Let’s Talk Cheer: The Cheerleading Podcast For Parents & Coaches

Jason Larkins, Bleav
  • 4.9 (198)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Are you tired of feeling totally lost when it comes to all-star cheerleading? Then the "Let's Talk Cheer" podcast, hosted by Jason Larkins, Cheer Director at American Cheer, is the show for you. Each episode Jason educates and entertains coaches and parents alike. First, so that coaches walk into each practice motivated, and so that they know they aren't alone on their journey. Second, so that parents have a better understanding of their athlete's sport. If you’re ready to join the team, you can start with a fan favorite episode from May 9th, “Jason and Brittany talk all things tryouts.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jasonlarkins/support

  1. Why Some Athletes Move Up While Others Move Down: A Coach's Perspective

    4d ago

    Why Some Athletes Move Up While Others Move Down: A Coach's Perspective

    Are team placements keeping your family on edge, and do you really know what coaches are looking for during tryouts? Every cheer season brings the same questions, stress, and uncertainty. Parents wonder if skill matters more than loyalty, athletes worry about moving up or down levels, and everyone anxiously waits for team placements. In this episode, Coach Jason and Gina pull back the curtain on the realities of tryout season, sharing what actually happens behind the scenes and how families can better navigate the emotional roller coaster. Discover how coaches evaluate athletes and why team placement decisions involve much more than just tumbling skills. Learn what families should do when trying out at multiple gyms and how to handle those conversations respectfully. Get practical advice for managing tryout anxiety, handling disappointments, and supporting athletes through placement season. Press play now to gain insider insight into the team placement process and approach cheer tryout season with more confidence, clarity, and less stress. Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 34m
  2. What Coaches REALLY Think During Cheer Tryouts & Team Placements

    May 27

    What Coaches REALLY Think During Cheer Tryouts & Team Placements

    Are cheer tryouts stressing you out more than your athlete? Tryout season brings pressure, anxiety, comparison, and endless overthinking for both athletes and parents. In this episode, Jason and Gina pull back the curtain on the emotional rollercoaster of callbacks, team placements, level expectations, and the difficult decisions coaches face behind the scenes. Listeners will learn how coaches actually approach team placements and why tryouts are far more complicated than most parents realize. You’ll discover why making a higher-level team doesn’t always lead to a better season and how proper placement can create long-term success. This episode also offers reassurance for athletes and parents struggling with rejection, pressure, or uncertainty during one of the most emotional parts of cheer season. Press play to hear an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation that will completely change the way you view cheer tryouts, callbacks, and team placements. Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 11m

  3. May 20

    What Really Happened at The Summit

    What happens when the judges change the game at the biggest competition of the year? At Summit, routines don’t just need to hit, they need to survive some of the toughest scoring and scrutiny of the season. In this episode, Jason breaks down the emotional rollercoaster of Summit weekend, from navigating lower-than-expected scores to making last-minute routine changes, battling pressure, and coaching teams through one of the most intense environments in all-star cheer. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes reality of what it takes to compete at the highest level, including the hard conversations, strategic decisions, and emotional moments that never make it onto the competition floor. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a raw look at resilience, leadership, and learning how to respond when things don’t go exactly as planned. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “doing business the way business is being done” can completely change your competition strategy How Jason and his staff handled pressure, scoring frustrations, and last-minute choreography changes at Summit The mindset shifts that helped American Cheer teams fight through adversity and still finish the season strong No matter where your season ends, this episode is a reminder that championships are only one part of the story — growth, resilience, and maximizing your potential matter just as much. Hit play to hear the full behind-the-scenes Summit recap and the lessons every athlete and coach can take away from it. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week  Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 36m
  4. 7 Reasons Athletes Choke Under Pressure (And What Elite Performers Do Differently)

    Apr 22

    7 Reasons Athletes Choke Under Pressure (And What Elite Performers Do Differently)

    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  5. How Cheerleaders Actually Level Up Faster (Hint: It’s Not What Most Parents Think)

    Apr 15

    How Cheerleaders Actually Level Up Faster (Hint: It’s Not What Most Parents Think)

    Is it actually easier to level up in cheer as a tumbler, or are non-tumblers being overlooked? Tryout season brings stress, confusion, and big decisions for cheer parents and athletes alike. Whether you're wondering why your child didn’t make a team, debating if Summit is worth it, or trying to understand how coaches really make decisions, this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s actually happening behind the scenes. Gain clarity on what truly helps athletes level up, and why tumbling often changes everything Understand how coaches evaluate athletes (and whether favoritism really plays a role) Learn how miscommunication and small decisions can impact big opportunities like Summit Press play now to get the insider perspective that will help you navigate tryouts, team placements, and the cheer world with confidence. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Next Gen Cheer Biz Accelerator, March 31st- April 1st - https://nextgenowners.com/cheer-biz-accelerator/ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 13m
  6. Should Cheerleaders Tryout at Multiple Gyms

    Apr 8

    Should Cheerleaders Tryout at Multiple Gyms

    Are you unknowingly risking deductions, or even losing a championship, because of one small detail in your routine? Cheerleading is more competitive than ever, and the smallest mistakes, like slight changes in skill execution or unclear communication during tryouts, can completely change your season. Whether you're a coach trying to avoid legality issues or a parent navigating team placements, understanding how decisions are really made can make all the difference. Learn how to avoid costly legality deductions that most teams don’t see coming Understand how tryouts really work and what impacts team placement decisions Discover how to navigate gym loyalty vs. opportunity without hurting your athlete’s future Hit play now to learn the hidden mistakes, tough truths, and smart strategies that can protect your team’s score and your athlete’s future. Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Next Gen Cheer Biz Accelerator, March 31st- April 1st - https://nextgenowners.com/cheer-biz-accelerator/ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week  Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  7. Why Varsity Delayed Removing Flex (Straight From The Source)

    Apr 1

    Why Varsity Delayed Removing Flex (Straight From The Source)

    Are the biggest changes in cheerleading history happening right now and do you actually understand what they mean? With the introduction of Small Gym Summit and the controversy surrounding Flex divisions, the cheer world is buzzing with opinions, but very little clarity. That’s why we brought on Justin Carrier, one of the key decision-makers behind these changes, to break it all down. In this episode, he gives an unfiltered look at what’s really happening, why these shifts are being made, and how they impact athletes, gyms, and the future of the sport. We also take a powerful moment to honor Jeff Webb, whose vision built the foundation of modern cheerleading and continues to influence these major decisions today. Hear directly from Justin Carrier at Varsity on why Small Gym Summit was created and who it’s for Get real clarity on the Flex division changes and why they’re happening now Understand Jeff Webb’s lasting impact and how his legacy is shaping the future of cheer Press play now to hear it straight from the source and finally understand the changes everyone’s talking about. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Next Gen Cheer Biz Accelerator, March 31st- April 1st - https://nextgenowners.com/cheer-biz-accelerator/ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week  Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  8. Why “Bad Judging” Is the Worst Excuse in Cheerleading

    Mar 25

    Why “Bad Judging” Is the Worst Excuse in Cheerleading

    What if the only thing standing between you and a championship is one tiny moment of lost focus? Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, you know how frustrating it is to put in months of work only to fall short when it matters most. In this episode, we break down real competition experiences, the emotional highs and lows of performance, and the hard truth about why even great teams don’t always win. If you’ve ever questioned judging, placements, or “what went wrong,” this conversation will hit home. Learn how elite teams bounce back from major setbacks and turn failure into fuel Understand the real reason teams lose even when they’re talented enough to win Discover the mindset shift that separates good athletes from championship performersHit play now to learn the mindset and lessons that could be the difference between falling short and finishing on top. Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Next Gen Cheer Biz Accelerator, March 31st- April 1st - https://nextgenowners.com/cheer-biz-accelerator/ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
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4.9
out of 5
198 Ratings

About

Are you tired of feeling totally lost when it comes to all-star cheerleading? Then the "Let's Talk Cheer" podcast, hosted by Jason Larkins, Cheer Director at American Cheer, is the show for you. Each episode Jason educates and entertains coaches and parents alike. First, so that coaches walk into each practice motivated, and so that they know they aren't alone on their journey. Second, so that parents have a better understanding of their athlete's sport. If you’re ready to join the team, you can start with a fan favorite episode from May 9th, “Jason and Brittany talk all things tryouts.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jasonlarkins/support

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