There was a series of episodes that I feel didn't get enough love and attention last season, so I am bringing back some of the best moments from all of them.

Dad Fury, Firestorm Dads, and Carl Eppolito all have their own take on cheer, but one thing they all have in common is they want to be involved in cheerleading and supporting their girls.

Share this episode with your favorite cheer dads and maybe they'll get some fun inspiration from these dynamic groups of cheer dads from all over the country. Cheer doesn't have to be all about glitter and makeup, and these dads have found their special sauce to get involved and have fun in the process.

Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:

8:08 DadFury and their mission

Special guest, Jeff Webb, the founder of UCA and Varsity Spirit, shares his journey from being a high school and college cheerleader to managing NCA and ultimately building his own cheerleading empire. He offers behind-the-scenes stories of founding UCA, overcoming challenges, and witnessing the sport’s evolution over the years. The conversation touches on the international growth of cheerleading, the push for Olympic recognition, and the critical focus on safety. Jeff also reflects on the joy he’s found in his career and his ongoing passion for advancing the sport globally.

Kristen answers questions about must-haves for cheer athletes, whether or not USASF standards are optional, and the decision-making process of moving from prep to elite cheer. 

Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:

05:27 Must-Have Cheer Gear

12:14 Competition Realities and Strategies

20:53 Governing Bodies in Cheerleading

21:32 Understanding USASF and Its Role

24:16 Limitations of USASF Authority

30:56 Deciding Between Prep and Elite Cheer

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The episode dives into the specifics of different types of tumbling mats and the progression of tumbling training. Cory - a former tumbling coach and current AirTrack rep -  explains the differences between dead mats, spring floors, rod floors, and Airtracks. Cory gives recommendations for home tumbling equipment and drills - with a few caveats and coaching disclaimers, of course! 

Visit getpomi.com/podcast to learn more and see how you can be better protected from the “what-ifs” that happen in cheer. 

Find Cory in the chat at https://airtrackus.com/ or [email protected]

Kristen explains the significance of championship gifts and tokens in the cheerleading world, highlighting the differences between various competitions. From banners and trophies at local events to coveted Letterman jackets at major events like NCA, the episode dives into what athletes receive when they win a regional event or a large, Super National competition. A special focus is given to the custom-designed championship rings crafted by renowned designer Santwon, whose intricate and thoughtful designs have made a significant impact on the cheer community. Kristen and Santwon have a chat on stage at the All Star World Championship, discussing the inspiration and detailed process behind his iconic rings, and emphasizing his unique relationship with coaches and athletes.

Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:

00:24 Types of Championship Gifts

01:50 The Coveted Championship Jacket

04:31 The Customization Process of Championship Rings

09:08 Championship Ring Design

10:51 Interview with Santwon

13:15 Santwon’s Journey and Insights

16:25 The Creative Process Behind Ring Design

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It’s the 100th episode of The Cheer Mom Podcast, and part two of the conversation with Justin Carrier! Today, Kristen and Justin get into the nitty-gritty of some of the hard-hitting questions you all have had in recent months: Scoring, fair judging, and how Summit has become such a big deal. 

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Use code: POD15 at TheCheerCollection.com for 15% off your order.

Ambassador applications for The Cheer Collection are open! Tap here to learn more. 

Justin Carrier is a foundational figure in the cheerleading industry, and has been on the list of "dream guests" for the podcast since before the first episode even aired.

From being one of the first athletes ever to compete in the bandshell in Daytona, to his current role overseeing NCA and Varsity Spirit, Justin has made big contributions to the sport of cheer.

This episode is part one of a two-part interview, and Justin shares insights about the differences between UCA and NCA College Nationals, why he believes NCA All Star has become the premiere cheer event of the season, and all those pesky announcements he has to make in that arena.

Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:

05:52 Justin's Cheerleading Journey

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This is Part 3 in the series that dives into how Varsity Brands became a multi-billion dollar business. Make sure you go back and listen to Parts 1 and 2!

In this episode, we're diving into some common questions and concerns about Varsity Spirit. Finalist pin shortages, missing champion jackets and medals at competitions, the inclusion of Disney tickets in event registration fees, and the stay-to-play policy: they're concerns of cheer parents everywhere, and I'm tackling the answers.

Try to approach the information in this episode with an open mind as I give a few insights into the economic and logistical challenges underpinning cheer events that even Varsity isn't immune to.

Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:

04:37 Varsity's Valuation Explained

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Today, we look at the intricate history and business strategies of Varsity Brands. To the best of my ability, and after months of research, conversations with people in the cheer industry, and a deep dive down some really strange rabbit holes, I’m giving an overview of Varsity's evolution from its inception in Jeff Webb’s humble apartment to the billion-dollar business that it is today. 

We’re going to learn how All Star cheer came into play in all of this, and impactful ways cheer parents can address their concerns - especially when it comes to the high expenses of cheerleading.

Wanna jump around? Here are some of the highlights:

05:55 The Origins and History of Cheerleading

08:03 The Rise of Varsity Brands

18:38 The Birth of All-Star Cheerleading

22:30 Varsity's Business Moves and Acquisitions

30:02 Varsity's Market Domination

36:31 Private Equity Influence

41:25 The Controversial Stay-to-Play Policy

50:48 The Role of Gym Owners and Parents

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This episode is Part 1 is a series about the rise of Varsity as a dominant force in the cheer industry. In order to understand how Varsity became Varsity, we have to start at the very beginning: a very good place to start, according to Dame Julie Andrews and her friends, Rogers and Hammerstein. 

Cheer started in the 1800s, but it looked very different from what it does today, including the little detail that women weren’t even included on cheer teams. But two key figures took cheer to the next level: one in 1948, and the other - his protegee - in 1974. Their names are Lawrence Herkimer and Jeff Webb, respectively.

Kristen also covers fun trivia, like the first cheer uniform, the origin of the spirit stick, and how color television prompted the invention of the pom-pom. 

Wanna jump around? Here are some highlights:

10:41 History of Cheerleading: The Early Years

15:12 Lawrence Herkimer: The Father of Cheerleading

30:33 Jeff Webb and the Birth of Varsity

Visit TheCheerCollection.com and enter code: POD15 for 15% off your purchase.

Your perfect style awaits, with Slick Hair Company! Visit slickhaircompany.com/thecheermomblog and use code THECHEERMOMBLOG for 10% off!