The Fullout Cheer Podcast

By Next Generation Gym OwnersBusiness Entrepreneurship

The Fullout Cheer Podcast episodes

April 07, 2025 You Owe Me For That! What You Need to Know Before Docking Staff Pay
In this episode of Fireside Chat, I’m joined by Matt Becker, attorney and founder of GymLawyers.com, to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the cheer industry: when it’s legal to deduct pay from your staff.
If you’ve ever thought, “They should have to pay for that,” this episode is a must-listen. Just because something feels justified doesn’t mean it’s legal—Matt breaks it all down in plain English.
39 min
April 04, 2025 🔥 The OCS Scoresheet Debate: Why I’m On Board (And How It’ll Grow My Gym)
In this episode of Fireside Chat, I’m diving into the new scoresheet released by The Open Championship Series. It's already stirring opinions across the cheer world – some coaches love the changes, others are frustrated. I’m sharing my honest perspective, how I think it will shift the way we coach and plan routines, and why I believe it can actually help grow my program long-term.

Whether you’re trying to make sense of the updates or looking for ways to adapt your strategy, this episode will give you insight, clarity, and a few ideas to take back to your gym.
25 min
March 27, 2025 🔥 The Open Championship Age Grid: My Thoughts Regarding Athlete Safety, Retention & Program Growth
The Open’s new age grid has been a hot topic in the all star
cheerleading world, but is age separation alone really what keeps kids
safe? In this episode, we’re diving into the bigger picture—why
coaches, gym owners, and gym culture play a far greater role in
athlete safety than just numbers on a roster.

From team placements and proper progressions to building the right
environment for mentorship and accountability, this conversation is
all about what truly matters when it comes to athlete development and
retention. Gym owners and coaches have the power to set expectations,
structure practices, and create a culture that prioritizes both safety
and growth.

Tune in as we break it all down and discuss how smart coaching and
business strategies can help gyms navigate these changes the right
way.

Listen now and join the conversation!
35 min
March 20, 2025 🔥 Why I Needed a Mid-Season Reset (And Why Your Coaches Might Need One Too!)
As a coach, it’s easy to let cheer consume your every thought—but at
what cost? In this episode, we dive into the reality of stepping away
mid-season, why it’s not only possible but necessary, and how taking
time for yourself can actually make you a better coach.

Danielle shares her personal experience of getting away, the steps she
took to prepare her teams, and how she returned feeling refreshed,
excited, and more in tune with what truly matters. From making
memories with family to gaining fresh perspectives from her athletes,
this episode is a reminder that cheer is a part of life—not all of it.

Tune in as we unpack the mindset shift that every coach needs to hear!
29 min
March 13, 2025 🔥 Coaching Minis – Strategies for Success with 6-8 Year Olds
Coaching Minis (ages 6-8) is a whole different game! In this Fireside
Chat, Danielle shares the best strategies for working with this age
group—helping them grow. If you coach Minis, this episode is full of
real-life strategies to make your practices smoother and more
effective. Listen now!
29 min
March 06, 2025 🔥 Retention Roadmap: Month-by-Month Strategies to Keep Your Athletes Coming Back
Danielle shares a month-by-month retention roadmap to help gym owners
keep athletes engaged and returning season after season. Learn how to
use feedback, assessments, and recruitment efforts to improve
retention. Tune in for actionable strategies to build a stronger, more
committed team!
30 min
February 27, 2025 Your Reputation Matters: Why Business Owners Need to Be Great Customers Too Part 2
Think your customers never get frustrated with you? Reality check:
they do. The way you feel about other businesses is exactly how some
of your own customers feel about yours. How you handle yourself as a
customer is a direct reflection of how people see your business.
In Part 2, we dive into:
The long-term effects of how you interact with other businesses
Why your own customers likely have frustrations with you (even if you
don’t see it)
How practicing compassion and self-awareness can actually strengthen
your reputation
If you’re a business owner, this episode will shift your
perspective and help you avoid common reputation pitfalls.
Hit play and let’s talk about protecting your business’s good name!
12 min
February 20, 2025 Your Reputation Matters: Why Business Owners Need to Be Great Customers Too Part 1
We expect our customers to be patient, understanding, and
professional. But are we holding ourselves to the same standard when
WE are the customer? Your reputation as a business owner isn’t just
built on how you run your company—it’s also shaped by how you interact
with other businesses.
In this episode, we explore:
The small-town effect—how word spreads about how you treat others
Why your public complaints, reviews, and disputes can come back to haunt you
The reality that customers will treat you the same way they see you
treating others
This episode will make you rethink your approach to customer
service—on both sides of the transaction.
Listen now and take control of your business reputation!
32 min
February 13, 2025 Unicorn Businesses: The Unique Freedom of All-Star Cheer Gyms Part 2
The all-star cheer industry has faced some major challenges over the
years—pandemics, scandals, and lawsuits—but the sport continues to
grow. Why is cheer so resilient compared to other industries? And how
can gym owners capitalize on this freedom to build stronger, more
profitable businesses?
In Part 2, we dive into:
Why cheer continues to thrive, even when the industry faces controversy
How minimal restrictions give gym owners more freedom than most businesses
The real financial challenges gym owners face (and why cost of goods
isn’t the biggest concern)
If you’re a gym owner, this episode will shift your perspective and
inspire you to take full advantage of the unique opportunities in
cheer!
Hit play and let’s talk about the future of our industry!
25 min
February 06, 2025 Unicorn Businesses: The Unique Freedom of All-Star Cheer Gyms Part 1
All-star cheer gyms are truly one of a kind in the business world.
Unlike franchises or traditional industries, we have the power to
create and innovate without restrictions—from brand-new programs to
unique revenue streams. But what makes cheer gyms stand out in the
business landscape?
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
The creative freedom cheer gym owners have compared to other industries
Why cheer gyms are NOT a dying industry, even after COVID, Athlete A,
and industry lawsuits
How we differ from businesses like property management, retail, and food trucks
This episode will open your eyes to the incredible opportunities we
have in this industry!
Listen now and start thinking outside the box in your gym!
37 min

About The Fullout Cheer Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Fullout Cheer Podcast with Danielle Johnston is the ultimate resource for cheerleading gym owners, all star cheer coaches, and industry professionals who want to grow their gyms, lead successful teams, and thrive in the competitive cheer industry. Hosted by Danielle Johnston — now in her 14th season as a cheer gym owner, co-owner of Next Generation Gym Owners, and author of the must-read “The Cheer Gym Owners’ Handbook” — this podcast delivers proven strategies and real-world insights from someone who’s built a thriving cheer program from the ground up.