Explore every episode of the podcast After The Routine Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choreographing Around The World with Kyle Nicholas - Ep. 21 | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:50:22 | |
What separates a choreographer that just gets though the routine from one that earns trust, builds routines that score well, and invites repeat clients year after year? In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Nicholas, choreographer and founder of Spirit FX, whose routines have taken him to gyms around the world. Kyle's path started as a backyard tumbler and grew into the owner of an international choreography business. In this episode, Kyle breaks down why quality, consistency, and professionalism are the foundation of everything he builds, and why he believes cheerleading is a business that should be treated like one. We get into the most common mistakes gyms make when planning choreography, how he builds routines strategically around score sheets, and what it takes to grow a team without letting standards slip. Kyle also shares what he's learned travelling internationally - from cultural differences to logistical curveballs - and how he manages burnout in an industry that rarely slows down. Want to learn more about Kyle and his team? Check them out at https://spiritfx.com/ In this episode, we talk about:
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Kyle Nichols and his background 01:58 Kyle's early love for cheerleading and trampoline skills 03:56 The accidental start of Spirit FX and business growth 08:03 Building a team and maintaining quality standards 11:54 Customer service and professionalism in cheerleading 17:45 Common mistakes gyms make in choreography planning 20:51 The process of building routines around score sheets 28:07 Advice for aspiring choreographers and coaches 31:54 Travel experiences and international cheerleading 36:48 Cultural and logistical considerations abroad 41:57 Handling burnout and mental health in a demanding industry 46:59 The importance of saying yes to opportunities 53:08 Reflections on Kyle's career and lessons learned About After The Routine After The Routine is a weekly podcast exploring life beyond the mats - the careers, mindset, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics athletes into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you realize the range of opportunities available to you. New episodes release every Tuesday. | |||
| More Than Cheer with Brianne Kocken and Tianna Hill - Ep. 19 | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:54:29 | |
What does it actually take for a small cheer gym to build athletes and a community that you never want to leave? In this episode, we sit down with Brianne and Tianna, the leadership team at Cheer Core Jags, to talk about what over two decades in the sport have taught them about coaching, culture, and what makes a small gym thrive. From their own early days in cheer to running a program built on strong foundations, strength training, and genuine community, Brianne and Tiana bring a coach's-eye view of what it really takes to develop strong athletes for the long haul. In this episode, Brianne and Tiana walk through why progressions and foundational skills matter more than chasing the next big trick, and how injury prevention starts at the beginning of training. We get into what day-to-day life running a gym looks like, how they've built a tight-knit community around their athletes and families, and why psychological safety and mental health support have become just as central to coaching as skills and stunts. Brianne and Tiana also share how more about their new docuseries, More Than Cheer, that releases on September 20th. Check out more about the docuseries on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOlPYkI6LcYA In this episode, we talk about:
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cheer Core Jags and Coaches After The Routine is a podcast exploring life beyond the mats - the careers, mindset, opportunities, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics athletes into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you see the opportunities available to you! | |||
| The Goldfish Method: Blake Mattan on Building Resilience in Cheer Athletes - Ep. 18 | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:49:51 | |
What actually happens in an athlete's head as they practice and why does it decide whether they stick the next skill or spiral? In this episode, we sit down with Blake Mattan, a mental performance coach who's worked with youth athletes across elite sports, to unpack what's really going on behind performance anxiety in cheerleading. From cheer athlete to coach and entrepreneur, Blake's own path through the sport shapes everything he now teaches gyms, coaches, and parents about building resilient, confident athletes. In this episode, Blake shares practical tools and mental models for helping athletes manage pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and actually enjoy the sport they've poured years into. We get into why performance anxiety shows up the way it does in cheerleading specifically, how a simple "goldfish method" can reset an athlete's mind after a mistake in seconds, and why setting intentions - not just goals - changes how athletes show up to training. Blake also breaks down the weekly reset habit he recommends for both athletes and coaches, and where the line is between normal nerves and needing extra mental coaching support. In this episode, we talk about:
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blake Mattan and his work 02:06 Blake's journey from athlete to coach and entrepreneur 04:11 The evolution of Blake's career and personal life 07:48 Understanding performance anxiety in cheerleading 10:48 The goldfish method to relax and move on from mistakes 14:58 Setting intentions and accountability in training 20:00 Tools for developing mental habits and resilience 24:51 Encouraging a positive and supportive team environment 29:59 When to seek additional mental coaching support 35:03 Resources and advice for aspiring cheer coaches After The Routine is a podcast exploring life beyond the mats - the careers, mindset, and lessons that carry cheer, dance, and gymnastics families into what comes next. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent, this show is here to help you grow and explore opportunities. | |||
| Building a Cheer Program From Scratch: Culture, Coaching & Sport Governance with Anne-Marie Joyce | 25 août 2026 | 01:14:47 | |
What does it actually take to build a thriving cheerleading program, and a team culture coaches and families don't want to leave? In this episode, Anne-Marie Joyce takes us through her journey from a cheer-obsessed kid in 1980s Nova Scotia to founder of Beach Cheer Athletics, and one of Ontario's leading voices in sport governance. Anne Marie breaks down how she built her gym's culture on accountability, consistency, and effort over outcomes, and why the standards a leader tolerates are the standards a team lives by. We dig into leadership for coaches and gym owners, handling conflict and negativity without losing your culture, and why authenticity and emotional intelligence matter as much as how many kids can throw a round off two to tuck on a team. She also shares the story of her U12 Level 4 team and encourages individuals to get involved in cheerleading beyond the coaching floor - through governance, community leadership, judging, or coaching. Whether you're a coach, a gym owner, or an athlete thinking about what comes next in the sport, this conversation is packed with incredible lessons you don't want to miss out on. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anne Marie Joyce and her cheerleading journey Subscribe so you don't miss out on the next conversation! #cheerleading #gym ownership #leadership #culture #sportgovernance #athletedevelopment #Ontariocheerleading #Canadiancheerleading | |||
| Perfectionism, Pressure & Mental Blocks: How Cait Nelson is Rebuilding Mental Health in Youth Sports | 18 août 2026 | 00:33:13 | |
From the gymnastics floor to the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Cait Nelson has spent her career at the intersection of elite sport and mental health. In this episode of After The Routine, she's pulling back the curtain on what's really happening inside cheerleading, gymnastics, and youth sports culture for athletes and coaches, and the pressure they're experiencing to get results. She shares her journey from competitive gymnast turned cheerleader to psychotherapist, and explains how she's built her business, Lyft Counselling, and team of six over the past two years. Cait and Rachelle dig into the perfectionism and perception issues that shape so much of cheer and gymnastics culture, why so much harm in sport is unintentional rather than malicious, and what safe, supportive sport environments actually look like - for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. Whether you're in the sport or just curious about the mental side of performance, this conversation offers a great look at how sport can better support the humans inside it. Connect with Cait and her team at Lyft: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyftcounselling/ Website: https://www.lyftcounselling.com/ Subscribe so you don't miss out on the next conversation! | |||
| All About Cheer Daily - Shane James on Marketing, Publishing & Event Production - Ep. 15 | 04 août 2026 | 00:34:27 | |
Shane James went from growing up on a Mississippi chicken farm to running one of the largest media outlets in the cheerleading industry. In this interview, Shane James - founder of Cheer Daily and the Cheer Awards - shares how he built a career across cheer media, magazine publishing, and live event production. Shane is a cheer industry entrepreneur, publisher, and founder of Cheer Daily and Stunt Daily. His career spans college cheerleading, Olympics media coverage, print magazine publishing, and the creation of the Cheer Awards, one of the cheerleading industry's biggest annual events. In this episode, you'll learn:
Want to learn more about Cheer Daily and the stories they're covering? Check them out now at https://cheerdaily.com #cheerdaily #eventproduction #marketing #digitalmedia #cheerawards #cheerindustry #cheerleadingcareers | |||
| What It Takes To Turn Cheer Into A Career: Sam & Rolton Edwards - Choreography, Business & Community | 28 juil. 2026 | 01:01:48 | |
What It Takes To Turn Cheer Into A Career - Sam & Rolton Edwards on coaching, choreography, business & community Sam and Rolton Edwards went from passionate cheerleading athletes to industry leaders and, in this episode of After The Routine, they share exactly how they did it. We talk about building a career in cheer, launching businesses like Spirit FX Canada and Sharp Performance, their business philosophy, and where careers in the sport are headed. You'll learn more about developing great coaching staff and choreographers, why character and passion matter more than resumes when hiring, and how to build community and mentorship within a gym. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or gym owner, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a sustainable cheerleading business and career. Interested in learning more about The Sharp Performance, Spirit FX Canada, and all of the things their team is doing? Check them out now at https://thesharpperformance.com Interested in joining their team? Check out their available positions now at https://thesharpperformance.com/careers | |||
| Building A Business - Dominique Longpre on Uniforms, Competitions & Opportunities Ep. 13 | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:38:43 | |
What does it actually take to turn a lifelong love of cheerleading into a global career? In this episode of After The Routine, athlete turned entrepreneur, Dominique Longpre, breaks down what it looks like to build a career and a business around the sport you love. From competing internationally to founding a cheer uniform and gear company, Dominique has spent her career finding new ways to stay connected to cheerleading long after her competition days ended. In this episode, Dominique talks about her journey from athlete to business owner, the global growth of the cheer industry, and how trust, showmanship, and teamwork translate from the mat into entrepreneurship. We get into what it's really like running a uniform and gear company, what goes into organizing a global cheer tournament, and how coaching and athletic experience can become real career assets. Dominique also shares candid advice for anyone hoping to turn their passion for cheer into a career. In this episode, we talk about:
About After The Routine Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how the sport can translate into lifelong opportunities where they stay connected. New episodes release every two weeks. | |||
| How to Build a Growth Mindset in Cheerleading: Jeff Benson on Culture - After The Routine Ep. 12 | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:57:07 | |
What do growth mindset, team culture, and coaching strategy all have in common? In this episode of After The Routine, Sports Performance Consultant,, Jeff Benson, breaks down what actually separates athletes, coaches, and gyms who improve from those who plateau. From athlete and teacher to therapist, and now, Sports Performance Consultant - Jeff Benson has spent his career figuring out what actually makes athletes better: not just skills, but mindset. In this episode, Jeff joins us to unpack how growth mindset, team culture, and intentional coaching shape not just performance, but the athletes themselves. We talk about the difference between coaching for zero deductions and coaching for growth, how to build a team culture that survives pressure and criticism, and why authenticity might be a coach's most underrated tool. Jeff Benson is a coach, Sports Performance Consultant, and author whose work bridges athletic performance and mental health. He's the author of Unblocked and The Walls Come Tumbling Down, co-author of The Cheer Coach's Handbook, and founder of Mind Body Cheer. In this episode, we talk about:
Resources mentioned in this podcast: Unblocked by Jeff Benson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Unblocked+Jeff+Benson The Walls Come Tumbling Down by Jeff Benson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Walls+Come+Tumbling+Down+Jeff+Benson The Cheer Coach's Handbook by Jeff Benson, Dan Cotton & Danielle Johnston: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Cheer+Coachs+Handbook About After The Routine | |||
| Conference 101: A Survival & Success Guide for Coaches - After The Routine Ep. 11 | 11 juil. 2026 | 00:29:52 | |
Ever felt overwhelmed walking into your first cheer or tumbling conference? Here's your game plan! In this episode of After The Routine, host Rachelle Provost breaks down exactly how to prepare for, survive, and get the most out of cheerleading and tumbling conferences. From what to pack to how to turn what you learn into actual real life change back at the gym, this episode covers it all. They talk pacing yourself through long conference days, finding a note-taking system that actually works for you, building a team-wide system for sharing what everyone learns, and why networking (yes, even the awkward parts) is one of the most valuable things you can do while you're there. In this episode, Rachelle covers:
Whether you're heading to your first conference, going back in a new role (director, manager, lead, head coach, etc.), or you're a gym owner trying to build a stronger process for your team, this episode will help you walk in prepared and walk out with a plan. About After The Routine | |||
| Raise The Athlete, Not The Pressure - Becky Acra's Story: After The Routine Ep. 10 | 30 juin 2026 | 00:47:37 | |
"The goal isn't to avoid hard moments, but to handle them" In this episode of After The Routine, Becky Acra shares her journey from cheerleader to coach, director, author, and sports psychology student, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, communication, and maintaining a healthy athlete identity. Throughout the episode, you’ll discover practical insights for coaches, parents, and athletes to foster growth, resilience, and positive relationships in youth sports. We cover:
Want to read Becky’s new book Raise The Athlete, Not The Pressure? Grab your copy now at https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=VUNdgmW61pvsi0yh5dY92VpI5bqqLHlHUQayxzxsM93 About After The Routine After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor. New episodes release every two weeks. #aftertheroutine #cheerleading #sportpsychology #mentaltoughness #athletedevelopment #teamculture #resilience #youthsports | |||
| Top 10 Tips For New Cheer and Tumbling Coaches - Ep. 09 | 24 juin 2026 | 00:20:52 | |
What makes a good coach? In this episode of After The Routine, host Rachelle Provost shares their top 10 tips for building a coaching career you genuinely love. Whether you're a coach in training, junior coach, or new to coaching, this conversation is filled with practical advice for becoming a better coach. Rachelle covers the importance of passion, professionalism, communication, continuous learning, and creating a fun, engaging environment where athletes can thrive. From showing up with enthusiasm in every class to learning the art of coaching skills, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to make a lasting impact through coaching. In this episode, we cover:
If you’re passionate about coaching, athlete development, cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, or youth sports leadership, this episode will give you actionable tips to grow your career and leave a meaningful impression on the athletes you work with. Subscribe to After The Routine for more conversations with professionals from cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics who have built meaningful careers beyond the mats. This podcast episode is sponsored by TTB Media & Consulting Inc. Their support allows us to continue creating conversations that highlight leadership, career growth, mentorship, and opportunities in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics. | |||
| Finding Purpose Beyond The Mats - Corey Rickett's Story: After The Routine Ep. 08 | 09 juin 2026 | 00:46:58 | |
"Attitude and mindset are key to success." - Corey Rickett In this episode of After The Routine, our host, Rachelle Provost, sits down with the 6-time World Champion coach and over 10-time podium finisher at the Cheerleading World Championships, Corey Rickett. Corey shares his journey from gymnast to cheerleading coach and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of multi-sport athletes, coaching philosophy, and innovative resources like Fab Cheer and HQ Cheer to elevate the sport. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or cheerleading professional, this episode offers an unique perspective at life after being an athlete. In this episode, we talk about:
About After The Routine #cheerleading #coaching #athletedevelopment #HQCheer #FabCheer #CoreyRickett #AfterTheRoutine #sportspsychology #cheerindustry #youthsports #athletesuccess #worldchampion #cheerworlds #coachingtips #worldchampionmindset #cheercoach #tumblingcoach | |||
| Oh, Canada - Kaitlyn Harvey’s Journey from Gymnastics to Team Canada Veteran: Ep. 07 | 26 mai 2026 | 00:39:50 | |
In this episode of After The Routine, Kaitlyn Harvey shares her incredible journey from gymnastics to becoming an 11-year Team Canada cheerleading veteran. Kaitlyn opens up about her transition from gymnast to elite cheerleader, what it was like to represent Canada on the world stage, and how the sport of cheerleading has evolved across the country. She also shares insight into Team Canada training camps, athlete development, Level 7 skills, and what it takes to support athletes at the highest level. This conversation explores more than just competition. Kaitlyn reflects on resilience, community, identity after sport, and the opportunities cheerleading can create long after an athlete leaves the floor. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or cheerleading professional, this episode offers a powerful look at the future of cheer in Canada and the career paths that can grow from sport. In this episode, we talk about:
About After The Routine After The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor. New episodes release every two weeks. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and the business of sport. | |||
| Beyond The Riser - Gabby Mauro's Journey: After The Routine Ep. 06 | 12 mai 2026 | 00:49:38 | |
Have you walked past the judges riser and wondered how they became a judge or why there are so many of them? She discusses the intricacies of scoring, the importance of understanding the judging process, and how her social media and podcast efforts aim to demystify cheerleading judging for coaches, athletes, and parents.
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| The Story Behind The Voice - Nadia Belzy's Journey: After The Routine Ep. 05 | 28 avr. 2026 | 01:09:44 | |
Ever wondered how the emcee and voice of the competition started their career? | |||
| From Graphic Designer to Mental Performance Coach: Coach Lain's Journey | After The Routine Ep. 04 | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:52:19 | |
What does it take to turn your passion for tumbling into a successful career? | |||
| Swimming With The Sharks on Social Media: Sara Walsh's Journey | After The Routine Podcast Ep. 03 | 31 mars 2026 | 00:46:11 | |
What does it take to turn a passion for marketing into a powerful career? In this episode of After The Routine, we sit down with Sara Walsh to explore her journey from athlete to marketing professional, owner of SW Marketing and Creative Designs, and Marketing Manager for Cheer Sport Sharks. She shares her lessons and stresses the importance of passion, relationship-building, and continuous learning in the cheer industry. ABOUT AFTER THE ROUTINE | |||
| From Cheerleader to Judge and Entrepreneur: Judge Mimi’s Journey | After The Routine Podcast Ep. 02 | 17 mars 2026 | 00:32:38 | |
What does it take to turn a passion for cheerleading into a meaningful career? In this episode of After The Routine, we sit down with Judge Mimi to explore her journey from cheerleader to coach, judge, entrepreneur, and creator of Cheer Starter. She shares how the lessons learned through cheer - leadership, discipline, and resilience - can translate into real opportunities beyond competition. We also dive into how Mimi built her brand, how she used TikTok and social media to grow her influence in the cheer community, and what athletes, parents, and coaches should understand about career pathways in youth sports. If you’re involved in cheerleading, dance, or gymnastics, this episode offers insight into how sport can develop transferable skills that open doors to leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term impact. This conversation is part of After The Routine, a podcast highlighting professionals in cheer, dance, and gymnastics who have built careers beyond the mat. About After The RoutineAfter The Routine dives into the career paths available in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics beyond competition. Through conversations with coaches, judges, event producers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, this podcast helps athletes, parents, and coaches understand how sport can translate into lifelong opportunities beyond the competition floor. New episodes release every two weeks. #Cheerleading #YouthSports #WomenInSports #CheerCoach #SportsCareers #CheerleadingPodcast #YouthSportsCareers #CheerleadingJudge #JudgeMimi | |||
| Introducing After The Routine Podcast | Ep. 01 | 03 mars 2026 | 00:07:57 | |
What happens when the music stops? | |||