Cheer Dads Unfiltered

Cheer Dads Unfiltered – Episode 25: Hollis Hale on Youth Summit, Worlds & Building Cheer Dad Apparel

In Episode 25 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, we sit down with fellow cheer dad and founder of Cheer Dad Apparel, Hollis Hale. What started as "just another activity" for his daughter quickly became a full-blown family lifestyle. From local competitions to Youth Summit championships, Worlds, cross-country travel, and building a brand for cheer dads, Hollis shares what it's really like going all-in on the sport. We dive into: ✅ The reality of all-star cheer travel ✅ What most parents don't understand about competitive cheer ✅ Youth Summit, Worlds, and the evolution of the sport ✅ Cheer dad friendships and community ✅ The highs, lows, costs, and memories that come with the journey ✅ How Cheer Dad Apparel was born Whether you're brand new to cheer or several seasons deep, this episode is packed with laughs, stories, and perspectives every cheer family can relate to. Follow Hollis & Cheer Dad Apparel: 📸 @cheerdadapparel If you're enjoying Cheer Dads Unfiltered ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review ⭐ Share this episode with another cheer parent ⭐ Help us continue growing the cheer community We're just three dads figuring it out one comp weekend at a time. #CheerDadsUnfiltered #CheerDad #AllStarCheer #YouthSummit #CheerDadApparel #CheerParents #CheerFamily

Cheer Dads Unfiltered – Episode 24: Judge Mimi on Cheer Scoring, Worlds, Summit & What Judges Really See

What do judges actually look for during a routine? How much do uniforms, execution, crowd energy, creativity and difficulty REALLY matter? In this episode of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, we sit down with Judge Mimi — one of the most recognizable voices in competitive cheer judging and education online. With 20+ years of judging experience across the cheer world, Mimi breaks down: • What judges actually score • Why execution matters more than most parents realize • The truth about Worlds & Summit scoring • Uniforms, black shoes, and visual presentation • Parent behavior at competitions • Social media’s impact on cheer culture • The evolution of routines, creativity & international cheer • What separates elite programs from good ones We also dive into: 🏆 Worlds & Summit takeaways 📣 Crowd energy vs athlete performance 🎀 Cheer parents vs judges 👟 White uniforms vs dark uniforms 😂 Geoff trying to become a Level 0.001 flyer …and yes, the legendary “seat roll” debate Whether you’re a cheer parent, athlete, coach, or just trying to understand why everyone is screaming about score sheets every weekend… this episode is for you. 👇 FOLLOW & SUPPORT CDU 👇 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cheerdadsunfiltered [https://instagram.com/cheerdadsunfiltered] 🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cheerdadsunfiltered [https://youtube.com/@cheerdadsunfiltered] If you enjoyed the episode: ⭐ Subscribe ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share with another cheer family New episodes every Thursday #CheerDadsUnfiltered #JudgeMimi #Cheerleading #Worlds2026 #Summit2026 #AllStarCheer #CheerParents #CheerPodcast

Cheer Dads Unfiltered – Episode 23: Justin Carrier on Varsity Events, Cheer Culture & Athlete Experience

In Episode 23 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, we sit down with Justin Carrier — VP of Event Experience & Operations at Varsity Spirit for a real conversation about the evolution of All Star cheer, athlete experience, behind-the-scenes event operations, Pro Cheer League and the future of the sport. Justin shares stories and insights from over 30 years in cheer as an athlete, coach, choreographer and event leader while giving us a look behind the curtain at what goes into creating major competitions and experiences for athletes and families. We talk: • Cheer culture and community • Event operations and behind-the-scenes stories • Athlete confidence and leadership • The growth of Pro Cheer League • Funny competition moments • What parents don’t realize about cheer events • Why the sport matters far beyond the mat A grounded, fun and insightful episode for cheer parents, athletes, coaches and fans alike. 📺 Follow Cheer Dads Unfiltered Instagram: @cheerdadsunfiltered TikTok: @cheerdadsunfiltered YouTube: @cheerdadsunfiltered

Cheer Dads Unfiltered – Episode 22: Varsity Spirit President Bill Seely on Pro Cheer, Olympics & Cheer’s Future

This week on Cheer Dads Unfiltered, we sit down with Bill Seely — President of Varsity Spirit — for one of the biggest and most meaningful conversations we’ve had yet. We talk about the future of cheerleading, the rise of the Pro Cheer League, Team USA, Olympic possibilities, Varsity Spirit, parenting through sports, athlete development, confidence, leadership, and why cheer continues to impact families across the world. But more than anything… this episode is about people The athletes The coaches The parents The memories and the experiences that make this sport so special This conversation felt less like an interview and more like three cheer dads sitting down with someone who genuinely loves the sport and wants to see it continue growing in the right direction. We also: 😂 Pitch a Daddy/Daughter stunt competition 🏆 Talk Pro Cheer League growth 🌎 Discuss Olympic dreams for cheer 💪 Break down why cheer builds incredible life skills 👨‍👧 Talk parenting, confidence & resilience through sports Huge thank you to Bill and the Varsity Spirit team for joining us and supporting Cheer Dads Unfiltered. Follow CDU on Instagram, & Youtube, and TikTok @CheerDadsUnfiltered

Cheer Dads Unfiltered – Episode 21: Hannah Kirby on College Cheer Recruiting, NAIA, Scholarships & What Coaches REALLY Look For

What does it REALLY take to cheer in college? In Episode 21 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, we sit down with Hannah Kirby — Head Cheer Coach at Taylor University — to unpack the world of collegiate cheer from the coach’s side of the mat. From recruiting and scholarships to All-Star vs school cheer, Hannah breaks down what college coaches are ACTUALLY looking for in athletes… and it’s not always what parents think. We get into: * The truth about college cheer recruiting * NAIA vs NCAA explained * What separates athletes at the next level * Why attitude matters more than talent * Social media mistakes athletes make * The role parents SHOULD (and shouldn’t) play * All-Star vs school cheer debate * Cheer culture, team dynamics & leadership * How Hannah built Taylor University’s program * Why cheer can open doors far beyond the sport Plus: Tom tries to enroll at Taylor University, Geoff relives his football days from “1901” and Hannah officially calls out hand-in-hands as overrated 😂 Whether you’re a cheer parent, athlete, coach, or just trying to understand the road to college cheer this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and real perspective. 🎧 Listen now and send this to a cheer parent who needs to hear it #CheerDadsUnfiltered #CollegeCheer #Cheerleading #AllStarCheer #TaylorUniversity #CheerParents #NAIA #NCAA #CheerPodcast #YouthSports