, coaching memories, balancing dad life with the demands of all star, and what it’s like watching the sport evolve from the sidelines instead of the warm-up mat.

Plus — David opens up about the proud moments, the stressful moments, and the real moments every cheer parent will relate to. Whether you’re new to cheer or deep in the comp-season trenches, this episode is full of wisdom, laughs, and relatable dad truth.

And a big thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring today’s episode. Taking care of your mental health matters — especially during the chaos of cheer season. Visit betterhelp.com/cheerdad to get started with a licensed therapist online, whenever you need it.

Hit zero, grab your doozie, and enjoy the episode!