Next Generation Gym Owners

The Fullout Cheer Podcast

Business EN ↓ 99 episodes

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. In every episode, Danielle shares ch...

Author

Next Generation Gym Owners

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

She Ran the Carpool… Now She Runs the Gym 24.07.2025

She was fixing bows and cheering behind the spectator ropes—now she’s running the whole program. In this episode, we talk to a former cheer mom turned all star director who’s gone from planning goodie bags to running staff meetings, and trust me—she’s bringing the kind of advice that only comes from living it: chaos, competitions, and all. We dive into what parents need to know about coaches—and v...

The Teen Brain...Buffering... 17.07.2025

Why do teenagers make baffling decisions, feel things at full volume, and occasionally behave like over-caffeinated raccoons with WiFi access? In this episode of Fireside Chat, we dive into the adolescent brain—yes, the real science behind the mood swings, the risk-taking, and why “logical reasoning” is basically still in beta. Danielle breaks down how the teenage brain develops, what’s actually h...

Stars, Stripes & Staff Who Don't Need You 10.07.2025

This 4th of July, let’s talk gym owner freedom—the kind where your gym runs like a machine, and you’re not the one refilling toilet paper or answering panic texts during family BBQs. In this episode, Danielle breaks down what independence actually looks like for gym owners, including how to build systems, delegate like a boss, and finally stop mistaking burnout for “the grind.” Spoiler alert: if y...

Small Gyms Unite! 03.07.2025

In this powerful episode, Danielle sits down with Cat Weeden—owner of Luxe Cheer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and co-founder of the Small Cheer Gym Association—for a raw and honest conversation about the current state of the all-star industry. Together, they explore why small gyms make up the backbone of cheer and why it's more important than ever that they come together to advocate for change. If you’re a...

Fixing the Summer Slump: Smarter Revenue Strategies for Gym Owners Who Deserve a Break (But Won't Get One) 26.06.2025

Fixing the Summer Slump: Smarter Revenue Strategies for Gym Owners Who Deserve a Break (But Won't Get One) Summer slowdowns aren’t new—but they don’t have to wreck your bottom line. In this episode, we flip the “summer slump” into an opportunity with five smart, actionable revenue strategies for gym owners. From skill clinics and micro-sessions to filling dance gaps and managing cash flow, we’ve g...

Blind Spots & Business: Why You Can't See Your Own Mistakes 19.06.2025

Coaches are pros at asking for feedback — on routines, legality, and performance. But when it comes to running the business? We often tough it out solo… and pay the price. In this episode, Danielle digs into the blind spots gym owners face outside the gym floor — from rocky onboarding to quiet events — and how hidden inefficiencies can stall your growth. If you'd never skip feedback before a comp,...

Coaching Your Own Kid: The Most Personal COaching You'll Ever Do 12.06.2025

Coaching your child is one of the most emotional, challenging, and rewarding roles you’ll ever take on. In this episode, we get real about the blurred lines between parent and coach, the emotional highs and lows, and the behind-the-scenes moments no one sees. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips, funny stories, and the boundaries that have helped our family make it work.

Drama-Proofing Your Program: Surviving the Parents 05.06.2025

Teenagers are dramatic, but parents can be worse. In this episode, we give you the survival guide you didn’t know you needed for maintaining peace in your gym during peak drama season.

Rebuilding After a Dumpster Fire Season 29.05.2025

Every gym has That Season. You know the one. We’ll walk you through how to debrief, regroup, and rebuild after a year that nearly made you quit. Dumpster fires make great fertilizer, right?

Your Gym is Not Your Therapist: Detaching Your Identity from Your Business 22.05.2025

Do you feel your gym’s highs and lows in your soul? That’s probably not healthy. This episode digs into how gym owners can create separation between who they are and what they do—because your gym is not your therapist, and neither is your inbox.

My Gym is Full, But I’m Empty: When Success Isn’t What You Thought 15.05.2025

You hit the milestones. Your teams are full. On paper, you’ve “made it.” So why does it still feel... off? In this candid Fireside Chat episode, we’re exploring the emotional burnout that doesn’t come from failing—but from achieving everything you thought you wanted. We’ll talk about why success can feel hollow, how your business might be thriving while you feel disconnected, and what it takes to...

5 Ways to Derail Your All Star Season Before it Even Begins 08.05.2025

In this episode of Fireside Chat, Danielle shares the 5 biggest tryout mistakes that can derail your season before it even begins. We’re talking aging athletes up too fast, misaligning your teams with your gym’s goals, and even the danger of letting one voice—or a single tryout—sway your whole plan. If you’re gearing up for team placements, don’t miss this one.

Behind the Scenes at the ASWC & The Quiet Hustle Prior to Tryouts 01.05.2025

In this episode of Fireside Chat, Danielle shares a behind-the-scenes look at the Allstar World Championship and the critical weeks that follow. From wrapping up one of the busiest times of the season to preparing for tryouts, she breaks down how her gym transitions from high-intensity competition to intentional rebuilding. Learn what happens when the spotlight fades and the work toward next seaso...

Why Growth Could Wreck Your Gym 24.04.2025

More athletes, more teams, more revenue—right? Not always. Danielle & Justin walk you through the critical mistakes gym owners make when they chase growth before fixing what’s broken behind the scenes. If you’ve been focused on sign-ups but still feel stuck, this episode will help you shift your strategy and grow the right way.

What the Numbers Reveal: The Real Story Behind the OCS Scoresheet Shift 15.04.2025

This week on Fireside Chat, Danielle interviews Craig Hallmark and Heidi Weber from the Open Championship Series to talk all things scoresheet. They explain the why behind the 2025-2026 OCS scoresheet updates and share what surprising trends their data revealed about upper-level teams. If you’re planning for next season, this is an essential listen.

You Owe Me For That! What You Need to Know Before Docking Staff Pay 07.04.2025

 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 dow...

🔥 The OCS Scoresheet Debate: Why I’m On Board (And How It’ll Grow My Gym) 04.04.2025

 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...

🔥 The Open Championship Age Grid: My Thoughts Regarding Athlete Safety, Retention & Program Growth 27.03.2025

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...

🔥 Why I Needed a Mid-Season Reset (And Why Your Coaches Might Need One Too!) 20.03.2025

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...

🔥 Coaching Minis – Strategies for Success with 6-8 Year Olds 13.03.2025

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!

🔥 Retention Roadmap: Month-by-Month Strategies to Keep Your Athletes Coming Back 06.03.2025

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!

Your Reputation Matters: Why Business Owners Need to Be Great Customers Too Part 2 27.02.2025

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 frustr...

Your Reputation Matters: Why Business Owners Need to Be Great Customers Too Part 1 20.02.2025

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...

Unicorn Businesses: The Unique Freedom of All-Star Cheer Gyms Part 2 13.02.2025

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 mini...

Unicorn Businesses: The Unique Freedom of All-Star Cheer Gyms Part 1 06.02.2025

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 Wh...

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