Visit tccjewelry.com and enter code CHEERMOMPOD for 15% off your order

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Going to a Super Nationals event soon? Here's a resource for parents: https://thecheermomblog.com/a-parents-guide-to-national-cheer-competitions/

The conversation covers:

Why Junior 6 teams compete at The Summit instead of Worlds.

The decision to remove Youth divisions from The Summit and the creation of the Youth Summit.

How the exclusivity of Summit bids has shifted over the years and what that means for athletes and teams today.

Wild Card rounds and the fairness of finals qualification—especially when higher-scoring teams don’t advance.

This episode serves up personal anecdotes, insider "gossip", and a dash of nostalgia as Kristen talks about the cheer unicorn that is Colorado cheer.

It’s the perfect mix of drama, humor, and heart that’ll have you saying, “Wait, I need to hear more about that!”

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Kristen sits down with Coach Lain Lee, a personal and mental performance coach who helps athletes master both their skills and mindset. From perfecting back handsprings to tackling the mental side of the sport, Lain shares powerful insights and a unique approach.

Together, they explore the concept of mental blocks: What are they really? Why do athletes face them? And how much of cheerleading is truly a mental game? 

For athletes or parents dealing with fear, tumbling struggles, or other mental blocks, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could be the key to overcoming them.

Coach Lain’s resources and motivational content can be found on his website, CoachLain.com, and through his social media channels.

Link to blog post about pinning at cheer competitions: https://thecheermomblog.com/whats-the-deal-with-pinning-at-cheer-competitions/

You may think, “me too,” or, “that’s GENIUS” when you hear some Cheer Mom confessions from around the internet. We listen and we don’t judge!!!

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

You may think, “me too,” or, “that’s GENIUS” when you hear some Cheer Mom confessions from around the internet. We listen and we don’t judge!!!

In this episode, Kristen chats with Officer Dan Cotton about the art of keeping your kids safe at cheer events. We break down how to spot risks, manage online interactions, and stay one step ahead. Dan shares practical tips for parents (spoiler: yes, you do need to keep an eye on their DMs) and reminds us why open conversations and a little team effort can go a long way.

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Jeff Webb, who typically keeps a low profile in the cheer world, especially within All Star cheer, has made one of his most public statements to date.

The Cheer Collection is now TCCJewelry.com ! Use code CHEERMOMPOD at checkout for 15% off your order.

Apolla socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Read Jeff Webb's letter in its entirety here 

My September 5th podcast interview with Jeff Webb

Part One of my podcast series on Varsity Spirit and the history of Cheer

My explanation of the 2022 allegations made in All Star cheerleading 

Link to the New York Times Magazine Article

Jeff Webb's 2004 essay on cheer as a sport

Partial transcript of Jeff Webb's 2010 testimony in Federal Court

Other sources cited:

https://clearinghouse-umich-production.s3.amazonaws.com/media/doc/74743.pdf

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/sports/ncaabasketball/15cheer.html

In this episode, we tackle the important topic of staying safe at cheer competitions. With growing concerns about AirTags and the potential dangers in downtown competition areas, Kristen is joined by Dan Cotton, a gym owner, cheer coach, and law enforcement professional. Dan shares practical and essential safety tips that every cheer parent and athlete should know to stay vigilant and secure during these events.

Connect with Dan on The Cheer Biz Podcast

Here are some highlights:

In this conversation, Kirsten Jones and Kristen Wheeler discuss the importance of empowering children in their athletic journeys, particularly in the context of youth sports and cheerleading. They emphasize the need for kids to take ownership of their experiences, the challenges of athletic burnout, and the significance of fostering a lifelong love for fitness. The discussion also touches on redefining success in sports beyond just winning and preparing young athletes for life after their sports careers.

Visit thecheercollection.com for all your gift-giving needs!

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Connect with Kirsten Jones:

Here are some highlights from this episode:

Kristen has often discussed college cheer and the expectations surrounding the experience, but when her daughter made a D1 college team, even she was surprised by some of the challenges college cheerleaders face. Kristen shares her honest perspective on college cheer and is joined by a very special guest to help tell the story—her daughter, Abby.

“Why would you spend that much money on cheer clothes they’ll never wear? What are you getting out of it? Why don’t these cheer moms realize that it’s a scam?”

These are questions being asked in the cheer mom community, specifically to moms who have chosen to enroll their daughters in the Rebel Ambassador program.

Kristen sat down with a couple of “Rebel Moms,” and they got very honest, never shying away from the tough questions.

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

“Why would you spend that much money on cheer clothes they’ll never wear? What are you getting out of it? Why don’t these cheer moms realize that it’s a scam?”

These are questions being asked in the cheer mom community, specifically to moms who have chosen to enroll their daughters in the Rebel Ambassador program.

Kristen sat down with a couple of “Rebel Moms,” and they got very honest, never shying away from the tough questions.

In this conversation, Kristen talks with Cheer Moms Gina and Liz, both involved in the Rebel Ambassador Talent Community. They discuss their experiences as cheer moms, the functionality and appeal of Rebel gear, and the importance of community within the Rebel program. The conversation highlights the unique relationships formed through the program, the confidence it builds in young cheerleaders, and the marketing strategies behind Rebel's success. The moms share insights on how the program fosters friendships and support among cheerleaders from different backgrounds, emphasizing the value of community over competition.