Shoes Off Mics On

Welcome Back to Shoes Off, Mics On!

In this episode, we dive into all things competition season! From perfecting routines and managing nerves to balancing school, training, and recovery, we’re breaking down what it really takes to be ready when it counts. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or gearing up for your first comp, this episode is packed with tips, motivation, and real talk about the grind behind the glam. We hope ...

Welcome Back to Shoes Off, Mics On!

In this weeks episode we’re joined by a special guest Maile from Ghost Recon, who shares her incredible cheer journey. From her early days in the sport to the unforgettable moment she and her team made it all the way to the podium at Worlds. We talk about the ups and downs of competitive cheer, the mindset it takes to perform under pressure, and what it really feels like to achieve one o...

Welcome back to Shoes Off, Mics On!

Walking away from competitive cheer isn’t just leaving a sport, it’s leaving an identity, a lifestyle, and a community. In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional, physical, and personal journey of transitioning out of cheerleading, by discussing a recent article by Cheer Updates. From the “aha” moments that signal it’s time to move on, to the challenges of rebuilding identity, handling sacr...

Welcome to Shoes Off, Mics On!

In this episode we dive into the world of cheer competitions with a head to head look at big comps vs small comps. From the energy of massive arenas to the tight knit vibe of local events, we break down the pros, cons, and unique experiences each brings to athletes, coaches, and fans. Whether you’re chasing the big stage spotlight or appreciating the personal touch of smaller comps, this conv...

Welcome back to Shoes Off, Mics On!

In this episode we dive into the world of cheer training both the physical grind and the mental battles that come with it. From long practices and conditioning to the frustrations of mental blocks, we talk about how athletes push through challenges, support each other, and find ways to break through barriers. Whether you’re a cheerleader, coach, or parent, this conversation will give you...

Welcome back to Shoes Off, Mics On!

This week we’re diving into the world of All Star Cheer with a quiz game that puts our skills, knowledge, and spirit to the test! From stunts and tumbling to the history of the sport, this challenge is packed with energy, laughs, and maybe even a few surprises. Think you know All Star Cheer better than we do? Play along and see if you can beat our scores! Whether you’re an athlete, coach...

Welcome back to Shoes Off, Mics On!

In episode 4, we take a deep dive into one of the toughest challenges young athletes face: burnout. From endless practices to the pressure of competition, we explore the physical, mental, and emotional toll youth sports can take especially in the cheer world.

We’ll talk about how to spot the early signs of burnout, share personal stories from athletes and coaches, and discuss wh...

Welcome back to Shoes Off, Mics On!

In this episode, we’re thrilled to have our friend Alana join us to share her incredible cheer journey! Alana takes us through her experience transitioning from a D2 program to a D1 program, highlighting the challenges, the successes, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or just love a great inspirational story, this episode is for you! We hope you enjoy!

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Welcome to Episode 2 of Shoes Off, Mics On! 
Comp day isn’t just about hitting zero, it’s about early call times, hairspray clouds, glitter everywhere, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. In this episode, we’re talking about all the real stuff: the prep, the pressure, and the perfectly curled ponytails. From spray tans to pre-comp nerves, we’re taking you behind the scenes of what it really takes to look and fee...

Welcome to the very first episode of Shoes Off, Mics On! We’re Rachel and Liv; former competitive cheer athletes turned coaches with over a decade of experience on the mat. From long practice nights and competition days to team bonding (and drama), we’ve lived every side of this sport.

In this intro episode, we’re sharing how we got into cheer, what coaching has taught us, and why we started this podcast in the first place. You’ll g...