The Cheer Mom Podcast

Maryland Twisters founder Tara Rawl joins Kristen to share how an unexpected start in cheerleading grew into a 32-year career and helped build the iconic Maryland Twisters program. They discuss the evolution of all-star cheer, Tara's work shaping USASF rules and safety standards, and why consistent leadership and accountability matter to athletes and families. Tara also reflects on stepping away from gym ownership, her new podcast, Building Good Cheer, and Cheerkeeper, an app designed to make competition days easier. Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The cheer world just got two huge plot twists: a long-running trademark fight over the word “worlds” has been settled, and the Pro Cheer League is expanding with new teams, new matchups, and a bigger vision for the sport. If you care about all-star cheer, the business behind it, or where the industry is headed next, this episode is packed with updates. Kristen returns with a candid, behind-the-scenes catch-up on the summer break, the reality of keeping a podcast alive, and why memberships are now becoming a bigger part of what keeps the show going. From there, she gets into the stories shaping cheerleading right now — including the legal battle between USASF, the Open Championship Series, and Deep South Spirit, and what the settlement means for who gets to use the term “worlds” going forward.You’ll also hear about Kendall Hanbury’s upcoming appearance on Damon John’s entrepreneur reality show, plus why that kind of mainstream visibility could matter for cheer as a sport and a business. Then Kristen breaks down the latest Pro Cheer League expansion, including the addition of Houston Hustle and Kentucky Crush, the logic behind where new teams are located, and the full slate of themed matchups rolling out through the season.She shares: What changed in the trademark dispute over “worlds” and why the settlement matters Why the terms “Cheerleading Worlds” and “All-Star World Championship” still create confusion How the Pro Cheer League is building a new kind of season with themed events and head-to-head matchups Why expansion is happening where the athlete and coaching pipelines already exist What stronger industry visibility could mean for registration fees, investment, and long-term growth This episode is perfect for cheer parents, coaches, gym owners, and anyone who wants the real story behind the headlines. It is part legal update, part industry analysis, and part insider commentary from someone who knows exactly how much is shifting under the surface right now. If you want the latest cheer news without the fluff, this is the one to catch up on. Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Mentioned in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1319977610250566&set=a.404735438441459&type=3 https://cheerdaily.com/cheer/news/u-s-all-star-federation-and-open-cheer-dance-championship-series-reach-settlement-in-federal-antitrust-case https://procheerleague.com/pages/teams https://procheerleague.com/pages/schedule Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at what truly makes a great cheer coach—and it goes far beyond winning. Inspired by the question “What would I do if I were a cheer coach?”, this conversation explores the five values that shape a healthy, high-performing team culture: leadership, trust, boundaries, presence, and intentional feedback.You’ll hear why culture at the top matters so much, how gossip and favoritism can quietly undermine a program, and why athletes thrive when coaches meet them where they are. We also dive into the importance of showing up for your team, creating meaningful bonding opportunities, and building trust without using the “we are family” narrative in unhealthy ways.Kristen also shares a strong stance on protecting minor athletes through clear boundaries and transparency, including avoiding one-on-one private contact, and explains why competition day should be a launch—not a teardown. The goal isn’t just to build better routines, but better humans.Whether you’re a cheer coach, parent, or leader in any youth sport, this episode offers a practical and heart-centered blueprint for creating a culture where athletes feel respected, supported, and empowered to grow. Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Varsity Brands settled a class action  lawsuit for over $82 million dollars and cheer moms across the country are getting checks in the mail; some to the tune of THOUSANDS of dollars. But what does this mean for you? Are you suddenly entitled to a check? And why did Varsity settle at all? This episode breaks down some of the facts surrounding the lawsuit, the settlement, and who’s cashing in on it. Mentioned in this Episode:  Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Enter Code: CHEERMOMPOD for a discount at tccjewelry.com  The Cheer Mom Podcast Episode 97: A Look at Varsity Brands from its Humble Beginnings to a Multi-Billion Dollar Enterprise https://www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/important-documents Official settlement press release  Original Lawsuit Settlement Filing Sportico Article About Settlement https://www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/faqs Settlement Agreement Announcement of Sale to KKR Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The cheer world lost a true legend. Here's why Jeff Webb's impact will never be forgotten. Jeff Webb, known as the father of modern cheerleading, passed away recently in a tragic accident. His legacy shaped the cheer industry, pushing for cheerleading to be recognized globally, even aiming for the Olympics. Many might have mixed feelings about his business dealings, but one thing is clear: those who knew him respect him deeply. His dedication inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in cheerleading. I had the honor of interviewing him once, and even during a technical glitch, he insisted on coming back to finish our conversation. That commitment speaks volumes about his character. Let’s remember him not just for his contributions, but for the genuine person he was. Listen to my full conversation with him in this episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pounding head, aching feet, raspy voice, and you're just over it. Here's how to get over that awful "cheer hangover" after a big competition weekend.   Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Mentioned in this episode: Biggest Cheer Events KBH Convention Center plans Pain relieving gel (affilliate link) Dirty Dr Pepper Recipe: 12 oz Can of Dr. Pepper (or Diet/Zero) 2 Tablespoons Raspberry Syrup  1-2 Tablespoons Coconut Syrup 1-2 Tablespoons Half and Half Optional: 1 Fresh Lime Wedge Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen talks with Pro Cheer League official, Lark Wood, where they discuss the inception of the elements of a Pro Cheer League match, and the challenges faced in establishing a new competitive cheerleading format. They delve into the importance of athlete safety, the collaborative efforts between referees and athletes, and the feedback received on various games. Lark shares insights on the design of games, the excitement surrounding the league, and the community's response to the new format. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUUD6KZkcjI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Kevin Jones discusses the upcoming Tournament of Champions, an invite-only cheerleading event that focuses on recognizing teams based on their skill level rather than age or division. He explains the selection process for teams, the competition format, and the significance of the event's timing and location. Additionally, he introduces the new mascots, Rex and Ruby, and highlights the collaboration with the Glow Tour. The conversation also touches on the All-Star Premieres and the new send-off events designed to celebrate teams before their end-of-season competitions. Kevin shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of cheerleading events and the opportunities they create for athletes. Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Kristen talks about what it means to stay grounded when the world — and the cheer industry — feels chaotic. From lighting candles and eating chocolate as tiny acts of rebellion against overwhelm, to navigating the nonstop noise of Pinterest-perfect hair and competition season intensity, this is part life reset and part cheer industry deep dive. She covers updates in the industry, including NCAA status for one part of the sport, and recent tension between Rebel and Varsity. She breaks down: Why every cheer event brand operates differently (and why that matters) The Pro Cheer League hitting 1.6 million viewers — and what that signals for the sport The significance of Stunt earning NCAA status The tension between competition and collaboration inside the cheer industry   Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! https://www.ncaa.org/news/2026/1/16/media-center-ncaa-to-add-four-new-championships.aspx#:~:text=championship:%20Spring%202027.-,What%20they're%20saying:,stunt%2C%20visit%20stuntthesport.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen dives into something we don’t talk about nearly enough: hormones. She breaks down the four phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle and how each one can impact energy, mood, focus, and performance — both on and off the mat. This episode is all about awareness over judgment, and learning to work with our bodies instead of being frustrated by them. Kristen encourages athletes (and moms) to extend a little more grace, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and find simple ways to support physical and emotional well-being throughout the month. Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for a discount! Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off! Mentioned in this episode:  https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.phases-of-the-menstrual-cycle Menstrual Cycle Tracking App Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.