Here 4 Cheer

In this powerful episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan sits down with Jomo K. Thompson, the legendary 18-time national champion coach behind the University of Kentucky’s cheer dynasty.

Jomo shares: • The philosophy that built Kentucky’s winning culture • Why “absolute responsibility” changes athletes’ lives • How to stay hungry after winning • The mindset behind elite stunting and routine creation • How to prepare athletes for pressure • ...

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Kara Frair, founder of More Than Skill, for a deep dive into the mental side of cheerleading. Kara shares powerful strategies for building confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness in youth athletes — from breathwork and visualization to journaling and gamified mindset training.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation is packed with actionable ...

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Jack Kidney, a six-time world champion and international cheer consultant, to share his incredible journey back to the mat after a devastating Achilles injury. Jack opens up about the role of positive self-talk, mental toughness, and team culture in his 2025 comeback season with Top Gun.

From his first handstand post-surgery to winning Worlds again, Jack’s story is a test...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Megan Gomarlo shares her top ten lessons for coaches who want to do more than just win—they want to make a difference. Drawing on 20 years of experience, Megan talks about effort over outcome, building real relationships, leading with empathy, and creating a culture that lasts long after the season ends.

Perfect for coaches, gym owners, and parents who believe that cheer is about more than trophies—i...

Nine-time world champion and USA Cheer National Team Director Tucker Hunter joins Megan Gomarlo to talk about the future of cheer — from coaching the Dallas Drive in the new Pro Cheer League to mentoring athletes through Cheer Athletics and Team USA.

Tucker opens up about his journey, coaching philosophy, and the lessons learned from balancing elite competition, leadership, and life. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, thi...

In this episode of Here for Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo talks with Les Malanowski, founder of NextUpCheer and former University of Iowa cheerleader, about how to navigate the college cheer recruiting process.

Les shares valuable advice for athletes and parents — when to start preparing, how to reach out to coaches, what to post on social media, and what college programs are really looking for. They also discuss the importance of mind...

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Megan Gomarlo shares her 20+ years of experience as a gym owner, coach, and cheer mom to break down 10 ways to be a great cheer parent. From learning to say “I love watching you cheer” to trusting the process, avoiding comparisons, and embracing the highs and lows of the season — this episode is packed with honest advice and personal stories every cheer parent can relate to.

Whether you’re new t...

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, we welcome certified cheer judge and scoresheet expert Gabby Mauro to share her journey from athlete to judge and break down the cheer scoring system like never before.

Gabby offers real-world advice for:

• Coaches trying to understand the rubric
• Gym owners building competitive teams
• Athletes wanting to improve execution
• Parents curious about how judging works

Whether you're chasing a Summi...

In this episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with legendary tumbling coach Matt Kelley of Woodlands Elite. With 24+ years in the industry, Matt has earned 6 World Championships, 11 NCAA titles, and a reputation as one of the most respected voices in All-Star cheer.

Matt opens up about:

• Why spotting can create a crutch in tumbling 

• Smarter progressions for long-term athlete success 

• Injury prev...

In this episode of the Here for Cheer Podcast, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with Lee Grobstein, owner of Star Athletics Cheer (NJ & ATL) and one of the most respected leaders in the cheer industry. With over 500 athletes, two thriving locations, and multiple Summit and D1 titles, Lee has built a true cheer dynasty.

We dive into:

• The culture and brand behind Star Athletics
• Score sheet strategy and coaching tips for success
• ...

Join host Megan Gomarlo on Here for Cheer as she sits down with Patrick Smith, owner of Max Out Cheer Consultations and one of the most sought-after minds in All-Star cheer. With over 20 years of experience as an athlete, coach, and consultant, Patrick has helped hundreds of teams elevate their stunts, pyramids, and overall creativity to championship levels.

In this episode, Patrick shares: ✨ How he helps teams unlock higher scores...

From the football field to the cheer mat — Kyle Williams shares how he went against the odds to follow his passion for cheerleading. Starting at 13, Kyle broke stereotypes, pushed through obstacles, and rose to become an All-Star cheer coach and choreographer, leading teams at NCA, The Summit, and ICU Worlds. 

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, Kyle talks about: 👉 Choosing cheer over football despite family pressure 👉 Building a ca...

Learn the secrets to mastering cheer tumbling from two of the best in the industry! In this episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with tumble masters Jonathan Gort and Lance Sawyer (G&S All Access) to talk about:

💥 Their favorite tumbling drills & equipment

💥 How to structure the perfect tumbling class

💥 Building confidence after falls & mistakes

💥 The #1 shape every tumbler must master

�...

Episode 4 – Dan Weaver | Building a National Championship Culture

In this episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, host [Your Name] welcomes Dan Weaver, Head Coach of the University of Minnesota Cheer Team and 5x National Champion. From starting as a walk-on athlete at the University of Delaware to leading one of the top Division 1A programs in the nation, Dan’s journey is full of lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches.

We talk abo...

Mental blocks can stop an athlete in their tracks — but they don’t have to be permanent. In this Here 4 Cheer episode, we talk with Jeff Benson from Mind Body Cheer about why mental blocks happen, how cheerleading’s perfection-focused culture can make them worse, and what athletes, coaches, and parents can do to move past them.

Jeff explains the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, shares practical strategies for breaking...

Welcome to Episode 2 of Here 4 Cheer! This week we’re joined by flexibility guru Cat Haley, who dives into the critical role flexibility plays in competitive cheerleading. From her unique training program and how she helps athletes level up, to her journey in the cheer world and what it really takes to thrive in the sport—this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes cheer life.

Whether you're a flyer, coa...

What does it take to lead with purpose in the world of All-Star cheer? In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with Brent Steele, founder of Steele Athletics, to talk about his journey from passionate athlete to visionary gym owner. Brent shares how he built a positive and driven gym culture, the importance of inspiring both athletes and staff, and why strong leadership is key to moving the sport forward.

In t...