The Rise of the Rhino: How Commitment Transforms Cheerleading

Behind the Scores with Alex Gaggioli

Ever wonder how Cheer Theory keeps track of thousands of teams, competitions, scores, bids, and rankings every season? This week it's the Alex & Alex Show as Cheer Dad Podcast host Alex Russell welcomes Cheer Theory founder Alex Gaggioli. From his start as a gymnast to becoming the most recognizable data guy in cheer, Alex shares how Cheer Theory was built and what he's learned from watching more cheerleading than just about anyone on the planet. We talk rankings, scoring myths, Cheer Twitter, Worlds, Summit, the future of the sport, and what every new cheer parent should know before stepping into their first competition. If you've ever fallen down the Cheer Theory rabbit hole, this is the episode for you. My pick for the title would be: "30,000 Feet Above Cheer: Inside Cheer Theory with Alex Gaggioli" because it ties directly into your intro where you described Alex as seeing the sport from 30,000 feet while the rest of us are watching through the lens of our own athlete and team. It's unique and captures the entire conversation perfectly. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Cheer Mom, Cheer Dad, Same Team

What happens when you combine a former cheerleader and coach, a cheer dad who discovered the sport later in life, and three daughters navigating the all-star cheer world? This week, Alex and Jerry sit down with Andrew and Cristina to talk about cheer from every angle. Cristina shares her journey from athlete and coach to cheer mom, while Andrew discusses what it was like stepping into a sport he knew almost nothing about and discovering just how demanding, emotional, and rewarding it can be. The conversation dives into the realities of competition weekends, raising athletes through wins and losses, handling disappointment, building confidence, and why some of the most valuable lessons in cheer happen away from the competition floor. They also discuss the friendships cheer creates, the importance of commitment, the role parents play in an athlete's journey, and why leaning into the cheer life can create memories that last long after the final routine. Whether you're a cheer mom, cheer dad, coach, or athlete, this episode is a reminder that cheer is about much more than trophies and score sheets. If you'd like to help Haley with her cheer season here's the link to the Double Good popcorn fundraiser. https://s.dgpopup.com/x35f1h0a This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The Mind Behind the Routine | Triston Allen

Jerry had a scheduling conflict this week, so Alex is flying solo with one of the most influential choreographers in the cheer industry. Triston Allen, owner of Worldwide Choreography, joins The Cheer Dad Podcast to talk everything from championship routines and score sheets to program culture, athlete development, and the future of cheer. We discuss what separates successful programs from struggling ones, common mistakes teams make, what parents often misunderstand about competition season, and how choreography has changed over the years. Plus, Triston sticks around for some rapid-fire questions, including Worlds vs. Summit, Texas vs. Florida cheer, and what every cheer dad should know. Whether you're an athlete, coach, gym owner, or parent sitting in the stands every weekend, there's something in this episode for you. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

One Year of Cheer Dad Chaos

One year ago, we launched The Cheer Dad Podcast with one goal, to give cheer dads, moms, athletes, coaches, and fans a place to laugh, vent, tell stories, and celebrate the crazy world of All Star Cheer. Fast forward one year later… and what a ride it’s been. In this special anniversary episode, we look back at our end of season comps with special guests Maddee Grant as she tells us about her first Youth Summit and Haley Russell joins to answer some of maddee's questions. We also talk about: * The growth of the podcast over the past year * Lessons learned from cheer life * The friendships and connections built through the sport * What’s next for The Cheer Dad Podcast Most importantly, we want to thank every listener, guest, parent, athlete, and supporter who’s been part of this journey. Whether you’ve listened since episode one or just found us recently — thank you for being part of the Cheer Dad family. Here’s to Year Two. 🍻 🎧 Follow & Subscribe: Instagram: @thecheerdadpodcast TikTok: @thecheerdadpodcast 💻 Sponsored by Elite Cheer Stats Use code CHEERDAD for $5 off your first month. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The Rise of the Rhino: How Commitment Transforms Cheerleading

This podcast episode features a comprehensive dialogue with Kollin Cockrell, a distinguished figure in the cheerleading community, celebrated for his achievements as a twelve-time world champion and his innovative contributions to the sport. We delve into the evolution of cheerleading, particularly the burgeoning pro cheer league, which is redefining competitive cheer through structured gameplay and scoring systems that resonate with a broader audience. Kollin articulates his personal journey from Olympic weightlifting to becoming a pivotal cheerleader, emphasizing the importance of resilience, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The discussion further explores the significance of mentorship in cheerleading, as Kollin shares his experiences coaching athletes globally, fostering a sense of community and growth within the sport. We conclude with insights into the future of cheerleading, highlighting its potential for expansion and recognition as a legitimate athletic endeavor. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy